2015
FEATURED ESTRELLA RESIDENTS AND LOCAL BUSINESSES
HAVING A POSITIVE IMPACT ON OUR COMMUNITY
Please tell us about the amazing people and places in our neighborhood you feel should be featured on our site.
DECEMBER 9, 2015
LARRY CERVARICH & PRODUCE ON WHEELS
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Larry Cervarich has put the West Valley on the map. He's supported senior programs for more than 30 years. But after seeing a story about local homeless youth, he chose to find a way to help this deserving population, as well.
I first met Larry when helping build the Goodyear/Arizona in ACTION nonprofit. In the photo to the left, you see us next to several boxes containing about a thousand tubes of toothpaste. The gift was originally donated to me, but, I knew Larry's homeless youth could use them. We had a great day and Larry was able to share wonderful stories of helping others during my visit. Larry built the Homeless Youth Connection from a small office - to a large facility. And he continues to expand the program far and wide. His newest adventure? Produce on Wheels. You can find out more in this Q&A. And please be sure to mark your calendar as the next produce event is tomorrow at Community Bingo in Goodyear! |
My actual first mission was to develop support for the senior population until I read an article in the local West Valley View regarding homeless youth. After hesitating for a few weeks I decided to approach a local high school to obtain information regarding the homeless youth, and to see if it was factual. It was then that I found the need to establish a program that would not only support the homeless youth, but to create awareness to the adult world, and local community of this serious situation." ~Larry Cervarich
Also check out this link to see a local fundraiser for the Homeless Youth Connection.
THANK YOU LARRY FOR ALL YOU DO TO MAKE THE WEST VALLEY A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE, WORK, AND PLAY! Read about Larry here.
THANK YOU LARRY FOR ALL YOU DO TO MAKE THE WEST VALLEY A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE, WORK, AND PLAY! Read about Larry here.
DECEMBER 4, 2015
SALLY ASTON
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The new year is just around the corner. And if you're looking for inspiration... this is it!
Estrella has many strong, healthy, positive women in our community. Member Sally Aston is certainly one of them. You'll see her name pop up on the West Valley Cycle Facebook page taking on new goals and accomplishing them.... She also gives dudes a tough time at local rides on a weekly basis." ~ClippedIn Not only did she race... she did great by placing 9th in the USA Cycling Masters Road Nationals - her very first national race!
We hope you enjoy learning as much about Sally in this Q&A as we have. THANKS SALLY! |
NOVEMBER 20, 2015
A THANKSGIVING SPECIAL
~ PETE ~
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In July, one of our members posted to our Facebook page, "If you have ever been to Safeway early in the morning, you have probably met Pete in the checkout lane. This Vietnam Veteran & Cancer Survivor will always put a smile on your face before leaving the store. He loves life and everything it has given him to this point. This morning he told me that there is nothing better than driving "Up the Hill" to work in the beautiful mountains."
With nearly 200 likes, our community responded with such positive support for the man we know as "Pete." He's a checker at our Estrella Safeway, a smiling face every day, and an honorary member of our community. Not long ago, Pete confided in his customers that he had been battling cancer. And he wanted to share his story with others to teach them the warning signs. |
Cancer is not a death sentence. It is a battle to be fought and won. In my own battle the prayers of family friends and all those in my Estrella Ranch family lifted me and helped me to overcome the worst.
Despite passing PSA tests for years, Pete discovered he had prostate cancer. We invite you to read his story and learn more about our friend Pete and his incredible will to triumph here.
NOVEMBER 13, 2015
THE HARMANS & AMERICAN WINDSHIELD
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Estrella has a variety of small business owners in the community. For our 34th #FridayFeature, we introduce you to the Harman Family and their business American Windshield.
You might catch the Harmans on the pickleball courts or out enjoying Estrella's beautiful weather and trails. We truly enjoy our close-knit community and FRIENDS! There’s always something to do for everyone in Estrella. |
The Harmans are really fun people. We hope you enjoy learning more about them as much as we have over the last ten years!
Click here to read their story.
Click here to read their story.
NOVEMBER 6, 2015
THE STUEWE FAMILY & NATIONAL EPILEPSY AWARENESS MONTH
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Each week we get to know members of our community with #FridayFeatures.
This week, a family I'm getting to know for the first time. Jason Stuewe is the Athletic Director at Estrella Foothills High School. They have two adorable children. And their son, Teegan, is living with Epilepsy. Liz tells us, "It is such a prominent disease yet largely not talked about." November is National Epilepsy Awareness Month and we thank the Stuewes for reaching out to us to share their inspiring story. Click here for the Q&A, you can learn more Epilepsy. |
OCTOBER 30, 2015
JILL ERNO & ELITE SHUTTERS AND BLINDS
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Estrella Mountain Residents joined the Estrella Business Group this year and we've had the pleasure of getting to know our community's small businesses much better.
Each month at the meetings, business owners are given a unique task to share something about their business. This month, we had to come up with two true facts and one lie about our business for others to guess what the lie is. Jill Erno said something that resonated with me. As it turns out, she's found a way to turn a hobby into a business. "I have always loved shopping, so what is better than spending my days shopping for other people! I love to find great deals, and it is just as fun to find someone else a deal as it is for myself." We thank Jill for her time in answering this week's #FridayFeature Q&A! |
OCTOBER 23, 2015
THE RANDALL FAMILY AND RANDALL CARPET CARE
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One of the best things about the Estrella Mountain Residents Facebook group page is the opportunity for residents to connect with each other. Quite frequently, people are in need of services and prefer to work with other residents in the neighborhood.
When it comes to carpets... you hear the name "John Randall" every time. The Randalls are members of the Estrella Business Group and members of our page! And we love their story! We thank the Randall's for taking time to answer this week's Q&A! Click here to read their story... |
OCTOBER 2, 2015
THE JONES FAMILY
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Kim and Mike Jones are both involved with their children, their school, and the community. In fact, they traveled to Tampa, Florida with the All-America City team from Goodyear bringing back our city's award in 2008.
They're fun people, too. Caring, generous, and all-around great neighbors in Estrella. We enjoy the size of Estrella, the small community feel, and the people. We have made some lifelong friends in Estrella! I hope you enjoy their #FridayFeature! THANKS Mike and Kim! Click here to read their story.
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SEPTEMBER 25, 2015
JULIE JO AND CHI TOWN
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Too often, we see posts about lost pets on our resident Facebook page.
We've chosen to collaborate with member Julie Jo to raise funds and collect items needed for animals at Maricopa County's West Valley Shelter known as "Chi Town." The good folks there take in dogs from the euthanasia list. The dogs then receive rehabilitation and put up for adoption. In addition to our Community Charity program funds, Julie is in need of blankets, towels, pet food, pet toys, wee-wee pads, pick up bags, pet clothes, and pet vitamins. You can donate by texting Julie Jo at (623) 695-9869. To learn more about this program, we asked Julie to be part of our #FridayFeature focus. THANK YOU Julie for all you do! We hope you enjoy this Q&A as much as we have. And please consider participating in this month's fund raising effort. Read more here. |
SEPTEMBER 18, 2015
DAVE HARDY RESIDENT SOLAR SPECIALIST
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When Estrella Mountain Residents® started up this past spring, we knew we wanted to give back to the community. We came up with a charity program and put a call out for sponsors. The first business to sign up was Summerwind Solar™.
Local resident Dave Hardy is a resident solar specialist. I've gotten to know more about him and his company through the Estrella Business Group and thought he'd be a great focus for this week's #FridayFeature. As a long time fan of solar energy, I hope you enjoy Dave's feature as much as I have! Read more here... |
SEPTEMBER 11, 2015
DEPUTY CHIEF, JERSEY CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT ROBERT "BUTCH" COBB, RETIRED
AND A 9/11 TRIBUTE
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The Estrella community is honored to be home to a true hero.
Deputy Chief, Jersey City Fire Department Robert "Butch" Cobb, Retired played an instrumental role on September 11, 2001. It was the day "19 militants associated with the Islamic extremist group al-Qaeda hijacked four airliners and carried out suicide attacks against targets in the United States." A special "thank you" to Lacy Alan Wetzel for recommending Butch Cobb as our September 11th feature. He is an inspiration and we thank him for his service. For residents, at the end of this feature is information about a special service being held Sunday at the Starpointe Residents Club in Butch Cobb's honor. Read the full story here. |
AUGUST 21, 2015
NANCI BUDGE AND THE BUDGE TEAM
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This week… a name that’s well known here in Estrella.
Nanci Budge is a real estate agent and her husband, Paul - better known to his students at “Mr. Budge”, is a 6th grade teacher at Estrella Mountain Elementary School. Together, they have four children and seven grandchildren. This week, we ask Nanci how she uses social media to connect with her clients and for three tips on selling a home. Read more here. |
AUGUST 14, 2015
WESTAR ELEMENTARY AND MR. DAVE BOGART
Westar's Mr. Bogart with Zizzy the Goodyear Ballpark Mascot
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He's been in the Liberty Elementary School District for 21 years and took the lead role at Westar Elementary School in 2009. While Goodyear is his home, Principal Mr. Dave Bogart has been part of the Estrella community for 15 years.
Along with parents, students, and community leaders, Mr. Bogart helped bring the STEM program to his school and has a passion for youth sports programs in the West Valley. The mountain bike and hiking trails in our area have attracted many families to choose this area to call home. With the lake and the options available to families there is no other place on the west side quite like Estrella Mountain Ranch. Take a moment to find out more about Mr. Bogart and Westar Elementary here.
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JULY 24, 2015
JOE AND AMIE BRUYER & BRUYER POOL SERVICE
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Joe and Amie Bruyer have contributed a great deal to Estrella as residents and community volunteers. You might know them if you've had children attend Estrella Mountain Preschool or play with Estrella Youth Sports.
We also both love to volunteer and think it is paramount that our children understand how important it is to serve others. Our kids are as passionate about volunteering as we are. Transplants from the Midwest, they have two teenagers and a business keeping the swimming season clean and fun all year round! Read more about them here.
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July 10, 2015
ESTRELLA MOUNTAIN PRESCHOOL
AND DIRECTOR LISA TUCKER
Letting our little ones off for the first day of preschool is a big deal. But, rest assured, the wonderful teachers at Estrella Mountain Preschool are prepared for the first day jitters.
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Our teachers are very sensitive to the fears and sadness that our kids feel, (after all we are moms ourselves), and we do our best to love them through this new transition. I typically will call parents of those little ones who have tears at drop off just to let them know how they are doing and our teachers will text pictures throughout the day to our parents to assure that their baby is ok. |
Estrella Mountain Preschool has expanded quite a bit in the past few years. This week, we thank Director Lisa Tucker for sharing her story with us. Read here.
JUNE 19, 2015
NORMA CUNNINGHAM
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Thinking about whom to feature this week, I came across a name I hadn't seen in a while. Norma Cunningham. She recently joined our residents' Facebook page and her moving story of survival quickly came back to mind. Coincidentally, National Cancer Survivors Day was this month and I thought Norma would be a great fit for this week's feature.
Enjoy life and focus everyday on love, happiness and living in the moment. I hope you enjoy learning more about this amazing woman as much as I did. Click here to learn about Norma Cunningham.
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JUNE 5, 2015
NORTH STAR ANIMAL HOSPITAL
AND THE DUSTONS
Mandy and Dr. Scott Duston with their son, Cannon
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One of Estrella's newest businesses is North Star Animal Hospital. This week, our Facebook followers showed an outpouring of support for Dr. Duston. So we chose to feature his clinic in this week's #FridayFeature.
I do wear out my pants quicker than expected. I’m down on my knees, crammed halfway in a cage, or lying down in a dog run to treat and talk to the animals. I’m always checking our cameras, even from my office during the business day, to zoom in on your pets and make sure they’re comfortable. |
The Dustons are active people. And in this feature, you'll get sense for how much effort Dr. Duston puts in to making sure his four-legged clients are comfortable and healthy.
At the end of the feature, we'll showcase North Star's local pets.... just send us a photo to add to the pet gallery.
Read more here...
At the end of the feature, we'll showcase North Star's local pets.... just send us a photo to add to the pet gallery.
Read more here...
MAY 29, 2015
JULIE SISK
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Fridays are all about residents! This week, Estrella Mountain Residents asked our followers to nominate an Estrella resident who goes above and beyond to be featured here.
Julie Sisk was nominated for her "Servant Leadership." We know Julie is deeply involved with Heartbeat of Estrella and reached out to her for a Q&A. We learned she's truly involved in many activities that help the less fortunate. THANK YOU, Julie, for all you do to help others! CLICK HERE FOR JULIE'S STORY. |
MAY 2, 2015
JESSICA SABO
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Estrella's beautiful scenery can't be matched. People from around the U.S. come here for our hiking and biking trails, serenity, and incredible winter temps.
One local family who make the most of our land are the Sabos. Jessica, Erick and their two children can be regularly found at FINS, the kids triathlon, or on the field with Estrella Youth Sports. After exploring almost every corner of Arizona we settled in Estrella Mountain Ranch as it had the small town community feel that we were looking for, along with access to nature, outdoor activities, and great schools for our kids. This week, we feature Jessica. Why? She's really pretty amazing.
Whatever she sets her mind to she accomplishes. A wife, mom, health nut, teacher... she can do it all with grace. She's also just a really nice person who greatly cares about her community. Find out more about Jessica and her interests here.... |
APRIL 23RD & MAY 8TH, 2015
ESTRELLA FOOTHILLS BIKE PARK
CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT THE PARK AND ITS GRAND OPENING THIS SATURDAY
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It was great to see the community support for the project. This truly is a community amenity - Not only was it conceived and designed by the community, it is also being built and will be maintained by the community. We simply are helping facilitate the process and we are looking forward to a new exciting amenity for all of our residents to enjoy. |
Find out more about the pump track and how you can help support it here...
APRIL 17, 2015
LACY ALAN WETZEL
THE ESTRELLA MOTORCYCLE GROUP
O.N.E. THE OFF-ROADERS NETWORK OF ESTRELLA
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If you love motorcycles and off-road adventures... you're in luck.
This week's feature introduces us to the founder of two Estrella groups encouraging neighbors to get out and enjoy our beautiful scenery and foothills. From a ride to eat (R.T.E.), day trip, overnight run, or charity ride we have a little something for everybody and riders of all skill levels from beginners to seasoned for decades. We thank Lacy Alan Wetzel for letting us know about his events. And we're thrilled to share the story of The Estrella Motorcycle Group and O.N.E. The Off-Roaders Network of Estrella. Click here to find out more.
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March 20, 2015
Clowning Around with Tanja Tanner
Arizona pre-school and elementary students usually get a visit from the fire department to learn about fire and swimming safety. In Estrella, the woman running the community education program is more than just an educator. She's a mom, grandmother, and a passionate child safety award winner.
Once part of a clown troupe for APS, Tanja Tanner turned her hobby into a full-time career sharing messages of safety with children and families. If you have children attending school in the West Valley, odds are your family has a connection with her Fire Pals staff at the Goodyear Fire Department.
Once part of a clown troupe for APS, Tanja Tanner turned her hobby into a full-time career sharing messages of safety with children and families. If you have children attending school in the West Valley, odds are your family has a connection with her Fire Pals staff at the Goodyear Fire Department.
Clowning around afforded me the career I have now. I have been given the opportunity to teach an entire generation of children fire and life safety messages in hopes they raise a safer generation. ~Tanja Tanner, Goodyear Fire Department
In her spare time, Tanja and her husband Keith - whom she met at fire clown school - continue to "clown around" with their fire safety message in large parades. In fact, they drive the APS 1952 fire truck and occasionally recruit their children and grandchildren to participate in the fun!
Read more about Tanja here.
Read more about Tanja here.
March 13, 2015
Eve Cunningham
Eve’s day started like any other. Two years ago, the working mom of two teenage boys squeezed in time for a routine adjustment with her chiropractor. Far from routine, though, was leaving with a broken sternum. “I had never broken a bone in my life and here, the strongest bone in my body, was easily broken.” Little did Eve know, her routine appointment would be the beginning of a life-changing journey strengthening her faith and engaging the power of love from her friends and family.
Eve Cunningham has touched many Estrella lives through educating our little ones whether during her time at Estrella Mountain Preschool or at The Illiad Academy of the Odyssey Academy down the hill.
At just 43 years of age, Eve was diagnosed with a rare blood cancer affecting her bones called Multiple Myeloma IGA. “My shoulder and arm bones were filled with tiny little holes they called a “moth eaten” appearance and it was cancer.” How and why Eve fell victim to this cancer remains a mystery.
She turned to Cancer Treatment Centers of America for help. She journals, “I remember lying in my hospital bed exhausted thinking I just can’t do this anymore and I would begin singing in my head the song, ‘Jesus Take the Wheel.’”
Chemo. Radiation. Countless surgeries. Eve opted for a stem cell transplant knowing the odds of infection, time off from work, and financial stability were all at stake. “The community support I received was absolutely amazing! It brings tears to my eyes. I felt so loved and cared for!”
Hundreds turned out for a fundraiser at our local yogurt shop for Eve. A child at her school made and sold rubber band bracelets raising $100. Another friend held a wine tasting event and silent auction filling a restaurant to standing room only.
Her parents and closest friends tended to her and her daily needs around her home. One friend arranged a meal schedule. Others stayed with her around the clock… even when the pain and anxiety were too much to bear in the middle of the night.
“I feel so blessed because I lived and I got to see and feel and hear directly how much I really was loved by the way my family and friends and the community rallied around me,” Eve thinks back on her fight to survive.
This doesn’t just happen to anyone.
Eve is a gentle and caring soul.
On a warm Saturday morning this summer, now cancer free, Eve dropped by Oasis Bagels to pick up breakfast. It must have taken her more than 15 minutes to reach the register - saying “hi” to each person stopping her to find out how she was doing. She’s loved by many and we’ve been rooting for her though Facebook updates, words of mouth, and silent thoughts and prayer. She credits her “village” of family, friends, supportive employers, and Cancer Treatment Centers of America for her survival.
“It is too early to know why my life’s path had to take this turn. However, I know at some point it will be made clear to me. In the meantime, I just plan on continuing to love life and the wonderful people in it who make life worth living!”
Read Eve's Q&A here.
Eve Cunningham has touched many Estrella lives through educating our little ones whether during her time at Estrella Mountain Preschool or at The Illiad Academy of the Odyssey Academy down the hill.
At just 43 years of age, Eve was diagnosed with a rare blood cancer affecting her bones called Multiple Myeloma IGA. “My shoulder and arm bones were filled with tiny little holes they called a “moth eaten” appearance and it was cancer.” How and why Eve fell victim to this cancer remains a mystery.
She turned to Cancer Treatment Centers of America for help. She journals, “I remember lying in my hospital bed exhausted thinking I just can’t do this anymore and I would begin singing in my head the song, ‘Jesus Take the Wheel.’”
Chemo. Radiation. Countless surgeries. Eve opted for a stem cell transplant knowing the odds of infection, time off from work, and financial stability were all at stake. “The community support I received was absolutely amazing! It brings tears to my eyes. I felt so loved and cared for!”
Hundreds turned out for a fundraiser at our local yogurt shop for Eve. A child at her school made and sold rubber band bracelets raising $100. Another friend held a wine tasting event and silent auction filling a restaurant to standing room only.
Her parents and closest friends tended to her and her daily needs around her home. One friend arranged a meal schedule. Others stayed with her around the clock… even when the pain and anxiety were too much to bear in the middle of the night.
“I feel so blessed because I lived and I got to see and feel and hear directly how much I really was loved by the way my family and friends and the community rallied around me,” Eve thinks back on her fight to survive.
This doesn’t just happen to anyone.
Eve is a gentle and caring soul.
On a warm Saturday morning this summer, now cancer free, Eve dropped by Oasis Bagels to pick up breakfast. It must have taken her more than 15 minutes to reach the register - saying “hi” to each person stopping her to find out how she was doing. She’s loved by many and we’ve been rooting for her though Facebook updates, words of mouth, and silent thoughts and prayer. She credits her “village” of family, friends, supportive employers, and Cancer Treatment Centers of America for her survival.
“It is too early to know why my life’s path had to take this turn. However, I know at some point it will be made clear to me. In the meantime, I just plan on continuing to love life and the wonderful people in it who make life worth living!”
Read Eve's Q&A here.
