May-June 2016 View

May/June 2016 

George & Beverly Reuter, #466 Tony Plampton, #500 

Yra & Janice Harris, #259 Charles & Julie Whitaker, #328 

Dan & Jill Gustafson, #266 Glenn & Pat McKee, #640 

Richard & Susan Wellek, #305 Alan & Susan Casden, #18

Page 2 

A View From the Top 

From the COO’s Desk by Terra S.H. Waldron 

Dear Members, 

T 

ime sure does fly when you’re having fun! 

It has certainly been another amazing, and 

busy season here at Desert Highlands. On behalf of 

the entire staff, I want to thank you for allowing us 

the opportunities to create many wonderful memories 

with you. To those of you who will be spending 

the summer with us, I look forward to seeing 

you at the many fun events we have planned over the next few 

months. To those of you leaving for cooler climes, I wish you safe travels 

and look forward to seeing you again in the fall. I hope to see everyone 

reunited at the Annual Member Mixer on October 22! 

The Reciprocal Summer Golf & Dining program with other area Clubs 

begins May 10 and the informational flyer is included in this month’s 

mailing with all the pertinent details. We hope you will take advantage 

of these arrangements and represent Desert Highlands well; please 

call our Golf Shop at 480.585.8521 to schedule your tee times or the 

Concierge at 480.585.7444 to book reciprocal dining. 

The Annual Member Meeting, which was held March 21, went very 

well. I’m pleased to report that Desert Highlands remains competitive 

in the Residential Private Club world-market thanks to our proven 

financial model, a Board that is active in strategic and master planning, 

and a staff committed to providing remarkable service. Darcy 

Goodman, Board President, and Dennis O’Neal, Finance Committee 

Chair, both gave excellent updates on the overall and financial states 

of Desert Highlands. My thanks to them for their hard work and contributions 

in making this year’s meeting a positive and informative 

one. 

Congratulations to Dawn Tenney, Director of Member Services, on her 

20 year anniversary at Desert Highlands in March! 

I would like to introduce one of the newest members 

of our staff, Nissa Sjoberg. Nissa came on board on 

March 1 as the new Membership Communications 

Manager and brings over a decade of experience in 

the Private Club and Hospitality industries. Originally 

from Santa Fe, New Mexico, she began her career at 

Las Campanas (a Lyle Anderson development) managing 

the office at their 91-stall Equestrian Center. Nissa Sjoberg 

Most recently, she was the Communications Director 

at Tatum Ranch Golf Club in Cave Creek. Nissa will be handling the 

general communications from Desert Highlands to our Members, including 

this newsletter, the calendars, email blasts, and the Member 

website. She is always happy to assist our Members however she can, 

so please do not hesitate to contact her with any questions you may 

have. She can be reached at 480.419.3706, or 

nsjoberg@deserthighlandsscottsdale.com. 

As we head into summer in Arizona, I would like to remind everyone 

to stay safe in the heat. Please try to complete your outdoor tasks in 

the relative cool of the early morning or late evening and drink plenty 

of water to stay hydrated. The summer heat can take its toll on our 

bodies so please remember that our Security officers are CPR/AED 

First-Aid certified and have responded to multiple medical calls until 

emergency personnel arrived. In an emergency, call 911 first and then 

480.585.8513 so Security can dispatch an officer to assist you as well 

as direct any emergency vehicles to your home. 

Here are a few additional summer safety reminders: 

The 2016 Board has been selected. While the Nominating Committee 

remarked that the eight member applicants interviewed were all highly 

qualified, the Committee had to narrow the field down to four. The 

candidates chosen by the Committee this year to fill the four upcoming 

vacancies were: Jason Barlow, David Butler, Richard Mazer, and 

Carol Moerdyk. Mr. Barlow was the ninth member of the Board chosen 

to serve a one-year term last year and decided to submit his name 

to the Nominating Committee to continue serving on the Board. At the 

Organizational Board Meeting on May 2, the Committee Chair assignments 

and committee members will be ratified. When finalized, these 

assignments will be posted on the Member website. Thank you to 

everyone who voted, and to the Members who volunteered to serve 

on a committee. I would like to extend special thank you to outgoing 

Board Members David Bragg, Mike Godbehere, and Gil Mook for their 

service and commitment to Desert Highlands. The Staff and I appreciate 

the time and dedication our Board and Committee members give 

to Desert Highlands. 

We have seen an increase in snake sightings so please be cautious and 

keep your doors and garage doors closed as your garage is a cool and 

inviting environment for snakes. Snakes generally become more active 

in the warmer temperatures (85-105 degrees). If you find a snake, 

please call the Front Gate at 480.585.8513 and an officer will be dispatched 

to retrieve it. Be careful with your pets as they may see the 

snakes as a curiosity item and go to investigate. 

Bees start to stir in warmer weather and these insects can be dangerous 

if disturbed. If you see a large gathering of bees, please call the 

Front Gate at 480.585.8513 so we can investigate to determine if a 

beekeeper should be contacted to handle the situation. Various other 

insects and pests come out in the summer. For monthly pest prevention 

service arrangements, please call Brenda or Dawn in Residential 

Services at 480.419.3712. 

Thank you for your continued support. Please do not hesitate to contact 

me with any questions, concerns, or comments.


Page 3 

Golf Course Maintenance News 

T 

he past few months of golf have been very successful. The inconsistent weather of January and February proved 

testy, cold then warm and no rainfall, but playing conditions have been very good. The member guest events both 

played very well and all the positive comments were shared with the GCM Staff. 

Looking forward, the agronomy program has shifted towards growing the summer grass. Mowing heights, watering inputs, 

grooming, and brushing are all now focused on thinning out the winter rye grass and promoting growth of the summer 

Bermudagrass. We are looking forward to another successful and seamless transition. 

The Green Committee has approved the annual 10 day course closure starting on July 5, 2016. This allows staff the time 

required to perform the annual aerification and topdressing programs that have improved on year around playing conditions. 

This year, staff will also aggressively mow down and verticut all of the bermudagrass. The current stand of bermudagrass 

is too dense and too competitive to establish the winter rye grass. Doing this work in July allows ample time for recovery prior to the 

September overseed. For the July 15 opening the golf course will play very well but will have a scalped and mowed down appearance. 

A dream that many in the course maintenance business have had for years would be for a new grass that would grow year around, and keep 

its color in our desert climate. There is currently a new Zoysia grass that is showing very promising signs of meeting this dream. Desert Highlands 

has been approached to serve as a trial for these new varieties. Sometime in late June or early July we will install some trial plots on a 

few tees and perhaps on an approach/fairway area and watch and observe the performance of this new grass. We are being optimistically 

cautious as we move into this trial. 

The trial of the underground watering on #3 Nicklaus tee is showing signs of failure. Initially, it appeared as if there would be a significant 

savings on water usage. As the spring time temperatures have increased and the humidity levels dropped, there were observations of water 

not migrating throughout the entire subsurface. We are not giving up, this summer we will modify the underground watering system and give 

this another try. 

Currently there are no major projects on the calendar for the golf course. This will allow staff the entire summer to work on taking care of the 

golf course. There are lots of little projects that we plan to complete, the top priority is to level all sprinkler heads and other miscellaneous 

hardware in the turf areas. 

Please remember to fix your ballmarks and rake your sand bunkers. 

Safety in the Sun 

I 

t’s hard to believe another season has flown by and that most of you will soon be leaving Desert Highlands for your 

summer destinations. Whether you are leaving Arizona or staying in the hot Arizona sun protecting your skin year 

round is important, and it is even more essential during this time of the year to safeguard you and your family from the 

sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. The sun can damage you skin in as little as 15 minutes. There are a few important tips to 

keep in mind to help you stay healthy and prevent sun damage. In order to stay safe the Centers for Disease Control and 

Prevention recommends the following safeguards: 

Utilize Shade: Utilizing shade can help reduce your risk of skin damage and cancer. Look for shade under an umbrella, a 

golf cart or periodic shelter will help you find relief. 

by Phil Shoemaker 

by Steve Jarzabek 

Proper Clothing: When possible where long –sleeved shirts that can provide protection from UV rays. Look for tightly woven 

dark fabrics that can provide more protection. Keep additional shirts because dry shirts provide much more protection than wet shirts. 

Hat: Wear a hat with a brim that will cover your entire face, ears and the back of the neck. Wear tightly woven fabrics, like a canvas which 

will help protect you from UV rays. Avoid straw hats with holes that let in sunlight. Again, use a darker tightly woven hat that offers more UV 

protection. 

Sunglasses: Sun Glasses will protect your eyes from the possibility of cataracts. Purchase sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays; this 

will offer the most protection. 

Sun Screen: Apply a Sunscreen of at least SPF 15 prior to going outside even on cloudy or cooler days. Spread sunscreen on all parts of exposed 

skin. Ask for help with hard to reach areas and use ample amounts. You should also check with your doctor to see if any medications 

that you are taking can increase your risk of sunburn. 

It is a fact the sun is good for us and makes us feel good. However, please take these precautions into account and drink plenty of water. If 

you need to come inside please visit us at the fitness center during the summer we would love to see your smiling face. 

Summer Hours: The Fitness Center is open through the summer seven days a week from 5:00am - 9:00pm with personal training, massage, 

and group fitness classes available.

Page 4 


W 

some highlights: 

Golf Shop News by Doug Westcott 

hat a season! We’ve seen some great golf 

over the past several months. Here are 

Desert Highlands Premier Member/ 

Guests 

The Ladies Hoe Down was held March 8-10 and 

the Men’s Highland Fling took place April 7-9. A 

special thank you to our chairs in both events; Hoe down – Jo Ann Doll 

& Cheryl Randall; Highland Fling – Ben Plummer. With their help both 

of these events were a huge success. 

Congratulations to the “Hoe Down” Champions, Carol Tingley & 

Leanne Stock, as well as all of the Flight Champions. We had a great 

turnout for this year’s event and was capped off with a thrilling finish 

in the Shoot-Out with two extra playoff holes to determine the winning 

team. The weather was fabulous as we welcomed all the guests 

to Desert Highlands for our premier ladies member-guest. Thank you 

to all the volunteers and the co-chairs, Jo Ann Doll & Cheryl Randall, 

for their tremendous help in running this event. 

Mark Your Calendars 

The dates for the 2017 Member/Guest Tournaments were decided at 

the April Golf Committee meeting. The Hoe Down Ladies Member/ 

Guest will be March 7-9, 2017. In order to avoid conflict with Masters 

week, Easter, and Passover, the Highland Fling Men’s Member/Guest 

will be April 20-22, 2017. 

Memorial Day Golf Event 

Make sure you have your calendars marked for this exciting golf event 

on Monday, May 30. The event will have tee times starting at 7:30 am. 

The format will be a four person scramble. Make your foursome and 

sign-up on ForeTees or by calling the golf shop. Dinner reservations 

for the No Host BBQ can be made through the receptionist. 

Summer Golf (Reciprocals) 

Reciprocals will begin on May 10. Reciprocals are a great way for our 

membership to enjoy playing the surrounding private clubs at a member 

rate. A few courses Desert Highlands is in a reciprocal with are 

Troon CC, DC Ranch, Boulders, and FireRock CC. We will have a more 

detailed listing at a later date. 

The rates for guest play starting May 10 are as follows: 

Accompanied Guests 

Unaccompanied Guests 

Family Guests 

Junior Guests 

$80.00 includes golf car & tax 



$40.00 plus golf car 

We crowned Ed Molnar & Rob Olson, 2016 Highland Fling Champions 

as they excelled in their flight as well as the Shoot-Out. The Shoot-Out 

was held entirely on hole #18 which ensured an exciting finish that 

capped off a great week of weather, golf, and comradery. Thank you 

to the 54 teams who made our premier guest event a success this 

year! 

2016 Ladies Hoe Down Champions 

Carol Tingley & Leanne Stock 

Summer Men’s Game 

Looking for a low stress game to compete in during the summer? 

Starting June 1st the golf shop will be organizing a men’s golf game on 

Tuesday’s and Friday’s throughout the summer months. We will offer 

tee times starting at 7:45am – 8:30am with a $5 team game and $5 

optional Net skins game. To sign up for these games call the golf shop 

or use the ForeTees event sign up page. Sign up for these game to 

ensure you will beat the heat!! 

Summer Junior Clinics 

School is out and it is a perfect time for your children or grandchildren 

to enjoy three days at the Desert Highlands Junior Camp. We will be 

offering two camps in June that will help the juniors not only learn 

about the mechanics of the golf swing as well as lifelong values. Signup 

on ForeTees or contact the golf shop for more information. The 

dates for the camps will be June 7-9 and June 21-23. 

2016 Men’s Highland Fling Champions 

Ed Molnar & Rob Olson


Page 5 

Golf Shop News, cont’d 

Dress Code 

As the weather heats up, we know that the golf fashion changes from 

the winter months. We would like to take this opportunity to remind 

everyone of the dress code standard at Desert Highlands. 

Members, spouses, and guests using the golf course and practice 

facilities must be properly attired. Proper attire is defined as items 

that are similar to what is sold in the Golf Shop as listed below. Improperly 

dressed golfers will be asked to change before playing or 

practicing. 

A. Men – Acceptable Attire 

Golf slacks or pants 

Golf shorts (no shorter than 4” above the knee) 

Shirts (tucked in) with collars, turtlenecks and mocknecks 

Sweaters/outerwear attire with collared shirt underneath 

Hats, visors and caps worn in conventional manner 

B. Men – NOT Acceptable Attire 

Shirts without collars (except for turtlenecks/mocknecks) 

Tee shirts, tank tops, cutoffs, sweatpants, blue jeans 

Baggy/low-riding shorts or slacks 

Athletic shorts 

C. Women – Acceptable Attire 

Shirts with high necklines/mock collars and/or sleeves 

Golf shorts 

Golf slacks, pants, skirts (no blue jeans) 

Sweaters/outerwear attire, turtlenecks 

Warm-up/jogging suits (coordinated, designer-look) 

D. Women – NOT Acceptable Attire 

Athletic tee shirts, tank or halter tops 

Athletic shorts, short shorts/skirts 

Blue jeans, blue jean skirts, shorts, dresses or jackets 

Golf Course Reminders 

We would like to encourage everyone to help us fix the ball marks on 

the greens. If you are on the green and notice your ball mark or another 

we hope you take the time to fix the ball marks. A lot of times a 

ball may land on the green but roll off which may leave a mark without 

the player noticing when they approach their next shot. 

Desert Highlands Holes-in-One 

We would like to remind everyone about the Hole-in-One Club and 

how easy it is to sign up! If a player gets a hole in one the members of 

the club are billed $5.00 and the Lucky Acer receives the pot. If you 

would like to join the club, please notify the golf shop. 

Additionally, to all of those Desert Highlands Members who have had 

a hole-in-one, we are collecting information regarding these for our 

coming perpetual board. If you have any information regarding a hole 

in one that you have had we ask you notify Matt Housden. You may 

email him at mhousden@deserthighlandsscottsdale.com. 

Congratulations to the recent 

lucky ACER’s! 

Joan Yagoda - #15 2/4/16 

Becky Verdone - #4 2/26/16 

Carreen Raine - #15 2/28/16 

Ann Peterson - #7 2/28/16 

Steve O’Neill - #7 3/23/16 

E. Permitted Shoes 

Attention Members!! 

Beginning June 1 the Golf Shop hours of operation will be Tuesday – 

Sunday 7:00am to 2:00pm and closed on Monday. 

The summer driving range hours are 6:30am - 6:30pm, Tuesday – 

Sunday.

Page 6 


Champions Wall 

Inge Spitznagle & Debbie McEnany 

1st Place Gross - Flight 1 

Brenda Koblick & Debbie Medalie 

1st Place Net - Flight 1 

Barbara Armm & Carol Lembas 


Blaine Bolton & Lisa Maher 


Nancy & Brook Belitz - 

Division I 

Tom Martz & Doug Watson - 

Division I 

Dave Schreiner & Jeff Bloom 


Dave Shaffer & Dale Tingley 


Donna Sinclair & Nancy 

Viner - Division II 

Bob Ackmann & Pat Kennedy - 

Division II 

David Weiss & 

Richard Bottiglione 


Champs: Carlos Borbolla and Pro Bruce Connors 

Finalists: Seth Bobroff and Pro Josh Brown


Page 7 

T 

Another Great Season! by Eric Anderson 

he season of 2015/2016 will be remembered as another fantastic tennis experience at Desert Highlands for all involved. 

The weather ended up being great, the clay and grass surfaces held up well, the programs and special 

events were well received and well attended, and the major capital project of renovating the hard courts with post tension 

concrete is set to finish soon. Thanks for all of your support again this season---the weekly programs will, as usual, continue 

throughout the summer months for our permanent residents. 

Left and Right Coast Tennis 

Hopefully like me, you have enjoyed all of the nonstop March tennis action of the tennis channel’s coverage of the BNP 

Paribas Open and the Miami Open; and maybe you had the chance to go Indian Wells to see the BNP in person. I think 

these two tournaments have the formats correct---2 out of 3 sets for both the men and ladies. These quicker matches result in a lot less boredom 

for the viewer watching at home or live at the event. It also gives the top singles players a chance to play doubles, which is also great to 

see. Make it a point to go to Indian Wells in 2017, you won’t regret or forget it. 

February and March Tournament/Event Recaps 

Mesa CC Fundraiser: Another great event in 2016, raised over $1,000 for men’s and ladies teams. 

Century Doubles Event: 1 st Bob & Jan Ackmann, 2 nd Doug Watson & Shelly Harding, 3 rd Seth Bobroff & Margaret Haase 

Ladies Tennis Exchange with Terravita: Always great to showcase our fine facility to members of other clubs, while seeing and playing unfamiliar 

faces! 

Men’s & Ladies Doubles Championships: Division I Men: Tom Martz & Doug Watson. Division II Men: Bob Ackmann & Pat Kennedy. Division I 

Ladies: Brooke & Nancy Belitz. Division II Ladies: Donna Sinclair & Nancy Viner. 

Eighth-Annual Kealy Classic: Our fun golf/tennis event played in memory of Joe Kealy. Over $18,000 has been raised for St. Mary’s High School 

Athletics since the event’s inception in 2008. The 2016 Champion was Bob Stretmater. 

Mesa CC Fundraiser 

Tennis Shorts: 

-Nice to have some of our Desert Highlands Junior players participating in our events over the last few years. Evan Harding, who would be 

playing on his high school team if they offered one, played in the Men’s Club Doubles tournament with Doug James and they lost in a tight 

semi-final match. Brooke Belitz, a tournament player ranked #53 in the girls 14 division of the Southwest section, was Ladies Doubles tournament 

champion with her mother Nancy. Nice job juniors! 

-The summer capital improvements will include not only the almost completed post tension hard court project, but a few small ones as well. 

The current stringing machine will be replaced as well as the HD television in the lounge. 

-Beginning June 6 until mid-October, the Racquet Club hours of operation will be 7am-1pm Tuesday through Sunday, closed on Monday. 

-DH will again be hosting the USTA Senior Slam Grass Court championships June 1-5. DH members are encouraged to participate in the tournament 

and discounts will apply: cost will be $35 for singles, and $25 for doubles. In order to get the discount, call Eric at 480.419.3651 and your 

account will be charged---have your USTA number updated. 

Owen Nobis 

Century Doubles Event 

Winners 

-All grass tennis courts will be closed for aerification June 6-14. 

-Welcome afternoon court technician Owen Nobis. 

You will see Owen making our courts look beautiful. 

He is a junior at Cactus Shadows High School and 

plays on the tennis team. 

Ladies Exchange with 

Terravita 

Bob Stretmater 

MAY / JUNE QUICK TIP 

Avoid NML (No Man’s Land): Remember, you can hit a ball from NML 

(the area between the service and baseline), but don’t stay there— 

move to the closest line (baseline or service line) after you hit your 

shot. Readying yourself in NML leaves you ready to get passed.

Page 8 


Termite & Pest Prevention - Required in Desert Settings! 

T 

he services provided by KY-KO Pest Prevention have become quite diverse in the past several years. What once was 

a company that offered regular monthly pest prevention services has grown and is offering a multitude of specialized 

services that are geared to living in the dry Sonoran desert. 

These necessary services include the following: 

Pest Prevention: The eradication of bugs, scorpions, and poisonous insects common to the desert as well as rodents such 

as gophers, rats and mice. 

Bee Removal: This service is very prevalent in North Scottsdale, where 99.9% of homes have pools, spas and water features 

that attract bees! 

Termite Prevention: You all have heard me say many times, “It’s not a matter of if, but when?” This service is yet another perfect example of 

how KY-KO is tailoring their services to those that live in the desert. All homes must guard against termites. These nasty creatures can affect 

the entire residence and impact home inspections and values, if left untreated. KY-KO Termite Control offers the most advanced treatment 

using Termidor and Premise products. Termidor has been tested by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Forest Service and has been 

proven to be 100% effective. 

Home Sealing: This exclusive 25-Step Sealing Program provides the ultimate protection for your residence. 

by Dawn D. Tenney 

All these necessary services are provided by certified and experienced individuals, whom most of you are already familiar with. Please allow 

me to expound on just one of their services that this company specializes – Home Sealing. 

KY-KO leads the valley in Home Sealing Services and has a full time, year-round crew of technicians dedicated in providing the 25-Step home 

sealing process. These technicians are trained to effectively seal every crack and crevice of your house. Openings the thickness of a credit 

card can provide access for scorpions or other unwanted pests. The sealing process entails a review of every physical exterior opening of your 

home, i.e., doors, garage doors, seals, weather stripping, stucco cracks, seams, foundations, vents, exhaust fans, plumbing pipes, roof vents 

and openings, etc. A sealed home will eliminate dark hiding places for breeding pests. 

Arranging for Home Sealing reduces the need for chemicals and prevention treatments inside the residence. Prevention measures should 

focus on the outside rather than the inside. Other benefits include a reduction in the heating and cooling costs and less dust and dirt! Your 

home will not only be safer but cleaner! 

To arrange for an estimate for any of the above referenced services offered by KY-KO Pest and Termite Prevention, please contact Stuart 

Keenan at 602.757.8253 or Ron Lindly at 602.757.8287. Stuart or Ron will be happy to arrange for an estimate for sealing, exterminating or 

termite pre-treats for your home. You are also welcome to contact Brenda Golden and Dawn Tenney at 480.419.3712 and we will be happy 

to arrange for an appointment with this very capable and reliable company. All services are billed through the Member Monthly Statement 

for your convenience! Call today to guard your home of a myriad of pests, including termites! 

Summer is fast approaching! Residential Services is here this summer and throughout the year to assist you with property management and 

maintenance upkeep. With the majority of our members traveling to cooler temperatures and arrangements made for lengthy summer vacations 

to far-away places. Desert Highlands Residential Services department is here for you. Here again is your annual check list: 

Unplug electronics and small appliances (TVs, fax machines, computers, and small kitchen appliances) 

Unplug washer and dryer, and turn off water supply to washer 

Refrigerate coffee, cereal boxes, crackers and candles 

Check water softener for a low salt level. Leave this low, don’t fill up! 

Cover the windows, furniture, and drop shades. Protect carpet directly below of skylights! 

Adjust thermostats – no more than 80-82 degrees! 

Turn off ice makers (bar and kitchen and outside patios) 

Turn off water source below to reverse osmosis systems under sinks 

Broom/clean and store all outdoor cushions inside the enclosed garage 

Pick up throw rugs and take down wind chimes 

Take garbage out and call Residential Services to place inside garage or outside holding area 

Close fireplace flues 

Check wine temperature settings 

Gas Water Heaters: Unplug all re-circulating pumps on gas water heaters, move to VACATION 

Electric Water Heaters: Switch breakers to OFF! 

Leave fans on low speed 

Take garage door/gate openers from cars. Remove batteries! Store inside. 

Place cars on “trickle chargers” 

CALL DAWN AND DARRELL FOR HELP – 480.419.3712


Page 9 

Real Estate News 

S 

taging your home to sell. Staging a home for sale is not a new concept, but it is a practice that has gained steam with 

our more challenging market. Staging should not be confused with decorating! The best stagers will work with what 

you have in order to present the property in its best light. Staging is not a do-it-yourself sport! Often a third party specialist 

can bring the neutrality and objectivity needed to accomplish the goal and transform your home into a place that potential 

buyers can easily picture as their home. Numerous surveys indicate that a staged home sells faster and generally for more 

than an unstaged home. 

Let your home speak to buyers. Our homes are personal, yet how we live is not how we sell. The goal of staging is to make 

the home speak to everyone else, in a compelling and positive way. A survey conducted by Coldwell Banker Real Estate 

Corp. discovered that staged homes are usually sold 6% above the asking price and spent less time in the market 

compared to unstaged homes. Since a majority of potential home buyers start their property search on the internet, staging your home 

improves the visibility of your property to potential buyers. 

Don’t shoot the stager. Too often the tendency is to take the process personally, but you shouldn’t. Staging is not a do-it-yourself sport, and 

only a third party specialist can bring the needed neutrality and objectivity. 

According to the National Association of Realtors® 2015 Profile of Home Staging, many agents said taking the extra step to stage a home can 

make a difference in how a buyer values it and the price a seller might get for it. 

Excerpt from the National Association of Realtors® 2015 Profile of Home Staging 

by Carey Fassler 

2016 Year-to-Date Real Estate 

Thirteen closed sales with four pending for an anticipated 14 net membership fees or $1,050,000. 

Currently, 42 homes are available for sale ranging in price from $749,900 to $4,950,000. There are eight home 

sites on the market priced from $275,000 to $499,000. 

Security News 

I 

hope everyone is doing well. If you are leaving for the summer, have a great one and we will see you in the fall. For 

those members that are staying, it’s time to get ready for the heat. 

One of the things to look forward to are the desert creatures that come out in the warmer temperatures, including the 

snakes. As a reminder, if see a snake on your property that you would like to have removed you can contact the Security 

Department and we will be happy to take care of that for you. 

Another thing with the temperatures is to make sure that you stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water, whenever you are 

outside for any length of time. We should be drinking water regularly, but even more so when doing any outdoor activities. 

On to another subject, I’m sure everyone has noticed the speed limit sign around property. We are trying to keep the property safe for all 

members or visitors, whether driving or walking. The signs are programmed to flash with a strobe if a vehicle is driving over the speed limit. If 

it flashes when you pass by the sign, please slow down so that we can keep Desert Highlands safe for everyone. 

As a reminder, we are seeing a number of members tailgating other members as they enter the property, particularly at the West Gate. As 

you approach the entrance, if there is another vehicle between the arm and the double gates, please wait until the double gates open and 

the first car starts moving before you enter the area. Thank you for your consideration in this matter. 

As a final note, if you are leaving for the summer or for a vacation, give us a call so that we can make a note that you are gone and we can 

then pay special attention to your home. You can reach us 480.585.8513. Also, if you are expecting visitors, please call us in advance at the 

same number. 

Until next time, stay safe! 

by Nick Ciliento, CPP

Page 10 


Chef’s Notes - Rhubarb 

by Chef Dan Chagolla 

hubarb is a cool season, perennial vegetable, grown for its leafstalks that have a unique tangy taste, generally 

R used for pies and sauces. Rhubarb was first cultivated in the Far East more than 2,000 years ago. It was initially 

grown for medicinal purposes, and not until the 18th century was it grown for culinary use in Britain and America. 

Most commonly the plant's stalks are cooked with sugar and used in pies and other desserts. It pairs well with strawberries 

for an exquisite combination of sweet and tart. It is also delicious stewed. Good source of calcium and potassium. 

There are two primary varieties of rhubarb: Hothouse and field grown. The hothouse variety is generally a little lighter in 

color and less 'stringy'. Hothouse rhubarb, which is cultivated in Washington and Michigan is harvested from January 

through June. Field grown usually hits the market from April through June or July. 

Rhubarb is usually considered to be a vegetable; however, in 1947 a court in New York, NY decided that since it was used in the United States 

as a fruit, it was to be counted as a fruit for the purposes of regulations and duties. 

Fresh rhubarb can be stored for two to four weeks at 32-36 degrees F and 95% relative humidity. Store in perforated polyethylene bags. 

5 Facts You Didn’t Know About Rhubarb: 

1. According to Food Network, 1 pound of fresh Rhubarb yields about 3 cups chopped or 2 cups cooked. This is a great tip to remember in 

the store when you’re purchasing rhubarb for a recipe. 

2. Rhubarb was used as a medicine/healing ointment in earlier centuries. A native plant of China, rhubarb was grown and traded for medicinal 

purposes as early as the 16 th century. According to a History of Fruit, rhubarb gained popularity as a food and vegetable source by the 

19 th century. 

3. The redder the stalk, the sweeter the taste. Savor the Rhubarb points out that green rhubarb can also be eaten, and is just a different variety. 

All rhubarb is quite bitter in taste and therefore a great substitute for cranberries. 

4. The leaves attached to the Rhubarb stalk are poisonous. Daily Random Facts tells us that no matter how enticing, green, and crisp those 

leaves look, you should always discard that part of the plant. 

5. Though not often used today, the word ‘rhubarb’ can also mean ‘a heated argument or dispute,’ according to Merriam Webster. But don’t 

get into a rhubarb about dinner, enjoy these top recipes that incorporate rhubarb in your diet in the most tasty ways imaginable, sure to 

create harmony in any kitchen. Source: The Town Dish.com, Coosemans La Shipping 

Chef’s Recipe - Grilled Pork Chop with Rhubarb-Cherry Sauce 

You will need: 

6 each Thick Pork Chops 

1 lb. Rhubarb Medium Diced 

½ cup Dried Cherries 

½ cup Dried Raisins 

1 cup Rice Wine Vinegar 

2 tbsp. Olive Oil 

½ cup Yellow Onion Dice Small 

¾ cup Granulated Sugar 

Pinch Nutmeg 

Salt and Pepper to Taste 

Method: 

In a medium sauce pan heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, and cook until 

softened. Add to the sauce pan rhubarb, dried cherries, golden raisins, sugar, and rice wine vinegar. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, 

and simmer until rhubarb has softened. Stir in the nutmeg, season with salt and pepper to taste. 

Season pork chops (or chicken breast) with salt and pepper or your favorite seasoning. Place the pork chops on the grill over 

medium heat cook to desired temperature. Place on to your favorite platter and ladle the rhubarb sauce over the pork chops. 

Enjoy!


Page 11 

Food & Beverage News 

W 

hat a fantastic time to be here at Desert Highlands as the weather has been wonderful. 

We introduced new food menus featuring wonderful fish from around the globe, one popular feature is the roasted 

wild Alaskan Halibut, which paired with either a glass of Archery Summit Pinot Gris or Domaine Drouhin Chardonnay, 

would be a perfect match. Also featured is a roasted double New Zealand Lamb Chop paired with a glass of Mud House 

Pinot Noir from New Zealand, would definitely compliment the meal. 

The Food and Beverage team has had the pleasure of catering to numerous parties, on and off-site, with great success. 

One in particular that stands out is the “Ladies Night Out” dinner which was well attended and lots of fun. March’s theme 

was “Talent Within” which featured five very talented female artists from our community. 

by Orestis Poulos 

Please remember that your Food & Beverage minimums need to be met by June 30. Any balance remaining on 

July 1 will be charged to your account. 

We at the Food and Beverage department are at your service for off-site catering as well as private dinners at 

the Clubhouse. For catering events, please contact Diana Glover at 480.419.3731 or email her at 

dglover@deserthighlandsscottsdale.com. 

Member Art at Ladies Night Out 

For questions, comments or just conversation, please feel 

free to contact me at 480.419.3716 or email me at 

opoulos@deserthighlandsscottsdale.com. 

It is our pleasure to serve you. 

See you at the Clubhouse! 

Terra S.H. Waldron, CCM, CCE 

Vice President/Chief Operating Officer 

480.419.3702 

twaldron@deserthighlandsscottsdale.com 

Easter Brunch 

For Your Convenience 

Carey Fassler 

Director of Marketing 

480.419.3745 

cfassler@deserthighlandsscottsdale.com 

Highland Fling Gala 

Nissa Sjoberg 

Membership Communications Manager 

480.419.3706 

nsjoberg@deserthighlandsscottsdale.com 

Eric Anderson 

Director of Tennis 

480.419.3651 

eanderson@deserthighlandsscottsdale.com 

Terry Burns 

Facilities Manager 

480.419.3707 

tburns@deserthighlandsscottsdale.com 

Chef Dan Chagolla 

Executive Chef 

480.419.3719 

dchagolla@deserthighlandsscottsdale.com 

Nick Ciliento, CPP 

Director of Security 

480.419.3753 

nciliento@deserthighlandsscottsdale.com 

Lorraine DaMotta 

Chief Financial Officer 

480.419.3701 

ldamotta@deserthighlandsscottsdale.com 

Debbie Giles 

Executive Assistant 

480.419.3704 

dgiles@deserthighlandsscottsdale.com 

Diana Glover 

Director of Catering 

480.419.3731 

dglover@deserthighlandsscottsdale.com 

Tyler Mayer 

Director of Fitness 

480.419.3771 

tmayer@deserthighlandsscottsdale.com 

Orestis Poulos 

Assistant Clubhouse Manager 

480.419.3716 

opoulos@deserthighlandsscottsdale.com 

Phil Shoemaker 

Golf Course Superintendent 

480.585.8505 

pshoemaker@deserthighlandsscottsdale.com 

Dawn Tenney 

Director of Member Services 

480.419.3712 

dtenney@deserthighlandsscottsdale.com 

Dave Warchot 

Interim Clubhouse Manager 

480.419.3735 

dwarchot@deserthighlandsscottsdale.com 

Doug Westcott 

Director of Golf 

480.419.3726 

dwestcott@deserthighlandsscottsdale.com 

Residential Services/ 

Design Review 

Home Inspection Services 

Pool & Spa Care 

Pest Prevention Services 

Contact: Dawn Tenney or Brenda Golden 

480.419.3712

May-June 2016 View

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