Living It Out

Sun City Westbrook Village Builds a Slot Car Racetrack

Sun City Westbrook Village Neighborhood Groups have come together and have built a slot car racetrack for the Phoenix Veterans Home where WWII, Korean War and Vietnam War veterans reside.  "We learned a lot about the needs of the Veterans.   More than anything else, these Vets just love to talk to people.    They would really like to have more visits, ice cream socials, entertainment, someone to supervise their Bingo games, etc.", says Send Leader Jill Hall.  "Thank you to all who encouraged us as we put together this project.  Check out the pictures of this project - Slot Car Racetrack.

BBQ in Arrowhead

Our family went door to door and passed out fliers just around our block, we were amazed to know that 60 people including kids showed up as well as how many neighbors we really didn't know. Our group had said what a great idea it was to have a get together. It was entertaining for the kids to have an inflatable, It was nice spending time with each other and allowing other neighbors to get to know each other. Neighbors have been asking if there will be another one soon.

Since Tony and I hosted this event in our front yard for the BBQ, neighbors all around came the next day to my door and offered us gifts for having such a great time. I (Pam) told them it was unnecessary for a group of us pitched in for all the food and it was all our pleasure. It just showed Tony and I how much people do like a sense of connection with their neighbors. Maybe we should have another one.In all I have to say it was a success. ~Pamela Lewis  *Don't forget to check out our pictures from the BBQ

Grilling in Sierra Verde

Sierra Verde rolls out their grill every Sunday night for their weekly barbe-que! It has been such a joy as this Sunday will mark our 5th Sunday getting out in the front yard and grilling burgers, hot dogs and the "now all famous" Tri-Tip! We have had a great time meeting our neighbors and hope this weekend will bring even more to our grill.

PS Due to getting out front consistently, our daughter is now successful with riding her bike without training wheels!

Halloween Bash In Sierra Verde

Sierra Verde hosted a Halloween Bash on Saturday! The neighborhood group provided hot dogs, chili, popcorn, water, cotton candy and much more! There were tons of games for the kids and even had a hayride! It was truly delightful meeting all the neighbors. There were about 60 consistent guests but had approximately 200 folks come through to get "goodies". Thanks to everyone for the best ever Halloween bash!

Westbrook Village Women Reach Out

WESTBROOK VILLAGE Women are spreading the love of Jesus by contributing to local and worldwide needs during November and December. Kathy Cea and Kaye Brower are leading this effort.

They are preparing Thanksgiving boxes for Phoenix Rescue Mission, collecting canned goods for St. Mary's Food Bank, and they are sending off many gifts to the Franklin Graham Samaritan's Purse Ministry. *Check out their photo!

Neighborhood BBQ in Surprise

Hey CCV neighborhood Groups! I just wanted to pass along to you all how our neighborhood BBQ event turned out last week. We held ours on Saturday,10/24 in our community at the end of our street in the cul de sac. We handed out over 100 flyers about two weeks in advance to neighbors that lived on the two streets that adjoined our homes. The information was simple: just bring whatever you want to grill and drink and a side dish to share. We rented an inflatable jumping house for the kids and a DJ friend donated his services. Our group got involved by donating supplies like plates,utensils,condiments,napkins,tables etc. We started setting everything up in the cul de sac around 4 pm and by 5 pm people started arriving. We asked everyone to fill out name tags and just start grilling on the four grills set up whenever their hunger took over. Kids immediately were drawn to the jumping house and bowls of candy and we were off and running.I would estimate about 30 people showed up and what seemed like 1000 kids. A highlight for the kids was when the Fire Dept showed up with a truck that had lights flashing and then parked right in the middle of the street. They let the kids crawl around inside and they put on a little tour of the equipment in and outside of the truck. We invited them to help themselves to the food and they ended up staying for about an hour. Everyone that showed really appreciated the time and all seemed to want to make this a regular event. We are already talking about having another one this coming spring!

Westbrook & Sun City Assist USPS

Westbrook & Sun City Neighborhood Groups assisted USPS carriers with loading donated food items for transportation to St. Mary's Food Bank.  Make sure to view our pictures!

Westbrook Village Neighborhood Groups Joined with Project Linus

Westbrook Village Neighborhood Groups joined with Project Linus for a day of sewing and quilting. Project Linus provides love, security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized or otherwise in need through the gifts of new, handmade blankets and afghans. Over 3 million blankets have been donated since Project Linus started in 1995.  Check out our picture from the event.

Trilogy Says Thanks To Jim Ramstad

Saturday, 8/1 CCVers and others in Trilogy thanked Jim Ramstad for his commitment, and work helping to launch CCV's Neighborhood Ministry in Trilogy. You can tell from these photos the gathering was fun, inspirational, and a blessing. Connie, thanks for your ever-ready camera, the photos are great. Steve and Ellen, thanks for hosting. Jim and Marsha, thanks for your efforts in neighborhood ministry at Trilogy.  Make sure to check out the pictures!

Vistancia & Trilogy Feed The Less Fortunate

Several years ago Bryan and Priscilla set out to have a teachable moment with their two young boys and feed the less fortunate in downtown Phoenix. It was such a great way to show their children how we can help those in need and talk about Christ, that they continued doing it about four times each year. In 2007 Vistancia & Trilogy CCV Neighborhood Group were looking for a project that could involve the whole neighborhood and reach out to those in need. We heard about this familie's effort through their neighborhood group and decided it would be a great way to reach out. Needless to say this trip has expanded quite a bit, this last Christmas we had over 150 people who went downtown. On June 20th 2009, we headed out as a neighborhood for the fifth time to help those in need. It was a very good way to bring the words of God into action. As Jesus calls us to do, we as a neighborhood brought PB & J sandwiches, crackers, fruit, water, hygiene items,clothes and more, to those who have little. The trip is such a beautiful way to show others about Christ through action and to touch their hands and talk with them about our wonderful savior! We plan to do this again Christmas 2009 and will continue to spread the love of Jesus Christ.