May 2007
Bank Note$ - News You Can Bank On
Volunteer of the Month: Chuck Fitzgerald

Chuck Fitzgerald was nominated by his wife, Susan Fitzgerald, who listed more than a dozen efforts and organizations that rely on his input and leadership. Susan describes him as an advocate for Peoria, children, youth, literacy, and the quality of life in the local community. She attached his biography, which attested to his tireless giving of time and energy. However, the biography also mentioned that Chuck is the author of the book "Learning to Bird," and has contributed often to local, regional and national publications. He also appears frequently on Channel 3 in Phoenix on "Good Morning, Arizona."
Susan says, "He truly is without limits when it comes to volunteering. I don't know how he accomplishes everything he does."
A partial list of Chuck's endeavors includes:
- All-Star Kids Tutoring (Board Vice President)
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Arizona
- Centennial High School Interact Club (Sponsor)
- City of Peoria Parks & Recreation (Board)
- Habitat for Humanity Marketing & Golf Committees
- Leadership West Class XIII
- National Forest Homeowners Association (Treasurer)
- Peoria Diamond Club
- Quality of Life Board
- Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
- Rotary Club of Peoria
- Rotary International District 5490 (Finance Committee)
- Rotary International District 5490 (Youth Chair)
- Shoebox Ministry Board
- Theater Works (Volunteer Board, Youth)
- Vineyard Church of North Phoenix (Clothing Bank)
We are pleased to extend our thanks and congratulations to Chuck Fitzgerald, ACB Volunteer of the Month.
Stewart Homes, LLC
Stewart Homes, LLC raised the bar for ultra-custom home building in the West Valley. In creating a team to handle the rising demand and requirements of custom home buyers, company founder Dennis Stewart partnered with Susan Ramsey, well-known for The Ramsey Team, and one of the nation's top RE/MAX agents. He knew that Susan's knowledge of West Valley real estate would be an invaluable asset to his company and its overall goal of providing unparalleled quality to its clients. Stewart Homes plans to build only two or three homes a year because Dennis believes that the homes he builds require his full-time supervision on a daily basis. He says, "When buyers choose Stewart Homes, they want the kind of quality that can only be achieved by focused effort. And that is the only kind of home that I want to build."
For more information, call 623-979-5310, or visit www.stewarthomesaz.com.
Luxury Lighting, Part 1
When Annette and Gil Beierle describe their lighting fixtures as handmade, they are being literal. Every single piece begins as a gleam in the artist's eye, and ends up (if the muses smile and everything goes perfectly during production) as a collaborative work that blends art and function. Each mold prototype is hand-carved, and after the molds are created, they are finished by hand. After drying, each piece is finished under the skillful touch and trained eye of a masterful craftsperson. Gil says, "We use the highest quality materials for everything we do, and all of our metallic finishes utilize real metals. We are known for creating some of the largest custom-made ceramic pieces on the market."
Luxury Lighting is known for their ability to re-create or replicate almost any shape or style that appeals to a client. Once in place, pieces last many times longer than even those considered "upscale" are expected to do. Gil remarks, "It's just a fact that anything we make looks very good for an incredibly long time."
During the months of May and June 2007, any Bank Note$ reader mentioning reading about Luxury Lighting in either the print or online newsletter will receive an additional 10 percent discount from Luxury Lighting on any of its products.
Luxury Lighting is located at 7563 West Vogel Avenue in Peoria. For more information, call 623-412-0535.
RE/MAX Preferred Choice Moving to Westgate
RE/MAX Preferred Choice is moving from their location near 51st Avenue and Bell to Westgate City Center. Their new address is 6571 N. White Out Way, Glendale, Arizona 85305, on the third floor of Building E. According to president and CTO Justin Schlegel, the company hopes to be in their spacious new surroundings by May 1. Their offices will be directly above those of the Phoenix Coyotes executives and management staff.
Justin says, "It's a location like no other and we want to offer an office like no other. From state of the art technology to the signage exposure and advanced training opportunities, we plan to create a comfortable atmosphere that is friendly, professional and efficient. Our lease was technically the first one signed for office space, and we will be located directly above the Phoenix Coyotes executives and management staff."
RE/MAX Preferred Choice is owned by two father/son teams - Dick and Rich Conrad, and Fred and Justin Schlegel. The company is expanding with the move and will occupy approximately 5,000 square feet of space, and will also be sub-leasing to a title company directly next door. The large patio that they share with another company overlooks the $5 million water feature, "Waterdance." They also feel fortunate to have acquired 4,500 square feet of signage through Clear Channel Spectacolor that can be seen from Loop 101, and Glendale Avenue. RE/MAX Preferred Choice will host at least four events per year at Westgate and plans to feature the RE/MAX hot air balloon for client and Realtor appreciation days.
Justin observes, "It's predicted that 22,000,000 visitors will pass through Westgate annually so that's definitely something we want to capitalize on. We are currently pursuing one of only four kiosks to be built within Westgate. Coverage would be an estimated 14 hours per day, 365 days per year. Our office handles a variety of real estate transactions, including all facets of residential, commercial, industrial, land and multi-family properties, both in sales and leasing Valleywide."
For more information call Justin Schlegel at 602-439-0085.
Arizona Myeloma Network
On March 31, the Arizona Myeloma Network held its first statewide conference "Living With Myeloma" in partnership with the Arizona Department of Health Services. The conference was held in Tucson. Governor Janet Napolitano sent a letter of welcome to the attendees, and commended work being done by the network and its supporters. The Arizona state flag was flown over the state capitol on March 31 in honor of Arizona Myeloma Awareness Week, March 31 through April 7.
Founder Barbara Kavanaugh says, "We are a volunteer organization, sharing a common dedication to reaching out to cancer patients. We can only grow through our relationships with our community, patients, and network of resources. The conference was a true success because both patients and faculty were enthusiastic about learning and sharing together." For more information, visit www.azmyelomanetwork.org.
What is YOUR Wellness Quotient?
Actually, what is wellness? Wellness is the degree to which an individual experiences health and vitality in every dimension of life. It is not just about being physically fit. It is about how you experience and express life. Humans experience stress in three dimensions: physical, biochemical and psychological. So, every action, every thought and everything you eat will shift you either towards wellness - or illness. In what direction are YOU moving? You need to address all three dimensions simultaneously in order to move towards wellness. And having a healthy nervous system, free of interference, is the underlying key to achieving great health! Remember: Be fit. Eat right. Think well.
Dr. Melanie Dias-Zair co-owns Lake Pleasant Chiropractic: A Creating Wellness Center with her husband Dr. Phil Zair, in North Peoria. They are one of nine Creating Wellness centers in the Valley. Their mission is to improve the quality of as many lives as possible through chiropractic and the Creating Wellness system, a powerful doctor-led program using sophisticated technology to get measurable results (the Wellness Quotient) on all three dimensions of health. Each client is personally coached weekly through a customized program, which includes a meal plan, supplements, an exercise program and Sound Advice, and undergoes re-evaluations. To find out your wellness quotient, call 623-LP CHIRO.
Please join Lake Pleasant Chiropractic in celebrating one year in their new location on May 8 from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. They are also hosting a free women's health workshop on May 24 at 6:30 p.m. Call the office at 623-572-4476 for details, or visit www.lpchiropractic.com.
May Fitness Tip
Lee Stewart of Incredible Image says, "Improve your health in just 10 minutes a day. There are five things a woman can do to keep herself balanced and well. One, take a multi-vitamin. That is all that is needed to regain nutrients lost that day. Two, pump your hormones by taking time to talk with a soothing female friend, pampering yourself, or snuggling with your spouse or significant other. Three, hydrate, hydrate, hydrate, especially as the weather gets warmer! Your overall comfort will increase. Four, find a balance through workouts, yoga, Pilates, stretching, or core strengthening. You should schedule some time to go to the gym or visit me in my studio, or I can help in a home training program. Five, stretch your mind. Learn a new word. Explore new ideas, or try a new food. Converse with someone you don't usually talk to. Really listen to some music your kids bring home."
For more information, call Lee at 602-622-5547 or visit www.incredibleimageaz.com.
Southwest Valley National Day of Prayer
The Southwest Valley will join the National Day of Prayer for the first time on Thursday, May 3, as one of over 30,000 planned events across the country with a breakfast to be held at the Tuscany Falls Ballroom in Pebble Creek, Goodyear, Arizona. Keynote speaker for the Southwest Valley event is Mr. Steve Bodinet, a Reporter for KTVK-3TV. The National Day of Prayer is a day designated by the United States Congress as a day when all Americans regardless of faith are asked to come together and pray in their own way. The National Day of Prayer tradition dates back to 1775 and became a yearly event when President Harry S. Truman signed a joint resolution by Congress declaring the celebration. President Ronald Reagan amended the Truman resolution by designating the first Thursday in May as the annual National Day of Prayer.
Volunteers Needed!
Banner Thunderbird is looking for compassionate and caring individuals who would be willing to volunteer a few hours a week at the hospital. Openings are currently available in the following areas:
- Information desks
- Surgery desks
- ER hospitality desk
- Greeters/escorts
- Gift shop
- Golf cart shuttle
If you or anyone you know would be interested, call (602) 865-5761 for more information.
Financial Solutions
Richard Oliver, Senior Vice President, Investment Executive, provides an array of financial analysis and investment alternatives and solutions.
How to Stay on Track in a Volatile MarketHow to Stay on Track in a Volatile Market
by Richard Oliver
Some people try to time the market. They may react to its fluctuations with confusion and anxiety. Should I buy or sell? Move into bond funds or invest more in stock funds? Hibernate with the bears or run with the bulls? Here are a few suggestions to keep you from getting caught unprepared in a volatile market:
Use positive reinforcement.
Keep reminding yourself that you invest based on intelligent decision-making, not as a knee-jerk reaction to short-term market changes.
Map out your goals and understand your risk tolerance.
Select quality investments that reflect your objectives, whether you're a conservative, middle of the road, or aggressive investor.
Stay still.
Don't flinch in the face of downturns. A common mistake of many investors is to hang tough part way through a market correction, then turn tail and RUN!
Diversify for safety.
Balance helps you achieve long-term objectives during uncertain economic times. A well-diversified portfolio can remain fairly steady.
Dollar-cost average.
Use automatic deposit or write a check each month. This slow but sure approach will not guarantee a profit or protect you from loss, but it may reduce your average cost per share in a fluctuating market. Remember to consider your financial ability to continue investing through periods of low price levels.
Get good advice.
Whether you are an independent investor or working with a PRIMEVEST Investment Executive, use the professional advice at hand to help you identify your objectives and select the right mix of investments to meet your needs.
Any time can be a time of golden opportunities for people who understand how to invest wisely. By following these recommendations, you can face any bear market with confidence as you work toward long-term financial security.

Richard L. Oliver
Senior Vice President
Investment Executive
(623) 776-3821
PRIMEVEST Financial Services, Inc. is an independent, registered broker/dealer. Member SIPC. Securities and insurance products offered by PRIMEVEST : . Not FDIC/NCUSIF insured . May go down in value . Not financial institution guaranteed . Not a deposit . Not insured by any Federal government agency.
(Abraham Lincoln)


