4 Clever Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day

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Wednesday
02.08.12

Remember the days back in middle school when you anxiously awaited a pink heart-shaped card from your secret admirer? Years later Valentine’s Day suddenly became about more than just flowers, candy and cards. Each year on February 14th, we have the opportunity to share our love for others in big and small ways.

This Valentine’s Day, try looking for a new and unique way to celebrate that special someone in your life. Consider one of these unusual ways to show how much you cherish your spouse, family, children and friends.

  1. For the kids – Make it a cereal surprise! Sneak love notes and chocolate kisses into your children’s favorite cereal. When they open the box, they’re sure to feel the love.
  2. For the community – Visit a hospital or chronic care home to pass out small Valentine’s surprises to the patients. They will enjoy the thoughtfulness and attention from something so unexpected.
  3. For a spouse or parent – Give the gift of time. Create a homemade coupon for work that you can do to free up some time for your spouse or parent. For example, a coupon good for cleaning Dad’s garage or a full-house vacuuming for your wife are guaranteed to put a smile on the face of your loved one.
  4. For your valentine – Treat your valentine to a romantic round of golf with the beautiful views of Stonebrae and the San Francisco Bay in the background. The Valentine’s Day Couples Golf at TPC Stonebrae is $40 per couple and includes drink and food specials, on-course prizes and a Valentine’s gift pack. To sign up, please call the golf shop at (510) 728-7878.

For more information about Stonebrae, visit www.Stonebrae.com or to keep up to date with our special events and happenings, “LIKE” Stonebrae on Facebook.

5 Reasons to Watch Super Bowl XLVI

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Thursday
02.02.12

Whether you’re a football fan or not, the Super Bowl is one television event you shouldn’t miss! This is a tremendous occasion, not just for the National Football League but also for the entertainment industry as a whole.

Here are the top 5 reasons to tune in to this year’s Super Bowl featuring the New York Giants and the New England Patriots:

  1. Kelly Clarkson will sing the National Anthem this year and her vocals are sure to impress anyone watching.
  2. Party food – Burgers, hot dogs, wings, vegetable dishes, a plethora of gourmet dips – whatever you’re craving, Super Bowl party food never disappoints!
  3. The “Queen of Pop,” Madonna, will be the centerpiece of this year’s halftime show where she will be joined by Nicki Minaj and M.I.A. It’s like getting free tickets to a sold-out concert!
  4. Friends and family – The Super Bowl is a great excuse to find time to spend with loved ones, just like at Christmas and New Year’s!
  5. Super Bowl commercials – One thing that never fails to enthrall viewers more than the game itself is the slew of commercials big brands air. With some brands spending as much as $3 million for a 30-second spot, this year won’t be any different.

Plus, Stonebrae will be hosting its own Super Bowl party! So join us for the biggest game of the year and enjoy all-you-can-eat Super Bowl treats with all-you-can-drink Coors Light® Drafts throughout the game. Enjoy a projection screen TV, stadium seating and surround sound for this can’t-miss event. Click here for more information!

For more information about Stonebrae, visit www.Stonebrae.com or to keep up to date with our special events and happenings, “LIKE” Stonebrae on Facebook.

Stonebrae Elementary School Boasts Academic Excellence!

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Wednesday
01.25.12

When Stonebrae Elementary School first opened its doors to young students from the surrounding community, the faculty and staff were determined to provide the highest level of education possible. From state-of-the-art classrooms, each with wireless internet built in, to premium sports facilities, the newly built school provides students with an unmatched learning environment complete with all the tools essential for a bright future.

We’re happy to report that the careful cultivation of the school’s state-of-the-art facilities and academic programs has paid off – evidenced by the school’s performance in state administered API scoring!

Each year the California Department of Education measures the academic performance and growth of schools on a variety of academic measures. A base score for all schools is determined to help hold schools and faculty accountable for student learning.

Then, based on year-over-year test score performance over a two-year cycle, schools in California are assigned an individual Academic Performance Index (API) score to be measured against the statewide base score. These calculations show if a school’s test score performance improved over the year or not. For the 2010-2011 school year the statewide base API score was 800. Take a look at how Stonebrae Elementary School ranked this past year:

  • The results shown here reflect the school’s Growth API for the 2010-2011 school year for all students and for each of the major subgroups of students as reported by the state.
  • The 2011 API Growth is calculated using test score results from spring 2011.

Nearly every subgroup represented either met or exceeded statewide academic expectations! We want to extend a big thank you to all the teachers and faculty at Stonebrae Elementary for their continued commitment to provide the finest quality education for the leaders of our future. And to the parents of each child, thank you for reinforcing high standards of academic achievement at home. The students would not be as successful if it weren’t for your continued guidance!

For more information about Stonebrae, visit www.Stonebrae.com or to keep up to date with our special events and happenings, “LIKE” Stonebrae on Facebook.

6 Mobile Apps for the Avid Golfer

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Friday
01.20.12

Golf is a sport that is both highly addictive and highly frustrating. One day you play like a PGA pro and the next day you play like a novice. The old saying, practice makes perfect, applies a good majority of the time, but any avid golfer knows that any given round of golf can have a mind of its own – either making or breaking your current record.

To help you on your quest to find your perfect swing, here are six mobile apps that will allow you to craft your game and feel like a pro on the go or on the green.

  1. Golf Genie Practice Drills PRO ($0.99) – This app was designed by PGA TOUR pros and acts as your virtual golf instructor, providing ample practice drills for your full swing and short game. To download the app, click here.
  2. U.S. Golf Courses ($0.99) – This app provides a directory of more than 13,200 major courses in every state in the country. To download the app, click here.
  3. Golfshot: Golf GPS ($29.99) – This app provides you with immediate access to aerial views, distances to the hole from any spot and exact placement of the pin for better accuracy. To download this app, click here.
  4. V1 Golf ($4.99) – This app not only lets you analyze your own swing but also lets you compare swings from pros and figure out what adjustments you need to make to stop hooking your drives. To download this app, click here.
  5. Golf Digest Tips Plus (Free) – Tips Plus covers everything from swing mechanics and putting, to short game, strategy and golf exercises and also features commentary from the best coaches, like Hank Haney, David Leadbetter and Jim Flick. To download this app, click here.
  6. Golf Channel Mobile (Free) – This app will keep you up to speed on the latest news and updates from the world of golf. To download this app, click here.

For more information about Stonebrae, visit www.Stonebrae.com or to keep up to date with our special events and happenings, “LIKE” Stonebrae on Facebook.

Win a VIP Golf Experience with NFL & PGA TOUR Legends!

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Tuesday
01.10.12

What would you pay for an unforgettable six-day VIP experience – filled with celebrities, golf, luxury cars and shopping?

Beginning January 19, 2012 through January 29, 2012, you have the chance to bid on and win this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! It’s eBay’s first time auctioning off an experience, and the best part is all net proceeds from the auction will be donated to PGA TOUR Charities!

Last year’s event was a huge success.

PGA TOUR legends and professional athletes like Jerry Rice were on hand to entertain the crowd and raise money for PGA TOUR Charities.

As the lucky bidder, you and three guests will be treated like royalty over six fun-filled days at the 2012 TPC Stonebrae Championship from April 10 – April 15, 2012, which include:

  • One-hour golf lesson with PGA TOUR legend Steve Elkington at TPC Stonebrae
  • An exclusive $1,000 shopping spree at Golfsmith for each member of your group
  • Custom TaylorMade fitting and golf package, including driver, 3-wood, 2 hybrids, 3i-PW, wedge, putter and golf bag
  • Attend the Champions Party as Jerry Rice’s VIP guests at the Bay Area’s “Best of the Worst” at The Claremont Hotel Club & Spa. You will walk the red carpet, mix and mingle with NFL Alumni and celebrities, enjoy a concert and have access to the VIP after party
  • Foursome grouping with Jerry Rice to compete against the future PGA TOUR stars in the third annual Jerry Rice Pro-Am Driven by Audi on Wednesday, April 11, 2012

In addition, your winning bid will earn you and your group a chance to watch and participate in the TPC Championship like never before!

  • Watch the match from a luxury skybox on the 18th hole
  • Enjoy catering with outdoor and indoor seating
  • Receive Jerry Rice signed memorabilia
  • Secure two pairs of honorary observer positions that allow you to walk inside the ropes with your choice of professional golfer

Plus, as the winner of this unbelievable prize package, you will also receive premium accommodations and service from our tournament partners – Audi USA, American Airlines, The Claremont Hotel Club & Spa and Verizon Wireless, including:

  • Keys to a 2012 Audi luxury vehicle for six days
  • Four (4) roundtrip domestic flights on American Airlines
  • Four (4) choice rooms at The Claremont Hotel Club & Spa in Berkeley for the week with spa/massage packages included
  • Four (4) complimentary Samsung Galaxy Tabs and four (4) $125 Verizon Wireless gift cards

That’s a ton of prizes! So what are you waiting for? To bid on this incredible prize package and support the PGA TOUR Charities, click here.  May the best bid win!

To purchase tickets to this exciting week of events or to become a sponsor at the TPC Stonebrae Championship, click here.

For more information about Stonebrae, visit www.Stonebrae.com or to keep up to date with our special events and happenings, “LIKE” Stonebrae on Facebook.

TPC Stonebrae Is Awarded the ELGA Merit Award!

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Thursday
01.05.12

In 2008, when TPC Stonebrae was being designed and built, great lengths were taken to ensure that the natural habitats surrounding the course and community were protected and preserved. Every effort was made to be good stewards of the encompassing environment, with the 57-acre course incorporated into the natural contours of the land.

In 2010 TPC Stonebrae completed the final stages of environmental certification and is now recognized as a Certified Audubon Cooperative by Audubon International. To be considered for this certification, there are a number of requirements that must be met by the property, including wildlife habitat management, wetland establishment and enhancement and effective management of natural resources, native plants and animal species.

In addition, for the past three years, TPC Stonebrae Superintendent Dave Davies and his team have led the way in securing the prestigious Environmental Leaders in Golf Awards (ELGA) Merit award for TPC Stonebrae. Winners of this acknowledgement have proven themselves to go above and beyond environmental stewardship, often integrating effective management programs for accurate irrigation systems, extensive recycling programs and more. In 2011, TPC Stonebrae reached a 70% level of recycling, working towards a goal of 90% recycling throughout the entire facility.

And we’re excited to announce that for these continued efforts TPC Stonebrae once again is the recipient of the Merit award!

We want to extend a big thank you to Dave and his team for their dedication in always taking such great care to ensure that TPC Stonebrae maintains itself as a positive component of the overall environmental footprint!

For more information about Stonebrae, visit www.Stonebrae.com or to keep up to date with our special events and happenings, “LIKE” Stonebrae on Facebook.

10 Ways to Help You Stick to Your 2012 New Year’s Resolutions

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Thursday
12.29.11

How often have you made resolutions for the new year and less than two months in, either forgot you made them or simply stopped following through?

Keeping up with the goals you set for yourself can be tough. Here are 10 tips to help you stay motivated and stick to your New Year’s resolutions for 2012:

  1. Be specific. Don’t set a goal as vague as “make more friends” or “strengthen friendships.” Instead, use language like “say hello to one new person each day.”
  2. Write down your goals. Write them down and store them in a place where you can easily review them throughout the year.
  3. Hold yourself accountable. Tell other people about your resolution to make yourself feel accountable for success and failure.
  4. Think big. Maybe you need a big change or a big adventure. Whatever it is, let yourself imagine anything and plan from there.
  5. Think small. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that only radical change can make a difference. Look close to home for ways to improve and grow.
  6. Ask for help. If you have a pattern of making and breaking them, don’t be afraid to ask someone for support.
  7. Consider making only pleasant resolutions. If you’re struggling to keep your resolutions, try resolving to “go to more movies,” “find more time to read” or whatever resolutions you’d find fun to keep.
  8. Set a resolution you can practice every day. It’s often easier to do something every day than every few days.
  9. Set a deadline to complete each goal.
  10. Start slow. Instead of starting your new exercise routine by training for the marathon, aim for a 20-minute walk each day.

Stonebrae would like to thank our residents and readers for their continued support. May 2012 be the best year yet!

For more information about Stonebrae, visit www.Stonebrae.com or to keep up to date with our special events and happenings, “LIKE” Stonebrae on Facebook.

Celebrate the Holidays at Home

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Thursday
12.22.11

Some people love the idea of spending the holidays in a place that evokes the winter spirit – icicles, cold weather, snowmen, the smell of fresh-cut trees and holiday lights.

Others prefer spending their holiday time in the comfort of their own homes, close to friends and family and cozy from the outside climates. While you may not be able to ski the slopes or throw snowballs in the front yard, should you choose to stay home this holiday, there are many things you can do inside that the whole family will enjoy.

5 ways to celebrate the holidays at home:

  1. Watch a holiday movie. You can rent a movie, go to the theater or even host a holiday movie party. View a classic or something you’ve never seen. Either way, seeing a family holiday movie together is always a great way to get in the spirit.
  2. Bake some holiday treats or even an entire meal for the family. Take the time to set a formal dining table and serve your loved one a full four course meal.
  3. Make a gingerbread house. This is a great way to get family members to contribute to something everyone enjoys! Here’s a tasty and easy recipe with directions to get you started.
  4. Host a holiday sports party. Christmas Day will be full of sports programs for the whole family. With teams returning Christmas Day from the NBA lockout, you can spend the entire day relaxing with friends and family watching the big game.
  5. Start drafting your list of New Year’s resolutions. Take some time to focus in on what you really want to accomplish in 2012 and write it down. Then, once you’ve compiled your list, make a few bullet points mapping out how you will accomplish each goal.

We’d like to thank all our readers for your continued support and our residents for making the Stonebrae community such a special place. Happy holidays from the entire Stonebrae team!

For more information about Stonebrae, visit www.Stonebrae.com or to keep up to date with our special events and happenings, “LIKE” Stonebrae on Facebook.

Birdies for the Brave Returns to TPC Stonebrae

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Thursday
12.15.11

TPC Stonebrae has the special opportunity to host the Birdies for the Brave event! Each year, we gather to pay tribute to the brave men and women who fight for our freedom and protect Americans around the world. Birdies for the Brave is the PGA Tour’s primary vehicle for supporting the U.S. Armed Forces and their families, and it is returning to our course in June 2012!

Since 2005, the TOUR has joined with PGA TOUR players and corporate partners to raise millions of dollars for military homefront groups. Net proceeds from this year’s event will be distributed by PGA TOUR Charities, Inc. to the following six beneficiaries:

  1. United Through Reading
  2. Homes for Our Troops
  3. Operation Homefront
  4. Navy Seal Foundation
  5. Special Operations Warrior Foundation
  6. Wounded Warrior Project

The 2012 Birdies for the Brave tournament event is open to Club members as well as the public. We invite you to participate by being a sponsor, donor or player in the event. The 2011 event had over 100 participants, and this year we hope to have many more!

To register or become a sponsor of the event, click here.

We look forward to seeing you at Birdies for the Brave 2012!

For more information about Stonebrae, visit www.Stonebrae.com or to keep up to date with our special events and happenings, “LIKE” Stonebrae on Facebook.

Camberly Place Nabs Coveted Builder Award Nomination

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Wednesday
12.07.11

We’re excited to announce that Camberly Place at Stonebrae is a Silver Award finalist at this year’s National Awards, hosted by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) National Sales & Marketing Council in the category of Architectural Design.

For the past 31 years, the National Awards has paid tribute to superior sales and marketing achievements made by individual industry professionals, homebuilders and associates and sales and marketing councils. There are a multitude of awards presented each year and the Silver Award winners are the top vote recipients in each category.

Nominated in the category of Architectural Design for detached homes over 3,500 square feet, True Life Communities’ Camberly Place boasts a distinct combination of elegance and luxury like no other. The Spanish Colonial and Italian architectural design provide ample details that were thoughtfully planned to reveal the genuine artistry of master craftsmanship.

Nestled within Stonebrae’s master-planned golf course community, the amenities you’ll find within this exclusive address are unparalleled in quality, sophistication and distinction. With a wide variety of available features, homes at Camberly Place are truly customizable to fit every taste and lifestyle.

Residents of Camberly place also enjoy membership to the Stonebrae Country Club, where they have access to the championship golf course designed by renowned architect David McLay Kidd, tennis courts, fitness center, professional staff and individual and group training classes.

We’re excited about this recognition award! Stay tuned – winners will be announced in February!

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