Former classmates reunite at Del Webb's Solera

Dean Long recently opened a fortune cookie that contained a message advising him that he would soon "rekindle an old friendship." It proved true at Del Webb's age-qualified Solera at Anthem community.

"I was chatting with our new neighbors, Jim and Dar Hamilton, and it was discovered that Jim and I went to the same high school in California," Long said. "I graduated in 1960 and Jim graduated in 1961. Both of us played varsity sports; I was a swimmer and Jim played football. Jim's more social than I am and stayed in touch with a lot more of our classmates, but as soon as we get a chance, we'll dig out our yearbooks and reminisce.

"My wife, Toni, and I worked as (registered nurses) for many years. We ... decided to look at Solera at Anthem at the suggestion of our Realtor," he said. "The minute we walked into the Lewis model, we knew that was exactly where we wanted to live."

The 1,140-square-foot design offers two bedrooms, two baths, a great room and kitchen nook. A covered patio and covered porch are also featured. The floor plan is priced from the low $290,000s.

Four additional designs are available, ranging from 1,251 to 1,771 square feet and priced from the low $300,000s to the low $390,000s.

Standard items in all homes include ceiling fans, telephone and cable connections in every room, Corian counter tops, raised-panel oak cabinets, garage door openers and microwave ovens.

Also included is the builder's Environments For Living technology, which features low-e windows and cocoon insulation. In addition to being recognized as Energy Star homes, a three-year heating and cooling energy-use guarantee is standard.

Long said Las Vegas has proved to be an excellent choice for him and his wife.

"I have started singing again and I'm working on an Elvis and Roy Orbison impersonation act," he said. "My wife ... appreciates being in the desert because she is an amateur geologist and studies and collects rocks."

Resident amenities include tennis and bocce courts, while a recreation and fitness center with a swimming pool and special interest areas is planned. The Revere at Anthem Golf Club features two championship courses.

To visit, take Eastern Avenue south to Anthem Parkway, turn left and proceed to Somersworth Drive. The office is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today. Starting Sunday, it will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Del Webb is a subsidiary of Pulte Homes. It also is building Sun City Anthem and Sun City Aliante in Southern Nevada.

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