Community News

 

	When Yvette Beaz, her husband HB, and their 13-year-old daughter Sofia moved into Sonoma Verde just two months ago, they were excited for a fresh start. They didn't expect to find such a welcoming community, or start up a new community “club” so quickly.   After settling into their new home on Torrente Drive , Yvette noticed that Sofia, who will be entering eighth grade this fall, hadn't had many opportunities to meet other teens in the neighborhood.    Rather than waiting for friendships to happen, Yvette decided to create them.   She launched Teens of Sonoma (the name, like the group is still evolving), a neighborhood group designed to bring local teenagers (girls and boys welcome!) together through fun, hands-on activities that encourage friendship, creativity, and community.   "At this age, they're too old for daycare and many of the camps they've gone to in the past," Yvette said. "This is when they need to be the most engaged and connected."   Each week, parents volunteer to host activities that get teens interacting instead of staring at their phones. The group has already enjoyed a traditional tea party hosted by one neighborhood mom, followed by a sushi-making class. The sky is the limit for activities as the group is currently small but mighty. Some ideas include painting, crafts, swimming at the amenity center, cooking etc. All aimed at giving teens opportunities to learn new skills while making new friends.
Pictured: Sofia, HB, Yvette Beaz

For the Beaz family, Sonoma Verde represents much more than a new neighborhood, it represents a new beginning.
 
Their journey here wasn't an easy one.
 
The family previously lived in Devonshire in Forney before moving to nearby Buffalo Creek. While living there, their home was struck by lightning during a severe storm and burned to the ground. Incredibly, it wasn't the smoke detectors that alerted them to the danger, it was their family dog, whose barking gave them enough warning to escape safely.

 

After spending time in a hotel and later renting a home in Heath Golf & Yacht Club, they originally planned to rebuild in Buffalo Creek. They did rebuild but decided that this house was no longer serving them so they looked at homes in the Heath Golf & Yacht Club and Sonoma Verde. Sonoma Verde offered the best options and they fell in love with their Highland home that is nestled on a small street with no one behind them but lush green trees. 

Although traffic on 205 was a concern initially,  everything changed once they found their home on Terente. Surrounded by beautiful trees, open green space, and one of the few homes on their quiet street, it offered exactly what they were looking for.

 

"Our daughter says it feels like we're living at a resort," Yvette said. "It really does feel like a hidden gem."

 

She says one of her favorite things is the feeling of arriving home.

 

"When you drive into Sonoma Verde, it feels like you're entering a resort. Everyone we've met has been so kind, and our neighbors have been incredibly welcoming."

 

The Morales family also includes their oldest son, Ivan, 24, who proudly serves in the U.S. Navy and is currently stationed in Japan.

 

While they're still getting settled into their new home, Yvette has already found a way to make a difference. Through Teens of Sonoma, she's helping ensure that every teenager in the community has the opportunity to build friendships, discover new interests, and create lasting memories.

 

Families with middle and high school-aged children are invited to join Teens of Sonoma to learn about upcoming activities, connect with other families, and help create a fun, welcoming community for Sonoma Verde's teens. You can email or call Yvette directly 972-754-6096.