Images Arizona: Grayhawk December 2013 Issue by Images Arizona Magazine

Grayhawk

DC Ranch

North Scottsdale

December 2013

Preserving History at McDowell Sonoran Preserve

Grayhawk :: DC Ranch :: North Scottsdale

Decem b er 2013

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:: :: :: :: ::

photographer photographer photographer photographer photographer

Meaghanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dream :: graphic artist

lisa

Bryan Black of Blackswan Photographers Loralei Photography Karen Sophia Photography Jamie Pogue Photography Jerri Parness Photography

writer writer writer writer writer writer

jerri

Amanda Christmann Larson :: editor/contributing Stephanie Maher Palenque :: contributing Donna Kublin :: contributing Tom Scanlon :: contributing Lynsi Freitag :: contributing Jenn Korducki Krenn :: contributing

donna

shelly@imagesaz.com

Shelly Spence :: owner/publisher shelly@imagesaz.com :: 623-341-8221

P. 50

stephanie

jeff

P. 22 623-341-8221

P. 30

meaghan

P. 66

karen Shelly Spence

tom

amanda

P. 44

lynsi

Contributors

Advertising

bryan

jamie

P. 32

loralei

P. 08

contents

Take a peek...

Table of Contents 08

Meet the Ward Family

Community

Phoenix Hot Chocolate 15K/5K

Pinnacle High School Basketball

The Nutcracker

Putting the Ball in his own Court: Jimmy Mendieta

Spruce up your Home for the Holidays

Preserving History at McDowell Sonoran Preserve

Grateful for the Gifts

Marketplace

Local Index

Recipe

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welcome

Publisher’s Message

‘Tis the season for giving! Snuggled up in a cozy winter sweater, I can almost smell the chestnuts roasting on an open fire. I love the holidays and the joy and kindness that comes with them. This loving community is on my list of gifts I am thankful for this year. I have been overcome with gratitude at the wonderful input and support we have received from the north Scottsdale community, and all of us at ImagesAZ are happy to share this special time with you. As I hustle in and out of local stores picking up last-minute gifts, I’m reminded of another reason for the season. With all of the wrapping and baking, giving and receiving, it’s so important to take a step back and reflect on all of the many things we take for granted – our health, our comfort, our families and friends – that cannot be tied with a bow. These things are the real gifts that matter. May 2014 bring peace, happiness and the gift of thankfulness to you and yours. Cheers! Shelly Spence Publisher, ImagesAZ Magazine shelly@imagesaz.com

Preserving History at McDowell Sonoran Preserve

623-341-8221

Writer Amanda Christmann Larson Photographer Bryan Black P. 44

ImagesAZ magazine is proud to be a member of: NORTH

SCOTTSDALE Chamber of Commerce

Local First A R I Z O NA

Submission of news for Community News section should be in to shelly@imagesaz.com by the 10th of the month prior to publication. ImagesAZ is published by ImagesAZ Inc. Copyright © 2013 by ImagesAZ, Inc. All rights reserved. in whole or part, without permission is prohibited. The publisher is not responsible for the return of unsolicited material. D ec e m b e r 2 0 1Reproduction, 3

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family

Meet the Ward Family Writer Lynsi Freitag Photographer Loralei Photography

If you know a family you would like to nominate, please email shelly@imagesaz.com.

The three grand essentials to happiness 8

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t is said that the three grand essentials to happiness are something to do, something to love, and something to hope for.

For Brittani and Dan Ward, they were well on their way to having those grand essentials. Both Oregonians by birth, they met while studying at Arizona State University. They both chose ASU for the same reason: sunshine.

Brittani was part of ROTC and they both participated on the water ski team at ASU. They fell in love and went on to careers that gave them great fulfillment. While Brittani became a nuclear biological and chemical weapons officer in the Army, Dan blended his passions for food and business by going into restaurant management. They moved around the country. They

pursued

interests.

They

their

individual

supported

one

another. Life was good. They married in 2000. Brittani left active duty and entered the National Guard while Dan switched careers in 2007 to enter residential real estate. They were beginning to look at “active adult” communities in the Scottsdale area, as they had long ago decided to not have children.

Brittani’s choice A few years ago, Brittani and Dan were

spending

Christmas

with

their families in Oregon. It wasn’t a

particularly

unusual

holiday

gathering. It was a white Christmas with snow falling, holiday music playing and hot chocolate flowing. But when Brittani went outside with her nieces and nephews to feed oatmeal to the reindeer, something came over her.

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“It was just a magical moment,” says Brittani of feeding the reindeer as the snow fell. “It was then that I realized that I needed to experience that moment as a parent and with my own kids. I knew if I didn’t have kids, I would have regrets in life.” This

was

big

revelation

for

Brittani, who had not considered being a parent. “I changed my mind,” she says. “It changed my idea of what Dan and I could have together for us. Then I spent two years talking Dan into it.” “I was pretty neutral,” responds Dan. “I loved our relationship and didn’t feel like I needed kids to feel complete.”

“Guess what?” Once they were trying to get pregnant, Brittani would often check in with Dan and say, “Guess what? You’re not a dad.” It was the kind of humor and updates that calmed his jittery nerves. Then one evening they went to one of their favorite restaurants, Binkley’s, for dinner. When Dan sat down and opened his menu, the top was personalized to read, “To the world’s greatest future dad.”

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Dan looked up at Brittani’s beaming face. He broke out in a cold sweat and proceeded to drink too much. Over the next nine months, Dan calmed his nerves and became very enthusiastic. Brittani describes her pregnancy

“unbelievable

and

amazing.” Then July 1, 2009, the duo became a family of three with the birth of Adeline. “She is amazing,” says Dan, clearly proud of his four-year-old. Brittani quickly shares photos on her phone and they both look at Adeline and one another with giddiness. “She is the anchor we didn’t even know we needed,” adds Dan.

Living a Life in Full In addition to loving her new role as “Mom,” Brittani loves her career and currently works as a reimbursement manager for Genentech. Dan is still a selling agent with the Fine Homes Group with Prudential and enjoys that work as well. He continues his passion for food by cooking up tasty creations at home that his girls enjoy eating. Adeline goes to school at Tesseract and takes dance, gymnastics and swim classes. As a family, they

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spend most of their time in and around DC Ranch, hiking the trails and eating at the local restaurants. “What

love

dynamic

about

that

our

family

are

equal

parents,” says Brittani. “We are both very active parents in Adeline’s life.” “We really work hard at balance,” agrees Dan. “It’s a team effort on all ends.” For the Ward family, the three grand

essentials

happiness

became a balance of their work, their daughter, and their focus on the future. Along with traveling with Adeline and work, Brittani and Dan focus on enjoying time with each other. They

are

considering

running

the PF Chang’s half marathon in January. Little did they know that the little person they never thought about having could bring so much happiness to their lives.

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community

If you are interested in submitting community events, please email to shelly@imagesaz.com by the 10th of the month prior to publication.

Tour de Scottsdale raises nearly $50,000 for McDowell Sonoran Conservancy The 10th annual Tour de Scottsdale welcomed nearly 2,000 cyclists from across the state and country Oct. 13, and also raised thousands of dollars to help maintain Scottsdale’s open lands. The bicycle tour, presented by Lexus and hosted by the DC Ranch Community Council, brought in almost $50,000 through sponsorship, registration and cyclist donations to support conservation and education programs at the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy. Nearly 1,900 cyclists registered for the 2013 tour, including 650 in the 30-mile ride, and more than 1,200 in the 70-mile ride. Eric Salstrand, 36, of Phoenix and Sally Aston, 39, of Goodyear won the 70-mile tour titles in the men’s and women’s divisions respectively. Salstrand finished with a time of 2:34:56; Aston won with a time of 2:35:53. Tyler Coplea (2:34:57) and Travis McCabe (2:34:57) took awards for second and third in the men’s division. Anna Sanders (2:35:53) and Elizabeth Srejic (2:38:16) came in second and third in the women’s division. Merchandise prizes were awarded to top three finishers in both divisions. In the 30-mile tour, Louis Spencer-Smith, 52, of Flagstaff and Kathy Connolly, 43, of Phoenix won the men’s and women’s divisions respectively. Spencer-Smith finished with a time of 1:10:18; Connolly finished with a time of 1:13:14. Corky Kurtz (1:10:19) and Colby Guelian (1:10:21) finished second and third in the men’s 30-mile ride. Colleen Olson (1:22:03) and Dani Krasinski (1:22:21) came in second and third in the women’s division. The Tour de Scottsdale circumnavigates the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, winding through Phoenix, Carefree, Fountain Hills and Scottsdale before hitting the finish line on Market Street at DC Ranch. www.tourdescottsdale.net

Spiritual Emphasis Days Held at Scottsdale Christian Academy Scottsdale Christian Academy (SCA) hosted its first ever Spiritual Emphasis Days Oct. 31 and Nov. 1. SCA students, parents and community members had the opportunity to hear from prolific author, speaker, pastor and professor Voddie Baucham. Pastor Baucham addressed the elementary school, middle school and high school and fielded questions from those in attendance, speaking about defining the gospel through the lens of the Bible. In addition to spending time with Pastor Baucham, middle school and high school students took time to hear from other Christian leaders and pastors through breakout teaching times and panel discussions. This event is one of many opportunities that Scottsdale Christian Academy has provided to its student body to help develop students who are better equipped spiritually. www.scarizona.org

Success at Camelot’s Starry Knights The stars came out in Scottsdale Nov. 2 when North Scottsdale nonprofit Camelot Therapeutic Horsemanship hosted its fourth annual Starry Knights fundraiser at the Scottsdale Plaza Resort. The delightful evening featured an elegant dinner, live and silent auctions and heartwarming

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presentations by Camelot students and horses.

Camelot Therapeutic Horsemanship is a non-profit organization that teaches horsemanship to children and adults who have physical disabilities. Camelot has been offering all services at no cost to students for 30 years. Camelot will use funds raised through Starry Knights to continue to offer their horsemanship program to children and adults with disabilities free of charge. www.camelotaz.org

December 1 Chef Jon Paul Hutchins Dinner at Binkley’s The Jon Paul Hutchins Dinner Dec. 1 at Binkley’s Restaurant, 6920 E. Cave Creek Rd. in Cave Creek will feature six courses prepared by Chef Kevin Binkley and his former culinary instructor, Chef Jon Paul Hutchins of the Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts. The stage is set for a culinary masterpiece of the Jon Paul Hutchins Dinner, which begins at 6:30 p.m. Chef Kevin Binkley and Chef Jon Paul Hutchins will reinvent and contemporize classic dishes such as knodel, poele of quail, and corned veal. Cost of the dinner is $98 per person; accompanied wine pairings $52. Reservations should be made early, and can be made online or by phone. Chef Jon Paul Hutchins instructed Chef Kevin Binkley in 1992 at the Scottsdale Culinary Institute, which is now known as Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts. He is part chef, part celebrity, with appearances on the Today Show and the Food Network. Inducted into the Arizona Culinary Hall of Fame in 2008, Chef Jon Paul Hutchins is a well-recognized culinary figure, named as one of the Best Chefs of America in 2013. With three restaurants in the Valley and numerous accolades, Chef Kevin Binkley refuses to sit back. He continues to push the boundaries and as a food pioneer. His intuition regarding taste and presentation has made him a consecutive finalist for the James Beard Award Best Chef of the Southwest. An instructor for over 20 years, Hutchins views culinary schooling as a means for discovering and evolving. “I can take no credit for Kevin’s success,” Hutchins says, “I just gave him a basic skill set.” There is no doubt that Chef Binkley has mastered these skills and gone beyond them, as Chef Jon Paul explains, “Kevin never settled.” 480-437-1072 www.binkleysrestaurant.com

December 3 Art Nosh Lunch: The Astonishing Architecture of Frank Gehry Enjoy a nosh while being educated and entertained at Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. Schoolhouse Rd. in Cave Creek Dec. 3 from noon to 1 p.m. Canadian-American Pritzker Prize-winning architect Frank Gehry is one of the most celebrated architects working today. Several of his buildings have become tourist attractions. The event is free. Order an optional boxed lunch provided by Grotto Café for $10. Registration required by Dec. 2. Choose from three menu items (available at the library desk) or brown bag it. 480-488-2286 www.dfla.org Decem b er 2013

community

If you are interested in submitting community events, please email to shelly@imagesaz.com by the 10th of the month prior to publication.

December 5 Rita Coolidge at the MIM With a special appearance by members of the Phoenix Children’s Chorus, “A Rita Coolidge Christmas” is a true holiday celebration. The concert, presented at the Musical Instrument Museum Dec. 5 at 7:30 p.m., will range from beautiful and timeless classics, such as “Rockin’ around the Christmas Tree,” “Let It Snow,” “Winter Wonderland” and “Baby, It’s Cold Outside,” to inspirational, powerful gospel ballads. It will also highlight the unique mosaic of styles that have inspired and defined Coolidge’s solo career. Coolidge will also pay homage to her rich Cherokee roots by singing several verses of “Amazing Grace” in the tribe’s native language before closing with a familiar English verse. Tickets to the concert are $52.50 to $62.50. The MIM is located at 4725 E. Mayo Blvd. in Phoenix. 480-478-6000 www.mim.org

December 5 Paolo Soleri Honored at Cave Creek Museum Viewing of “Beyond Form,” a special documentary honoring renowned architect and visionary Paolo Soleri will be held 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Dec. 5 at the Cave Creek Museum, 6140 E. Skyline Dr. in Cave Creek. The film will be shown in the museum’s historic church as part of Desert Foothills Library’s Arizona Filmmakers Speak: Sip Wine and Savor Stories series. Tickets for the event are $10. This special documentary produced by Scottsdale film maker Aimee Madsen ties in with Cave Creek Museum’s new exhibit, “Paolo Soleri in Cave Creek: The Dome House,” which was curated by Cave Creek architect Michael P. Johnson and produced by Linda Pierce, a volunteer with the museum. While Soleri is best known for his award-winning ceramic and bronze wind bells and his work to establish the self-sustaining Arcosanti community near Cordes Junction, many people don’t realize his first commissioned building was the dome house in the heart of Cave Creek. This unique one-room glass house, which was built for Nora Woods over a two-year span and completed in 1951, features desert masonry walls developed by Frank Lloyd Wright at Taliesin West, a movable glass dome and expansive views of Elephant Mountain. The structure is also important because it was Soleri’s first real-world project, which introduced his idea of “arcology,” a concept he came up with in 1948 while working with Frank Lloyd Wright at Taliesin. Soleri viewed arcology as a way of combining architecture and ecology to minimize human impact on natural resources. Many of his ideas included dome structures, and his vision was particularly revolutionary because communities would not include automobiles. “The Dome is truly one of Cave Creek’s historical treasures. I hope our exhibit piques people’s intellectual curiosity so that they will visit Cosanti and Arcosanti and learn more about Paolo’s vision as an urban theorist for living and interacting with each other,” Johnson said.

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480-488-2764 www.cavecreekmuseum.org

December 7 Carols & Candlelight to Benefit Bone Marrow Transplant Patients When Ewan and Melana Elliot’s daughter Hayley received a bone marrow transplant in October 2007, she spent five weeks in an isolation room at Phoenix Children’s Hospital and another eight months isolated at home. It was a difficult time to be away from family and friends. To reach out to others going through the struggles of a bone marrow transplant, the Elliot family created the Carols & Candlelight dinner, a holiday evening benefiting the Ottossen Family Blood and Marrow Transplant Program. The dinner will take place at Terravita Country Club Dec. 7 beginning at 6 p.m. Tickets are $85 per person, with raffle tickets available for $5 each at the event. The Elliots hope to raise awareness about the struggles families face when a child goes through a bone marrow transplant. “Maintaining a balanced family life when you have a seriously ill child is daunting enough,” Hayley’s mom Melana said, “but the transition home following the procedure is the most difficult part. In the hospital you rely on the nurses and staff to administer medication, cook immunosuppressive meals and organize activities. When you are released from the hospital, you are responsible for those things on your own.” Now a healthy teenager, Hayley loves math, science, drama and music. She wants to study engineering in college. Survivors like Hayley will have medical challenges throughout their lives. The Elliot family took the lessons they learned to heart and are dedicated to helping others in the same situation. “We know, no matter what we face, we have made it this far, thanks to the help we received from others,” Melana said. “Because of this, we have dedicated our time, finances and hearts to helping other families who are right now enduring a part of their journey that nobody should ever have to go through alone.” www.carolsandcandlelight.com

December 7, 8 Carolyn Eynon Singers’ “Herald in the Holidays” Join the Carolyn Enyon Singers as they “Herald in the Holidays” at two dynamic concerts Dec. 7 and Dec. 8. Music by Conrad Susa, Tim Corlis, Kirby Shaw, Paul Gibson, Craig Courtney, Mark Hayes and other American composers will be featured, and a guest choir, the Arizona Chinese Chorus, will join the singers on “One Song,” written by composer Michael Frassetti. The evening would not be complete without a carol sing-along. The Dec. 7 concert will be held at Pinnacle Presbyterian Church, 25150 N. Pima Rd. in Scottsdale at 7 p.m. The second concert, held Dec. 8, will be at Central United Methodist Church, 1875 N. Central Ave. in Phoenix. Tickets are $15 for adults, and admission for students under 18 is free. www.carolyneynonsingers.com

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community

If you are interested in submitting community events, please email to shelly@imagesaz.com by the 10th of the month prior to publication.

December 13â&#x20AC;&#x201C;15 6th Annual Carefree Christmas Festival Mark your calendar! Winter arrives in downtown Carefree with the 6th Annual Carefree Christmas Festival Dec. 13 through Dec. 15. The holiday event provides three days and two nights of free holiday festivities at Carefree Desert Gardens and Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion, 101 Easy St. in Carefree. The signature Electric Light Parade will take place at 6 p.m. Dec. 14 along Easy Street. A fireworks display with a special commemorative salute, in cooperation with the 100 Club, will take place to honor the 19 fallen Yarnell firefighters at 8 p.m., immediately following the parade. Other activities include a kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; zone with 35 tons of real snow, carriage rides, caroling, dance and singing performances, a Nativity display, a pet parade and pet adoptions, and other activities for the entire family. Santa will be in attendance throughout the weekend for photos and requests. An outdoor shopping and gift mart with more than 100 exhibitors and a holiday food court will be held throughout the weekend, offering daytime and nighttime outdoor holiday shopping amidst holiday music and festivities. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s expanded event includes a live holiday jazz concert by the Kelso Brothers Quintet, dance performances by Adage Dance Company and the 10-piece Affinity Dance Band, plus a medley of theater classics presented by Desert Foothills Theater. The four-acre Carefree Desert Gardens provide a stunning backdrop for this family-friendly event. Thousands of cacti, many of them rare or unusual specimens, are illuminated in holiday lights for the event. More than 35,000 people are expected to attend. Parking is free. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early for the parade. 480-488-3381 www.carefreechristmasfestival.com

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December 15 Newcomersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Holiday Dinner and DJ Join the Newcomers for a delectable holiday dinner at Aviano Community Center, 22500 N. Aviano Way in Phoenix from 6 to 10 p.m. Dec. 15. Enjoy music from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. A delicious menu featuring Italian fare includes antipasti of assorted Italian cheeses and cold cuts, pickled mushrooms, caponata (eggplant), pickled beets, olive salad, roasted red peppers, ceci bean salad and panzanella salad. EntrĂŠes include sausage and peppers. Meatballs, chicken cacciatore, assorted lasagnas, quinoa (gluten free), pasta primavera, chicken artichoke risotto, baked ziti, spaghetti Bolognese and fabulous desserts. Attire is holiday casual. The deadline for reservations is Dec. 1. Cost is $48 per person. 412-780-0730 mrsbachy@mac.com

December 17, 18 Manhattan Transfer Holiday Show at MIM Manhattan Transfer is bringing its holiday show to MIM! Manhattan Transfer has won a dozen Grammy Awards, sold millions of albums and even made Grammy Award history in 1981 when they became the first group to win in both pop and jazz categories in the same year. This quartet is one of the most notable jazz vocal ensembles in music history. Touching on bebop, contemporary jazz, doo-wop, Latin melodies, pop/rock and much more, these singers push the envelope on what four-part harmonies can do. In the process, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve sold out concert halls across the world, and they continue to delight fans with their highenergy renditions of tunes from the 1930s to the 1980s. Join Manhattan Transfer for one of four special holiday shows presented by the Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Blvd. in Phoenix. Shows will be held Dec. 17 at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., and Dec. 18 at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Tickets range from $47.50 to $77.50. 480-478-6000 www.mim.org Decem b er 2013

community

If you are interested in submitting community events, please email to shelly@imagesaz.com by the 10th of the month prior to publication.

December 21 Seventh Annual Christmas in the Park for U.S. Marine Toys for Tots Join

Grimaldi’s

Coal

Brick

Oven

Pizzeria and American Family Insurance Agents Nanette D. Cure and Nanette Corso at the Seventh Annual “Christmas in the Park” Toys for Tots fundraiser Dec. 21 from 3:30 to 6 p.m. at 20715 N. Pima Rd. in Scottsdale. Live entertainment, refreshments and Santa Claus will all be part of the fun! This holiday favorite will benefit the U.S. Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. Please bring an unwrapped toy donation to contribute to the foundation. 480-515-5588 480-513-8213

December 25 Free Community Christmas Brunch Don’t be alone at Christmas! All are invited to a celebration of Christmas brunch to be held at Desert Hills Presbyterian Church, 34605 N. Scottsdale Rd., at the corner of Carefree Highway and Scottsdale Road in Carefree. Brunch is free and will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Christmas Day, December 25. “Since this is a day to spend with others, you are invited to come and dine with neighbors and families. The food will be delicious and great music will be performed by our Carefree neighbors, ‘Music Serving the Word.’ It will not be a grace-filled day without you,” said Rev. Jayne Hubbard of the Foothills Caring Corps, one of the organizers of the event. “This is a gift to the community by members of local congregations,” Hubbard added. Transportation

available

including

wheelchair-accessible

transportation. RSVP is appreciated but not required. 480-488-3384 www.foothillscaringcorps.com

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It’s back!

Chocolate and Running come together for America’s Sweetest Race The Phoenix Hot Chocolate 15/5K race combines running some of the flattest streets in Scottsdale, flowing chocolate fountains, a bowl full of fondue and bounce house delights for the cheering toddlers. Really, could you ask for more on a chilly December morning in Arizona? After a successful inaugural year in 2012, RAM Racing Writer Lynsi Freitag

is back – much to the happiness of chocolate-loving runners in the Valley - to manage the Phoenix Hot Chocolate 15/5K race. Race directors are anticipating 10,000 runners will participate in the event this year, held December 8 at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick in Scottsdale.

D ec e m b e r 2 0 1 3

In short, expect some fun. December is a great time of year to layer on an additional jogging jacket, hit the pavement, and finish with heaps of hot, chocolaty treats. And did we mention the event has chocolate? It also boasts a beautiful, scenic backdrop of the Valley. “Whenever you bring an event like ours to a community like Salt River, it’s a chance for the community to show off how beautiful it is,” says RAM Racing CEO Steve Ginsburg. “It’s a great way to generate interest in the community which has so much to offer. Locals and visitors alike will love seeing that.” Participants can also expect a rocking goodie bag. This year, it includes a soft wicking fleece hoodie with a quarter zip, reflectivity, a media pocket, and thumbhole hand warmers at the end of the sleeves. The expo also has many vendors offering samples and unique for-purchase memorabilia. A portion of the proceeds from the event benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charity (RMHC) of Phoenix and the Salt River Community Children’s Foundation. New this year, RAM Racing is bringing their chocolate candy shop to the expo where they will sell all kinds of old but unexpired candy at 50 cents per ounce, donating the proceeds to RMHC. “We’re hoping that the entire Hot Chocolate series, which takes place in 13 cities, will raise $1 million overall for the Ronald McDonald House Charity,” says Brandon Presern, race director.

Give me the details! WHAT:

Phoenix Hot Chocolate 15/5K

WHEN:

Sunday, December 8, 2013 7:30 a.m. 5K (3.1 miles) start time 8:15 a.m. 15K (9.3 miles) start time 10:30 a.m. Awards ceremony

WHERE: Salt River Fields at Talking Stick 7555 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale www.hotchocolate15k.com/phoenix Decem b er 2013

sports

Pinnacle High Basketball Writer Tom Scanlon Photography by Jamie Pogue

Wilde has built something of a basketball dynasty in north

With his parents retired to Arizona and a sister and brother who also traded bonerattling winters for the sun, Charlie Wilde decided to leave his northern New York home for north Scottsdale. Following his first season as the Pinnacle High basketball coach, some fans might have considered putting together a collection to send him back to Buffalo. Wilde’s first team did win a game, but lost the other 23. “It was pretty bad,” he said

Scottsdale, with

from the Pinnacle gym. “We didn’t have any seniors on that team.” The next season,

20-win seasons

the Pinnacle basketballers hit the mark of respect in Arizona high school basketball:

an expectation.

young players developed under his coaching and won 11 games. The following year, 20 wins. A decade later, Wilde has built something of a basketball dynasty in north Scottsdale, with 20-win seasons an expectation. He has helped a half-dozen kids earn scholarships to play in college, and the teams often go deep in the playoffs, making the final four three times.

D ec e m b e r 2 0 1 3

But

each

season

has

ended

with

loss,

metaphorically clanking against the rim, without the sweet “swish” of

a state championship.

It looked like a title was going to happen for Wilde and Pinnacle at the end of the 2012-13 season. Last February, then-junior Dorian Pickens sparkled in the title game, scoring 26 points and snagging 10 rebounds. His big-time performance wasn’t quite enough, as Pinnacle High dropped a tight 63-59 game to Corona del Sol. Now, Pickens is revving up for his senior year, and dreaming of that big shot that will bring a championship back to north Scottsdale. In late October, the week before practices would officially begin, a Monday night shoot-around had the big Pinnacle gym filled with dozens of basketballers: returning veterans trying to take their games to the next level; younger players desperate to prove they belong; and a few transfers, including one very large one. Pickens entered the gym and jogged around the court, taking time to greet teammates and coaches. The 6-foot-5 guard/forward is smooth, charismatic and, despite starring on the court since his freshman year, humble and team-oriented. He went off to one basket and stood just a few feet away from the net, patiently working on his form with short shot after short shot. When

stepped

away

talk,

was

accommodating and thoughtful, speaking with the poise and articulation of a straight-A student.

Opposite page: Coach Charlie Wilde instructs star Dorian Pickens (holding ball) and the rest of his Pinnacle High basketball team. Decem b er 2013

sports

Pinnacle High Basketball

My last year here, I definitely want to win a state championship.

Indeed, his grades and his game have top-notch colleges offering him scholarships. Pickens has narrowed down a huge field of schools after him to a final three of Stanford, Louisville and Oregon. Pickens’ high-release jumpshot dazzles recruiters as a Monet painting impresses art critics. ESPN’s recruiting page ranks Pickens as the 81st best high school senior in the nation. Other recruiting watchers have him in or near the top 100 in the country. Before launching a college career, he is intent on finishing his high school years by avenging that tough title game loss. “It was a great game,” he recalled. “A lot of fun. And this season, we can be right back in it.”

D ec e m b e r 2 0 1 3

Opposite page: Pinnacle High prized college recruit Dorian Pickens relaxing during practice, receiving coaching and

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working on his dunk shot

He has watched the film of that game dozens of times, analyzing what went wrong, plotting how to avoid any mistakes this time around. The other half of last year’s one-two scoring punch is gone, as Drew Bender, last year’s leader, is off

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placing more expectations on himself. “I’ll definitely step into leadership,” he said. “I’m a visual leader – I like to lead by example.”

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Pickens is far from the only veteran player on the Pinnacle court. Trey Ingram, a 6-foot guard, will also be playing his senior year, after averaging 10.9 points per game as a junior. Ty Griffin, a 6-foot-7 forward/center who chipped in 4 points per game last year, and Will Donovan (5.3 points per game, last season) will also lace it up for their senior years.

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And Pickens looks across the court at a hulking figure working on short turn-arounds. Cam Gilbert, a transfer from Prescott, is a 6-foot-10 center who could benefit from defenses collapsing on Pickens. “I think he’ll do real well,” Pickens said, of his new friend. “He’s a pretty raw player, but he’s got a lot of potential.” Gilbert is the biggest player Wilde has coached,

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and overall this is his tallest team, as he can call on a batch of 6-4 and 6-5 players from a deep bench. Pickens, the clear alpha of the pack, plans to lead this crew all the way to a title. “My last year here,” the star says, “I definitely want to win a state championship.”

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That

would

also

add

his

coach’s

stellar

KobeysCozyDesertOasis.com Decem b er 2013

sports

Pinnacle High Basketball

reputation. Even after that horrid first year, Wilde’s record at Pinnacle is a shining

It’s the kids. We have tremendous kids, they do a

226 wins against 121 losses, including last year’s 26-7 record. This year, the coach has set the bar high, as always. “Every year it’s the same for us,” said Wilde. “We go in to win 20 games, win our section and win the state championship. It was the same last year as it was the last 14 years.” Bender is the most recent of a half-dozen of Wilde’s Pinnacle players who have

lot around the

gone on to shoot hoops at the college level. And it looks like several more from

community.

from St. Martin’s University outside of Seattle, and smaller schools are reaching out

this year’s team will be on college courts. Ingram recently had a scholarship offer to Griffin. Gilbert, the towering newcomer, is being courted by Eastern Washington, Seattle University and a few other schools. Then there is Pickens, perhaps the most talented individual player Wilde has

D ec e m b e r 2 0 1 3

Opposite page: Dorian Pickens and his Pinnacle teammates at work in a preseason practice.

coached.

“He’s the best shooter in the state,”

Wilde says. “He can drive to basket, post up – and he’s also one of the top defenders.” One wonders if the college recruiters and history of success might lead to an atmosphere where the Pioneers figure they can cruise through the season. Not so, says the coach. “The culture is of hard work,” he says. “We’ve been to the semifinals four of the last six years. These kids know what it takes to get there.” They also know what it’s like to get close, but no cigar. Looking out over his star returning seniors, eager-to-prove-themselves transfers and blossoming

younger

players

doggedly

running

through voluntary drills, Wilde smiled. “There’s a little hunger out there.” That appetite will only be sated by a state championship. Even

so,

this

isn’t

winning-is-the-only-thing

coach. Charlie Wilde says there is one reason he comes back to put long hours in the gym, year after exhausting year: “It’s the kids. We have tremendous kids, they do a lot around the community. In past years they’ve helped a hospice, they supported a kid with muscular dystrophy. This year, there’s another kid with a disability they’re trying to help raise money for. Our kids are absolutely tremendous. One year, they collected 700 shoes for the homeless, they’ve contributed to food banks. The kids are unbelievable, they do so much, they work so hard. “That’s why I coach.” Decem b er 2013

Writer Donna Kublin

Sparkling Holiday Classic

D ec e m b e r 2 0 1 3

December 6-24

Phoenix Symphony Hall, 75 N. 2nd St., Phoenix Tickets start at $26 602-381-1096 www.balletaz.org

The curtain will rise on an enchanted winter wonderland as Ballet Arizona presents their dynamic performance of “The Nutcracker.” Dancing toys, mischievous mice, waltzing flowers and sparkling snowflakes pirouette, glide, and leap across the stage to Tchaikovsky’s

The Nutcracker

fun facts:

sumptuous score. There are 260 costumes in Ballet The beloved ballet tells the story of a little girl named Clara who is

Arizona’s “The Nutcracker,” requiring

given a magical nutcracker doll on Christmas Eve. She encounters the

more than 6,500 yards of fabric. A

frightful King Rat before embarking on a wondrous journey through

tutu alone takes 12 yards of material

the Land of Snow and the Kingdom of Sweets. Her experiences

and 60 hours to produce.

include a Christmas tree that “grows” to 40 feet, 200 pounds of “snow” that falls during the blizzard, and the firing of cannons, to

More than 100,000 Austrian Swarovski

name a few.

crystals make the spectacular Snow Scene sparkle.

Tchaikovsky’s beloved melodies, performed by the Phoenix Symphony, transports everyone to this magical world. Elaborate stage elements

Scenic elements including sets, lights,

and intricate lighting unleash the imagination.

costumes and special effects require four tractor trailers and two 24-foot

Choreographed by renowned artistic director Ib Andersen, “The

trucks to bring them to Symphony

Nutcracker” is traditional but is full of dynamic flair showcasing his

Hall.

brilliant choreographic concept. Ballet Arizona’s artistry, techniques, and love for dance make this, the 28th year, one to remember.

The Mouse King is more than 9 feet

“The Nutcracker” will run December 6 through 24 for a total of

tall with his crown.

20 performances, with afternoon and evening shows at Phoenix Symphony Hall.

During the run of “The Nutcracker,” Ballet Arizona female dancers will use

Forty-five minutes before each performance, audiences are invited to

more than 300 pairs of pointe shoes.

the Symphony Hall lobby for pre-show events, including storytelling

Pointe shoes are custom-made and

and photos with the Sugar Plum Fairy beneath Ballet Arizona’s 20-

cost more than $90 a pair. Most pairs

foot Christmas tree, hung with decorated toe shoes. Hot cocoa and

of shoes last one performance.

cookies are available for purchase. Costume department personnel will Details:

wash about 125 loads of laundry

December 6-24

during the run of show.

Phoenix Symphony Hall, 75 N. 2nd St., Phoenix The Tickets start at $26 and are available through Ballet Arizona’s box

production

uses

different

backdrops.

office, Ticketmaster or online. Discounts for seniors and students and groups of 10 or more are available through the box office.

140 children were chosen by open audition to perform in three casts for

602-381-1096

the performances.

www.balletaz.org Decem b er 2013

D ec e m b e r 2 0 1 3

Putting the Ball in His Own Court:

Jimmy Mendieta Writer Amanda Christmann Larson Photographer Bryan Black

Sitting down at a table beside manicured tennis courts under the shadow of the majestic McDowell Mountains, DC Ranch tennis pro Jimmy Mendieta looks comfortable. Clean-cut and youthful-looking, his tan and slim athletic build are what one would expect from a pro who spends much of his time in the fresh desert mountain air. Like many area residents, the 39-year-old ace has made his way in his trade, building a reputation on hard work and talent. He gives the sport his all, and coaxes the same attitude from his students. But for this seasoned coach, there is more than lip service behind his encouragement and confidence. Born in Nicaragua, Mendieta was in elementary school when the Sandinistas overthrew Somoza’s dictatorship in 1979. Many, including Mendieta’s family, celebrated the coup with the belief that a new government would eliminate the widespread corruption and political assassinations that were carried out during Somoza’s reign. But they were wrong. Quite quickly, party loyalty in Nicaragua began to splinter. Political and economic dissidents were arrested or murdered. Suspicion was rampant, and those suspected of being anti-government loyalists were jailed without trial. Corruption continued, and people lived their lives in fear. The Contras, a major counter-government group, were also carrying out attacks on schools, healthcare clinics and using torture, kidnapping and other human rights violations as weapons against the Sandinistas. International involvement arguably fueled the fire of war that was raging through the stunningly beautiful mountains of Nicaragua.

Decem b er 2013

The

situation

was

dire, and the Mendieta

hard work, smart choices, and by surrounding himself with passionate people.

family knew it was time to leave. Jimmy’s aunt

In high school, Mendieta wanted to be a baseball

lived in Canada, and his

star, and he was determined to play for the

father

that

Toronto Blue Jays. A high school standout on the

fact to obtain Canadian

field, he even attended a special training camp

visas. When the wheels

for hopefuls. When he was told he had a shot at

of their airplane left the tarmac in Managua, the

AA or AAA baseball, his youthful ego stepped in;

Mendietas had escaped the violence that would

he didn’t want to be second- or third-string. He

eventually take tens of thousands of lives.

wanted to be the best.

Perhaps

that

It was time for a split step. Mendieta changed

instilled a strong sense of independence in

direction and traded in his bat for a racket. He’d

Jimmy Mendieta. Or perhaps it was his family’s

hit tennis balls with his dad since he was little,

unwavering support. Destiny, he believes, is not

so taking to the court was a natural shift, and

entirely up to chance; it is something shaped by

he soon realized his innate talent. When a fellow

D ec e m b e r 2 0 1 3

was

those

leveraged

formative

years

high school athlete who graduated a year earlier than him passed along a scholarship recommendation to a College of the Desert coach in Palm Desert, California, he was excited to go. He packed his bags in the winter chill of Canada and headed to sunny California on a partial scholarship. His excitement was short-lived, however. “I wasn’t ready,” he says. “I wasn’t good. There were six players and one alternate, and I barely beat the only guy who wasn’t there on scholarship for the sixth spot. The coach hated me because he felt like he wasted a scholarship.” On a fateful day early in his college career, Mendieta and his coach had a talk that would be game point. “He wanted to send me home,” Mendieta recalls. “He wanted to give my scholarship to someone better. He asked me why I was there, and I said, ‘I’m here to play tennis and I’m willing to fight for it!’” From that point on, Mendieta did fight. Like his father before him, he took control of the wheel of his own life and made a shift in his thinking. He stayed after practice and found time in the early mornings to take to the court. He earned respect from the top player, and practiced with him. He became a better player; then

Michelle Samar Owner/Designer

he became really good. By the time he transferred to University of North Alabama two years later, he was a top-seeded player. He headed to Europe to play in the off-season, and used connections he’d made coaching at an exclusive

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summer camp in the Northeast to make introductions at Atlanta’s Court Elite (ACE) Academy in Georgia. There, founding coach Heath Waters and his small team developed a unique training system that put tennis students on a course to be winners.

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5734 E. Rancho Manana Blvd, Suite #7 (next to Tonto Grill) Cave Creek, AZ 85331 Decem b er 2013

Having never taken a formal lesson himself,

14 different national champions, including the

Mendieta had no past experience to overcome.

2008 Jr. Orange Bowl champion, and eight

Just as in his early days on the court, he worked

members

hard and earned self-made success. He soon

players

found himself managing more seasoned coaches.

(WTA) and Association of Tennis Professionals

of in

Team the

USA.

Women’s

also

Tennis

coached

Association

(ATP). He was named USTA South Carolina John “When I was in high school, I thought I was going

Newcombe Pro of the Year in 2009 and earned

to be a teacher,” Mendieta says candidly. “Once

countless kudos in the Southeast for using his

I got into tennis, I realized I can really make a

talent and drive to build champions.

difference with kids.” Along the way he married wife Lori Lee, a

And he has. Mendieta’s list of accomplishments

professional choreographer, founder of 720X

grew in the years following. He worked with

Sportswear and event producer with Twisted

D ec e m b e r 2 0 1 3

Cheer her

and

Dance, of

who

recognition

has

earned

through

her

determination. The couple and 14-yearold daughter, Jaika, son Lleyton, 8, and Logan, 4, moved to Phoenix in 2012. Mendieta now calls the stunningly beautiful and brand new DC Ranch Tennis Center his home court. The center has 10 outdoor lighted post-tension tennis courts, some marked for youth play, and a 2000-ft clubhouse with men’s and women’s locker facilities. The clubhouse includes a lounge area, child care room, and a great patio for viewing matches. “It’s a great facility and a great club,” he says of the DC Ranch Village Health Clubs and Spas. “The people who work for the club really care about member opportunities. Adding this facility for this area is huge. It took a lot of work, but I think the program is going to boom.” Mendieta now teaches tennis skills to both adults and children, but he’s teaching life skills, too. The fact that he is teaching from experience, having learned significant lessons both on and off the court, only makes him more authentic. “Teaching tennis is more about building character than about teaching someone how to win or lose, or how to improve their forehand,” he says. “It teaches so many lessons, like setting goals, being disciplined and working hard – all the things you need to have in life. “People learn in different ways, and sometimes they do it by feeding a ball.” www.villageclubs.com/dc-ranch-tennis-center Decem b er 2013

D ec e m b e r 2 0 1 3

Spruce Up your Home

for the Holidays Writer Jenn Korducki Krenn

’Tis the season for jingling bells, twinkling lights and satiating sugar cookies served warm and fresh from the oven. The holidays evoke endless visions that go far beyond dancing sugarplums: happy family gatherings, flawless feasts and, of course, a beautifully festive home inside and out. But at the risk of sounding downright Grinchlike … the cost of good cheer adds up quickly. Americans are trimming their holiday budgets in all areas this year, from gifts and greeting cards to food and furnishings. According to a consumer spending survey from the National Retail Federation (NRF), the average person will spend $51.60 on new holiday decorations, down from an all-time high of $51.99 in 2012. Total nationwide spending on holiday decor will still reach $6.8 billion, but that number is also down from $6.9 billion the previous year. Though the drop in spending isn’t as dramatic as, say, a performance of Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker,” it’s clear that consumers are taking a more conservative approach to decking the halls in 2013. We asked Michelle Samar, owner of Mongrel Design, Interiors to provide us with some of her most unique, quick and easy do-it-yourself holiday design projects. She shares five ideas that are as pleasant to the eye as they are to the pocketbook.

Mongrel Design

480-488-9375

www.mongreldesign.net

Decem b er 2013

Pine for decor of holidays past.

Instead of using traditional string lights this year, layer LED pillar or votive candles in your tree, wreath or garland. There are many models now available with remote control and timer options, so each candle wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to be turned off and on manually. These candles offer a soft, warm light that harkens back to the Victorian era, when actual candles were used in trees. With LEDs you get the lovely glow, but without the fire hazard. Bonus tip: Be sure to get the plastic version of these candles, since the wax versions are much heavier and wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be supported as easily by the branches.

D ec e m b e r 2 0 1 3

Wrap it all together.

Create beautiful, inexpensive holiday vignettes throughout your home by making faux gift boxes. Choose three different patterns of wrapping paper to use in your color scheme, as well as varying sizes of empty boxes. Arrange one to three of these faux gifts in groupings of different heights and patterns on a shelf, tabletop or niche. Adorn them with ribbons, bows, glittering poinsettias or flocked twigs. You can embellish the gifts further with a light source set nearby, such as an LED votive in a mercury glass holder or string lights snaked around the display. These gifts can be stored until next year like any other decoration, and are a great way to fill up a lot of space without breaking the budget. You can also wrap up objects around the house such as picture frames, empty cereal boxes or books.

Decem b er 2013

Branch out with mobile pieces.

Decorate an oversized serving tray and display it on an ottoman, dining or coffee table â&#x20AC;&#x201C; anywhere that provides the ability to relocate the tray if needed. Make sure you include a battery-operated light source to create interest and to illuminate the display, since it will be moving around and not tied down to an electrical outlet. These mobile displays are great for adding a decorative touch to a high traffic area such as a dining room or kitchen, where itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easy to move the tray, when needed, rather than having to dismantle and rebuild it.

D ec e m b e r 2 0 1 3

Go (beyond red and) green.

Reuse and recycle: shabby chic and industrial are big trends in home decor that translate easily into the holidays. Create your own ornaments using the found object philosophy. For example: An old piece of architectural salvage can become an unusual and unique ornament just by whitewashing and adding a ribbon with a drop crystal.

Deck out your everyday adornments.

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t put away decorations because they arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t holidaythemed. Embellish existing accessories with glittered ribbon, artfully nestled ornaments, sprigs of evergreen or iced berry sprays to create a holiday atmosphere with items you already have in your home. These small touches can instantly transform a shelf, mantle, console or coffee table.

Decem b er 2013

D ec e m b e r 2 0 1 3

Preserving History at

McDowell Sonoran Preserve Writer Amanda Christmann Larson

Photographer Bryan Black

Winding through the desert on dusty paths embellished with stones worn smooth by time and seasons, it is easy to feel the sacred connection innate to man and the natural world. Light breezes dance over skin, gently playing with strands of hair and grass, bringing scents of raw earth across ridges and expanses and into nostrils, where they fill the lungs with their ageless essence. Indeed, passing through the vastness of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve land, it is easy to get lost in nature. But human history, too, has something to offer – something equally worth preserving. In late October, the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy and the City of Scottsdale dedicated the Brown’s Ranch trailhead, which connects 60 official miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails in the northernmost corridor of one of the largest urban preserves in the country. Brown’s Ranch trailhead, named for the Brown family who lived and worked on much of the land, is one of the most interesting trailheads for not only it’s phenomenal physical beauty, but because of its human history. Native people, including the Hohokam and Yavapai tribes, left behind hints of rich cultural heritage, as evidenced by petroglyphs and pottery found in the area. Miners and ranchers lived hardscrabble lives in the dry, desert heat, working and living in the most difficult of conditions. Among the early Scottsdale residents was E.O. Brown. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the sound of railroad nails being pounded into desert loam brought promise of opportunity. Lured by potential and carried by an adventuresome entrepreneurial spirit, E.O. left his home in Wisconsin in 1901 to claim a plot of land for little more than a song. A businessman by trade and temperament, he earned every bit of his luck. He built his fortune on one pursuit after another, including a general merchandise store he ran with his sister Sarah, an ice house and a water company. He was president of Scottsdale Cotton Gin Company, and controlling stockholder of the local bank. He also served as postmaster and school trustee in those early days of Scottsdale. Decem b er 2013

D ec e m b e r 2 0 1 3

When miners and homesteaders ran into hard times, E.O. provided credit lines of sorts to them. When prosperity frowned on those unfortunate souls, one by one they forfeited their land to E.O. He purchased a plot of land with the only spring that fed the area, which ran at three gallons of water per minute. This was especially important for raising cattle in the desert environment. From local cattleman W.B. Crosby, whom everyone called “Doc Crosby,” he purchased the rights to the “DC” cattle brand. He let those range cattle graze on his vast property, which would eventually become the 43,000-acre DC Ranch. In those early days, times were hard. Roads were nothing more than trails forged by wagon wheels and horses in the cactus-studded dirt. Much of the grazing land for the growing DC herd was leased from the government. E.O. continued to work the land, and by the time his son E.E. “Brownie” Brown acquired it from his aging father, the main ranch house, just north of modern-day Alma School Parkway and Dynamite Road, was accessible by car. “Big Brownie,” as he became known, had no problem filling E.O.’s shoes. By all accounts, he was tougher and taller than his father, with a reputation of being honest, but also of never running from a fight. He took over business affairs while his cousin, George Thomas, managed operations. Thomas kept busy with the animals, butchering cows, shoeing horses and mending fences.

Photos on opposite page by photographer Doug Williams. Scottsdale Mayor Jim Lane releasing a juvenile red-tailed hawk. Jane Rau, co-founder of the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy and a long-time (and current) volunteer.

Decem b er 2013

D ec e m b e r 2 0 1 3

The ranch itself was little more than a bunkhouse for years. Brownie brought in bricks and windows and turned it into a two-room abode with a fireplace and wood stove. It was hardly glamorous, but when Brownie brought his second wife, Goldie, to live at the ranch (a story that brought much scuttlebutt to fill the days of easily entertained housewives and bargoers), she made it a home. Some people loved her, and some people didn’t, but in spite of what people thought, she would live out her days there. By the post-war 1940s, cattle ranching had changed. Beefier, more resilient types of cattle were brought in, and corporations began taking over the herds. Agribusiness was becoming big business, and even Arizona’s creosote and cacti couldn’t stop it from coming to Arizona. Together with childhood friend Kemper Marley, whose business ingenuity and finesse were nearly legendary, Brownie devised a plan to buy land in California and trade it for the leased public land their cattle were occupying. With the cunning deal done, the two owned much of what is now north Scottsdale. They piped water down from the mountains so that their cattle operation could grow. Wells were dug, and windmills were set up. The water they cultivated became part of what drew more people to the area in the mid-20th century. And so time passed. Brownie died in 1966, and Goldie died five years later. In 1991, with houses springing up across the Valley, a small group of area neighbors met over coffee to talk about preserving the land. They worked tirelessly, and their grassroots effort paid off. Eventually, they would become the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy.

Decem b er 2013

D ec e m b e r 2 0 1 3

In 1998, over 4,000 acres was sold to the City of Scottsdale by area landowners. It was the beginning of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. It is with great pride that the City of Scottsdale can now claim that nearly one-third of its area is preserve land that cannot be touched by development. The preserve is larger than the entire city of San Francisco, and twice the size of Manhattan. The McDowell Sonoran Conservancy, under the watchful eye of executive director Mike Nolan, is now charged with stewardship of the land. Its hundreds of volunteers put in thousands of hours each year to maintain trails, research the history, provide tours, and perform all of many jobs associated with managing such a large section of pristine land. The Brown’s Ranch Trailhead, 1.25 miles north of Dynamite Boulevard and Alma School Parkway, serves as a monument to this founding family. Its sustainably built interpretive center features exhibits of the human history of the McDowell Mountains, and also that of the early beginnings of the State of Arizona. As the setting sun casts shadows on the Brown’s Ranch trailhead visitor’s center, another day is ending in the desert. It is one of a continuum of days, where time means little and every footstep is a speck in millions of years of history. Preserving the heritage is now left in our care, and stewardship is becoming more difficult as the human habitat continues to encroach on open space. But this one corner of the foothills will forever be preserved, as long as a city and its people stand behind it and hold it dear. Saguaros and cholla will continue to stand tall, holding guard over creatures large and small in this beautiful place we all call home. www.mcdowellsonoran.org

Bottom photo on opposite page by photographer Doug Williams. Decem b er 2013

Grateful for the Gifts Writer Amanda Christmann Larson

D ec e m b e r 2 0 1 3

Gratitude is one of the most difficult but most rewarding habits we can cultivate. Recognizing the gift in each struggle turns the most troubling of situations into opportunities and reminds us what is truly important. It isn’t always easy though, especially when those struggles threaten the lives of those we love. The Elliot family knows they have much to be grateful for. They have gone through unimaginably difficult times, only to come out stronger and more united in the end, and they are ready to pay it forward to other families whose pain they understand.

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rushed to the hospital for more testing. Decem b er 2013

“I just kept thinking, ‘What happened to the vitamin supplement?!’” Ewan says. “We were stunned.” A battery of additional tests revealed Hayley had a rare disease called Diamond-Blackfan anemia. Her bone marrow did not produce enough red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body. Only five to seven out of every one million children is born with this particular type of anemia. Of them, 70 percent respond well to low-dose steroids; through trial and error, the Elliots discovered Hayley was one of the 30 percent of children with the disease who did not. The Elliots were determined to do anything needed to help Hayley. When high-dose steroids didn’t work, they took her to Phoenix Children’s Hospital once a month for transfusions. They administered nightly chelation therapy, which required them to stick the wriggly toddler with needles and connect a special pump to rid her body of excess iron it could not utilize. They knew there was a strong possibility that one day she would need a bone marrow transplant to save her life. The couple also knew they wanted more children. Because genetic abnormalities like Hayley’s could be pre-determined through technology, the couple decided to try in vitro fertilization. Four different times, they underwent the physically and emotionally grueling process of hormone therapy and implantation; each time it failed.

D ec e m b e r 2 0 1 3

They gave up on the in vitro process, knowing they had made their best effort. Feeling defeated and low, the couple decided their plans were not their own to decide. Three months later, they learned how right they were – in the most unexpected of ways: they were pregnant again, with no outside help. Ian entered the world five years after his sister, happy and healthy, and with the same precocious smile. He rolled with the routine at home, going along to PCH each month for Hayley’s transfusions and spending plenty of time together with his sister and adoring parents. Two years later, in October 2007, another doctor’s appointment

revealed

the

biggest

hurdle

yet.

Hayley’s body had quit producing white blood cells and she needed a bone marrow transplant. By fate and not by design, Ian was a perfect match. Melana still tears up when she recalls Hayley’s last evening at home before the transplant. “It really hit me the night before. If you can imagine, as a parent, you’re thinking, ‘This may be the last time I give my child a meal, and the last time I tuck her into bed.’” She pauses, overcome with emotion. “With a bone marrow transplant, if it doesn’t work, it doesn’t work. It could have been the last time we were a family of four. That is unimaginable.” The process began with high-dose chemotherapy. Hayley lost her hair and suffered severe nausea. Over a week later, when her own marrow was gone, Hayley was ready for the transplant. Ian, just a toddler at the time, remained blissfully unaware. “I didn’t really know then because I was only two,” the second grader now says. He saved

Decem b er 2013

his sister’s life in a process that took a single day for him, but months of recovery for Hayley. Coming home was much-anticipated, but it had its own challenges. The house had to be kept immaculate for Hayley’s compromised immune system, and she had to remain isolated from other people. Bedding had to be changed daily. Special foods had to be prepared, and 12 different medications managed. “On the first day, I was really excited to be home,” Melana says. “On the second day, I found myself thinking, ‘Who’s going to do all of this?!’ “Maintaining a balanced family life when you have a seriously ill child is daunting enough,” Melana adds. “But the transition home following the procedure is the most difficult part.” Still, they managed, and once-weekly check-ups turned into every-other-week visits. Then they became monthly, then once every three months. Today, Hayley visits her doctor for check-ups once a year, and goes to Phoenix Children’s Hospital’s Late-Effects Clinic annually. There, physicians hope to identify issues to monitor for children receiving transplants in the future. Now a healthy teenager, Hayley loves math, science, music, and performing in community theater productions. She wants to study engineering in college, and she has the intelligence and maturity to succeed. She will always be at-risk for secondary cancers, but she knows what to watch for, and at 13, she has taken some control over her own health. Ian is also well-adjusted. A talkative and polite 7-year-old, he loves playing with Legos, drawing, playing sports and watching Garfield cartoons. All seems well in the Elliot household, and by all accounts, it is.

D ec e m b e r 2 0 1 3

But the family has not stopped living in gratitude. “We know, no matter what we face, we have made it this far thanks to the help we received from others,” Melana says. “Because of this, we have dedicated our time, finances and hearts to helping other families who are right now enduring a part of their journey that nobody should ever have to go through alone.” To reach out to others going through bone marrow transplants, the Elliot family created the Carols & Candlelight dinner, a holiday evening benefitting the Ottossen Family Blood and Marrow Transplant Program. The dinner will take place at the Terravita Country Club December 7 at 6 p.m. Tickets are $85 per person, with raffle tickets available. Over $7,000-worth

in-kind

donations

has

been

received. Carolers will greet attendees in song, and the dining room will be aglow with candles. The evening will begin with cocktails and light hors d’ouevres, continue with an elegant dinner, and end with assorted desserts and a champagne toast. “It will be a celebration of life,” Melana explains. And an evening of gratitude. Because every trial in life is ripe with opportunity to learn to live life to its fullest, appreciate the small joys, and celebrate the love that surrounds us all. www.carolsandcandlelight.com

Decem b er 2013

marketplace

Cave Creek Candles & Gifts Cave Creek Candles & Gifts is more than just handmade artisan candles and candle-related accessories. Our working shop has unique gifts for all occasions. Founded in 1997, Cave Creek Candles & Gifts changed hands earlier this year and is owned and operated by a family with deep roots in Arizona. New owners Steve and

Priceless Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical

Roxanne Vise bring their family heritage to the business, dating back four generations in Arizona, along with creative passion and a love for artisan handmade items produced

Priceless Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical is the leading

locally. Roxanne is also a local, award-winning artist who

full-service solution for residential and commercial clients

paints with beeswax.

across the metro Phoenix area. Licensed, bonded and insured for your protection, with locations in Carefree and

It is important to the Vises that the majority of what is

Anthem, we now offer complete electrical services along

offered is made locally in Arizona, or made in the United

with our full range of expert 24/7 plumbing, heating and

States.

air conditioning solutions. Our background-checked, certified technicians are clean, courteous and skilled at servicing

The handmade candles are a true work of art and reflect

all brands – and they’re guaranteed to deliver 100 percent

the colors and scents of the Sonoran Desert we all love.

customer satisfaction.

Cave Creek Candles & Gifts stocks 100 percent beeswax pillars and tapers, cathedral candles, dripless tapers in all

Maybe you need a furnace tune-up or an HVAC inspection,

colors, ball and square candles, and pillars in all sizes, along

or you’re facing a major remodeling plumbing project.

with specialty candles. Customers and friends delight in

Maybe your circuit breaker panel is malfunctioning or triple-

hand-painted finishes and high-quality scents, and seek out

digit temps have knocked out your air conditioner. With

specialty candles like chili pepper, coffee bean and holiday

convenient service calls that fit your schedule, no job is too

luminaries.

big or too small for us – and we’re here around the clock for all your emergency needs.

Among the treasures you’ll find are fine art paintings, American-made wind chimes, colored glass, pottery,

Because we’re stocked with the best equipment, diagnostic

metalwork, Himalayan salt lamps, a bath and body line of

tools and replacement parts, we fix it right the first time.

lotions, bath salts, essential oils, shea butter and olive oil

Best of all, there are no surprises with Priceless Plumbing.

soaps, along with Christmas and Nordic holiday decor year-

We offer exact pricing with on-site inspections, while giving

round.

you options to fit your budget. It’s just part of our dedication to providing you with the best service possible.

480-488-7799 6245 E. Cave Creek Rd., Cave Creek

480-595-5330 37636 N. Tom Darlington Dr. Suite 4 Carefree www.pricelessplumbing.com

D ec e m b e r 2 0 1 3

www.cavecreekcandles.com

Let There Be Light Let There Be Light is a local company that specializes in low-voltage outdoor lighting.

Let There Be Light was

established in March 2007 and quickly became known as the go-to guys for outdoor lighting due to their expertise and vast knowledge of the industry. “Lighting is all we do,” says Bryan Gold, owner of the company. “We don’t get into hardscape, landscaping or irrigation, which allows us to be experts at what we do best.” Bryan believes that finding your niche in an industry and sticking with it is what makes the difference. “We sit down with our clients on a personal basis to discuss their needs and design a lighting system based around each customer’s requirements.” From lighting tune-ups and LED retro-fits on existing jobs, to complete lighting design and installation from the ground up, Let There Be Light can provide you with an unmatched lighting system for years to come.

Let There Be Light is

known for “Properly Lighting Landscapes One Property at a Time.” 480-575-3204 www.lettherebelightllc.com

Decem b er 2013

marketplace

Tech 4 Life Computers In the old days, country doctors believed in having love for and nurturing relationships with neighbors, and at Tech 4 Life, that philosophy is our first priority. In fact, we’ve made it our mantra: “Country Doctor Service for

Big Bronco The word “bronco” elicits daydreams of wild horses galloping across the Western deserts, beautifully graceful creatures in their untamed freedom. It is that sense of untamed beauty and freedom that owner Faith Weinberg brings to her eclectic gallery of Western, hand-hewn furniture and contemporary items. “My family and I moved to Arizona in 2000 from the Northwest,” Faith explains. “My passion for horses, antiques and all things Western, combined with an extensive background in retail, led to the opening of Big Bronco.” Faith prides herself in hand-picking the antiques and rustic home furnishings that fill her Big Bronco store. Furniture items may feature old reclaimed lumber, wagon wheels, copper and turquoise inlay, old horse tack and cowhide. “Our customers are very earth-conscious and are looking for products made from reclaimed materials. A new look in the Western home incorporates rustic and contemporary elements,” Faith adds. In addition to helping their customers live their Western dream, Big Bronco is also proud to support non-profit agencies such as Triple R Horse Rescue and Arizona Equine Rescue. 6602 Cave Creek Rd., Cave Creek 480-575-1357 www.bigbroncocavecreek.com

D ec e m b e r 2 0 1 3

your Technology.” While technology problems aren’t typically life-or-death situations, they are uniquely personal and emotionally stressful. Our first and foremost desire is to be of service to you in the four main technical areas of life – business, home, personal and community. We repair, train, consult and assist with every type of computing device: Apple or PC, telephone, television or tablet, wireless or wired. We are also experts in web design, web hosting and search engine optimization. Whether launching your business or starting a new club, we will take the frustration out of it all! We are local and committed to our community. We provide free training at the Desert Foothills Library almost every week, and our community partners program provides free consulting and 20 percent discounts to nonprofit organizations. Some of our more familiar partners include Foothills Food Bank, Sonoran Arts League, Carefree/Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce, Cave Creek Merchants’ Association, Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center, Desert Foothills Library and the Desert Foothills Land Trust. We also support more local businesses than can be listed. Our office is at 748 Easy St. in Carefree. We can come to you, you can come to us or we do remote support over your Internet connection. Schedule a time to start a new relationship with us, and with your technology, 4 Life! 480-553-9171 www.techfourlife.com helpme@techfourlife.com

480.596.9222

www.summit-arizona.com 7202 E. Carefree Dr. • Bldg 3, Suite 1 • Carefree, AZ 85377

Heating & Air Plumbing Water Treatment Air Filtration Come Visit us at 37636 N. Scottsdale Road

Imagine... LOCAL, PROFESSIONAL AND RELIABLE!

480.595.5330

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Coupon must be presented at time of service. IMAZ ROC#233224-245228

Decem b er 2013

local index

ImagesAZ Magazine 623-341-8221 www.imagesaz.com For Advertising Information Shelly Spence :: 623-341-8221 shelly@imagesaz.com

AIR CONDITIONING/HEATING Priceless Plumbing Heating & Air 480-595-5330 www.pricelessplumbing.com

Foothills Animal Rescue 480-488-9890

Rotary Club 480-585-9157

Foothills Caring Corps 480-488-1105

Sonoran Arts League 480-575-6624

Foothills Food Bank 480-488-1145

Soroptimist International 480-522-6692

Antiques Arizona Territorial Antiques 480-595-9110

Mobile Meals Foothills Caring Corps 480-488-1105

YMCA 480-596-9622

Automotive Sales AZ Used Care Factory 602-359-2539 www.azusedcarfactory.com

Salvation Army 480-488-3590

Proskill Services 623-551-7473 www.proskillservices.com

Sanderson Lincoln 602-375-7500 www.sandersonlincoln.com Beauty Salon Studio C 480-664-0602 www.studiocsalonsaz.com Bike SHop Bicycle Vibe 623-582-3111 www.bicyclevibe.com Flat Tire Bike Shop 6149 E. Cave Creek Road 480-488-5261 www.flattirebikes.com Buy and Sell Gold American Federal 480-553-5282 www.americanfederal.com College Paradise Valley Community College 602-493-2600 my.maricopa.edu COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE Alcoholics Anonymous 602-264-1341 Animal Control 602-506-7387 Community Loan Closet 480-488-8400

D ec e m b e r 2 0 1 3

St. Vincent de Paul Society 602-254-3338 COMMUNITY organizations American Legion Post No. 34 & Auxiliary 480-488-2669 Arizona Archaeological Society 480-595-9255 Arizona Musicfest 480-488-0806 Cave Creek Museum 480-488-2764 Desert Awareness Committee 480-488-1090 Desert Foothills Community Association 480-488-4043 Desert Foothills Community Education 480-575-2440 Desert Foothills Land Trust 480-488-6131 Desert Foothills Theater 480-488-1981 Foothills Community Foundation 480-488-1090 Newcomers Club of Scottsdale 480-990-1976 www.newcomersclubofscottsdale.com

Financial Planning Investments Morgan Stanley Smith Barney Pope Scanlon Team Glee Pope - 480-502-6072 Owen Scanlon - 480-922-7909 Summit Wealth Management 7202 E. Carefree Drive, Building 3, Suite 1 480-596-9222 www.summit-arizona.com FIRE Fire Service 480-627-6900 Flooring Carefree Floors 480-515-9999 www.carefreefloors.com Garage Door Dynamic Door Service 602-335-1077 www.wefixuglydoors.com Government/business Motor Vehicle Department 602-255-0072 Social Security 800-772-1213 Voter Registration 602-506-1511 Hair Restoration Dontes of New York 480-483-8800 www.dontes.com

For Advertising Information Shelly Spence :: 623-341-8221 shelly@imagesaz.com

Handyman Desert Foothills Handyman Service 602-540-9794 www.1handyman4you.com Hardware Ace Hardware Carefree 480-513-7020 www.karstensace.com Ace Hardware Cave Creek 480-518-7020 www.karstensace.com Hauling/Rubbish Removal Rubbish Works Local Junk Removal & Recycling 480-545-1220 Ext. 711 800-501-9324 www.rubbishworks.com/phoenix Health care Cierra Medical Walk-In Care 480-575-0131 Desert Foothills Medical Center 480-488-9220 John C. Lincoln Deer Valley 623-879-6100 Mayo Clinic 480-515-6296 Mayo Hospital 480-585-6296 Paradise Valley Hospital 602-923-5000 Scottsdale Healthcare 480-324-7000 7400 E. Thompson Peak Pkwy. 480-323-3000 90th St. & Shea Blvd. Holiday Lighting AZ Holiday Lighting 623-780-5402 www.azholidaylighting.com Home COntractor & Design New Legacy Building & Design 480-363-6713 www.newlagacybuilding.com

Home Decor Big Bronco Furniture Barn 480-575-1357 General Store 480-575-7025 www.bigbroncocavecreek.com Home Entertainment Systems Sundog Home Systems 602-616-3825 www.sundoghomesystems.com House Cleaning The Maids Scottsdale 602-923-4000 www.themaidsscottsdale.com Insurance Allstate Insurance Frank M. Schubert 480-515-6259 Interior Design Mongrel Design 480-488-9375 www.mongreldesign.net Landscape Design and Maintenance A Couple of Green Thumbs 6061 E. Cave Creek Road 480-488-2155 www.acoupleofgreenthumbs.com Azul-Verde Design Group, Inc. 480-595-0611 www.azulverde.com Library Appaloosa Library 480-312-7323 Desert Broom Library 602-262-4636 Desert Foothills Library 480-488-2286

local index

ImagesAZ Magazine 623-341-8221 www.imagesaz.com

Parks Cave Creek Regional Park 623-465-0431 Gateway Desert Awareness 480-488-1400 Spur Cross Ranch 480-488-6601 Cave Creek Ranger 480-595-3300 PEst control Paradise Pest Control 602-677-9780 www.paradisepest.com PET Supplies Pinnacle Horse & Pet 480-575-1242 6015 E. Cave Creek Road www.pinnaclehorseandpet.com Photography Karen Sophia Photography 480-543-7526 www.karensophiaphotography.com Loralei Photography 602-795-0555 www.loraleiphotography.com Plumbing Priceless Plumbing Heating & Air 480-595-5330 www.pricelessplumbing.com Proskill Services 623-551-7473 www.proskillservices.com Podiatry Westland Family Foot and Ankle Specialist 480-361-2500 www.westlandffas.com

Outdoor Furniture Carefree Outdoor Living 480-575-3091 www.carefreeoutdoor.com

Pool Design/construction Azul-Verde Design Group, Inc. 480-595-0611 www.azulverde.com

Outdoor Lighting Let There be Light, LLC 480-575-3204 www.lettherebelightllc.com

Post office Scottsdale Post Office 7339 E. Williams Dr. 480-513-2935 Decem b er 2013

local index

ImagesAZ Magazine 623-341-8221 www.imagesaz.com For Advertising Information Shelly Spence :: 623-341-8221 shelly@imagesaz.com

Retirement Community The Heritage at Carefree 480-488-1622 www.heritagecarefree.com

Little Sunshine’s Playhouse and Preschool 480-585-7000 www.littlesunshine.com

SCHOOL Annunciation Catholic School 480-361-8234

Lone Mountain Elementary School 480-437-3000

Bella Vista Private School 480-575-6001

McDowell Mtn Ranch KinderCare 480-538-0411 www.kindercare.com

Black Mountain Elementary School 480-575-2100

Our Lady of Joy Preschool 480-595-6409

Career Success School 480-575-0075

Paradise Valley Community College at Black Mountain 602-493-2600

Copper Ridge School 480-484-1400 Community Education Preschool 480-575-2072 Desert Foothills Lutheran Preschool 480-585-8007 Desert Canyon Middle School 480-484-4600 Desert Sun Academy 480-575-2900 Desert Willow Elementary School 480-575-2800 DO Re Mi School of the Arts 480-451-8233 El Dorado Private School 480-502-6878 www.eldoradops.com Foothills Academy 480-488-5583 Goddard School 480-437-1000 Grayhawk Elementary School 602-449-6600 www.pvschools.net Horseshoe Trails Elementary School 480-272-8500

D ec e m b e r 2 0 1 3

Pinnacle High School 602-449-4000 Pinnacle Peak Elementary School 480-538-7120 www.pvschools.net Pope John XXIII Catholic School Community 480-905-0939 www.popejohnxxiii.org Quality Interactive Montessori School 480-575-5269 www.qimontessori.com Scottsdale Christian Academy 602-992-5100 www.scottsdalechristian.org Scottsdale Preparatory Academy 480-776-1970 www.scottsdaleprep.org Sonoran Trails Middle School Main Line 480-272-8600 Attendance: 480-272-8604 The Scottsdale School 480-451-9442 www.thescottsdaleschool.com Ventana Academic School 480-488-9362 Sheriff Sheriff’s Posse 602-256-1895

Shopping Cave Creek Candle & Gifts 6245 E. Cave Creek Road 480-488-7799 www.cavecreekcandles.com Finders Creekers 602-739-3494 6554 E. Cave Creek Road Las Tiendas 6140 E. Cave Creek Rd. www.lastiendascavecreek.com Stefan Mann 3455 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite G10 480-488-3371 www.stefanmann.com Technology Support Tech 4 Life 748 Easy Street #5 480-553-9171 www.techfourlife.com Transportation/Sedan Service Kierland Transportation 602-999-5447 www.kierlandtransportation.com Vacation Rental Homes Kobey’s Cozy Desert Oasis 602-359-2539 www.kobeyscozydesertoasis.com Water Softener & Filtration Priceless Plumbing Heating & Air 480-595-5330 www.pricelessplumbing.com Proskill Services 623-551-7473 www.proskillservices.com window treatments Carefree Coverings 602-617-2920 7275 E. Easy Street Worship Black Mountain Baptist Church 480-488-1975 www.bmbcaz.com

For Advertising Information Shelly Spence :: 623-341-8221 shelly@imagesaz.com

North Valley Church of Christ 480-473-7611 www.nvcoc.net

Black Mountain United Church of Christ 480-575-1801 www.bmucc.com

Desert Mission United Methodist Church 480-595-1814 www.desertmissionumc.org

Canyon Church of Christ 623-889-3388 www.canyonchurch.org

Desert Valley Baptist Church 623-465-9461

Our Lady of Joy Catholic Church 480-488-2229 www.oloj.org

Episcopal Church-The Nativity 480-307-9216 www.nativityscottsdale.org

Pinnacle Presbyterian Church 480-585-9448 www.pinnaclepres.org

First Baptist Church of Cave Creek 480-488-2958

Redeemer Lutheran Church 480-585-7002 redeemer.vze.com

First Church of Christ Scientist 480-488-2665 www.csarizona.com

Sanctuary Church 480-656-0081 www.sanctuaryforscottsdale.com

Good Shepherd of the Hills Episcopal Church 480-488-3283 www.goodshepherdaz.org

Son Rise Community Church 480-502-2834 www.sonrisescottsdale.org

Carefree Highway Community Church 480-488-5565 www.carefreechurch.us Cave Creek Adventist Fellowship 602-663-1268 www.cavecreekchurch.com Christ Anglican Episcopal Church 480-488-0525 www.christchurchaz.org Christ the Lord Lutheran 480-488-2081 www.ctlcarefree.org Church of Jesus Christ of LDS 480-488-3035 www.lds.org

Highlands Church 480-348-9191 www.highlandschurch.org

Congregation Or Chadash 480-342-8858 www.congregationorchadash.org

Light of the Desert Lutheran Church 480-563-5500 www.lightofthedesert.org

Coolwater Christian Church 480-585-5554 www.coolwaterchurch.org

Living Water Lutheran Church 480-473-8400 www.lwlcaz.org

Covenant Community Church 480-419-0844 www.covcom.us

Lone Mountain Fellowship Church 480-818-5653 www.lonemountainfellowship.org

Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church 623-465-9461

Mountain Valley Church 602-531-5432 www.mountainvalleychurch.com

Desert Foothills Lutheran Church 480-585-8007 www.dflc.org

New Covenant Lutheran Church 480-860-0169 www.newcovenantaz.org

Desert Hills Presbyterian Church 480-488-3384 www.deserthills.org

North Scottsdale Christian 480-367-8182 www.northscottsdalechristian.com

local index

ImagesAZ Magazine 623-341-8221 www.imagesaz.com

Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center 480-488-5218 www.spiritinthedesert.org St. Bernard of Clairvaux Catholic Church 480-661-9843 www.stbernardscottsdale.org St. Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Church 480-595-0883 www.stgacc.org St. Patrickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Catholic Community Church 480-998-3843 www.stpatrickscottsdale.org Via de Cristo United Methodist Fellowship 480-515-4490 www.viadecristo.com

North Ridge Community Church 480-515-4673 www.northridge.org Decem b er 2013

recipe

Linzer Sandwich Cookies Writer Stephanie Maher Palenque

These decadent, delicious sandwich cookies are as appealing to the eye as they are to the palate. They practically bellow “Christmastime,” featuring cutouts filled with bright red raspberry or cherry jam and a dusting of “snow” on the top. They are almost too good to eat. The cookie recipe is based on the old, traditional Linzertorte that originated in the City of Linz, Austria in the early 1700s. The Linzertorte featured a crust made with flour, ground nuts (traditionally almonds), sugar, egg yolks, spices, and lemon zest that was filled with black currant preserves, then topped with a lattice crust. Linzer cookies use the same ingredients as a Linzertorte, only presented in a different way. Enjoy these at your Christmas party or make them as a hostess gift – either way, they will be a hit! Ingredients:

5 ounces unblanched hazelnuts (1 cup) 1/2 pound (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1 large egg 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 2 cups plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, plus more for work surface 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon table salt Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting 2/3 cup raspberry or cherry jam

D ec e m b e r 2 0 1 3

Directions: • Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place hazelnuts on a baking sheet, and toast for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and immediately transfer nuts to a clean towel. Vigorously rub the nuts in a towel to remove as much of the skins as possible. Set aside nuts until completely cool. Place nuts in a food processor, and process until finely ground. Set aside. • In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add egg, and beat until smooth, about 3 minutes. Beat in vanilla. • Whisk together reserved hazelnuts, flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Add to butter mixture; beat on low until combined, about 2 minutes. Form dough into two flattened discs, wrap each with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until firm, at least 1 hour or overnight. • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Have ready two baking sheets lined with Silpats (French baking mats) or parchment paper. Also have ready one 3-inch round fluted cookie cutter and one 3/4-inch cookie cutter. On a lightly floured work surface, roll out half the dough to a scant 1/4-inch thickness. Using the 3-inch fluted cutter, cut out cookies. With a wide spatula, transfer cookies to the prepared baking sheets. Using the smaller cutter, cut the centers out of half the cookies. Repeat rolling and cutting with the other half of the dough. Combine scraps from both batches; reroll and cut. • Bake until the edges are golden, 12 to 16 minutes, rotating halfway through. Remove from oven; place on wire racks until completely cool. • Lightly sift confectioners’ sugar over decorative tops; set aside. Spread a scant tablespoon of jam on the bottoms of each cookie, and sandwich with the sugar-dusted tops.

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Decem b er 2013

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