Images Arizona April 2020 by Images Arizona Magazine

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TIMELESS TEXTILES Writer Taylor Transtrum Photography Courtesy of Phoenix Art Museum

and designer Anamika Khanna

COMMUNITY EVENTS Writer Joseph J. Airdo

25 YEARS OF HAPPY TAILS Writer Joseph J. Airdo Photography Courtesy of Foothills Animal Rescue and Maren Sater Photography

BUTTERFLIES IN BLOOM Writer Joseph J. Airdo Photography by Saija Lehtonen

OF GOOD CHEER Writer Joseph J. Airdo Photography Courtesy of Gina Brown Capturing the Moments LLC

CHERRY DANISH Writer and Photographer Kyndra Kelly

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S SA AN ND DE ER RS SO ON N L L II N NC CO OL LN N

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PUBLISHER Shelly Spence

MANAGING EDITOR Joseph J. Airdo

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Meaghan Hanie

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Joseph J. Airdo Sue Kern-Fleischer Kyndra Kelly Shoshana Leon Shannon Severson Taylor Transtrum

PHOTOGRAPHERS Bryan Black Kyndra Kelly Loralei Lazurek Carl Schultz

ADVERTISING SALES Cooper Langston 480-544-8721 cooper@imagesaz.com

Images Arizona P.O. Box 1416 Carefree, AZ. 85377 623-341-8221 imagesarizona.com Submission of news for community section should be in to shelly@imagesaz.com by the 5th of the month prior to publication. Images Arizona is published by ImagesAZ Inc. Copyright © 2020 by ImagesAZ, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction, in whole or part, without permission is prohibited. The publisher is not responsible for the return of unsolicited material.

Local First A R I Z O NA

The month of April is usually one of the most exciting times for our community. The winter storms have finally subsided and all of that preceding rainfall has resulted in fields of wildflowers that make for a uniquely colorful landscape. That natural beauty combined with warm — but not too warm — temperatures make spring the absolutely perfect season for all of the best that Arizona’s arts and recreational organizations have to offer. Unfortunately, this year is different than all others. For the past month, our community — like all communities around the world — has been struggling to understand a pandemic that is unlike anything any of us have ever experienced before. As a result, many of our community’s concerts, festivals and gatherings have been canceled or indefinitely postponed. At press time, the many events that Images Arizona’s dedicated team of writers have written about in this month’s issue were still scheduled to take place as planned. However, as we have so clearly seen over the last several weeks, things can change in the blink of an eye. It is entirely possible that, by the time you read this, an organization has been forced to make the difficult decision to remove an event from its foreseeable calendar as a safety precaution of social distancing in order to slow the spread of infectious disease. Therefore, I encourage you to call ahead or check an event’s website for the most up-to-date information. Images Arizona remains committed to covering the many amazing people and outstanding organizations that make our part of the world so incredibly special. Please join me in supporting our community’s organizations by attending their rescheduled events as soon as the world around us returns to normal — and believe me, it will. We are in uncharted waters. But our community’s organizations are resilient and I have no doubt that, with our help, they will emerge from this brief standstill stronger than ever. Cheers! Shelly Spence Publisher, Images Arizona magazine shelly@imagesaz.com 623-341-8221

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Grace Renee Gallery | 480-575-8080 | GraceReneeGallery.com

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Grace Renee Gallery | Historic Spanish Village | 7212 E. Ho Hum Rd. # 7 | Carefree, AZ Apri l 2020

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Writer Taylor Transtrum Photography Courtesy of Phoenix Art Museum and designer Anamika Khanna

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India has always held a special place in Helen Jean’s heart. “A love of this region has long been a professional curiosity of mine,” says Jean, Jacquie Dorrance Curator of Fashion Design at Phoenix Art Museum. “When I was approached by the museum to offer a proposal for a new exhibition, this seemed like the perfect opportunity to explore the culture in and around the Sikh community. Broadening that to India just made sense.”

MAKING MEMORIES H WESTERN STYLE

OLD WEST SPIRIT NEW WEST TALENT

From streetwear to couture, Phoenix Art Museum’s latest exhibition — India: Fashion’s Muse — explores a love affair centuries in the making. Featuring garments from the 19th to the 21st centuries, the exhibition takes a deep dive into the ways Indian dress, aesthetic, artwork and tradition have inspired Western fashion designers past and present. One of the iconic images the exhibition looks at is the paisley pattern, which was originally a Persian pattern that traveled along the Silk Road to India and beyond. It has since become one of the most beloved patterns around the world — across cultures and dress traditions — and one that we still find in our homes today. “We also look at animal imagery — the peacock, the tiger, the elephant — and how that has been used in accessories and incredible couture beaded gowns from the 1920s,” Jean says. With ensembles from nine of India’s 28 states, India: Fashion’s Muse also explores some of the most iconic dress traditions of the country. “These different ensembles are valuable because they communicate so much about people from these different regions,” Jean says. “The color of the sari; the type of weave; if it’s an embroidered design or woven design; if it’s dyed; if it’s tie-dyed or ikat — all of those things communicate where [in] India this person is from.” One of the most recognizable of these garments is the sari. Made of 4 to 9 yards of fabric, this versatile

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garment can be draped dozens of ways — each of which tells its own unique story. “The sari is all about balance, poise and grace all day long,” Jean says. “It's just the most incredible thing.” A television in the exhibition’s gallery displays “The Sari Series,” a digital anthology documenting India's regional sari drapes. Award-winning artist Sarah Singh’s short film “I Thought I Was Dreaming” is also on-screen in the gallery. It features India’s first supermodel Kirat Young and is based on the 1982 India-inspired collection by Yves Saint Laurent. In order to accurately represent each sari, Jean enlisted the help of the local Indian community. “We wanted [the exhibition] to be as authentic, clear and correct as it could possibly be,” she says. “This was not a story we could tell by ourselves. I was in an incredibly fortunate position to be able to find people to help tell this story, to help collect the objects and to help give them the platform to put the pieces together.”

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In addition to looking at traditional Indian saris, India: Fashion’s Muse explores Western interpretations of the dynamic garment. Among these pieces are examples from the Chanel Pre-Fall 2012 collection. There is also a robin’s egg blue and silver lame sari from the 1960s by Givenchy, which is similar to another ensemble that was featured in the film “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” In the film, Audrey Hepburn’s character Holly Golightly enters a party with what is essentially a sari draped over her shoulder. “Even though she’s just draped it comically in this moment of the film, that’s one of the first times that we see the sari in Hollywood and it just explodes,” Jean says. “It’s such an incredible silhouette.” The curator adds that the sari is “a lifetime garment.”

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EXPERIENCE

Irene, Gold brocade evening dress with beige silk chiffon scarf, 1958. Lurex and silk brocade and silk chiffon. Gift of Mrs. B. J. Leonard.

Mary McFadden, Embroidered jacket, early 1980s. Silk velvet with metal and bead embroidery. Gift of Mrs. Jacquie Dorrance.

“It becomes a part of your identity and the Western versions are celebrations of that.” Jean’s favorite Western interpretation of the sari in the exhibition is a fuschia gown by French couture designer Pierre Balmain. “The theme of the exhibition is represented by this dress,” Jean says. “It’s an incredible silk sari that has been repurposed in the hands of this incredible French designer into a 1970s-style cocktail gown. This is the dress that I chose for the title wall, for the invitation [and] for all of the accents. It's all inspired by this dress.”

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The curator adds that Alexander McQueen’s 2008 peacock dress — located at the top of the museum’s stairs — is another key piece of the exhibition. “It was commissioned by the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising and it’s something to be celebrated,” she says. “The amount of work that went into making the dress, preserving the dress and showing the dress is really a testament to the value we hold to fashion as art and the very important story that clothing tells about us and our experiences.” Closing out the exhibition are eight couture ensembles by Indian fashion designer Anamika Khanna. “Each of these pieces is hand-embroidered and handbeaded,” Jean says. “They are exquisite, multilayered and they are each a celebration of the many different rich textile and embroidery traditions around India.” Khanna will be celebrating the U.S. premiere of her newest collection with a May 3 fashion show at Phoenix Art Museum — just one of several events that are being held in conjunction with the exhibition. “[India: Fashion’s Muse] presents a lot of incredible opportunities to see what’s happening in fashion in a part of the world that has and will continue to guide fashion,” Jean says. “I urge visitors to open their hearts when they come to the exhibition. I want them to come and learn to be better borrowers and celebrators of culture.” phxart.org

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COMMUNITY

2020 APRIL

Writer Joseph J. Airdo

April 1–30

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES Help reduce the impact of social distancing as a result of the coronavirus crisis on our community's businesses. Small measures can help your family remain healthy, safe and comfortable while also helping businesses to remain afloat during this difficult time. Take advantage of online shopping options from local supermarkets and retailers, many of which offer both delivery and pickup of goods. Utilize local restaurants' online and mobile ordering options that allow you to pick up a warm, professionally cooked, healthy meal or have it delivered directly to your door. Finally, consider being a little extra generous with tips for wait staff and delivery people. This may not directly contribute to a retailer or restaurant's bottom line, but it will increase the spirit of goodwill and help individual employees who are dealing with a reduced income due to fewer customers.

Feb. 1–May 31

April 7

April 9

The Arizona Center for Nature

The Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits

Join the North Valley Jewish

Conservation and the Phoenix Zoo

and the Arizona Grantmakers Forum

Community Association for a

are collaborating with local artists

will collaborate for an online giving

traditional Passover Seder. A buffet

to display their artwork in the zoo’s

movement to celebrate and increase

dinner will be preceded by cocktails

new Savanna Gallery. The rotating

philanthropy in Arizona. The annual

and service. A cash bar will be

exhibit enhances guests’ experience

24-hour statewide fundraising event

available. Adults $48; children

to not only see live animals but also

will assist nonprofit organizations,

3–10 $24; children under 3 free.

be inspired by beautiful artwork.

including those that had to

5 p.m. RSVP by April 6. Anthem

The exhibit aims to communicate

cancel fundraisers as a result of

Country Club’s Ironwood Dining

the importance of national and

coronavirus precautions. Donors

Room, 41551 N. Anthem Hills

international conservation efforts.

also have the option to increase

Drive, Anthem. 623-322-0957;

Art is available for purchase with a

donations to support an Emergency

fkesselman@cox.net

portion of proceeds benefiting the

Relief Fund to further assist those

zoo’s conservation initiatives. Adults

nonprofit organizations affected by

$24.95+; children $16.95+. Daily 9

cancelations amid health concerns.

a.m.–5 p.m. Phoenix Zoo, 455 N.

azgives.org

ART ON THE WILD SIDE

Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. 602-286-3800; phoenixzoo.org

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ARIZONA GIVES DAY

PASSOVER SEDER

April 18 and 19 REGIONAL EQUESTRIAN COMPETITION

After a four-year hiatus, the equestrian division of Special Olympics Arizona will return to the Valley. During the two-day event, special Olympians from across the state will compete in a variety of different riding styles including barrel racing, English equitation and gymkhana. Free. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Hunkapi Programs, 12051 N. 96th St., Scottsdale. hunkapi.org

April 24–May 3

CHARLOTTE’S WEB Starlight Community Theater will present its production of “Charlotte’s Web” — an adaptation of E.B. White’s children’s novel about a livestock pig’s friendship with a barn spider that helps him evade slaughter. $15. See website for times. Starlight Community Theater, 1611 W. Whispering Wind Drive, Phoenix. 623-336-6001; starlightcommunitytheater.com

April 30–May 3

CHILDREN OF EDEN The award-winning cast from Musical Theatre of Anthem will present its production of “Children of Eden” — a joyous and inspirational musical about parents, children, faith and centuries of unresolved family business. $13–$19. See website for times. Musical Theatre of Anthem, 42201 N. 41st Drive, Anthem. 623-336-6001; musicaltheatreofanthem.org

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TALIESIN WEST TO HOST REVITALIZED LINEUP OF SUMMER CAMPS The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation this summer will debut a revitalized lineup of art and architecture camps for K–12 students that will take place at Taliesin West, the desert laboratory of America’s most prolific architect. Combining real-world lessons and challenges with Wright’s famed principles of organic architecture and solutions-based design, each camp will offer students its own variation of hands-on projects and activities that encourage them to think critically and creatively. Taliesin West, 12621 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd., Scottsdale. franklloydwright.org/summer-camps

PHOENIX THEATRE COMPANY ANNOUNCES 101ST SEASON

SONORAN ARTS LEAGUE RECEIVES NATIONAL CERTIFICATION

MUSICAL THEATRE OF ANTHEM ANNOUNCES SUMMER LINEUP

The Phoenix Theatre Company

The Sonoran Arts League recently

Musical Theatre of Anthem has

has announced the 10 shows that

received national certification by

announced its lineup of summer

will make up its 101st season. The

the Points of Light through the

camps, productions and workshops

season will open July 8 with “The

Arizona Governor's Office of Youth,

for performers ages 3–adult.

King’s Speech.” Other productions

Faith and Family. The nonprofit

Participants will learn from award-

include Lin Manuel-Miranda’s

achieved the prestigious status

winning, experienced directors,

“In the Heights,” “Murder on the

after completing several months of

vocal directors and choreographers

Orient Express,” “Ragtime,” “On

comprehensive assessment, training

— many of whom will also be

Your Feet!,” “Ride the Cyclone”

and coaching through the Points

directing shows for the theater’s

and “Lunch at Audrey’s” as well as

of Light Foundation — the world’s

upcoming 13th season. Said

revivals of three Broadway favorites

largest organization dedicated to

season’s productions will include

— “The Color Purple,” Rodgers and

volunteer service. The Sonoran

“Disney’s Moana, Jr.,” “Disney’s

Hammerstein’s “Cinderella” and

Arts League is now listed on a

Alice in Wonderland, Jr.,” “Junie B.

“Singin’ in the Rain.” The Phoenix

national registry of certified Service

Jones, Jr.,” “Our Town,” “Disney’s

Theatre Company, 1825 N. Central

Enterprises. pointsoflight.org/

Aladdin Kids,” “Godspell,” “13”

Ave., Phoenix. phoenixtheatre.com

service-enterprises

and “Schoolhouse Rock Live, Jr.” See website for prices, schedules and information. Musical Theatre of Anthem, 42201 N. 41st Drive, Anthem. 623-336-6001; musicaltheatreofanthem.org

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Writer Joseph J. Airdo

i mCourtesy a g e s a r i zof o nFoothills a . c o m Animal Apr il Rescue 2 02 0 and Maren Sater Photography Photography 20

“

It is bittersweet when an animal gets adopted. We are happy and it is a celebration but we have become very attached to them. While they

Think about the time that you first invited a cat or dog into your home to become a member of your family. If you are like most people, that decision — while not made lightly — did not truly take into consideration the monumental impact that new pet would ultimately have on your life. You suddenly had a creature in your home that depends on you for food, water, shelter and love. Almost instantaneously, that cat or dog became your constant companion — going on walks, runs or hikes with you; sleeping at the foot of your bed; and sharing your family’s every emotional milestone. Over time, you realize that you are carrying on one-sided conversations with the animal and skipped right over the part where such a routine seemed strange. And eventually, the unconditional love that you receive from and feel for that new family member becomes the standard by which you measure all other relationships.

are here, we treat them like they are our own. So it is always nice to hear follow-up stories about how well a particular animal is doing with their new family.

The volunteers at Foothills Animal Rescue know the monumental impact that a pet can have on someone’s life, though, as they have been seeing it happen for the past 25 years. “People are really touched by the animals that they adopt from us,” says Melissa Gable, chief engagement officer of Foothills Animal Rescue. “We have had so many people who have come in and adopt a cat or dog only to reach back out weeks, months and even years later to tell us what an important part of the family that animal has become.” This year commemorates Foothills Animal Rescue’s 25th anniversary of finding loving homes for cats and dogs that dream of a family to which they can belong. Today, the nonprofit organization has not only a beautiful and serene adoption center but also two non-consignment resale boutiques that serve as the primary source of revenue for its animal shelter. With now more than 600 active volunteers

and countless cats and dogs having found forever homes, it is difficult to imagine Foothills Animal Rescue’s humble beginnings in the community.

MAKING AN IMPACT

Founded in 1995 in Cave Creek, Foothills Animal Rescue began as a foster-based organization dedicated to saving the lives of homeless cats and dogs. “It was initially just a group of animal lovers who were literally sitting around someone's kitchen table and trying to come up with a way that they could help animals in the community,” Gable says. “The Valley was really struggling with a pet homelessness problem back then and this group wanted to make an impact.” In the first few years, the number of animals the group could help was limited to the number of foster homes it had available. However, as time went on, the group grew in not only its number of volunteers but, more importantly, the number of animals it could help. “At one point, we were in the back of a veterinarian's office,” Gable says. “We kept cats at that facility but there was not enough room for dogs so they still had to be in foster homes.” Back then, Foothills Animal Rescue operated primarily on adoption fees and private donations — sources of revenue that have remained an integral part of the organization’s ability to serve the community over the past 25 years. “We are fortunate that we are in a part of the Valley where our neighbors are huge animal lovers,” Gable says. “They have always been very supportive of our efforts. We receive some [support] through grant money and money that comes in through special events, but it is really the private citizens and animal lovers who we rely on most.” Apri l 2020

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In 2010, Foothills Animal Rescue opened its first standing adoption center at 23030 N. Pima Road in Scottsdale, again increasing the number of animals it could help. The facility also gave the organization an additional source of revenue. The standing adoption center doubled as a non-consignment resale boutique, featuring a space for the sale of clothing, pet supplies, furniture, housewares, accessories and jewelry. It was an instant hit with customers who were eager to not only find a fantastic treasure at a terrific price but to also see their purchases benefit a very admirable cause. Business at the boutique was so successful that the organization decided to not only eventually expand upon the store space but to also open this past February a second location at 7202 E. Ho Road in Carefree.

A SAFE HAVEN

Funds have little value without a proper place to utilize them, though. Fortunately, Foothills Animal Rescue had a guardian angel in the form of a woman named Brynne Alanna Smith. After Smith — an animal lover — passed away unexpectedly, her family reached out to the organization and offered to help. In December 2016, Foothills Animal Rescue opened its Brynne Smith Memorial Campus Adoption Center at 10197 E. Bell Road in Scottsdale, which provides a safe haven to homeless cats and dogs awaiting their forever home. It is also a testament to the important role that companion animals play in our lives. “As soon as we moved into the facility, our numbers for the animals that were adopted out easily doubled,” Gable says. “Whereas before we were relying a lot on community events and setting up temporary pens at different pet supplies stores, we now have this beautiful shelter where we can showcase these animals and they can be directly adopted by the public.” Brynne Smith Memorial Campus Adoption Center was built with the animals in mind. When you walk inside, you can immediately see, smell, hear and feel the difference between the adoption center and most other animal shelters. Cages have been replaced by “community cat rooms” and “doggy suites.” The air smells fresh and unpolluted. And instead of a bunch of barking, there is a serene silence evident of a space where animals are being well cared for.

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“We have a lot of people who come in and compare us to a pet resort,” Gable says. “Sometimes, other animal shelters can be sad and overwhelming for folks. In planning our shelter, we wanted it to be a place where the community would feel comfortable.” Foothills Animal Rescue occasionally hosts special events at the center, such as Yappy Yoga, but its primary focus is finding loving homes for animals — especially those that are at risk for euthanasia at other shelters due to limited space or minor medical conditions. “When we first started, we could not afford medical care for a lot of the animals,” Gable explains. “Now, we are taking in animals that we know need special medical care and, because of the support that we have received from our donors, we are able to provide that care.”

PART OF THE FAMILY

Gable says that after 25 years, Foothills Animal Rescue’s goal has not changed. “The goal 25 years ago was to help animals in our community,” she says. “The goal is still to help animals in our community.” The only things about that goal that have changed are the ways Foothills Animal Rescue accomplishes it and the resources with which it has to do so. “Over the years, we have changed how we look at it,” Gable explains. “We think about what we can do to make the animals that we have more adoptable. We focus on their behavior, send them to obedience school and try to find ways to make them more — for lack of a better term — marketable to the potential adopter. We do a lot more enrichment activities now with toys, games and programs that are designed to keep the animals that we have here mentally and physically healthy.” It is all in the name of finding loving families into which the cats and dogs at their facility can be welcomed with open arms. “One of my favorite things about Foothills Animal Rescue is the fact that we keep in touch with our adopters,” Gable adds. “We have people who stop by with the cat or dog that they adopted from us years ago just to check in and say hello. I like that we all stay in touch because it is bittersweet when an animal gets adopted. “We are happy and it is a celebration but we have become very attached to them. While they are here, we treat them like they are our own. So it is always nice to hear follow-up stories about how well a particular animal is doing with their new family.” Foothills Animal Rescue’s Brynn Smith Memorial Campus Adoption Center 10197 E. Bell Road, Scottsdale 480-488-9890 foothillsanimal.org Apri l 2020

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Writer Joseph J. Airdo

i mby a g eSaija s a r iLehtonen zona.com Photography 24

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I think that butterflies can teach us a lot. They start off not so pretty aa caterpillars. Then they emerge from their shell. Sometimes we do not see the beauty on the outside in the beginning and we have to wait until it emerges from the inside. I think butterflies also remind us to let our dreams soar. Saija Lehtonen

Spring takes on an exceptionally special meaning to photographer Saija Lehtonen. “I feel like spring is the beginning of the whole year,” Lehtonen says. “Spring — when the wildflowers begin to bloom — is when my photography really starts. From there, it slowly progresses to cactus flowers when the summer starts coming in. Then we move into monsoon storm season.” Spring symbolizes the start of an entire 365-day cycle of life. For Lehtonen, that cycle is represented through her photography. For others, it may be represented through sports, bringing with it new seasons of games that begin with softball and baseball. For others still, it may be represented through fashion, marking the arrival of new looks and trends that start with shorts, shirts and sandals. As Lehtonen’s photography alludes to, spring symbolizes something even more significant in nature. The days grow longer, the trees get greener and the wildflowers begin to bloom, prompting the arrival of some of the most beautiful and colorful creatures on our planet — butterflies.

There are more than 250 species of butterflies in the Sonoran Desert. Because Arizona’s topography is so diverse, our state has a uniquely large number of different microclimates, rainfall patterns and plant distributions. As a result, we have an especially rich population of these majestic life forms. Our fields and our skies are filled with every color of the rainbow — as well as a vast number of color combinations — because of butterflies. Of course, their contribution to our state is more than just aesthetic. They are, after all, one of our environment’s key pollinators. But that, too, ends up benefitting us through a bounty of beautiful wildflowers. It is almost as though butterflies are miniature angels, enriching our world with a colorful grace and reminding us to live our lives in a way that does the same for those around us. We hope that Lehtonen’s images of these heavenly creatures featured in this month’s photo essay inspire you to look ahead at your next 365-day cycle — whatever it may be — and consider how it, too, adds color to our community.

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I love the zebra [longwing butterflies]. They are absolutely beautiful. But I also love the migrating monarchs and the large swallowtails. Those come in a lot of different colors in our desert here. I have to say that they are probably one of my favorites. Saija Lehtonen

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When you sit there for a while watching the butterflies, you get the idea of how they fly and what their flight pattern is so it becomes easier to photograph them. Focus on whatever flower you are interested in and just sit there and wait for them. Butterflies like to stay in the same area but they will go from flower to flower. It really just comes down to patience. Saija Lehtonen

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If somebody is looking for a good place to photograph butterflies, look anywhere that wildflowers are blooming â&#x20AC;&#x201D; your local gardens, botanical gardens, arboretums or even out in the desert. They come out in the spring and stay through summer. With the warm weather that we have here, you will even find some butterflies in the fall. Saija Lehtonen 28

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Having grown up in Helsinki, Finland, Saija Lehtonen first discovered her love for photography at 12 years old. “Somebody gave me a coffee table book by Ansel Adams and I loved his work,” says Lehtonen of the landscape photographer and environmentalist known for his black-andwhite images of the American West. “His work was just incredible. I remember telling my mom, 'I really want to do this.' So she got me a camera.” That first camera was nothing fancy — just an inexpensive Kodak 35mm film camera. But the moment that she snapped her first photo, Lehtonen had fallen in love with the art form. “I was always camera-in-hand everywhere I went,” says Lehtonen, noting that she was initially drawn to black-and-white photography, much like that of Adams. “When I got to high school, I started taking photography classes and learned how to develop film.” However, as with many things, life got in the way and Lehtonen eventually drifted from the art form. She pursued a career in property management and advertising. In 2003, she picked up a digital camera and a wave of that earlier enthusiasm washed over her. “I had not done photography in years,” Lehtonen explains. “In 2010, just for fun, I entered one of my pictures that a lot of my friends really liked into the America's Next Master Photographer contest. I ended up winning and I found myself falling in love with photography all over again.” Shortly after that, Lehtonen decided to make photography her full-time job, fulfilling the dreams of her 12-year-old self. Her subjects range from nature and wildlife to storms and landscapes as she hikes and occasionally camps in places across Arizona that are off the beaten path. “You will often find me chasing sunrises and sunsets, just hunting for that perfect light,” says Lehtonen, who now calls Chandler her home.

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saija-lehtonen.pixels.com

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Customizable to Your Own Unique Lifestyle Located within Anthem Country Club, this 3-bedroom, 3.5-bath home leaves absolutely nothing to be desired. A welcoming interior complete with homey fixtures, remarkable entertainment opportunities and space to spare is paired with a relaxing exterior to make this house everything you have ever wanted in a home and a whole lot more. Inside, you will discover 18-inch stone floors, cherry cabinets and plantation shutters, immediately signifying that this home is a place of true luxury. A formal living room could easily be used as a movie room, game room or office, making this home both easy to love and customizable to your own unique lifestyle needs and desires. Adding to its customizability is an office that could double as a fourth bedroom plus two secondary ensuite bedrooms. An extended master retreat is perfect for a quiet sitting area. Because it features so much space, you can even furnish it with exercise equipment and use it as your own personal home gym. GE Monogram appliances, a built-in refrigerator and Kohler fixtures are only a few of the many amazing things that this homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kitchen has to offer. Even professional chefs would be impressed with the number of cooking options available, including a six-burner gas cooktop with warming drawer, slab granite counters and backsplash, making preparing meals for your family an enjoyable breeze. Cook up some popcorn and enjoy movie nights at home with surround sound that makes you wonder if you will ever want to venture out to a movie theater again. Have the peace of mind of a security system protecting your family. An extended epoxy floor garage with custom cabinets and overhead storage complete the inside package of this spectacular Anthem residence. As if the inside of this home was not inviting enough, its outdoor amenities make every day feel like a vacation. Enjoy endless hours of play and relaxation in a sparkling pool. As the sun retreats into the distance, experience the coziest evenings ever while sitting around a fabulous gas firepit. Stop your search for a great home right now for you have found perfection!

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Apri l 2020

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From left, Haily Moss, Maia Milnor, Lindsey Brown and Hanna Moss are captains on Gavilan Peak Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cheerleading team.

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Writer Joseph J. Airdo Photography Courtesy of Gina Brown/Capturing the Moments LLC

Gavilan Peak School’s cheerleaders are stars on and off the mat. In addition to scoring good grades, many of the team’s members are excelling in a variety of other avenues. Among the 13 seventh- and eighth-grade girls on the Anthem school’s team is a competitive volleyball player, a competitive softball player, a competitive diver and a Girl Scout. There are even four dancers on the team who compete at different dance studios throughout the Valley. And now, thanks to that variety and versatility, each of Gavilan Peak School’s cheerleaders can add another title to their impressively growing list of accomplishments — State Champion. The team recently took first place in the Junior High Show Cheer (small division) of the Arizona State Cheerleading/Pom Tournament. Coach Jill Milnor could not be any more thrilled with the victory. “It was incredible,” Milnor says. “I knew that this team could place. I knew that they had the talent, the focus and the drive to be genuinely competitive. But I truly wasn't expecting to win the whole thing. To actually win is the icing on the cake.” Milnor notes that the team’s victory is especially exhilarating because of a few disadvantages it has when compared to many other teams that were competing for the title. Gavilan Peak School is a K–8 campus, which means its pool of prospective cheerleaders is significantly smaller than that of a full junior high. Moreover, whereas cheerleading and other athletic teams in many school districts have a head start on the season by hosting tryouts in May, teams within the Deer Valley Unified School District cannot do so until October. Therefore, for Gavilan Peak School’s cheerleading team to be triumphant in an early February tournament over teams with a much longer lead time is truly remarkable. A truly remarkable feat requires a truly remarkable group of girls. And that is exactly how Milnor would describe Gavilan Peak School’s cheerleading team. “You can make so much progress in a short amount of time if you have everyone on board with what your goals are,” Milnor says. “Even though they are very driven individually and have strong

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personalities, they all really respect one another. They showed up ready and gave me 110% every day.”

SPECIAL SKILLS AND OTHER SUPERPOWERS

Giving 110% in show cheer requires quite the commitment. For those who may not be familiar with the sport, show cheer involves a number of gymnastics skills — many of which are extremely difficult to master. Yet the girls on Gavilan Peak School’s cheerleading team have done exactly that, which is what Milnor believes gave them the extra edge during the tournament. “I have five girls on the team who can do what is called a standing tuck,” Milnor says. “They can stand still and do a flip in the air — not putting their hands on the ground — and land back on their feet.” Each of the girls uses their individual skills to benefit the entire team, including competitive diver Brieana Bulat. “She is a very petite girl but she is very strong for her size,” Milnor says. “She actually learned a roundoff back handspring in one year and was able to throw it by herself just because she has that body control that she learned from diving.” Meanwhile, identical twins Hanna and Haily Moss can do a full twisting layout — an advanced gymnastics move that incorporates flipping and rotating simultaneously. Coach Jill Milnor

“That is a very difficult tumbling skill,” Milnor says. “And because they are identical, they have this vibe between them where they can just take off, spin it and land at exactly the same time. It just adds an extra dynamic visual effect.” Hanna and Haily, who are captains on the team, note that they stretched regularly and ate healthy meals leading up to the tournament.

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“The win was unbelievable,” Hanna says. “I was so happy. Our team has come a long way so I am very glad we ended on a great note.” Show cheer also incorporates music into its routines. Gavilan Peak School does not have a dance team so the cheerleading team gives dancers like Addison Han, Jordyn Means, Jayla Stepp and Kinsey Wunsch an outstanding outlet through which they can grow and showcase their skills. “I was able to feature some of their advanced dance skills in some of our transitions and I think that truly helped the whole visual effect,” Milnor says. Diving, gymnastics and dancing are only three of the extra skills that contribute to Gavilan Peak School’s cheerleaders’ artistry. The team’s roster also includes competitive softball player Cameron Wilcox and Girl Scout Skyelar VanIwarden. Everyone has a special superpower. Sometimes that superpower is not a learned skill but rather a genetic advantage, as is the case with Milnor’s daughter Maia — a 5-foot-10-inch girl who uses her height to strengthen the team’s stunts. “You usually do not have cheerleaders who are that tall,” Milnor says. “She has her special niche on the team because she can hold up the back of a stunt and keep [her teammates] stable.” Maia, who is another one of the team’s captains, notes that during school games, the cheerleaders would perform sections of their routine in order to get used to an audience. She adds that the girls gave their all each and every time they performed and worked through the little flaws which, in turn, increased their confidence for the tournament.

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Despite that confidence, the win still took her off-guard. “I could not believe we actually won,” says Maia, who is also a competitive volleyball player. “I cried — which is shocking because I do not cry often. It was very exciting. I am so proud of all of the girls on the team.”

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Gavilan Peak School’s cheerleading team recently took first place in the Junior High Show Cheer (small division) of the Arizona State Cheerleading/Pom Tournament.

A ROUTINE FOR SUCCESS

Milnor has a long history with cheerleading and firmly believes that it is the ultimate team sport that teaches young people a variety of valuable life lessons. “You cannot function without everyone being there and everyone being present in mind,” Milnor says. “If you throw someone in the air and you forget to catch them, that is a problem. You can get injured. You cannot throw a stunt without a flyer, a back spot or a base. You cannot run crisscross tumbling passes and get the timing right if someone is missing.” Milnor says that cheerleaders are taught that their presence always matters — regardless of their position — which carries over into situations later in life, such as in job settings. Moreover, cheerleaders are taught to have a constantly positive mindset. “Cheerleaders are some of the best at contributing time to society, giving back to others and bringing other people up when they are down,” the coach explains. “Cheerleading builds all of those skills. It also teaches you to stand up for yourself, to have confidence and to have a professional presence about yourself. All of those things are key skills that can make you successful in life.” Maia agrees that she has learned how to be more positive as a result of participating in cheerleading. She says it also encourages her to socialize with people outside of her immediate friend group. “All of the girls on the team care a lot about their grades and how they represent the school,” Maia says. “We all motivate each other.”

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Haily credits cheerleading with encouraging her to eat healthy foods and maintain a good physical shape which, in turn, gives her more energy so that she can focus on her schoolwork. Lindsey Brown, another one of the team’s captains, adds that being on Gavilan Peak School’s cheerleading team has motivated her to work hard and keep her grades up. “Cheerleading has always pushed me to be the best — especially since others look up to us,” she says. Lindsey adds that preparing for the tournament required a lot of practice and hard work but, in the end, it was worth every bit of effort. “Winning felt like a big accomplishment,” she says. “It was exhilarating and thrilling all at the same time. This feeling is what keeps me coming back and wanting to cheer more.”

A FITTING FINALE

Haily and Hanna Moss

The team’s win is ultimately somewhat bittersweet for Milnor. This is her final year coaching Gavilan Peak School’s cheerleading team. She has accepted an offer to take on the role of head coach of Arizona Christian University’s cheerleading team beginning this fall, for which she is already recruiting members. Milnor started lending a hand to Gavilan Peak School’s cheerleading program several years ago when her now21-year-old daughter was a student there. She later coached cheerleading at Boulder Creek High School, where she still teaches biology, but eventually headed back to Gavilan Peak School to oversee her two youngest daughters through the program. She says that watching the team take first place at the Arizona State Cheerleading/Pom Tournament was a perfect way to finish her time coaching at Gavilan Peak School. “I have been coaching for more than 25 years and this was truly my favorite group of girls that I have ever worked with,” says Milnor with an inordinate amount of passion and emotion in her voice. “They give me hope that society is going to be OK. I cannot say enough nice things about them. They are an absolutely phenomenal group of kids.”

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Writer Joseph J. Airdo

The entire world essentially came to an unprecedented standstill last month in response to the coronavirus pandemic. People stayed home, businesses made drastic modifications to their operations and events of all types were postponed or â&#x20AC;&#x201D; in many cases â&#x20AC;&#x201D; completely canceled. No one was untouched by what has clearly become a historic incident. That includes nonprofit organizations across Arizona that made the difficult decision to pull the plug on concerts, festivals and other gatherings â&#x20AC;&#x201D; key fundraising activities that allow them to operate and make our communities more vibrant places full of art, culture and humanity. Arizona Musicfest pushed its performance of The Blues Brothers Revue to November. Foothills Animal Rescue indefinitely postponed its 4th Annual Paws to Celebrate event. Musical Instrument Museum called off a number of its concerts and signature events. The effects are far-reaching.

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“

Our local nonprofit community is already reporting significant losses, decreases in staff and volunteer capacity and will likely see an increase in demand for services.

Arizona Broadway Theatre’s executive producer Kiel Klaphake wrote a message on the theater’s website detailing the difficult decision to cancel some of its productions and place others on an indefinite hiatus. “Weighing the importance of public health as a top priority, our financial viability and the loyalty and commitment we feel toward our staff and patrons has been — quite simply — agonizing,” Klaphake wrote. “As a not-for-profit arts organization, the coming weeks and months will be the most challenging we’ve faced in our 15-year history — perhaps even greater than the financial crash of 2008.” Klaphake urged Arizona Broadway Theatre’s patrons to make tax-deductible donations to the nonprofit organization, noting that such contributions are vital to the theater’s future. On Tuesday, April 7, Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits and Arizona Grantmakers Forum will host a 24-hour statewide online fundraising event to help raise awareness about Arizona nonprofits and the critical role they play in our communities and state. The event — which is in its eighth year — is not new, but it has suddenly become more important than ever with timing that is absolutely impeccable. Some nonprofit organizations expect to lose an average of 25% in revenue as a result of the many event cancelations and

postponements caused by coronavirus health precautions. Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits CEO Kristen Merrifield hopes that Arizona Gives can help close the gap. “Our local nonprofit community is already reporting significant losses, decreases in staff and volunteer capacity and will likely see an increase in demand for services,” Merrifield says. Since 2013, Arizona Gives has helped to raise more than $17 million for the state’s nonprofit sector — including a record $3.6 million raised last year — with the Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits and Arizona Grantmakers Forum partnership facilitating financial contributions through a unique online platform. Those who wish to make a donation can simply visit the Arizona Gives website on Tuesday, April 7 and issue their contribution. “We want to make giving as easy as possible,” Merrifield says. Donations will also be accepted prior to and after April 7, but doing so on Arizona Gives Day makes it possible for participating nonprofit organizations to earn additional funds from a $180,000 prize pool. Those funds are distributed based on certain categories from random drawings and through Power Hours to total dollars raised during the 24-hour period.

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This year, donors have the option to increase their contribution to support an Emergency Relief Fund to assist nonprofit organizations that have had to cancel or postpone critical fundraising events during this extremely difficult time. Those contributions may be made as an add-on to a regular donation or by making a direct donation to the Emergency Relief Fund itself.

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Emergency Relief Fund donations will be distributed evenly among the organizations participating in Arizona Gives Day this year. At Images Arizona’s press time, almost 780 nonprofit organizations had registered and been certified to participate in the event. With all of the recent event cancelations and postponements caused by the coronavirus health precautions, that number has most certainly increased.

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However, if there is one thing that these difficult times have shown us, it is that we need to come together, help one another and exhibit all of the benevolence of mankind to overcome the impact that this historical and unprecedented incident has had on our communities. Merrifield hopes this year’s Arizona Gives Day inspires people to give generously to the nonprofit organizations that make our state stronger and create a thriving community for all. “The beauty of Arizona Gives Day is that it shows what is possible when we all invest our time, talents and treasures to truly lift the tide of all nonprofits that participate,” Merrifield says. azgives.org

SUPPORT

Arizona Gives Day To make a donation, simply visit the Arizona Gives website at azgives.org on Tuesday, April 7 and issue your contribution.

Apri l 2020

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Cherry Danish These multilayered, laminated sweet pastries are just like cherry pie â&#x20AC;&#x201D; but a whole lot better! Serves: 2

Ingredients: 2 jars of Morello cherries 3/4 cup sugar 1/4 cup corn starch 1/4 teaspoon almond extract 1 package frozen puff pastry Coarse sugar (for sprinkling) 1 egg (for egg wash) 1 cup powdered sugar 1 tablespoon milk 1/4 teaspoon vanilla

Directions: Drain and reserve the juice from one jar of cherries. Drain and discard the juice from the other jar of cherries. Combine sugar and corn starch in a saucepan. Add the reserved cherry juice and bring to a boil, stirring constantly until thickened. Remove from heat. Add cherries and almond extract and stir until all of the cherries are covered. Cool and refrigerate. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Take puff pastry out of the freezer to thaw and prepare an egg wash by mixing egg with a splash of water in a small bowl. Roll each sheet of puff pastry into a 12- by 16-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Spread half of the cooled cherry filling down the center of each sheet, leaving a border along all sides. Cut the corners off of one of the short sides of each sheet. Cut diagonal slits on both of the long sides all the way down to the bottom of each sheet, leaving the center portion with the cherry filling intact. Criss-cross each of the diagonal strips over the filling. Fold the small rectangles at the top and bottom of each pastry over the filling, making sure to seal it tightly. Brush the tops of each pastry with egg wash then sprinkle with coarse sugar. Transfer pastries to a baking sheet and bake in oven until golden brown, about 35 minutes. Cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes.

Writer and Photographer Kyndra Kelly

kyndraclaire.com

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In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar, milk and vanilla until the consistency of a glaze is reached. Drizzle glaze over the pastries and serve.

Apri l 2020

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Spring Chopped Salad with Pesto-Buttermilk Dressing This salad is not only beautiful but delicious, too! Use this recipe as a base to create your own unique salad, substituting ingredients with those that fit your personal palate or whatever you have on hand! Serves: 4

Ingredients: 1/4 cup pesto 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1 small shallot, finely minced 1/2 teaspoon garlic, minced 1/2 cup buttermilk Juice of 1/2 lemon Salt and pepper (to taste) 1 cup raw couscous 1â&#x20AC;&#x201C;2 tablespoons butter 6 ounces arugula 1 cup red pepper, diced 1 cup raw asparagus, diced 1 cup cucumber, diced 1/2 cup dried cranberries 1 cup dried sweet corn Rotisserie chicken, diced 1/2 cup pepitas 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped 1 cup queso fresco cheese, crumbled

Directions: Combine pesto, mayonnaise, shallot and garlic in a food processor and blend until smooth. Add buttermilk, lemon juice, salt and pepper and pulse to combine. Add a little more lemon juice or water if the mixture is too thick. Store in refrigerator until ready to use. Toast raw couscous in butter until lightly browned. Then cook according to package directions and allow to cool. When ready to serve, divide arugula among plates. Arrange the couscous, red pepper, asparagus, cucumber, dried cranberries, dried corn, queso fresco cheese and chicken in rows over the arugula. Sprinkle each salad with pepitas and cilantro and serve with pesto-buttermilk dressing.

Writer and Photographer Kyndra Kelly

kyndraclaire.com

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