Images Arizona April 2021 by Images Arizona Magazine

Apri l 2021

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Apri l 2021

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BALM FOR YOUR SOUL Writer Joseph J. Airdo Photography Courtesy of Arizona Musicfest

COMMUNITY EVENTS Writer Joseph J. Airdo

ALL EARS Writer Joseph J. Airdo Photography by Samantha Starr

CROWN + COMMUNITY Writer Shannon Severson

Cover Photo by Maya Photography

BRIDGING TRANSITIONS Writer Joseph J. Airdo Photography by Andy Pak

HONEY CITRUS SHEET PAN CHICKEN Writer and photographer Kyndra Kelly

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PUBLISHER Shelly Spence

MANAGING EDITOR Joseph J. Airdo

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Meaghan Mitchell

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Joseph J. Airdo Amanda Christmann Kyndra Kelly Shannon Severson

PHOTOGRAPHERS Bryan Black Brandon Dunham 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 © 2021 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 8

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Spring is finally in full swing and our incredible community is filled with extraordinary examples of the season’s sensational beauty. Wildflowers are blooming, blanketing our majestic mountains in a remarkable rainbow-like range of colors. Many amusing members of our Sonoran Desert wildlife are grazing and sunbathing in our backyards, producing for us the most fascinating and life-affirming nature documentaries just outside our windows as they socialize with other species. There truly is no better place on Earth to experience the sheer extravagance of spring than right here in our own North Valley neighborhoods. The impressive grandeur takes on even greater meaning this year as so many of us have spent the last 12 months cooped up inside as we did our part to keep our families, friends, neighbors, business associates and other loved ones safe amid the COVID-19 pandemic. We are not completely out of the woods yet — and I encourage you to take proper precautions to maintain the health of both yourself and those around you — but I am overjoyed that we can finally experience many of the things that bring elation to our day-to-day lives again. In addition to simply stepping outside to enjoy our fresh Arizona air and all of the amazing sights and sounds that are unique to our extremely special little place on this planet, I urge you to show your support to our local businesses as they anticipate this long-overdue return to normal. Best of all, many shopping, dining, performing arts and social activities can be enjoyed outdoors — at parking lot venues, on shaded patios, on specially designed stages and on our various breathtaking trails — thereby allowing you to support our local businesses, experience spring’s splendor and spend quality time with the important people in your life all at the same time. Cheers! Shelly Spence Publisher, Images Arizona magazine shelly@imagesaz.com 623-341-8221

Apri l 2021

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T H I S

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After more than a year of very few live music performances, Allan Naplan — executive and producing director of Arizona Musicfest — eagerly anticipates the nonprofit organization's Outdoor Concert Series this spring.

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Writer Joseph J. Airdo Photography Courtesy of Arizona Musicfest

Thirty years ago, Arizona Musicfest held its first collection of concerts that not only enriched our community’s cultural experience but also benefitted its educational arts programs. The nonprofit organization was therefore eager to commemorate the moment — three decades in the making — with its most sensational season to date. Organizers began booking 30 performances, many of which featured exciting celebrity artists to help celebrate the special anniversary year. Then, just as everything was if not fully planned then at least completely confirmed, the COVID-19 pandemic forced much of the world — especially live entertainment — to shut down. “Our immediate reaction was to cancel or move all of our fall concerts because, at the time, there was some optimism that perhaps by then COVID-19 would be a thing of the past,” says Allan Naplan, executive and producing director of Arizona Musicfest. Organizers then set their sights on January as the start date for the season, conceiving the idea of fewer, socially distanced concerts with dramatically reduced capacity at its various indoor venues. Whereas Arizona Musicfest concerts typically see attendance of up to 1,500 patrons, each of this season’s performances would be capped at about 500.

But as the pandemic lingered on, those plans, too, were scrapped. “We were seeing a very significant spike [of cases] in our state,” Naplan explains. “We knew that the holidays were coming up soon which was going to inevitably create even more concern and spreading. So it became very obvious that even with our reduced plans, indoor concerts were not going to be a reasonable expectation.” However, just when it appeared as though all hope for a concert season was lost, organizers adopted an outdoor programming plan, paving the way for six stellar spring performances — most of which will take place at the newly-created Musicfest Performance Pavilion on the campus of Highlands Church in North Scottsdale. The venue utilizes two large parking structures with solar roofing, thereby providing ample shade for patrons attending the mid-afternoon and early evening concerts. A full mobile stage, dressing room trailers and luxury port-a-potties have been brought in to accommodate the comfort and enjoyment of performers and audience members, as have all of the production elements to ensure superb sound quality — all while safeguarding patrons with plenty of space and fresh air.

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COMFORT AND FAMILIARITY

“The pandemic has taught us of the importance of music in our lives,” Naplan says. “It has served as comfort, solace, distraction and entertainment when we have had our lives so restricted. People have been telling us how music has helped sustain them during this very challenging year. Music has always been the balm for your soul.” Naplan adds that music also creates a sense of nostalgia — something that is in very high demand lately as a result of the pandemic. Arizona Musicfest will meet that demand Saturday, April 17 when The Kingston Trio takes the stage. In addition to performing hits like “Tom Dooley,” “Where Have All the Flowers Gone, “Five Hundred Miles” and “MTA,” the three artists — each of whom have intrinsic links to and experience with the original ensemble — will share personal memories that recall the iconic trio’s performances and journey as folk music made its extraordinary ascent to the pinnacle of popular culture and the top of the music charts. “During this extended and tragic pandemic, people are reflective, thinking about their lives, others’ lives and potentially lives that have been lost,” he explains. “Music has always been that source of comfort and familiarity. We know that people love music in the best of times but it is also that in the worst of times they turn to the comfort of the song that is familiar. That brings them joy or solace. Music has always had that ability to be a vehicle for or extension of emotions.”

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Before The Kingston Trio has its turn at the wheel, The Black Market Trust will take the stage Monday, April 12. Self-described as a “Smithsonian of American music,” the ensemble will perform an eclectic and familiar mix of jazz, swing, rock and blues standards — all infused with a fresh European gypsy sound. “The Black Market Trust is a group that I had heard a number of years ago and thought I really needed to get to Arizona Musicfest,” Naplan says. “They are doing major standards from Frank Sinatra and the Beatles with a flavor of gypsy jazz, which is a wonderful sound with wonderful instrumentation. They are a really exciting ensemble with a Rat Pack type of coolness.”

CREATING COMMUNITY

Naplan says that the absence of live music from groups like The Black Market Trust and The Kingston Trio has been a tremendous loss — especially when you take into consideration the effect that a shared musical experience can have on 1,500 people who are all laughing, singing, clapping and cheering with one another. “Music in a live performance creates community,” he explains. “So the fact that we have not been able to engage in live performances means that we have all missed that element from our lives.” Naplan is thrilled that Arizona Musicfest’s outdoor series will help fill that void and finally give audiences an opportunity to reconnect not only with live music but also with one another. “What I am hearing from our very dedicated donors and patrons is great enthusiasm to participate in these outdoor concerts,” he says, noting that said enthusiasm is especially high for

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Maestro Robert Moody will lead a select group of the nation's finest orchestral musicians in a Saturday, May 1 performance on the Sanctuary Patio at Pinnacle Presbyterian Church, closing out Arizona Musicfest's outdoor concert series.

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“

The pandemic has taught us of the importance of music in our lives. It has served as comfort, solace, distraction and entertainment when we have had our lives so restricted. People have been telling us how music has helped sustain them during this very challenging year. Music has always been the balm for your soul. Allan Naplan

Arizona Musicfest returnees Ann Hampton Callaway and Tony DeSare. Callaway, a celebrated cabaret star will make her third appearance at Arizona Musicfest Tuesday, April 20, joined by her quartet for a special performance that will feature hits by some of the greatest female divas of all time. “Ann Hampton Callaway has quickly become a favorite of Arizona Musicfest’s audiences,” Naplan says. “She previously did a concert of Barbara Streisand songs. Last year, she celebrated the music of Linda Ronstadt. This year, it will be a mixed bag of repertoire that she loves performing. She has a wonderful reputation for reinterpreting songs.” DeSare — who Naplan describes as an extraordinary pianist, singer, arranger and composer with elements of both Frank Sinatra and Billy Joel — will then perform an exhilarating concert featuring music of the Great American Songbook, rock ‘n’ roll, Tin Pan Alley and more Saturday, April 24. Arizona Musicfest will close out its outdoor series Saturday, May 1 with Festival Orchestra Chamber Players — a select group of the nation’s finest orchestral musicians, led by Maestro Robert Moody and featuring acclaimed soloist Cathal Breslin. “That concert will be performed on the Sanctuary Patio at Pinnacle Presbyterian Church, which is a very beautiful space with beautiful stone walls that will create a very nice, natural acoustic,” Naplan says.

TOUCHING LIVES

In addition to comfort and community, the concerts will also allow Arizona Musicfest to continue to touch people’s lives through the unparalleled power of the arts. After all, the money that the nonprofit organization makes from the concerts it produces benefits a variety of music education programs in the Valley.

Programs, which are provided at no charge to area schools, include Musicfest Strings, Musicfest Mariachi, Musicfest Winds, Musicfest Strummers, Music and Sound/ Found and Around, Musicfest Jazz and The Music of Arizona — the organization’s signature multicultural program. Meanwhile, Musicfest’s Young Musicians Competitions, Young Musicians Performance Series and the Musicfest College Scholarship Program serve the finest young musicians in the Valley, while Music Alive! — a unique lifelong learning and creative aging series — features dynamic programs for the community’s older adults. “The fact that we can touch people’s lives from birth through very senior is very important,” says Naplan, explaining that music can inspire youth as well as keep older adults cognitively stimulated. “There is enormous value in music and we are grateful to be a vehicle for that as Arizona Musicfest.” As for those previously scrapped plans for Arizona Musicfest’s celebratory 30th season, Naplan says they have not gone away; they have merely been postponed. “Every single concert that was meant to be presented this year will now be presented next year,” he says. “I can promise you that we will have a really phenomenal lineup next year, which is coming together extremely well. We have also added many other artists so next year we are planning to get back to our full schedule as if nothing has changed. There will be 30 concerts between November and April and we are very excited about that.” azmusicfest.org

MUSIC

COMMUNITY

2021 APRIL

Writer Joseph J. Airdo

April 6

ARIZONA GIVES DAY Coming off a record-breaking year when donors generated $6.1 million, 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. azgives.org

Keep in mind Although Images Arizona magazine has made every effort to publish

April 2

Stroll, shop, dine and enjoy an

The Holland Center will welcome

evening celebrating the arts in

Nicolette Bonnstetter for a virtual

downtown Carefree while helping

look at who decides what art is. $5.

to support local businesses and

10 a.m. RSVP. hollandcenter.org

CAREFREE ART WALK

ART, COFFEE AND CONVERSATION

local creativity — which makes our Arizona culture a better place

April 6–30

the most up-to-date information

to live, work and visit. Begin at

at press time, some events may be

any gallery, then continue on to

$25K FOR THE 25TH

other participating galleries. Enjoy

In honor of the 25th anniversary

a diverse display of artistic styles

of Rosie's House, Billie Jo and

and mediums, meet the artists,

Judd Herberger will match every

other factors associated with the

enjoy refreshments and engage

dollar donated to the nonprofit

COVID-19 pandemic. Please use

in conversation about art and

organization — which provides

architecture. Free. 4–8 p.m. See

free music education programs for

website for participating galleries.

Phoenix's disadvantaged youth — up

visitcarefree.com

to $25,000. rosieshouse.org

canceled or rescheduled to comply with social distancing measures and

the contact information provided to confirm dated details.

April 1

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April 8–18

Creek Museum, 6140 E. Skyline Drive, Cave

Musical Theatre of Anthem will present

April 12

GODSPELL

its production of “Godspell,” a musical in

Creek. 480-488-2764; cavecreekmuseum.org

Air Conditioning • Plumbing • Water Treatment

Christ tell different parables by using a wide

THE BLACK MARKET TRUST CONCERT

variety of games, storytelling techniques

Self-described as a “Smithsonian of

and hefty doses of comic timing. An eclectic

American music,” The Black Market Trust

blend of songs, ranging in style from pop

will perform an eclectic and familiar mix

to vaudeville, is employed as the story of

of jazz, swing, rock and blues standards

Jesus’ life dances across the stage. Dissolving

— all infused with a fresh European gypsy

hauntingly into the Last Supper and the

sound — as part of Arizona Musicfest’s

Crucifixion, Jesus’ messages of kindness,

outdoor concert series. $30–$45. 2 p.m. and

tolerance and love come vibrantly to life.

5:30 p.m. Musicfest Performance Pavilion

$13+. See website for times. Musical Theatre

at Highlands Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle

of Anthem, 42201 N. 41st Drive, Anthem.

Peak Road, Scottsdale. 480-422-8449;

623-336-6001; musicaltheatreofanthem.org

azmusicfest.org

2020

April 10

April 17

which a small group of people help Jesus

ARIZONA SAGE ART MARKET

Recent Storms and COVID have Substantially Impacted Supply Chain

THE KINGSTON TRIO CONCERT

The Holland Center will host its 6th

In addition to performing hits like “Tom

annual event during which attendees will

Dooley,” “Where Have All the Flowers

be able to purchase works of art from a

Gone, “Five Hundred Miles” and “MTA,”

variety of mediums — including painting,

The Kingston Trio will share personal

jewelry, glass art and more. Thirty juried

memories that recall the iconic trio’s

artists will participate in the event, which

performances and journey as folk music

shares proceeds with the Holland Center

made its extraordinary ascent to the

— a nonprofit organization committed to

pinnacle of popular culture and the top

enhancing arts, education and community in

of the music charts as part of Arizona

the area. Free. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. The Holland

Musicfest’s outdoor concert series.

Center, 34250 N. 60th St., Scottsdale. 480-

$30–$45. 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Musicfest

488-1090; azfcf.org

Performance Pavilion at Highlands Church,

2021 Inventory is Scarce Now and when the Heat hits, Quilted won’t be an Option

9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale.

April 10

GOLDEN REEF STAMP MILL DEMONSTRATION

480-422-8449; azmusicfest.org

April 17

Arizona’s only fully operational ten-

A TASTE OF THE DESERT

stamp ore crushing mill will run several

Desert Awareness Committee will stroll

outdoor demonstrations at Cave Creek

through Desert Awareness Park in small

Museum. Watch history come alive as

guided groups for an up-close look at

the ten 1,000-pound stamps slam down

the food-producing plants. Members will

in synchronized precision and hear the

discuss the harvesting techniques and offer

pounding echo against the desert foothills

ideas on food preparation as well as offer

— just as it did more than 140 years ago.

tastes of some prepared foods. Free. 9

Also on exhibit outdoors on the museum

a.m.–Noon. Desert Awareness Park, 38100

campus are various pieces of equipment

N. Vermeersch Road, Cave Creek. 480-488-

from the early mining days of Arizona and

1090; hollandcenter.org

Replace your A/C while you have Time for only

79/month*

Call or Text

623.552.2474 to Schedule your Appointment!

many agricultural tools used at local farms and ranches. See website for times. Cave

*On approved credit, please call for details. Apri l 2021

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April 29–May 8

13: THE MUSICAL Musical Theatre of Anthem will present its production of “13,” a musical about fitting in and standing out. Plucked from his fast-paced, preteen New York City life and plopped into a sleepy Indiana town following his parents’ divorce, the protagonist — surrounded by an array of simpleminded middle school students — needs to establish his place in the popularity pecking order. $13+. See website for times. Musical Theatre of Anthem, 42201 N. 41st Drive, Anthem. 623-336-6001; musicaltheatreofanthem.org

Photo Courtesy of Michele Celentano

April 17

ANN HAMPTON CALLAWAY CONCERT

and non-prescription drugs. Participants are being asked to enter Gavilan Peak Parkway to assist with

TONY DESARE CONCERT

Celebrated cabaret star Ann

traffic flow. Free. 8–11 a.m. Anthem

Pianist, singer, arranger and

Hampton Callaway will be joined by

Community Park, 41703 N. Gavilan

composer Tony DeSare will perform

her quartet for a special performance

Peak Parkway. onlineatanthem.com

an exhilarating concert featuring

from Whitman Drive and exit onto

that will feature hits by some of the greatest female divas of all time as part of Arizona Musicfest’s outdoor

music of the Great American

April 24

Songbook, rock ‘n’ roll, Tin Pan Alley and more as part of Arizona

concert series. $30–$45. 5:30 p.m.

EARTH DAY EVENT

Musicfest Performance Pavilion at

The town of Carefree will host a

$30–$45. 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

Highlands Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle

family-friendly Earth Day event

Musicfest Performance Pavilion at

Peak Road, Scottsdale. 480-422-

featuring a number of local

Highlands Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle

8449; azmusicfest.org

organizations that will help educate

Peak Road, Scottsdale. 480-422-

and empower the community to

8449; azmusicfest.org

April 17

GO GREEN RECYCLING EVENT

Musicfest’s outdoor concert series.

take better care of the Sonoran Desert, the planet and one another. Organizations that will be in

May 1

Anthem Community Council will

Land Trust, Central Arizona

host a drive-through Go Green event

Conservation Alliance, Rural Metro

FESTIVAL ORCHESTRA CHAMBER PLAYERS CONCERT

during which Anthem residents may

Fire and Wild at Heart. 9 a.m.–2

A select group of the nation’s finest

recycle items such as electronics,

p.m. Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion, 101

orchestral musicians, led by Maestro

bulk materials, cardboard, personal

Easy St., Carefree. visitcarefree.com

Robert Moody and featuring

documents, paint and prescription

April 24

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attendance include Desert Foothills

acclaimed soloist Cathal Breslin, will

close out Arizona Musicfest’s outdoor concert series. $30–$45. 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Sanctuary Patio at Pinnacle Presbyterian Church, 25150 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale. 480-422-8449; azmusicfest.org

May 11

CAROLYN EYNON SINGERS CHORAL REHEARSAL Carolyn Eynon Singers will host a choral rehearsal that is open to the public. Free. 6:45–9 p.m. North Scottsdale United Methodist Church, 11735 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. 480-529-2630; cesingers.com

LOCAL ARTIST JURIED INTO PRESTIGIOUS SHOWS Scottsdale artist Sherry Blanchard Stuart has been juried into the American Plains Artists Signature Show, the Oil Painters of America’s 30th Annual National Juried Exhibition of Traditional Oils and the 18th Annual Miniature Masterpiece Art Show and Sale. sherryblanchardstuart.com

THE UPSCALE SINGERS MAINTAIN MISSION Although its in-person performances have been placed on pause during the COVID-19 pandemic, The Upscale Singers’ commitment to musical opportunities for youth has not changed over the past year. The group continued to fund its student vocal scholarship program with the help of a generous grant from Kiwanis Club of Carefree. The program — known as the Cheryl Siebs Memorial Vocal Scholarships — provides young singers in the North Valley with monetary awards for private vocal instruction. This year, a total of $3,000 was awarded to winners. Scottsdale’s premier adult singers anticipate a return to in-person concerts later this year but, in the meantime, have turned to music videos to satisfy their joy of performing and share it with their fans. upscalesingers.com

THE VIEW CAREFREE BREAKS GROUND Members of Carefree Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce were present last month during a groundbreaking ceremony for The View Carefree, a new luxury neighborhood by Paseo Homes. The community will offer luxury two-level townhomes featuring dual master suites, two-car garages, 10-foot-high ceilings, 8-foot raised panel interior doors, open living concepts, gourmet kitchens and a large covered patio on the main level as well as viewing decks on the upper level. The professionally managed community will also offer lowmaintenance living and resort-style amenities — including a heated pool, spa and putting green. One Easy St., Carefree. 480-247-2960; theviewcarefree.com

Apri l 2021

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i m a g e s a r i z o n a . c o m Apr il 2 02 1 Writer Joseph J. Airdo // Photography Courtesy of Emilee Spear and Rusty’s Angels Sanctuary

While working as a veterinary technician at a Phoenixbased no-kill animal shelter 11 years ago, Emilee Spear encountered a 16-year old schnauzer named Rusty who had been pulled from the euthanasia list at the local county pound. She took the dog home as a medical foster — as she did with a number of senior and special needs canines — to nurse him back to health so that he could then be put up for adoption. “He was deaf, going blind and already had quite a bit of dementia,” she says. “I thought, ‘Nobody is going to want this dog. He is just going to sit at the shelter and die alone.’ So, after two and a half months, he and I just decided to adopt each other. I had him for another two and a half years and, in that time, he changed my life.” Through Rusty, Spear discovered her true calling as founding president of a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing a safe and caring environment for senior and special needs canines. Since Feb. 20, 2014, Rusty’s Angels Sanctuary has been creating secure, nurturing homes for dogs to live out their twilight years through rescue, foster, adoption, education and hospice. “I still have to pinch myself because I cannot believe that it has been so successful,” Spear says. “When you open something with such a specific niche, you never know if people are actually going to support you and it has been mind-blowing. There are so many people who are just as crazy as me and love senior dogs.”

The 10-acre Rusty’s Angels Sanctuary — which is located at the end of a long, gravel road in New River — has taken in more than 263 senior dogs to date.

UNCONDITIONAL LOVE

“We focus on very old seniors,” says Spear, noting that Rusty’s Angels Sanctuary usually takes in dogs that are at least 10 years old and truly have nowhere to go. “It is typically an elderly owner who has either passed away or moved into a nursing home. They come to us and we get all of their medical needs taking care of. Then, based on their age, behavior and medical [condition], we decide whether or not they are adoptable.” Rusty’s Angels Sanctuary then works to find suitable homes for those that are deemed adoptable, aspiring to ensure that wherever dogs end up will indeed be their last home. Over the past seven years, 140 senior dogs have been adopted out. The rest retire, living out whatever time they have left — be it two weeks, two months or two years — at the sanctuary. “When we commit to a senior, we commit to the life of the dog,” Spear says. “Our motto is, ‘Providing unconditional love until the very end,’ and we take that very seriously.” When the end inevitably arrives, Spear is one who takes each dog to the vet and remains with them until their very last breath.

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Emilee Spear founded Rusty’s Angels Sanctuary on Feb. 20, 2014. For the past seven years, the nonprofit organization has created secure, nurturing homes for dogs to live out their twilight years through rescue, foster, adoption, education and hospice.

“We will go months without any losses and then we will have three or four in a row,” she says. “People always ask me, ‘How do you do this over and over again?’ I believe people are born with skills or talents. Some people can sing, some people can dance and some people can act. I feel like the gift that I was given was to be able to handle this.” Last year, Spear experienced a few personal things that led her to realize the significance that closure has in her life. And that is something that she is able to get with each and every one of the dogs that come through Rusty’s Angels Sanctuary. “I commit to each dog 100%,” Spear says. “When I am there till the very end — loving them, giving them the best of the best and being with them when they take their last breath — I get closure. I feel like this is my life’s purpose. This is what I was supposed to do.” Spear advises Rusty’s Angels Sanctuary’s staff and volunteers to try to put their personal feelings about loss and death aside and instead focus on the gift that they are giving each animal at the end of its life. “This is what he or she is going to remember when they pass,” Spear explains. “When they can focus on that, it becomes a life-changing experience for them and makes their role here more purposeful. Whether a dog has been through a lifetime of neglect and horrible care or been loved its entire life and has suddenly lost everything, it is our responsibility to give that dog everything we can.”

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HEAVEN ON EARTH

Over the past seven years, there have been a few exceptions to Rusty’s Angels Sanctuary’s age requirement — particularly for younger canines with special needs. Spear’s chihuahua Cricket is an example of one of them. “Cricket has short spine syndrome, which is a very rare condition where the spine is completely twisted and compressed so it appears as though they are almost like half a dog,” says Spear, noting that there are only 30 recorded cases in the entire world. Cricket has her own Instagram account with almost 7,000 followers and draws attention to the senior dogs during adoption events. However, she serves an even greater purpose at Rusty’s Angels Sanctuary. “We saw early on that she makes our seniors feel young,” Spear says. “She will pick one out of the crowd and get it to play with her. They then become best friends until that dog either gets adopted or passes away. She has a way with them and that is why I adopted her. This is her purpose.” Cricket is not the only addition to the Rusty’s Angels Sanctuary family, though. Last year, someone tagged Spear on a social media post about a pair of Peking ducks that had been dumped at the pond in Anthem Community Park. She and some friends were able to catch them and bring them back to the sanctuary. One week later, four more ducks had been dumped in the same place so Spear caught them as well.

INJURY SCREENING

“We held a fundraiser and the community donated $1,600 toward an

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“

“Whether a dog has been through a lifetime

The 10-acre Rusty’s Angels Sanctuary — which is located at the end of a long, gravel road in New River — has taken in more than 263 senior dogs to date.

of neglect and horrible care or been loved its entire life and

Emilee Spear advises Rusty’s Angels Sanctuary’s staff and volunteers to try to put their personal feelings about loss and death aside and instead focus on the gift that they are giving each animal at the end of its life.

has suddenly lost everything, it is our responsibility to give that dog everything we can.” Emilee Spear

enclosure for the ducks,” Spear says. “Once that happened, I was able to adopt eight chickens. Then I adopted a burro from the Bureau of Land Management as well as two goats and now we have a full-on farm.” The farm further supplements the healing atmosphere of Rusty’s Angels Sanctuary, not only bringing joy to staff and volunteers who get to visit with the various animals — many of which are named after the characters in the classic sitcom “Friends” — but benefitting the dogs themselves as well. “I did my research on duck eggs and, as it turns out, they are full of nutrients that are good for dogs,” Spear says. “We collect the duck eggs and, once a week, we boil them and sprinkle them into the food of our oldest seniors we well as the ones that need to put some weight on.” Meanwhile, Spear collaborated with her friend Brenda VanTussenbroek to open

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Rusty’s Resale Boutique — a thrift store from which all revenue directly benefits the care of the senior dogs at Rusty’s Angels Sanctuary. The store — which opened in October 2019 in Anthem and offers a wide variety of donated items for both humans and canines — has been a tremendous success, enabling Spear to continue her life’s calling, saving and enriching the lives of dogs during their twilight years at Rusty’s Angels Sanctuary. “The nickname it has taken on is, ‘Heaven on Earth,’” Spear says. “The dogs realize that it is a safe place and that all of the dogs here are just like them — just as old, just as blind, just as deaf and just as slow-moving with old joints. And it is like therapy to our staff and volunteers who get to sit with these dogs and feel relaxed. It is a very peaceful place where all of your stress just melts away.” rustysangelssanctuary.org

APRIL 2021 Serving the Proud Residents of the Greater North Valley NorthValleyPride.com

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Apri l 2021

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We are sure you have heard... the housing market is ON FIRE. Everybody's talking about it and it's true. Home's are selling very quickly. Some homes sell the first day they hit the market and many homes sell for more than the asking price. But don't be fooled into believing that selling your home is easier now than it was before. There are legally required disclosures and required contractural steps that most homeowners are unaware of where the smallest mistake could land you in court, turning your dream sale into a real nightmare. Yes, that is true too. For the last twenty years, as individual agents and owners of our own brokerage, we have represented over five thousand buyers and sellers. To borrow a phrase from Farmers Insurance, "we know a thing or two because we've seen a thing or two." Also...everyone asks us if we are in a "housing bubble"...and the answer is NO! The strength in today's real estate market is being driven by low-interest rates, local area job growth, people moving to Arizona from other states and a shortage of supply to meet the overwhelming housing demand.

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Writer Joseph J. Airdo Photography by Marion Cartland

The first time that Anthem resident Chris Urness saw the finished centerpiece of the new Arizona Silent Service Memorial, he experienced a flood of emotions that ranged from pride to satisfaction. “It brought back a lot of memories of my time on submarines and all of the great friends, fun and camaraderie that we had while doing extremely topsecret, important, strategic missions for the United States,” says Urness, who served eight years in the United States Submarine Force. “It is really important to have a space for what we call ‘Brothers of the ‘Phin.’”

Submariners hold the term in exceptionally high regard as it refers to the dolphin pins that each of them wears on their uniform. Urness currently co-chairs the Arizona Silent Service Memorial Foundation — a nonprofit organization that spearheaded the efforts to erect the monument at Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza — with Marcus Hensley, who was stationed on seven different submarines over 23 years of service. Hensley adds that it is important to honor the heritage and the legacy of the servicemen and women in the United States Submarine Force — both those who are currently serving and those who have lost their lives while doing so.

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Arizona Silent Service Memorial Foundation co-chair Marcus Hensley proudly welcomes the placement of a monument that honors the heritage and the legacy of the servicemen and women in the United States Submarine Force.

The Arizona Silent Service Memorial’s dedication plaque reads, “To perpetuate the memory of our shipmates who gave their lives in the pursuit of their duties while serving their country, and to honor those sailors who are serving our country beneath the world’s oceans today.” A second plaque pays tribute to those submarine veterans who served and were from Arizona. Below a list of their names, ranks, submarines and hometowns, the plaque reads, “Sailors, rest your oars.” Although Arizona Silent Service Memorial made its public debut Sept. 28, 2020, during a lei-cutting ceremony, a formal dedication ceremony for the 14-foot-long, 11-foot-tall monument is scheduled for Saturday, April 17 at Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza.

MANEUVERING WATCH

The initiative to erect the Arizona Silent Service Memorial initially began as a notion to bring the sail of the nuclear submarine USS Phoenix to the Valley. “That turned out to be prohibitive for a few reasons — a lot of them due to cost,” Hensley says. Instead, the Arizona Silent Service Memorial Foundation was formed in 2013 and began floating around ideas that would honor submarine veterans — servicemen and women who rarely receive recognition for their tremendous sacrifices. Urness says that submarine veterans are, by the nature of their work, stealthy and secret.

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“

It brought back a lot of memories of my time on submarines and all of the great friends, fun and camaraderie that we had while doing extremely topsecret, important, strategic missions for the United States. It is really important to have a space for what we call "Brothers of the Phin." Chris Urness

“What we do is not published in the papers or recognized by the media,” he explains, noting the importance of a site to honor past, present and future submariners and their families. “It is a place where the civilian population can also reflect upon their sacrifice and realize that there are a lot of people underwater hundreds of days out of the year with very little to no contact with the outside world who are never even thought about.”

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In 2014, Arizona Silent Service Memorial Foundation members went before the Arizona State Senate, which then authorized the department of administration to provide for the placement in Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza of a memorial dedicated to the commemoration of United States submarine veterans. However, the Senate did not authorize public monies for the costs of the monument, instead stipulating that all fundraising and contracts for artistic design and construction of the memorial were the sole responsibility of the proponents. Therefore the Arizona Silent Service Memorial Foundation got straight to work.

RIG FOR DIVE

One of the foundation’s primary means of raising funds for the project involved offering custom-made memorial brick pavers to honor and pay tribute to an individual or to commemorate a special event in exchange for a $150–$250 donation. It also began making official challenge coins available for $25 and, of course, accepted donations of any amount via its website. As for the artistic design, the vision was to develop a centerpiece structure that would resemble deep blue sea water, tumultuous waves of surface water and an attack class submarine bursting through the ocean's waves in an emergency ascent at a 20-degree angle — which Hensley says is an authentic procedure.

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Arizona Silent Service Memorial Foundation co-chair Chris Urness (third from left) speaks during the Aug. 3, 2020, groundbreaking in Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza of a monument dedicated to the commemoration of United States submarine veterans.

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“There were a lot of people who contributed to the final design,” Hensley adds. “The centerpiece started as a woodcarving by Dan Moss. There were contributions made by artist Renee Palmer Stevens and the project engineer Jim Martin did a lot of the design work around the functional parts of the sidewalk and viewing platform.” Meanwhile, the copper sculpting of the waves and the patina was completed by Anthem resident Nate Decker, who says that working on a project to honor our submarine veterans was a truly amazing opportunity. “I heated the copper and hammered it out by hand to sculpt and form the waves,” he explains. “This is a complicated, time-consuming technique. The patina was created by layering different products to create a chemical reaction. The texture and color are a result of this process. Finally, a sealant was used to stop the chemical process and keep the copper at the stage you see today.”

EMERGENCY BLOW

Although off-site construction of the monument began last March, on-site construction at Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza did not begin until last August — at which time Sunland Asphalt and Construction had to shift into high-gear to quickly complete the project. Hensley explains that the Arizona Silent Service Memorial’s Senate bill was set to expire Oct. 1, 2020. Urness adds that the foundation needed to have raised a certain dollar amount before construction could proceed. Nonetheless, the pieces of the puzzle came together just in the nick of time and, on Sept. 28, the foundation was able to officially debut the Arizona Silent Service Memorial with a lei-cutting ceremony. Hensley says the significance of referring to the debut as a lei-cutting ceremony as opposed to the usual ribbon-cutting ceremony is to honor the heritage of placing a huge lei on the front of a submarine returning from deployment — a tradition that dates back to WWII.

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OnlineAtAnthem.com/anthem-days Apri l 2021

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The Arizona Silent Service Memorial’s centerpiece structure resembles deep blue sea water, tumultuous waves of surface water and an attack class submarine bursting through the ocean's waves in an emergency ascent at a 20-degree angle. Although the monument made its public debut Sept. 28, 2020, during a lei-cutting ceremony, a formal dedication ceremony for the 14-foot-long, 11-foot-tall monument is scheduled for Saturday, April 17 at Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza.

“When the monument had finally physically come together, there was a sense of relief in that a lot of people worked so hard for quite a while to get this project done,” he says. “A lot of people went up to watch it get loaded in Anthem. Seeing the looks on people’s faces in cars as we were trucking it down I-17 was pretty amazing. It was a pretty breathtaking moment to see the monument finally landed.” Hensley adds that the timing of this month’s formal dedication of the monument is also significant. “April 11, 1900 marks the birthday of the submarine force,” he explains. “That is the date that the U.S. Navy accepted a design by James Holland and began [the United States Submarine Force] with SS-1, which was the USS Holland — named after its inventor. We chose April to commemorate that moment in history.” Urness adds that in addition to attending the dedication or visiting the monument at another time, people can help honor submarine veterans by continuing to make donations to the Arizona Silent Service Memorial Foundation. “Pavers are still available for purchase,” he says. “We still have a couple of outstanding bills that we need to pay in addition to some upfront costs from the dedication ceremony, so any help is wonderful and greatly appreciated.”

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arizonasilentservicememorial.org

Arizona Silent Service Memorial Dedication

Apri l 2021

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Rabbits and quail co-exist and get along with each other just fine. Rabbits will sometimes fight with one another, which is why jackrabbits sometimes have holes in their ears, but they get along very well with other creatures. Cottontails can get quite tattered ears because they fight with one another from time to time as well. Samantha Starr

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Writer Joseph J. Airdo Photography by Samantha Starr

If you live in one of our stunning Sonoran Desert communities and look outside your window at any given time of the day, there is a fairly good chance that you will see a pair of long ears peeking up amongst the wildflowers. Rabbits have become synonymous with peace and harmony, their presence in our yards representing the tranquil beauty for which our North Valley neighborhoods have become known. This month, their significance momentarily intensifies with any one of them capable of being the Easter Bunny, preparing to hide colorfully dyed eggs for our children to find. Therefore, it is the perfect opportunity to celebrate their genial charm. Images Arizona’s photo essay this month showcases a number of wildlife photographer Samantha Starr’s exceptionally charismatic rabbit pictures — many of which she took right in her very own yard. “I have bird feeders, water dishes and a water feature in my yard that are for the birds and whatever other critters that come through,” says Starr, noting that she has seen everything from bobcats and coyotes to javelinas and raccoons wandering around just outside her Apache Junction home.

Of all her wild visitors, rabbits offer some of the most joy as they frolic and play with one another as well as amicably coexist with other creatures like quail and lizards. Cottontail rabbits, with their fluffy white tails and forbearing black eyes, may be the most adorable animals in the Sonoran Desert. Then there are the amusingly wide-eyed expressions on the faces of the far-less-common jackrabbits, whose skyscraper ears are truly a sight to behold. Starr says that although there were two months last summer when three jackrabbits frequented her yard, they are fairly elusive creatures. She adds that your chances of seeing one in the Valley may be best at Veterans Oasis Park in Chandler but maintains that their wariness makes them extremely difficult to find let alone photograph. Fortunately, Starr has the patience, the luck and the skill to capture both cottontails and jackrabbits — the latter of which are actually hares, not rabbits, technically speaking — on camera. She and everyone at Images Arizona hope that their amiable appearance in this month’s issue brings a smile to your face and a happiness in your heart.

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SOURCE OF HAPPINESS Photography has become a form of therapy for Samantha Starr. The hobby and art form has encouraged the Apache Junction resident, who works as a bookbinder, to spend plenty of time outdoors.

I think that if you spend a lot of time watching rabbits, you can pick up on their body language. You can see when they are worried. You can see when they are annoyed. You can see when they are angry. Rabbits have emotions. Those emotions are not on the same level as humans but they are interesting to watch. Samantha Starr

“Sometimes my work can be a little bit stressful and I find that I really enjoy being out in nature, searching for interesting things,” explains Starr, noting that some of her favorite places to explore are Hereford, Sierra Vista, Madera Canyon and Gilbert Riparian Preserve. “Capturing moments and being able to just stare at them and enjoy them longer is a lot of fun and very peaceful.” Moreover, photography has also been somewhat of a saving grace over the past year. Whereas many others suddenly found it impossible to partake in the things that bring them joy, Starr’s source of happiness not only survived but also boosted her physical health. “Photography has gotten me walking instead of just sitting around being a couch potato during this pandemic,” she explains. “I am just glad that I am into something that I am still able to do. If shopping in the mall was my favorite thing to do, then I would have been in trouble this past year.” Photography has also opened the door to new friendships, with Starr receiving tips, support and — most importantly — camaraderie from those in Arizona’s photographer community. It is therefore a very personal piece of her life and one that she is hesitant to put a price on. “I have had a few people ask me if I sell my prints,” Starr says. “That is something that I am still considering. I have not jumped on it yet, though, just because I really enjoy my photography and I am worried that if I turn it into a job then it is going to be something that I am not going to like as much anymore.” Nonetheless, Starr enjoys sharing her photography on social media — and has even developed a bit of a following. “[I] hope that the images bring people smiles,” she explains. “That is one of the main reasons I share my photos on social media. If I can give someone a bright spot in their day then I am accomplishing something. While I enjoy the technical aspect of learning photography and composing nice images, having those images speak to people in some way matters more. If ever people needed a reason to smile or laugh, it is now.”

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I am usually the type who will do bursts of photos and hope that one or two of them come out really nice. It is amazing how you can take a whole group of photos but there are just those one or two that work out right. Maybe in one photo, the rabbit’s eyes are closed or its head is turned so you cannot see its eyes. And eyes are very important in photography. Samantha Starr

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ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER Originally from Connecticut, Samantha Starr arrived in Arizona about 19 years ago. She has spent her life in a variety of occupations, initially exploring jobs in the medical industry before eventually becoming a bookbinder for her family’s business — all the while also being a full-time mom. When her son went off to college, she felt compelled to find a hobby to occupy her time. Having always received compliments from friends about the photographs she captured on her smartphone, Starr decided to see what she could accomplish with a real camera.

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The Apache Junction resident began studying the principles of photography on the internet, learning how shutter speed, ISO and aperture affect exposure. After all, she did not want to spend a bunch of money on a camera just to use it in auto mode. “I had no idea what I wanted to photograph, though, so I just bought a camera body and one all-purpose lens that went from 18 to 250 millimeters,” Starr says. “I figured that way I could have something I could do a little bit of everything with until I figured out what my focus was going to be.” Starr then took an online photography class from which she learned the function of every button, switch and menu item on her camera. Then, she simply went outside and started practicing her craft. Before long, she found her focus as she fell in love with nature and wildlife photography — especially bird photography. Today, Starr spends just about every weekend outdoors with her camera. Moreover, her camera is in her hand for at least an hour or two every day as she continues to delve deeper into the art form, finding new things to photograph and new ways to see the world around her. Facebook: @samanthastarrnaturephotography

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High-End Quality Upgrades with an Emphasis on Renewable Energy Efficiency Feel a tremendous weight finally lifted off your shoulders as you begin living your best life in this Anthem Parkside home, which boasts low long-term ownership costs and maintenance. This lavishing 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home features extensive investments in high-end quality upgrades with an emphasis on renewable energy efficiency, making your life easier so that you can focus on loving life. More than $200,000 in upgrades are scattered throughout the home, with the first and foremost being owned solar panels. A total electric cost of $350 for grid access for the last two years combined ensures that you will have fewer bills and more thrills. Other upgrades include high-efficiency 16 SEER Trane HVAC systems and a Navien tankless water heater. A full roof replacement and landscape remodel — both completed in 2015 — has the exterior of this home looking perfectly pristine. The backyard is enhanced with an alluring Alumawood pergola shade structure that facilitates outdoor dining, entertaining and relaxing. A very inviting pool with a soothing waterfall structure guarantees that your backyard will be the place to be all summer long. This home’s magnificence only intensifies on the inside with an interior remodel that features sensational GE appliances, gorgeous granite counters, stunning windows by Andersen Renewal and exquisite Hunter Douglas PowerView programmable power blinds throughout. Each interior amenity assures you a life of incredible convenience like only this home can offer. The kitchen — complete with an island/breakfast bar — makes cooking and quick meals an absolute breeze while the cozy dining area provides a divine place for more formal meals and other family gatherings. The remarkably welcoming family room is reinforced with a fireplace that will keep you warm and relaxed while spending quality time with the people you love. The absolutely breathtaking bedrooms and bathrooms — which you have to see to believe — further elevate this home’s exceptional value. Call Linda to schedule your private showing today and take your first step toward a life of convenience, luxury and tranquility.

Please call Linda for your private showing. Linda Rehwalt RE/MAX Professionals 602-402-1136 lindarehwalt@azrealty.com

Apri l 2021

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Skylie Seidman — a junior at Boulder Creek High School — was crowned Miss Anthem Teen USA this past November and has chosen to use her platform to raise funds for the Phoenix Children’s Hospital Foundation’s Patient and Family Hardship Fund. i m a g eSeverson sarizona.com Writer Shannon 46

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Photo by Maya Photography

“

I don’t think people realize how much the events of the past year have affected teenagers. To see how much Skylie has tried to keep herself going and to choose to do something positive says a lot about her, her personality and how she is managing her life. Lora Seidman Warnock

When Arizona temperatures reach their height this July, Miss Anthem Teen USA Skylie Seidman will also be hitting the high point in her quest to earn the title of Miss Arizona Teen USA and to help a worthy local charity. The Boulder Creek High School junior was crowned this past November and has chosen to use her platform to raise funds for the Phoenix Children’s Hospital Foundation’s Patient and Family Hardship Fund. Skylie is collecting money and gift cards to provide emergency relief options to struggling families with sick children, helping them to preserve as much balance as possible while going through a time of crisis. “I want to make a great impact,” Skylie says. “I think this is a great opportunity — especially considering everything people are going through with the coronavirus.” Skylie’s mom, Lora Seidman Warnock, says helping children was a natural choice for Skylie as a love for kids runs in their family. “I, myself, work with special needs kids and we have become really close friends with several families who have been positively impacted by the work of Phoenix Children’s Hospital,” Lora explains. “We have seen the good work they do firsthand. Skylie loves children like I do, so this was a natural direction for her to take in order to help others.” Lora was just as pleasantly surprised as Skylie when Casting Crowns — the organization that runs Miss Arizona Teen USA — contacted her daughter and asked if she would consider applying to represent Anthem in the pageant.

“I remember the day well,” Lora recalls. “I was driving in the car and she said, ‘Mom, you’re never going to believe this.’ I was not prepared for what she was going to tell me, but she was really excited.” Casting Crowns had seen Skylie on Instagram. A total newcomer to the pageant scene, the Anthem teen — whose favorite subject is algebra — decided to take the chance. She now adds her pageant participation to a long list of activities that includes National Honor Society, Varsity Cheer Team and Active Stars All-Star Cheer competition team — which this summer will head to the national competition in Knoxville. Although Skylie has spent much of her life competing and performing on stage as a cheerleader, Lora notes that making personal appearances and speaking publicly was not originally in her daughter’s comfort zone. “She has learned a lot about herself as a person,” Lora says. “She’s stepped out of her comfort zone and grown so much — putting herself out there and getting more involved in the community has been a great opportunity. “I don’t think people realize how much the events of the past year have affected teenagers. To see how much Skylie has tried to keep herself going and to choose to do something positive says a lot about her, her personality and how she is managing her life. There aren’t words to express how proud I am of her.” Lora and Skylie are working together to get the word out about the fundraiser, with a goal of raising $2,000 for Phoenix Children’s Hospital Foundation’s Patient and Family Hardship Fund.

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Anthem teen Skylie Seidman now adds pageant participation to a long list of activities that includes National Honor Society, Varsity Cheer Team and Active Stars All-Star Cheer competition team. Photo by In The Moment Photography

Miss Anthem Teen USA Skylie Seidman is collecting money and gift cards to provide emergency relief options to struggling families with sick children, helping them to preserve as much balance as possible while going through a time of crisis. Photo by In The Moment Photography

Phoenix Children’s Hospital has a dedicated social work team that assesses patient families most in need of support. Last year, over $461,000 was raisied to help more than 700 patient families — and the need is only increasing each year. Therefore, the hospital’s team is grateful for the help, as 100% of the funds Skylie raises will go directly to the program. “We are incredibly grateful to Miss Anthem Teen USA, Skylie Seidman, for her efforts to raise money for Phoenix Children’s Hospital Foundation’s Patient and Family Hardship Fund and for supporting Phoenix Children’s,” says Tim Harrison, vice president of corporate partnerships and special events at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. “The hardship fund helps patient families offset the costs related to their child’s hospital stay — such as food, gas, lodging and transportation. Having a critically ill or injured child is difficult, so we thank Skylie for supporting families in financial need during an already stressful time.” Along with the opportunity to help families in need and developing her personal skills, Skylie has also had the chance to meet her fellow contestants — a positive, supportive group of young women.

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In her future beyond the Miss Arizona Teen USA competition this summer, Skylie Seidman plans to attend Grand Canyon University and possibly pursue a career in education so that she can continue working with children. LIGHTING, IRRIGATION, LANDSCAPE

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“The attitude of everyone is great,” Lora says. “The attitude is that they’re competing together and not against each other. That has been something she really likes. It has been awesome to see the approach that they’re all working together.” In her future beyond the Miss Arizona Teen USA competition this summer, Skylie plans to continue working with children. “I am planning to attend Grand Canyon University after high school,” the Anthem teen explains. “While I’m still trying to figure out exactly what I want to do, I will probably pursue a degree in education. The skills I’m learning now — meeting new people, public speaking and pushing myself to learn, train and succeed in general — are going to be helpful in the future.” action.phoenixchildrens.com/goto/missteenanthem

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Writer Joseph J. Airdo

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Former Anthem resident Dave Henry and his wife Jill co-authored “The Greatest College Health Guide You Never Knew You Needed,” a book that will be published and released nationally this month.

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The need for this book is probably more important than it has ever been before. Kids’ mental and physical health right now is the worst that I have ever seen it. Jill Henry

Dave Henry has worked just about every job that you can possibly imagine — from wearing a sandwich sign for Barnes and Noble to selling websites to lawyers. However, some of the Emmy-nominated editor and television producer’s fondest memories are those he made while assistant directing, coaching and refereeing sports in Anthem.

drew him back to Los Angeles at age 27 but, even then, he felt compelled to keep shaping young minds and muscles as a high school coach. It was there that he met his wife Jill, a math teacher and girls’ cross country coach. A few years ago, Jill was speaking with students about the challenges that they, as high school seniors, faced upon running their final race. Unsure about how they could remain physically active and healthy during their transition from high school to college, the girls inspired Dave and Jill to impart them with some useful information. “Our original plan was to put together a packet of workouts and ideas about how to navigate the dining halls and give that to them as a graduation gift,” Jill says. “But as we started doing research, we realized that it was not just about food and exercise and that doing something small would be undeserving what they were going to need.” Dave and Jill then dove head-first into the project, which is now taking form as a book that will be published and released nationally this month. “The Greatest College Health Guide You Never Knew You Needed” aims to be a complete road map for how young people can take care of their minds and bodies into college and throughout the rest of their lives, tacking topics like food, alcohol, stress, sleep, sex and — of course — exercise.

“I grew up in the Los Angeles area before my parents and I moved to Anthem in 2000,” says Dave, who was a quarterback for Greenway High School’s football team. “We were among the first 200 people who moved to Anthem and I ended up spending a lot of time in the community. In fact, my first job ever was at Anthem Community Center.”

“The need for this book is probably more important than it has ever been before,” says Jill, noting the COVID-19 pandemic has broken the fragile foundation with which youth leave high school and enter college. “Kids’ mental and physical health right now is the worst that I have ever seen it. And colleges are having to cut back in their wellness offices, which makes it even more important that kids go in prepared and have resources.”

Dave is exceptionally proud of the positive impact he has made on a lot of lives during his time working in youth sports. His affinity for film and television work eventually

Looking back at his own upbringing in Anthem and especially his ability to make a difference in the lives of the community’s youth back then, Dave is grateful that he

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In “The Greatest College Health Guide You Never Knew You Needed,” former Anthem resident Dave Henry and his wife Jill aim to be a provide a road map for how young people can take care of their minds and bodies into college and throughout the rest of their lives.

and his wife can provide information about those resources with the young men and women who are essentially the future of our society. Students and parents have an opportunity to hear directly from Dave and Jill during an April 29 virtual book launch hosted by Changing Hands Bookstore, which will also feature other guest speakers who will share their insight and expertise. In the meantime, Dave offers some words of advice that he hopes will help young people who may be feeling uneasy as this very unusual school year nears an end. “You are going to fail at some point in time with your health and that is completely OK,” says Dave, who frequently visits his parents who still live in Anthem. “And it is also very natural. Set expectations for yourself but understand that you are going to face some adversity and may not know what to do when you want to make some changes. That is really challenging in a brand new environment at that age and you are all by yourself. It has been our goal to provide an honest, funny and useful place to start.” greatestcollegehealthguide.com

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“The Greatest College Health Guide You Never Knew You Needed” Virtual Book Launch i mApril a g e s a r29 i z o|n6 a . cp.m. o m |Apr il |2changinghands.com 02 1 Thursday, Free 52

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Honey Citrus Sheet Pan Chicken This simple-yet-delicious dinner can be quickly prepared for a healthy weeknight meal with very little cleanup required. The combination of honey and citrus in the marinade — which doubles as a sauce — is the perfect match for the chicken and vegetables. Serves: 4

Ingredients: 1/3 cup honey 1/3 cup raspberry orange or blood orange juice 1 tablespoon coconut aminos 1 tablespoon crushed garlic 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro Salt and pepper (to taste) 1 medium red onion (sliced) 1 large sweet potato (peeled and cut into chunks) 3–4 carrots (peeled and cut into chunks) 1 jalapeno (sliced) 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Directions: Preheat oven to 400 degrees and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the honey, juice, coconut aminos, garlic, Dijon mustard, cilantro, salt and pepper. Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish. Pour half of the sauce over the chicken and let marinate while you prepare the vegetables, 20–30 minutes. Add the onion, sweet potato and carrots to the prepared baking sheet and roast for 30 minutes. Remove vegetables from oven and nestle the marinated chicken amongst them on the baking sheet. Scatter jalapeno slices over the pan, drizzle with remaining sauce, season with salt and pepper and place back into oven for 15–20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.

Writer and Photographer Kyndra Kelly

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Turn oven to broil for 5 minutes to further brown the chicken and vegetables, if desired. Remove from oven and allow to cool and reconstitute its flavorful juices for 5 minutes before serving.

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