Northern Arizona's Mountain Living Magazine November 2017

Where wellness and prevention are primary to your health At Northern Arizona Healthcare Medical Group – Flagstaff, the doctors, nurses and other experts at our primary care practice work together to keep everyone in your family well.

With same-day visits and extended hours, we’ll fit right into your busy schedule.

Call 928-913-8800 to make an appointment.

Open 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday; open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays.

107 E. Oak Ave., Ste. 201, Flagstaff

Creating healthier families…together

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EDITOR'S NOTES

I

f we take lead from the f irst Thanksgiving, our holiday tables should feature the food and people close to us.

Pilg rims came to the New World k now ing lit t le about how to fend for themselves in this land. They f led England as religious sepa ratists and traveled across waters for new prosperit y. But ha lf the May f lower’s hundred or so passengers died during their f irst New England w inter, a pa r ticu la rly ha rsh one.

The remaining Pilgrims did better only after indigenous people gave them direction in hunting, f ishing, growing corn and storing stocks for winter.

The f irst Thanksgiving (the name came later) was a celebration of sur vival, of gifts, of sharing and of gratitude.

Colonists and Indians feasted on deer meat, f ish, clams, fowl and corn—food they grew or collected from nearby. What our technological society today calls the slow-food movement has roots in hunger-gatherer and small-farm communities.

We are lucky to have an abundance of game, farm-fresh produce and animals fed from grassy ranch lands here on the Colorado Plateau.

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Northern Arizona's Mountain Living Magazine

Local restaurant Brix prides itself on cuisine made with ingredients from the Four Corners region. So we asked Brix chef Logan Webber what might be on his Thanksgiving menu. For this month ’s cover story, he conceived the following dishes with ingredients from small Arizona farms, ranches and purveyors.

Roasted guinea hen with autumn fruit Roasted baby carrots, beets and fennel with garam masala Sweet potato gnocchi with chèvre and sage Chestnut stuff ing with fennel sausage and tart cherries Autumn greens salad with pickled apple vinaigrette, cranberries and walnuts Unlike the salt-laden, too-sweet, heavy meal that we’re all used to, this Thanksgiving dinner is elegant, f lavorful and a reminder that local food is better for you, better for the land and environment and a tribute to those who toil to feed us.

Like those who enjoyed the f irst Thanksgiving, try sourcing your holiday meal from what is fresh, abundant and nearby. It’s a time to be grateful and enjoy the sustenance and people around us.

Nancy Wiechec nwiechec@azdailysun.com

Calendar

ABOUT TOWN

Favorites of the month from the area’s abundant offerings in art and entertainment

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WISDOM OF THE WOLF

Museum of Northern Arizona, 6:30 p.m.

Diné storyteller Sunny Dooley conveys the Navajo story of leadership and the wisdom of the wolf. Hosted by the Grand Canyon Wolf Recovery Project and the Plan B Foundation to Save Wolves. Offering: $10. www.gcwolfrecovery.org

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GO FOR BAROQUE

San Francisco de Asis Catholic Church, 7:30 p.m.

Master Chorale of Flagstaff under the baton of Tom Peterson presents an evening of glorious classical music with selections from Bach and Handel’s Messiah. Tickets: $20 (discounts for seniors and students) in advance or at the door. www.masterchorale.net

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CHASE RICE

17

ILIANA MATOS

Prochnow Auditorium at Northern Arizona University, 7 p.m.

Country music maverick Chase Rice brings his Lambs & Lions tour to NAU. Rolling Stone called the title track off his new recording “haunting, disarming, thought provoking and a little weird.” Tickets: $25-$40 through the NAU Central Ticket Office. (928) 523-5661

Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, 7 p.m.

The Grand Canyon Guitar Society presents Cuban guitar virtuoso Iliana Matos as part of its Classical Series. Powerful and intense, her playing has been acclaimed by critics worldwide. Tickets: $25 in advance, $30 day of show. www.canyonguitar.org

ONGOING RETURN: MARSHALL MAUDE IN ASIA Northern Arizona University Art Museum, noon-5 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday Ceramicist Marshall Maude looks back to ancient artisans—Chinese, Japanese, Greek, Anasazi—drawing on the past for new technology and ideas. Clay, he says, is an amorphous material that invites the exploration of origin and finality. (928) 523-3471

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FESTI V E F R E SH

& 8

Northern Arizona's Mountain Living Magazine

Arizona foods elevate the holiday table

By Gail Collins | Photography by Nancy Wiechec november17 namlm.com

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Nelson to jazz and blues.

Having played iconic resorts at Sun Valley, Yellowstone, Yosemite and the Grand Canyon, Up the Creek’s menu ref lects the international visitors to those park sojourns, such as medallions of rubycentered venison draped over soubise rice. Ironically, he calls the meld of onion—sautéed in butter and baked with rice for rich results—peasant food. The plate is drizzled with blueberry gastrique and a scattering of black lava salt that tempts even vegan diners.

“The meat appeals to them because it’s clean and wild,” O’Meally said. Sip an Italian barbera with the game.

The lavender-infused chicken bears a blushing pomegranate buerre rouge and benef its from a glass of Cabernet Franc. The charred, yet moist, meat is fragrant and fruity atop savory bread pudding

with ribbons of squash. It presents as elegant barbecue.

Mushroom bruschetta rivals Brussels sprouts as the most popular item on the menu. The earthy mushrooms in a garlic and shallot Marsala sauce are indulgent over grilled bread. The sliced sprouts are pan-seared and mixed with parmesan cheese, almonds and capers with a swirl of balsamic vinegar reduction.

Chablis is the perfect accompaniment to either.

Conclude with sweet comfort food, like buttermilk pie.

The custard and crust are piled with whipped cream plus caramel lashings. “ W hen people gather to eat, they leave their troubles behind for a nice evening out,” O’Meally said. In that way, happy holiday gatherings at venues like Up t he Creek become ef for t less enter ta in ing.

Up the Creek Bistro Wine Bar, 1975 N. Page Springs Road, Cornville, is open Wednesday through Sunday, 11 a.m.-close. Call (928) 634-9954 for reser vations, or visit w w w.upthecreekaz.com.

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Northern Arizona's Mountain Living Magazine

THE ARTS

&

Harmony Healing

New restorative works

by Shonto Begay among art on display at The Peaks

By MacKenzie Chase

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Northern Arizona's Mountain Living Magazine

A

rtwork can give pleasure, communicate ideas, draw out emotions and start conversations. Some say it can heal.

Local Dine’ artist and author Shonto Begay is among those who believe in the healing power of art.

“I want to communicate more than a pretty image,” said Begay, who recently completed a series of colorful panels at The Peaks Senior Living Community. “I want to convey something that vibrates the soul, dances with the eyes and something that just awakens the senses.”

The Peaks called upon Begay to brighten the center’s recently updated rehabilitation wing. Executed in his signature neo-impressionistic style, the completed paintings express fortitude, healing and unity.

In one piece, a juniper tree is painted in cool blue shades and reaches toward a late evening sky scattered with stars.

“Juniper is representative of grandfather,” Begay explained. “This can stay for a long time, sees many seasons and perseveres through time and space, reaching heavenward. That’s what I wanted to capture, that sense of strength, revival, regenerating and of giving.”

Flowing clockwise to other panels in the room, Begay’s illustrations demonstrate strength and oneness with nature. The artist shows a group of people dancing with hands clasped beneath a rainbow at the end.

Shonto Begay (left) and his new pieces for The Peaks november17 namlm.com

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THE ARTS

Policemen, cowboys and business professionals are shown united in the same goal—healing. Begay even used an alien figure to represent making peace with mystery.

The artist said he executed the paintings with Navajo healing prayers and an overarching theme of harmony. He hopes the imagery will encourage residents to keep moving forward even in difficult times.

Begay, whose works have been shown in premier Arizona museums, at the Smithsonian Institute and in other museums, took three months to complete the panels at The Peaks.

“I’m glad for the time I spent here with the patients, with a brush in hand, with the staff,” Begay said. “The whole environment was healing for me as well.”

Since its opening in 2000, the senior living center has made museum-quality art part of its residential experience. Southwest works especially remind residents and guests of Arizona’s rich cultural heritage.

“We get people from all over coming in to tour The Peaks and definitely the artwork is one of the first things they notice,” said Patty 22

Northern Arizona's Mountain Living Magazine

Baca, the center’s director of sales and marketing.

Native American rugs hang on walls in glass cases, photographs show Flagstaff and the surrounding area as it was in the early 1900s, and bronze statues appear on each of three floors. Pottery and handpainted kachina dolls are shown in display cases near the front lobby.

While some of the pieces come from private collections, a large majority of them are on loan from the Museum of Northern Arizona, the center’s neighbor on the other side of U.S. Highway 180.

The Peaks sits on a portion of land owned by the museum and enjoys a symbiotic relationship with the establishment. Residents can enjoy the museum’s artworks in the environment where they live, which in turn promotes the museum and brings more visitors to its doors.

Those who live at The Peaks are also given museum memberships and are invited to attend regular docent talks covering a variety of topics related to the Colorado Plateau.

The Peaks puts such an emphasis on artwork that new residents are given a tour to introduce them to the works on display. It’s a small detail that makes the community feel more like a home.

1710_076

We’re Growing!

Attend our

A piece by Baje Whitethorne on display at The Peaks.

K–12 Open House Nov 15!

Open Enrollment Nov 15 to Dec 15!

2nd Strrt

val i t s e F s t Ar M Gaaup, N OV. 18

DAY N

SATUR

BASISFlagstaff.org

• 10-4

Location: 2nd Street Events Center, ART123 and 2nd Street between Aztec and Coal

Dozens of Artists & Vendors • Live Music • Food • Kids’ Craft Corner galluparts.org

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Ways to help bring joy back to the holidays

1

Be open to new traditions

the loved ones who are 5 Acknowledge not with us

People often feel compelled to continue holiday traditions that no longer work for them. Acknowledge that things have changed and that the holiday may not be the same as it once was.

Plan new activities; volunteer; invite friends over; attend a play or concert; travel. Create new memories and traditions.

It can be helpful and joyful to have a holiday ritual honoring the memory of one who has passed. Some ideas: sing his or her favorite song; set a place at the table for them; light candles and say a prayer; tell a favorite story; buy items that can be engraved to donate in their name; plant a tree; display their picture or place an item that belonged to them among holiday decorations.

2 Do less

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If the thought of many holiday activities feels painful, overwhelming or inappropriate, cut back. For example, take a break from sending holiday cards, limit holiday parties to small gatherings with your closest friends and family, decorate less, don’t feel pressured to bake, cook or entertain guests.

Be gentle and nice to yourself and others

Most importantly, surround yourself with close friends and family who can offer support, a kind word and a shoulder to lean on. Laugh when you can, and cry when you have to. Be open to this new chapter of your life’s novel.

3 Have a plan and backup plan

If plan A is to go to a holiday event with family and friends, but it just doesn’t feel right, have plan B ready, such as going to a movie or a place that was special to you and your loved one. Just knowing there is a backup plan in place can provide some comfort.

4 Give

Sometimes the biggest comfort comes in helping others.

Consider purchasing something that symbolizes the person who has passed and donate it to a needy family. Make a donation in your loved one's name to a charity or cause he or she cherished. Or, participate in an adopt-a-family charity or a similar opportunity

Orthopaedic Surgeon and PA teams Sports Medicine Center

Joel Rohrbough, MD Keri McPherson, PA-C

Yuri Lewicky, MD Tammy Doering, PA-C

Shaun McCallum, a captain with Verde Valley Fire, trusted the skill of Joel Rohrbough, MD, a surgeon with the Sports Medicine Center at Northern Arizona Orthopaedics, to repair his shoulder and, most recently, a torn meniscus in his knee. Shaun’s greatest desire was to return to the physical demands of the work he loves, pain-free.

Dr. Rohrbough and the team of specialists at NAO helped him achieve that.

Our Specialty Centers provide leading care in Flagstaff and Prescott for neck, back, shoulder, hip, knee, ankle, foot, elbow and hand conditions with experience you can trust. The specialists in each Center personalize care plans based on a patient’s lifestyle, passions and goals, so they can return to the activities they love.

To schedule a visit at the Sports Medicine Center inside the Summit Center, call 928-774-7757 or visit NorthAZortho.com. november17 namlm.com

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TREKS & TRAILS

Challenge & Reward

at Bear Mountain Trail

By Larry Hendricks

S

un—merciless, brilliant sun. Ascent—lung-burning, sweatdrenched ascent.

But the views, the stunning, jaw-dropping gazes into the red-rock pages of the world’s geology book, make the journey worth the effort.

The ramble was up Bear Mountain Trail, part of the Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness area north of Sedona. I took the hike in late September with friends Kiril Kirkov and Trevor Welker.

The day was dressed in sun-blue with hints of white clouds.

Juniper and pinyon pine twitched in a cooling breeze that drifted through sandstone buttes. A pair of hawks played in the sky overhead. Prickly pear, some topped with purple buds, lazed in beds of sand and time.

We had about three hours to devote to the hike and hit the trailhead. A few hundred yards from the parking lot, the ascent began. I put my head down and focused on climbing up the rocks, following the white diamond markers painted on the sandstone. My breathing quickened, and sweat beaded in the corners of my eyes.

The body was working as it was supposed to.

Warning: This trail has very little shade and temperature is a factor. We started out at about 10 a.m., and it was already beyond 80 degrees. Combined with the sun and the steep ascent, this climb definitely fits into the strenuous category. Wear a good coat of sunscreen, take that trusty hat and bring plenty of water. The trail had other hikers, but it was not crowded. There was plenty of time to feel like we were the only three people there.

The hike itself can be broken into three distinct parts. The first part is a steep climb that ends in a sloping plateau of weathered sandstone with breathtaking views. We stopped several times to catch our breath and let the sweat cool us as we drank water and talked about life.

The second part, a stroll along the plateau, offers views and photo opportunities all around. Bear Mountain is clearly visible from the plateau, which dips before reaching the final ascent to the top. We stopped to snap photos, explore the views from all sides and wander over the windy ripples of weathered sand and stone.

It had taken us nearly two hours, with stops and plenty of lollygagging, to reach the beginning of the third part. It was a nice point to decide to turn back and call it a day, which is what we did. The 26

Northern Arizona's Mountain Living Magazine

third part will be there for another day.

According to the U.S. Forest Service, the third section of the hike is marked by a number of “false peaks” before f inally reaching an “end of trail ” sign.

What was a chest-heaving ascent, turned out to be a carefully eyed scramble on the climb down. My thigh muscles twitched and complained about the heav y work. I found myself wishing I’d brought an extra set of knees—a pair not so banged up to start. Concentration was called for, and my vision of the hike narrowed to the steps in front of me with hazes of rusty red and green in my periphery. By the time the rocky steps down were f inished, so were my legs. They felt like they’d done some work. It’s a feeling I’ve come to enjoy over the years.

We arrived back at the trailhead around 1 p.m.—a perfect time to celebrate our outing with a nice pizza lunch in Sedona.

Good hike, good friends, good food. It was a perfect day.

Bear Mountain Trail is a great trail to tackle in the late fall and winter months because the temperatures make it not only bearable (pun intended), but enjoyable climbing to get those vivid, stunning views of Red Rock country.

Next time, and there will be a next time, I’ll set aside enough time to make it to that “end of trail ” sign. Bear Mountain Trail is a new challenging favorite of mine. Perhaps, it will be one of yours, too.

IF YOU GO: Bear Mountain Trail Distance: Five miles (Some hikers say six, and I agree.)

Elevation gain: 2,100 feet Time: Between four and five hours Directions: Take state Route 89A through Sedona to Dry Creek Road. Turn right and head to Boynton Pass Road and make a left. Turn left again onto Forest Road 152C. Parking, which is shared with the Doe Mountain Trail, is a mile down the road. The parking lot is on the left, and the trailhead for Bear Mountain is across the road on the right.

Fee: There is a $5 Red Rock Pass fee, and kiosk to purchase the pass at the trailhead. november17 namlm.com

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W

hen Flagstaff general contractor Jeff Knorr and his family planned to build their own home, they had three priorities: Family. Energy efficiency. Views.

That focus is seen and felt upon entering their newly completed residence nestled among the trees in the Westridge area just outside town.

Inside the front door is a small solarium that receives a host of light from large south-facing windows. A wall of locally sourced malapai rock takes in and holds the radiated heat. The heat sink provides warmth even in the coldest times of the year.

“It’s like having a warming pad in the middle of the house,” said Knorr, president of his contracting firm JKC Inc. “And it’s a great place to grow tomatoes year-round.”

In the central living space, the focal point is the hearth and f ireplace, an Environmental Protection Agency-compliant wood-burning insert.

Above the mantel, the Knorr family is depicted in front of the San Francisco Peaks in a colorful Day of the Dead styling executed by local painter Emma Gardner. The four-panel piece decoratively hides a f lat-screen TV. The Knorr’s new home is actually two residences. One for Knorr, his wife and their two children. An attached smaller dwelling is for his mother. In her senior years the family wanted to have her nearby in case she needs help, but also wanted for her to have her own space. The apartment has its own drive and entrance.

“We wanted a family friendly house for three generations, a focus on energy efficiency, and we wanted to take advantage of our fine mountain views,” said Knorr. “We had a practical plan for a three-generation house. We wanted to keep everyone close while maintaining personal space.”

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Northern Arizona's Mountain Living Magazine

PLAYING FAVORITES

Holiday Redux

Unique seasonal recordings from times past

By the Staff

“T

Christmas, the album is characteristic he best way to spread of the group’s dream-pop sound. Mimi Christmas cheer is singing Parker (vocals and percussion) and loud for all to hear!”

That’s Buddy the Elf (Will Farrell) Alan Sparhawk (vocals and guitar) are practicing Mormons, and appropriately in the 2003 holiday hit movie Elf as he for the Christmas feast there is a entreats his newfound human friends, who are not quite in the spirit of things, religious bent to many of the tunes.

One pop music critic called this holiday to love all things Christmas. pressing the “religious album even Most holiday tunes make people heathens can love.” Our favorites off the happy. But if you’re in the bah humbug recording are “Just Like Christmas” and group that wishes for an end to the “Little Drummer Boy.” And who can’t standard Christmas playlists, then ’tis relate to the lyrics, “Careful, one by one/ the season to try your headphones on It is undone/ Seems before it's over/ It’s some more interesting albums from the begun,” in “Taking Down the Tree.” past. These may get you humming a new holiday tune.

A Very Special Christmas, Vol. 3 Various Artists Does Xmas Fiasco Style A& M Records My Morning Jacket Rolling Stone called the 1987 allDarla Records star recording of A Very Special Christmas Darla released the rock revivalists’ one of the best Christmas albums of all Christmas EP in 2000. Does Xmas time. But our favorite in the series, for Fiasco Style includes f ive songs, plus its more unique titles, is volume three one “hidden” instrumental track. The released in 1997. Highlights include music is mellow and toasty, perfect for “Christmas Song” by Dave Matthews listening by f ireside or in the warm and Tim Reynolds as well as the ethereal glow of tree lights. The crooning by My “Christmastime” by the Smashing Morning Jacket frontman Jim James on Pumpkins. If you’re a Tracy Chapman his original composition “I Just Wanted fan, you’ll enjoy her version of “O Holy to Say” is so delightful. Then there’s the Night.” And even if you won’t download band’s take on “Santa Claus is Back in this entire album, be sure not to miss Town,” an even more bluesy delivery on the powerful “Ave Maria” sung by Chris the song f irst recorded by Elvis in 1957.

Cornell of Soundgarden and Audioslave.

It gives us chills each time we hear it—a Christmas fitting tribute to the rock icon, singerLow songwriter who passed away this year.

Kranky Haunting, hymnal, atmospheric, euphonic. These descriptives call out These recordings are available the 1999 release by the indie band Low through the record labels, iTunes and from Duluth, Minnesota. Simply titled other content providers.

In each issue, the magazine features books, film, music or other media catching our attention. Some favorites have regional affiliations and some are picks we think are just plain worth checking out. november17 namlm.com

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SPOTLIGHT

Chef Logan Webber of Brix

H

e was a foodie long before social media made it a trite and trendy term. Logan Webber grew up in Parks and enjoyed watching and helping his mother cook.

His first job was at the Rack and Bull steakhouse, the now defunct Parks restaurant and bar along Old Route 66.

He went to Flagstaff High School and then onto culinary college at the Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College in Philadelphia. The young chef put his degree and skills to work at Foreign & Domestic in Austin, Texas, and at L’auberge and Enchantment Resorts in Sedona.

He is now executive chef at Brix Restaurant and Wine Bar in Flagstaff.

Along with Brix owner Paul Moir, Webber assisted Mountain Living Magazine in preparing this issue’s cover story. The holiday menu Chef Logan selected, like the ones he prepares for the restaurant, was conceived with ingredients from Arizona and the Four Corners region—locally farmed, sustainable and organic foods.

When he’s not orchestrating the kitchen at Brix, Logan said he can be found outdoors—camping, fishing or rock climbing—or sometimes just hanging out at home watching movies or playing games.

Q: What was your first memory about food?

A: My first memory would be of my mom cooking dinners for the family. These were good experiences. I could see that my mom put her heart into her cooking. I was always interested

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in food and would try to help her, even at a young age.

Q: When did you know you wanted to be a chef?

A: I participated in a few culinary competitions when I was in high school and began to dedicate myself to the profession.

Q: In your experience, what’s the hardest thing to make in the kitchen?

A: Making pastas is one of my favorite projects because they are difficult to perfect. Pastas are very popular dishes; we have three or four on our menu.

Q: What’s one standout herb or spice that you like to use and why?

A: At the moment, I like working with Thai herbs and spices, like kaffir lime leaves.

The sweet and herbaceous flavors are unique and it's fun to incorporate them in contemporary American cooking that’s not traditional Thai.

Q: You went to culinary school in Philadelphia. Did you want to return to Flagstaff to work?

A: I have always loved Flagstaff but never thought I was going to return long term after culinary school. Soon after graduating, I was offered a job at Brix and made Flagstaff my home once again.

Q: Where do you like to eat in town?

A: I like to go to either Shift or The Cottage for date nights.

For a casual dinner or lunch, I like Il Rosso.

Northern Arizona's Mountain Living Magazine

It’s never too early to think about holiday gifts when this year’s most unique gift is $15.00 off for a limited time!

The Arizona Daily Sun is pleased to announce a new hardcover coffee-table book “Flagstaff Memories: The Early Years.” This beautiful heirloom-quality book will feature a glimpse of Flagstaff from the early years to 1939 through stunning historic photos. We are thrilled to include photos from our readers, in addition to photos carefully selected from The Museum of Northern Arizona and the Lowell Observatory. Pre-order your commemorative book now and save $15.00 off the $44.95 retail price.

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