We don’t usually like to dwell in great detail in this column on partisan fights, given their obvious tendency to divide and upset folks. But some political contests are just so singularly momentous, so closely tied to the success of solar power in our state, that we would be remiss if we were to let them pass by without comment.
The election in November is one of those contests. The Sierra Club, one of the nation’s oldest organizations dedicated to resource preservation, was correct when it declared, in a recent headline on its website, that “[i]n Arizona, the future of renewable energy is on the ballot.” We would like to share our thoughts with you on why that is.
While they have a lower profile than the race for governor, the contests for two open seats on the Arizona Corporation Commission could lead to more immediate and direct consequences for the state’s energy transition. That’s because this independent body regulates the state’s power utilities, determining exactly how much these giant entities can charge households to install solar, how much to pay them for their surplus product, and how much energy they must eventually derive from solar and other renewable sources. Put simply, in the fight to make distributed solar power financially viable—and, hence, at all possible—the policies set by this body are decisive.
And while the commission should, ideally, do so impartially and with an exclusive focus on what’s best for ratepayers, that’s not how things have turned out in the past. The commission has impeded the growth of solar power in Arizona through policies clearly influenced by adverse interests, including APS, the state’s largest energy company.
But don’t take our word for it. In 2019, former commissioner Kris Mayes told the Phoenix New Times: “APS has spent the last eight years essentially undermining our democracy.” The company has done so by running smear campaigns against pro-solar commissioners, as revealed by documents the company itself released, and pouring millions of dollars into misleading
political campaigns to unseat those commissioners.
And these tactics have yielded tangible victories in the fight against progress. The commission has allowed the power companies to pay homeowners a lower rate for their surplus solar energy than what the companies charge for their dirty, fossil-fuel-derived energy. Earlier this year, the commission voted three-to-two to scrap a serious statewide standard for renewable-energy production.
Incumbent commissioner Sandra Kennedy (a target of one of the abovementioned smear campaigns) and newcomer Lauren Kuby grasp the importance of solar power. Kuby is a sustainability scientist at ASU with a view of the big picture, stressing the connections between fossil fuels and the drought currently bearing down on our state. Kennedy has proven her willingness to fight for sane energy policies in the face of fierce resistance from regressive special interests.
Success for solar energy in Arizona would mean thousands of new jobs, energy security, and progress in the fight to head off the worst consequences of carbon-fueled climate change. But it won’t just happen on its own. Good public policy makes a difference. In fact, a 2012 study by researchers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory found that relatively strong prosolar policies explain about 70% of the variation between states in installed solar capacity.
The upcoming election is practically a referendum on good energy policy. And the question is: do we Arizonans want to fully harness our most abundant natural resource, or do we want to continue letting fossil interests dictate how we power our homes and businesses?
Of course, these are just our own opinions. We know that how you mark your election ballot is between you and your own conscience, and we wouldn’t presume to interfere. But if you’re ready to cast your financial vote for solar power, then we’re happy to help out. So, call SunSolar Solutions today at 623-562-9009 to have a design prepared for your home, free of charge.
exist.
Tax Assistance (VITA) Program prepares free tax returns for low-to-moderate income individuals and families, but they can’t do it without you. VITA volunteers receive free training and are certified by the IRS to prepare basic tax returns. They need greeters, screeners, bilingual interpreters, and site coordinators. Volunteering with VITA is a great way to learn new skills and build your resume while helping others. Sign up via phoenix.gov/taxhelp.
Nordstrom Rack opened at Desert Ridge Marketplace on Oct. 27. The new location marks the ninth Nordstrom location in the greater Phoenix community. Nordstrom Rack is the off-price retail division of Nordstrom, Inc., offering customers up to 70 percent off on-trend apparel, accessories, beauty, home, and shoes from many of the top brands sold at Nordstrom stores.
The National Civic League and the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading named the city of Phoenix as a winner of the 2022 All-America City awards for its commitment to improving digital equity and education in underserved areas. Phoenix is one of the most honored U.S. cities, winning the All-America City designation six times: 1950, 1958, 1980, 1989, 2009, and 2022.
The city’s commitment to improving digital equity and collaborating with Phoenix residents in underinvested areas and public housing communities landed the city a winning spot. Phoenix was one of 20 finalist cities across the nation and is one of 10 communities to be recognized this year.
The city needs volunteers to help residents with their 2022 taxes. Every year, the Volunteer Income
Group trips and on-site congregate meals have returned to Phoenix senior centers! Contact your local senior center or call 602-262-4520 for more information. Find a center: phoenix.gov/humanservices and click the “Senior Services” tab under the “Our Services” section.
Beginning on Nov. 17, Desert Ridge Marketplace will partner with the Salvation Army to provide holiday gifts to children in need. Help fulfill the Christmas wishes of more than 50,000 children in Arizona. Visit their table near Dave & Buster’s, pull a tag and get gifting. Meanwhile, on Nov. 22, Desert Ridge Marketplace will officially kick off the holiday season. The marketplace will glimmer and glisten with endless holiday sights and activities including dazzling art installations, nightly snowfall, free photos with Santa, live music, and a gleaming holiday tree.
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living my dream. When I sit down on the wheel to throw clay, I know that’s where I’m supposed to be.”
ARIZONA’S LARGEST AND
ARTIST STUDIO TOUR, HIDDEN IN THE HILLS, RETURNS TO THE VALLEY FOR A 26TH YEAR. The popular event takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday: Nov. 18 to 20 and Nov. 25 to 27. This year’s free, self-guided tour features 174 artists at 47 studios throughout Cave Creek, Carefree, and North Scottsdale.
Showcasing both nationally recognized and emerging artists, Hidden in the Hills attracts thousands of patrons who appreciate fine art and seek a variety of mediums, styles, and price ranges. With the event taking place the weekends before and after Thanksgiving, the art tour also attracts holiday shoppers who want to find an original, unique gift.
Ceramic artist Myron Whitaker’s stunning vessel, “Large Ferric with Agate” graces the cover of this year’s popular four-color, glossy artist directory. The
contemporary, raku-fired piece features rich textures and earthy colors. The inspiration for the piece––a striking Brazilian agate––sits atop the vessel’s handle.
Myron Whitaker likes to joke that he is “as country as country gets,” something that no one could guess by viewing his large body of contemporary ceramic works. Growing up in Kannapolis, North Carolina, he never imagined pursuing a career as an artist. In fact, he spent more than 16 years manufacturing 18-wheelers. One day, he ran into his high school art teacher who encouraged him to take a ceramics class she was teaching at a local community college. The class fueled his passion to learn more, and within a few years, he left his job to work full-time as a ceramic artist.
“When I first started doing ceramics, it was pure fun. And then I fell in love with it,” Whitaker says. “I’m really
Today, some 14 years later, Whitaker is best known for his large scale, raku fired vessels.
“Raku is one of the most exciting and rewarding parts of the ceramic process. The anticipation of instantaneously seeing red hot clay pieces evolve into the final glazed and black smoke artwork is the most gratifying part of the journey,” he says.
Ferric refers to the firing process. “It’s an acid that I pour over the vessel before firing it,” he said. “In this case, I used more than 40 pounds of clay to create the vessel, and I decided to use ferric instead of a glaze in order to bring out the earthy colors and give it a primitive look.”
Whitaker will exhibit his work at mixed media artist Carlos Page’s Studio No. 32 in Cave Creek. For maps and details, visit hiddeninthehills.org.
THE 24TH ANNUAL
BY ARIZONA HELPING HANDS (AHH) IS UNDERWAY. The event makes the holiday joyful for thousands of children, teens, and young adults in foster care. Donations, volunteers, and sponsors are needed to make this year extra special.
“With rising costs of toys and books, we’re asking the community to step up and help us with gifts and cash donations,” says Maureen Noe, president and CEO, of Arizona Helping Hands. “We provide children 0 to 12 with new toys and books and teens and young adults 13 to 21 will receive gift cards so they can enjoy some holiday shopping. There are many ways for the community to get involved and help make the holidays a little brighter for foster children.”
• Host a collection drive by heading over to azhelpinghands.org/holidaytoydrive.
• Bring your new, unwrapped toys to their Fill Santa’s Sleigh event. Held on Tues., Dec. 6, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Arizona Helping Hands, 3110 E. Thunderbird Rd., Suite 100, this community event is a festive drive-thru experience. While dropping off toys to support children in
foster care, families can enjoy live music, holiday-themed goodies, and pictures with Santa.
• Buy the most needed toys by visiting the nonprofit’s Amazon Wish List. Donate by visiting azhelpinghands.org/ holidaytoydrive.
• Explore sponsorship opportunities by contacting Bethany Eggleston at development@azhelpinghands.org.
The Foster Family Holiday Toy Fest, where toys and gift cards are distributed runs from Dec. 15 through 17. Last year’s holiday drive provided gifts to more than 5,000 foster children. This year, AHH is expecting to serve 6,000 children through the holiday toy drive.
AHH is the largest provider of essential needs to Arizona’s 14,000-plus children in foster care. Year-round programs provide beds, cribs, clothing, diapers, educational supplies, home safety items, and more to promote safety, permanency, and health. Primary funding for AHH programs comes from Arizona taxpayers through the state’s Qualifying Foster Care tax credit program. Married couples can donate $1,000 and single individuals can donate $500 per year and receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit on their Arizona tax returns. For more information on how to help and to donate, please visit azhelpinghands.org.
The Steve Adelson Stick-Tet All Stars, Featuring Chieli Minucci, Rachel Z, and Frank Bellucci
Nov. 13
Tim Snider and Wolfgang Timber
Nov. 11
Peter Asher and Jeremy Clyde Nov. 26 & 27
Tim Snider has been touring the world nonstop for years as the renowned violinist for Nahko and Medicine for the People, performing to sold-out amphitheater crowds and at some of the world’s biggest festivals. Now he is working on a brand-new record and hitting the road with his new band, Wolfgang Timber. Snider plays and loops violin, guitar, percussion, and vocals into a world-folk hybrid aimed at the heart, the head, and the feet. His folk fusion and easygoing vibes will leave you dancing with a new sense of purpose.
Ron Artis II
Nov. 12
Ron Artis II has been Hawaii’s best-kept secret for years, and now the singer-songwriter is making big waves on the mainland and beyond. Raised in Oahu, Artis plays music from his heart and soul, crystallizing the full range of his influences—deep Delta blues, gospel, soul, and R&B—into a tight collection of timeless-sounding songs that are at once fresh and familiar.
Steve Adelson, who relocated to the Phoenix area in 2019, is one of the world’s premier Chapman Stick play ers. He has performed in Germany, Turkey, the Czech Republic, Italy, Canada, and Japan and has produced the Long Beach New York Jazz Fest for 16 years. Meanwhile, guitarist Chieli Minucci has recorded and performed with many of the world’s top artists, such as Celine Dion, Lou Reed, Lionel Richie, and Jennifer Lopez. Rachel Z is a key boardist with a long history of award-winning jazz and rock performances, while drummer Frank Bellucci can play in any genre, including hard bop, funk, and big band.
Shemekia Copeland
Nov. 17
Peter Asher and Jeremy Clyde join for an evening of music and memories featuring songs and stories from their ’60s heyday to Clyde’s success on stage, television, and film and Asher’s Grammy-winning career produc ing and managing James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt, and others. The live music and multimedia experience trans ports audiences back to the heart of the ’60s through the music of Peter and Gordon and Chad and Jeremy plus film footage and photos from Asher’s considerable per sonal archive, brought to life through gifted storytelling.
Irish Christmas in America Nov. 28
Award-winning blues, soul, and Americana singer
Shemekia Copeland possesses one of the most instantly recognizable and deeply soulful roots music voices of our time. She is beloved worldwide for the fearlessness, honesty, and humor of her revelatory music, and for delivering every song with unmatched passion.
Hermanos Gutiérrez
Nov. 19
Comprising brothers Alejandro and Estevan Gutiérrez, Hermanos Gutiérrez guides listeners on journeys through beautiful landscapes. The brothers draw influence from the Latin American sound of the 1950s
The family-friendly performance features lively instru mental tunes played on fiddle, flute, uilleann pipes, harp, and bouzouki, as well as thrilling Irish dancing. Evocative photographic images provide a backdrop to some of the rich historical traditions of Ireland, and the program brings traditional and often unknown Irish customs to the United States. Take a memorable glimpse into the enchanting spirit of Christmas as the finest traditional artists from Ireland bring you on a fun-filled start to the 2022 holiday season.
By Sondra Barr Photos by Sondra Barr
RECENTLY. Located on the southeast corner of Hayden and Thompson Peak Parkway in the former Hi-Health space in Hayden Peak Crossing in Scottsdale, the family operated restaurant serves fresh fish delivered straight from the company’s San Diego, California, fishery.
Chula Grayhawk is a high quality, fast-casual fresh fish market, restaurant, and bar. There are no reservations, just walk in, order at the counter, and grab a seat. At the counter, you can order fresh, sustainably sourced fish by the pound, poke, smoked fish, take home kits, and more. Menu options include chowder, oysters, cioppino, poke bowls, fish tacos, sashimi platters, and more, along with a full bar.
The idea for a fresh fish restaurant in
Arizona was hatched by the Heflin family in 2009. Raised in Arizona, the Heflin children moved to southern California when grown. There, they took up commercial fishing before taking the plunge into wholesale distribution. Their boat, FV CHULA, specializes in harpoon-caught and deep-set buoy Swordfish and other species off the California coast. It is one of very few boats in that area to be certified to fish using the Deep-Set Buoy Gear technique, considered to be one of the most sustainable forms of fishing, as lines are dropped below the turtle layer and fish are brought to the surface alive.
Recognizing the need for fresh fish in the desert, Jim Heflin, who started it all, runs the California division, and his son Jon, a Phoenix resident, operates the Arizona restaurants with his wife Mandy Heflin and Hogan Jamison. Locations include the original Chula Seafood in South Scottsdale, an uptown Phoenix location, and now the Grayhawk location.
THE GREATER PHOENIX CHAMBER ANNOUNCED THE 2022 ATHENA PRIVATE SECTOR, PUBLIC SECTOR, AND YOUNG PROFESSIONAL AWARD RECIPIENTS AT ITS 35TH ANNUAL ATHENA AWARDS IN OCTOBER.
Delma Herrera, vice president of Field Sales, West Region, Cox Communica tions, was awarded the 2022 ATHENA Businesswoman of the Year Award in the private sector. Jennifer Caraway, founder and executive director, The Joy Bus, earned the 2022 ATHENA Businesswoman of the Year Award in the public sector. Veronica Aguilar, vice president, Teach for America, took home the 2022 ATHENA Young Professional Award.
“The Greater Phoenix Chamber’s ATHE NA Awards celebrates the most inspiring women leaders in the Valley,” says Todd Sanders, president and CEO of the Greater Phoenix Chamber. “These influential women are dedicated to building a brighter future and ensuring our community re mains strong. They embody the best of the Arizona business community, and we look forward to seeing how they will carry the legacy of ATHENA through their work.”
The ATHENA Awards, an internation ally prized honor through ATHENA International, recognize the achievement of businesswomen across the Greater Phoenix region.
“It’s an incredible honor. I’m thinking about the women that I stood on the stage with today, but most importantly all the women whose shoulders we stood on to get here. I am so proud, so excited, and just grateful,” says Herrera, the 2022 ATHENA Award recipient in the Private Sector.
As the founder and executive director of both The Joy Bus and The Joy Bus Diner, Caraway is fulfilling a promise made to her friend, Joy, who lost her battle with ovarian cancer, that something good would come from her fight. A Valley entrepreneur
dedicated to building a hybrid organization that is both commercial and yet nonprofit, she supports people in our community who are most greatly in need. Caraway has leveraged her deep knowledge of the food industry to establish The Joy Bus Diner, a breakfast and lunch hotspot that funds her established nonprofit The Joy Bus program, which delivers gourmet meals, friendly conversation, and education programs free of charge to homebound cancer patients.
“I’m thrilled that hard work really does pay off, and I am beyond honored to be in the room with such amazing successful wom en,” says Caraway, the 2022 ATHENA Award recipient in the Public Sector.
As a proud Mexican American and Ari zona native, Aguilar’s parents instilled mor als and values that helped her succeed in her educational journey. After the financial crisis in 2008, Aguilar’s worldview was changed, and she knew graduating from Arizona State University (ASU) would alter the destiny of poverty for her family. This was a turning point for her because she witnessed firsthand the inequities that exist in our education system, which is why she dedicates her life to service, empowerment, and education for all. Agui lar’s ability to overcome adversity allowed her to beat the odds as a first-generation student, graduate summa cum laude from ASU, and be selected for Teach For America (TFA) because of her deep belief that all students can receive an exceptional education.
Herrera, Caraway, and Aguilar were chosen from among 11 ATHENA finalists selected from a large group of nominees.
Photos Courtesy of Scottsdale Quarter
USHER IN THE HOLIDAY SEASON AT SCOTTSDALE QUARTER, THE VALLEY’S PREMIER OPEN-AIR SHOPPING
WITH MORE THAN 90
rels is an upbeat trio boasting vocals, steel drum, guitar, and drums/percussion, creat ing a unique blend of instrumentation that permeates each tune, regardless of style.
Scottsdale Quarter’s popular Fall Concert Series continues each Saturday through Nov. 12. Listen to your favorite local bands from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in The Quad. Picnic baskets from etta are available for pre-order.
Nov. 5 – Desert Dixie
Desert Dixie is a country rock band with versatility that spans from bluegrass to country to heavy metal. Jam out to unexpected covers of well-known songs along with classics, new country, and wellwritten originals.
Featuring three former members of Valley favorite the Azz Izz Band, The Flying Squir
THE SANTA SOCIAL Families will create lasting memories at The Santa Social, a highly-anticipated holi day kick-off event on Sat., Nov. 26, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. in The Quad. The popular event, now in its 10th year, features festive, family-friendly activities, including photos with the jolly man in red, live entertain ment, a tree lighting ceremony, and a movie under the stars.
“We’re excited to celebrate the season with The Santa Social, our annual holiday kickoff event, which has gained the reputation as the most festive holiday event in the Valley,” says Richard Hunt, general manag er at Scottsdale Quarter. “The Santa Social has become a tradition for families who flock to the center to officially kick off the season of giving with a day of fun, while taking advantage of the great shopping and dining options at Scottsdale Quarter.”
Attendees enjoy live holiday entertainment, interactive games, activities, and more. Back this year is the interactive Santa experience: in addition to Santa posing for pictures, there will be two selfie stations and log cab ins selling fantastic holiday-inspired items.
The celebration will culminate with the ceremonial lighting of the center’s 35-foot Christmas tree at 6 p.m. This symbolic oc casion will be followed by the showing of an all-time holiday favorite, “Home Alone.” Families are invited to lay out blankets, grab a snack from one of Scottsdale Quar
ter’s delicious eateries, and settle in for the movie at 6 p.m.
Scottsdale Quarter will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. so visitors can take advantage of great Black Friday extended weekend offers at the center’s retailers.
The Santa Social is free and open to the public; costs apply to Santa photos.
Scottsdale Quarter continues to expand its elite lineup of retailers. New retailers include LoveShackFancy, Rowan, and Veronica Beard, with more to come.
Whether catching a movie at Landmark Theatres, holiday shopping, dining at the property’s one-of-a kind eateries, or enjoying an evening stroll under the gentle palms, Scottsdale Quarter is sure to foster warm, holiday spirit for the whole family. Scottsdale Quarter is open seven days a week. For hours and more information, visit scottsdalequarter.com.
THE LITTLE GYM
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THE ARIZONA SUPER BOWL HOST COMMITTEE AND NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE ANNOUNCED AN EXPANDED LINE-UP OF EVENTS TAKING PLACE IN THE LEAD-UP TO SUPER BOWL LVII ON FEB. 12. Jay Parry, president and chief executive officer of the Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee and Peter O’Reilly, executive vice president, Club Business & League Events of the NFL shared the extensive footprint of Super Bowl events taking place across the Valley.
“We are thrilled to be hosting the first-ever Official Super Bowl Watch Party in downtown Phoenix on gameday,” says Parry. “Locating Super Bowl events throughout the Valley is a testament to the collaboration and leadership of our partners and elected officials, with each community having something unique to offer visitors and locals.”
“Arizona will provide a unique backdrop for a weeklong celebration heading into Super Bowl LVII, which will culminate what is proving to be a remarkable 2022 NFL season,” says O’Reilly. “We look forward to providing an incredible Super Bowl experience for the Arizona community, our players, Clubs, partners, and fans.”
In addition to these events, community projects are in progress across the state and will continue through February, including beautification projects, habitat restoration, a student STEAM program, youth football clinics, and more.
For more information, visit azsuperbowl.com or follow @ AZSuperBowl on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
an uncommon employee perk that altered Desert Ridge residents Nick Bratcher and his wife Ashlee’s world and the futures of their three children. Salt River Project, the nation’s third largest, not-for-profit public power utility provides its employees with the Adoption Assistance Program.
Bratcher knows what it’s like to be a child waiting for a family. The 35-year-old control energy management system technician was in the foster system for several of his formative years. He was finally adopted at age 17.
“As a child, I experienced the difficulty of believing that I was alone in life. That’s a lot to face,” says Bratcher. “My wife and I both wanted to make sure a child would never go through that. Our goal was and is to ensure that they know they are deserving of all the love in the world.”
Today, the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption recognized, Bratcher’s employer, SRP, for its dedication to help its employees adopt and change lives. SRP ranked fourth in the nation among utility and energy companies and is named as an “adoption advocate” by the organization.
“It is truly an honor to help change lives and support SRP employees who want to adopt,” says SRP Chief Human Resources Executive Geri Mingura. “Offering competitive, flexible, and robust family-friendly benefits is a meaningful way to help our community and attract and retain excellence in the workplace.”
Adoption costs in Arizona can range from $20,000 to $50,000, which often becomes the greatest barrier for adoptive parents. Bratcher had been employed at SRP fulltime for one year when he first took advantage of the adoption assistance program.
“A family created through adoption has the same familial needs — time for bonding, new financial considerations, and a frequent change in routine to provide a loving, safe, and nurturing environment in which that child can grow and thrive to their full potential,” says Rita Soronen, president and chief executive officer of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption.
Bratcher’s eldest son, Gunnar, is 9 now. Since their first adoption in 2013, the Bratcher’s utilized the benefit a second time in 2019 to adopt Booker, who is 3. A year ago, their biological daughter, Magnolia came along.
“SRP played a huge role in our adoption journey,”
Bratcher adds. “My employer provided a regular income, medical benefits, support, and money for attorney and agent fees. Without SRP, I don’t believe we would have been able to adopt when we did.”
Bratcher says he and his wife “took on debt” and received help from family members to cover adoption costs and the additional help from SRP came at a “critical” time.
“Adopting children is life changing and the single best thing I’ve ever been a part of,” Bratcher says. “I encourage everyone to consider how much they have to give and teach a child. There is no part of my life that is not better because of my kids. I would have never known how much
I could love or with what level of commitment I could pursue my goal without them.”
The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption is a national nonprofit public charity dedicated to finding permanent homes for the more than 140,000 children waiting in North America’s foster care systems. Created by Wendy’s founder Dave Thomas, who was adopted, the foundation implements evidence-based, results-driven national service programs, foster care adoption awareness campaigns, and innovative grantmaking. To learn more, visit davethomasfoundation.org.
Harkness spent years of her life becoming a wine connoisseur. She hosts wine tastings with friends, travels across the world to try the best wines, and even is a Level 2 sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers. It’s a passion for Harkness, who finds joy in sharing, experiencing, and learning about wine with others.
In 2021, Harkness and her husband moved to the active senior living community Sagewood in North Phoenix. There are hundreds of resident groups in the Sagewood community, but she could not find one that fit her interest in wine.
Harkness joined forces with Michael Kunze, food and beverage director at Sagewood, to organize the Sagewood residents’ Wine Society. Their first meeting was hosted in April 2022 with eight initial members. The group quickly
became one of the most popular clubs at Sagewood and grew to over 120 members in just six months. Harkness and the wine society continues to welcome new members each meeting with open arms and a full glass.
During the Wine Society meetings, Sagewood residents create and try unique wine pairings, attend special wine dinners, listen to educational wine speakers, and attend off-campus wine events. The Owl’s Nest at Sagewood is an ideal place to gather and enjoy a drink, but the Wine Society also ventures to local restaurants and tasting rooms. The Wine Collective of Scottsdale and Atlas Bistro are recurring favorite places to visit but the group recently went beyond the Arizona border to expand their palate.
When forming this group, Harkness envisioned frequent trips would be part of the club. In October, the Wine Society traveled to Willamette Valley in Northern Oregon to visit several vineyards and tasting rooms.
“I am so pleased the Wine Society has grown in popularity in the short time since it was formed,” says Harkness. “This group is not only an opportunity to expand your wine palates and learn, but also to socialize with our neighbors and meet new friends.”
Harkness explains that the Wine Society has people of all knowledge levels—some who have formed their tastes and some who are new to the experience. Regardless of how much a person knows about wine, the group is a great place to learn and discover.
Part of Sagewood’s goal is to not only provide top-ofthe-line housing and care for residents, but to create a community for residents to connect, bond, and form lasting friendships. Groups like the Wine Society are the perfect way to do that.
To learn about the Sagewood community, visit sagewoodlcs.com or call 480-384-5800.
Valley High School student Gia Saggar is a senior studying bioscience at the Center for Research in Engineering, Science, and Technology (CREST). She’s also a young entrepreneur helping others. Below, she chats about how she turned her brand concept into a reality.
During your CREST STEM Collabora tive class, you came up with the idea of Omi & Friendz, a Mindful Buddiez collection; however, your class project team decided to go in a different direction. How did you persevere in turning your idea into a reality?
Mindfulness practices are becoming more common; however, many people (espe cially my age) still struggle to understand its concepts. Instead of taking rejection to heart, I thought about how I could better convey my passion and create a kidfriendly product.
So, how does Omni & Friendz help children?
With stress and anxiety on the rise, teenagers like myself can become over whelmed with school, extracurriculars, and our social demands. I created Omi & Friendz because these cuddly stuffed toys introduce kids to awareness of the breath, emotional recognition skills, and a positive mindset in a way a child can relate to. Kids feel comfort in the practice and have something tangible to help them when they need a calm down moment, and Omi the Elephant is an effective tool to help kids develop mindfulness concepts.
The idea was even recognized by the National Society of High School Scholars BE MORE Grant. As a grant winner, you received $10,000. How did that impact your journey?
Being selected as a winner of the BE MORE Grant was a great honor as it vali dated my efforts and desire to make the world a better and more equitable place. Presenting my project to a panel of judges and seeing their positive responses gave
me instant motivation. I was more con vinced I needed to continue building the Omi & Friendz Brand and bring mindful ness into the lives of young children. I have already put the grant funds to good use and have increased inventory. I have also prioritized giving back to my community. We donated Omi’s to the Pediatric Cancer Foundation, Arizona Foster Care, and social workers at local elementary schools.
As an entrepreneur, what was your process from the initial concept of Omi & Friendz to developing the product and selling your product to the masses?
The process began with a simple proto type. From there, I was grateful to have a family member get me in touch with a toy manufacturer. We created several samples and eventually found the perfect design for Omi the Elephant. From there, I bor rowed and raised funds to make my first batch of 500 elephants. I built a website and reached out to several social media in fluencers to spread my product. Within a few months, I was sold out! This was proof of concept for me, and I used all the funds collected to order a second batch.
What advice would you give to other young entrepreneurs who may not know where to start?
If you are unsure where to start, remain true to your passions and, ultimately, what you believe to be your true north. With this, you will be driven to find the answers and solutions to your ideas...
To learn more, visit omifriendz.com.
internationallLearning, music and the arts, and health
year is going to be the best Grant the District event yet,” says Cave Creek Unified Education Foundation President Heidi Brashear. “We are tripling the normal grants awarded from previous years. I can’t wait to see the recipients’ faces when we hand them a big check! By delivering $69,000 in grants, our hardworking teachers will have the ability to purchase much needed supplies that will further enhance their classrooms as well as their student’s education!”
(CCUSD). The foundation is led by a partnership of parents and community members. Donors make possible the foundation’s mission to support programs for learning. To learn more, visit ccuef.org.
the Cave Creek Unified Education Foundation launched as a 501(c)3 with the mission
support programs for learning in all CCUSD schools and to establish a partnership between the educational community and local businesses. The foundation has awarded more than $225,000 in grants over the last 10 years. The grants are applied to purchasing materials that fall into one of the four pillars that CCUEF supports including resources,
CCUSD Superintendent, Dr. Cort Monroe says, “With CCUEF’s key annual events including Run the District, Rock the District, and now Golf the District, they have been able to raise significant funds for the Grant the District Program which assists our classrooms. Partnering with such a strong community organization is one of the ways that we are able to maintain our A+ school ratings and Number One School District ranking in the Northeast Valley. One team!”
The Cave Creek Unified Education Foundation is a registered Arizona non-profit foundation that supports the mission of the Cave Creek Unified School District
Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council (GSACPC) announced a $2.8 million donation from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. This local gift is part of an $84.5 million donation awarded to Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) and 29 local councils selected by Scott, making this unprecedented investment the largest donation from a single individual in the national organization’s history. Locally, this gift will expand access to Girl Scout programming across central and northern Arizona, including the Navajo Nation. Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona received a separate gift to support its local jurisdiction.
“We are extremely grateful to MacKenzie Scott for her
generous investment in girls. Her gift intentionally acknowledges the needs of girls and women whose causes are traditionally underrepresented due to disparities in giving,” says Mary Mitchell, co-CEO of GSACPC. “With the challenges facing girls today, investing in their futures is critical. Her support will expand our local programming to help girls in our community reach their maximum potential.”
“It is an honor to be stewards of this incredible gift as it solidifies how strongly our community recognizes Girl Scouts as the premiere organization serving girls,” says Christina Spicer, co-CEO of GSACPC. “Every day, we help girls discover their untapped potential and watch them become the leaders our community needs, so when philanthropists like MacKenzie Scott invest in a girl-led future, it changes the world.”
This gift to Girl Scouts-Arizona Cactus-Pine Council will empower leadership opportunities for girls through the advancement of the organization’s mission, expand its impact and advance the organization’s recovery from the effects of COVID-19. The support allows GSACPC to:
Expand access to Girl Scout programming across central and northern Arizona that reflect a girl’s cultural needs and lived experiences. This includes innovation around older girls, a Mobile Building Space to travel across the jurisdiction, and an investment in current delivery models that will help attract and retain girls.
Create more equitable membership opportunities in communities that have been under-engaged. This includes Diversity Equity Inclusion and Racial Justice initiatives, reimagining the troop experience model to break down accessibility barriers and partnering with families and communities to holistically support the wellbeing and development of all girls.
Sustain membership retention and growth by investing in volunteer systems, new models for member support staff, and enhancing council-led support around the cookie program.
Have you ever wondered why bugs follow the light? Or are you curious about just how many different bugs live right in your backyard? Many insects navigate using natural light sources, such as the sun or the moon. Bug out in your own backyard and witness just how much biodiversity you have right at home! In this activity, you will use a sheet that simulates the moon to guide bugs right where you want them so that you can see them all up close and personal!
Here’s What You Need:
• 1 large white bed sheet or piece of butcher paper
• 2 flashlights
•
roll of duct tape
• Optional:
magnifying glass
Directions:
• Find a large, open spot on a wall or tree.
• Tape the sheet or butcher paper to a wall or tree so that it is hanging down vertically.
• Set up flashlights so that they are pointing towards the sheet of paper.
• Turn on flashlights and leave them on for a couple of hours. This step is best done right before or when the sun goes down.
• Come back and look at the different bugs on your sheet of paper using the magnifying glass or just your eyes.
Ask Yourself: How many bugs did you find? How many different types of bugs did you find? How many bugs did you see after 30 minutes? How many after 60 minutes? Were the bugs you found large or big? What if you did this project
at another time, perhaps early in the morning versus in the evening? Would there be different bugs? Do you think the time of year makes a difference? Would there be different bugs in a different season? Do you notice a difference if you change the location in the backyard? How do you think the location that you picked impacted the variety and number of bugs that you found? How might you change this experiment in the future to answer some of these questions?
Sari Custer is a lifelong science junkie, Chief Curiosity Officer at Arizona Science Center, and mom to daughter Carson (7). Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @ SariOnScience.
F 20 ye s, we’ b n mak g a di ce kid’s liv
It started with a simple goal: to teach kids math in a way they understand. And we’ve done that. One child at a time. Now, we’ve grown into a global sensation, with over 1,100 centers worldwide. And what we are most proud of is that we’re not just teaching kids math. We’re building a foundation —one child at a time— that unleashes potential and transforms lives.
CONTACT US TODAY FOR A FREE ASSESSMENT!
Mathnasium of Desert Ridge www.mathnasium.com/desertridge (602) 374-3445
5355 E. High Street, Suite 109 Phoenix, AZ 85054
In 2006, Holly Henbest, a proven corporate sales and marketing executive, chose to start a new journey focusing on her career dreams and passion for real estate all despite considerable obstacles, including friends and family who thought it was a risky move for a divorced single mother.
Sixteen years later, Henbest is a noteworthy leader in the Arizona real estate space. You may know her as a real estate agent for The Henbest Team with Realty ONE Group. She’s also known for her previous role as a segment host for trending real estate topics on the local NBC News station – 12News, for ranking on the Phoenix Business Journal’s Most Productive Real Estate Agents List for the past several years, and for being a best-selling author.
While Henbest is a real estate success story, the road to her achievements in the housing market first took honing her skills and experience in sales, marketing, negotiation, and customer service.
Henbest graduated from San Diego State University with a bachelor’s degree in business management. She enjoyed a career in sales and marketing with the San Diego Marriott Hotel & Marina, La Jolla Marriott, and La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club. Henbest also worked for Remedy, a temporary staffing firm, where she managed a sales territory in San Diego and relocated to Arizona in 1996 to manage the Phoenix market.
After 10 years in the temporary staffing industry, Henbest was ready for a change and had always wanted to be a real estate agent. “Even when I graduated from college, I wanted to be in real estate, but it was never realistic. You have no guaranteed paycheck or benefits, but you have expenses.”
“In 2006 I was at a point where I had saved enough money and thought, ‘If not now, then when? I’m going for it!’ But, of course, everyone thought I was completely insane,” she explains. “I had this cushy corporate job, made decent money, and life was good.”
So why did she risk it all to go into real estate?
Henbest wasn’t happy. Although she was about to get a promotion in her corporate role, it would have required much more travel, and Henbest didn’t want to live her life on the road with a toddler.
“I wanted to be able to pick my son up from school,” she says. “I wanted to go to all his school events. I wanted to be the mom who was home so his friends could come over for playdates. I couldn’t do any of that living a corporate life.”
Upon completing real estate school and passing the licensing exams, Henbest became a Realtor in 2006 and formed The Henbest Team, which her dad joined in 2007.
While she was excited about a more flexible schedule, she explains, “I quickly learned that real estate is flexible, but it’s flexible to what your clients need.”
Working from home had its perks and Henbest became the kind of parent she aspired to be for her son saying, “He probably has more memories of me on the phone than I’d like to admit, but at least I could be at home making those calls.”
“It was still a huge risk, especially because I did it in 2006,” Henbest says, “which if we have any recollection of the real estate industry at that time … My timing couldn’t have been any worse.”
But Henbest looks at the silver lining. “It was a great training ground to go through, as awful as it was,” she says.
Henbest sat across the dining room table from clients whose lives were falling apart during the years from 2007 to 2011.
“It drove home for me the importance of people’s homes and their investments and how the two go hand in hand, unlike anything else. Not only were people struggling with their investments, but it was the place that held all their memories. So, to have it be in jeopardy was an emotional and difficult situation. It was a humbling experience, and I felt honored every time we were there to try and make a client’s life a little bit better.”
Although the market has recovered since the Great Recession and even from the slow-down in March 2020 and subsequent price surges during the pandemic, Henbest knows how important it is when people make decisions to buy and sell their home, no matter the situation.
“It’s a huge responsibility to partner with people on the biggest investment of their lives.”
The Henbest Team has continued to set itself apart and grow from client relationships based on trust, integrity, and timely communication. “We have clients who have done three to 10 transactions with us, and many have come from referrals,” says Henbest, who adds that they’ve also represented multiple generations.
Henbest says she’s never been a one-woman show. “I’ve always had a team, but we operate it differently than others,” she explains. “Most teams grow because they want more real estate agents to bring in more business. Our team members work to provide a better experience and better results. They each have a responsibility as it relates to the business that has nothing to do with bringing in clients.”
There are three Realtors on The Henbest Team, including Henbest, her dad, and her friend of 15 years, Courtney McEuen, who joined the team in 2016.
This team approach includes always having a team member available to show a house or meet with a client.
The Henbest Team also has a staging team, videographers, and photographers who help present clients’ homes with a proven marketing strategy.
“It’s a full team effort to showcase our listings,” Henbest says.
As a long-time resident of the Phoenix-Scottsdale area, Henbest also provides valuable insight into the community and its neighboring regions with videos and articles on her popular blog and social media channels, as well as author/co-author of three bestselling books.
Henbest’s chapter in the book “How to Buy & Sell Real Estate in Today’s Market” focuses on practical tips for selling your home while living in your home. She followed it up by participating in the book, “Real Estate Game Changers.” Henbest also wrote a chapter for the book, “Shine,” which includes 14 inspirational stories from women who chose success over adversity.
Henbest has received numerous awards and recognition for her real estate results. Just last month she was awarded as one of the Top Women in Real Estate for 2021 from the Scottsdale Women’s Council of Realtors.
As 2022 draws to a close and people are thinking about New Year’s resolutions and goals, Henbest says, “We’ve never once had a financial or an activity goal. Instead, we ask what we can do to provide a better experience for our clients. For example, what can we do to market homes better or how can we better educate our clients? We are always striving to do better, and if we do the right things, we’ll always have the right results.”
Reach Holly Henbest at 480-266-8785 or info@ henbest.com. Visit henbest.com for listings and more.
This content is sponsored by The Henbest Team with Realty ONE Group.
“It’s a huge responsibility to partner with people on the biggest investment of their lives.”(Left to right) Tom Henbest, Courtney McEuen, Holly Henbest, Jake Henbest, Millie Stevenson, and Kelly Clarke
day. A typical day includes reaching out to donors, managing grant requests, completing business operations, and developing new social media content.
My favorite parts of the job, however, are purchasing new equipment and technology to support the Phoenix Police Department and funding a youth program. By providing the department with their necessary equipment, we are helping the officers stay safe and helping them protect our community effectively. Once I am done with work, I like to head home to relax with my family, take the dogs for a walk, and watch a few shows.
MY FAMILY IS… small but amazing. My partner in life, Sheila, and our two dogs, Tanner, and Ava, live in a small historic home in Phoenix. We are also fortunate to have several cousins who live in the area.
THE ONE PERSON WHO MOTIVATES ME IS… my father. Even though he has left this world, there is not a day that goes by where I do not use the lessons he taught me. His wisdom keeps me on point and reminds me of what is important in life.
I’VE LIVED IN PHOENIX FOR 38 YEARS, AND I LOVE IT BECAUSE… I no longer have to shovel snow like I did as a kid growing up in Denver.
A TYPICAL DAY IN MY LIFE
INCLUDES… an early start. Ever since I was young, I have been an early riser. I typically get up between 4:30 and 5:30 a.m. The first thing I do is get my coffee and check the news to stay up to date with my community. Then it is time for at least an hour of exercise to get the good endorphins flowing and bring a positive start to the day. After that, I am off to work supporting the women and men of the Phoenix Police Department at my employer, Phoenix Police Foundation. Running a nonprofit brings new opportunities and challenges every
ONE THING I CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT IS… physical activity. For me, staying active is the key to everything.
WHEN I WAS YOUNGER, I WANTED TO BE A… fighter pilot. I have always had an interest in flying. I earned my private pilot license in college and enrolled in Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps at the University of Arizona. Unfortunately, the military was in reduction mode when I was a junior, and a pilot slot was just not in the cards. Luckily, I am still able to serve my community in other ways as the president of the Phoenix Police Foundation. I think younger me would be proud of the career I have formed and the impact I made as a civil servant.
THE LAST THING THAT MADE ME LAUGH OUT LOUD WAS… a practical joke. Working at the Phoenix Police Foundation, I have found police officers like to play practical jokes on each other. The other day an officer was getting promoted to the rank of lieutenant and of course they made sure their uniform was fresh and clean from the dry cleaner. While the uniform was hanging on the hook next to their cubical, a different officer swapped out the pants with a pair two sizes smaller. You can imagine the outcome when the officer went to get dressed. Don’t worry—the correct size pants were quickly returned, and everyone had a good laugh.
THE PERFECT DAY IS… spending time in Flagstaff during a heavy snow. Although I did not like shoveling snow as a kid, it is nice to escape the warm Phoenix weather and find a winter wonderland just a few hours north.
MY FAVORITE LOCAL NONPROFIT IS… of course, the Phoenix Police Foundation (PPF). I left a career of 22 years in healthcare to work for the Phoenix Police Foundation. The women and men of the Phoenix Police Department are amazing human beings, and it is an honor to support them daily. The Phoenix Police Foundation has some exciting events and announcements to come for the rest of
the year. In December, the Foundation will host a Phoenix Police Department appreciation event at Let it Roll Bowl & Entertainment where the community and officers can have fun bowling together. And, of course, the foundation is always raising funds for important projects like the renovation of a Phoenix victim center, K-9 units, cadet programs, and more.
MY LIFE IS… blessed. I have amazing friends, love my job, love my family, and I’ve traveled all over the world. Anything else would be what I call a “First World Problem.” Which, of course, is not a problem.
THE BEST GIFT I’VE EVER RECEIVED WAS… being adopted by my amazing parents at the ripe age of three days old.
MY DREAM VACATION WOULD BE… a monthlong road trip in an RV through Italy.
THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE I’VE EVER RECEIVED IS… to be kind, courteous, polite, and professional because what goes around comes around.
By Holly Henbest, Realtor
Aswe are now returning to more of a balanced market, we are finding that sellers need to pay closer attention to some of the details when selling their home. Buyers are a bit pickier now than they were a year ago because they now have more options to choose from. If you want to stand out from your competition, there are a lot of no cost or lowcost steps that sellers can take to help ensure a good experience and the best first impression for potential buyers.
We’re sure you’ve heard the importance of decluttering, so we won’t go into much detail with that, but yes, please de-clutter. In addition, here are a few action-item suggestions to complete prior to listing your home for sale.
A lot of our sellers are surprised to hear this, as sunscreens are a valuable upgrade to the home. Although a nice feature, they don’t let your house show in its best light––pun intended. Sunscreens typically don’t photograph well, so your listing photos won’t have optimal presentation and they make the interior of the home naturally dark, instead of naturally light. In real estate, light it critical. The lighter and brighter, the better. So, gently remove those screens and nicely store them in the garage for the potential buyers to see when they visit your home.
Once you’ve removed the sunscreens, then give the windows a good cleaning––inside and out. Clean out the tracks too and ensure any cobwebs are removed. Homes with spotty or dirty windows are problematic because buyers spend a lot of time looking out the windows when they visit a home. When buyers visit a home, they are often immediately drawn to the windows to see the views and a lot of time is spent in front of all the windows. The next time you go look at a house, think about your pattern of behavior in the house and I bet you’ll notice that one of the first things you do is walk toward a window or door to look outside. So, it’s a great ‘attention to detail’ item to ensure windows are clean. It also doesn’t allow a potential
buyer’s mind to wander to thinking they’re in a dirty home. It just feels good to look out clean windows.
I know this is a lot about windows, but windows are a big focal point for a buyer’s eyes. So, if you have any windows with broken seals (you see a fogginess in between the panes), cracked glass, or distorted weather seals, then get those repaired. When buyers see that one window needs repair, then they often think all the windows will need replacement, so better to just get the damaged windows repaired in advance.
This may seem obvious, but it’s amazing how many homes aren’t fully cleaned prior to listing. People don’t like other people’s dirt, so make sure you pay attention to details like shower floors, baseboards, door tracks, mirrors, dust on fans, and a/c filters.
Have you ever had a light bulb burn out in a fixture that holds multiple bulbs and then you replace the bulb only to realize the bulbs don’t match, but you just leave it anyway? We see this a lot, and not only does it look a bit tacky to have unmatched bulbs, but the photos will look odd when there are different types of bulbs in a fixture, so get all the bulbs in a room and fixture to match.
The entry to your home is where buyers often linger while their Realtor gets the key out of the lockbox and where they stand and chat after the showing. So, ensure your front entry gives a great impression with these easy steps.
1. Check to see if you have a key to your front door. Easily more than 90% of our clients can’t locate a key to their front door and need to have one made prior to listing their home.
2. Ensure your key and door lock work smoothly. You have no idea how many times we’ve stood at a front door and broken into a sweat trying to get a door lock to work, let alone how many times it just didn’t work at all. This is stressful for the Realtor, but more importantly the first impression of the home to the buyer isn’t a good one.
3. Clean you front door and light fixtures thoroughly. We
see a lot of gunky looking front doors and it’s just not a good first impression. Most just need to be hosed and wiped down, but if you have any significant wear and tear, then we suggest a fresh coat of paint.
4. Get a fresh welcome mat. This is an easy one and makes a huge difference from the tattered mats we typically find.
5. Add a pot of fresh flowers for a pop of color and a cheery and inviting entrance.
If you were to do all these things, it could have a significant impact in the photos that are presented for your listing, in addition to making a much better impression of the home when buyers come to look in person.
You could do everything here for a few hundred dollars (not including window repairs, if needed) with the most significant expense being the window cleaning (maybe you have the tools and skills for that though). Everything else is inexpensive and just requires a few hours of your time.
We also recommend making any repairs that seem obvious to someone walking through your home to avoid what we call the double dip. Someone may make an offer based on the current condition, but then they may also call that item out after a home inspection, so essentially you may end up “paying” for that repair twice.
If you’d like any additional suggestions for your home, please reach out to us or visit our website for added tips at henbest.com.
Holly has been a Desert Ridge resident since 2000 and has been a Realtor since 2006. She is the leader of The Henbest Team with Realty One Group. Holly is ranked in the top ½ of 1 percent of Realtors in Arizona and is a certified luxury marketing expert. She has been ranked #24 in the Top 50 Realtors by the “Phoenix Business Journal” for the past several years and recognized by “So Scottsdale!” magazine as a Real Estate Superstar for 2019, 2020 and 2021. She’s also been the #1 ranked realtor at Realty One Group/North Scottsdale for the past several years. Learn more at henbest.com.
on the happy hour menu include the OG Rita, OG Rustic, beer, wine, and well drinks and specials on food from the beer battered onion rings, carne asada tostadas, a dip duo, to wings, and more.
Beyond happy hour is a full dining menu complete with amazing options for a variety of tastebuds. For starters, there are eight different dip options including housemade salsa, Pico de Gallo, guacamole, salsa verde, elote (Mexican street corn), and more. Additional starters include nachos, loaded fries, Modern chicken strips, and taquitos.
dish as well as fried chicken with chorizo gravy. There is also a build-your-own option where you can choose between a quesadilla, burrito, or lettuce bowl. You select the base, proteins, as well as a wide variety of add-ons including peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, and more.
Seeking something lighter? Enjoy one of Modern Margarita’s fresh salads before indulging in churros with caramel dulce de leche gelato and caramel sauce for dessert.
Modern Margarita is a must-try for delectable Mexican food.
Modern Margarita is located at 5410 E. High St. They also have an additional location in Chandler. To learn more, visit modernmargarita.com.
If you’re hungry for a happening spot with a modern flair, eclectic vibe, and a tasty twist, Modern Margarita serves it all up with style.
As the name suggests, Modern Margarita is a hip, upscale take on South of the Border cuisine, complete with an atmosphere befitting its name. While contemporary, the restaurant is also laid back and inviting for all ages and offers a delicious take on Mexican food that’s certain to excite. Located on High Street in the Desert Ridge area, its upbeat environment also makes it a fun happy hour spot to grab a cocktail or two.
The upscale Mexican bistro offers several specials, including daily happy hour from 3 p.m. to 6:30 pm, as well as all-day happy hour on Sundays. Drink specials
Looking for tacos? There are plenty of options to select from on that front as well. Tacos are sold individually and include Korean beef, Nashville hot chicken, carnitas, fried fish, miso fish, and a vegetarian option. If tacos aren’t what you’re in the mood for, don’t worry, there are other plated options for patrons seeking something different. Entrees include a grilled mahi
Modern Margarita is a popular spot for happy hour.
Exercise. Eat healthfully. Don’t smoke. Manage health issues such as diabetes. Most people know these habits are important for a healthy lifestyle to reduce the risk of dementia. Yet, many are unaware of the number one preventive health measure to prevent dementia.
“Treating hearing loss is eight times more important than reducing obesity and diabetes and four times as important as physical exercise to reduce the risk of
dementia,” says Dr. Keith Darrow, the only Harvard Medical and M.I.T.-trained neuroscientist focused on private prac tice audiology.
Dr. Darrow is best known for his work as a neuroscientist and audiologist, but today his mission is educating people. He does this as an author and the director and founder of the Hearing and Brain Centers of America and the Excellence in Audiology network of offices throughout the U.S.
As part of the Hearing and Brain Centers of America national expansion to treat more of the 42 million Americans in need of hearing loss and tinnitus treatment, a Paradise Valley location recently opened.
Patients at the Hearing and Brain Center of Arizona in Paradise Valley benefit from Dr. Darrow’s comprehensive programs for preventing decline through the medical treatment of hearing loss and tinnitus.
Patients see a team of experienced doctors and specialists who provide personalized hearing care plans based on their needs, lifestyle, and budget. The center offers several cutting-edge treatment options, which patients learn about at their initial complimentary treatment consultation. Plus, all treatments offer a lifetime satisfaction guarantee. And soon, Scottsdale residents will have a center nearby where they can get same-day treatments, too. “We offer a completely new and simple approach at the Hearing and Brain Centers. The medical treatment of hearing loss and tinnitus is not a hearing aid. Instead, we’ve identified the most important aspects of treatment that improve hearing in all situations, reduce the ringing in your ears, and help you prevent cognitive decline and dementia.”
Dr. Darrow says the easy rule of thumb to remember is “ears and rears,” suggesting that when you turn 50 is when we should all have our first hearing test.
It’s difficult to notice the initial signs of hearing loss without a hearing evaluation, says Dr. Darrow. But it’s more likely to affect life as we grow older because noise damage starts to add up.
Many primary care physicians are starting to understand the connections between hearing loss and dementia, according to Dr. Darrow. So, they’re incorporating a question about hearing loss in medical evaluations.
Doctors who have patients that may have hearing loss or are between 60 and 70 years old, can refer them to the Hearing and Brain Centers of Arizona for cognitive screening.
Learn more about the importance of medically treating hearing loss at the free, one-hour community symposium in Paradise Valley on Thurs., Nov. 3.
Visit hearinganddementia.com or call 602-641-4179. You can learn more about Dr. Darrow at drkeithdarrow.com.
Foodis one of the most common causes of inflammation in the body. This inflammation can lead to chronic illnesses. In naturopathic medicine, we focus on diet in detail to find potential foods that may be impacting your health. Once those foods are identified we can eliminate them and begin to nourish the body with foods that decrease inflammation, while healing the digestive tract.
There are two main types of immune reactions to foods. An IgE reaction is an immediate reaction that can occur within minutes of consuming a particular food. This reaction is often severe and easier to pinpoint which food was the culprit. A common example is a Peanut IgE reaction. After consumption there can be symptoms of hives, swelling, and difficulty breathing. Consuming these foods can be dangerous and must be avoided.
The other type of immune reaction is an IgG reaction. This is more of a sensitivity rather than a true allergy. This is a delayed reaction that can occur within hours or up to days after consuming a particular food. These reactions are often less severe and harder to identify. Reactions
can include generalized fatigue, brain fog, muscle or joint pain, constipation, gas, bloating, abdominal discomfort, eczema, and other skin conditions.
There are different ways to identify food sensitivities. The gold standard is the basic elimination diet. We eliminate the most common highly allergenic foods for a period. Once symptoms have resolved we can then slowly reintroduce them and see how the body reacts. Common allergenic foods are dairy, wheat, eggs, corn, and soy.
Another way to test for sensitivities is an IgG blood test. This is a sensitivity test that allows us to identify up to 100-200 different types of foods that may be negatively reacting in the body. These results can help us decide which specific foods to eliminate based on the level of reactivity.
Whichever way we identify food sensitivities, we eliminate those foods while healing the gut with additional naturopathic support. It can take up to six to eight weeks for symptoms to resolve. Imagine it is like a pair of shoes that causes a blister, you need to remove the shoe for a while, let the blister heal and then try the shoe on again. If the blister does not return then you can wear
the shoes, if it does then it needs more time to heal.
A naturopathic physician can offer a more comprehensive and individualized approach to help you identify, eliminate, and heal any obstacles that may be impacting your health. Food is one of the simplest places to begin the healing process.
Dr. Jenna Dye is a licensed naturopathic physician. Her role is to support the body’s foundation to restore and maintain optimal health. Together with her patients, this is achieved by identifying and removing barriers that may be impacting health while creating a healing environment. For more information visit drjennadye.com.
Online home-sharing, such as Airbnb, VRBO, and HomeAway, has become increasingly popular for both hosts and guests.
According to a recent study by Roofstock, a real estate investment marketplace, about 10.6 million people in the United States earn money from more than 17 million rental properties. And according to Statista, there will be 64.7 million home-sharing users in 2022 and more than 68 million in 2023.
While it can be very appealing for the property owner to secure extra income, especially during Super Bowl LVII being held in Phoenix in February, there are risks associated with renting out your home to strangers. Knowing these risks and liabilities before jumping in can save you a lot of headaches and future expenses.
Follow City, County, and State Regulations. When considering home sharing, it’s important to understand your city, county, and state laws. For example, in Phoenix, renters are required to be registered with the city of Phoenix, and all residential rental units––including vacation and shortterm rentals––must be registered with Maricopa County. It’s also important to consider your contracts with leases, condo boards, mortgage lenders, HOAs, etc. There may be limitations you need to be aware of.
Be Aware of Tax Implications. As a renter, you’ll have to pay taxes on your earnings, but you can also deduct some expenses related to your rental. It’s also important to understand the various taxes applicable when renting your home. Phoenix assesses a sales tax on property rentals and a transient lodging tax for
guest stays less than 30 days. Consulting a tax expert is always a good idea.
Check Your Insurance. Before renting out your house, you must ensure you have appropriate insurance coverage. Most homeowners assume they have protection under their homeowners’ policy, but this may not be the case. Websites like Airbnb offer some property protection for hosts against property damage by a guest but do not include liability insurance. You may need to invest in an umbrella insurance policy that will cover loss due to injury, loss of belongings, or damage to your home. If you rent your home with Airbnb, HomeAway, VRBO, or the like, you will need Landlord Protection Insurance or Vacation Rental Insurance.
Know What You are Getting Into. Renting your home short-term can be a big responsibility. In addition to the abovementioned risks, a renter should also con sider additional expenses that will incur, such as stocking the home with all the
necessities like towels, kitchen essentials, toilet paper, etc. It’s also likely you will see higher-than-normal utility bills. Addition ally, Airbnb, for example, charges hosts 3% per reservation. And, of course, don’t have anything in the home that you’d be heartbroken of if it was damaged.
If you’re thinking of renting your home out as a side hustle, don’t forget to do your research. There’s much more to it than just deciding and listing it on websites like Airbnb. Consult with an attorney on the legal implications and do your homework when it comes to the demand in your area, pricing, laws, taxes, and insurance. Happy renting!
The past year was amazing for my family. Two notable highlights are starting a new job with The Law Office of Libby Banks and my wife and I welcoming our first child in July. As I reflect on the need to update my trust to plan for our new baby, I look back at my original experience creating an estate plan with Libby and why I joined her firm as an associate attorney.
When I first thought about estate planning for myself and my wife, I realized I did not know much more than what I learned in law school. I knew it was important to plan for my loved ones if I passed away, but I didn’t know exactly what that would look like.
Serendipitously, one day I found The Law Office of Libby Banks printed on the front cover of our local newspaper. I knew Libby and her family from church and mutual friends in our neighborhood. I knew Libby had an excellent reputa tion as an estate planning attorney and scheduled a free initial consultation.
During our initial meeting, my wife and I discussed our concerns with Libby. We were a young couple and believed we did not have the assets to justify creating a trust. I thought trusts were only for the rich, and that a will would be enough to accomplish our goals.
After listening to our goals and concerns, Libby asked us a few questions.
“Have you considered creating a plan for when you are incapacitated?” No, I had not considered the need for someone to handle our finances and/or healthcare decisions if we could not handle them ourselves.
“Is it important that your loved ones avoid probate if you pass away?” Even though I studied this area in law school, I never considered that probate could happen in our case with a will plan.
Based on our goals, Libby recommended creating a trust plan, explaining that it would be the most efficient way for us to avoid probate, and plan for both incapacity and death, while creating a flexible plan that can change as our life changes.
We chose the trust plan. Libby and her team drafted our plan, guided us through the different parts of our trust and advised us on when to think about making changes. The entire process was smooth, and we were given the gift of peace of mind.
Due to this experience, when asked to interview and ultimately join the firm, I jumped at the chance. Their service to our community and commitment to giving peace of mind to their clients fits naturally with my personal values and mission as a lawyer.
I am proud to work with this compassionate team of people and look forward to helping you create your own peace of mind. Call us at 602-375-6752.
ur Estate Planning in Phoenix and Scottsdale is highly customized to meet your unique family situation, assets, values, and personal goals. Our complimentary first meeting allows you to get to know Libby, our Estate Planning attorney and talk about your unique situation and what plan will best fit your needs.
Remember, when you choose Libby you are not only hiring someone to prepare your Estate Plan, you are choosing a seasoned Estate Planning attorney to guide you through this often complex process and raise questions you might not have considered. You are choosing an experienced professional to create a plan that serves your family in the way that you want and, after you are gone, a trusted advisor that your loved ones can depend on.
Come see us in our new, convenient office located just down the street at 5010 E. Shea Blvd, Suite 205 Scottsdale, AZ 85254 602.375.6752 | www.libbybanks.com | libby@libbybanks.com
When: Nov. 10
Where: Gila River Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Ave., Glendale
What: Billboard charting global K-Pop group ATEEZ “The Fellowship: Break the Wall” world tour lands at Gila River Arena. The eight-member group’s exponential growth and reach continue to wow audiences with their choreography and catchy beats.
Info: gilariverarena.com
When: Nov. 11
Where: Chase Center, 401 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix
What: Elton John is a Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, and composer whose remarkable career has spanned more than five decades. From owning the pop charts in the early ‘70s to selling over 300 million
records worldwide, Sir Elton is one of the best-selling artists in the world.
Info: chasecenter.com
When: Nov. 11 & 12
Where: State Farm Stadium, 1 Cardinals Dr., Glendale
What: See custom Chevys and GMC trucks and cars on display. The event features a cruising lane, designated tailgate area, and a featured zone for the top 100 trucks, plus a vendor expo.
Info: dinosgitdown.com
When: Nov. 11 & 12
Where: WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16500 N. 94th St., Scottsdale
What: Enjoy a weekend of creative fun and shopping
at this women’s event that includes exhibitor shopping, make-and-takes, Pinners presenters, and classes on how to make things like a farmhouse star cake stands, macrame coasters, garlands, and more.
Info: az.pinnersconference.com
When: Nov. 12
Where: Salt River Fields, 7555 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale
What: Celebrate craft beer, spirits, and wine from around Arizona with over 25 local breweries, distilleries, and wineries from the Copper state!
Info: saltriverfields.com/azbarrelsbottlesandbrews
When: Nov. 12 & 13
Where: Margaret T. Hance Park,1202 N. 3rd. St., Phoenix
What: Twenty-plus pizza makers sell all types of pizza slices and full pies at this fun festival. The event also features live music, lawn games, desserts, local market vendors, kids’ activities, and more. The event will offer a selection of wine, beer, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages.
Info: phoenix.pizza
When: Nov. 17
Where: Mesa Arts Center, One E. Main St., Mesa
What: DCappella is Disney Music Group’s premier a cappella singing sensation. Known for their reimagined classics from the Disney songbook, the group originally came together because of a nationwide search for the best vocal performing talent in a cappella and stage. Presented in partnership with Emporium Presents.
Info: mesaartscenter.com
When: Nov. 19
Where: John W. Teets Park, 4380 E. Ramuda Dr., Phoenix
What: Tatum Highlands Community Association is hosting a Fall Festival with fun for the whole family from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.! Enjoy jugglers, face painting, food trucks, games, a bouncy house, and more! Bring your own pumpkin for a pumpkin painting contest and a blanket to picnic on. Entry is free. Please note that parking is limited so plan accordingly. This is only for residents of Tatum Highlands.
Info: tatumhighlandsaz.org/events
When: Nov. 19
Where: Chase Center, 401 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix
What: Carrie Underwood is a true multiformat, multi-media superstar, spanning achievements in music, television, film, and as a New York Times bestselling author and successful entrepreneur. She has sold more than 66 million records worldwide.
Info: chasecenter.com
When: Nov. 24 - 27
Where: Phoenix Convention Center, 100 N. 3rd St., Phoenix
What: The Arizona International Auto Show features hundreds of new cars, trucks, crossovers, SUVs, electric vehicles, exotics, and more. Celebrating Arizona’s car culture, this is the place to check out the latest new-model vehicles in a non-selling environment. From the latest all-electric vehicles to large trucks, attendees are invited to sit behind wheels, inspect engines, experience new technologies and even take a test drive.
Info: autoshowphoenix.com
When: Nov. 27
Where: Mesa Arts Center, One E. Main St., Mesa
What: Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis has been America’s favorite holiday tradition for over 35 years! Grammy Award winner Chip Davis has created a show that features Mannheim Steamroller Christmas classics in the distinctive Mannheim sound. The program celebrates the group’s recent anniversary of 35 years since the first Christmas album and includes dazzling multimedia effects performed in an intimate setting.
Info: mesaartscenter.com
and starring Billy Eichner. If you’re not a fan of his loud, in-your-face style of humor, you’re going to absolutely hate it. Even though the cast is sincerely trying, it feels like the film doesn’t really explore what makes the LGBT+ community diverse, save for some punchlines, despite the starting joke about how love life is different from traditional love stories seen in some of Nicholas Stoller’s previous films like “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” and “Neighbors.” It’s a film that wants to be more important than interesting, and it’s a shame when we’re in a time with few comedies like this being made.
focus on how distrustful and harsh the people of Haddonfield have become after the last two films. Jamie Lee Curtis’ last performance in her iconic role is a great development from before, giving a soft-spoken but still haunted change, and newcomer Rohan Campbell is great as our lead Corey Cunningham, convincing you of his rapid change as a character. Unfortunately, Andi Matichak is underused here, which is a shame after how much we’ve been with Allyson before. And, some of the film’s bizarre and abrupt editing choices will undermine what the film is going for. But, it’s still a solid and lean slasher, and one with an admirable change of pace that the series was needing, reminding you of how these films can be more than just killing sprees.
are about “trauma” but provides little thought about that. And, while it does keep an emphasis on the scares, they are laughable. The actors are trying their best, but they don’t walk away looking well, and there’s one notable argument scene that is hampered by its directing. The only element the film has that gives a sense of mood is the score, which feels like it’s meant for a different and better film. It’s hard to get mad because it’s great to see a horror debut from a filmmaker made at a studio level, but you still must put that money to good use.
November 4
• “Something In the Dirt” (Limited)
A 1950s housewife begins to suspect something is hiding beneath her perfect life.
Movies like “Don’t Worry Darling” sometimes seem like they’re designed to be a Twitter thread. There’s a cast of hot people (most of whom are usually good at acting), and a visually appealing location and style, set within a topical thriller that is filled with moments designed to be screen capped or clipped. At its core, the film is a hollow retread of much more complex stories before it, particularly in its themes of sexism. The actors don’t seem to think much of the material. Chris Pine and Olivia Wilde walk away as the only entertaining performances because of how they ham it up. But, while the former is getting more ambitious as a director, there’s still not much beyond it. This is a movie of empty calories disguised as brain food.
Two men with commitment issues attempt a relationship.
“Bros” is a very annoying movie that very much loves itself, which perhaps makes sense since this is a movie co-written
Years after Michael Myers’ last massacre, Laurie Strode must face him once more after murders begin again in his fashion.
Your mileage on “Halloween Ends” will depend on how you feel about older, cheesier horror films and if you want to watch someone’s descent into madness. Though the sudden change in character dynamics and heightened vibe will turn off viewers, it fits given the film’s
A woman is stalked by a mysterious force that digs deep into her past trauma.
At some point, there’s a point where a film’s surreal nature becomes just a cover for the film’s inconsistent rules. “Smile” is another horror film where the scares
• “Salvatore: Shoemaker of Dreams” (Limited)
• “Weird: The Al Yankovic Story” (Roku)
• “My Policeman” (Amazon Prime)
• “Enola Holmes 2” (Netflix)
November 11
• “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”
• “The Fabelmans” (Limited)
• “The Son” (Limited)
• “Spellbound” (Apple TV+)
November 16
• “The Wonder” (Netflix)
November 18
• “She Said”
• “The Menu”
• “Bones & All” (Limited)
• “The Inspection” (Limited)
• “Slumberland” (Netflix)
• “Spirited” (Apple TV+)
• “The People We Hate at The Wedding” (Amazon Prime)
November 23
• “Strange World”
• “Devotion”
• “Nanny”
• “All the Beauty and Bloodshed” (Limited)
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Known as one of Northern Arizona’s top resorts, Amara Resort and Spa is perfectly nestled along the banks of Oak Creek to provide the ideal getaway for those looking to explore the famed red rock canyons and fabled vortexes.
Consistently named one of the “Best Hotels” by Conde Nast Traveler and U.S. News & World Report, Amara recently underwent a multimillion-dollar, property-wide renovation. The refreshed, “tree-lodge” aesthetic takes inspiration from the surrounding environment and centers around a central biophilic concept of bringing the outdoors in by encompassing the five elements of nature––earth, wood, metal, fire, and water––offering new and returning guests alike the chance to experience the renowned desert destination in an entirely new way.
After spending a day traversing along one of the town’s numerous popular hikes or window-shopping in Uptown Sedona, visitors can indulge in one of the award-winning Amara Spa’s Sedona-inspired massages, facials, or body treatments, specially curated to harmonize the mind, body, and spirit.
Visitors can also bask in the clear blue skies and the cooler mountain air while gazing out past the resort’s expan sive, open-air courtyard and heated infinity-edge pool or by grabbing dinner on the patio of the signature onsite
restaurant, SaltRock Southwest Kitchen, which recently debuted a fully revitalized fall menu in tandem with the announcement of its new Executive Chef David Duncan.
Duncan, a native Arizonan, has integrated seasonal flavors and autumnal elements into these classic Southwest dishes while creating a menu that still matches the vi brancy of the surrounding atmosphere and iconic red rock views. While many signature favorites remain, this is the largest menu refresh to take place since SaltRock opened seven years ago.
Guests will enjoy standout dishes such as the Lobster Al Pastor Tacos with blue corn tortilla, pineapple, and jalapeño crema; Summer Squash Relleno with roasted po blano pepper, grilled button-onion, golden raisins, pepitas, Oaxaca cheese and forbidden black rice; and SaltRock’s current best seller, the Tiger Shrimp Tamal with garlic lime butter, charred corn polenta, crispy kale, and chimi churri oil. In the Trout Vera Cruz, featuring enchanted black rice, tomato consommé, brown butter, Veracruz relish, green olives, tomato and onion, the rainbow trout is caught just 10 miles up the road from the restaurant.
“Each dish truly pops on the plate due to the vivid colors and the stunning presentation,” Duncan says. “My team and I have worked diligently to create a menu that is a personification of Arizona in culinary form. It incorporates a lot of flavors that I love, including black garlic, poblano peppers and chiles, while promoting local purveyors wher
ever possible. Being born and raised in the state gives me a unique perspective and appreciation for the desert and I want that homegrown love to translate into each dish.”
The new menu complements the recently revamped cocktail program, created by SaltRock’s Assistant Director of Food and Beverage Ardi Dulaku. With libations that bring the beloved dining destination back to its roots with Mexican and Sedona-inspired flavors, visitors can pair their dishes with drinks such as the Vortex Therapy with turmeric infused Tito’s Vodka, passionfruit, inner-peace flower elixir, agave, lemon, and pink peppercorn; the Bo tanical Bee with Suncliffe Gin, ginger-thyme infused local honey and lemon; and the Oaxacan Negroni with cacao infused mezcal, Campari, vermouth, mole bitters, and earl gray cube.
“Throughout the brainstorming process, our team strived to ensure that the updated menu would complement Sal tRock’s extensive beverage program,” Duncan says. “When you dine with us, you can feel confident that there will also be a variety of cocktails to choose from that cohe sively pair with your dish and further elevate your overall culinary experience.”
To learn more about Amara Resort and Spa or to book a stay, visit amararesort.com or call 928-282-4828. For more information about SaltRock Southwest Kitchen or to make a reservation, visit amararesort.com/eat-drink or call 928-340-8803.
