Paradise Valley View, April 2023

PHOTO BY KIMBERLY CARRILLO

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City News

411: The Latest Local News You Need to Know

ISRAEL AT 75 COMMUNITY CELEBRATION

The Valley of the Sun JCC will offer an exciting, community celebration in honor of Israel’s 75th birthday on Sun., April 30, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Nearly 50 local Jewish organizations will come together to host a fun, interactive event for all ages. There will be food trucks, a beer garden, arts and crafts, children’s games, live music, and more. Free admission. Open to all. The Valley of the Sun JCC is located 12701 N. Scottsdale Rd. Register at vosjcc.org/program/israel75.

CAMELBACK MOUNTAIN NAMED

AMONG ‘BEST MOUNTAIN CLIMBING DESTINATIONS’ IN THE US

New research has revealed that Camelback Mountain in Arizona is America’s fifth favorite mountain climbing destination. The study by family vacation experts Family Destinations Guide analyzed Instagram hashtag data, TripAdvisor ratings, and TripAdvisor reviews of 600 mountainous destinations in America to assign every mountain a ‘Peak Score’ to reveal the best mountain climbing destinations in the country.

In the top fifth spot is Camelback Mountain, with a peak score of 17.2

points. It has garnered 2,548 reviews and a 4.5-star rating on TripAdvisor, with visitors describing their climbing experience as excellent and rewarding. On Instagram, visitors have recorded 221,091 posts under the hashtag #camelbackmountain, featuring photos of them in their active wear gear and the landscape of rocks and cacti. Mount Rainier in Washington tops the ranking with a peak score of 22 out of 30. It has 439,039 Instagram posts with the hashtag #mountrainier and a 5-star rating on TripAdvisor. The 14,410-foot elevation has 1,796 reviews on TripAdvisor, with visitors describing their mountain climbing experience as “a must-do.”

SENIOR

CENTER HOSTS PROGRAM

AID THOSE WITH HEARING LOSS.

paintings by renowned artists Logan Hagege, Ed Mell, Glenn Dean, Oscar Berninghaus, John Clymer, Bob Kuhn, John Coleman, and more. For details, visit scottsdaleartauction.com.

THE TOWN OF PARADISE VALLEY WELCOMES NEW STAFF

Photos courtesy of the Town of Paradise Valley

The Town of Paradise Valley recently welcomed two new staff members: Town Engineer Shar Johnson and Human Resources Director Gina Monger. Meanwhile, the Paradise Valley Police Department swore in Mallory Skinner as the newest dispatcher.

TO

A free four-week rehabilitation program is being offered to those with hearing loss or having trouble with everyday communication. The program takes place at 1:30 p.m. Mondays, April 3 to 24, at the Granite Reef Senior Center, 1700 N. Granite Reef Rd. Arizona State University’s clinical faculty and graduate students host classes. Topics include what causes hearing loss, hearing technology, emotional and social effects of hearing loss, communication strategies, and self-advocacy skills. Family members and significant others of individuals with hearing loss are encouraged to attend. Registration is required. To register, visit https://bit.ly/3lokvKH.

SAVE THE DATE FOR THE SCOTTSDALE ART AUCTION

Significant American, western, wildlife, and sporting art are up for auction on April 14 and 15 at Scottsdale Art Auction, 7176 Main St. The over 400 works in the catalogue include

Shar Johnson has more than 25 years of diverse experience as a professional engineer and is a licensed professional engineer in Illinois and Arizona. Her career includes public sector work in the federal, state, and local levels and private sector work. Johnson has extensive experience in flood control management and capital improvement projects.

Monger brings to the town more than 20 years of professional HR experience in the public sector, including her most recent position as the human resources manager for Maricopa County. She is an expert in recruitment and retention strategies, as well as personnel development and policy development.

Meanwhile, Mallory Skinner was sworn in as a Paradise Valley Police Department dispatcher at the end of March by Police Chief Freeman Carney. Skinner first joined the PV police department in 2020 as a photo enforcement technician before moving to police records in 2021.

Shar Johnson

Gina Monger

Paradise Valley Police Chief Freeman Carney and Dispatcher Mallory Skinner

Pop’s Coffee Produces Small-Batch High-Quality Java

Artisanal coffee company, founded by Paradise Valley resident, expands.

Photos courtesy of Pop’s Coffee

POP’S COFFEE IS BUILT UPON THE MISSION TO PRODUCE THE BEST-TASTING COFFEE USING THE HIGHEST-QUALITY, FAIR-TRADE AND SUSTAINABLY FARMED BEANS.

Providing premier coffee in medium, dark, and flavored roasts to coffee lovers since 2017, Pop’s Coffee is set to expand into hotels, restaurants, and retail this year and has just partnered with Camelback Village Health Club & Spa.

“We are thrilled to work with the Village to provide members with delicious and refreshing coffee smoothies using our beans. We hope to partner with additional health clubs in the future,” says Founder and CEO Kimberly Guimarin. “Meanwhile, we are excited to continue our expansion into other areas including the hospitality and retail industries.”

Guimarin, a former paralegal and then stay-at-home mom to her two children, founded Pop’s Coffee in 2017 as her children got older and more independent. The Paradise Valley resident was inspired by her father, a coffee industry veteran whom Guimarin’s children affectionately dubbed “Pop” and “Poppuccino.” He taught Guimarin that she could do anything she set her mind to, and she wanted to provide coffee lovers with a higher-end product.

To that end, Pop’s Coffee begins with fresh, green all-natural Grade A beans that are sourced from fair trade and sustainable farms.

Today Pop’s Coffee is available online and Guimarin’s small-batch roasts can be shipped around the country. In addition to branching out into health clubs, hotels, and restaurants, Guimarin looks forward to hosting a variety of pop-up coffeecentric events in 2023. For more about Pop’s Coffee, visit popscoffee.net.

Pops

Coffee Founder Kimberly Guimarin.

City News Paradise Valley Education Association Brings Back Prom Boutique

Community members encouraged to donate to help students

Photo courtesy of Paradise Valley Education Association

HIGH SCHOOLS IN THE PARADISE VALLEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT ARE GETTING READY FOR PROM SEASON. Knowing that this milestone occasion can add a financial burden on students and their families, the Paradise Valley Education Association (PVEA) is once again partnering with the community to open the Prom Boutique back up so that students can attend the annual soiree without breaking the bank.

Donations are also welcome for hair styling, nail salon, and restaurant gift certificates. These are also a great way to help students enjoy one of the most memorable evenings of their young lives.

The PVEA is doing all they can to ensure the students

have a good time and everyone who would like to attend prom is able to do so, despite economic situations.

The community is encouraged to donate items to the boutique. Then, students who would like to visit the shop can select a full prom outfit of his or her choice for free.

The PVEA will hold three different Prom Boutique events throughout the month of April and all PVUSD high school students are invited to attend. The events are all being held at Sweetwater Community School, 4215 E. Andora Dr., Phoenix. Student IDs and face masks are required to attend.

THE BOUTIQUE EVENTS WILL BE HELD THESE DATES:

• Tues., April 11

• Tues., April 18

• Sat., April 22

If anyone in the community would like to donate any items that can be used to fill up the boutique, they are encouraged to do so as soon as possible. Donations can be dropped off at the PVUSD Administrative Center, located at 15002 N. 32nd St., Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. To learn more, e-mail paradise. valley@arizonaea.edu.

Celebrate National Telephone Day with a Potentially Life Saving Call or Text to a Teen Teen suicide prevention nonprofit Teen Lifeline urges Arizonans to Connect with Care on April 25.

STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS AT SUICIDE PREVENTION NONPROFIT TEEN LIFELINE ARE URGING ANYONE WHO KNOWS A TEEN TO CONNECT WITH CARE ON NATIONAL TELEPHONE DAY, TUES., APRIL 25, THROUGH A PHONE CALL OR TEXT.

Each year, the free, confidential Teen Lifeline crisis hotline, which is staffed by volunteer teen peer counselors, experiences an average 10% increase in calls during the months between spring break and the end of the school year.

“Connection, family support and community support are all preventive factors that decrease the risk of suicide for our youth,” says Nikki Kontz, clinical director at Teen Lifeline. “There’s no better way to celebrate National Telephone Day than to use your phone for its best possible purpose – to connect with the teens you know and possibly save a life.”

The importance of connecting with teens is especially poignant as data released in February from the most recent “Youth Risk Behavior Survey” by the Centers for Disease Control show 42% of teens reported experiencing persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness during 2021.

The same survey revealed a 60% increase from 2011

to 2021 in the number of adolescent girls who made a suicide plan.

Research indicates that suicides by people of all ages, including teens, tend to increase during the spring months.

Teen Lifeline received more than 43,000 calls and texts messages from teens in crisis in 2022. One in three calls and texts was from a teen with suicidal thoughts.

“Any teen death by suicide is one too many,” says Kontz. “The reality is that the entire community needs to get involved if we’re going to stop teen suicide in Arizona.”

According to Kontz, reaching out on National Telephone Day can be as simple as sending a message like this:

• Just checking in. How are you doing?

• Thinking about you today – how’s it going?

• Doing OK at school? Feeling good about finals or do you need some support?

• Haven’t talked in a while and wanted to say hi!

• I hope you’re having a great week!

“We doubt that Alexander Graham Bell knew he was creating a great tool to help prevent teen suicide when he invented the telephone,” Kontz says. “But he did.”

Adults who suspect a teen may be considering suicide should ask the teen about it directly. Asking the question will not plant the idea of suicide in a teenager’s head and can give them permission to open up, says Kontz.

If a teen replies that they have been thinking about suicide, Kontz recommends thanking them for their honesty and then asking questions about how they’ve been feeling and why.

Experts recommend validating the teen’s feelings while being careful not to be dismissive, pass judgement or act like the teen is being dramatic.

If a teen is in immediate danger of self-inflicted harm or of acting on suicidal thoughts, call 911 or take the child to an emergency room.

If the teen is not in immediate danger, create a plan to get help by calling Teen Lifeline or seeking a referral to mental health services or counseling. While waiting for services, be sure to minimize suicide risks by locking up all medications, sharp objects, and poisonous chemicals and securing all firearms, including storing ammunition separately.

For more information, visit teenlifeline.org.

“Toxic” The Britney Spears Experience Lands at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park

THE BRITNEY SPEARS EXPERIENCE IS THE ONE AND ONLY TRIBUTE OF ITS KIND TO THE PRINCESS OF POP ON SUN., APRIL 30 FROM 7 P.M. TO 8:30 P.M. AT THE MCCORMICK-STILLMAN RAILROAD PARK, 7301 E. INDIAN BEND RD., SCOTTSDALE.

This experience will leave you saying, “gimme more.” You’ll hear all of Britney’s biggest hits where it all started with “Baby One More Time” to her latest hit single “Mood Ring.” This show stopping performance will be full of Britney’s original

choreography, some of her most iconic outfits, and some songs will be versions you may or may not have heard before.

Bring a blanket or chair and relax in the park. Pack a picnic or enjoy something tasteful from Hartley’s General Store or one of the food trucks that will be onsite. The park’s iconic steam engines pull the Paradise & Pacific Railroad. Train and carousel rides are $3. Children two and under ride free with a paying adult. For more information, visit therailroadpark. com/events.

WHERE

City News Scottsdale Jazz Festival Lands at Renovated Scottsdale Civic Center

Photos courtesy of Scottsdale Jazz Festival

THE REVAMPED SCOTTDALE CIVIC CENTER’S THREE STAGES ARE THE PERFECT VENUE TO FULLY ABSORB THE SOUNDS OF WORLD-FAMOUS JAZZ AND FUSION ARTISTS COMING TO THIS YEAR’S SCOTTSDALE JAZZ FESTIVAL ON APRIL 29 AND 30.

The Scottsdale Jazz Festival lineup is world class and features internationally famous London-based acid jazz band Incognito, Donald Harrison, Mario Abney, group Jazz Funk Soul with Jeff Lorber, Carlos Revas, Yuko Mabuchi, and many more performing acts.

Whether you opt for the full VIP experience with birdseye view tables and jazz-appropriate provided drink and cuisine, the Premium Experience, or the general admission experience, you’ll never miss a beat. The sound is phenomenal wherever you choose to immerse yourself in this acoustic extravaganza.

World cuisine and beverages are available through a host of top-shelf world and regional food vendors. So, whatever drink and fare fits your fancy – from Italy, to London, to New Orleans, to Japan – you should be able to find it.

If you’re up for dancing – as many jazz afficionados are– a front-and-center dance floor is there waiting.

Full handicap access is provided, of course, for handicap music, food, and drink lovers.

Funds from the festival support NextStudent Academy and Molina School of Jazz After School programs.

The Scottsdale Civic Center is located at 3939 N. Drinkwater Blvd.

For tickets and more information, visit scottsdalejazzfest.org.

Donald Harrison Incognito

Mario Abney

City News

Scottsdale Philharmonic Concert Includes Tribute to Jazz Great Louis Armstrong

Photos courtesy of Scottsdale Philharmonic

SCOTTSDALE PHILHARMONIC’S NEXT CONCERT IS MAY 7, FROM 4 P.M. TO 6 P.M., AT THE SCOTTSDALE CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS, 7380 E. SECOND ST.

Led by Principal Conductor Maestro Dmitry Polyakov, the concert will feature a special tribute to Louis Armstrong, with soloist Dan Reed. The concert will also feature a masterpiece of Russian music, Anton Arensky’s “Symphony No. 1 in B minor.”

Maestro Dmitry Polyakov represents the modern landscape of classical music with a personality that embodies the great Russian musical traditions of the Moscow Conservatory. “Our audience will enjoy his artistic interpretation of Anton Arensky’s ‘Symphony No. 1’ classical masterpiece,” says Joy Partridge, executive director of the Scottsdale Philharmonic.

Louis Daniel Armstrong (Aug. 4, 1901, to July 6, 1971),

nicknamed “Satchmo,” “Satch,” and “Pops,” was an American trumpeter and vocalist. He was among the most influential figures in jazz. His career spanned five decades and several eras in the history of jazz. Armstrong received numerous accolades including the Grammy Award for Best Male Vocal Performance for “Hello, Dolly!” in 1965, as well as a posthumous win for the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1972, and the induction into the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame in 2017.

Soloist Dan Reed was born and raised in St. Louis and started studying trumpet at age 9. While in high school, he played one night at Preservation Hall in New Orleans and met Al Hirt (American trumpeter). Reed fell in love with traditional jazz and graduated from Indiana University with a degree in music performance. He moved to Arizona in January 2011 and is the featured musician in many bands. He is currently the band director for a private Christian school in the Valley.

“Our audience is going to love this special tribute to Louis Armstrong as well as the other wonderful musical selections we have prepared,” says Partridge.

“The vision of the Scottsdale Philharmonic becoming a major symphony in Arizona is just beginning,” Partridge explains. “We welcome anyone who might want to join us in sharing our new vision of a first-class symphony in Scottsdale. We also invite anyone who

would like to be part of our Scottsdale Philharmonic Advocacy Alliance, whose members are passionate about classical music.” For more information, contact joy@scottsdalephilharmonic.com.

The Scottsdale Philharmonic is a nonprofit organization that receives a vast majority of its support from individual donors and appreciates all donations. The symphony is also looking forward to an expanded 2023-24 concert schedule at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. Concerts are free through the philharmonic’s live-streaming program, which can be accessed through the website, during the performance.

Ticket donations of $15 are available for upcoming concerts online. For more information, visit scottsdalephilharmonic.com.

City News

Dinner on the Desert Enjoy dining under the stars at Desert Botanical Garden.

Photos courtesy of Desert Botanical Garden

DINNER ON THE DESERT 2023 BLENDS THE EXQUISITE BEAUTY OF THE DESERT BOTANICAL GARDEN WITH THE BOLD AND LYRICAL LARGE-SCALE SCULPTURES OF INTERNATIONAL ARTIST, ROTRAUT, TO CREATE A MEMORABLE EVENING.

Event co-chairs, Shoshana Tancer and Faye Kitchel, look forward to welcoming guests as they enjoy cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and the breathtaking art.

Back by popular demand is the garden’s signature in-person silent auction, where guests can bid on distinctive plants, pots and garden art, plus an array of exciting experiences.

Afterward, enjoy a thoughtfully prepared dinner that reflects the flavors of spring in the garden’s magical outdoor setting. The evening concludes with the farewell experience that promises to deliver a fun, flavorful, and entertaining departure.

Your participation in Dinner on the Desert supports the garden as the global leader in desert plant conservation and its mission to advance excellence in education, research, and exhibition of desert plants.

For reservations or more information, contact Lindsi Baldwin at dod@dbg.org or call 480-481-8178.

Festival of Tales Returns Popular event promotes literacy and storytelling.

PARADISE VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE (PVCC) IS ONCE AGAIN PARTNERING WITH SOUTHWEST HUMAN DEVELOPMENT FOR ITS 11TH BI-ANNUAL FREE COMMUNITY LITERACY EVENT ON APRIL 22 FROM 9 A.M. TO 1 P.M. Families are invited to enjoy a full day of storytelling and cultural activities at PVCC’s Festival of Tales, a bi-annual event that brings reading to life. Children who participate receive free books and can participate in various activities, including demonstrations, vendors, arts and crafts, games, face painting, live music, food trucks, and more!

“Festival of Tales is one of my favorite events here at PVCC,” says Meggin Kirk, program director at PVCC. “Not only does it help develop awareness and understanding for other cultures through

storytelling, it often is the spark to ignite one’s passion for learning.”

Since its inception in 2009, Festival of Tales has attracted more than 17,000 people from Maricopa County and more than 40,000 books have been given away to children and their families. In 2019, Festival of Tales was recognized with two distinguished awards from the Maricopa County Community College District, including the Diversity Advisory Council award and the Paul M. Pair Innovation of the Year award.

The event is held at the PVCC Union Hills Campus, 18401 N. 32nd St. in Phoenix. Event activities will occur in and around the Kranitz Student Center (KSC). Free parking is available. For more information, email meggin.kirk@ paradisevalley.edu or call 602-787-6659.

Autism Life and Living to Host Casino Night Fundraiser to Support Adults with Autism

AUTISM LIFE AND LIVING, (ALL) IS PASSIONATE ABOUT DECREASING BARRIERS TO ACCESSING NEEDED SUPPORT SERVICES FOR YOUNG ADULTS WITH AUTISM AND RELATED INTELLECTUAL/ DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES (IDD). Out of the 159,000 individuals with autism/IDD in Arizona, 85% are unemployed, 67% express desire for classes to learn healthy habits and become more independent, 87% experience loneliness, and they have the lowest rate of independent living at 19%, compared to their peers with other disabilities.

Lisa Masters, a single mother of two young adults with autism and founder/CEO of ALL, is driven to change this narrative. The concept of ALL was born out of her uncertainty of not knowing what would become of her two sons, when she was no longer able to care for them. “I couldn’t sit and wait for our government to take action, I had to do something,” she says.

ALL’s mission is to empower young adults with autism by providing programs that promote inclusion, independence, socialization, and wellbeing and to ensure the most vulnerable of society live an independent and fulfilling life.

ALL will be raising awareness of this support gap crisis along with much needed funds by hosting their second annual autism awareness month fundraising event called Roaring 20’s Speakeasy Casino Night. The event takes place April 23 in Scottsdale at Kazimierz, 7137 E. Stetson Dr. at 6 p.m. Highlights of the event include heavy hors d’oeuvres, signature cocktails, live entertainment by Jazzona, casino tables, prizes, a silent auction, time period photo props, and a secret password that is required for entry. The event sponsor is Taylor and Lihn Law. Additional sponsorship opportunities are available.

For more information and to purchase tickets visit autismlifeandliving.org/events.

City News Scottsdale Gallery Association Debuts Old World Meets New World Gold Palette ArtWalk Event melds talent and scope of artists, past and present.

Photo courtesy of Scottsdale Gallery Association

THE SCOTTSDALE GALLERY ASSOCIATION (SGA)

PRESENTS THE OLD WORLD MEETS NEW WORLD GOLD PALETTE ARTWALK ON THURS., APRIL 13. Designed to showcase and honor the artists of the past as well as the artists of tomorrow, the event features live music, refreshments, and dedicated exhibitions within participating galleries.

The Old World Meets New World Gold Palette ArtWalk, taking place throughout the Scottsdale Arts District, residing along Main St. from Scottsdale Road to Goldwater Boulevard and north of Indian School Road on Marshall Way to 5th Avenue pays homage to artists of a variety of mediums.

“Art allows us to transcend time — to go back to the past and look to the future,” says Scottsdale Gallery Association President French Thompson. “With this new ArtWalk theme, we encourage art enthusiasts to look beyond time when it comes to art — to appreciate the art of the past and to embrace the art of the future in their varied forms and mediums. Art should not have to fit into the constraints of time, but instead forever commemorate the artists’ true form of expression.”

In addition to entertainment within the Scottsdale Arts District during the ArtWalk, participating Scottsdale Gallery Association member galleries will also be featuring their own unique exhibitions and events that align with the theme including:

MAINVIEW GALLERIES

7120 E. Main St.

The works of artists Lisa Danielle and Linda Lucas Hardy will be highlighted during the ArtWalk.

THE MARSHALL GALLERY

7106 E. Main St.

The gallery hosts a meet and greet with three exceptional artists representing a wide range of painting styles that blend realism and abstraction including Robert Marchessault, Harper Henry, and Naomi Brown. Guests are welcome to mix and mingle, ask questions, and view the artists’ work while enjoying live painting and complimentary beverages.

ON THE EDGE GALLERY

7045 E. Main St.

During this event, On the Edge Gallery welcomes artists Julia Harmon (chain mail and Viking weave), Valerie Hildebrand (batik) and Shelly Taylor (beaded Kumihimo).

QUAN’TUM ART INC.

7077 E. Main St., #16

Highlighting the works of internationally collected artists John Gleason, Suzanne Larson, and Jacque L. Keller, the award-winning gallery features its latest contemporary artworks.

THE SIGNATURE GALLERY

7177 E. Main St.

Enjoy an evening that bridges the gap between past and

present with contemporary and traditional artwork, refreshments, and live entertainment at The Signature Gallery. Guests will also be among the first to view the gallery’s new spring collections from internationally acclaimed artists Star Liana York and B.C. Nowlin during the event.

WILDE MEYER GALLERY

4142 N. Marshall Way

Wilde Meyer has proudly represented multiple artists for more than 25 years (such as Sherri Belassen, Linda Carter Holman, and more) whose works define the New World art criteria. Though not new to the art world, accomplished painter Lawrence Lee has recently joined the gallery and works by talented new arrival Laura Donavan, who will also be on display. Guests can expect a wide variety of other New and Old-World artistic examples.

The Gold Palette ArtWalk highlights the finest art in Scottsdale featured throughout 28 galleries and two museums — Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art and Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West. The Scottsdale Gallery Association hosts its weekly ArtWalk most every Thursday evening from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. In partnership with the city of Scottsdale, the SGA also presents eight Gold Palette ArtWalk events per year that feature a dedicated theme and activities specific to the theme including demonstrations and more.

For more information, visit scottsdalegalleries.com.

City News

Phoenix Lawyer Becomes First Black Woman Pictured on Valley Metro Bus

Photo courtesy of Lelia Adams

FOR MORE THAN 20 YEARS, PHOENIX-AREA BUSES HAVE INCORPORATED ADVERTISEMENTS ON EXTERIOR PANELS, BUT FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER, A WOMAN OF COLOR IS BEING FEATURED.

Last month Lelia Adams, Esq., a Valley attorney who specializes in immigration law, became the first black woman to be pictured on a Valley Metro bus, thanks to a collaboration with Lamar Transit of Arizona.

“It is especially impactful for minority communities who utilize public transportation in the Valley to see someone who looks like them and provides much needed legal services,” says Renee duPlessis, Lamar Advertising representative.

When Adams was a child in Nigeria, Africa, she walked more than three miles a day to collect clean drinking water. Never did she imagine she would have her face on the side of a Valley Metro bus in the Phoenix.

“My dad hated idleness,” Adams says. “Even when going to fetch water, I was expected to be studying. He would buy a newspaper and tell me to summarize it. It was very annoying, but that skill serves me well in my professional life now.”

Today, as an attorney at Essien Law Firm, in Phoenix, Adams specializes in immigration, family-based petitions and family reunification, nonimmigrant visas for students/exchange visitors, investmentbased immigration, as well as employment-based immigration, deportation and removal and asylum.

Her passion to help those seeking immigration comes from a very personal place. When she was 16 years

old, Adams and her family came to the U.S. through an immigration program known as the “Green Card Lottery.” Officially known as the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, the program provides up to 50,000 immigrant visas annually. Only those from countries with low rates of immigration to the U.S. are eligible to register and winners are selected randomly. Adams’ father was among them.

However, her mother was deported after a critical misunderstanding of one aspect of the immigration process. Watching her mother get deported was the driving force behind Adams’ desire to pursue a career in law with a focus on immigration.

“After my mother was deported, I had one single goal – to bring her back to the U.S. no matter what,” Adams says. “The day I got my license to practice law, I got all the documents I could for my mom and started petitioning to get her back. After my mother’s application was accepted, I cried my eyes out. Although I had officially graduated and passed the bar, this personal success made it feel like I had finally completed law school.”

When the bus with Adams’ photo was unveiled, her aging parents were on hand to see the display.

“The day I saw the bus for the first time, I kept pinching myself. I never imagined that I would one day leave my village and make the journey to America, let alone have my picture on a bus,” Adams says.

“The idea of having an advertisement for my law business on American streets is something the little girl who grew up without electricity in a tiny African village could have never dreamed of. Sometimes I cannot believe this is my life.”

“Anna has been instrumental in helping manage my autoimmune chronic pain and fatigue. She is truly a miracle worker and I am incredibly grateful for her.” A.S.

“Anna

Veterans’ Donation Fund Large Grant Winners

The Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services (ADVS) recently announced the 2023 Veterans’ Donation Fund (VDF) Large Grant winners!

THE 13 ARIZONA ORGANIZATIONS AWARDED 2023 VDF LARGE GRANTS, TOTALING $729,575 INCLUDE: Arizona Warrior Hockey Charities (awarded $75,000): Helps improve the quality of life for disabled veterans (PTSD/TBI) through sports and physical activity. They hold regularly scheduled skates every Sunday at 7 p.m. at AZ Ice Arcadia. info@ azwarriorhockey.org

Ayuda Smiles for Veterans (awarded $55,000): Provides veterans with dental care. smilesforveterans. org

Brain Injury Alliance (awarded $45,500): Brain Injury Alliance provides advocacy, education, information, support, and resources, while promoting brain injury prevention. biaaz.org

Cochise Serving Veterans (awarded $75,000): Provides a transitional assistance program, addressing veteran healthcare, homelessness, housing and basic needs, employment, food insecurities, clothing, transportation, utilities, and financial counseling. chochisevets.org

Duet Partners in Health & Aging (awarded $75,000): Partnering with the Arizona Caregiver Coalition, Unlimited Potential, and the So’Tsoh Foundation to help Arizona veterans and their families regain hope and build resilience when confronting the complexities of caring for individuals with dementia, traumatic brain injuries, or other cognitive challenges. duetaz.org

EMPACT – Suicide Prevention Center (awarded

$47,250): Provide 315 sponsored training days designed to increase access to mental health care and prevent suicide for Arizona’s Veterans. lafronteraempact.org

Fresh Start Women’s Foundation (awarded $50,000): Support services in organization’s Impact Program, which offers women veterans a holistic, personalized pathway to self-sufficiency. freshstartwomen.org

Heard Museum (awarded $25,000): To support the Heard Museum’s annual Veterans Day Celebration and Sunset Tribute. Will also fund an artist’s workshop for Arizona’s Native American Veterans. heard.org

Justa Center (awarded $54,600): Aims to create intervention and provide housing support to older veterans 55+. Program removes street-level barriers for veterans in extended homelessness who are or will be transitioning to independent living. justacenter.org

Law College Association UofA (awarded $45,000): The Veterans’ Advocacy Law Clinic at Arizona Law provides pro bono legal services to veterans. The only law school clinic in Arizona whose clientele are exclusively veterans and service members. law. arizona.edu/clinics/veterans-advocacy-law-clinic

Merging Vets and Players (awarded $57,225): Supporting the mental health of veterans in the greater Phoenix area and Maricopa County through a unique peer-to-peer programming. vetsandplayers.org/ locations/phoenix

Power Paws Assistance Dogs (awarded $50,000): Provides trained mobility assistance and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) dogs for veterans, as well as training for the veterans to become primary trainers.

Assistance dogs train to calm their handler, help them deal with stressful situations, and wake them from night terrors. azpowerpaws.org

U.S. Vets – Prescott (awarded $75,000): Support long-term supportive housing units across the Prescott and Prescott Valley areas covering a portion of the operating costs such as maintenance and repairs, transportation, property management, case management, and more. usvets.org/locations/ prescott

To learn more about the Arizona Veterans’ Donation Fund visit dvs.az.gov/services/financial-assistance/ donation-fund.

Veterans Dental Day at Midwestern University

Midwestern University dentists and students will provide free dental services on Fri. April 7 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. for U.S. military veterans who are unable to afford care. Services may include exams, cleanings, x-rays, fillings, crowns, extractions, or implant consultations. A copy of your Arizona driver license with veteran designation, DD214, or other discharge document is required. To register, visit midwestern.edu/about/mwu-now/ events/veterans-dental-day-x63285.

Cultural Connection

For volunteers and hospice patients, Spanish is their love language.

By Lin Sue Flood

Photo courtesy of Hospice of the Valley Jacobo

Dieppa’s fondest memory is spending time with family and friends in the Cuban household in Miami where he grew up.

Now living with his only daughter, Elena, in Phoenix, the 91-year-old Hospice of the Valley patient still yearns to be around people. That’s why both are so grateful for Brian Robles, a Spanishspeaking volunteer who visits every week. His companionship lifts the spirits of Dieppa and gives Elena a break from being a full-time caregiver.

“It’s made a huge difference. Without this socialization, my father would be depressed,” Elena shares. “He loves his volunteer!”

Robles started volunteering eight years ago, after a close relative received compassionate care from the nonprofit hospice. “I liked Hospice of the Valley’s mission and holistic approach,” he recalls. “There is tremendous value in the services provided for families on a hospice journey.”

Though he was born in the U.S., Robles lived in Guatemala until middle school. “Spanish is my first language and is at the forefront of my identity.” When a patient like Dieppa, who can speak English, requests a Spanish-speaking volunteer,

Robles feels honored to provide support in his patient’s native language.

“I know that Jacobo is craving that cultural connection,” Robles says.

Despite his full-time job and juggling the demands of a growing family, the new Valley homeowner has found a way to carve out a few hours each week to be there for Dieppa. “This kind of service is badly needed in the Hispanic community,” Robles shares. “And volunteering has been

very grounding. Every patient is different, there’s always something to learn.”

The relationship between volunteer and patient is a two-way street. On a recent visit, Dieppa shared some parenting advice with 32-year-old Robles, who will be a first-time dad soon. The two have grown close.

“Brian is a really good guy with a big heart,” Dieppa reflects. “I love his company. I treat him like family.”

Hospice of the Valley volunteer

Mark Robles (left) has been a steady presence and source of joy in patient Jacobo Dieppa’s life.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY

ChooseyourJourneyofEXCELLENCE

Paradise Valley Unified School District News

WHISPERING WIND STUDENTS

COMPETE IN MANDARIN CHINESE SPEECH CONTEST

Photo courtesy of Paradise Valley Unified School District

Four Paradise Valley Unified School District students were selected to compete in the final round of the Arizona State Mandarin Chinese speech contest that was held at Arizona State University recently. The event had approximately 200 student applicants, but only a handful advanced to compete in the final round, including four Whispering Wind Academy Mandarin Chinese immersion students: Meliya Lee (fifth grade), Westford ChenLake (first grade), Uma Rosner (third grade), and James Miller (third grade).

Each Whispering Wind student placed in the elementary group portion of the competition. Westward Chen-Lake and James Miller placed third; Meliya Lee placed second; and Uma Rosner won first place in the elementary school group.

Photo courtesy of Paradise Valley Unified School District

The North Valley Arts Academy is welcoming prospective sixth- to 11thgrade students and parents to come and learn more about the variety of arts programs offered.

This event will be held on April 5 at 7 p.m. at Shea Middle School, 2728 E. Shea Blvd. and Shadow Mountain High School, 2902 E. Shea Blvd. There will be a virtual general information session to introduce NVAA and to meet faculty. Students will have the opportunity to learn more about each component of the program: dance, music technology, theatre performance, theatre tech, and visual arts. There will also be opportunities to be able to speak with teachers and other students in their areas of interest. For more information, visit pvschools.net/our-district/newsroom/ news-details/~board/pvschools-news/ post/nvaa-information-night-is-april-5th.

NVAA INFORMATION NIGHT IS APRIL 5

NVAA

Uma Rosner

The Phoenix IDA and Phoenix Community Development & Investment Corporation fund the Verma and Ed Pastor College Scholarship

Maricopa County students with financial need encouraged to apply.

As part of the community-focused missions of both the Phoenix IDA and the Phoenix Community Development & Investment Corporation (PCDIC), the organizations are jointly funding the Verma and Ed Pastor Scholarship, which was established in 2018 as the PCDIC Scholarship Fund but renamed in 2019 to honor the late Ed Pastor, who was the first Mexican-American elected to Congress in Arizona, and his wife, Verma.

The Pastors served as instrumental figures in their Phoenix community and inspired multiple generations of people dedicated to public service and community leadership. Ed Pastor was the first in his family to attend college, graduating from Arizona State University.

The Verma and Ed Pastor Scholarship supports postsecondary education for students with financial need attending an accredited public college or university in Maricopa County and pursuing any field of study. Students must be enrolled full time, and the scholarship gives preference to high school seniors, first-time college students, and re-entry students ages 26 and younger who currently reside in Maricopa County.

“By making higher education more accessible to underserved populations, we’re strengthening local communities and educating future leaders. Since the scholarship first launched in 2018, 264 students have received scholarships totaling more than $2 million,” says Juan Salgado, CEO of the Phoenix IDA. “Last year alone, 59 new students received scholarships, and our scholarship funding totaled $580,000.”

Maple Waldron is a current Verma and Ed Pastor scholarship recipient who is attending Arizona State University and majoring in education. “Before receiving

this scholarship, I had to work 40 hours a week while enrolled in school full time,” she says. “Now I work part time and I can attend classes in person, which has given me more confidence and connections to my fellow students and professors.”

Award amounts are $2,500 for one academic year at a two-year college and $5,000 at a public university, and the scholarship can be renewed for one additional year if students are in good standing and maintain the required grade point average.

Those interested in the scholarship should apply online by May 1 at azfoundation.org/scholarship-seekers.

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602-992-3640 • creativecenteraz.com

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• Pre School full or part time. Ages 3-4 years

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WE’VE LOST OUR MARBLES ACTIVITY FOCUSES ON PHYSICS

This activity will have you rolling! In this experiment, you’ll find that physics isn’t just for adults or older kids. With just a few simple items, students as young as preschoolers can learn and experiment with concepts like movement, momentum, force, energy, and speed to name a few. Starting with things you likely have around the house, this activity will help you understand the basics of more complicated scientific theories while playing with some of your favorite toys in the process.

YOU WILL NEED:

• Toilet paper roll

• Cardboard rectangles

• Different kinds of balls including:

• Marbles

• A bouncy ball

• A ping pong ball

• A golf ball

TRY THIS AT HOME!

1. Bring out the materials (tubes, rectangles, and various balls) and ask yourself “How can we use these to make the ball roll?”

2. Try putting the tubes together and talking about what happens when your child rolls the marbles through the materials.

3. Ask questions: What do you want to do with the materials? Why does the ball roll? What can you do to make the ball roll faster or slower? Does the ball roll faster or slower if its larger or heavier?

4. What other materials might be helpful for making a ball roll? If you set it on a book, or a table, does it roll differently than if it’s on carpet? What if you’re outside on grass?

5. Observe each time you change the conditions and note how it changes the speed of the ball.

Have fun and keep testing as often and in as many locations as you’d like!

Are you looking for more ways to learn about science? Visit Arizona Science Center! We have four levels of hands-on science exhibits and demonstrations unlike anywhere else in the state. Be sure to explore "Get Charged Up" on level two to explore the science of physics! For more information, please visit azscience.org.

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.

SELLING VALUABLE COLLECTIBLES

COUNT ON EJ’S AUCTION & APPRAISAL TO REACH QUALIFIED BUYERS.

When it comes to mistaking something valuable for junk, Erik Hoyer, CEO of EJ’s Auction & Appraisal, likes to tell his dumpster diving story. Shortly after he opened his fullservice auction house in 2013, he had an appointment to help assess the valuables of an estate. As he pulled up to the home, he saw a mid-modern chair and ottoman in the dumpster. Before ringing the doorbell, and despite being dressed in a suit and tie, he climbed into the dumpster to retrieve the chair. He presented it to the owner’s children and told them they just threw out a Herman Miller chair that was worth several

thousand dollars. Sure enough, even though the chair was worn and scratched, it sold at auction for $6,000 a month later.

“Many people mistakenly discard old items, thinking they have no value,” Hoyer says. “Whether you’re downsizing or helping a loved one liquidate an estate, take time to research the value of your collectibles.”

Hoyer acknowledges that the decision to hold onto or sell antiques, fine art, collectibles, or a family heirloom can be confusing. It’s one reason why the Glendale auction house hosts free monthly appraisal fairs. And there’s never a charge for EJ’s consignment specialists

to visit an estate to provide a pre-auction verbal assessment for larger collections.

EJ’s Auction & Appraisal averages 200 auctions per year, with most of the online auctions taking place on Saturday mornings at 10 a.m. and at noon every other Friday. With registered bidders worldwide, EJ’s reaches qualified bidders who have a strong interest in purchasing fine art, antiques, jewelry, furniture, firearms, and other collectibles.

Bidders can preview each week’s auction items at EJ’s from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, or view photos online and request condition reports prior to the auction.

Photos by Kimberly Carrillo

EXCITING BIDDING FRENZIES

Over the past decade, Hoyer and his team of 30 employees have witnessed several exciting bidding frenzies over everything from fine art and cherished antique heirlooms to vintage toys, motorcycles, gold and silver coins, and even unusual pieces, such as vintage carnival freak show items and antique medical oddities.

“I’m always fascinated to learn the story behind a collection,” Hoyer says. “Many of our consignors spent a lifetime collecting, and they often keep their valuables in mint condition.”

Sometimes, Hoyer and his team will find valuable items in storage units or hidden away in a closet or desk drawer. “In those instances, we’ll do our due diligence to establish provenance and research the item’s value,” he says.

One item that had a bidding frenzy was an acrylic Keith Haring painting that sold for $50,000 in 2020. The image measured 35.75” x 25.5” and it was signed on the bottom right with a personalized note on the back of the canvas along with a second signature. Hoyer retained the services of a forensic document examiner and an experienced expert witness to examine the handwriting prior to the auction.

Another painting that generated a lot of interest from bidders was an oil painting attributed to the famous landscape artist Thomas Moran that sold for $50,000 in 2019. The framed painting, “King’s Canyon,” was a family heirloom for 60 years.

Hoyer says there are many factors that influence consumer behavior at auctions. Sometimes it’s pop culture, other times it’s nostalgia, and trends can also be affected by the economy and world events.

He offers these tips for estate owners interested in selling their collectibles:

· Don’t hold onto collections too long. Just because someone spent a lifetime collecting, doesn’t mean their items will always be valuable. For example, there’s a big demand for toys and other items from the 1980s right now, but that may change as time goes by.

· Don’t rely on older appraisals. A written appraisal from 10 or 20 years ago may not be valid today.

· Don’t attempt to clean antiques. Sometimes cleaning can harm the item and bring down the value, especially if certain chemicals are used.

· Organize and bring in any provenance, or a record of ownership. These can include original receipts or documents showing where items originated, past owners, past repairs, photographs, and other important information.

For more details, or to schedule a free consultation, visit EJsAuction.com or call 623-878-2003.

This content is sponsored by EJ’s Auction & Appraisal.

This acrylic painting signed by Keith Haring sold at auction for $50,000 in 2020.

Photo courtesy of EJ’s Auction & Appraisal.

This oil painting attributed to the famous landscape artist Thomas Moran sold for $50,000 in 2019.

Photo courtesy of EJ’s Auction & Appraisal.

Neighbors

Hello Neighbor!

ONE THING I CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT IS… my morning walks with my dog, Finnegan. Getting up early to get moving helps me prepare for the busy day ahead.

MY FAVORITE MOVIE I COULD NEVER GET TIRED OF WATCHING AND WHY IS… “Cinema Paradiso.” It is a wonderful story with a beautiful movie score and if you have not seen it, you are really missing out!

WHEN I WAS YOUNGER, I WANTED TO BE… I had no idea what I wanted to be when I grew up! In fact, I am amazed with young people who do know the direction in which they are heading!

THE PERFECT DAY IS… anything with my family. They are truly my favorite people to spend time with whether we are traveling somewhere new or just hanging out at home playing a board game. I love to spend time with them.

HI, MY NAME IS… Alison Betts. I’VE LIVED IN PHOENIX SINCE 2006 AND I LOVE IT BECAUSE… it is a major metropolitan area with the benefits of mountains and beautiful outdoor spaces…plus it has a great climate (most of the year)!

A TYPICAL DAY IN MY LIFE IS… highly productive! I have a full-time job with American Express (19 years and counting) and a busy household to run. My husband and I have two young boys with busy schedules, and I am also committed to making time for philanthropic work in our community. For all those women out there juggling the excitement of a household, family, volunteering, career, and more – I SEE YOU and you are my inspiration!

THE SONG I WOULD SING AT KARAOKE NIGHT IS… “Mr. Blue Sky” by Electric Light Orchestra. It is so fun and upbeat…you just cannot be in a bad mood if you are listening to that song (or singing it). But, be warned, nobody wants to hear me sing.

THE ONE PERSON WHO MOTIVATES ME IS… myself. I am a big believer in self-motivation because it helps me manage my stress and I get more satisfaction out of my accomplishments when I have pushed myself to achieve something.

THE LAST THING THAT MADE ME LAUGH OUT LOUD WAS… watching the show “Only Murders in The Building” on Hulu. It is hilarious and the scene with Steve Martin in the elevator at the end of season one was just the medicine I needed after a long day.

MY FAVORITE LOCAL NONPROFIT IS… the Center for Jewish Philanthropy (CJP) of Greater Phoenix, where I am proud to be a board member. The CJP impacts a variety of organizations that support Jewish values including caring for our senior citizens, mental health programs, and youth philanthropy. One program supported by the CJP that is very close to my heart is PJ Library, a global program that sends books to children, age 6 months to 12 years, every month at no cost to their families. Here in Phoenix, there are more than 2,000 kids that receive books each month!

As our Jewish community becomes more and more diverse, it is important that we continue to understand and teach our traditions and values, and PJ Library gives parents and grandparents the tools they need to share these traditions with their children.

THE BEST GIFT I’VE EVER RECEIVED IS… friendship. The gift of friendship is often the most lasting gift any of us will ever receive.

MY DREAM VACATION WOULD BE... anywhere new! I love to travel and discover unfamiliar places, so the specific destination matters less than the opportunity to explore a new country or culture!

THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE I’VE EVER RECEIVED IS… to think about how I spend my time because time creates more memories than money, and I can always make more money, but I can never make more time.

Real Estate 2023 Real Estate Forecast

Industry veteran explains what he sees happing in the local real estate market in the months ahead.

Real Estate Forecast 2023

By Joseph Callaway

Cleaning off the crystal ball is full of doubt, and retrospection. There is no winning, only risk, but here goes anyway.

First, what do we know? Interest rates have recently gone up and then down as the Fed tries to quell inflation, while at the same time containing payments on the national debt. It’s a safe bet that rates will stay around 5%. Buyers and lenders would love to see a return to the threes, but wishful thinking only goes so far. We may see 6% again but 7% is unlikely. Many are moving forward with homes and planning to refinance later when and if interest goes lower. So, everyone is settling into 5% or 6%, which is still historically low. It’s just that we got spoiled at 3% and that memory will dog the market for at least 2023 and maybe 2024.

We know inflation is with us and if it goes down, it will be a long and slow process. Best to accept 5% for 2023 at least, which means all real estate, barring any market disruptions, will appreciate by 7 to 8%. So, a $700,000 home in

January 2023 will be a $740,000 home in December.

HOW ABOUT MARKET DISRUPTIONS?

All these apartments we see under construction will be coming available putting downward pressure on single family home rentals.

The great post-pandemic crash of people who didn’t pay their mortgages for a while and then getting foreclosed upon didn’t and won’t happen.

We may see more homes getting listed, which is a good thing. Recent shortages of homes for sale only caused volatility in the market. A few sellers benefited, affordability suffered, and everyone got scared. This year should return to a calm and balanced market with buyers able to buy and sellers able to sell.

been selling houses in The Magic 85254 Zip Code for more than 26 years.

Home

3 Tips for Integrating Nature into Your Interior Design

By StatePoint

This spring home improvement season, get inspired by the outdoors with biophilic design.

“Biophilic design – the concept of integrating nature into interior design – is not only gorgeous, but it also fosters a healthy living environment, promotes happiness and comfort, and reduces stress,” says Jennifer Kline, multimedia graphic artist at ProVia. “There are many ways to reap these wellness benefits while adding vitality to your living spaces.”

To connect to the natural world within your home, consider these ideas:

LET LIGHT IN

“If you’re lacking natural light, it’s time to open those blinds and drapes and let the sunlight stream through your windows. It may also be time to consider a few enhancements that will help you enjoy more sunshine and observe your natural surroundings, even when you can’t be outdoors,” says Kline.

For kitchens and breakfast nooks, bathrooms, and dens, consider garden

windows, which invite more light into your space and include shelves ideal for housing indoor plants, such as fragrant herbs. Their three-dimensional design helps give rooms an airy, spacious feel. Family rooms and bedrooms are great locations for picture windows, which let in large amounts of light while providing unobstructed views of outdoor scenery. Need inspiration? Visit ProVia’s Window Photo Gallery at provia.com/windows.

To brighten your foyer, add an entry door with glass. Glass accordion doors offer wide, unobstructed openings that let in sunlight, and give you the option to invite fresh air into your home or enjoy the melodies of singing birds on nice days. Skylights can flood small or closedoff spaces such as walk-in closets or bathrooms with light and give you views of blue skies.

LET IT GROW

To give your home a welcoming, fresh feel, add various houseplants and indulge in fresh-cut flowers. A windowsill with small plants of varying shades of green can add texture, while larger potted plants near doorways help guests feel welcome. Fill dark, underutilized spaces

with taller plants and place bright, lightly scented garden flowers in such spots as the kitchen island and coffee tables. Use earthen or wood-carved vases for additional warmth.

CREATE DRAMA

From the warm brown tones of a picturesque southwestern mesa to the cool, earthy feel of quarried rock, manufactured stone veneer adds rugged texture, intriguing patterns and shapes, and a variety of hues straight from Earth’s natural color palette.

Whether you’re creating a focal point in a bedroom with an accent wall, adding character to your kitchen with a stone veneer backsplash, surrounding a tub with stone veneer for a spa-like bathroom, or highlighting your fireplace, different stone profiles and grout colors can help you customize the look. Experiment with combinations using ProVia’s visualizer tool found at provia. com/stone/grout-visualizer.

“Incorporating biophilic elements into your interior design can transform your home into a warm respite from your busy life,” says Kline.

Legal

Why Use an Estate Planning Attorney for Your Plan?

By Libby Banks, The Law Office of Libby Banks

I’ve been hearing lots of commercials on the radio lately offering discounted fees for trusts. Be cautious in using these services. Often, they are trust mills, or really out to get your money – they want to sell you an annuity or other product where the real money is made.

I often get calls from people who’ve used some of these companies. Many feel insecure about what they have. They don’t have the peace of mind that my clients tell me they feel when they leave my office.

Using a licensed attorney who is experienced in estate planning is your best option to get your plan done right. You get what you pay for and the cheap trusts offered by many are exactly that – a cheap version that is the same for every couple or individual that crosses their threshold.

When you begin your estate plan, it takes an investment of your time and attention, and you should expect that whoever prepares your plan puts in the time and attention as well. They should look at your specific situation, assets, beneficiaries, and concerns in recommending a plan and in preparing the plan. With many of the companies advertising cheap trusts, even if the trust is prepared by an attorney, you may never even meet with the attorney. The attorney may not even be from your state. Since laws vary by state, that can cause your family problems later.

You want your estate plan done properly. If it isn’t, it may well be too late before you – or more likely, your family – finds out. Without proper estate planning, your

family may end up in court. If you are incapacitated, they may have to go to court and declare you unable to handle your affairs so one of them can be appointed as your guardian and conservator. If you are deceased, your family may have to file a probate to transfer your property to your heirs.

Experts know things we don’t. As an estate planning attorney, I know what to recommend for you based on your situation, your beneficiaries, your assets, and your goals and dreams. You may not know all the ways you can benefit your heirs, or all the ways you can cause problems for them with a poorly drafted will or trust.

The cost of poor planning or no planning almost always exceeds the price of setting up a proper estate plan while you are alive and well. Putting the right plan in place and using an attorney who practices primarily or exclusively in estate planning, will save your family heartache and expense.

Call our office at 602-375-6752 for our free initial consultation to get started on your plan!

Our 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 our Estate Planning team and talk about your unique situation and what plan will best fit your needs.

Remember, when you choose us 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 team 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

• Bassi Clinic is ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS and we accept most commercial insurances, Medicare and Medicaid.

• SAME-DAY or NEXT-DAY appointments available.

• OUR CLINIC HAS FRIENDLY, MULTILINGUAL STAFF.

• TELE VISITS are available for your convenience.

• PRIMARY CARE SERVICES, including annual physicals, preventative screenings, acute care services, and managing chronic illnesses such as high cholesterol, hypertension, and diabetes.

• WEIGHT LOSS SERVICES

offered include new FDA approved medications; GLP1/GIP medications including Semaglutide and Mounjaro, nutritional counseling, and lifestyle coaching.

Primary Care

• INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE SERVICES include wholistic approach to dealing with chronic diseases, hormonal imbalance and advice on supplements, botanicals and adjunct therapies.

• AESTHETICS SERVICES are reasonably priced including Botox/Xeomin injections, dermal fillers, and other nonsurgical treatments to achieve a more youthful and radiant appearance.

Weight Loss

He takes an integrative and comprehensive approach with his patients, addressing root causes of illnesses rather than symptoms and prioritizes their overall health and well-being.

DR. TARUN BASSI, MD, is double board certified in Internal & Obesity Medicine with Fellowship in Integrative Medicine. He has over 30 years of experience.

Health

Naturopathic Support for Autoimmune Conditions

By Dr. Jenna Dye, Naturopathic Physician

Autoimmune disease is an illness in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body. The immune system is programmed to protect itself from viruses, bacteria, and other foreign invaders by sending out immune cells to fight. Normally, the immune system can tell the difference between foreign cells and its own cells. In an autoimmune disease, however, the immune system is overreacting and mistakes its own cells as foreign. This process releases autoantibodies which causes an attack. Some common conditions include Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Grave’s disease, which attack the thyroid gland; Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis that attack the gastrointestinal system; rheumatoid arthritis, which attacks the bones and joints; and psoriasis which attacks the skin and joints.

Inflammation is one of the main underlying factors in autoimmune disease. If we work on decreasing the inflammation, we can support the body and decrease the attack on our own cells.

STRESS

Stress causes inflammation and negatively affects the immune system. This inflammation can stimulate an autoimmune flare up, so it is very important to work on stress management if you have an autoimmune condition. Start with adequate, restful sleep to support the immune system. This is the first thing we often sacrifice under periods of high stress. Although it can be difficult at times to eliminate all stressful events in your life, it is important to minimize that stress to the best of your ability by cultivating healthy relationships and developing healthy boundaries.

FOOD

This is a very simple yet very effective way to manage autoimmune disease. Food is a major source of inflammation, so choosing foods that are anti-inflammatory will help support autoimmune conditions. Increase your fruits and vegetables, which are packed with nutrients and antioxidants. Decrease inflammatory foods such as dairy, sugar, processed foods, and food additives. If you have food allergies or

sensitivities, it is important to avoid these as they will cause more inflammation and lead to more aggravation in the body.

EXERCISE

Exercise can have a positive effect on your immune system. It increases circulation, helps you manage stress, decreases inflammation and releases endorphins that help you feel good. Always check with your doctor to see which exercises will be best for your particular health condition.

NUTRIENT DEFICIENCIES

Nutrient deficiencies can play a role in how your body responds to an autoimmune condition. Common deficiencies I often see in my practice are vitamin D, vitamin B12, zinc, magnesium, and vitamin C. It is important to discuss this with your physician and have certain nutrient levels checked to ensure proper supplementation.

NATUROPATHIC SUPPORT

Naturopathic physicians can offer individualized support for autoimmune conditions. A whole-body approach to health is a great place to start. We focus on identifying the sources of inflammation and treat them appropriately. We discuss and remove obstacles that may be impacting foundational health so that you live and feel your best.

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.

Health

Arizona Natives Open First Body Fit Training Studio in Paradise Valley

BODY FIT TRAINING (BFT), A GLOBAL BOUTIQUE FITNESS BRAND OFFERING 50-MINUTE GROUP STRENGTH TRAINING CLASSES IN AN INCLUSIVE, COACH-LED GROUP ENVIRONMENT, OPENED ITS FIRST STUDIO IN PARADISE VALLEY LAST MONTH. Located at 4710 E. Cactus Rd., BFT fills a gap in the fitness industry, offering science-based group strength programming built for all fitness levels.

BFT Paradise Valley is owned and operated by husband-and-wife duo, Jason and Nicole Lenderman. Nicole left corporate America several years ago to spend more time with their daughter, and Jason left last year after realizing it wasn’t providing the balance their family needed. With time to think about their next move, the Lendermans were drawn to the idea of working together and bringing a well-balanced, fitness concept to their community – BFT was the perfect match. The couple plans to bring a total of three BFT studios to the area over the next several years.

“We want to create a thriving community and help people change their lives in a positive way,” say the Lendermans. “A successful outcome for us both would be members leaving the studio feeling like they did something for themselves that day – both physically and mentally!”

In addition to bringing this innovative modality to the community, Nicole and Jason would like to open up about their fertility journey and use this new studio as a platform. The Lendermans recall their path to parenthood as isolating with many highs and lows. They are now parents to three happy and healthy children, one daughter and twin boys. Their goal is to destigmatize this journey and help others overcome the mental hurdles that accompany it. They welcome connecting with those who are

Why You Still Have Sciatica Pain (And How To Get Rid Of It For Good)

-By Leading USA Sciatica Expert, Dr. Tom Padilla

Doeveryday activities like nding comfortable sleeping positions and walking feel impossible because of sciatica pain? You may nd it hard to focus on enjoying those around you because you’re distracted by your pain. You may have already tried “everything,” but the di culty is knowing which things will help and which won’t.

Some sciatica is caused by muscular weakness and restriction, while others can be caused by sti joints. Ultimately, certain exercises may help some sciatica, but make other types worse. To best help you, I’ve compiled a list of tips that will help anyone with sciatica regardless of the type to reduce daily pain.

Most people with sciatica just want to know if there’s a solution that actually lasts. Solutions that used to work, don’t work any longer. Eventually you nd yourself in a rabbit hole, searching high and low for solutions that hopefully help you avoid surgery.

You’ve likely already tried many di erent things. Usually the list includes massage, stretching, chiropractic, and di erent exercises.

One of my patients, Marian, had tried everything above on top of back surgery, unspecialized physical therapy, pain management, spinal injections, spinal electrostimulation, acupuncture, and dietary analysis.

facing similar obstacles with the hope of being a source of encouragement and to provide perspective having gone through it themselves.

The new Paradise Valley functional and strength training studio elevates the group fitness dynamic by combining elements of personal training with group exercise instruction, built to deliver results at every fitness level. Progressive programming periodized over eight to 10 weeks allows members to recover properly while attending classes an average of four to five times per week, which in turn maintains engagement.

Classes incorporate scientifically proven training techniques aimed at reducing fat and creating lean muscle and utilize state-of-the-art technology including proprietary heart rate monitors. By combining cardio with resistance programs across many class types, members benefit from activating all three muscle fiber types, working through all three planes of movement, and stressing all three energy systems. Unique to BFT, every class is led by two to three highly accredited coaches to help members achieve health goals in a safe and inclusive environment.

BFT Paradise Valley is open Monday through Friday from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday 6 a.m. to noon. For more information, visit bodyfittraining.com/ location/paradise-valley.

Marian told me, “When you go through this, you learn how many things you can no longer do if you can’t stand or walk.”

You don’t have to choose between surgery and giving up the activities that you love.

Sciatica is so common because many of the solutions out there just take one area into consideration. e muscles, the joints, nerves, strength, weakness, etcetera. e simple truth is that sciatica is a complex condition with many contributing factors. e core issue, which has been proven time and again in the best research, is that the body has developed compensation patterns in order to protect itself. ese patterns are hardwired into the brain and will continue to persist unless they are xed.

is pattern is what CAUSES the tight muscles and the sti joints. ese tight muscles and sti joints eventually pinch the nerve, causing sciatica. erefore, correcting the pattern is the way to target the true root cause. No matter how long you’ve su ered, you can still get your life back. No surgery. No pills.

6 Reasons Why Your Sciatica May Be Lasting Longer an It Should:

1. You tried looking up exercises to do on your own for your sciatica. But with many “causes,” it’s di cult to gure out which exercises are right for you. is is why some exercises can seem to make it better, but some make it much worse.

2. You tried a few relaxing massages and it felt good for a few days but then it came back.

3. You tried chiropractic care and it eased a bit, but the nagging sensation is still there.

4. You tried waiting for it to go away on its own. at didn’t work…

5. You went to the doctor’s o ce, and they gave you pain meds or nerve medication to numb the pain. ey told you to come back in 6 weeks if it didn’t work.

6. You went to a physical therapist who put you on the same exercises everyone else with sciatica gets…then they left you with an assistant who only half watched your technique.

Why What You’ve Tried Hasn’t Worked

If any of these things have happened to you,

unfortunately it’s common. e issue with a lot of these methods is that they focus on addressing the symptoms, not the root cause of your sciatica.

What To Avoid

Here are 3 things that can make your sciatica pain worse.

Stretching: If you’ve been stretching to x your sciatica and it hasn’t worked yet, it likely won’t. More often than not, sciatica has come up because of tight muscles. Stretching is for short muscles. Tight muscles are tight because they’re compensating for a weak muscle nearby. Stretching will relieve them for a little bit, but it will come back unless the weakness is resolved.

Crossing Your Legs: Avoid crossing your legs at all costs. is can cause stretching in the back of your hip which compresses the sciatic nerve. It also causes twisting in your hips and pelvis which can put stress on the nerves in your back.

Resting: Certain activities right now might make your sciatica worse, but that doesn’t mean you should restrict all of your movements. If certain things are painful, like walking, lifting, sitting, it’s important to nd the root cause so you can start moving properly and stay active.

How to Fix Sciatica for the Long Term

So many of the “solutions” we try only provide temporary relief because they’re not targeting the root cause. And without getting to the source of the problem, sciatica pain will continue to return because the cause was never addressed. Marian learned this the hard way, and unfortunately a lot of people do. After addressing the root cause, Marian says, “I’m back to walking 3-4 miles a day; I can lift and hold my grandbabies; I can go to parties without having to sit in a corner; I can go shopping again.” e only thing she’d change? Finding a specialist to help her address the root cause sooner. “I could have avoided a lot of doctors’ appointments and needless and expensive treatments, not to mention losing a couple of years to my other attempts.”

Tips and Exercises to Crush Sciatica Pain for Good

Get a special sciatica report full of more tips to ease your pain fast so you can get back to picking up your kids or just standing and walking. Get your sciatica report by calling or texting 480-482-0651 and asking for a copy, or emailing info@thedoctorsofpt. com and saying “Send me a sciatica report.”

Or, if you’d like to meet with a specialist one on one for a personalized diagnosis and roadmap to healing, ask about scheduling a free discovery visits. e doctors believe in teaching you about your body and nding an approach that works best for you. rough getting to know your history, they’ll help you identify the approach that will target the root cause of your sciatica.

Photo courtesy of Jason and Nicole Lenderman

Nicole and Jason Lenderman

APRIL HAPPENINGS

BUNNY BALLOON BLAST

When: April 7 & 8

Where: Salt River Fields, 7555 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale

What: Families are invited to experience hot air balloons, free candy for the kids, a free kids zone with tons of inflatables and rides, and tethered balloon rides. Info: saltriverfields.com/bunnyballoonblast

AVONDALE KIDFEST

When: April 8

Where: Friendship Park, 12325 W. McDowell Rd., Phoenix

What: This free outdoor event promises some high-flying fun and learning for the entire family in celebration of the Week of the Young Child. Enjoy entertainment, a Superhero 5K, splash pad, crafts, fishing, vehicle displays, food trucks, and more. Info: avondaleaz.gov/government/ departments/parks-recreation/events/ kidfest

MARICOPA COUNTY FAIR

When: April 12 - 16

Where: Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 1826 W. McDowell Rd., Phoenix

What: The fair features the largest county fair carnival in Phoenix with over 35 rides, food offerings like Steve’s Flaming hot turkey legs, deep fried coffee, the Mac Doggie Dog, and so much more. Like to shop?

The shopping pavilion is filled with over 60 vendors plus there are over 25 more vendors outside. Agriculture and livestock are a part of the fair’s history and remain a mainstay.

Info: maricopacountyfair.org

LOTERIA NIGHT 2023

When: April 13

Where: Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix

What: Don’t miss the exclusive opportunity to play the iconic Mexican lotería game on a Desert Botanical Board tabla created by garden graphic designers! Win fun prizes, including a garden membership, plants, gift cards, and other special items. Enjoy an evening with rounds of lotería, cerveza, and food y más! Doors open at 7 p.m. Loteria starts at 7:30 p.m. Must be 21 or older to attend. Valid identification is required for entry to this event. No person under the age of 21 will be admitted. Please arrive during your ticketed arrival window. Food and beverages available for purchase.

Info: dbg.org/explore/events

BUDS-A-PALOOZA 2023

When: April 14

Where: Downtown Phoenix, 5th St. and Garfield in Roosevelt Row

What: Building off the success of last year’s sold-out event, Buds-A-Palooza

2023 highlights the best of Southwest cannabis culture and lifestyle. Attendees will experience a captivating night of nonstop action, including two music stages with national and local performers. The Buds-A-Palooza 2023 star-studded line-up includes performances from The Expendables, Ballyhoo!, Bumpin Uglies, Fayuca, and Kyle Smith. There will also be an Arizona Glass Masters’ glass blowing demo, 20 local and national stand-up comics performing at the Laughing Gas comedy club, a Sneaker Head Pop-Up Shop, stoner flicks, classes for beginner gardeners, an artisan vendor village, live and interactive art, and food and drinks galore, including 15 food and dessert trucks along with eight bars.

Info: budsapalooza.com

ARRIVAL FROM SWEDEN–THE MUSIC OF ABBA

When: April 14

Where: The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren St., Phoenix

What: The Arrival from Sweden plays the music of the legendary Swedish band ABBA. From “Dancing Queen to “Mamma Mia” and much more, these covers are sure to delight. Held at The Van Buren, the venue includes both indoor and outdoor dining, a full bar at the venue’s entrance, and an exclusive VIP lounge.

Info: thevanburenphx.com

QUALITY ARTS & CRAFTS MARKET

When: April 15

Where:13623 N. 32nd St., Phoenix

What: This market is back for a sixth season. Enjoy top quality, handmade items by the Neighborhood Artisans Network from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. You’ll find textile crafts, artwork, jewelry, laser engraving, home décor, gourd art, woodworking, jams, paper art, and more! Shop locally and support your neighborhood artists. This is a hand selected group of artists and crafters working collaboratively to promote and sell their work. There is no entrance fee. The market is steps away from the original Breakfast House in The Rock Parking lot.

Info: facebook.com/nephoenix

MUDDY KIDS

When: April 15

Where: Bell Bank Park, 6321 S. Ellsworth Rd., Mesa

What: Muddy Kids is a 1.5 and 2.2 mile adventure event series for kids ages 5 to 15, with fun and challenging obstacles, mud, and entertainment for the whole family.

Info: bellbankpark.com/events/muddykids

MELISSA ETHERIDGE

When: April 23

Where: Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler

What: Melissa Etheridge stops at Chandler

Center for the Arts as part of her national “One Way Out” tour. Known for her confessional lyrics and raspy, smoky vocals, she’s remained one of America’s favorite female singer-songwriters for more than two decades.

Info: chandlercenter.org

JUNK IN THE TRUNK VINTAGE MARKET

When: April 21 - 23

Where: WestWorld, 16601 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale

What: Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market, a semi-annual shopping experience that connects shoppers with local artists, makers, and curators, has a reputation for featuring quality vendors selling one-of-akind items and inspiring design. This is a popular attraction for shopping enthusiasts across the Southwest. Attendees can shop all things vintage, local, and handmade in a space of over 120,000 square feet filled with 160+ small businesses from across the country offering a vast selection of clothing, jewelry, furniture, vintage, décor, and much more. Other highlights of the market include food trucks and live music.

Info: junkinthetrunkvintagemarket.com

ARIZONA TIKI OASIS

When: April 27

Where: Hotel Valley Ho, 6850 E. Main St., Scottsdale

What: Enjoy a wide range of resort activities while sipping tropical cocktails and wearing your festive aloha wear. Bask in a variety of curated experiences: sip crafted cocktails by top mixologists, browse the pop-up Art Show, relax in a cabana by the pool, schedule a soothing spa treatment, attend an educational seminar, relish the rooftop sunsets, sway to the Tiki Oasis soundtrack, reserve Hotel Valley Ho luau tickets, shop the outdoor marketplace with a variety of artists, makers, and traders and, of course, enjoy the overall Tiki island-in-the-desert vibe. Although many

CROSSWORD ANSWER from page 34

events will be all ages such as the marketplace and seminars, the overall event is adult oriented. Arizona Tiki Oasis benefits Arizona Preservation Foundation.

Info: aztikioasis.com

RV SUPER SHOW

When: April 27

Where: WestWorld, 16601 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale

What: If you’re searching for a new or used camper van, 4x4 adventure van, motorhome, or luxury 5th wheel, start your journey at this expansive RV show. Info: rvshowusa.com

ARIZONA ULTIMATE WOMEN’S EXPO

When: April 29 – 30

Where: Phoenix Convention Center, 33 S. Third St., Phoenix

What: Shop at hundreds of boutique booths featuring the very best Arizona has to offer in fashion, food, entertainment, cosmetics, travel, jewelry, accessories, home decor, entertaining, and much more. Spend a relaxing day being pampered with spa treatments, massages, shopping, samples, celebrity keynote speakers, plus enjoy endless retail therapy.

Info: thewomensexpo.com

MARICOPA COUNTY HOME SHOW

When: May 5 -7

Where: WestWorld, 16601 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale

What: The Home & Garden Show features 950 vendor booths, local experts, and inspiration all in one place for one weekend only. Take full advantage of these home improvement experts by bringing pictures of your space and your ideas –home improvement inspiration has never been so easy.

Info: maricopacountyhomeshows.com

SUDOKU ANSWER from page 35

Entertainment Movie Reviews and Upcoming Release Dates

By Tony Beal

IN THEATERS

“Creed III”

Adonis Creed finds himself having to face his greatest fight in the ring after a friend from his past returns.

Michael B. Jordan has long since proven himself to be one of the most interesting actors of his generation, and “Creed III” not only continues that but also reveals his skills as a director. You’ve never seen a boxing scene like this in any of the “Rocky” movies, in terms of visuals and the way you feel the impact of each punch given. The movie manages to feel fresh despite being movie number nine in the series, with a story about what it’s like to still be in the boxing business, despite retiring as a fighter, that adds a new perspective we haven’t seen before. And, of course, Jonathan Majors is one of the best opponents of the series as a cunning but still empathetic figure who has reached a new level of brutality. Some character stories can feel rushed, but overall, it makes for a great and arguably one of the best sports movies ever made. More that 45 years on, the “Rocky” series continues to surprise.

This movie has such a great premise, of future technology versus old environments, but its execution is incredibly disappointing. It’s clearly been chopped to bits in postproduction, with strangely timed flashbacks and scenes that stop the movie’s progression. Adam Driver, despite giving his all, feels miscast and lost in trying to convince the audience of his character. Even the action feels weightless, with a lack of true horror or the feeling of danger from the dinosaurs. Even its worldbuilding feels half-baked, and like the rest of the film, doesn’t reach its potential. This movie is likely the first major letdown of the year.

reveal. Based on a true story, it gives you what you want: a bear is high on cocaine and gruesomely murders people in comedic fashion. That’s all you want to see, and Elizabeth Banks does a decent job at balancing the horror and humor together, even if her direction doesn’t reach the full potential of insanity the story has. Similarly, the incredible cast aren’t at their best, but they’re likable enough where you don’t mind when they’re on screen instead of the bear. It’s a good 90 minutes of fun – entertaining and amusing if not fully memorable.

the runtime, it keeps up that suspense and improves characters that weren’t as engaging in the last film. There are some interesting themes regarding true crime’s exploitation and even distrust in law enforcement. The film does still stumble regarding the inclusion of older characters (namely Gale, who is essentially here so the film has an original character involved for a few scenes) and retreading old ground in terms of plot and characters. Most devastatingly though are the last 15 minutes featuring a leap in logic that is asked of the audience that throws out its ideas and themes for action that’s over the top, even by “Scream” standards. It’s a shame that it squanders all of that so quickly, and almost ruins what was an otherwise solid and tense film.

NEW RELEASES

April 5

“The Super Mario Bros. Movie”

“AIR”

“On A Wing and A Prayer”

April 7

“Paint”

“How To Blow Up a Pipeline” (Limited)

“Showing Up” (Limited)

April 14

“Renfield”

“The Pope’s Exorcist”

“Sweetwater”

April 21

“Evil Dead Rise”

“Chevalier”

“Cocaine Bear”

“Scream VI”

“Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant”

“65”

A pilot and one of his passengers crash land and must face the elements and dangers of prehistoric Earth.

In Georgia, the stories of various individuals collide when they come into the sight of a dangerous, coked-up bear.

There’s not much to say about “Cocaine Bear” that the title doesn’t already

A new series of Ghostface murders begins after previous survivors move to New York City.

The sixth installment of the “Scream” series has a lot of excellent moments, from chase scenes to gore that are some of the best we’ve seen. For most of

“Beau Is Afraid” (Limited)

“Ghosted” (Apple TV+)

April 28

“Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret”

“Polite Society”

“Sisu”

“Big George Foreman”

Sat-Sun:10am - 3pm

DOWN

1. Bit of baby talk

2. Precedes sesame

3. Power system

4. Botch

5. Marcona nut

6. Curved molding

7. Endorsement

8. Call forth

9. Not his

10. Aquarium show star

11. Mine deposits

12. Water lily leaf

15. One behind the other

20. *Like crowd of fans?

22. “____ the crowd goes wild!”

24. Misstep

25. Obelus, pl.

26. Oddball’s attempt? (2 words)

27. *Each player gets 5 before disqualification

29. *Org.

31. Witty Coward

32. Dress up or deck out (2 words)

33. Blue-Green scum

34. *Easiest shot?

36. Location

38. Hero shop

42. Never say what?

45. Abduction of the ____ Women, Roman myth

49. Farm call

51. Bewitch

54. One step to success?

56. Close call

57. Elliot Page’s 2007 role

58. Home of Jazz

59. Unacceptable, to a baby

60. Gravy holder

61. ACL location

62. Short for “and elsewhere” 63. Small amounts

64. Selfie, e.g.

66. *Qualifying ____, eligibility criterion

STATEPOINT CROSSWORD - THEME: COLLEGE BASKETBALL

Getaway

Flagstaff: Two Days of Astronomical Astro-Tourism Experiences with Stellar Star Bathing and Spectacular Stargazing in the World’s First Dark Sky City

Spending time under dark starry skies and appreciating their beauty is a special astro-tourism experience that will leave you dazzled yet calm, inquisitive yet pensive – yep, that’s Flagstaff and star bathing is a real thing. It’s a BYOB (bring your own blanket) event and a time to connect to nature spent outside embracing the moment showered by the twinkling stars of the night skies. Flagstaff is the world’s first international dark sky city designated by the International Dark Sky Association (IDA), home to the discovery of Pluto at the world-famous Lowell Observatory, and all the astronauts that walked on the moon trained in Flagstaff.

Plan a stellar escape full of astronomical adventure with two-days in Flagstaff to take in the cosmos.

DAY 1 – STAR BATHING

Celebrate star bathing in Coconino National Forest connecting with galaxies, star clusters, and the Milky Way through

darkness. Seek out the stars at Buffalo Park with your night eyes. It takes approximately 10 minutes for eyes to adjust to the night skies. Enjoy a star party with the nonprofit Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition. Free star parties offer an opportunity to peer through telescopes discovering constellations with expert astronomers sharing cultural astronomy with the mission to promote and protect dark skies. You can even purchase a “Night in Flagstaff” non-fungible token (NFT), log-on at flagstaffdarkskies.org or discoverflagstaff.com to learn more.

a completed passport to the Flagstaff Visitor Center and be rewarded with a free commemorative pint glass.

A favorite daytime activity is discovering Flagstaff’s Lunar Legacy with a stop at several astro-tourism sites. Download a Flagstaff Lunar Landmarks Passport at discoverflagstaff. com or pick one up at the Flagstaff Visitor Center. An amazing astro-tourism experience includes Meteor Crater – this place has the world’s largest preserved meteor impact site and it’s another astronaut training location to “moon-boot!”

DAY 2 – STARGAZING

Enjoy Grand Canyon National Park, only 80 miles from Flagstaff, where beautiful night skies offer an exceptional quality of starry nights. Arizona boasts 12 dark sky parks designated by IDA with Grand Canyon

National Park as the most famous along with Flagstaff’s area national monuments of Walnut Canyon, Sunset Crater Volcano, and Wupatki. Grand Canyon National Park is also a Flagstaff Lunar Landmark because astronauts trained there in the 1960s.

Return to Flagstaff for stargazing re-imaged at Lowell Observatory. Lowell Observatory offers abundant opportunities to experience viewing Flagstaff’s dark skies. The Clark Telescope, Pluto Dome, and the Giovale Open Deck Observatory provide unique telescope programs.

Visit Dark Sky Brewery (DSB) for original craft brews, delicious pizza, and starry skies on the recently expanded patio and restaurant. Did you know, Flagstaff is Arizona’s leading craft beer city? Download a Flagstaff Brewery Trail Passport at craftbeerflg.com and take a trek on the Flagstaff Brewery Trail. Visit all eight award-winning breweries and return

Flagstaff has more than 300 clear nights where the sky is full of stars and star clusters showcasing the Milky Way, Mars, Jupiter, and the Moon. This mountain town at 7,000 feet is out of this world and ready for your discovery. For more information go to discoverflagstaff.com and request a free official visitor guide or stop by the Flagstaff Visitor Center in historic downtown. While visiting, please stay and play responsibly.

Photos courtesy of Discover Flagstaff

Photo Courtesy of Dark Sky Brewery

Photo by Tom Alexander

WHY YOU SHOULD CHOOSE OUR TEAM

Our business is proudly owned and operated by

United States Navy.

means we know the importance of listening, following directions and staying on task to get the job done right the first time. With Elite Turf, you’ll get:

• Our 15 years of experience and expertise in every job

• Free estimates no matter what service we’re providing

• Every job has a seasoned project coordinator that is assigned to your project to ensure a quality install from start to finish

• We also specialize in pavers, rock, plants, irrigation, landscape lighting, colored concrete curbing and much more

We also offer a 15-year warranty for extra protection and peace of mind. You deserve a fantasticlooking yard, so we’ll gladly give it to you quickly, safely and effectively with an artificial turf installation. For more information on why we’re different from the rest, reach out to our team at your convenience.