Scottsdale North News, December 2020

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December 2020

Vol. 3 • No. 3

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READ STORY ON PAGE 16

Cornelis Hollander Jewelry Designs THIS FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESS IS STILL SHINING BRIGHT AFTER 36 YEARS

In This Issue City News.................................................... 4-13 Kids’ Corner......................................................14 Education.........................................................15 Business..................................................... 18-19

Community..................................................... 20 Legal.................................................................21 Food & Dining................................................. 22 Real Estate...................................................... 23

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Home......................................................... 24-25 Business Directory.................................... 26-27 Getaway.......................................................... 29 Bites.................................................................31

STATEPOINT CROSSWORD - THEME: DOCTOR’S ORDERS ACROSS 1. “Back to the Future” antagonist 5. Government Printing Office 8. Frugal driver’s acronym 11. 1952 Olympics site 12. Afghanistan’s neighbor 13. Letter-shaped girder 15. Wing-shaped 16. Narcotics agent, for short 17. Call it quits 18. *One way to improve health 20. She played a TV genie 21. Cunning 22. Golfer’s goal 23. “Kiss the Cook” garment, pl.

26. Keyboard instrument 30. Prefix for before 31. Greek god’s libation 34. Door-stopping wedge 35. Full of meaning 37. Fleur-de-___ 38. Do penance 39. Type of parrot 40. *Ask for procaine when at this office 42. *Unavoidable risk factor for many diseases 43. Rock grinding 45. *Take a spoonful of sugar to avoid this taste 47. Genetic info carrier 48. Aqua-lung 50. Criticism 52. *Annual ____ 55. Fill with spirits 56. First rate 57. Purl partner 59. Vandalized a car 60. Coconut fiber 61. Bulgarian money 62. Filling station filler 63. More of the same 64. Water carrier

DOWN 1. Feathery scarf 2. ____ of Man 3. Linseed 4. Do without 5. Last Supper cup 6. Break down or analyze 7. Fairy-tale beginning 8. Internet share-able 9. Stepping stone to gain 10. Greenwich time 12. *Use a scalpel 13. Like the Vitruvian Man 14. *Stay in bed 19. *Take antihistamines to avoid this kind of nose 22. A pop 23. *Eat one a day?

24. Rap sheet listing 25. So out it’s in 26. *Worn until a bone heals 27. Piglet 28. Lightly color 29. Different spelling of emir 32. Horsefly 33. “Wizard of Oz” man 36. *Increase fluid intake 38. Elsewhere, in a courtroom 40. *____ test 41. Maltreater 44. Tattooed 46. Gridiron position 48. Record a movie 49. Diogenes, e.g.

50. ____ market 51. Big name in chips 52. Show worry 53. All over again 54. In real-time 55. *It checks your heart health 58. Road crew supply

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SCOTTSDALE NORTH NEWS • December 2020 • 3

City News

Get Festive at Desert Ridge Marketplace this Holiday Season ‘TIS THE SEASON FOR HOLIDAY FUN, AND DESERT RIDGE MARKETPLACE HAS A LINEUP OF FESTIVE ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE SEASON, WITH ABUNDANT FREE PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES. Snap starry nights with sparkling holiday lights during Desert Ridge Marketplace’s first-ever Starry + Bright Star Tunnel, on view through December 31. Safely stroll through a super-sized, 30-foot-long, star-shaped tunnel. Snap photos and capture merry moments for holiday cards. The Starry + Bright Star Tunnel is free to walk through and explore any time near AMC Theatres on the east side of The District. After touring the Starry + Bright Star Tunnel, stick around to see snow fall near AMC Theatres. Every night at 7 and 8 p.m., snow magically falls from the sky, turning Desert Ridge Marketplace into a living snow globe! The magic will intensify on Christmas Eve as snow falls at the top of every single hour from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. It’s a great way to capture holiday whimsy as you’re shopping for your last-minute holiday presents.

Another great family photo opportunity will be on display at the Decked the Hall hanging installation

and photo booth, located near H&M in The District, on view through December 31. Gaze up at garlands of hanging holiday hats, Santa beards and star-topped trees in an artful Christmas canopy. Capture the moment at the nearby free photo booth with festive neon lights.

Feeling lucky in 2020? Head to the Wish Upon a Star wall near AMC to complete your holiday list for a chance to have your dreams come true. Desert Ridge Marketplace will surprise shoppers with $10,000 in gifts and goodies from their list. Simply scan your star, make a wish on Desert Ridge Marketplace’s website, and enter to win. The Wish Upon a Star wall is available through December 18. Winners will be selected from December 19 – December 23 and will be notified by phone and email.

Think you’ll have to skip the Santa photos this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic? Think again. Desert Ridge Marketplace got creative with Virtual Photos with Santa. Capture your seasonal memories from home by having your child digitally placed on Santa’s lap at picturemesanta.com. Photo packages are available for

purchase. Use code “SantaDRM” for $5 off at checkout.

Virtual photos with Santa are available through Christmas Eve, December 24.

Festive fun will also be available online on the shopping center’s Instagram page. Tune in Fridays through December 18 on IGTV at Instagram.com/desertridge for Sleigh These Sing-a-longs. Test your holiday pipes alongside professional crooners, carolers and District Stage favorite bands as they belt out some of the season’s classics in sing-a-long format.

Kiddos can get their fill of timeless tales of the season on IGTV, too. Mrs. Claus will venture from the North Pole to read holiday classic books for Festive Favs with Mrs. Claus every Wednesday through December 23.

Check the reading list at shopdesertridge.com/holiday and grab the book at Barnes & Noble beforehand to read along with Santa’s main squeeze.

Now is your chance to give back at a time when kids need it most. Grab a tag from the Salvation Army Angel Tree, located near Dave & Buster’s, to help fulfill the holiday wishes of more than 50,000 children in Arizona this holiday season.

“We know this year has been tough for so many, so we are working hard to do our part to spread joy to the Desert Ridge community this season,” says Katie Hauptman, marketing manager at Desert Ridge Marketplace. “We have gone above and beyond with our safety standards to ensure a healthy, happy holiday for our guests.”

Desert Ridge Marketplace is located at 21001 N. Tatum Boulevard in Phoenix. For more information, visit shopdesertridge.com or like the shopping center on Facebook at facebook.com/DesertRidgeMarketplace.

4 • December 2020 • SCOTTSDALE NORTH NEWS

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City News We Need a Little Christmas at The Princess REKINDLE THE JOY AND TRADITION OF 11 YEARS OF “CHRISTMAS AT THE PRINCESS” AT THE FAIRMONT SCOTTSDALE PRINCESS. The iconic AAA Five Diamond resort becomes the most festive place this side of the North Pole during its annual Christmas at the Princess six-week festival, taking place now through the New Year’s Eve finale.

This year’s event will feature all the best loved attractions from Christmas past such as Desert Ice, Lagoon Lights and Princess Express Train, along with new traditions to experience such as Twinkle Town, The Lodge and Lanterns of Hope. Of course, guest safety is at the top of Santa’s list this year—masks will be required of all who attend Christmas at the Princess and all recommended precautions will be taken to ensure the safe distancing and enjoyment of the event.

ADMISSION AND PARKING • Guests staying at the resort: express pass event admission is complimentary for registered hotel guests.

•Dine at the resort’s signature restau-

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rants and receive complimentary admission and 50% off valet parking with a $75 minimum spend at any of the resort’s signature restaurants.

Reservations required.

• Self-parking and admission: $60, includes up to four wristbands.

General admission includes access to Enchanted Plaza with the four-story musical tree, Enchanted Plaza video show, Princess Express Train, a walkthrough experience of 4.5 million Lagoon Lights, the Nativity Garden, S’mores Land, Winterland, and the all new Twinkle Town.

For guests not staying at the resort, ride sharing or walking in, wristbands are $30 per person to ride the attractions including the Princess Express Trains, Polar Glide, Frosty’s Ferris Wheel, and the Christmas Carousel. Ice skating, photos with Santa, shopping, dining, and spa are priced separately. Nonresort guests must pre-purchase wristbands at ScottsdalePrincess.com.

For more information on Christmas at the Princess, visit ScottsdalePrincess. com or call 480-585-4848. The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is located at 7575 East Princess Drive.

SCOTTSDALE NORTH NEWS • December 2020 • 5

City News Scottsdazzle Delights with Seasonal Activities

By Molly Cerreta Smith TIS THE SEASON TO BE JOLLY! For those that are looking to celebrate cautiously this month, Scottsdazzle, the City of Scottsdale’s signature holiday extravaganza, offers all new micro-events and reimagined experiences to give guests and locals the opportunity to get into the holiday spirit in a safe and socially distanced manner.

Holiday movie buffs can enjoy three favorite flicks during the all-new Holiday Movie Nights: The Santa Clause on Friday, December 4; Elf on Saturday, December 5; and Home Alone on Sunday, December 6. The films will be projected on a huge inflatable screen at the East Lawn of the Scottsdale Civic Center, and groups of up to four will have their own socially distanced space in which to view the film.

The event begins at 5 p.m. with “socially distanced hour” movies begin at 6 p.m.

Foodie fans can enjoy some interactive (and delicious) demonstrations this season during Scottsdazzle. On Wednesday, December 9 from 6-8 p.m., Schmooze in Old Town hosts the Seasonal Charcuterie Teach and Taste, during which guests will be supplied with everything needed to make their own charcuterie board with live tips from Chef Tony Hamati. On Saturday, December 12 from

2-3 p.m., La Senora, the Saguaro Hotel’s signature restaurant, presents the Holiday Food Demonstration featuring tips, tricks and recipes for preparing elegant holiday bites.

Creatives and crafters can make their own holiday masterpieces to enjoy or to gift to loved ones this season with two Merry Make and Take events held at The Merchantile. One leads guests through designing their own wood ornament in which to trim the tree (Saturday, December 12 from 11 a.m. to noon), and the other instructs guests on how to make their own festive succulent terrarium (Sunday, December 13, 10 to noon). On Saturday, December 19 and Sunday, December 20 from 1 – 2 p.m., The Brush Bar hosts the socially distanced Holly Jolly Painting Party on Marshall Way Bridge.

Individual supply kits and tutorials are included with registration for each event.

New events that have health and wellbeing in mind include some Yuletide Yoga designed to stave off holiday stress with two sessions — one on Saturday, December 19 hosted by CorePower Yoga, and one on Sunday, December 20 hosted by CA Yoga Barre.

Each class takes place on Marshall Way Bridge from 8 – 9 a.m. Another session, Sun Salutations Yoga, held on Monday, December 21 beginning at 11 a.m. welcomes in the winter solstice and celebrates the 10-year anniversary of Old Town’s Soleri Bridge.

Bike riders can “spin their wheels” during the Sparkle and Spin Scavenger Hunt, which will lead them around Old Town for this fun event with two times — Saturday, December 19 and Sunday, December 20 from 10 a.m. to noon.

Some of the Scottsdazzle’s most popular events are returning this year, including the Scottsdazzlethemed Gold Palette ArtWalk on Thursday, December 10 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., presented by the Scottsdale Gallery Association (SGA).

Participating SGA members are hosting special events including artist demonstrations, refreshments, and live music in their galleries. Guests can enjoy appearances from seasonal characters such as Santa and the Grinch, classic holiday melodies from stroller carolers, and treats and sips as they peruse the Scottsdale Arts District and shop for their favorite art enthusiasts.

The Santa Wine Around, another popular Scottsdazzle favorite, returns on Saturday, December 12 beginning at 6 p.m. This spirited event allows participants to partake in a fun self-paced sip through some of Old Town’s signature wineries and tasting rooms. To elevate the holiday spirit, attendees are encouraged to dress as their favorite holiday characters. For those that love to shop local for gift-giving season, the Old Town Farmers market, held on Saturdays through December 19, takes on a festive spin throughout the season, and many of the area’s retailers and restaurants are offering specials to encourage residents and visitors alike to Shop Scottsdale.

The City of Scottsdale abides by all state and federal regulations and CDC guidelines in regards to COVID-19 and asks that all attendees do their part by wearing a mask and social distancing at Scottsdazzle events to ensure a safe celebratory season for all! For details on each event, including prices and registration, visit scottsdazzle.com.

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DEADLINE FOR THE JANUARY ISSUE IS DECEMBER 10.

6 • December 2020 • SCOTTSDALE NORTH NEWS

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Real Estate News Update

by Real Estate Expert & Local Radio Host, Carol Royse

Financial Wealth is Available for You in Any Market Reports are out on the Residential Real Estate market in Scottsdale and surrounding areas.

This latest report showed rents are up an amazing 17%. I pulled the ‘Millionaire Real Estate Investor’ written by Gary Keller, with Dave Jenks and Jay Papason off my shelf, and am amazed of the wisdom for ordinary people to create wealth by investing in single family homes. This book has generated hundreds of thousands of dollars in wealth for my clients and I want to share the book and some of its contents with you.

The Book is titled ‘The Millionaire Real Estate Investor ‘is subtitled, ‘Anyone can do it…not everyone will…will you?’

With more and more migration into Maricopa County, homes to rent are at premium by those who want to rent and prefer single family homes over apartments. Rents are up to all-time highs and good tenants are plentiful.

According to the authors, no matter what your current situation is in life, financial wealth is available to you. This is a powerful statement! You can get started on the path to real estate investing with little money or knowledge, but you must get started. Let the power of growth upon growth take your wealth building higher and higher.

One of the points made by Keller in the book is, “yes, you do need to be an investor.” Your current job is just that…a job. Building wealth is entirely different. You need and want to be financially wealthy. Becoming an investor is about preparing for the minimums and maximums in your life. Keller points out “instead of forgetting your dreams and living within your means pursue the means to live your dreams.”

As an investor, I can say it does not have to be complicated. Pick an area and over time you will become an expert. You can pick any city in our valley and begin to build equity while letting your tenant pay your mortgage payment. And you are enjoying the buildup of equity through appreciation and the paying down of the principal of the loan by your tenant.

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Equity is a beautiful thing. Where do you begin? You begin by hiring the agent with the knowledge of real estate investing, coupled with the lender who will provide leverage in financing and begin the process. Once you have accumulated 40% to 60% in equity in the first rental, you pull 40% out of that property and go buy another. On and on you repeat the process.

You might ask, are all the good investments gone? There are always opportunities to buy real estate. Get in the game and call me to begin your journey into the wealth building of real estate. And the book I am quoting can be purchased on Amazon…The Millionaire Real Estate Investor. It’s easy to read and understand and delivers powerful tools for your wealth building. Remember, small investments can have extraordinary implications over time, thanks to the power of compounding. Real estate is one of the safest ways to start your journey. Call me today for a no obligation consultation on investing. Carol Royse 480-776-5231.

You can hear each Sunday from 2 to 3pm on KFYI Radio, where I talk about Real Estate in the Valley. I have helped many people build wealth through real estate and can advise you.

As Heard on KFYI Radio each week CarolHasTheBuyers.com I can help you to better understand what to do to get your home market ready.

Call me today for a no obligation consultation. *Seller and Carol Royse must agree on guaranteed price and closing date at time of listing.

I am here to serve you and the needs of our community at the highest level.

Carol Royse, Keller Williams Realty East Valley Each Keller Williams® Office is Independently Owned and Operated

Selling Your Neighborhood and the Entire Valley 6461 E. Crested Saguaro Lane

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Members have full use of Fitness Center, 6 Tennis Courts, Pool and the Desert Pavilion Community Center. For those who enjoy walking for exercise, Terravita has over seven miles of desert walking trails.

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SCOTTSDALE NORTH NEWS • December 2020 • 7

Desert Foothills Theater Presents:

City News Ofrenda: A Place to Taste and Remember A FEAST FOR THE SENSES AWAITS DINNER GUESTS AS THEY WALK THROUGH THE ELEGANT DOORS OF OFRENDA, THE LATEST RESTAURANT CONCEPT FROM THE CREATIVE MINDS BEHIND THE LANDMARK TACO GUILD IN PHOENIX. Just opened, Ofrenda’s architecture and design features custom artisan-crafted décor, combined with modern touches for an aura reminiscent of luxurious villas in Mexico. Great attention was put into every detail from the commissioning of handkilned stoneware in Mexico to incorporating a harmony of traditional textiles and textures.

Fridays-Sundays, Jan. 15-24 The Holland Center Orion Building 34250 N. 60th St. Scottsdale, AZ 85266

$25 General Admission

Purchase Tickets: DFTheater.org • (480) 488-1981 facebook.com/dftheater

Youth Honor Our First Responders

Join Youth Artists and First Responders Open Reception, Dec. 9 from 4 -7 p.m.

Through their art, Youth pay tribute to those who serve us Refreshments, Entertainment, Awards, Art Exhibit Stagecoach Village, Cave Creek (Open to the Public - Free)

New Art Exhibit Opens Dec. 4

Support Local Artists this Holiday Season The Gallery at el Pedregal

corner of Scottsdale Rd & Carefree Hwy – Wed-Sun 11 a.m. – 5p.m.

Center for the Arts Gallery and Education Center At Stagecoach Village, #144 & #164 7100 E. Cave Creek Rd. Cave Creek

480-575-6624 www.sonoranartsleague.org 8 • December 2020 • SCOTTSDALE NORTH NEWS

Ofrenda, translated from Spanish means offering, and is often used today to describe altars of remembrance. This new restaurant aims to offer its guests an experience of food and atmosphere that will be remembered.

The Cave Creek establishment has one of the most extensive spirits and wine lists in Arizona along with a fresh, bold, and decadent Latin-influenced menu. Guests sit on serape-upholstered seats at handcrafted rosewood tables while eating from handmade bowls and plates that celebrate artisans and craftsmanship.

Michael Stone, owner of Taco Guild, and Carlos Marquez launched the new concept in the location previously leased

by Marquez’s Indigo Crow. The two have been itching to get together and formalize a partnership for quite some time. SVC Restaurant Group is the developer for the project.

“After several conversations we came to a decision,” Stone says. “Both Carlos and I experienced some recent tragic losses in our lives, and then the pandemic. We decided to change the concept to something more meaningful; something that reflects our intent and feeling for the brands we create. Like all our restaurants, we want the atmosphere, the food, and the design to all tell a story.”

The name for Ofrenda comes from tradition rooted in Aztecan culture nearly 3,000 years ago when families created altars to honor the eternal souls of loved ones. It originated as a mixture of pagan Aztecan practices and Christianity when Spanish explorers traveled from Europe

to Central America. In the Southwest, the observance takes place Nov. 1 and is celebrated in modern times as Día des Muertos, or Day of the Dead.

A focal point of the restaurant is an ofrenda that guests see as they enter. An intricately designed metal marigold is the cornerstone of the altar, which also includes candles and photos. The restaurant is about 6,500 square feet and seats 300 guests. A wrap-around patio gives guests plenty of dining options.

The menu features salads and appetizers ($10-$20) such as Pork Empanada (roasted pork, wild onion mole, peas, and radish) and a Carbon Board (pepita hummus, carbon-grilled vegetables, fried hominy, guacamole and fresh tortillas).

Ofrenda’s delicious tacos includes: Carne Asada, Lobster, Duck and Soft-Shelled Crab. Entrees, which will start at $25, include: Tomahawk (bone-in ribeye, cumin honey roasted carrots, frite street fries, escabeche, and charred onion butter); Huarache Nopales (grilled nopales, fried blue corn masa, black beans, vegan cheese, pea tendrils, and huitlacoche); and Carne (house-marinated sirloin steak, black bean puree, ash-roasted papas, and rojo).

Ofrenda also features a vast selection of agave spirits in its extensive Agave Library, Mexican wines, a wide variety of draft beers, and cocktails such as the Marigold (gin, strawberry, pineapple, aperol, lime and serrano).

Stone says the theme for Ofrenda is “a place to taste and remember.”

For more information about Ofrenda, visit theofrenda.com. myhyperlocalnews.com

City News Walmart and Cruise Chart a New Roadmap for Retail in Scottsdale

By Tom Ward, SVP of Customer Product, Walmart U.S. THIS YEAR, WE’VE HAD OUR FOOT ON THE ACCELERATOR, EXPANDING OUR PICKUP AND DELIVERY SERVICES, SO CUSTOMERS CAN GET THE ITEMS THEY NEED QUICKLY AND SAFELY. In April alone, we launched Express Delivery and have since scaled it to more than 2,800 stores, reaching more than 65% of American households.

We may be growing delivery options today, but we’re still experimenting with new ways we can use technology to serve customers in the future. This time, we’re cruising over to Scottsdale, to rev up a new pilot with self-driving car company, Cruise. What’s unique about Cruise is they’re the only self-driving car company to operate an entire fleet of all-electric vehicles powered with 100% renewable energy, which supports our road to zero emissions by 2040.

As part of the pilot, which begins early next year, customers can place an order from their local store and have it delivered, contact-free, via one of Cruise’s all-electric self-driving cars. Technology that has the potential to not only save customers time and money but also is helpful to the planet is technology we want to learn more about.

You’ve seen us test drive with self-driving cars in the past, and we’re continuing to learn a lot about how they can shape the future of retail.

We’re excited to add Cruise to our lineup of autonomous vehicle pilots as we continue to chart a whole new roadmap for retail.

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SCOTTSDALE NORTH NEWS • December 2020 • 9

City News Scottsdale North Community Comes Together to Support a Dignity Drive Home for allowing our team to place donation boxes at their locations.

By Michelle Talsma Everson

A New Look to Year-End Tax Planning in 2020

By Renee A. Hanson, Private Wealth Advisor Affinity Wealth Advisory Group, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC

A

t this time of year, you often hear advice to take steps before year-end to limit your tax liability. Yet 2020 is a unique year in a variety of ways – while many of the normal rules regarding managing income and timing deductions still apply, new provisions for 2020 have been implemented by The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act that may impact your year-end tax planning. Consider if any of these actions make sense for you.

RECONSIDER REQUIRED DISTRIBUTIONS Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) from workplace retirement plans or IRAs are optional due to The CARES Act in 2020. If you haven’t yet taken your RMD for this year, you can let your money continue to grow. If you have taken your RMD, there is a 60-day window where you can redeposit those funds in your IRA and eliminate the claim to an RMD. As another option, if you have earned income from work you may want to take all or part of your RMD for this year and invest some or all of the proceeds in a Roth IRA. This allows you to build up your Roth savings, which ultimately can qualify for tax-free distributions later in retirement and aren’t subject to RMD rules.

TAKE EARLY WITHDRAWALS IF NEEDED If your financial circumstances have been directly affected by COVID-19 (such as a job loss), or you or others in your household have been diagnosed with the virus, you can tap your retirement savings. If you have not yet reached age 59-1/2, you can do so without penalty if you qualify, but the early distribution must occur before the end of the year. The tax burden associated with these early distributions can be spread out over three years.

HARVEST INVESTMENT GAINS OR LOSSES Given the market’s volatility this year, you may want to consider “harvesting” capital losses. This is accomplished by selling investments in a loss position and using those losses to offset gains you realized when selling other investments. Capital losses can also be used to reduce up to $3,000 of earned income in a given year.

BE PREPARED FOR CHANGES With an election upon us, there could be changes in tax laws that might impact everything from tax brackets to estate tax laws starting next year. This may be an additional consideration as you make your year-end plans. Be sure to consult with your financial advisor and tax advisor before finalizing your decisions.

Renee A. Hanson, CFP®, ChFC®, CEP®, CDFA®, CFS®, BFA®, APMA®, is a Private Wealth Advisor with Affinity Wealth Advisory Group,

CAPITALIZE ON DEDUCTIONS a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. The standard deduction for 2020 is $12,400 for in Phoenix, Arizona. She specializes in fee-based financial planning and management strategies and has been in practice for 28 years. To a single person and $24,800 for married couples asset contact her visit www.affinitywealthadvisor.comor call (602) 923-9800. filing a joint return. At that level, most people Her office is located at 7010 E. Chauncey Lane, Suite #200, Phoenix, claim a standard deduction rather than itemizing AZ85054-3115.

Financial, Inc. and its affiliates do not offer tax or legal advice. deductions. In 2020, you can claim an additional Ameriprise Consumers should consult with their tax advisor or attorney regarding their $300 for cash contributions to qualified charities. specific situation. needsadvantage of clients first is the approach I believe in.advisory I’ll work with to are find Investment products andyou services made available through BePutting sure the to take of that opportunity LLC, a registered the right helpisyou plan for yourAmeriprise uniqueFinancial goals.Services, And together, we’llinvestment adviser. before thefinancial end of solutions the year. toThis a one-time Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Member FINRA and SIPC. track yourforprogress over time, adjusting your plan along the way to help get you where deduction those who don’t itemize. © 2020 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.

RECENTLY, AFFINITY WEALTH ADVISORY GROUP TEAMED UP WITH COMMUNITY MEMBERS FOR ITS SECOND ANNUAL DIGNITY DRIVE. A Dignity Drive is where an organization collects gently used and new bras for women exiting homelessness and unsafe environments.

“Our goal was 2,000 bras and, with the help of a grant from the MDRT Foundation of $2,500, we exceeded our goal for a total of 2,868,” according to the Affinity Wealth Advisory Group team.

Our publishing group, Eculeus Group Publishing (EGP), teamed up with local businesses to collect 377 bras to help in the effort. A special thank you to AZ On The Rocks and Why Hello Modern

Affinity Wealth Advisory Group A private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.

602.923.9800 7010 E. Chauncey Ln Ste 200 Phoenix, AZ 85054 renee.a.hanson@ampf.com affinitywealthadvisor.com

Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC.

10 • December 2020 • SCOTTSDALE NORTH NEWS

“Many people don’t think about bras when it comes to donations for women in need, but dignity in appearance is important when attending interviews or reporting to work,” explains Natasha Beal, publisher at EGP. “Our team is so grateful for all of the local businesses and community partners who allowed us to place donation boxes at their locations and to community members who donated.”

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This year’s Dignity Drive doubled the number of bras collected last year.

For 2021, Affinity Wealth Advisory Group has an even bigger goal. “Next year our goal is 4,000,” according to the organization. “Believe it or not, it takes about 150 bras a week to meet the needs of women in the Valley.”

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City News

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Scottsdale Names Interim Police Chief

SCOTTSDALE CITY MANAGER JIM THOMPSON HAS SELECTED JEFF WALTHER TO SERVE AS INTERIM POLICE CHIEF.

Police Chief Alan Rodbell retired on November 30 and Walther will guide the department while a national search and recruitment is conducted to select Rodbell’s replacement.

Jeff Walther retired from the Scottsdale Police Department as an assistant chief in 2018 after serving the department for 24 years. Walther will return from retirement to lead the department during the recruitment period, which is expected to take six to eight months.

Walther will not seek the permanent position.

“Alan Rodbell has served this community with dedication and distinction, and with a new City Council taking their seats in January, we will begin the process to recruit someone who will continue that legacy and lead our outstanding police department,” says Thompson. “We are fortunate to be able to bring back Jeff Walther, who knows our community and our department, to serve in this interim role.”

“In cases like this, my preference is to select an interim leader who will not be a candidate for the permanent job. That assures a level playing field for others who want to apply for the job, whether they are internal candidates or people from outside the organization.”

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SCOTTSDALE NORTH NEWS • December 2020 • 11

City News Danica Patrick Debuts New Wine: Danica Rosé

By Lynette Carrington Photo by Will Bucquoy DANICA PATRICK MAY BE OFFICIALLY RETIRED FROM THE WORLD OF AUTO RACING, BUT SHE HAS SHIFTED GEARS INTO MAKING WINE. She has embraced beauty and authenticity with her new signature wine, Danica Rosé, created with the assistance of a well-respected winemaking family.

Patrick has been a long-time resident of Scottsdale and has fond memories of the Valley.

“My favorite memory was testing a car out at the track at Firebird Raceway,” says Patrick. “But my very first memory was testing a go kart up north somewhere.

I was still probably 14 years old.” She recalls looking into the distance and being amazed at how beautiful the mountains were. Fast forward several years and Arizona is now home.

Patrick’s love of wine started early in her racing career when she spent time in England and grew as she traversed the world.

“I’ve been drinking wine since I was in England, and I would go and ask for a glass of whatever their sweetest white wine was,” says Patrick with a laugh.

A trip to the Napa Valley culminated in Patrick buying her own vineyard in 2009 and starting wine brand Somnium,

which means “dream” in Latin. Her racing career crossed the finish line in 2018. “At that point in time, I had my clothing line and I had Somnium, my wine,” explains Patrick. “When I retired, I knew what I was going to do.”

Patrick partnered with Les Vins Margnat, a family-owned company with a winemaking tradition dating back more than 200 years, assembled her team of awardwinning winemakers, and Danica Rosé was born. It is a traditional rosé wine from Provence, the oldest wine making region in France.

Although Patrick also produces a rosé with her label Somnium, she wanted to create an even more personal type of wine. Patrick says, “I feel that people can resonate with authenticity… Authenticity is something that is really important to me.” Danica Rosé is crisp, light, has a well-balanced acidity, and is a perfect wine for any time of year.

“To make a rosé that is an authentic rosé from Provence was something really exciting for me, and here we are!” says Patrick. The aesthetic of the bottle also has Patrick’s undeniable influence. The name Danica means “morning star.” Each bottle of Danica Rosé has a star on its neck signifying hope, courage, guidance and purity of spirit. The bottle also has an elegantly feminine splash of embossed roses that seductively hugs its side.

“All the things that I do are rooted in wanting to inspire people,” finishes Patrick.

“The goal with all my companies and ventures always has to do with something that can transcend far beyond monetary gain, accolades or accomplishments. It is more about something that never ends, which is the drive to want to inspire people.”

Danica Rosé is available online and in Arizona markets in January 2021. To learn more, visit danicarosewine.com.

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12 • December 2020 • SCOTTSDALE NORTH NEWS

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City News Arizona’s Top Female Polo Player Gives Back

By Lynette Carrington Photo by David Carrington THE SPORT OF POLO HAS ACHIEVED A NEW LEVEL OF APPRECIATION IN ARIZONA, ESPECIALLY THROUGH THE VISIBILITY AND ENGAGEMENT BROUGHT ON BY THE STELLA ARTOIS POLO PARTY, WHICH TOOK PLACE RECENTLY AT WESTWORLD OF SCOTTSDALE. ARIZONA’S TOP-RANKED FEMALE POLO PLAYER IS NATALIE GRANCHAROV CAMACHO AND SHE PLAYED IN “THE GREATEST SHOW ON GRASS.” Grancharov Camacho did not grow up in the sport of polo. Rather, she took to the field in college while attending U.C. Davis.

“I rode horses very little growing up,” she says. “Like most little girls, I loved horses.

So, when I found out that U.C. Davis had a polo team, I called them and that was it. I loved it after that!”

Hailing from Silicon Valley, Grancha-

rov Camacho has lived in Arizona for 16 years, most recently, as a Scottsdale resident. “I always thought I would go back to California, but I came out here after college,” she says. “I was working in the Bay Area, then I got a job offer from Intel and I’ve been here ever since.” Currently, she is an area manager for the technology giant.

Grancharov Camacho is part of Arizona Polo Club, which encompasses players and has a school. The philanthropy arm of Arizona Polo Club is Polo Cares, INC., dedicated to promoting polo while focusing on equine wellness and health. In its long-term goals, Polo Cares, INC. has its sights on having its own field, arena and clubhouse in order to continue in its philanthropic endeavors.

“The match we played at the Polo Party benefited the Safeway Foundation,” explains Grancharov Camacho. “Every year we put on different charity matches to support different organizations locally like

Off the Track Thoroughbreds and Arizona Equine Rescue.” Other nonprofits that have benefited from polo matches include Family Promise of Greater Phoenix and Arivaca Boys Ranch.

Part of the mission of Polo Cares, INC. is to raise awareness and bring more women in to the sport of polo. “It’s surprising. Most people who get into polo have never ridden before. It’s more like they just sign up, and a lot of people don’t start riding until their twenties or thirties - definitely later in life.”

years ago and she also co-founded Lila Polo, a co-ed team, with husband Felipe Camacho, an instructor at Arizona Polo Club.

Grancharov Camacho also notes that polo is one of few sports where women and men can participate on an even playing field. Arizona Polo Club is a school that conducts lessons and clinics, and Arizona Polo Club scholarships are available through Polo Cares, INC.

“I hope people get exposed to polo, and even if they don’t play, they can see how cool horses are, especially for youth,” she says. “Horses are a game changer and teach youth a lot. If you can get your kids outside, especially with COVID-19 as it is, this is a great sport for kids.”

The all-women Las Divinas Polo Club was founded by Grancharov Camacho four

For additional information, visit arizonapolo.com/polo-cares-inc.

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SCOTTSDALE NORTH NEWS • December 2020 • 13

Kids’ Corner FIND A

Winter Wonderland…

By Jill “MamaBug” Frier

IN ARIZONA!

W

hen you live in the Valley of the Sun you don’t usually give much thought to snow and ice, even on the coldest winter days. We love our sunny, warm weather here in the desert and cherish our temperate winters. But for people seeking a brief glimpse of real cold weather and winter fun, there are many areas around the state where snow sightings are plentiful. Here are some of the best places to find Arizona snow.

FLAGSTAFF AND SURROUNDING AREAS Northern Arizona is known for its tall pines, beautiful mountain scenery, high elevation, and for having four seasons. Snow is pretty much a sure thing in Flagstaff every winter and this area is a favorite destination for Phoenix-based winter weather lovers. Here are a few of the best spots to experience your winter wonderland. Be sure to check ahead for weather and any restrictions before you head north.

• Snowbowl Ski Resort: A favorite for locals, this Arizona downhill ski resort is located at the top of the San Francisco Peaks.

• Arizona Nordic Village: The perfect location for fun in the snow whether cross-country skiing or “snow biking.”

• Snow Park in Fort Tuthill County Park: Stay in a yurt or a cabin and enjoy sledding and crosscountry skiing.

• Oakhill Snow Play Area: A perfect place to play in the snow and slide down hills.

• Elk Ridge Ski and Outdoor Recreation Area: Just south of Williams, enjoy downhill skiing, snowboarding, and tubing.

• Mormon Lake: Visit the Mormon Lake Lodge for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing along groomed tracks.

WHITE MOUNTAINS In the northeast part of Arizona, south of I-40 along the Colorado Plateau, the White Mountains are known for being a charming, high elevation rural escape from the hustle and bustle. Nestled among the tall pines and mountain lakes, the White Mountains are famous for their outstanding winter activities including great skiing, snowmobiling, and sledding. Each little town has its own winter charm but be sure to check the weather and road conditions before you head out.

• Sunrise Park Resort in Greer: Sunrise is the largest ski resort in Arizona and a perfect destination for fun in the snow.

• Hannagan Meadow Lodge in Alpine: Enjoy sledding, ice fishing, and snow mobiles in rustic mountain surroundings.

• Williams Valley Winter Sports Area in Alpine: The perfect hill for snowy activities, including crosscountry skiing, sledding, toboggans, and tubes.

TUCSON The tall pines in Northern Arizona are not the only destinations for fun and frosty winter weather. There is also plenty of snow to be found in the southern part of our state on the towering elevations of Mt. Lemmon, just north of Tucson. Mt. Lemmon’s Ski Valley provides visitors with a unique winter escape just 25 miles uphill from beautiful desert vistas in the Catalina Mountains. Visitors to Ski Valley can enjoy downhill skiing and snowboarding while playing in a winter wonderland above the desert floor.

MORE ARIZONA SNOW SIGHTINGS Although most of the prime skiing and sledding spots are in higher elevations among the tall pines, don’t overlook some of the picturesquely snowy spots closer to home. Whether a blanket of snow or just a light dusting, places like Prescott, Sedona, Payson, and Globe get their share of winter weather. And most years desert dwellers make at least one quick trip to Sunset Point, just north of Black Canyon City, to spend a couple of hours in the snow. One easy place to start your snow adventure is visitarizona.com.

Make plans to get out of town and enjoy some fun in the snow this winter.

Remember to check the weather and roads, prepare your vehicle for snow and ice, and plan ahead for any possible emergencies or delays because of snow. Do your homework and have a blast!

For information about other fun activities and events in Arizona all year round, read ladybugsblog.com.

14 • December 2020 • SCOTTSDALE NORTH NEWS

myhyperlocalnews.com

Education

Dr. Burdick to Retire from CCUSD

The Academy of Excellence is a fully online K-12 school that is a part of the Cave Creek Unified School District

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“A humble thank you to the entire CCUSD community for working alongside me for the benefit of our students,�

Dr. Burdick shares. “I will miss working with the incredible CCUSD staff, parents and students but I look forward to continuing to support our schools as a shareholder in our extraordinary CCUSD community.�

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480.575.2301 www.CCUSD93.org

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During her tenure at CCUSD, all the schools accomplished A+ status as well as ranking in the top 10 districts in Arizona for its high standardized test scores.

Most recently, Horseshoe Trails Elementary was named a National Blue Ribbon School. The world language programs expanded so that all students have the opportunity to learn a second language.

She facilitated the establishment of the very first CCUSD foundation, the Cave Creek Unified Education Foundation (CCUEF), that provides yearly teacher grants for CCUSD educators. Dr. Burdick started the extremely successful Superintendent’s Challenge that has encouraged CCUSD students, beginning in the intermediate grades, to do community service throughout our community and county. In 2014, CCUSD successfully passed a bond election for the new Cactus Shadows Field House and stadium, and safety improvements for the schools.

In 2018, the CCUSD voters also passed the election for CCUSD to join the East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT) for expanded opportunities for students.

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She serves as a board member for the Carefree Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce, the Cave Creek Unified Educational Foundation, AZ Business and Education Coalition, the Desert Foothills YMCA Advisory Board, the AZ Musicfest Board, and AASA National Superintendent’s Organization’s Governing Board. She is also on the City of Phoenix Youth and Education Commission and the AZ Department of Child Safety Community Advisory Committee. She was a recent Chairperson of the North Valley Educational Consortium and AZ School Administrators Superintendent Division president. Dr. Burdick is PastPresident of Arizona School Administrators, past Chair of the Greater PHX Educational Management Council, and past Chair of the North Valley Educational Consortium. She is also a member of the Kiwanis Club of Carefree and served on the Kiwanis Board.

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Dr. Burdick and her family moved to Arizona from Illinois in 1995. In 2013, she was voted the ASA’s Superintendent of the Year for Large Districts and was also honored as the Paradise Valley Community College Outstanding Community Leader for 2016. In 2017, she was the AZ Superintendent of the Year for the National Superintendent program.

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fter 47 years in education, Cave Creek Unified School District (CCUSD) superintendent, Dr. Debbi Burdick, will be retiring on December 31. Dr. Burdick has held the position of CCUSD superintendent since 2008 and came to the district in 2004 as associate superintendent. During her career, she has been a teacher, principal, educational consultant, and adjunct professor at both Grand Canyon and Arizona State Universities. Dr. Burdick graduated summa cum laude with a doctorate from ASU. She has two master’s degrees from Eastern Illinois University, and a bachelor’s degree from Western Illinois University. Dr. Burdick was a National Christa McAuliffe Fellow from the USDOE and received the AZ School Administrator’s Educational Doctoral Student of the Year for ASU.

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SCOTTSDALE NORTH NEWS • December 2020 • 15

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Cover Story

Cornelis Hollander JEWELRY DESIGNS

This family-owned business is still shining bright after 36 years

I

f you’re considering purchasing an engagement ring—or any type of jewelry—this holiday season, stop by Cornelis Hollander Jewelry Designs to take a peek at their impressive, customized collection.

Established in 1984, Cornelis Hollander Jewelry Designs is located in the heart of the Scottsdale Art District and specializes in customized engagement rings and one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces that you won’t find anywhere else.

“We’re family owned and operated, which means you’ll find us paying closer attention to each individual piece of jewelry and providing higher quality pieces,” explains Walter C. Hollander, the current owner of the shop and son of its namesake, Cornelis, who started the shop in his garage.

Hollander shares that there is originality in every piece—and there has been since the beginning.

16 • December 2020 • SCOTTSDALE NORTH NEWS

ABOUT CORNELIS HOLLANDER JEWELRY DESIGNS Founded in 1984, Cornelis Hollander Jewelry Designs is a full-service jewelry design company.

Its jewelry has been distributed throughout the U.S. and internationally. All of their jewelry designs are manufactured in their local studio.

A native of the Netherlands, its founder, Cornelis Hollander, studied art and jewelry design at the Vrije Academie in Den Haag, Holland. As a young graduate, he apprenticed for two years in Hatton Gardens, London’s renowned jewelry district. Adventure then called young Cornelis to Johannesburg, South Africa — the diamond and gold capital of the world —where he opened his studio and started designing jewelry. Living and traveling in Africa, the young designer’s imagination and creativity were blooming. After several years, adventure called again — this time to America, where Cornelis and future wife, Christa, settled in Phoenix.

Over the years, his natural talent was refined by education, travel and diversified cultural experiences. After winning award after award, he became one of the premier jewelry designers in the world— eventually passing down ownership of the shop about twelve years ago to Walter.

“Here at Cornelis Hollander, we work with only the most highly skilled

craftsmen to produce the finest quality jewelry,” Hollander attests.

Cornelis Hollander Jewelry is proud to offer custom designs. Often, customers bring their own special gemstones or outdated jewelry to upgrade to a modern designer look.

Beyond its local availability, custom designs are also available for those who live out of state.

Cornelis Hollander operates with an old-world philosophy of trustworthiness, honesty and hard work. Therefore, the sales team doesn’t rely on high-pressure techniques but instead focuses on the history of humble artistry and beautiful designs that sell themselves, according to Hollander.

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THE PROCESS The steps to making the jewelry look like this: Discovery: The first step is to find your perfect ring. In your initial consultation, they will share ideas, discover your preferences, and determine what you’ll love wearing.

CAD Design: Next, they transform your ideas with their 3D-modeling system.

State-of-the-art computeraided design software will bring your vision to life.

Modeling: Once you have created your ring, they will produce a model with a 3D printer.

The Final Product: “This step is why we get up in the morning.

It is the finale of all our hard work and brings us immense satisfaction, because our rings always exceed expectations,” Hollander says. “The beauty, craftsmanship, quality, and weight are indescribable until you’ve held one in your hand.”

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ONE-OF-A-KIND ENGAGEMENT RINGS During the COVID-19 pandemic, Hollander says that the shop did a re-branding, naming each of their most popular engagement rings and adding new photos and descriptions to their website.

He says that one of the most popular styles is the Modus. The ring is described as: “A ring unlike any other; that defies expectations of what jewelry should look like. This ring has dramatic features and a cult-like following.

The center stone is held with four elongated prongs and the diamond bar that touches the finger and arches upward. This ring is symbolic of bringing your perfect love into being – having won the heart that matters most and defied all odds.”

Hollander says that they have sample designs of all of their popular rings on site, then customers can take it from there and customize the ring to their own specifications. Some of the most common trends include re-purposing an old engagement ring or other jewelry or having man-made diamonds or moissanite in the center to save on costs.

Speaking of costs, Hollander says customized jewelry is often more affordable than customers first expect. “We have such a wide variety of jewelry—we can even make something new out of jewelry you

already have,” he explains. “Customers will certainly find value in coming here.”

And, don’t just take it from him—do an online search for Cornelis Hollander Jewelry Designs and there are seemingly countless 5-star reviews.

“I had an engagement ring made at Cornelis Hollander in March,” says a recent customer. “It turned out more beautiful than I could’ve hoped for. Walter was very accommodating and helped me find the perfect one. He asked questions and really worked with me to find something within my price range.

I proposed, and my now fiancé absolutely loves her ring. [I’m] super grateful for Walter and his services. We will definitely be coming back to him for the wedding bands.”

Cornelis Hollander Jewelry Designs is located at 4151 N. Marshall Way in Scottsdale. To learn more, visit their website at cornelishollander.com, call 480-423-5000, or e-mail sales@cornelishollander.com.

SCOTTSDALE NORTH NEWS • December 2020 • 17

Business The Benefits of Crafty Virtual Team Builders

I

you can’t control the behavior of others, but you can make this. Crafting allows you to put your worries on autopilot and redirect your energy, changing the mood of your whole day. Doing this as a group in a virtual team-building environment allows individuals to be mindful together and share their accomplishments and creations.

Below are a few reasons to begin planning a holiday or quarter one do-it-yourself (DIY) or crafty team builder for your company.

HELP EMPLOYEES COMBAT ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION Catherine Carey Levisay, a neuropsychologist, and wife of Craftsy.com CEO John Levisay says, “…. that creating – whether it be through art, music, cooking, quilting, sewing, drawing, photography (or) cake decorating – is beneficial to us in a number of important ways.”

By Heidi Koffman and Emily Wottreng

t’s pretty fair to say that 2020 is the year of national anxiety and depression—and quarter one of 2021 isn’t looking much better. We already know team builders are an important part of creating team cohesiveness and unity, but most companies slashed team builders in their budgets trying to survive.

GET ON THE MINDFULNESS AND MEDITATION WAGON According to the article “This is your brain on crafting,” by Jaqueline Wilson at CNN, crafting is akin to meditating. “[Scientists are] drawing connections between the mental health benefits of meditation and the Zen reached while painting or sculpting.”

Busying your hands with something that may seem less important frees up mental energy. Have you had anxiety over the lack of control felt this year? Rest assured, your employees have! Somewhere in the middle of stringing thread around hammered-in nails that becomes a string art masterpiece, you realize

THE SCIENCE IS IN “Dopamine, in and of itself, is our natural antidepressant,” Levisay says. “Any time we can find a nonmedicinal way to stimulate that reward center, the better off we’re going to be.”

THE SOLUTION? HIT THE RESET BUTTON ON YOUR BRAIN By focusing on the repetitive motions of knitting, or the intricacies of creating a cactus painting, you tone down your sympathetic nervous system. This turns off

what has been raising your heart rate and giving you that nervous tic, and turns on your parasympathetic nervous system, which calms you down. It’s almost as if your body was made to craft!

Craft Nights is a local women-owned business in Phoenix.

They have shifted their business model from in-person craft parties, to virtual parties, specializing in corporate events and team builders to provide companies an affordable way to help employee engagement, virtually. They provide “togo” craft kits for companies of all sizes that can be shipped straight to employees, delivered, or picked up at their local studio off 32nd Street and Shea. For more information, email hello@craftnights.com.

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18 •December 2020 • SCOTTSDALE NORTH NEWS

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Business New Resources Available to Support Small Businesses, Business Recruitment and the Hospitality Industry

A

rizona’s small businesses and hospitality sector have been especially hard hit by the pandemic, with thousands of jobs lost since March. To provide a boost to these critical sectors and the Arizonans they employ, Governor Doug Ducey recently announced $7 million to support economic recovery efforts.

Over the course of the pandemic, the Arizona Department of Health Services has worked closely with the hospitality and tourism industry to provide public health guidance intended to limit the spread of COVID-19 and enable operations to continue safely. The Arizona Office of Tourism (AOT) has worked closely with state and national partners to provide up-to-date health and safety information to travelers and the tourism industry.

“In Arizona, we’ve shown that mitigation measures work and can help our business operate safely — with public health the top priority,” says Governor Ducey. “Thousands of Arizonans employed by the hospitality industry have been impacted and displaced by this pandemic, and we continue to fight for them. Likewise, we know many small businesses are facing incredible challenges. As we make sure Arizonans have access to the social safety net, we also want to give them the opportunity to work. This funding will protect livelihoods, highlight the robust mitigation measures Arizona has put in place, and keep our economy moving forward.”

THE FUNDING INCLUDES: • $3 million for the AOT to put toward a strategic recovery plan, promoting safe meeting and business travel, and working with hotels, restaurants, attractions and destination marketing organizations to help connect visitors to our rural, urban, and tribal communities;

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SCOTTSDALE NORTH NEWS • December 2020 • 19

Community Creating New Holiday Traditions for the Interfaith and Inter-Spiritual Family

By Scott Bennion, M.Div.

F

or many people the holidays are a magical time full of childhood memories informed in large measure by the faith tradition one received from their parents. For others though, this time is one of sadness as families come to terms with differing beliefs and sensibilities around the holidays.

This is only complicated by the hustle and bustle of consumerism. This blur of time between October and February, where people seem to be driven from one holiday to the next, could be referred to as Hallowthanks-mas-tine. Then, there is the COVID-19 pandemic, ever before us with so many unknowns.

Just one more thing to complicate this time that was supposed to be magical, significant, and filled with promises of peace.

What does one do when they no longer resonate with the faith they grew up with? What happens when your children have parted ways from the family faith and now you find your extended family comprised of multiple faith traditions and/or spiritual paths, those with no faith, and even others identifying as “spiritual but not religious”? How does one find meaning and approach the holidays now with such divergent beliefs and diversity?

First and foremost, we must begin by accepting things as they are versus trying to cling to something that once was. Trying to change or control things will only add to one’s sadness. In fact, clinging to the past, to days gone by, to the holidays of yesteryear, will only prolong the pain. Feel the sadness, the pain, and the grief but look to the present with hopeful optimism.

Recognize that we now live in what has been referred to as the dawn of inter-spirituality. The term “interspiritual” was coined by Brother Wayne Teasdale to name an emerging model of mystical life, one that is connected to social and ecological justice while being born through the sharing of “ultimate experiences” across religious and wisdom traditions. Recognize too that even for those whose spirituality is expressed religiously, no two people from the same religion express their faith in identical fashion.

Once one accepts things as they are and recognizes the inter-spiritual shift that has already happened in the broader culture, they will be prepared to create new holiday rituals. This shift in the broader culture is happening in everyone’s family already. As it manifests it’s an opportunity to create meaningful rituals and magical moments that emphasize love and connection.

How do you do this? Start by asking everyone involved

about what their desired outcomes are. Look for similarities here as well as where there might be similar practices/traditions among the differing holidays.

Allow for diversity too. For example, someone might want to share something special to them. Find the unity in the diversity. Look for shared values. Make it more about universal spiritual/existential themes (e.g. love, connection, compassion, joy, peace, etc.).

Consider these words by Brené Brown when creating your holidays: “Spirituality is recognizing and celebrating that we are all inextricably connected to each other by a power greater than all of us, and that our connection to that power and to one another is grounded in love and compassion. Practicing spirituality brings a sense of perspective, meaning and purpose to our lives.”

Let’s forgo the tendency to want to be right and resist change and instead use that energy to create new holidays. Be the change you with to see in the world.

Scott Bennion is a health and wellness coach, spiritual guide and counselor. His practice brings together coaching and spiritual guidance with specialization in the areas of relationships, sexuality, and spirituality. He can be reached at interface4wellness.com.

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As a chef, Jay is wellrounded and diverse, and his philosophy is to “maximize the food experience through a combination of taste and creativity.”

Given his caring nature, Chef Jam has opened a catering and event business, and he hopes that this venture will broaden his connections in the Phoenix area. Meanwhile, he sees the potential for Jamaris’ Kitchen to create community, and build relationships.

20 •December 2020 • SCOTTSDALE NORTH NEWS

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By Libby Banks, The Law Office of Libby Banks, PLLC

I

f there’s one thing we might all agree on, it is that we are ready to say goodbye to 2020 and welcome a New Year. With the New Year comes resolutions: goals for weight loss, for personal improvement, for career advancement, and maybe even to put an estate plan in place.

O

Another focus can be on who you want to be: who will you be when you reach your goal? If you are aiming for fitness, perhaps your new habit is spending Saturday morning on a bike ride instead of on the couch.

Think also about what will keep you from establishing new habits to reach your goal. If you live with others who don’t have to watch their weight, you may find yourself surrounded by temptation. You need to figure out how to deal with that.

Next, enlist help! Find an accountability partner who is working toward similar goals. Ask your family members to help.

Maybe they can hide their treats where you won’t find them (or at least keep them off the counter!).

One resolution on your list may be to create a will or trust. This is a great goal and easy to achieve. Just take it one step at a time.

1. GET EDUCATED ABOUT ESTATE PLANNING If you don’t know how to get started or what you might need, it’s easy to myhyperlocalnews.com

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

Often, though, our New Year’s resolutions fall by the wayside before Groundhog Day. If we want this to be different, we must take a different approach.

One way is to think of the resolution not as an ultimate goal to be achieved, but as habits to put in place that will lead us to the changes we want. Instead of focusing on losing weight, focus on eliminating that bad habit of snacking before bed, and establishing a new habit of eating more vegetables.

ur Estate Planning in Phoenix and Scottsdale is highly customized to meet your unique

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.

put off estate planning. One easy way to get more information is to look at my website, libbybanks.com. We have many educational offerings in video and blog format, all designed to give you an overview on the why and how of estate planning.

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

2. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF A FREE CONSULTATION I offer a free initial consultation to let you ask questions and see if I am a good fit for you. In this onehour meeting, we talk about why it’s important to plan. We discuss your specific situation and what type of plan would be best for you, and the different parts of the estate plan and how they work to take care of your family.

3. GET A COMPLIMENTARY REVIEW OF YOUR EXISTING PLAN Change is inevitable, and many things may have changed since you last updated your plan. Are your children adults and your named trustees now too old to serve? Have the laws changed? Have your assets changed?

Our free review will go over all these questions and make sure your plan still serves your needs.

As always, we are here to help. To find out about our seminars, visit our website at libbybanks.com. To make an appointment for an initial estate planning consultation or estate plan review, call us at 602-375-6752, email info@libbybanks.com, or check our website.

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SCOTTSDALE NORTH NEWS • December 2020 • 21

Food & Dining

The Ultimate Charcoal Grill Shopping Guide

By BBQ Island

I

f you are planning to purchase a charcoal grill for the first time, it is important to consider certain factors before making a decision.

LOCATION The first important determinant is where you want to put your charcoal grill. If you want to make it a permanent part of your kitchen (indoor or outdoor), a built-in choice would be the right one for you. The location would also determine which material to go for. For outdoor kitchens, you need to pick one that can withstand extreme weather conditions.

USAGE A few important questions you need to ask yourself are: How many people are you grilling for? How often will you grill? The following list would give you an idea about the different charcoal grill sizes available on the market: • Small: They are perfect for couples and small families, and a few guests now and then. They are around 26 inches wide and support direct heat only for grilling.

• Medium: Perfect for large families and guests. The cooking grates measure somewhere between 27 to 33 inches in width and support both direct and indirect heat cooking.

• Large: Large charcoal grills are suitable for family get-togethers. The cooking grates range up to 34 inches wide and support both direct and indirect heat cooking.

CHARCOAL GRILL CLASS The last thing to choose is the charcoal grill class. How fancy do you want your grill to be? If you want to simply grill and can overlook the fancy factor, then an economy charcoal grill might be right for you. They have small capacities and limited versatility. As they are made with low-quality material, they need to be replaced sooner.

steel and have additional features such as electrical charcoal starters and digital controls. They generally come with lifetime warranties.

ADVANTAGES OF A CHARCOAL GRILL • Versatile Cooking: With the option of cooking with both direct and indirect heat, you can add versatility to your cooking. Whether you want it baked, grilled, seared, or smoked, you get it all.

• Incredible Flavors: Enjoy aromatic flavor in your food without putting much effort into the cooking.

• Affordable: They are quite pocket friendly and give you value for your dollar. Almost all products come with a warranty.

Then you have premium charcoal grills, which are made from stainless steel or aluminum with a few extras like hidden rotisseries, adjustable height trays, push-button ignitions, charcoal chamber doors, and are usually meant for longevity outdoors.

CONS OF A CHARCOAL GRILL • It can get a little messy if not handled properly and can require a lot of time in cleaning up. It is all about how you handle it.

• Longer cooking sessions mean more charcoal. No such issues with shorter cooking sessions though.

• Its heat up time is relatively longer than gas grills.

The last one would be a luxury charcoal grill. These are usually made from commercial grade stainless

Visit bbqislandinc.com to learn more about charcoal grills, and other styles, too!

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We are clearing out the year of scratch and dent products. These range from new in box returns to minor dents and dings. See associates for more details.

22 •December 2020 • SCOTTSDALE NORTH NEWS

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Real Estate Today’s Real Estate Market Explained

By Scott Gaertner

W

ithout a doubt, the most common question I get these days is: “Why is the market so hot in the middle of a pandemic?” With the help of Mike Orr and The Cromford Report, I will give you some thoughts on this.

To put this in context, the dollar volume at the peak of the bubble in 2005 was $3.339 million which occurred during June that year. By June 2005 peak, demand had already been detected and the market was sliding toward disaster as a slew of supply came onto the market from wise speculators getting out early. The current situation has market dynamics that bear little resemblance to 2005. Demand for single-family homes in all 17 of the Valley’s largest cities has increased, and while supply crept up in early October, it is now trending down in almost every market.

THE LUXURY MARKET IS ON FIRE Despite the pandemic, our luxury real estate market is seeing exponential growth way beyond expectations. Last month we had our highest number of sales for luxury real estate, priced $1 million and over, in the past 20 years with almost 400 sales, beating the highest record set the previous month.

During October there were 101 closed listings across Greater Phoenix with prices over $2 million. This is a genuinely colossal total, given that the previous record for October was 38. In fact, it is quite rare for the over $2 million count to exceed 50 during any month.

The monthly total has exceeded 66 only three times. All three of those times have been during the last four months. We had 41% more closed listings over $2 million this year than in 2019. Also, in October, we saw 37 closed listings over $3 million. This is not only the highest total for any October in history, it is the highest total for any month in history.

HOUSING OPPORTUNITY INDEX The Housing Opportunity Index (HOI) for a given area is defined as the share of homes sold in that area that would have been affordable to a family earning the local median income, based on standard mortgage underwriting criteria.

As you can see in the chart above, the Valley HOI is more affordable than most areas of the United States, and it’s trending higher. When you then factor in that our weather is better than much of the country, our taxes are lower, and job opportunities stronger, I think you can see why folks might want to come here.

LET’S PUT TALK OF A BUBBLE TO BED All the info above bodes well if you are a Scottsdale North homeowner. But it also might bring up concerns about the market now resembling the run-up and subsequent crash of 2005. The short answer is that we are in a very different demand situation. Investors buying with fake loans oversaturated the rental market back then, driving rents down to historic lows. Today rentals are in such demand we set new rent rate records every month. Consider the chart below:

WHY ARE PRICES MOVING UP SO FAST?

We don’t have enough homes. Above, you can see that the blue population growth line is badly outpacing the red housing unit growth line. The market crash of 2008 put many home builders out of business and dissuaded those who survived from overbuilding.

They are working now to catch up but land, lumber, steel, and labor are all in short supply and getting much more expensive.

HOW HAS THIS IMPACTED OUR MARKET? The market keeps setting new records for dollar volume sold. The monthly figure for all areas and types is $4.518 million as of November 14. This is up an astonishing 54% from the same time last year. myhyperlocalnews.com

I hope that answers some of your questions, but if not, just give us a call. If you are wondering what your home is worth, go to ScottsNorthHomeValue.com for a free valuation.

Scott Gaertner is an Associate Broker with Keller Williams Northeast, who for the past 25+ years has helped more people to find their lifestyle niche in the Scottsdale North area than anyone else. He also contributes his thoughts on lifestyle interests in the area.

SCOTTSDALE NORTH NEWS • December 2020 • 23

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ll of us living in the Desert Ridge, Tatum Highlands, and Tatum Ranch corridor may not realize where the time has gone.

Believe it or not, most of our homes here are coming up on 25 years old or older. Most homes in this area were built between 1992 and 1998. This is getting to the point where people may consider replacing their roofs.

When we say roofs we don’t mean the tiles that you see from the street, but the underlayment paper and all the related metals that go on the roof. The underlayment paper is the protective part between the tiles and the roof and is an integral part in keeping your home protected.

So, how do we know if it’s actually time to replace your roof? The best

way is to have a licensed roofer come over, get on the roof, and open up a few areas to see what’s going on. Here are some things to look for: • Visible damage to tiles that you can see from the street level.

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Home Prepare Your Fireplace Before Sparking Up The Logs

T

here’s finally a chill in the air and thoughts of firing up the logs in the fireplace are tempting. However, fireplaces and chimneys are involved in 42 percent of all home heating fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

“Every season we are called to assist residents who need help with an issue caused by their fireplace,” says Scottsdale Fire Deputy Chief Mark Zimmerman. “Sometimes it’s simply because they forgot to open the flue. Other times, it is significantly more serious.”

Keep your holidays and winter season from getting smoked out by following these simple steps from Scottsdale Fire and the NFPA to prep your fireplace before sparking up the logs.

• Clean out the chimney from all its soot and debris at least once a year.

• Check the structure for cracks, loose bricks or missing mortar.

• Cap the chimney with wiremesh covers to keep out animals, weather and debris.

• Select dense, seasoned wood to burn.

• Keep fires small so they don’t burn too hot and crack the chimney.

• Use kindling rather than flammable liquids to start the fire.

• Use a spark guard to keep errant embers from shooting out of the firebox.

“And finally, ensure there are working smoke alarms and a carbon monoxide alarm in the house,” says Zimmerman. “These simple devices can save lives.”

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SCOTTSDALE NORTH NEWS • December 2020 • 25

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SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES. MAKE A BIG IMPACT. 26 • December 2020 • SCOTTSDALE NORTH NEWS

myhyperlocalnews.com

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SCOTTSDALE NORTH NEWS • December 2020 • 27

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28 • December 2020 • SCOTTSDALE NORTH NEWS

myhyperlocalnews.com

Getaway

GREAT WOLF LODGE THE ANNUAL SNOWLAND CELEBRATION OFFERS FROSTY FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

G

reat Wolf Lodge celebrates the most festive time of year with its annual Snowland celebration taking place now through January 3, 2021. As part of its Paw Pledge, Great Wolf Lodge put additional health and safety protocols into place for this year’s event, so families can safely soak up the holiday spirit with daily snow showers in the Grand Lobby, seasonally-themed crafts, stories and songs, and new this year: a Cocoa Trolley. Along with seasonal Snowland festivities, families can relax at the resort’s expansive 84-degree indoor water park while also experiencing the most magical holiday gift of all: time together as a family.

and Coloring Sheets, Snowland Post Cards, Snowland Bracelet Making, and Reindeer Origami.

A new mobile Cocoa Trolley will traverse the lodge, moving from floor-to-floor and inviting holiday revelers to grab a delectable, piping-hot cocoa on the way to their rooms. The Trolley will be easy to spot and hear, with lights, garland, and other holiday décor, and a bell that will chime once the cocoa is ready to start flowing.

Of course, staying in the spirit, a pack member donning a traditional “ugly sweater” will pour the selected cocoa drink of choice. Along with the more traditional hot cocoa, the Trolley menu includes specialty cocoas, such as Red Velvet Hot Cocoa and Mocha Hot Cocoa, served in keepsake mason-jar mugs. Adults over 21 have the option for libation additions like Kahlua, Bailey’s Irish Cream, or Coffee Liqueur for a nominal fee. Gingerbread and holiday sugar cookies cap off the Trolley’s offerings, completing the perfect sweet treat to close out a day enjoying Snowland.

Keeping in the spirit of the season, during Hanukkah on Sunday, Dec. 22 - Monday, Dec. 30, there will be a daily lighting of the menorah candle, (excluding Friday), located in the main lobby.

Beyond sharing holiday cheer during Snowland, Great Wolf Lodge is hoping to raise funds for Make-A-Wish® and help grant wishes for children facing critical illnesses with a special holiday campaign. During Snowland festivities, retail outlets at Great Wolf Lodge will sell festive Santa Hat Wolf Ears for $6.99, with $2 from each sale being donated to Make-A-Wish. Additionally, the new Cocoa Trolley will also offer Make-A-Wish signature cocoa drinks, with a portion of each sale donated to the organization.

Throughout Snowland, Great Wolf Lodge’s Paw Pledge program will be in full effect. The company-wide initiative to keep families healthy and safe while they play together at the indoor waterpark resort was developed

in conjunction with medical professionals, disinfection specialists, industrial engineers and public health officials. The program focuses on disinfection and sanitization, physical distancing, personal protection like face masks, and minimizing surface interactions in all guest areas across the resort.

In addition to unlimited access to the water park, all the family activities offered during Snowland are included as part of an overnight stay. A complete listing of daily activities is provided to guests upon check-in or guests can download the Great Wolf Lodge app for a schedule of Snowland events. Great Wolf Lodge in Scottsdale is located at 7333 N. Pima Road. Learn more by visiting greatwolf.com/Arizona.

During the day, there will be fun, physically distanced activities that start in the morning with “Twas the Night Before Snowland” Yoga Tails and conclude in the evening with the Frosty Fest Family Dance Party. Throughout the day guests are treated to frequent snowfalls in the Grand Lobby, as well as a telling of Great Wolf Lodge’s signature holiday story “Unique as a Snowflake,” along with Snowland bingo and trivia games.

Everywhere guests turn there is more merry fun to be had at the lodge, including surprise, socially-distanced visits by Santa.

A new “Craft Kit to Go” program will be offered daily as guests can stop by to pick up a craft to complete inroom; the variety of DIY fun this year includes Snowlmyhyperlocalnews.com

SCOTTSDALE NORTH NEWS • December 2020 • 29

Entertainment

Must-Watch Streaming Movies & Shows NETFLIX

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom An adaptation of August Wilson’s classic play. Rainey fights with her manager over control over her music as a trumpet player sparks a debate between the other musicians nearby. Viola Davis and Chadwick Boseman, in his final role, star in this film. On Netflix December 18.

The Midnight Sky George Clooney stars in and directs this post-apocalyptic tale. He plays a scientist alone in the Arctic that discovers a group of astronauts who are on their way home. He treks across the harsh land to stop the group from returning home to an unknown disaster. Felicity Jones, David Oyelowo, and Kyle Chandler also star in this film. On Netflix December 23.

The Christmas Chronicles 2 A follow up to the 2018 film, Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus return when a new threat against the holiday emerges. They recruit their old friends, the Pierce siblings, to stop a troublemaker from cancelling Christmas. There’s only one problem: the sister, Kate, has grown more cynical of the holiday now that she’s older.

On Netflix now.

Mank The life story of Herman J. Mankiewicz, a struggling writer that gets a second shot from Orson Welles: co-writing Citizen Kane. The task brings new challenges for him, though. This includes personal ones, creative ones with Welles, and reputational with the inspiration for Kane: William Randolph Hearst.

Directed by David Fincher. On Netflix December 4.

30 • December 2020 • SCOTTSDALE NORTH NEWS

DISNEY+

Soul A man loses his soul’s connection with his body after an accident. He enters an area called the Great Before where he sees how souls develop their personalities.

With the help of one of them, he goes on a journey to get back to his body. Starring Jamie Foxx and Tina Fey. On Disney+ December 25.

The Prom A group of wannabe Broadway stars are at their lowest point when an opportunity for redemption rises. A teenage girl is unable to go to prom with her girlfriend. What starts as a vanity project for the four turns into something more personal over time. Starring Meryl Streep, Andrew Rannells, and Nicole Kidman.

On Netflix December 11.

myhyperlocalnews.com

Bites Your Guide to Local Dining NEW YORK BAGELS ’N BIALYS

ADDRESS: 8876 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd., Scottsdale PHONE: 480-590-7200 CUISINE TYPE: Breakfast, Lunch, Catering New York Bagels ‘N Bialys brings the best delicatessen fare from the Big Apple to Scottsdale. Our heritage comes from our original homes in Chicago and New York City. Since 1987, we’ve been serving up the finest breakfast, blintzes, brisket, bagels ‘n bialys of course, and much more. Talented third generation bakers guarantee that everything from our ovens is the best you can get.

www.NYBagelsNBialys.com COPPER MULE

ADDRESS: 23335 N. Scottsdale Rd., D-105, Scottsdale PHONE: 480-573-MULE (6853) CUISINE TYPE: New American Restaurant

We always put our guests first and foremost in everything we do and pride ourselves in being a restaurant that exceeds our guests’ expectations. We honor our partners by operating an ethical, honest business and we use the finest, freshest ingredients in our kitchen and bar. We share our success with the community through charitable endeavors, and ensure that we strive daily to become a business that is in the forefront of our industry. We are innovative, unique and desirable to our city and state. Come check us out!

www.CopperMuleAZ.com

Please check each restaurant’s website or call for the most up-to-date hours, takeout and delivery options, as well as menu items.

Thank you for supporting local businesses!

myhyperlocalnews.com

LORENZO’S PIZZA & PASTA

ADDRESS: 23623 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale PHONE: 480-502-1111 CUISINE TYPE: New York-style Italian

Your search for the tastiest gourmet pizza pies ends at Lorenzo’s Pizza & Pasta! We take pride in our full Italian restaurant menu, featuring recipes directly from the firstgeneration Sicilians who arrived in Scottsdale via New York.

This is why our pizza, pasta, and other Italian food creations are bursting with rich, authentic flavors in every bite!

www.LorenzosPizzaAndPasta.com OFRENDA

ADDRESS: 7100 E. Cave Creek Rd., Cave Creek PHONE: 480-488-2187 CUISINE TYPE: Latin-inspired fine-dining Ofrenda in Cave Creek is experiential fine dining at its best. Beautiful chandeliers, handcrafted tables and stoneware enrich the experience of dining from a menu of Latin-inspired dishes such as Huarache Nopales and Tomahawk. An agave library, a wraparound patio, and craft cocktails make Ofrenda a place to taste and remember. Questions? E-mail us at info@theofrenda.com.

www.TheOfrenda.com CHERRY ON TOP

ADDRESS: 32421 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale PHONE: 480-595-9798 CUISINE TYPE: Frozen Yogurt Cherry On Top Frozen Yogurt is North Scottsdale, Carefree and Cave Creek’s favorite place to go for a treat. With 12 flavors including 2 non-dairy and more than 65 toppings, you will satisfy your sweet tooth. Located at the Summit Shopping Center at Scottsdale Road and Ashler Hills.

Delivery available through Uber eats and DoorDash.

www.Facebook.com/CherryOnTopAZ

SCOTTSDALE NORTH NEWS • December 2020 • 31

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