Images Arizona: Grayhawk May 2015 Issue

Grayhawk

Scottsdale

Celebrating 15 Years

ECRWSS Local Postal Customer

May 2015

DC Ranch

May 2015

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PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID Permit NO. 3280 Denver, CO

Locally owned and operated, Carefree Outdoor Living is a convenient resource for all your outdoor needs. The age of the outdoor room has arrived and Carefree Outdoor Living has firmly established itself as the go-to resource for innovative outdoor room components, designs and patio furniture.

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Barbecues Lynx, DCS, FireMagic, AOG, Primo Twin Eagles, Delta Heat, CalFlame

Custom Cushions

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New, Replacements, Bunko Benches May 2 0 1 5

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Contents

Owner/publisher Shelly Spence

Editor/contributing writer Jenn Korducki Krenn

Contributing writers Donna Kublin Amanda Christmann Larson Tom Scanlon Monica Longenbaker Rebecca Zaner Barb Evans Lara Piu Stephanie Maher Palenque Paula Theotocatos Lauren Strait Peni Long Suzanne Wright Nigel Spence Susan Kern-Fleischer Rebecca Zaner

Photographers Bryan Black Loralei Lazurek Keri Meyers Mike Harvey Michele Celentano Brenna Zumbro Monica Longenbaker

Graphic artist Sam Paul Meaghan Mitchell

Advertising Consultant Brian Bluvas

623-341-8221 // imagesaz.com Submission of news for Community News section should be in to shelly@imagesaz.com by the 10th of the month prior to publication.

ImagesAZ is published by ImagesAZ Inc. Copyright Š 2014 by ImagesAZ, Inc. All rights reserved.

Reproduction, in whole or part, without permission is prohibited.

The publisher is not responsible for the return of unsolicited material.

Found in Translation

Writer Lara Piu Photographer Scott Foust P. 47

Local First A R I Z O NA 4

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WE HONOR

Your commitment to wellness.

Your unique health needs.

Your busy schedule.

Your questions and concerns.

Your right to feel empowered about healthcare.

Making healthcare easier to navigate.

Scottsdale Healthcare and John C. Lincoln Health Network are now HonorHealth.

We are making healthy personal.

HonorHealth.com May 2015

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Welcome For the last 15 years, I have enjoyed the opportunity to use this space to acknowledge the wonderful things happening in our community, to share the joys and struggles from my own life, or to express the excitement I’ve had over stories our writers and photographers have brought to life in our pages.

This month is a little different. I want to tell you a little bit about exactly who makes this magazine happen each month, and why we do what we do. You see, sometimes we are all so plugged into technology that we forget to get plugged into each other.

First and foremost are our advertisers. I cannot tell you how rewarding it is each month to hear business owners – most of which have invested their entire lives in building their livelihood – tell me how much they appreciate what we do for them. Their messages are sprinkled throughout our pages, and they each are trying to share their own stories with you through their advertising. Please take note of these businesses and patronize them; they are supporting your community!

Meet the MacCarter Family Writer Barb Evans Photographer Loralei Lazurek P. 8

Next is the staff. I am not one to toot my own horn, but I would love to toot theirs. We are the only local publication that has entirely unique content. We do not buy it off the Internet; our writers interview people who are making our community a home, including many people who work tirelessly to make a difference for others. Our photographers are all professionals, too, and they bring the faces and places to life in incredible ways. Our production staff also put in long hours, tweaking fonts and artfully mastering the layout each month. Each one of these professionals care about what they do, and work hard to represent the kind of community we all want to live in.

Andy Warhol

Trail Blazers

P. 30

P. 36

And finally are you, our readers and our community. You have supported us for a decade and a half, sharing your successes, your heartbreak, and aspects of your lives with us through your stories and comments.

I am grateful to do what I love and know that you find it relevant and meaningful, and you have shown that year after year.

So thank you to all of you: advertisers, staff, and community members.

I truly believe in what we are doing, and I know that you recognize that in the quality of publication that we are able to provide each month. It is because of you that we are here, and it is because of you that I am proud to call the North Valley home.

Cheers!

Shelly Spence

Courtyard Rules P. 54

Publisher, ImagesAZ magazine shelly@imagesaz.com 623-341-8221

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Meet the

MacCarterfamily Writer Barb Evans Photographer Loralei Lazurek

Mario, Amber, Tatum & Gavin

Ever wonder what your Roller Derby name would be? Well, you can scratch “Savage Sapphire” and “Toxic Skillz” off the list. They’re already taken.

Siblings Tatum and Gavin MacCarter, aka “Savage Sapphire” and “Toxic Skillz” respectively, channel their alter egos as members of the Phoenix Derby Brats, a flat track roller derby league for juniors ages 8 to 17. Tatum, 17, is part of the Teen Terrors team, and Gavin, 12, is just starting out in the league. Their parents, Mario and Amber, sometimes join them for family skate night, but they don’t don any derby names just yet – or at least none that they’ll admit to.

If you know a family you would like to nominate, please email shelly@imagesaz.com.

According to Amber, roller derby is something that brings them together as a family. The kids learned about the sport from one of Amber’s cousins, who lives in Montana. Intrigued, the family sought out some local options and found the Derby Brats. Tatum signed up and soon she was off rolling – literally.

“It’s great exercise,” says Amber. “They practice twice a week and have scrimmages and tournaments on top of that. They just live at Great Skate [in Glendale].”

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When meeting the MacCarters, it’s hard to believe they can find any time to skate together, as their busy lives often find them going in different directions.

Mario is an engineer and paramedic for Scottsdale Fire Station #613. He’s been a firefighter for 22 years, and was one of Scottsdale Fire’s charter members from when it changed over from Rural Metro in 2005.

“When I met him, he was a reserve, but then he went trough medic school to become a paramedic,” Amber says proudly. “He got a fulltime position as a medic shortly after we got married.”

In fact, Mario’s medic bag played a role in his wedding proposal to Amber 19 years ago.

“I went out to dinner with a friend one night, when all of a sudden three fire trucks pull up outside with their sirens blaring, and nine crew members come running up to my table. Next thing I know, Mario kneels down in front of me with his medic bag and pulls out a ring.”

Unbeknownst to her, her friend and family were in on the plan. Her parents showed up and joined them at the restaurant to help them celebrate.

“We got married six months later,” she says.

Amber was an orthodontic assistant when she and Mario married, but left the industry in 2014 to pursue something more creative. They researched side businesses that Amber could run from home so she could be there for Gavin and came across direct-to-garment printing, a process May 2015

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that enables low quantity printing on promotional items

“She wants to be a veterinarian and has since she was

like T-shirts, bags, mouse pads and the like. It seemed

five years old,” says Amber. “Her dream is to have her

like the perfect fit; Amber could do the printing while

own shelter attached to a clinic so she can rescue any

Gavin was in school, and Mario could help on his time

animal big or small. She wants to help everyone and

away from the station. They invested in a printer and a

everything, which is why she wants to be a vet.”

trailer and created a business: Print Perfect Creations.

Gavin, a middle-schooler at Desert Sun Academy, seems

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“The printing is a lot of fun,” says Amber. “It’s mobile, so

to have especially taken to anything with four wheels.

in addition to working at home and taking orders online,

In addition to roller derby, he is an avid skateboarder,

I can take the printer with me on the trailer and go to

often seen at the Paradise Valley skate park. He idolizes

events like roller derbies and festivals, and print onsite.

pro Chris Livingston, who just so happens to be married

Sometimes the kids help, but most of the time they’re

to Amber’s cousin. Gavin would love to follow in his

off doing their own thing.”

footsteps and become a pro himself one day.

When she’s not at the skating rink or at her part-time

“Gavin’s room is filled with posters of Chris,” says Amber.

job at Starbucks, Tatum focuses on her senior year at

“The knobs on his dresser are skate wheels and trucks,

Horizon High School, and what she’ll do after graduation.

and his room is decorated with his broken skateboards.

According to Amber, she’s been offered multiple

Right now, life is all about derby and skateboarding. He’s

scholarships, but is leaning toward ASU.

just so laid-back and easy-going.”

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Another activity the MacCarters enjoy doing together is escaping Arizona’s heat by camping near Woods Canyon Lake or Kinnikinnik Lake in northern Arizona. They like staying in a tent, especially on rainy summer nights.

“Rain on the tent is the best sound in the world!” says Amber.

They also hitch their boat each summer and drive 23 hours to Mario’s family cabin on Wild Horse Island in Polson, Montana.

“We’ll stay there for weeks,” says Amber.

“It’s absolutely amazing because there is so much protected wildlife. We like to go in June, because it’s the rainy season,” she laughs. “Montana is our special place in the world.”

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Other pastimes the MacCarter’s enjoy are watching movies with big tubs of popcorn and going to restaurants like PF Chang’s at The Shops at Norterra.

“Pretty much everything we do is up North,” says Amber. “If I go past the 101, I’m lost.”

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community arts // Culture // announcements Writer Barb Evans

May 9-10, 16-17 Schnepf Farms Peach Festival Paint the town peach by celebrating the 50th anniversary of Ray Schnepf’s first peach trees at this fun family festival featuring hay rides, live music, train rides, arts and crafts, and such peachy delights as peach pies, pancakes, cinnamon rolls, cookies, cobblers and more. 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Free admission. Schnepf Farms, 24810 S. Rittenhouse Rd., Queen Creek, 480-987-3100, schnepffarms.com.

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Each Visit includEs:

• Visual inspection of all rooms • Check HW heater • Check for pests, insects • Check landscaping, pool and spa • Check for signs of leaking • Check thermostats • Visual inspection of garage and systems • Run water, flush toilets • Check fridge

Weekly Checks While You’re Away

Peace of Mind While You’re Away.

HomeWatchAZ sends a report with photos detailing any problems via email after each inspection. We work with a large network of trusted contractors and servicemen, and can arrange & oversee cleaning and repairs. We meet deliveries, pest control and tailor our services to meet your individual needs.

Serving the NE Valley including Scottsdale, Carefree, Cave Creek and Desert Ridge since 1998.

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May 2

Our mission is simple...

Cave Creek Home Expo Over 20 of Cave Creek’s furniture and home furnishing

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May 2 Put Your Money Where Your Trails Are Join Desert Foothills Mountain Bike Association, Local Jonny’s, Flat Tire Bike Shop and Carefree Adventures for this fundraiser benefiting the development of a trail connector linking 100+ miles of multiuse trails throughout Maricopa County. Bike rides and hikes begin at 3 p.m. Party begins May 2015

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community calendar arts // Culture // announcements at 6 p.m. $30. Register at

America” guest, Chef Eric

arizonareg.com/clubs.php.

Osborn. Two to three

Local Jonny’s Café and

children’s items serve as

Bar, 6033 E. Cave Creek

admission and will be used

Rd., dfmba.org.

to fill backpacks to occupy kids during their travel and

May 8-17

treatment. Reservations

Desert Foothills Theater Presents “The Wizard of Oz”

Airpark, 7332 E. Butherus

In this adaptation of L.

Dr., azcancerfoundation.org.

required. 5-8 p.m. Pulver Aviation at Scottsdale

May 13

Frank Baum’s famous novel “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” Dorothy dreams of

AAS Lecture: Archaeology of Southeastern Utah and Related Areas

escape from her dreary

Presenter David Wilcox, Ph.D. discusses the marginalized

life, but never expects what she is about to discover when a cyclone transports her from Kansas into the Land of Oz. Check website for show times. $15-$24.

Cactus Shadows Fine Arts Center, 33606 N. 60th St., 480-488-1981, dftheater.org.

prehistoric populations of the Fremont people and their neighbors in southeastern Utah. This will be the last lecture until September. 7-9 p.m. Free. Foothills Community Foundation-Holland Center, 34250 N. 60th St. Bldg. B, azarchsoc.org/desertfoothills. auction, balloon pop and

participating in performance

Chinese auction. 5:30-

workshops, drum clinics

8:30 p.m. $5 admission.

and instrument-making

Donovan’s Steak & Chop

demonstrations. Meet

House, 3101 E. Camelback

influential drummers from

Rd., 480-636-0500,

the Phoenix scene as

ncakey.org/arizona.

well as premier national artists. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Activities included with paid admission. Musical

May 8 Homeless to Heroes Fundraiser & Silent Auction Help the National Concierge AssociationArizona Chapter raise funds for the FETCH Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to saving animal lives. This fundraiser features light appetizers, cash bar, silent

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Instrument Museum, 4725, E. Mayo Blvd.,

May 9 Drum Break: Discover What’s Beyond the Beat Delve deeper into the themes showcased in the MIM’s exhibition “Beyond the Beat: Drums of the World” by playing different styles of drums from around the world and

480-478-6000, mim.org.

May 14 Wings & Wheels Pediatric cancer patients benefit from this fundraising event. Admire private, luxurious jets and vehicles while dining on culinary treats from awardwinning “Good Morning

May 23 Cave Creek Balloon Festival Celebrate the magic and wonder of inflated, whimsically shaped and brightly colored hot air balloons with this festival featuring live music, kids’ activities, food and drinks.

5:30-9:30 p.m. Adults, $10; 12 and under, $5; children 2 and under, free. Rancho Mañana Golf Course, 5734 E. Rancho Mañana Blvd., cavecreekfestivals.com.

May 23-24 Experience Polynesia Kick off the summer at MIM with their second annual celebration of Pacific Island music and culture. Enjoy musical performances, dancing

Author and geologist Wayne Ranney

demonstrations, a Polynesianinspired menu at Café Allegro and a chance to play the ukulele.

9 a.m.-5 p.m. Activities included with paid admission. Musical Instrument Museum, 4725, E. Mayo Blvd., 480-478-6000, mim.org.

By ensuring their future, we secure ours.

Harold’s Corral Seeks Former Employees, Bands and Patrons for 80th Anniversary Celebration Harold’s Cave Creek Corral is turning 80 in September, and to commemorate, they’re reaching out to re-connect with former employees, bands and musicians, and inviting couples who met there to share their stories as part of a month-long celebratory

Support The Campaign for Student Success for the Maricopa Community Colleges and you will directly fund scholarships, provide faculty and staff innovation and help develop partnerships that expand opportunities for our students and community.

Join us in helping more than 250,000 students in the quest for student success.

series of events. If you have a history at the iconic restaurant, contact haroldscorral@gmail.com for more details. The restaurant is also seeking old photos to be considered for a special display.

Send your scanned photos to evelyn@cavecreekmuseum.com, or call the Cave Creek Museum,

mcccdf.org/campaign · 480.731.8400

480-488-2764.

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community calendar arts // Culture // announcements Scottsdale Lincoln Health Network is Now HonorHealth

City, Cave Creek, Carefree,

Scottsdale Lincoln Health

and North Phoenix.

Network is now called

foothillsfoodbank.com.

Anthem, Desert Hills, New River, North Scottsdale

HonorHealth. The new name comes after the affiliation and subsequent merger of John C. Lincoln Health Network and Scottsdale Healthcare in 2013, and honors the legacy of both health systems. The new network includes HonorHealth Medical Group, a network of 54 primary care and specialty practices located throughout the Valley, five acute care hospitals, extensive outpatient services and community outreach programs. honorhealth.com.

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May 23-25 Butterfly Wonderland’s 2nd Birthday Celebration Celebrate Butterfly Wonderland’s 2nd birthday with live music by Native American flautist, Anthony Wakeman, food trucks, children’s games, a bounce house, face painting, storytelling and live performances by the Butterfly Princess, Persephone Dimson. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Butterfly Wonderland, 9500 E. Via de Ventura, 480-800-3000, butterflywonderland.com. program to provide fresh

customers how to grow

produce and seedling

fresh produce on their

starter pots for the more

own. Foothills Food Bank

than 2,500 families,

and Resource Center

seniors and individuals

provides emergency food,

it serves throughout the

financial assistance and

Foothills Food Bank Greens ’R Great Garden Program

northern desert foothills

other life necessities and

communities. Raised-bed

resources to individuals

Foothills Food Bank

gardens will not only

and families in a

and Resource Center

provide food for families,

180-square-mile area that

recently created a new

but will also help teach

includes Black Canyon

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Free Art Classes Offered for Veterans in May The American Healing Arts Foundation (AHAF) and Sunset Kiwanis are uniting for the month of May to offer free art classes for veterans at the Sunset Kiwanis building, 16057 E. Kiwanis Dr., Fountain Hills. Renowned artists and AHAF instructors Donna Levine and Hal Stewart will teach acrylic painting and drawing people. AHAF classes provide healing through arts and art therapy giving veterans the ability to

interact with award-winning instructors, witness their own creative side, offer an art career opportunity and exercise the power of rehabilitation. To register for classes contact Judi Combs, 480-837-5637, or americanhealingartsfoundation.com.

CCUSD Receives Magna Award The Cave Creek Unified School District (CCUSD) received a first place Magna Award from the American School Board Journal for its Team FalconVocational Success for Students with Disabilities program at Cactus Shadows High School.

The Magna Awards recognize school districts and their leaders for taking bold and innovative steps to improve the lives of their students and communities. Under the Team Falcon program, CSHS students with disabilities are able to work in innovative training sites throughout the district, affording them the chance to experience career options and an opportunity to work alongside district staff to foster mentorship and skill training. ccusd93.org.

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602-996-1818 May 2015

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Alex Malvick

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Jake Holmes

Coach John Casey

Blake Flint

Writer Tom Scanlon Photographer Mike Harvey

The hotly contested playoffs of May should be a big

has been finding innings for all the talented pitchers -

month for Pinnacle High School, with boys’ baseball

it’s a problem any coach loves to have.

and girls’ softball teams jockeying to make runs at state titles.

The big arm for Casey this season has been Blake Flint, a junior who was 8-1 in his sophomore year.

John Casey averaged 20 wins in his first four seasons

“He’s our ace of the staff,” Casey said. “He throws

as Pinnacle High’s baseball coach, peaking at 23-10

about 85 to 88 (mph) and has three pitches for strikes.

with a trip to the playoffs last season.

Very cool calm and in control.” Casey would like to see Flint ultimately add another pitch or two, and

After losing a big batch of seniors, it looked like this

continue to get stronger. “He’s just naturally gifted.”

would be a rebuilding season for Casey’s baseballers.

But, proving again that baseball is an unpredictable

When he isn’t pitching, Flint plays second base -

sport, such has hardly been the case.

moving to short when starting shortstop Jake Holmes takes the mound.

The 2015 team got off to a flying start, going 14-7 through the first part of the season. “The pitching

Holmes, a sophomore, is Pinnacle’s budding star.

and defense have been the keys,” said Casey, who, in

He is a big kid, 6-foot-3, 180 pounds. Casey said a

1991, was a Division II 1st Team All American.

handful of colleges, including Santa Clara University, University of Arizona and Arizona State University,

After his college career at Stanislaus State, he spent

have sent scouts to check out Holmes, who is

a few seasons in the minor leagues before moving

versatile enough to move around in the field. “He’s so

on to coaching, first in New Jersey, later at Desert

athletic, he can go anywhere,” Casey said. “He’s 6-3,

Mountain High. He has learned that, with young arms

with lots of room to fill out.”

being carefully monitored, having a stock of pitchers is key for high school success.

Like many coaches, Casey is reluctant to play unproven freshmen. But last year, as a ninth grader,

“Usually, three to five pitchers can do well,” he said.

Holmes played every game at third base. “Blew me

“We probably have six or seven.” One of his problems

away from the beginning,” said the coach.

May 2015

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Jessica Mabrey

Kourtney Pock

Coach Kelly Loerakker

Karlee Johnson

Rylie Nance

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“That’s very rare. They’ve got to be mentally mature

University of New Mexico, where she made the

enough to handle the varsity level. It takes a special

conference all-freshman team. She then transferred

kid to do that.”

to the University of Central Florida, where she is a starting outfielder on a team that was 36-6 near the

While Holmes has been making eye-popping plays in

end of the regular season.

the field and hitting around .300, Casey would like him to more consistently hit the ball hard.

Fellow Pinnacle grad Shea Palmer is also an outfielder in a big-time college program, now in her third year as

Jacob Gray and Joey Faudskar have been the

a starter for Villanova University.

strongest hitters in a lineup that features just one senior, Ryan Nelson. “We’re a young team,” Casey

This year’s Pinnacle roster will likely have a few more

said, as the season approached its two-thirds point.

girls who land college scholarships.

“They’re playing a little older. We’re definitely young, we’re fortunate to be playing as well as we are.”

As a team, the Pinnacle girls are coming off two relatively off years, with a combined 29-32 record.

Even so, John Casey isn’t taking a relaxed attitude

Not bad, but hardly up to snuff to a program that is

with his young team, instead encouraging them to

accustomed to 20-plus win seasons.

make a run deep into the playoffs. “I want to push them this year,” he said, “and when pitching and

This season, new coach Kelly Loerakker lit a fire under

defense is your strong suit, when you do those things

a talented young team, which roared out to an 11-1

well you have a chance to win every day.”

start.

Casey could use a clutch hitter like Jake Peevyhouse,

Freshman Jessica Mabrey was off to a rousing start of

a Pinnacle grad who batted .301 for ASU this season;

her high school career, batting a brilliant .625 with 15

that was even better than Peeyvhouse’s solid junior

hits in her first 24 at-bats. Sophomore CC Cook was

season, when he overcame a brutal 2-for-24 start

not far behind, batting .467. As for the upper class,

to bat .290 for the year. Another Pioneer-turned Sun

juniors Alex Cook and Karlee Johnson and seniors

Devil, pitcher Eric Melbostad, has a 1.50 ERA for ASU

Rylie Nance and Kourtney Pock were all hitting over

this season, though he appeared in only four games.

.400 for Coach Kelly Loerakker.

Luke Peevyhouse, Jake’s younger brother, just finished his freshman season at Pacific University in Oregon.

On the mound, CC Cook has been dominating, with 70

And Jack Melbostad, Eric’s kid brother, is in his senior

strikeouts and only 22 walks in 42 innings. Freshman

season at Pinnacle, where he is one of Casey’s key

Marissa Schuld has emerged as a strong second

starting pitcher.

pitcher, with 37 K’s and only 9 walks in 49 innings.

Pinnacle Softball

The Lady Pioneers were 16-3 in early April and looking

The Pinnacle softball program has been even more of

to be gaining momentum for the playoffs.

a feeder, preparing dozens of girls to play softball in college over the years.

In softball and baseball, May is when the action really heats up, as rookie coach Loerakker and veteran

After setting records at Pinnacle, 2013 grad Willow

coach Casey will see how much their Pinnacle players

Kalinen spent her freshman year playing for the

have in the way of playoff poise, power and passion.

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On the banks of Cave Creek, where soldiers once made regular stops to quench their thirst and rest their horses on the dusty trail to Fort Whipple in Prescott, Paula Scully examines the seedlings in the large garden behind her home.

Not one for flash or pretense, her cropped blond hair brushes her shoulders as she browses through rows of raised planters sprinkled with squash, strawberries, carrots, lemongrass, cucumbers, zucchini, herbs, flowers and other treats. Grape vines, still dormant for the season, form promising tangles on the wire mesh above; they will provide much-needed shade as the days get longer.

Chickens, ducks and goats greet her from their pens, eager to let her know they are hungry.

The natural beauty of the garden and the surrounding fiveacre property are a breathtaking find in the North Valley desert, but as Paula has learned, beauty alone means little without someone to share it with. And, like the garden which may, at first glance, appear to have no rhyme or reason, even the most senseless and unexplainable surprises in life can be turned into something with meaning and purpose.

This garden is not her own. It is part of Scully Learning Center’s activities and experiences offered to young adults and adults with developmental disabilities. A dozen or so smiling faces show up Tuesdays and Saturdays to do things many of the rest of us take for granted.

For a few hours each week, they take part in activities adjusted to accommodate their needs in an environment Writer Amanda Christmann Larson Photographer Bryan Black

free of judgment or restrictions. They cook, do yoga, paint,

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create ceramic projects, ride bicycles, sing karaoke, hike,

education staff to address the child’s specific needs. They

go on outings to local attractions, practice putting on a

have opportunities for socialization and activities and

small golf green on the property and, of course, plant

learning to engage and encourage them.

and harvest goods from the garden.

Once they graduate high school, most of those Upon its inception in 2010, Scully Learning Center was to

opportunities go away, yet the need for friendships and

be a resource for children and young adults with autism.

personal growth – whatever that might look like for each

Paula, a retired schoolteacher, worked with Kiwanis Club’s

individual – does not go away. Special services can be

Aktion Club, a branch of the service club that allows

few and far between, and finding and paying for them

adults living with disabilities to participate in service

can be a challenge for families.

projects and develop leadership skills, to develop a plan for her then-newly acquired property.

And so the mission of Scully Learning Center changed.

Today, participants’ developmental backgrounds vary,

“Five years ago, the awareness and focus was on

but why they are there has far less importance than

autism,” she explained. “When we did community

what happens once they walk through the doors of the

awareness and asked what the needs were, we learned

substantial casita dedicated.

that the real need was for resources for students with mild to moderate disabilities after they graduated high

On any given “experience” day, 8-10 volunteers and

school.”

about 12 participants arrive nearly in unison, bringing with them the excitement and chatter of old friends.

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Paula learned the harsh reality for many parents and

Conversations are often lively, and even the most

caregivers: When a child with disabilities is enrolled

hardened of killjoys would have a difficult time not

in public schools, programs are developed by special

cracking a smile at the sheer joy in the room.

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From around the island of the well-supplied kitchen,

Paula’s sister, Ann Rice, enjoys coordinating some of the

a group of participants and volunteers talk about life

art projects. Like Paula, she is not quick to smile, but

and carry on with the fun and delicious task of making

when she does, it is genuine and warm. Also like her

chocolate chip cookies.

sister, she pursued her true passion – in her case, art – later in life, earning her degree and exploring her own

One participant, Kelly, wearing a bright purple and blue

creativity only after life had begun to etch its joys and

scarf she knitted herself, looks on with authority. She

pains into her skin. She is clearly in her element at the

worked at a bakery in another city before moving to the

center, and she plays a strong role of both leadership

Valley, and she knows her way around the kitchen quite

and support.

well. She is a natural leader among the group when it comes to culinary tasks.

Volunteer coordinator Beth Moore is one of the most dedicated volunteers. She’s done a beautiful job of

Jeremy, a participant with an endearing smile and charm

cultivating and delegating to a growing list of volunteers,

like no other, runs the mixer. He looks like a pro in

each of who brings their own passions to the center.

his blue and red tracksuit, and he’s got a knack for

Like Paula, she’s quick to defer praise for her work

conversation. “My dad likes nuts,” he says as he looks

and, instead, turns the focus toward the center’s goals.

over the ingredients.

“We encourage independence,” she explains. “One of our hopes is that we can continue to develop skills

“My mom doesn’t like nuts,” Carmella chimes in. She is

[participants] already have.”

perhaps the chattiest of the group on this day, and she is clearly enjoying herself. “She likes peanuts,” she adds.

Volunteer Nina Gruber, a retired physical education

“She likes peanuts all the time. Kelly, does your dad like

teacher, joined the Scully Learning Center team after

cookies with nuts or without nuts?”

seeing an advertisement for volunteers needed in a local newspaper. Her chipper, down-to-earth friendliness echoes

“With,” Kelly answers matter-of-factly as she licks a

that of so many of the volunteers.

beater.

“Right now, one of our biggest goals is to find more “My dad likes nuts. I don’t,” Jeremy adds.

participants. We need to make more people aware of what we have for them here,” she says.

“You are nuts,” Kelly quips, earning hearty laughs from Jeremy and Carmella.

Rice, Moore and Gruber are just three of the volunteers who contribute each week. No one gets paid; it’s

The conversation continues. It’s simple but meaningful

completely a labor of love. Several organizations have

because every one of the participants knows they belong

also pitched in to help, including Kiwanis Club, Foothills

here. Often, adults with developmental disabilities enjoy

Caring Corps and local churches.

activities and function at the level of a younger child.

Yet, when they engage in those activities, they stand out

Not one to chase a spotlight, Paula stands back and lets

because of their age. Here, everyone fits.

the volunteers take over. Humble and determined, she shies away from the attention that being director of such

In another room, several more participants and volunteers

an endeavor sometimes brings. In fact, the dream she is

gather around a craft table for some creative painting.

building may be called “Scully Learning Center,” but she

Ability levels vary; some participants work with a volunteer

is not the Scully she wants credited.

to hold the brush and pick out the colors while others work independently. Each person – volunteer and participant alike

Paula’s life has always been full, but it has not always

– is engrossed in their project, and it’s a fun sight to see.

looked like it does today. For years, her life centered

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on teaching and raising her family.

When her children began their own lives, she divorced and eventually started a new chapter when she met Bill Scully. In Bill, she found her soul mate. He brought a light into her life that she had never felt before.

“You know, you raise your kids and do what you’re supposed to do, and I did,” she says. Her dismissive tone dismisses nothing. After all, nothing comes without a price.

“My kids grew up, I divorced, and I met Bill. He loved me for who I was,” she adds with a swallow.

They married, and set out to live happily ever after. They traveled the world together, but in a harsh twist of fate, Bill suffered a fatal heart attack while diving in Granada on the last day of 2008. It was the money Bill left for her that paid for the beautiful land and facility that is now Scully Learning Center.

“Everything we’re doing is made possible by Bill Scully,” she says.

“What good would it be if I wasn’t putting it to good use?”

Paula and the other Scully Learning Center volunteers continue to grow a legacy of making life just a little bit better for others. In the meantime, they are each finding that the true joy is in the giving. In the end, it’s difficult to tell who is really helping whom.

Because really, that’s what it has been about all along. scullylearningcenter.org May 2015

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Writer Donna Kublin

An exhibition of portraits by Andy Warhol, one of the

“You see this fascination Warhol had with fame, with

most influential artists of the second half of the 20th

celebrities, that he had since childhood,” said Jerry

century, is on display at the Phoenix Art Museum until

Smith, curator of American and European art to 1950

June 21. It contains the largest showing of his work ever

and art of the American West at Phoenix Art Museum. “In

in Phoenix and spans his career from student artist in

turn he became a celebrity himself, and one of the most

the 1940s up to the end of his life in 1987. This broad-

recognizable and often quoted artists of all time.”

based show includes a large variety of pieces including nearly 200 screen prints, paintings and drawings,

“He did portraits of celebrities in the same fashion that

photographs, and many surprises.

he portrayed a can of Campbell’s Soup,” Smith said. “It’s almost as if his works were the brand for that person.

The exhibition examines Warhol’s interest in capturing

But the humanity of the people always came through

the likenesses of celebrities, as well as of himself.

anyway.”

The portrait subjects range from Prince and Queen

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Elizabeth II to Jackie Kennedy and Sylvester Stallone,

Warhol used photographic silkscreen to create his

along with many whose 15 minutes of fame has since

celebrity portraits. This method of printing is capable

faded. There are also several paintings, photographs,

of creating very precise and defined images for mass

photo-booth pictures and Polaroids – which, in his time,

production. Warhol, however, altered colors and his

were an innovative, instantaneous and spontaneous way

approach was sloppy and emphasized the errors that can

to capture images. He took many images of himself,

happen in the silkscreen process, thus no two silkscreen

presaging today’s passion for “selfies.”

paintings are identical. He adopted the methods of mass

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<< Prince, 1984 (To Left) acrylic and silkscreen ink on canvas 20” x 16” <<

Self-Portrait, 1978 (Above) acrylic and silkscreen ink on linen 16” x 13”

production to make images of movie stars that were

The design of the exhibition space with its use of brightly

themselves mass-produced.

painted walls is homage to Warhol, who used striking coloration in his paintings. From a large group of 1980s

The exhibition includes examples of Warhol’s early line

colors, the museum’s exhibition designer, David Restad,

drawings on paper in pencil and ink from the 1940s to

and Smith selected four plus white, that they used

the ’50s, all related to portraiture.

selectively to great affect. The installation choices Smith made have many layers of thought behind them, resulting

“Before the 1950s, Warhol was learning his craft as a

in extra panache and a bit of intrigue for the observant.

student working in sketchbooks, making drawings,” Smith

This is something that is also present in Warhol’s work

said. “They were more or less contour drawings, and

as many of Warhol’s statements and artworks present the

they are not a classical academic approach with shading

surface of things while alluding to underlying meanings

and modeling,” he said. “You get just the basics, which

and associations.

is the exact approach he used in later paintings starting with a photograph. That interest in eliminating detail so

As a child in Pittsburgh, PA, Warhol was drawn to the

early in his student sketches is so identifiable in his later

glamorous worlds of Hollywood, fashion and celebrity.

larger works beginning in the 1960s.”

He immersed himself in Hollywood movies, going to neighborhood cinemas with his older brothers and

In addition to celebrity portraits, Warhol painted society

keeping a scrapbook of movie star photos. After

portraits, which hadn’t been done in a very long time

graduating from Carnegie Institute of Technology, Warhol

since abstract expressionism was the artwork in vogue

moved to New York where his success as a commercial

just prior to Warhol. For the first time, Warhol with his

artist provided him the means to start making films.

pop art approach made society portraits “cool.”

Beginning with “Sleep” in 1963, which depicted his close May 2015

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<< Jean-Michel Basquiat, 1982 Polaroid™ Polacolor ER 4 1/4” x 3 3/8” << Marilyn, 1967 acrylic and silkscreen ink on paper 36” x 36”

friend, John Giorno, sleeping for six hours, he made a number of groundbreaking silent films including the eight-hour-long “Empire.”

He is quoted as saying: “I never liked the idea of picking out certain scenes and pieces of time and putting them together, because ... it’s just not like life .... What I liked was chunks of time all together, every real moment ... I only wanted to find great people and let them be themselves ... and I’d film them for a certain length of time and that would be the movie.”

Smith said many people relate to this exhibition because it’s rooted in pop culture. “Warhol seemed to presage many things that are prevalent in our culture today,” Smith said. “The idea of a selfie, if Warhol was alive today, may have been called a ‘Warhol-ogram.’

Reality television and the idea of turning a camera on and seeing what happens, that’s exactly what he was doing with his films.”

To help visitors experience this, there is a booth where they can sit in front of a camera. The videos are posted to a microsite and can be accessed online.

Many people who tried it out have found that it is hard to sit still for even a few minutes.

In working closely with The Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburg, Phoenix Art Museum was able to secure this exhibition of portraits. “This is a great opportunity to explore a single aspect of Warhol’s art, that spans the entirety of the artist’s career,” said Smith.

Andy Warhol: Portraits Phoenix Art Museum, 1625 N. Central Ave. March 4 through June 21 Wed.: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Thurs. through Sun.: noon to 5 p.m.

Admission: $12-$15; $10 for students; $6 for ages 6-17; free for age 5 or younger and for museum members.

602-257-1880 phxart.org May 2015

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pool, spa and water feature. Your guests will enjoy the

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walk-in-pantry, a kitchen island, a breakfast bar and a small desk for cookbook consultation and paying bills. There is also a separate breakfast room, complete with a built-in bar and wine refrigerator.

Jean Ransdell and Tom Scappaticci Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty 480-294-3257 602-430-4081 ArizonaLuxuryRealty.com

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T

They whir through the desert nearly stealth-like, their breath a hard, steady rhythm as pedals and chains whisper in sync, driving treaded tires harder, faster along winding, dusty trails. Over rocks and around cholla-rimmed curves, the mountain biker becomes part of the desert landscape, developing a rhythm and flow, leaving behind only the imprint of rubber tracks in dirt.

According to the International Mountain Biking Association, more than 40 million people spend time on mountain bikes in the United States each year. It’s an astounding number for a sport believed to have originated in northern California as recent as the late 1970s. The combination of exercise, challenge, outdoor experience and ever-evolving gear has led casual and hard-core riders alike to take the trails on two wheels.

With hundreds of miles of trails ranging from tranquil toodles to technical tests of skill and balance, it’s no wonder that the North Valley is quickly becoming a mountain bike mecca.

It has only been natural, then, that a group of riders would emerge as leaders and advocates for ecologically responsible trails, safe riding and to encourage others to try the sport they have grown to love.

Desert Foothills Mountain Bike Association (DFMBA), formerly known as Cave Creek Bicycle Association, is just that. Its enthusiastic members are passionate about their bikes, but even more passionate about the land and the opportunities to enjoy open space for everyone – hikers, bikers, and equestrians alike.

Led by dynamo Lorraine Montuori, this association couldn’t be farther from the image of a boardroom-based thinktank that the word “association” often conjures. This group does their best work outdoors, maintaining trails, teaching others how to maintain trails, educating riders, and, yes, spending time in the saddle.

“The goal of our organization is to focus on enhancing the mountain bike experience through trail advocacy and maintenance, educating trail users about trail etiquette

Writer Amanda Christmann Larson Photographer Brenna Zumbro

and introducing the sport to new riders” said Montuori.

“We have an incredible gem in our own back yard, and

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the Sonoran Desert is beginning to become recognized as

enthusiasts, and winds through both the Spur Cross

a nationally acclaimed mountain bike destination.â&#x20AC;?

Conservation Area and Cave Creek Regional Park.

The group is letting people know about the fantastic

That translates to dollars for local economies. It also

opportunities by hosting the Cave Creek Cactus Classic

means that special care needs to be taken to preserve

every year. The exciting race draws a large crowd of

open spaces and promote responsible trail usage. DFMBA

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is on top of that, spending time each month volunteering to maintain trails and working with partners Matt Woodson, from Okanogan Trail Construction (OTC), and REI to teach others how to do the same. By being good stewards, everyone involved, including area cities and towns, will benefit.

Among other benefits, their work shows good faith when it comes time for cities to plan their transportation budgets. Last year, DFMBA used their active Facebook page and social media to rally more than 100 riders to attend a Cave Creek Town Council meeting, urging the council to add bicycle lanes to its evolving road plans.

Their voices were heard, and the council agreed to build safer roads for cyclists, in addition to automobiles.

Likewise, DFMBA approached the McDowell Sonoran Preserve Commission and Scottsdale City Staff when new trails in the Brown’s Ranch portion of the preserve trail system were completed. This time, it wasn’t safety that was the primary plea; local mountain bikers wanted more of a challenge than what they were offered in the first stage of Brown’s Ranch development. DFMBA put together funding and hired professional trail consultant Woody Keen to evaluate the trail system at no cost to the City of Scottsdale. Currently, city staff, representatives from DFMBA and other user groups are working together to develop a comprehensive plan for the next phase of trail development, including trails that will offer more technical challenges.

Earlier this month, DFMBA approached the Town of Cave Creek with an offer to build a trail connecting the Phoenix Sonoran Preserve to the Cave Creek Trail system, linking up 100+ miles of multi-use trails.

If the town approves, DFMBA

will coordinate with its partners (OTC and REI) and hold a community wide trail building day October 17. Put Your Money where Your Trails Are, An event to raise funds for this effort is scheduled for May 2.

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DFMBA members are also strong proponents of sharing the

Jonny’s in Cave Creek. It’s time for food and fellowship,

trails. Trail etiquette is a big deal for everyone involved,

and to appreciate the reward of a good ride, good

and being respectful to everyone on two feet, four feet, or

work, and of leaving a legacy that will be enjoyed for

pedals is just as important as navigating the terrain.

generations to come.

The DFMBA is doing good work, but perhaps the most rewarding part comes at the end of the day when anyone

Donations to help DFMBA with all their efforts may be made

who participates cools down and relaxes – often at Local

at dfmba.org/donate.

Put Your Money Where Your Trails Are!

Date: May 2, 2015

Event Location: Local Jonny’s

6033 E. Cave Creek Rd., Cave Creek

Time: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Join Desert Foothills Mountain Bike Association for a fundraising event to remember! Proceeds benefit development of trail connector linking more than 100 miles of multi-use trails through Maricopa County!

3 p.m., pre-party events - Choose to join in on a mountain bike ride or hike. Sponsored by Flat Tire Bike Shop & AZ Mountain Biking.

6 p.m. – Party at Local Jonny’s Café and Bar. Beverages, chicken or veggie dinner and live music by Chuck Hall!

Register at arizonareg.com/merch.php?idSalesEvent=17. $30 fee includes party entry, beer ticket, food option and live music by Chuck Hall! ($40 at the door if tickets still available day of event.) Space is limited so register early!

Ride details will be available soon through Desert Foothills Mountain Bike Association Facebook page.

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Trail Etiquette Courtesy of Desert Foothills Mountain Bike Association Nearly all of the trails we ride in the North Phoenix Valley are multi-use trails. This means you should expect to encounter hikers and equestrians on the trail and you should understand how to yield to other users in a safe and courteous manner.

RESPECT: It’s a simple concept: if you offer respect, you are more likely to receive it. A courteous, common sense approach to other trail users will diminish negative encounters on the trail.

COMMUNICATION: Let folks know you’re there — before you’re there. Riding up on horses and stock can be dangerous even for the best-trained critters. For bikers and hikers: 1. Make yourself known to stock and rider. A simple “Howdy” works to get attention.

2. Step downhill and off trail.

HORSES UPHILL: Horses and mules are prey animals. That means they think everything wants to eat them, even the hiker with a large, scary backpack, and especially the fast-moving biker “chasing” them. When startled, frightened critters go uphill. You should move downhill to avoid an encounter with a 1,000 pound panicked animal. Yikes!

YIELD APPROPRIATELY: Do your utmost to let your fellow trail users know you’re coming – a friendly greeting is a good method. Anticipate other trail users as you ride around corners. Bicyclists should yield to other non-motorized trail users, unless the trail is clearly signed for bike-only travel. Bicyclists traveling downhill should yield to ones headed uphill, unless the trail is clearly signed for one-way or downhill-only traffic. In general, strive to make each pass a safe and courteous one.

PROTECT THE DESERT: The North Phoenix Valley has unsurpassed opportunities to enjoy the beautiful Sonoran desert. Help protect our accessibility by playing nicely with your neighbors and treating trails with reverence. Always practice ‘leave no trace” ethics and pitch in to give back – pick up trash, volunteer on a trail project or become a member of DFMBA at dfmba.org/join. Take action and get involved today!

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Jason Hill & Michael Kohn Writer Tom Scanlon

Do you know anyone who doesn’t like to laugh? Probably not. While what is funny is where the subjectivity comes in, just about everyone loves that moment of throwing back the head and emptying the lungs.

When scores of people are laughing with you - that usually makes the moment all the funnier and more enjoyable.

Laughter has become big business around Phoenix, with 20-some comedy clubs operating around the Valley. One of them is a little different - a club within a club.

Funny story behind the Taffy Room at Stand Up Scottsdale …

It started in 2013, with Season 3 of the Spike TV show “Bar Rescue.”

Jon Taffer, host of the show, lit into club owner

Howard Hughes, telling him he just wasn’t funny and shouldn’t make repeated appearances on stage. Taffer did a bar

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makeover, making the green room (where comics hang out before and after performing) much bigger, which took away seats. He also changed the exterior and pushed for a name change.

Hughes was not amused.

Stand Up Scottsdale has a main room with touring headliners and a smaller side room featuring local, mostly younger comics trying to make it. In a not-too-subtle jab at the TV show, Hughes started calling the smaller club “The Taffer’d Room” - until Taffer’s attorneys sent a cease and desist order.

And Hughes gave it a new name: The Taffy Room. No lawsuit there, just young, off-the-wall, irreverent comics, each striving to display a unique voice. And, of course, get the room laughing.

A pair of Michaels, comedians Michael Palladino and Michael Paul Kohn, took over the booking of the Taffy Room earlier this year, bringing a vision they believe stretches the Valley comedy scene. For starters, the Taffy Room features an unusually low cover charge of $5 and no drinkminimum. It’s also often no-holds-barred.

To paraphrase and PG-13-ize one of Kohn’s jokes, he relates how he publicly goes around saying he hopes his ex-girlfriend has a great life, while secretly wishing she will get a disease and be sent to jail. Learning she is pregnant, he uses self-mocking justification to conclude that his wish has come true. “I’m 26 and I’m still on my parents’ insurance,” he says, “so she’s kind of doing 25-to-life.”

He’s got others, too.

“I’m a storyteller,” Kohn says, a bit sheepishly. “I’m not the cleanest comic, but I don’t swear a lot on stage. I just feel more comfortable sharing some of my most horrible, intimate stories on stage than with a co-worker or friend.”

Kohn started his comedy career at the Taffy Room less than two years ago. He and Palladino have taken over running the small room - capacity 75, but any more than 50 and the space is packed - with gusto. They have started theme nights, with six to eight comics joking about romance, high school horror stories, “… getting hilariously out of hand.”

As Palladino puts it, “Comics love to be on our shows because they’re always different and they force comics to do something a little different. It’s never monotonous, comedy-by-numbers-type stuff. And audiences definitely pick up on that. They love to see stand up from this new angle, I think.”

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Eric Sobczak

Zed Phillips

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Michael Palladino

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Kevin Elliot

Kohn says he and Palladino are committed to finding new talent - “not just booking our friends, which happens at a lot of places.” They may have caught a rising star in HotRock SupaJoint, the self-proclaimed “Fakest Rapper of All Time.” Something of a cross between Ali G and Weird Al, the towering HotRock draws a crowd with rap spoofs that make up for in hilarity what they lack in political correctness.

The two Michaels gave the comical rapper a regular night as host of young comics. He has developed a following, and his charismatic presence may get him a spot in the cherished main room - the comedy equivalent of getting called up from the minor leagues to the majors.

Gordon McKay, originally from Scotland, and Christopher Centanni, who went to high school with Kohn at Corona del Sol, have caught the eye of club owner Hughes and made the leap from the small Taffy Room to the Stand Up Scottsdale main club.

“It’s kind of like a farm system,” said Kohn. “Open mikers come in on Wednesdays. The ones who are really popping out, we ask them to be on Friday and Saturday - and then maybe Howard sees something in them.”

Only the strongest and/or luckiest local comics score weekend work in big clubs, opening for touring comics who take top billing. The Michaels at the Taffy Room say they provide for raw, talented young Valley comics the chance to perform on weekend nights rather than mid-week open microphone shows. “A lot of times,” Kohn says, “the only time for a local comic is during the week, in front of other comics.”

With a smaller side room, Palladino adds, “You can get away with much more. You can step outside the box and do something so fun and so different, and in doing so you set yourself apart from all the other comedy options in town.”

As for audiences, the Taffy Room is not for those seeking slick, polished comics, but rather for those on the hunt for cutting-edge newcomers.

“You’re going to see some untested material,” Kohn promised/warned.

“Someone newer or younger, a different point of view. You’re going to see weird; you’re going to see independent.

“We’re not doing the raunchiest, dirtiest material, but you may hear some raunchy material. It’s a small, intimate room, so things get personal.” And even if there are some awkward moments with comics like Kohn who aren’t afraid to make you squirm, or unprocessed jokes that don’t land, at the very least you will know you are supporting Valley talent, young men (mostly) and women (a few) mustering up the courage to try to entertain you.

The Taffy Room, in two words: Laugh local. standupscottsdale.com May 2015

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Writer Lara Piu Photo by Scott Foust

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I

It takes several shelves to display the collection of

From its inception, at the center of Misha Mendicino

35 elephant figurines in her home. For some, the

Designs is fundraising and awareness for elephant

majestic animals represent good luck; to others, they

conservation

are decoration. But to Misha Mendicino, they represent

rehabilitation center in the world, the David Sheldrick

what’s important: family, creativity and community.

Wildlife Trust.

They’re also the signature and purpose of her resort

“We are losing generations of elephants each and

wear clothing brand, Misha Mendicino Designs.

every year due to the poaching crisis that threatens

through

the

largest

rescue

and

their survival. If we don’t do something collectively, our “Fashion is the best way to merge all of my dreams

children will only read about the elephants in their

together,” says Misha.

history books,” Misha explains. “The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is so close to my heart. The reason why

Her mother, who recently celebrated her 87th birthday,

I started my brand was to help secure a future for

is enamored with elephants and has collected figurines

them.”

throughout her life. Last fall, she gave her collection to Misha, igniting the next generation of elephant

The clothing reflects Misha’s passions, while enhancing

lovers in Shilo, Misha’s six-year-old daughter. So far,

the lifestyle of sunny-weather moms like herself. The

the first grader has contributed another 11 items to

brand aims to combine sophisticated elegance with

the elephant collection, although hers are of the non-

nature-inspired colors and vibrant prints to enhance

breakable kind – think stuffed animals and other kid-

femininity and comfort in an organically chic style.

friendly trinkets.

“It’s all about the feeling that the clothing evokes when “She’s obsessed with elephants. She wants every single

you put it on,” says Misha. “I try and capture that

dress in her size,” says Misha. “She’s really absorbed

effortless naturally beautiful feeling through clothing.”

the mission behind the brand. Her, my son and husband are my biggest fans.”

The resort wear designs include beach dresses and kaftans,

boho-style

clothing

and

comfortable

chic

The mission honors these mothers and daughters, and

boutique dresses featuring bright and unique prints and

advocates for the well being of elephants in Africa as

flowing fabrics designed to compliment all body types.

well.

“My customers range from their 20s to their 60s and, “I am very passionate about elephant conservation and

more than likely, many of them are moms like me who

bringing about awareness to the plight of our beloved

want easy, effortless beauty,” says Misha. “The kind of

elephants,” says Misha.

woman who would wear my clothes loves the beach, is compassionate and loves animals, wants to give back May 2015

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Photo by Justin Zangerle

Photo by Steven Fellheimer

Photo by Scott Foust

Misha Mendicino and her mother

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May 2 0 1 5

to community, values her purchases and wants to ensure its quality.”

Only a little more than 20 months into the launch of her line, Misha Mendicino Designs has a strong following, and is sold in more than 18 boutiques worldwide and counting. They can be purchased online and locally at Velvet Boutique, Daniela Jay Boutique, LONNI Women’s Fashion Boutique, Allie Ollie Boutique, Charmed Avenue and Random Boutique.

Phoenix Fashion Week has joined her family of fans, naming Misha Designer of the Year in 2014. With Misha’s mother on her side, her vision came full circle at this key fashion event.

“My mom wore my line at fashion week and she looked so cute,” she says. “She’s my best friend. I love those pictures of us on the red carpet.”

A one woman fashion-design shop, wife, and mother of two, like many moms celebrated this month, Misha wears a variety of hats and contributes many hours to each of these priorities. She says that one of the best things to come out of it all is a fuller sense of self.

“This has been the best time in my entire life,” she explains. “As a woman, I know myself much better. I know what I want and don’t want. I feel very secure and more relaxed. I don’t feel like I am chasing after something.”

She’s enjoying the fun, kudos and platform that her company has created, but the accomplishment she adores the most is its very inspiration – motherhood.

“I didn’t realize that my children would complete my life,” says Misha. “The fashion world is amazing, but I love being a wife and mom more than anything.” sheldrickwildlifetrust.org mishamendicinodesigns.com

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Writer Tom Scanlon Photographer Amanda Reif

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Maybe in preparation for all the competitiveness of adult

His entrance required him to be carrying a stack of

life, high school is growing increasingly competitive. Of

books, and Hale was petrified he would drop the books

course, there are all the sports, but now there are also

or stumble. But he made it, delivered his opening lines

debate, math, science and other academic competitions.

through nervous lips and soon was sailing through the role.

And, believe it or not, there’s the 2015 English Speaking Union Phoenix Branch Shakespeare Competition, with

“It’s really cool when you go before an audience and

students challenged to deliver monologues and sonnets.

get the reaction. I was very nervous and had really bad stage fright.”

Sounds pretty dramatic, right? Well, the drama for Hale Stewart was nerve-wracking - and that was before he

By the middle of the play, the nervousness faded

even stepped on stage.

away as he fell into the production. “It was all a great experience. I’m super glad I did it.”

It was only natural that Hale, a Notre Dame Prep junior, would enroll in the competition. He has been a natural

Since then, he’s acted in 10 other plays, both at school

since stepping on stage shortly after he enrolled at the

and the Greasepaint Youtheatre in Old Town Scottsdale,

North Scottsdale campus.

where he will be appearing in “Beauty and the Beast” May 8-17. He plays Cogsworth, a British butler. He has

“My freshman year was when I really started,” he says, of

also acted in “Romeo and Juliet,” “Into the Woods,”

his budding acting career. “The first few weeks of school, I

“Seussical the Musical” and “Hairspray.”

was just going and getting accustomed to the new school.

I didn’t know what I wanted to do and heard about the

The busy young actor won a National Youth Theatre

drama club. I went there and everyone was really nice and

Award for outstanding lead actor in a musical for last

really personable. They made me want to be around them

year’s NDP production of “Urinetown, the Musical.”

more, so I started auditioning for shows.”

Acting is pretty much this 17-year-old’s life. “I don’t do a His mother was hardly surprised that Hale gravitated to

lot else at school. I help out at my church, but the whole

acting. “Probably since he was 5 years old, I knew that

acting scene takes up most if not my all of my time.

Hale’s his quick wit and gift for memorization would serve him well. I’ve watched Hale become a better actor

“It’s definitely something I’d like to do in college and

with each role. It’s watching that progression that has

beyond. I don’t have as much fun doing anything else. It’s

convinced me he can be successful as an actor if he

the thing I love to do, if I can make a career of it, great.”

chooses that path.”

Few were surprised when Hale aced the school-wide Hale’s first role, conveniently enough, was as Rev. Hale, the

competition, qualifying for the Shakespeare Phoenix

“spiritual doctor” summoned to evaluate Salem in Arthur

branch competition. For the sonnet, Hale’s English

Miller’s “The Crucible.” Young Hale was fighting his own

teacher, Tracy Heisler, suggested Sonnet 116:

demons as the moments for his stage debut melted away.

Let me not to the marriage of true minds “It was crazy. I was the youngest person in the cast.

Admit impediments. Love is not love

I was the only freshman to audition. It was all kind of

Which alters when it alteration finds...

overwhelming having to learn everything.”

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Hale chose for his monologue a bit of “Romeo and Juliet,”

afternoon at his high school. We were set to arrive in

Mercutio’s riff on Queen Mab:

Mesa for the competition early and I thought we’d arrive around 9:15.

She is the fairies’ midwife, and she comes In shape no bigger than an agate stone

“When we got about 10 blocks away from the theater, we

On the forefinger of an alderman,

found that the road was closed for the Phoenix Marathon.

Drawn with a team of little atomi ....

Happy we had plenty of time, I said, ‘good thing we left so early.’ I was sure we would quickly find a road that

Asked which Shakespeare character is closest to him, Hale

was open and get to the theater. Nope. We were like mice

says it’s sly sidekick Mercutio. “I really love the character.

in a maze. With each road closure we came to, our stress

He’s the only one in the play who doesn’t take anything

level increased!”

too seriously. He jokes around probably more than he should and more than is healthy. I’m not a super serious

The Stewarts made it to the theater – 45 minutes after

person.”

the competition began. The producers understood, and said Hale had just enough time to do his thing.

Good role model, he thinks. “I find myself sometimes getting caught up in the little details. If I take a step back,

When Hale was announced as a top 10 finalist, he and

I do find absurdity in life.”

his mother looked at each other with disbelief. “When they announced him as the winner, we felt like we were in the

52

A prime example of the absurdity of life came Feb. 6,

twilight zone! They were explaining the prizes to us and all

when he and his family set out on a Saturday for the

Hale or I heard was ‘wha, wha, wha, wha,’ like the adults

short drive – or so they thought – to Mesa.

in Charlie Brown.

“We were supposed to be at the Mesa Center for the Arts

“I was so proud of the way Hale handled the stress and

to check in at 9:30 a.m. for a 10 a.m. competition start

was able to pull himself together after being so completely

time,” said Kristin Stewart, Hale’s mother. “I had arranged

frustrated and concerned. The experience will serve him

via email for Hale to be one of the first performers

well in the future, I am sure. I am really glad we never

because he was in ‘The Addams Family’ matinee that same

gave up trying to get there!”

Ima g e s A Z . c o m

May 2 0 1 5

Winning the competition earned Hale a late-April trip to New York, for the national – here comes that word again – competition. The trip will only add fuel to his fiery passion for theater, which he plans to continue in college, possibly at Northwestern University. “They’ve got a great theater program and are really strong academically.”

His mother, for one, is rooting for Hale to keep going.

“I hope Hale pursues acting because he loves it and he is talented. Our deal has always been that, if he can get himself into an excellent college and wants to major in musical theater/ acting, then he can. That’s his plan for now. Hale has many gifts and he will be successful at many careers and endeavors in his lifetime. I believe a successful actor could be one of them.”

Hale says his whole family has been extremely supportive of his acting career, mainly because he has maintained good grades, despite his busy acting schedule.

One wonders what the 2015 ESU Phoenix Branch Shakespeare winner thinks is the play that best illustrates life at Notre Dame Prep. After some mulling, he says, “I think I might go with ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream.’

Everything starts out OK, then it gets all chaotic. Things don’t seem to go the way people want them to.

“Then it’s all good in the end.”

Sound familiar?

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Writer Lara Piu

As a little girl, I loved the book, and then the movie

so a courtyard adds to a home’s buyer appeal.”

“The Secret Garden.” The idea of a magical, beautiful, private place was brilliant. My grown-up, real-life

A proper courtyard space is not required, says Jim

equivalent is the home courtyard – a secluded, warm

Sheehan. The owner of McKenzie Brothers Builders

and inviting space for friends come over to “play,”

says that homeowners can transform any front, side or

and a quiet, zen-like place to sit in peace and let the

backyard space into a courtyard. Recently, the custom

imagination wander.

homebuilder has been receiving more requests to build custom backyard ramadas for this reason.

A courtyard also works its magic unoccupied. Often

54

visible from throughout the house, it adds beauty and

He says, “People are wanting to make the most of the

ambiance by providing views from within the home,

home that they are currently in, so they are redoing

which some say can enhance a home’s resale.

their outdoor living spaces.”

“It really is a big seller for a home to have a great

Courtyard proper or not – the design rules remain the

outdoor living room,” says designer Wendy Black

same, our experts say. Here are a few of their courtyard

Rodgers of Wendy Black Rodgers Interiors. “In the

design do’s, don’ts and tips, and how-to transform any

Valley, we’re fortunate to spend so much time outside,

outdoor space that charming courtyard appeal.

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May 2 0 1 5

Courtyard Landscaping

Pascale Sucato, landscape designer and outdoor decorator, Desert Foothills Gardens

Do

… choose winter-friendly plants, so the space looks great November through March when Valley weather is at its finest. Mix evergreen tones and leaf types such as foxtail and sage, choose plants that are frostresistant, and incorporate bloomers.

Don’t

Transform

… think bigger is better. “It is

… with wall art, a trellis, or stairs.

difficult to make large spaces warm

Bigger items with impact help set

and cozy,” says Pascale. “Think

the mood and define an area.

quality over quantity to make it inviting.”

Professional Tip Incorporate fragrant plants. They are welcoming if you have a front door courtyard, and soothing if the courtyard is a refuge.

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Courtyard Lighting Bryan Gold, lighting designer, Let There be Light

Do … balance light fixture form and function.

Consider the fixture from a longevity standpoint, and review the manufacturer warranty.

Don’t … fear use of light for safety reasons. Bryan says that there are tactful ways to light the architecture walls and vegetation for security and accomplish the needs of both architectural and traverse lighting.

Transform … with lightning to set a mood through color temperatures. For example, Bryan recommends a cold color for a modern look, and a warm color to emulate the softer feel of a candle.

Professional Tip Fixture styles can be leveraged as key design elements. Try sharp-angled fixtures for a modern feel, and if you’re looking for something with design flexibility, go for fixtures with curvy shapes. He adds, “Ultimately, the long term function of the light emitting diode light bulb and fixture are most important.”

Do … add fire. Today’s chat tables and other firescape options have better functionality and have more style than ever.

Don’t … be afraid to add outdoor kitchen elements such as a refrigerator or grill. There are ways to blend these items in with the atmosphere you’re trying to set.

Transform … with outdoor furniture, and a barbecue. Nick

Courtyard Furniture Nick Stelfox, designer, Carefree Outdoor Living

says, “Even a barbecue unit smartly shaped and placed in the right manner can define the space to make it smaller and more intimate.”

Professional Tip A permanently mounted cantilever umbrella is an easy way to define a space and add functionality as well as that intimate courtyard feel.

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Courtyard Decor Wendy Black Rodgers, designer, Wendy Black Rodgers Interiors

Do … incorporate interesting window frames to enhance the mood. “Iron or reclaimed stone fragmented window frames can add interest to the look,” says Wendy.

Don’t … feel that all the furniture has to be on the rug. Some can be on; some can be off, just as long as you use the rug to define the space.

Transform … by creating a conversational area. Place chairs within 10 to 12 feet across from each other, which is ideal for a conversation area.

Professional Tip Utilize outdoor lamps to add warmth to the mood. These lamps are wired for the outdoors and should be plugged into the wall, rather than the floor.

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Writer Stephanie Maher Palenque Photographer Foskett Creative

The Schnepf family can truly say that they built their business from the ground up.

Fifty years ago in the middle of the desert, Ray Schnepf planted his first peach trees. Two years later, the farm started picking and shipping peaches all over the country. People who drove to Queen Creek for a quaint day trip noticed and were surprised to see peach trees in the growing in the dusty soil.

It started out small. At first the family picked the delicate fruit to sell at their little roadside stand. Five years later, they opened their orchard for â&#x20AC;&#x153;UPICK.â&#x20AC;? Customers came from all over Arizona to taste the dainty but succulent Arizona peaches, which just so happen to be recognized as the best peaches in the country, according to Wine Spectator magazine (take that, Georgia!).

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The annual Peach Festival at Schnepf Farms is upon us. The dates span two weekends, May 9 and 10, and May 16 and 17, from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. But donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait too long to make your way down to the festival, because the peach festival is as fleeting as peach season itself.

The festival can turn a simple drive out to the farm into a collection of peachy delights that will live on in your familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s memories for years to come. Enjoy hay rides to the orchards, live music, train rides, carousel rides, peachy pancake breakfast, the peachy sampling pavilion with food ranging from sweets to salsas, water activities, peachy arts and crafts booths, peach pies, peach cinnamon rolls, peach cookies, peach cobbler and more.

For peach connoisseurs, it may be interesting to note that the farm offers six varieties of peaches that ripen at different times throughout the month of May. Even though the festival is a blast, it is not the only time to pick peaches at the farm. Peach picking is available all through the month. There are also other UPICK items at the farm, depending on Mother Nature and availability.

At publication time the garden UPICK items include herbs (lavender, dill, parsley, chives and cilantro), lettuce, cabbage (purple and green), kale, spinach, beets, turnips, snap peas, green onions, carrots and artichokes. All veggies are $1.50 per pound, all organic and pesticide free.

The farmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 50th anniversary comes with some special activities such as the 50-foot mural that guests will be asked to sign and adorn at the front of the farm, which will later be hung to commemorate the semi centennial milestone.

Check the website for other special events, directions, and tips for planning your day. Admission is free, and there are small charges for food, rides and peaches.

24810 S. Rittenhouse Rd., Queen Creek schnepffarms.com 480-987-3100

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Dining Guide

Spotlight

Wild Ocean Fresh Seafood Market & Grille For years, decades, no – make that forever. Valley residents have had to ride, drive or fly to the California coast to find a place like Wild Ocean Fresh Seafood Market & Grille. Now, it’s right outside our door and unlike any market you’ve ever seen in the desert.

Wild Ocean isn’t only about seafood. The market is stocked with prime beef, poultry, pork and lamb, giving you more options than any other seafood venue in all of Arizona. Dine in, grab-and-go or take home ready to cook meals for any budget.

Owners David Fair and Paul Stanton have over 50 years’ combined seafood experience. Wild Ocean is a direct importer of quality seafood from sources around the world. Their professional network is spread around the globe working side by side with their “Signature Partner Group” of elite fishermen and processors who have demonstrated exceptional Quality & Sustainable Management practices that ensures 100 percent satisfaction with every item they sell.

Their goal is to make available the very finest seafood supported by a professional, friendly and knowledgeable team.

They believe by educating their customers and sharing their extensive experience and expertise that they can help you make the absolute best selections for whatever the occasion may be.

Wild Ocean Fresh Seafood Market & Grille 8876 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd., Suite 100, Scottsdale (Across From Mastros) 480-272-7221 wildoceanseafood.com

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LocalIndex Absentee Homeowner Services Carefree Property Services 480-575-6600 carefreepropertyservices.com Home Watch AZ 480-607-1524 homewatchaz.com AIR CONDITIONING/HEATING Canyon State AC and Plumbing 602-996-1818 canyonstateac.com Artificial plants, flowers and succulent Arizona Silk Flower 480-991-0285 23425 N. Scottsdale Rd. Ste A-107 Boutique Stefan Mann 34505 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite G10 480-488-3371 stefanmann.com

St. Vincent de Paul Society 602-254-3338 COMMUNITY organizations American Legion Post No. 34 & Auxiliary 480-488-2669 Arizona Archaeological Society 480-595-9255 Arizona Musicfest 480-488-0806 Cave Creek Museum 480-488-2764 Desert Awareness Committee 480-488-1090 Desert Foothills Community Association 480-488-4043 Desert Foothills Community Education 480-575-2440

College Paradise Valley Community College 602-493-2600 my.maricopa.edu

Desert Foothills Land Trust 480-488-6131

COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE Animal Control 602-506-7387

Foothills Community Foundation 480-488-1090

Community Loan Closet 480-488-8400 Foothills Animal Rescue 480-488-9890 Foothills Caring Corps 480-488-1105 Foothills Food Bank 480-488-1145 Salvation Army 480-488-3590

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Desert Foothills Theater 480-488-1981

McDowell Sonoran Conservancy 480-998-7971 mcdowellsonoran.org Newcomers Club of Scottsdale 480-990-1976 newcomersclubofscottsdale.com Rotary Club 623-581-1163 Sonoran Arts League 480-575-6624 Soroptimist International 480-522-6692

May 2 0 1 5

YMCA 480-596-9622 Dentist Jeffrey D. Clark DDS, FAGD Scottsdale Dental Excellence 8765 East Bell Road, Suite 201 480-585-1853 scottsdaledentalexcellence.com Health care Cierra Medical Walk-In Care 480-575-0131 Desert Foothills Medical Center 480-488-9220 Mayo Clinic 480-515-6296 Mayo Hospital 480-585-6296 Paradise Valley Hospital 602-923-5000 Scottsdale Healthcare 480-324-7000 7400 E. Thompson Peak Pkwy.

480-323-3000 90th St. & Shea Blvd.

Home Services Carefree Property Services 480-575-6600 carefreepropertyservices.com Home Watch AZ 480-607-1524 homewatchaz.com Home Theater Home Theater Automation 602-803-4499 homeautomation-scottsdale.com House Cleaning The Maids Scottsdale 602-923-4000 themaidsscottsdale.com Insurance Allstate Insurance Frank M. Schubert 480-515-6259

Advertising: 623-341-8221 shelly@imagesaz.com

Library Appaloosa Library 480-312-7323 Desert Broom Library 602-262-4636 Desert Foothills Library 480-488-2286 Outdoor Furniture Carefree Outdoor Living 480-575-3091 carefreeoutdoor.com Outdoor Lighting Let There be Light, LLC 480-575-3204 lettherebelightllc.com Parks Cave Creek Regional Park 623-465-0431 Gateway Desert Awareness 480-488-1400 Spur Cross Ranch 480-488-6601 Cave Creek Ranger 480-595-3300 Photography Blackswan Photographers 480-282-8646 blackswanphotographers.com

Podiatry Westland Family Foot and Ankle Specialist 480-361-2500 westlandffas.com

Black Mountain Elementary School 480-575-2100

Post office Scottsdale Post Office 7339 E. Williams Dr. 480-513-2935

Copper Ridge School 480-484-1400

Real Estate Jean Ransdell Russ Lyon Sotheby’s 480-294-3257 arizonaluxuryrealty.com Tom Scappaticci Russ Lyon Sotheby’s 602-430-4081 arizonaluxuryrealty.com Almarte in Carefree by Keystone 7471 Hum Road Carefree 480-422-0655 keystonehomesaz.com/almarte Restaurant Cartwright’s Sonoran Ranch House 6710 E. Cave Creek Rd. 480-488-8031 Carvalho’s Brazilian Kitchen 23623 N. Scottsdale Rd Suite D7 480-563-1562

Career Success School 480-575-0075

Child’s Play Preschool – CCUSD cavecreekpreschools.com 480-575-2062 Desert Foothills Lutheran Preschool 480-585-8007 Desert Canyon Middle School 480-484-4600 Desert Sun Academy 480-575-2900 Desert Willow Elementary School 480-575-2800 DO Re Mi School of the Arts 480-451-8233 El Dorado Private School 480-502-6878 Foothills Academy 480-488-5583 Goddard School 480-437-1000

Karen Sophia Photography 480-543-7526 karensophiaphotography.com

Tom’s Thumb 480-513-8186 9393 E Bell Road

Grayhawk Elementary School 602-449-6600 pvschools.net

Loralei Photography 602-795-0555 loraleiphotography.com

Wild Ocean Seafood Market & Grille 8876 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd, Suite 100 480-272-7221

Horseshoe Trails Elementary School 480-272-8500

Plumbing Canyon State AC and Plumbing 602-996-1818 canyonstateac.com

SCHOOL Annunciation Catholic School 480-361-8234 Bella Vista Private School 480-575-6001

Little Sunshine’s Playhouse and Preschool 480-585-7000 littlesunshine.com

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LocalIndex Lone Mountain Elementary School 480-437-3000 McDowell Mtn Ranch KinderCare 480-538-0411 kindercare.com Notre Dame Preparatory 480-634-8200 notredamepreparatory.org Our Lady of Joy Preschool 480-595-6409 Paradise Valley Community College at Black Mountain 602-493-2600 Pinnacle High School 602-449-4000 Pinnacle Peak Elementary School 480-538-7120 www.pvschools.net Pope John XXIII Catholic School Community 480-905-0939 popejohnxxiii.org Quality Interactive Montessori School 480-575-5269 qimontessori.com Scottsdale Christian Academy 602-992-5100 scarizona.org Scottsdale Preparatory Academy 480-776-1970 scottsdaleprep.org Sonoran Trails Middle School Main Line 480-272-8600 Attendance: 480-272-8604 The Scottsdale School 480-451-9442 thescottsdaleschool.com

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Ventana Academic School 480-488-9362 Shave bar & lounge The Manor 480-636-8911 20945 N Pima Ste B-120 themanoraz.com Sheriff Sheriffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Posse 602-876-1895 Shopping Cave Creek Candle & Gifts 6245 E. Cave Creek Road 480-488-7799 cavecreekcandles.com

Worship Black Mountain Baptist Church 480-488-1975 bmbcaz.com Black Mountain United Church of Christ 480-575-1801 bmucc.com Canyon Church of Christ 623-889-3388 canyonchurch.org Carefree Highway Community Church 480-488-5565 carefreechurch.us

Las Tiendas 6140 E. Cave Creek Rd. lastiendascavecreek.com

Cave Creek Adventist Fellowship 602-663-1268 cavecreekchurch.com

Stefan Mann 34505 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite G10 480-488-3371 stefanmann.com

Christ Anglican Episcopal Church 480-488-0525 christchurchaz.org

Spa Paradise Medspa & Wellness 602-266-8144 20945 N. Pima Rd. paradisemedspa.com Swim lessons/school Kim Courtney Swim School 480-502-2234 kimcourtneyswim.com Water Softener & Filtration Proskill Services 623-551-7473 proskillservices.com window treatments Carefree Coverings 602-617-2920 34522 N. Scottsdale Rd. Ste 100B

Christ the Lord Lutheran 480-488-2081 ctlcarefree.org Church of Jesus Christ of LDS 480-488-3035 lds.org Congregation Or Chadash 480-342-8858 congregationorchadash.org Coolwater Christian Church 480-585-5554 coolwaterchurch.org Covenant Community Church 480-419-0844 covcom.us Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church 623-465-9461

Advertising: 623-341-8221 shelly@imagesaz.com

Desert Foothills Lutheran Church 480-585-8007 dflc.org

Mountain Valley Church 602-531-5432 mountainvalleychurch.com

Desert Hills Presbyterian Church 480-488-3384 deserthills.org

New Covenant Lutheran Church 480-860-0169 newcovenantaz.org

Desert Mission United Methodist Church 480-595-1814 desertmissionumc.org

North Scottsdale Christian 480-367-8182 northscottsdalechristian.com

Desert Valley Baptist Church 623-465-9461

North Ridge Community Church 480-515-4673 northridge.org

Episcopal Church-The Nativity 480-307-9216 nativityscottsdale.org

North Valley Church of Christ 480-473-7611 nvcoc.net

First Baptist Church of Cave Creek 480-488-2958

Our Lady of Joy Catholic Church 480-488-2229 oloj.org

First Church of Christ Scientist 480-488-2665 csarizona.com

Pinnacle Presbyterian Church 480-585-9448 pinnaclepres.org

Good Shepherd of the Hills Episcopal Church 480-488-3283 goodshepherdaz.org

Redeemer Lutheran Church 480-585-7002 redeemer.vze.com

Highlands Church 480-348-9191 highlandschurch.org Light of the Desert Lutheran Church 480-563-5500 lightofthedesert.org Living Water Lutheran Church 480-473-8400 lwlcaz.org Lone Mountain Fellowship Church 480-818-5653 lonemountainfellowship.org

St. Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Church 480-595-0883 stgacc.org St. Patrickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Catholic Community Church 480-998-3843 stpatrickscottsdale.org Via de Cristo United Methodist Fellowship 480-515-4490 viadecristo.com

Sanctuary Church 480-656-0081 sanctuaryforscottsdale.com Son Rise Community Church 480-502-2834 sonrisescottsdale.org Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center 480-488-5218 spiritinthedesert.org St. Bernard of Clairvaux Catholic Church 480-661-9843 stbernardscottsdale.org

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Recipe

Grilled Peach & Goat Cheese Crostini Writer and photographer Monica Longenbaker

Nothing quite beats the first ripe peaches of the season. With their bright aroma and sweet essence, these peaches ought to be eaten with simplicity.

The next time you find yourself in possession of these lush fruits, try throwing them onto a hot grill, allowing the flesh to caramelize and the sugary juices to concentrate.

Situate them over grilled, crusty bread that’s been spread with whipped, lemon-thyme goat cheese and drizzle with honey for the ultimate sweet and savory appetizer.

Grilled Peach & Goat Cheese Crostini Yield: 12 Crostini 12 slices Crusty Bread (recommended: French Baguette or Ciabatta), about ½” thick ¼ c Extra Virgin Olive Oil Salt and Pepper to taste 2 Fresh Peaches, sliced ½ tbsp Honey ½ tbsp Lemon Juice 4oz Goat Cheese, softened 1 tsp Fresh Thyme, chopped 1 tsp Lemon Zest For Garnish: Honey (to drizzle) Crushed Pistachios

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Directions: Preheat grill to medium heat.

Brush the slices of bread with olive oil and season with salt and pepper on both sides. Set aside.

Toss peach slices with ½ tablespoon honey and ½ tablespoon lemon juice. Set aside.

In a bowl, mix together goat cheese, thyme, and lemon zest. Set aside.

Grill bread and peach slices for 2-3 minutes on each side until grill marks appear. Carefully remove each from the grill and allow to cool.

To assemble, top each slice of grilled bread with about 1 teaspoon of lemon thyme goat cheese and 2-3 slices of grilled peaches.

Drizzle each crostini with honey and garnish with crushed pistachios.

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When experience count s

The Agents You Use & Refer

A well-earned North Valley reputation for strong work ethic and valuable networking connections makes Jean Ransdell and Tom Scappaticci the smart choice for your next purchase or sale.

The Extra Mile In today’s market, nothing less gets the job done. Whether buying or selling, an experienced real estate agent who is quick to see solutions and not shy about testing limits to pursue your best interests is what you need and what you get with Jean and Tom. Winning Negotiation Style Well-seasoned in the art of negotiation, Jean and Tom are a valuable asset with the diplomacy of an ambassador and the perseverance of a bulldog.

www.ArizonaLuxuryRealty.com

Tom Scappaticci 602.430.4081

Jean Ransdell 480.294.3257

tom@tomscappaticci.com Realtor®, Associate Broker

jean@jransdell.com Realtor®, ABR, e-PRO, Relocation Specialist, 2015-2016 Pinnacle Peak RMS Co-Director

You want them on your team, and it doesn’t take long to see why!

Up-to-Date Laws, finance strategy, tools and resources, market trends and so much more change almost daily in Arizona real estate. Jean and Tom stay on top of current industry information and education and hold numerous certifications such as Associate Broker License, ABR and ePro Certification.

Luxury Homes & Lots With 50+ years of combined experience in AZ luxury real estate and hundreds of transactions under their belts, you benefit from this powerhouse team’s in-depth experience in luxury home and luxury lot sales. Land and lots are, especially, a unique sale or buy with very different considerations to be mastered. Tom prides himself in being that expert.

Check out www.ArizonaLuxuryRealty.com

Scottsdale, Desert Mountain, 7292 SF, 6BR, 6.5BA, 4 Car Garage, $2,795,000

Test imonial

“Fantastic real estate agents to work with.

Truly cares about you and your home. Always provides thoughtful commentary throughout the entire home buying/selling process.

They have sold 2 houses for my husband and I along with helped us purchase our new home. Would recommend them in a heartbeat!”

Sara and Jake Scottsdale, Mirabel, 5320 SF, 6BR, 5.5BA, 4 Car Garage, $1,059,000

Trust Jean Ransdell and Tom Scappaticci for Results!

They are the Team You Will Proudly Use and Refer!

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