Images Arizona: Grayhawk December 2014 Issue

Grayhawk

DC Ranch

Scottsdale

December 2014

Grayhawk :: DC Ranch :: Scottsdale

December 2014

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contents

623-341-8221 // imagesaz.com owner/publisher Shelly Spence

editor/contributing writer Jenn Korducki Krenn

contributing writers Donna Kublin Tom Scanlon Monica Longenbaker Amanda Christmann Larson Jim McAllister Barb Evans Lara Piu Stephanie Maher Palenque Paula Theotocatos Lauren Strait Peni Long Suzanne Wright Nigel Spence Jenny Brooks Lisa Schneider-Cipriano

Photographers Bryan Black Loralei Lazurek Mike Harvey Jamie Pogue Jerri Parness Michele Celentano Monica Longenbaker Brenna Zumbro

graphic artist Sam Paul

For Advertising Information 623-341-8221//shelly@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.

The Simple Farm Pictured Lylah Ledner

Photographer Brenna Zumbro Writer Lara Piu P. 32

Local First A R I Z O NA 4

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December 2014

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welcome ‘Tis the season to smile! There’s nothing quite like the holiday season for bringing joy and gratitude into every corner of my life. Whether it’s the warmth and comfort of a mug of hot cocoa or the chilly thrill of a holiday parade, there is much to look forward to during this busy time of celebration, remembrance and giving back.

Speaking of giving, as 2014 winds down, I find myself thinking about all of the wonderful gifts I have received throughout the year: a healthy, loving family; a caring, fun-loving group of friends; and of course, my talented

Meet the Magtibay Family Photographer Loralei Lazurek Writer Lara Piu P. 8

team members and wonderful readers like you who help bring ImagesAZ to life throughout our community every month.

As my calendar and to-do lists begin to fill, I make a conscious effort to pencil in some time amidst the busy bustle of gift wrapping, cooking and merrymaking where I can simply be present and thankful for the moment, for my own health and for the many reasons I have to smile. These small windows of reflection mean more to me than anything I can find while window-shopping.

Southwest Dining

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Wishing you and yours all the best during this magical time of year. May 2015 bring peace, happiness and much more to smile about.

Cheers!

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

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family

Meet the Magtibay Family Writer Lara Piu Photographer Loralei Lazurek

Lucky for Paul, Joan, Peter and Jack Magtibay, their mother is no matchmaker. More than 28

Paul & Barbara Magtibay If you know a family you would like to

years ago, Barbara Magtibay tried to set up her future husband, Paul, with one of her good friends.

“When I first met Paul, I thought he was funny,” says Barbara. “He made me laugh and we had so much fun together, so why would I try to set him up with anyone else?” Paul and Barbara ended up dating for five years and have now been married for 23 years. Today, they live in Cave Creek with their four kids.

nominate, please email shelly@imagesaz.com.

Their oldest, Paul, was among the four boys who broke the Cactus Shadows’ school record in the 4x800-meter relay in 2012. He is now studying health sciences as a junior at Arizona State University’s downtown campus.

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His younger sister, Joan, also currently attends ASU as a freshman.

Joan is planning on majoring in journalism and public relations. She was an editor for the yearbook and newspaper during high school, as well as a member of the crosscountry team.

Peter attends Cactus Shadows High School and their youngest boy, Jack, attends Sonoran Trails Middle School. Both Peter and Jack play basketball and participate in crosscountry and track.

“We’ve been very lucky,” Barbara says. “One of my favorite memories is from when they were little and I would look in the rearview mirror of the car and see them all asleep in the back seat. Our biggest challenge is their inevitable leaving. We’re just trying to enjoy and embrace every second of having them around because they do grow up. It’s hard to watch them leave the nest.”

Even with two of their children in college, the Magtibays make it a priority to take a family vacation every July.

Work life A typical day at the Magtibay house includes much organizing and planning for the kids’ busy schedules involving sporting events, homework and clubs. In addition, Barbara is a teacher at Black Mountain Elementary. She teaches a second and third grade combination class and has also taught first, fourth and fifth grades throughout her 13 years in the profession. She first discovered her passion for working with children when she was a lifeguard in high school.

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“I’ve always liked being around kids, which is why I have a

preference of teacher. I knew that all of them cared for the

big family, too,” says Barbara.

students. We’re all there for the same reason: the kids.”

Her love for her job makes it enjoyable to head to work

In 1991, Paul began his residency and fellowship training

every day.

at Mayo Clinic, first in Rochester, Minnesota, and now in Phoenix. Since 2004, he has served as a consultant

“Black Mountain is a community,” she says. “You walk on

gynecologic oncologist and chairman of the department of

the campus and feel like you’re home. The staff cares

gynecologic oncology and surgery.

about everyone and we back each other up. We want the kids to feel safe and excited about school. When my

Paul feels fortunate for his career, which he says would not

own kids were there, I never needed to have a specific

be possible without the support of his wife and children.

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“My family has made numerous sacrifices during my busy training years and continues to do so during

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my time as an active practitioner and administrator,” Paul says. “I am very blessed to have a fulfilling career and the love and support of my family.”

Paul enjoys the opportunity to help so many women and their families.

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Paul adds that the perception that Mayo Clinic is only for the wealthy is a myth. He says, “Mayo accepts a wide number of insurance providers and offers care ranging from preventative medicine to complex, tertiary care of the critically ill.”

Christmas life Christmas at the Magtibay home will be spent enjoying time and tradition.

“Our extended family lives in Minnesota,

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Some of their numerous traditions include attending Christmas Eve Mass at night as a family. After attending mass, the family returns home to open one gift. However, it is not much of a guessing game for the kids before they open these presents; they each receive a pair of matching pajamas to wear that night.

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community arts // Culture // announcements Writer Barb Evans

Local Designer Collaborates with Sculptor to Create Functional Art Valley designer Elizabeth Rosensteel and noted sculptor Michael Anderson recently joined artistic forces to create the “Ribbon Series,� a blend of art and furniture based on the free-form of a black ribbon. The series is the first of several collections to be introduced by the duo, and includes the Ribbon Console Table and the Ribbon Coffee Table. The pieces are sculpted of powder-coated steel, with additional color options available upon request. For pricing and order inquiries, contact Elizabeth Rosensteel, 602-522-0989 or elizabeth@rosensteeldesign.com.

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Dec. 5-7 Waterfront Fine Art & Wine Festival Stroll the Scottsdale waterfront while enjoying artwork from more than 120 acclaimed artists and wines from around the world. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. $3 per person. Wine tasting is $10 per person.

Scottsdale Waterfront, 7135 E. Camelback Rd., 480-837-5637, thunderbirdartists.com.

Dec. 6 12th Annual Cave Creek Luminaria Run Run, jog, walk or watch this evening 5K run, one-mile fun run/walk and kid’s dash set amidst luminaria-lined paths in the beautiful desert mountains and hills of Cave Creek Regional Park. First race begins at 4:45 p.m.

Registration fees are $17$30. Proceeds benefit Desert Foothills Theater. Cave Creek Memorial Arena, 37201 N. 28th St., 480-488-1981, luminariarun.org.

Dec. 6 Desert Foothills Library Annual Craft and Bake Sale

Dec. 6

done with a selection of

Las Tiendas Holiday Event

unique craft items and

Find the perfect holiday

Get your Christmas shopping

delicious goodies at this

gifts while enjoying a

annual fundraiser. 10 a.m.

festive atmosphere featuring

to 3 p.m. Free. Desert

Dickens Carolers, hot

Foothills Library, 38443 N.

chocolate and apple cider,

Schoolhouse Rd.,

cookies, music and Santa

480-488-2286,

sightings. 6-8 p.m. Las

desertfoothillslibrary.org.

Tiendas, 6130 E. Cave Creek Rd., lastiendascavecreek.com.

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community calendar arts // Culture // announcements

Dec. 6-7 AZDance Group Presents “A Joyous Christmas” Get a great start to the

Dec. 12-14

holiday season with this

7th Annual Carefree Christmas Festival

professional production featuring an integrated

The holidays are illuminated

cast of professional

with this three-day festival

dancers, apprentices and children, along with

Dec. 7

outreach program Movement

8th Annual Cowboy Christmas Children’s Program

E-motion. 2 p.m. Adults,

Families can get into the Christmas spirit with holiday crafts,

$15; seniors/students,

games, cookies, stories and songs. Reservations required. 1-4

$12; children under 10,

p.m. Free. Cave Creek Museum, 6140 E. Skyline Dr.,

free. December 6 at

480-488-2764, cavecreekmuseum.org.

featuring an electric

Cactus Shadows Fine Arts

Dec. 8

Center, 33606 N. 60th St.; December 7 at Paradise Valley Community College Center for Performing Arts, 18401 N. 32nd St., 480-215-1916, azdance.org.

Dec. 6, 13 Holiday Specials at Bodywork for Life Take some time for yourself and enjoy a massage at 25 percent off or a private Pilates session at 50 percent off, and check some names

Carefree Church Charity Golf Tournament and Auction Help support Kidslife with this four-person scramble tournament that includes 18 holes of golf, a shared golf cart, lunch on the course and a prime rib dinner.

12 p.m. shotgun. Individual golfers, $150; foursomes, $500. Tatum Ranch Golf Club, 29888 N. Tatum Ranch Dr., 480-488-5565, carefreechurch.com.

off your holiday gift list

Dec. 9

with buy two, get third free gift certificates. Call to schedule. Bodywork for Life, 7629 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd. #118, 480-595-0246, bodyworkforlife.com.

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Newcomers Club of Scottsdale Happy Hour Meet old friends and make some new ones at this

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happy hour hosted by the Newcomers Club of Scottsdale. 4-6 p.m. The

light parade, fireworks display, live music, dance performances, real snow, gift market, food court and more. Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free.

Carefree Desert Gardens, 101 Easy St., 480-488-2051,

Yard House at Desert Ridge

carefreechristmasfestival.com.

Marketplace, 21001 N.

Dec. 13

Tatum Blvd., 480-990-1976, newcomersclubofscottsdale.com.

Dec. 12 Taste of Preschool Children ages 2½ to 5 will have a fun morning meeting the teachers of Our Lady of Joy Catholic Preschool and making gingerbread houses during this open house event. 10 a.m. Free.

Our Lady of Joy Catholic Preschool, 36811 N. Pima Rd., 480-595-6409, oloj.org/preschool.

Orpheus Male Chorus of Phoenix Kick off the holiday season with this concert featuring Arizona’s longest continually performing choral organization.

Proceeds benefit the Foothills Food Bank. 4 p.m. $20 per person. Desert Foothills Lutheran Church, 29305 N. Scottsdale Rd., 480-585-8007, desertfoothillslutheranchurch.org.

Author and geologist Wayne Ranney

Dec. 13 Community Sing-A-Long, Handel’s “Messiah” ProMusica Arizona Chorale and Orchestra collaborates with Christ the Lord Lutheran Church to present this community sing-a-long of Handel’s “Messiah,” featuring renowned guest soloists Vernon Hartman, Amy Johnson and Mary Sue Hyatt.

Tickets are $30 and can be purchased via phone or online. 3 p.m. Christ the Lord Lutheran Church, 9205 E. Cave Creek Rd., 480-488-2081, ctlcarefree.org.

Dec. 14 Desert Mission UMC Holiday Concert Enjoy a variety of holiday music that will put you in the mood to finish your baking and holiday greetings, featuring Brazilian guitar and violin. Food or free will donation to Foothills Food

Join us in our campaign to ensure student success!

Emma has always wanted to help people. Especially, military families like her own. After her uncle returned home from Afghanistan suffering from PTSD, Emma knew that military Psychology was her future. She is well on her way, by studying at Mesa Community College. Emma said, if it weren’t for the ACE (Achieving a College Education) program, which eased her transition to college, as well as the scholarship she received from the Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation, she would not have the opportunity to pursue her education. “Having come from a military family, I’ve always wanted to help other military personnel before they are discharged. That way, they’d be well upon release. I wouldn’t be able to pursue that goal and to eventually transfer to a local university, without the assistance of the Foundation.” Help Emma and 250,000 students like her by supporting The Campaign for Student Success, today.

Bank serves as price of admission. 2:30 p.m. Desert Mission United Methodist Church, 7373 E. Dixileta Dr., desertmissionumc.org.

Dec. 14 NVSO Presents “Holiday Toys” Celebrate the season with this musical rendering of

Invest today!

mcccdf.org/campaign 480.731.8400

traditional and classical holiday toys, featuring

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community calendar arts // Culture // announcements selections from “The Nutcracker” and “Babes in Toyland.” 7 p.m. $5 per

Dec. 20-21

person. North Canyon High School Performing Arts Center, 1700 E. Union Hills

MIM Presents “Hear Them Ring”

Dr., northvalleysymphony.org.

Chimes and jingles will fill the halls as the Musical Instrument Museum gets into the holiday spirit by

Cave Creek Trail Rides Gears Up for 2014-15 Season

Dec. 14 Upscale Singers Present “Songs of the Season” The Upscale Singers perform their annual Christmas show with winners from their eighth annual Vocal Scholarship auditions.

The holidays make for a great time to saddle up and experience the Desert Southwest on horseback. Cave Creek Trail Rides, located inside Cave Creek Regional Park, provides guided horseback rides through the park preserve. Experienced guides share their knowledge of the geology, history and wildlife of the area, as well as information about horse care.

All levels of experience are welcome, and complimentary boots, hats and chaps make for a genuine cowboy experience.

that ring, with performances featuring hand bells, steel pans and marimbas.

Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., 480-478-6000, mim.org.

Call 623-742-6700, email info@cavecreektrailrides.com or visit

5 p.m. Adults, $15; students, $10; children 12 and under, $7. Desert Hills Presbyterian Church, 34605 N. Scottsdale Rd., 480-575-0188, upscalesingers.com.

Dec. 20 SWCC Hosts “Beary” Merry Christmas Celebrate Christmas with

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showcasing instruments

cavecreektrailrides.com for more information. the Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center’s sanctuary. 5-8 p.m.

Adults, $20; children 3-11, $10; children under 2, free. Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center, 27026 N. 156th St., 480-471-3621, southwestwildlife.org.

Jan. 10 Kiwanis Concert Series: Beachfront Property Beachfront Property performs with a smooth singing style that combines

animals in the intimate

the rich sounds of jazz with

and unique setting of

the energy of pop music. 6

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p.m. $30 per person. Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion, 101 Easy St., 480-488-7169, kiwaniscarefree.org.

Jan. 10 The Kent Camerata The international vocal and instrumental touring ensemble performs with guest keyboardist Claire Pradel performing Bach’s “Brandenburg Concerto No. 5.”

3 p.m. Christ the Lord Lutheran Church, 9205 E. Cave Creek Rd., 480-488-2081, ctlcarefree.org.

Foothills Food Bank Seeks Donors for Adopt-a-Family Program The Foothills Food Bank and Resource Center seeks donors to provide gifts, holiday meals and hope for families in crisis for this year’s Adopt-a-Family program. Interested donors determine the size of family they are willing to adopt and donate gifts according to the family’s shopping guide. The gifts will be given to the families on Saturday, December 13 at High Desert Park in Black Canyon City and Sunday, December 14 at the Holland Community

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community calendar arts // Culture // announcements Center in North Scottsdale.

Individuals and groups such as businesses, HOAs, churches and schools are encouraged to participate.

All gifts and donations are tax deductible. For more information or to request a donor sign-up form, contact adoptafamily@ foothillsfoodbank.com or visit the food bank at 6038 E. Hidden Valley Dr., Cave Creek.

Pita Jungle Hosts “Empty Bowls” Fundraiser From December 1-7, all 14 Phoenix area Pita Jungle restaurants will host an “Empty Bowls” fundraiser benefitting Waste Not, a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has been feeding the Valley’s hungry for 25 years. For $15, guests can purchase a hand-crafted clay bowl created by local artisans from the Arizona Clay Association and receive their

Osio Culinary Group to Open 4th Restaurant, Kale & Clover: Mindful Kitchen

vegetarian, vegan and

the Upscale Singers eighth

gluten-free, but diners will

annual Vocal Scholarship

Restaurateur German Osio

have the option to add

auditions. Reeves took first

and his team at Osio

protein to many of the

place in the Senior High

Culinary Group will open

dishes. For more information

division, winning a $500

their fourth restaurant, Kale

about Osio Culinary Group,

scholarship; Humbert won

& Clover: Mindful Kitchen,

visit osioculinarygroup.com.

the Junior High division

For more information, visit pitajungle.com.

this December at 20511

and secured a $400 vocal

N. Hayden Rd. The new

scholarship. Both winners

restaurant will offer clean,

will be featured soloists

healthy food and drinks for

in the Upscale Singers’

breakfast, lunch and dinner,

annual Christmas show on

and diners will have the

December 14. Seven other

option to eat in, carry out or grab a ready-to-eat meal.

Chris Mayo, who currently serves as executive chef at Osio’s Central Bistro, will serve as executive chef.

The menu will be mostly

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choice of a serving of soup or a small order of hummus.

Upscale Singers Award Scholarships to Area Youth Pinnacle High School junior Mason Reeves and Gavilan Peak seventh grader Sophia Humbert were the top winners of

Ima g e s A Z . c o m D ecem ber 2 0 1 4

students placed in the auditions and six honorable mentions were named, with a total of $3,200 awarded.

For more information, visit upscalesingers.com.

J. Julian Fine Skin Care Expands All Natural Product Line for Holidays J. Julian Fine Skin Care, located at 6450 E. Cave Creek Rd., will debut an expanded offering of allnatural products this holiday season, including the Pure Fiji and Nelly De Vuyst skin care lines from the South Pacific and Europe. The spa, owned and operated

by European-trained esthetician Joann Julian, offers personalized skin care solutions and treatments, including eco-friendly face and body treatments, skin consultations, hair removal and makeup applications, as well as a retail line of essential oils, supplements and cosmetic products.

Service is by appointment only. To schedule, call 480595-1281. Consultation is free with first appointment.

December 2014

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Writer Suzanne Wright

I settle into my first-class seat in the Sedona car.

clear, chilly November day; a bright cobalt sky

Brandon, who introduces himself as the bartender

stretches above, with puffy clouds suspended high

for our ride, is offering passengers their choice of

over green-studded mountains in the distance.

champagne or apple cider. I opt for the former and raise a glass to my seatmates, a foursome of well-

“It’s not the destination, it’s the journey” is the

coiffed friends from Scottsdale and Minnesota who

railroad’s slogan, and it’s certainly apt. Over the

are sitting across the aisle.

next four hours, we travel just 20 miles, hugging the Verde River through the rugged inner canyon

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I’m aboard the Verde Canyon Railroad, which leaves

wilderness of high desert rock interspersed with

from Clarkdale, 22 miles west of Sedona. It’s a

prickly pear cacti, cottonwoods, willows and white

Ima g e s A Z . c o m D ecem ber 2 0 1 4

bark sycamores blazing autumnal gold.

Locomotive-themed music — “Blue Train,” “Boogie Woogie Choo Choo Train” and “Train a Comin’” are among the ones I can remember — breaks up the narration, serving as a soundtrack for our afternoon trip. A few passengers are singing along to the lyrics or tapping their feet to the happy, nostalgic music. Trains have that effect.

I move on to a spicy bloody Mary and help myself to a plate of complimentary snacks. Soon enough, expansive vistas of red-banded mesas come into view. I pick out a deer scrambling up a ledge and a bleached white skull resting in the rust-colored earth. Clouds are reflected in the river.

It’s warm and comfy inside, but the best views are outside. So I bundle up and head toward the caboose to the open-air viewing car and fall into easy conversation with fellow travelers from California and

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we wish each other well and set out for points

Opened in December 2013, the Copper Art Museum

beyond. Clarkdale may be most famous as the point

pays homage to Arizona’s mining history. Housed

of departure for the Verde Canyon Railroad, but this

in the old high school, it features an extensive

picturesque town boasts other attractions that can

collection of decorative and functional artifacts —

easily fill a weekend.

cookware, religious art, beer steins, an old cognac still — from around the world. Especially fascinating

Clarkdale was founded as a company town in 1912

is a room filled floor to ceiling with trench art,

by United Verde Copper Company to provide housing

artillery shell casings made by soldiers in World Wars

for employees of the copper smelter complex. Part of

I and II. I poke around for a solid hour and a half,

the “City Beautiful” movement, a reform philosophy

completely rapt.

of North American architecture and urban planning,

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the town was built with a unified master plan that

Arizona was the 48th state to be admitted to the

stands today as a model of urban redevelopment.

union, so it’s fitting that the Main Street tasting room

It’s recognized as a historic district on the National

Four Eight Wineworks is so named. It’s located in the

Register of Historic Places.

town’s former National Bank and is the state’s first

Ima g e s A Z . c o m D ecem ber 2 0 1 4

winemakers cooperative, showcasing boutique vintners on a rotating basis. It’s owned by musician-turned-winemaker Maynard Keenan of Caduceus Cellars, who almost single-handedly put Arizona wines on the vinicultural map. If you haven’t tasted our state’s wines, you’re in for a surprise: several have broken the coveted 90 score from “Wine Spectator.” Sample the Prohibition Railroad flight and ask the young, knowledgeable staff your questions.

Outdoor enthusiasts rightly praise Clarkdale.

On previous excursions to the area, I’ve gone kayaking on the Verde River and hiked at the Tuzigoot National Monument, pueblo ruins on a sandstone and limestone summit.

Before heading back to Cave Creek, I stop for dinner at Pizzeria Bocce in Cottonwood.

A fire pit glows orange out front; it’s packed on a Monday night. Taking a seat at the white marble bar facing the wood-fired oven, I introduce myself to a lovely 60-something woman who’s polishing off a beer on the next stool over. I order a cappuccino and a meat pie. We get to talking; she’s a local who wouldn’t live anywhere else and I understand why. We have an animated conversation about the region’s resurgence and exchange contact information.

After she takes her leave, I’m flanked by two senior couples, one from England, the other from St. Louis. Soon all of us are talking in between mouthfuls of some of the best Italian food I’ve eaten outside that grand European country. We compliment the tattooed, hardworking young men shaping calzones and garnishing pizzas in front of us. A few seats down, a young couple from Texas joins in the conversation. I check my watch after paying the tab and realize I’ve spent three very enjoyable hours dining.

And that’s when it hits me: the Verde Valley is a crossroads. And great things — wheeled, wined and dined — often happen at such junctions.

December 2014

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Writer Lara Piu Photography courtesy Proven Media

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Expands holiday tradition What are the chances that you or someone you

If you’re a pet lover, bring your best buddies on

know will participate in this year’s Carefree Christmas

Sunday. Better yet, dress them in their holiday best

Festival? Perhaps guaranteed.

for a pet parade and pictures with Santa. Foothills Animal Rescue will also be on hand that day for pet

“Everyone is involved, from local churches, schools,

adoptions.

boy and girl scouts, the town municipality and more,” says Jo Gemmill, the festival’s director and founder.

Now in its seventh year, the non-profit festival is made

“This is a true community celebration.”

possible thanks to fundraising and an all-volunteer crew. For the first time, APS will sponsor the festival

The three-day, two-night celebration will kick off the

centerpiece: the electric light parade. Produced by

holidays with real snow, an electric light parade, a

the Carefree Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce, the

fireworks extravaganza and more. Slated to run the

parade is expected to have nearly 15 new entries. It

weekend of December 12–14, at least 20,000 people

takes place on Saturday at 6 p.m. along Easy Street,

are expected to attend.

followed by fireworks.

“The festival has become one of the most well-

In fact, several community supporters, such as

attended holiday events in the Valley,” Gemmill says.

Discount Tire, are also involved. Sanderson Lincoln on Bell Road will present a snow slide and 35 tons

What’s new

of real snow, and Chris Mellon Custom Home &

The event is stretching its arms with new

Remodeling Center will sponsor the kid’s zone. Children

entertainment, sponsors and a bigger, better electric

from United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Phoenix are

light parade. The Friday entertainment schedule has

grand marshals and will lead the parade this year.

expanded to include three Charles Dickens Carolers shows presenting Christmas music from around the

ABC15’s morning meteorologist and Valley native, Iris

world, a Salvation Army brass band and more than

Hermosillo, will return as emcee.

100 local singers who will perform in an evening concert featuring local choirs. Centrestage Dance

“I’m excited to be a part of the Carefree Christmas

Studio and Jolly Roger, a comic magician for children,

Festival for the third year in a row,” she says. “The

have also been added to the lineup.

committee of Santa’s elves does an amazing job at showcasing the spirit of the holidays with this event.”

December 2014

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Carefree Christmas Festival is designed to provide a quintessential holiday experience. Other highlights include a lighted holiday gift market with daytime and late night shopping, seasonal food and drink, live holiday dance and singing performances, lighted carriage rides, Desert Foothills Theater snow and ice queen appearances, Santa and a live Nativity scene.

“It brings out the child in all who attend,” says Gemmill.

“It is reminiscent of a traditional Christmastime of years past. People come to spend time with their friends, family and community. This is what the holidays are all about.”

Festivities take place in the four-acre Carefree Desert Gardens. Its backdrop includes thousands of cacti illuminated in holiday lights. All activities are free. carefreechristmasfestival.com

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EVENT HIGHLIGHTS Friday, December 12 10 a.m.–9 p.m.: Gift market and holiday food court 12–2 p.m.: Salvation Army brass band 2:30–5:30 p.m.: Charles Dickens Carolers, Christmas around the world 4–9 p.m.: Kid’s zone with snow slide and 35 tons of real snow 5:45–6:45 p.m.: Kelso Brothers holiday jazz music 6–9 p.m.: Live Nativity scene and lighted horse-drawn carriage rides 7–8 p.m.: Community choirs from four local churches

Saturday, December 13 10 a.m.–9 p.m.: Gift market and holiday food court 10 a.m.–9 p.m.: Kid’s zone with snow slide and 35 tons of real snow 10–11 a.m.: Adage Dance Studio, “A White Christmas” 11:30 a.m.–12:45 p.m.: Desert Foothills Theater, medley of Christmas classics, snow and ice queen appearances 1–1:45 p.m.: Desert Foothills Library presents Mr. Claus reading Christmas stories 2–2:30 p.m.: Cactus Shadows High School Honors Choir 2–4 p.m.: Live Nativity scene 2:30–3:30 p.m.: Sing “Sleigh Bells Ring,” Christmas concert 3:30–4:30 p.m.: Desert Hills Presbyterian Church, live Nativity scene and community sing-along 5–9 p.m.: Holiday party with DJ Robin Sherman 6 p.m.: Electric light parade sponsored by APS and emceed by ABC15 morning meteorologist Iris Hermosillo (pictured above), followed by a fireworks extravaganza

Sunday, December 14 9 a.m.–12 p.m.: Pet parade presented by Foothills Animal Rescue 10 a.m.–12 p.m.: Pet photos with Santa 10 a.m.–5 p.m.: Gift market and holiday food court 10 a.m.–5 p.m.: Kid’s zone with snow slide and 35 tons of real snow 11 a.m.–3 p.m.: Kiddie train rides 12:30–2 p.m.: Centrestage Dance Studio 2:15–3:15 p.m.: Jolly Roger children’s comic magician 3:30–5 p.m.: Johnny Martini, “Rat Pack Christmas” with the Desert Cactus Kickers December 2014

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Writer Lara Piu Photographer Brenna Zumbro

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When I meet Lylah Ledner, she is multitasking

and constructed a small goat dairy. At first, they sold

like any good farmer-rancher-confectioner-cheese

produce at a farmers market, and later sold from the

maker-businesswoman. Counting her goats on one

farm itself.

hand, on the other she tells me the story behind The Simple Farm and how she and her husband,

The Ledners revived the charm of the old horse

Michael, transformed a three-acre property into a

barn and invited the public to come for coffee and

residential farm and thriving business in the middle of

breakfast breads while shopping the weekly market of

Scottsdale’s suburbia.

fresh harvested herbs, in-season produce, local honey, eggs, goat cheese, specialty breads and specialty

The 60-something-year-olds have been married for

butters.

28 years. The pastor and his bride met in Tucson and after one year, moved to Oregon with their two

“People who have come to our home and farm say

daughters. Twenty years ago, the couple returned to

it’s magical, it’s an oasis, it’s peaceful,” says Lylah,

Arizona to make good on a promise to live closer to

who counted between 200 and 300 visitors a week at

Lylah’s grandparents.

that time. “However, we were not able to sustain that component of the business model, so we stepped back

Plum, one of their goats, hollers for Millie, who is in

to focus on what we are all about. As wonderful as it

heat (a fertile period), as Lylah explains: “We jumped

was, we wanted to go deeper with who we are.”

into this adventure even though we didn’t know what the heck we were doing.”

Maintaining the educational and inspirational heart of their mission, the Ledners switched to a community

In 2009, the Ledners proposed creating a public

supported agriculture program. This eight-week

garden with the unused property owned by their

subscription allows members to pick up an allotment

community of faith. At the time, the land had a house,

of farm vegetables, fruits, flowers, herbs and eggs, as

a pine tree and a plethora of sticker bushes.

well as meat, dairy and other add-on, à la carte items.

They also began an education program centered on

“There was no business plan,” Lylah says. “We thought

growing, raising and cooking your own food, including

we would grow a little bit of food for ourselves and

a chef-taught workshop called The Craft of Cooking.

a little for others. We were just hoping that we could

The goat dairy, which includes nine Nubian goats,

earn a living doing this.”

emerged as the jewel of the farm.

The following year the couple funded the project with

“I had to do something with the milk the girls were

$50,000 — their entire retirement savings. They built

producing, so I started experimenting with the idea of

raised beds, planted more than 60 fruit and nut trees

making goat milk caramels,” Lylah says.

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Having never made a caramel in her life, Lylah created recipes, choosing 19 as a benchmark.

“I decided that if it took that many tries, I would not feel so bad,” she says.

But she pretty much had it by the fourth try. In fact, she nailed it so well, the caramels were named a finalist in the 2014 Good Food Awards, which celebrates farmers producing food with their own ingredients in a way that is “tasty, authentic and responsible,” according to the website.

The Simple Farm Caramels are now sold online and in upscale markets in California, New Jersey, Oregon, Washington and Arizona, including Camelback Flowershop and Scottsdale Old Town Farmers Market locally. The Ledners intend to grow this business next year with the help of new equipment funded through the Kickstarter crowdfunding platform.

At the heart of the matter Today, the property is a private farm residence centered on the Ledner’s passion: restoring dignity to the meal table.

“People can be changed when you sit down at the meal table,” says Lylah. “My mom always set the table intentionally, always adding something of beauty to the table. If you bring in beauty, you have the potential to make someone feel special.”

Attention to detail is important at the farm.

“When you display your produce within the context of a beautiful presentation, it shows how much you love it,” she says. “I want people to be inspired to make something beautiful for their home meal table.”

Focused on education, inspiration and community, The Simple Farm now also offers public classes on subjects like cooking, gardening and backyard livestock, and private team-building events for groups such as corporate teams, school classes and scout troops. Periodically they still offer open-to-the-public

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Ima g e s A Z . c o m D ecem ber 2 0 1 4

days, where folks can come for a tour or pumpkin patch event.

Volunteers are a vital component of the farm community, as the Ledners particularly enjoy working with farmers in the making. They recently mentored former information technology professional Matt Butson, who later landed a job as a live-in paid intern for Agritopia, an urban agricultural community in Gilbert.

Lylah says, “Older folks need to teach the younger folks how to farm and get back to life’s simple basics.”

From growing a bit of food and raising a few dairy goats to running a working dairy goat farm and fullfledged caramel confection business, Lylah and Michael say it’s been an adventure. But they’re doing what they’ve always done, just on a larger scale and for reasons that go beyond their kitchen.

“We’ve had gardens and a few chickens, but now it just looks a little different,” she says. “This is about the power of influence and getting people back to basics.”

Lylah receives emails with a lot of questions and feedback, with some people commenting that she is living out their dream.

“You can’t put this in a box,” she says. “Often there are days you put one foot in front of the other. At the end of the day, you know it’s good, honest hard work.” thesimplefarm.net

December 2014

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Writer Tom Scanlon Photographer Mike Harvey

Worry? Charlie Wilde?

veteran coach did not sound a bit worried as practice for this season began.

After 24 years of coaching high school basketball, the last 15 at Pinnacle High School, Wilde’s not about to

“We should not have a drop off at all,” said Wilde.

sweat over losing his superstar scorer, super reliable

“[This season’s team] is a great group. The seniors are

point guard and other top scorers to graduation.

leaders. Younger players have a lot to learn about a system and playing hard.”

So what if Dorian Pickens is draining three-pointers off the bench at Stanford University, instead of pouring

Clearly, Wilde will need to find new scorers: Pickens rocked

in 25 points per game for Pinnacle? So what if Trey

it for 41 points and Ingram added 19, combining for

Ingram, the masterful point guard who ran the offense

60 of Pinnacle’s 70 points in an overtime championship

the last two years, has also graduated and gone off

game loss to Corona del Sol. But it should be noted

to college?

that three of this year’s seniors had significant playing time in the title game: 6-foot-2 guards Trevor Baker,

The

Stockton

and

Malone

of

North

Scottsdale,

who averaged 6 points per game last season, and Jeff

Pickens and Ingram led Pinnacle to back-to-back state

Kenney, who chipped in 4 points per game last year, as

championship appearances. Though his starting lineup

well as 6-foot-6 forward Ben Wahlberg, who averaged

has been gutted by the graduation of the two stars

3.8 points last season.

and three other frequent starters from last season, the

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Ima g e s A Z . c o m D ecem ber 2 0 1 4

“We’ll have to find a go-to guy,” Wilde said, after the first practice of the season. “It might be Ben, it might be Jeff, it might be Trevor. Or it could be one of the younger guys.”

A.J. Elliot, also at 6-foot-6, should be on the floor much more as a junior, and will help Wahlberg with the inside game.

The first practice, at the beginning of November, was typical of Coach Wilde: intense, focused on defense and basics.

Sneakers were squeaking as Wilde called out, “Pass-cut!

Pass-cut! This isn’t summer league, it’s a team game!”

After the practice, the three senior leaders said they are not only used to Wilde’s demanding drills, they thrive on them.

“I’d rather have that than lackadaisical,” said Baker.

But doesn’t that intensity get old?

“It gets tiring,” said Wahlberg, with a knowing grin, “but you learn to work through it.”

Added Kenney, “We hold ourselves accountable.”

Wilde has built a powerhouse program, averaging 20-plus wins per year and regularly going far in the playoffs. These three seniors expect to continue that tradition.

“A lot of players got overshadowed last year,” said Baker.

“This year, we’ll show what we can do.”

Wilde has great confidence in his senior core, knowing they are not just skilled athletes, but also intelligent and studious. Whatever stats they put up on the court will pale next to their classroom numbers. Wahlberg, carrying a 3.7 grade point average, plans to study exercise science in college. Kenney, a 4.2 GPA student, expects to study finance and economics.

Baker? His GPA is a mind-blowing 4.58. He plans to study engineering and play ball in college.

Wilde typically keeps his juniors under wraps as role players, giving his senior starters more room to thrive. In return, he expects a great deal of them.

“The seniors have got to be leaders and make sure everyone buys in,” the coach said. “We like to talk about December 2014

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37

Left to Right: Peyton Mallory, A.J. Elliot, Ben Wahlberg, Jeff Kenney and Trevor Baker

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Ima g e s A Z . c o m D ecem ber 2 0 1 4

policing each other. Every year, I get a shot. I tell these guys, they’re seniors, this is their shot.”

He said he carries no disappointment from two straight runner-up seasons.

“I’m proud of both of those teams,” he said. “Most teams don’t get [to the finals].”

Coach Wilde will spend most of this season instilling the techniques that lead to winning basketball.

“Jump, jump to the ball,” he called to his team, shouting himself raspy at the season-launching practice. When his team has the ball, he demands constant motion; no standing around watching. Instead, players are cutting to open lanes.

As he has with all of his teams over two decades, he will ask this one to buy into his philosophy that has built a respected program.

“I want them to play Pinnacle basketball,” he said. “Play defense, share the ball.”

After a warm-up tournament at Gilbert over Thanksgiving weekend, the regular season begins in early December, with the first home game December 5 against Horizon.

Wilde plans for this team to be competing in the playoffs in February.

“It’s four months until the major games come,” he said back in early November. “We know it’s a long haul, and we need to be really good at a lot of things.”

The girls’ basketball team has a new head coach: Rick Bunger, an assistant last year on a strong 19-10 team.

The girls were 32-3 the year before, finishing second in the state.

Danielle Bender will be missed from last season’s team, but Bunger has plenty of firepower coming back. Allison Munoz, who tied Bender for the team league at 10.4 points per game, will be back for what could be a big senior season.

And Maya Moore, who averaged just over 9 points last year as a sophomore, should break into double figures.

The Pinnacle girls’ hoop team starts the season December 8, hosting Thunderbird.

December 2014

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Writer Suzanne Wright Photographer Jerri Parness

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As unlikely as it sounds, I discovered Southwestern food in Washington, D.C. It was the late 1980s and there was a restaurant, much lauded, called Coyote Café. Chef Mark Miller was introducing centuries-old cuisine to residents of and travelers to our nation’s capital in spirited surroundings that featured cowhide and turquoise leather accents.

It’s no longer around, but to a young woman raised by Midwestern parents who favored fish sticks and pot roast, Coyote Café was a culinary revelation. Chef Miller introduced me to prickly pear margaritas, chile rellenos, smoked duck with tomatillo sauce and chocolate chile cake. I ate there on every trip — alone, with clients, with coworkers, on expense accounts and on my own nickel. Fate eventually landed me a full-time job in Washington, and I became a bonafide regular at Coyote Café.

Sadly, Southwestern cuisine is not held in the same esteem as French or Chinese or Italian. But it should be.

The foods of our region are rustic and hearty and singularly recognizable. Contemporary Southwestern food — sometimes called Sonoran here in Arizona — is comprised of the same ingredients that were eaten by Spanish colonial settlers, cowboys, Native Americans and Mexicans. The whole is truly the sum of its parts.

For four years, executive chef Ryan Peters has overseen operations at Tonto Bar and Grill and Cartwright’s Sonoran Ranch House. Originally from Ohio, he’s been in Arizona since he was 12 years old. The restaurants source many ingredients, some of which are seasonal, from regional purveyors like Mount Hope Foods in Cottonwood and Ramona Farms in Tucson.

“Southwestern food is bold,” says Peters. “A lot of what we are eating is from right outside our desert door.”

December 2014

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The best Southwestern chefs, including Manhattan’s Bobby Flay and Dallas’ Dean Fearing, combine ageold ingredients with modern cooking techniques.

You’ve got no one to blame but yourself if you leave a Southwest table hungry. With Peters help, I’ve compiled a list of key ingredients that shape the Southwestern menu. Let’s eat!

Agave This sweetener, produced from the common desert plant, can be used in place of sugar or honey in a wide variety of drinks and cooked or raw dishes.

Plus, it’s vegan.

Chorizo Like tortillas, this spicy pork sausage is found in both Mexican and Southwestern kitchens. It adds a fiery dimension to mussels and clams and is a staple in huevos rancheros.

Cilantro This aromatic herb inspires strong feelings. Some claim it has a soapy taste, while others call it citrus-like. It’s used as a garnish in numerous dishes and even in cocktails.

Dried Chiles Dried ancho and guajillo chiles add depth and complexity. Peters rehydrates them to extract the flavor and uses them in stocks, soups and sauces.

Fresh Chiles Jalapeños, habaneros and serranos are used to fire up salsa and margaritas. Peters likes to roast or char Hatch chiles to bring out their natural flavor and heat.

Fry Bread A staple of Native American tribes, fry bread is to Southwestern cuisine what the pita is to Middle Eastern cooking. The best versions are fluffy and light.

December 2014

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Guacamole

Ocotillo Flowers

Like several ingredients on this list, guacamole straddles

The tart, semi-crunchy red flowers are profuse in the

both Mexican and Southwestern cooking. It’s a staple at

spring. The staff at Tonto harvests them on horseback and

many local restaurants, where pomegranate seeds may be

uses them as a salad garnish or whisked into a vinaigrette.

folded in. At Tonto, a silky, pureed avocado crèma is made with sour cream.

Prickly Pear Peters and staff pick their own prickly pears, also known as

Jicama

“tunas,” every summer. A mainstay in margaritas, the sweet

Often cubed or julienned into salads, raw jicama tastes like

fruit — Peters likens the flavor to a blend of raspberries and

a cross between a potato and a pear. With its high water

strawberries — also makes great marmalades, vinaigrettes

content, it’s crunchy and refreshing. It’s typically used in

and barbecue glazes. He also concocts a buerre blanc with

salad or slaws.

the bright ruby fruit.

Mesquite

Pumpkin Seeds and Pine Nuts

Mesquite wood imparts a smoky flavor to grilled meats,

Both can be eaten raw or toasted, used whole or ground

seafood, chicken, pork and vegetables.

up. Pepitas (pumpkin seeds) add wonderful texture to bread and salads. Pinons (pine nuts), which are a bit oilier, find

Nopales

their way into desserts, are ground into coffee and made

Stripped of their spines, raw cactus is a great addition

into pesto.

to salads. It’s also tasty grilled with squash, onion and peppers or roasted over mesquite for a campfire-like flavor.

Queso Blanco White cheeses from Mexico are drier, more crumbly and

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less sharp than cheddar. Cotija is a hard cow’s milk cheese, slightly salty and Parmesan-like, making it a great garnish for enchiladas.

Saguaro Fruit In the summer, Peters and his staff harvest the sweet and savory fruit of the mighty armed cactus. He describes its flavor as tarter than prickly pear, a combination of a strawberry and rhubarb. Look for jams, vinaigrettes and syrups made with the fuchsia fruit.

Tepary Beans High in protein and fiber, this drought-resistant bean is native to the Sonoran Desert, dating back to the Hohokam era. Peters says they have a nutty, slightly sweet creaminess. He likes to use them in dips and soups.

Tomatillos Called “tomato verde” in Spanish, tomatillos are small and bright green.

More savory than tomatoes, they are juicy and take well to roasting.

Pureed, they are an ideal accompaniment to pork or chicken dishes.

Tortillas Chefs tend to praise corn over flour tortillas and the best tortillas don’t come from the grocery store. They have that just right thickness, which translates to durability so they don’t collapse or get soggy when stuffed with taco ingredients.

Tequila and Mezcal You can’t make a margarita without tequila, but there are other uses for this firewater. Peters likes to use the liquor in place of white wine to deglaze sauces. He also adds it for a bright, punchy note in gazpacho.

The smoky, woody flavor of mezcal might be an acquired taste, but when served neat with an orange wedge, it goes down smooth.

Getting Hungry?

Ready to stock your pantry? The Cave Creek Olive Oil Company offers chile-infused vinegars and oils, while Suzanne’s Hot Stuff sells salsas and cookbooks to inspire your own culinary wizardry.

AJ’s Fine Foods at Lone Mountain and Scottsdale Roads and Bashas’ in Carefree also stock a variety of Southwestern staples.

Rather leave the cooking to the professionals? In addition to Cartwright’s and Tonto, The Spotted Donkey Cantina at el Pedregal and Gertrude’s at the Desert Botanical Garden can slake your appetite with a range of creative Southwestern dishes.

December 2014

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SunRidge Canyon 13100 Sunridge Drive

Fountain Hills, A Z 480-837-5100 sunridgegol f.com

Experience 6,823 yards of championship golf carved

golfers plenty of opportunities to score well. The

into the canyons of the McDowell Mountains at

tactically challenging 10th hole that runs south across

SunRidge Canyon Golf Club. Designed by Keith Foster,

the bottom of the canyon marks the turnaround point,

this stunning, multiple award-winning golf course

as golfers head back up the canyon on a traditional

boasts incredible vistas and some truly superb golf

out-and-back layout.

holes. Golf Magazine named it one of the “Top 100 Courses You Can Play� in the United States.

Hole after hole, golfers are greeted by fairways and greens carved into the dramatic native terrain,

The front nine meanders down the canyon, giving

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Ima g e s A Z . c o m D ecem ber 2 0 1 4

highlighted by rocky outcrops and giant saguaros. The

17th hole (pictured) is a unique par 3 designed with

on the left. The rocks that act as a backdrop from

two separate teeing grounds, which are alternated

the long tees protect the right side of this postage

from day to day. The long set of tees to the left

stamp-sized target.

requires a shot to a midsized putting surface on the left side of the dual green, which is protected by a

The 18th hole is an adventure all in itself. You will

cavernous bunker to the right. The tee shot from the

have to visit SunRidge Canyon to discover exactly

short set of elevated tees calls for a short iron or

how the story ends.

even a wedge to a small area of the green to the right of the bunker, meaning that the bunker is now December 2014

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Writer Tom Scanlon Photographer Rosalie O’Connor

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Ima g e s A Z . c o m D ecem ber 2 0 1 4

It has been 122 years since choreographers Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov got together with Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky to adapt E.T.A. Hoffmann’s story, “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King.” The Russian ballet version premiered a week before Christmas of 1892 at St. Petersburg’s Mariinsky Theatre. “Nutcracker” didn’t get its United States premiere until a half century later, but slowly picked up steam and has now been a spinning part of the American Christmas tradition for decades.

It’s one thing to do “Nutcracker.” Thousands of versions of the Russian classic prance across stages every year, from school productions on up to the professionals. It’s another thing to do “Nutcracker” well. It can be underdone, it can be overdone; it can be a cynicized moneymaker, it can be a by-thenumbers snoozer.

Ballet Arizona has found a way to do it with zest, and they do it very, very well.

A Sugar Plum Fairy, dancing toys, a giant Mouse King commanding mice on the prowl, the Nutcracker Prince, snowflakes and flowers moving in time … and dozens of kids as the supporting dancers. Ib Andersen, artistic director of Ballet Arizona, not only puts forth a coherent interpretation, but a masterful one.

Just ask The New York Times critic Alastair Macaulay, bold enough to go on a cross-country “Nutcracker” trip in 2010. He called Ballet Arizona and Andersen’s interpretation “one of the best discoveries of my ‘Nutcracker’ marathon. Act 1 is particularly strong as theater: as in the score, something new is always happening.”

Hoffmann’s story starts at a Christmas party, where a German girl named Clara is enthralled with a beautiful nutcracker she receives for a present. So of course, her brat-of-a-brother Fritz has to go and break it. Clara’s godfather Uncle Drosselmeyer somewhat magically fixes it, the first hint of the fantasy.

With the nutcracker in her arms, Clara drifts off to sleep and dreams of nasty critters and their Mouse December 2014

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49

King, who go to battle with a band of toy soldiers

scenes are all riveting. The battle of mice and toy

led by the princely Nutcracker. You might think an

soldiers, brilliantly paced, has cartoon force. The

instrument made to crush walnuts and a band of toy

9-foot-tall Mouse King (funny and alarming with his

soldiers could easily polish off a bunch of cheese

extraordinary corpulence and violence) and the stiffly

eaters — but no. The Mouse King is roughing up the

doll-like Nutcracker made for extraordinary fairytale

Nutcracker until Clara hurls her slipper and knocks out

combatants.” Though being a critic, Macaulay naturally

the evil rodent.

found faults here and there, he almost casually gave perhaps the greatest endorsement: “No one dance

Similarly, Andersen’s fight choreography hit The New York Times critic between the eyes: “The transformation

50

Ima g e s A Z . c o m D ecem ber 2 0 1 4

remotely resembles another.”

ImProVE your That is saying something, considering the road of “Nutcracker” is paved with clichés.

Andersen has spent his career dancing away from the banal. A native of Copenhagen, he joined the Royal Danish Ballet at age 16 and four years later became the youngest principal in the company’s history.

He later was a New York City Ballet mainstay, dancing principal roles for George Balanchine. Ballet Arizona landed him as artistic director in 2000.

The Andersen “Nutcracker” dances from December 6–28 at Symphony Hall, with thunderous live music from the Phoenix Symphony. The schedule: Thursdays, 7 p.m.; Fridays, 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays, 2 and 7:30

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p.m.; Sundays, 1 and 5:30 p.m. On December 23, there will be shows at 2 and 7:30 p.m. The Christmas Eve show is at 1 p.m.

Casting has also been announced for this year’s “Nutcracker.” Taina Fuentes, Mia Acker and Maya Cook will rotate as Clara. Antonio Juarez and Zachary Barto will alternate as Fritz, the jealous brother.

Ilir Shtylla, Roman Zavarov and Astrit Zejnati will take turns as the

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man behind the nutcracker, Uncle Drosselmeyer. Brandon Broeker and CJ Damle will share the role of Drosselmeyer’s assistant, who later becomes the Nutcracker Prince. Battling him as the Mouse King will be Myles Lavalle, Junxiong Zhao and Annier Navarro.

Jillian Barrell and Junxiong Zhao will share the role of the scene stealer who appears and breaks into “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy.” Eric White, Michelle Vagi, Raychel Weiner, Kokoro Umemoto, Eden Garcia-Thaler, Alejandro Mendez, Randy Crespo, Jay Markov, Brian Leonard, Marcus Murphy, Nathan Weng, Paola Hartley, Natalia Magnicaballi and Tzu-Chia Huang are among dozens of talented supporting dancers.

Speaking of supporting: Ballet Arizona’s “Nutcracker Angel Night” performance, a tradition since 2001, is December 11 at 6:30 p.m.

Donations from community angels — ticket buyers, subscribers and corporate and private donors whose financial gifts help defray the evening’s expenses — provide more than 4,000 free tickets to children and families from community centers in disadvantaged neighborhoods.

For additional information regarding Angel Night, contact Natalie Salvione at Ballet Arizona, 602-343-6522 or nsalvione@balletaz.org. balletaz.org

December 2014

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51

Writer Donna Kublin

Efforts to keep the arts alive in the Phoenix metro area

“We are thrilled to be celebrating 15 years of support for

take many innovative forms, all with a large measure of

these great arts organizations in the Valley,” said Hirsch.

dedication, commitment and passion.

“The arts are essential to our community, as they promote and encourage education, cultural appreciation, creativity,

One such effort began 15 years ago with an idea that has

innovation and civic cohesion.”

led to nearly $4 million being raised for five of the Valley’s premier arts groups: Arizona Opera, Ballet Arizona, Phoenix

From humble beginnings in 1999, 5 Arts Circle has become

Art Museum, Scottsdale Cultural Council and the Phoenix

a highly regarded organization and a secure source of

Symphony.

funding for these five premier arts institutions. With an eye on the future, the organization plans to continue to

Know as 5 Arts Circle, its founder, Howard Hirsch, conceived

broaden and strengthen the financial base of these fine

the idea on a golf course in December 1999, a time

arts groups.

when Arizona’s population was booming but donations to the arts were not. Hirsch issued a challenge within his

“The 5 Arts Circle has had a critical impact on the health

foursome to enhance cultural offerings in the Valley by

of the arts in the Valley and specifically the Phoenix

supporting five Phoenix arts groups. They responded by not

Symphony through it’s nearly $800,000 in support over the

only writing their own checks, but also going on to secure

past fifteen years,” said Jim Ward, president and CEO of

additional private donations. Thus began the membership-

the Phoenix Symphony. “The 5 Arts Circle understands the

based non-profit, which today has 50 members and 10

importance of a thriving cultural economy to the viability of

corporate partners.

economic development for the state of Arizona. Its support of the Phoenix Symphony also serves as an inspiration for

52

Ima g e s A Z . c o m D ecem ber 2 0 1 4

our musicians to maintain a worldclass level of performances throughout our season.”

Additionally through their funding, the arts

organizations

have

been

able

to continue and expand educational outreach and community activities, a vital part of their mission.

Members

of

5

Arts

Circle

show

appreciation for the arts through an annual gift that is equally distributed among

the

five

arts

organizations.

The corporate partners support the group’s popular “Arts and Beyond” series, which showcases a wide range of art beyond the scope of the five designated arts groups. Members and corporate partners experience a variety of exclusive access experiences, from sneak peeks at performance rehearsals to private tours of gallery and museum exhibits, private dinners with artistic and

museum

directors

and

other

behind-the-scenes events.

Roxanne Weaver, executive director of the organization, became interested in the innovative approach and has helped 5 Arts Circle flourish.

“I liked offering an interesting and easy vehicle for part-time residents and new residents to learn about and become involved with the arts community in Phoenix and Scottsdale, and for longtime residents to develop a more personal relationship with the arts organizations than they may have had in the past,” she said.

5artscircle.org

December 2014

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Writer Lisa Schneider-Cipriano

Just like the license plate says, “It shouldn’t hurt to

have fallen through the cracks,” says Nytro, events

be a child.” A group of bikers known as BACA really

coordinator for the organization. “These kids are living

takes that phrase to heart. BACA stands for Bikers

in darkness, and with our help and some therapy, we

Against Child Abuse. They’re not a motorcycle club

can work through that darkness so they don’t carry

or a gang, but a 501(C)(3) not-for-profit organization.

this hurt and abuse with them into adulthood and

BACA is a group of citizens in the community

future relationships. We want these kids to realize that

made up of doctors, lawyers, nurses, bill collectors,

they are not doing anything wrong. Our assistance

construction site managers, life coaches, realtors and

gives them a sense of empowerment and helps them

more. They work with law enforcement and they want

to stand tall.”

to make a difference in the lives of abused children.

Strength is in numbers. When close to 60 bikers

54

“We help kids who are abused, be it physical,

come rolling down the street into a residential

emotional, mental or sexual, who are hurting or

neighborhood, revving their engines dressed in their

Ima g e s A Z . c o m D ecem ber 2 0 1 4

baddest biker attire, everyone knows and feels their

Once we get to court, we also surround that child

presence, including the child they have been sent to

by making a human wall protecting that child from

protect. When BACA is working with an abused child,

family members and others who may provoke fear

he or she becomes a member of the BACA family

and harm. Sometimes the judge doesn’t even know

and amazing transformations can occur in a short

that the child is in the room because there are so

amount of time.

many of us and the child is surrounded.”

“We had a child who was hunkered down under a

When a child becomes a member of BACA, they

play set, very confused and scared,” says Brooklyn,

receive the following gifts:

BACA chapter merchandiser. “Fifty-seven bikes rolled up that morning to come to her aid. As her confidence grew and she began to feel safe, she was up from under the play set giving fist pumps all around. By the end of the 45-minute visit, she was smiling and asking for a group hug. Her mother had never seen her stand tall like that.”

• A BACA blanket filled with love, hugs and kisses from fellow BACA members • A denim vest called a “Skoatie,” making them an official part of the BACA family • A biker name for anonymity and to protect the child • A big brother or sister who will be standing by

Many chapter members have been known to stand

the child’s side at a moment’s notice

outside the child’s home at all hours of the night to ensure a good night’s sleep and safety. BACA

BACA is an organization with 161 chapters in 39

members will also escort a victimized child to court

states and seven countries around the world. The

when he or she has to face his or her perpetrator.

motto they live by is, “I won’t give up, shut up, let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up,

“A lot of people ask us why we do that,” says Nytro.

paid up and showed up for all wounded children.”

“Well, there are many people out there who like us

So the next time you’re out and about and you see

and there are some who don’t. They don’t want this

these angels on bikes, give a little wave, maybe honk

child to go to court and they will do whatever they

your horn or better yet, make a donation. Because it

can, whether they shoot at the vehicle or run it off

shouldn’t hurt to be a child.

the road, whatever it takes to stop the child from showing up at that court appearance. Either way,

800-371-9755

they have to go through us to get to that child.

bacadonations.org

Lisa Schneider-Cipriano is co-host of AZTV’s Channel 7/Cable 13’s, “The Morning Scramble” airing weekdays at 8 a.m. with the legendary, Pat McMahon. She is also a freelance reporter and can be reached at lisaschneider-cipriano.com.

December 2014

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55

Writer Peni Long

56

Ima g e s A Z . c o m D ecem ber 2 0 1 4

A NEW SANCTUARY IN NEW RIVER Jennifer Brumbaugh, executive director

severe cases. These two were from

of Healing Hearts Animal Rescue and

a backyard breeder. Ella came with

Refuge,

precious

wounds throughout her body and

stock from Willcox to New River,

was severely malnourished; Big Red,

occupying the property established

the magnificent thoroughbred, was

by Dreamchasers Horse Rescue. It’s

jaundiced and severely neglected.

has

moved

her

a good match for an organization with a mission to save and serve

“Due

neglected and often abused horses.

they

These

find

care from Healing Hearts staff and

wonderful new homes as companions

veterinarians,” Jennifer says. “Their

for other horses or animals — or

survival was hour by hour. After eight

humans, for that matter.

days, we lost Big Red. Although he

healed

horses

often

to

their

significant

received

neglect,

around-the-clock

fought bravely to come back, his body Healing

Hearts

was

founded

as

part of a response to the financial

was too far gone from the months of cruel starvation.”

meltdown several years ago.

The latest addition to the rescued “Arizona horses in particular had it

herd is Winston, grandson of famed

bad,” says Jennifer. “They need space,

racer Native Dancer, who now has

food and care, all of it expensive.

a fighting chance to survive as one

Too many people could no longer

of a long, proud lineage. Fortunately,

afford to keep their animals and had

many of the rescued and rehabilitated

nowhere to send them.”

horses are adopted by families who provide safe havens for them.

Jennifer had acreage in Willcox, which became a haven for those horses.

“The best thing is getting the pictures

But

and social media posts from our

through

her

experience

over

the past few years, she also knew

adopting

that Maricopa County is a wonderful

“Such

place for such an operation. Healing

That’s really why we do what we

Hearts

facility

do.” Many of the adoptees provide

Society

loyal companionship to other horses,

on

opened

the

a

Arizona

satellite Humane

campus in 2013, primarily for the purpose

of

increasing

The

Dreamchasers

the

right

and

says happy

Jennifer. stories.

animals and appreciative humans.

adoptions.

move

opportunity

clients,”

great

to

provided

Healing Hearts is a non-profit and

continue

can always use donations of money

expanding Healing Hearts outreach.

or volunteer time to help out with the horses, at the office or around

Caring for horses is a big job, even

the stables.

bigger depending on the condition of

the

animal

arriving

for

care.

The stories are endless, and often

602-714-0241 healingheartsaz.org

sorrowful. Pictured in the photos are Ella and Big Red, two of the most

December 2014

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57

Writer Donna Kublin

“The spirit never ages,” said Chilean writer Isabel Allende.

Ann Otis is a storyteller. Using her prints as visual

Giving testament to this truism is an exhibit of artwork by

means of communication, she comments about life,

three accomplished, passionate, professional artists at the

culture and nature, keeping a light touch and a bit of

Holland Gallery of Fine Art this December.

humor throughout, as well as a measure of fantasy.

Working with copper plate etchings as well as solar

On display are works by master printmaker Ann Otis,

plate etchings, she often adds color with viscosity rolls

abstract-expressionist painter Kay Orton and Hank

or hand paints watercolor as she creates limited edition

Keneally, who integrates digital art, photography and

prints of varying sizes.

painting. With their 238 years of combined experience, they are shown together for the first time with more

In her piece titled, “We Are All One,” she was inspired

than 50 art pieces representing a body of work that

by how all living things are parts of one creation. This

reflects on the past and looks forward into the future.

piece was done with a solar plate and hand colored

The exhibit is a completely modern expression of art

in watercolor. In her piece titled, “Hey Mon What Go

and the artists, all in their 70s or 80s, are ardent,

On,” she was inspired by scenes while traveling in the

energetic and full of spirit.

Caribbean. She executed this piece with double plate viscosity rolls and no hand painting. Note the playful use

58

Ima g e s A Z . c o m D ecem ber 2 0 1 4

<< “Circumnavigation of the Line” Hank Keneally

of a famous card-playing scene in the top right corner of her print.

Ann has put together a representative timeline for this show and she hopes that seeing it all together will provide her additional inspiration on where to go from here.

Kay Orton’s artwork has evolved over her 80 years of creating. Today, her colorful paintings are done with acrylics, including liquid acrylics as well as heavy body acrylics and molding paste on canvas. Her passion for painting keeps her work fresh and avant-garde.

Growing up in Japan in a family of artists, she began by creating Japanese ink brush paintings. When she moved to the United States in 1951, she began to do pastel paintings. She still creates the look of pastel paintings using dry brush and acrylics, among many other techniques. Many of her works are large, but she also likes to do smaller paintings and collages.

An example of the beginning of her abstract work is her painting titled, “Altamont.” It is one of a series of landscapes from upstate New York, where she used to live.

“The vast whiteness of a cornfield with a slip of a mountain in the background expresses the loneliness and the forlorn feeling of autumn passing into winter,” she said.

Kay is excited to have her work on display and hopes that visitors to the show will get to know her and her work.

Hank Keneally pays heed to the Pablo Picasso quote: “Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working.” He creates art every day, starting at 4 a.m. when he works on his computer digital paintings, followed by 7:30 to 11 a.m. painting with acrylics.

December 2014

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Above: “Hey Mon What Go On” Ann Otis Left: “Altamont” Kay Kazuko Orton

60

Ima g e s A Z . c o m D ecem ber 2 0 1 4

Ann Otis, Hank Keneally and Kay Kazuko Orton

His hard work has paid off, with 15 exhibitions in 2013, his work on display at the Center for Creative Photography in Tucson and several teaching assignments.

In this combined retrospective and prospective exhibition, he presents a few pieces from several series demonstrating a wide variance in his work.

“I’m a restless artist and needed to work in multiple series,” he said. “I cannot resist continuous experiments in explorative adventures. That is how I keep my work alive.”

Hank likes to look beyond the superficial and add hidden meanings to his work. His piece titled, “The Gate,” at first view appears totally symmetrical; however, there are 21 examples of asymmetry in this work.

“In some cultures, the number 21 often symbolizes the year of ‘passing through the gate’ from childhood to adulthood,” he explained.

Each artist is passionate, energetic and full of a spirit that is expressed through his or her art. The exhibition demonstrates how spirit and art are truly ageless and viewing it is a powerful reminder of our human potential.

FCF Holland Community Center recently opened the Gallery for Fine Arts, and this is the second exhibit to be shown there. Gallery hours are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. An artist reception, with music and refreshments, will be held on Saturday, December 6 from 5 to 7 p.m. and all are welcome.

FCF Holland Community Center 34250 N. 60th Street, Bldg. B, Scottsdale 480-488-1090 quailcrossingstudio.com arizonaprintgroup.com/artists/ann-otis/ kpaintings.com 5acrearts.com/HankKeneally.html December 2014

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Local Index Absentee Homeowner Services Desert Lifestyle Management 480-907-4662 desertlifestylemgt.com Plan B Home Services 602-540-7900 planbhomeservices.com AIR CONDITIONING/HEATING Canyon State AC and Plumbing 602-996-1818 canyonstateac.com Priceless Plumbing Heating & Air 480-595-5330 pricelessplumbing.com Proskill Services 623-551-7473 proskillservices.com Architect August Reno 480-488-9858 7202 E. Cave Creek Rd. Unit 1-A augustreno.com Art Gallery Saddle Up Gallery 480-577-8426 6140 E. Cave Creek Rd. Suite 3B saddleupgallery.com Wild Holly Gallery 480-595-8757 22 Easy Street Carefree, AZ wildhollygallery.com

Boutique Stefan Mann 34505 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite G10 480-488-3371 stefanmann.com Heidiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Boutique 18291 N. Pima Road Suite 130, Scottsdale 480-663-7777 heidiboutique.com Childcare Daydreams Drop-in Childcare 480-659-4423 daydreamsdropin.com College Paradise Valley Community College 602-493-2600 my.maricopa.edu COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE Animal Control 602-506-7387 Community Loan Closet 480-488-8400 Foothills Animal Rescue 480-488-9890

Artificial plants, flowers and succulent Arizona Silk Flower 480-991-0285 23425 N. Scottsdale Rd. Ste A-107

Foothills Caring Corps 480-488-1105

Attorney Hundman Law Offices 480-625-3134 hundmanlaw.com

Salvation Army 480-488-3590

Scottsdale Family Law 480-833-2211 scottsdalefamilylaw.com Automotive Repair C&R Tire 623-551-6255 candrtire.com

62

Bridal and Formal Wear The Quintessential Bride and Formal Wear 18291 N. Pima Rd. A125 480-419-7755 qbrideandformals.com

Ima g e s A Z . c o m D ecem ber 2 0 1 4

Foothills Food Bank 480-488-1145

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 Desert Foothills Land Trust 480-488-6131 Desert Foothills Theater 480-488-1981 Foothills Community Foundation 480-488-1090 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 YMCA 480-596-9622 Dentist Alba Dental 480-471-3432 albadentalcare.com Jeffrey D. Clark DDS, FAGD Scottsdale Dental Excellence 8765 East Bell Road, Suite 201 480-585-1853 scottsdaledentalexcellence.com

ImagesAZ Magazine 623-341-8221 imagesaz.com For Advertising Information Shelly Spence :: 623-341-8221 shelly@imagesaz.com

Financial Planning Investments Edward Jones Natasha H. Palmatier 480-488-2821 Fitness Core Fitness 480-620-3000 corefitnessaz.com Handyman Desert Foothills Handyman Service 602-540-9794 1handyman4you.com Brian Hansen 602-920-9141 Free Estimates Hauling/Rubbish Removal Rubbish Works Local Junk Removal & Recycling 480-236-3590 rubbishworks.com/phoenix Health care Aveon Health 480-300-4663 7699 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd. aveonhealth.com 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 Plan B Home Services 602-540-7900 planbhomeservices.com

Horse Riding Twisted Tree Farm 480-860-8215 twistedtreefarm.com House Cleaning The Maids Scottsdale 602-923-4000 themaidsscottsdale.com Insurance Allstate Insurance Frank M. Schubert 480-515-6259 Senior health plan specialist Generations Consulting Group 623-866-3222 keith@gcgagent.com Interior Design Elizabeth Rosensteel Design Studio 602-522-0989 rosensteeldesign.com Library Appaloosa Library 480-312-7323 Desert Broom Library 602-262-4636 Desert Foothills Library 480-488-2286 Massage Bodywork for Life 480-595-0246 bodyworkforlife.com Outdoor Furniture Carefree Outdoor Living 480-575-3091 carefreeoutdoor.com Outdoor Lighting Let There be Light, LLC 480-575-3204 lettherebelightllc.com PAINTING DW Crandall Painting, Inc. 602.486.9495 dwcrandall.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 Pilates Bodywork for Life 480-595-0246 bodyworkforlife.com Photography Blackswan Photographers 480-282-8646 blackswanphotographers.com Karen Sophia Photography 480-543-7526 karensophiaphotography.com Loralei Photography 602-795-0555 loraleiphotography.com Plastic Surgeon Dr. Patti Flint 480-945-3300 pattiflintmd.com Plumbing Canyon State AC and Plumbing 602-996-1818 canyonstateac.com Priceless Plumbing Heating & Air 480-595-5330 pricelessplumbing.com Proskill Services 623-551-7473 proskillservices.com Podiatry Westland Family Foot and Ankle Specialist 480-361-2500 westlandffas.com Post office Scottsdale Post Office 7339 E. Williams Dr. 480-513-2935

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Local Index Real Estate Jean Ransdell Russ Lyon Sotheby’s 480-294-3257 arizonaluxuryrealty.com Tom Scappaticci Russ Lyon Sotheby’s 602-430-4081 arizonaluxuryrealty.com Retirement Community Carefree Manor 480-595-5800 carefreemanor.net The Heritage at Carefree 480-488-1622 heritagecarefree.com SCHOOL Annunciation Catholic School 480-361-8234 Bella Vista Private School 480-575-6001

Goddard School 480-437-1000 Grayhawk Elementary School 602-449-6600 pvschools.net Horseshoe Trails Elementary School 480-272-8500 Little Sunshine’s Playhouse and Preschool 480-585-7000 littlesunshine.com Lone Mountain Elementary School 480-437-3000 McDowell Mtn Ranch KinderCare 480-538-0411 kindercare.com

Black Mountain Elementary School 480-575-2100

Notre Dame Preparatory 480-634-8200 notredamepreparatory.org

Career Success School 480-575-0075

Our Lady of Joy Preschool 480-595-6409

Copper Ridge School 480-484-1400

Paradise Valley Community College at Black Mountain 602-493-2600

Child’s Play Preschool – CCUSD cavecreekpreschools.com 480-575-2062

Pinnacle High School 602-449-4000

Desert Foothills Lutheran Preschool 480-585-8007

Pinnacle Peak Elementary School 480-538-7120 www.pvschools.net

Desert Canyon Middle School 480-484-4600

Pope John XXIII Catholic School Community 480-905-0939 popejohnxxiii.org

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

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Foothills Academy 480-488-5583

Ima g e s A Z . c o m D ecem ber 2 0 1 4

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 Ventana Academic School 480-488-9362 Sheriff Sheriff’s Posse 602-876-1895 Shopping Cave Creek Candle & Gifts 6245 E. Cave Creek Road 480-488-7799 cavecreekcandles.com Las Tiendas 6140 E. Cave Creek Rd. lastiendascavecreek.com Stefan Mann 34505 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite G10 480-488-3371 stefanmann.com Stand Up Paddleboard No Snow SUP 480-807-6787 nosnowsup.com Security Doors and Screens Steel Shield Security Doors 602-639-4965 602-633-9368 steelshieldsecurity.com Tire Repair and Sales C&R Tire 623-551-6255 candrtire.com Water Softener & Filtration Priceless Plumbing Heating & Air 480-595-5330 pricelessplumbing.com Proskill Services 623-551-7473 proskillservices.com window treatments Carefree Coverings 602-617-2920 34522 N. Scottsdale Rd. Ste 100B

ImagesAZ Magazine 623-341-8221 imagesaz.com For Advertising Information Shelly Spence :: 623-341-8221 shelly@imagesaz.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 Cave Creek Adventist Fellowship 602-663-1268 cavecreekchurch.com Christ Anglican Episcopal Church 480-488-0525 christchurchaz.org 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 Desert Foothills Lutheran Church 480-585-8007 dflc.org Desert Hills Presbyterian Church 480-488-3384 deserthills.org

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

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

Desert Valley Baptist Church 623-465-9461

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

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

Pinnacle Presbyterian Church 480-585-9448 pinnaclepres.org

First Baptist Church of Cave Creek 480-488-2958

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

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

Sanctuary Church 480-656-0081 sanctuaryforscottsdale.com

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

Son Rise Community Church 480-502-2834 sonrisescottsdale.org

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 Mountain Valley Church 602-531-5432 mountainvalleychurch.com New Covenant Lutheran Church 480-860-0169 newcovenantaz.org

Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center 480-488-5218 spiritinthedesert.org St. Bernard of Clairvaux Catholic Church 480-661-9843 stbernardscottsdale.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 Part-time Massage Therapist

North Scottsdale Christian 480-367-8182 northscottsdalechristian.com

proficient in pain relief wanted for

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

healthcare facility. New building at

clinic. Also treatment room/office available for rent inside holistic Pinnacle Peak & Miller (Hayden).

480-595-0246.

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Recipe

Hot Kale and Artichoke Dip Writer and photographer Monica Longenbaker

With its golden crust and hot, oozing center, no one can deny the ultimate crowd-pleasing status of spinach and artichoke dip, a surefire hit for any holiday gettogether. To make this dish extra special this time around, try replacing the spinach with kale, which is more robust in texture and stands up well to the rich, creamy flavors of the cheese. Unlike many classic versions, this recipe also excludes heavier ingredients like cream cheese, mayonnaise and sour cream without compromising flavor. For the best results, serve this dip right out of the oven while it’s still hot and bubbling with your favorite accompaniments: crackers, crostini, tortilla chips, pita chips or assorted vegetables.

Hot Kale and Artichoke Dip Yield: 3 cups

Directions: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Heat olive oil in a sauté pan over medium heat.

Add the chopped garlic and green onions and stir until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.

1 tablespoon olive oil 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped 2 tablespoons green onion, finely chopped 1 bunch lacinato kale (about 6 ounces with stems removed), finely chopped 1 14-ounce can artichoke hearts (about 1½ cups), finely chopped 3 tablespoons butter 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1½ to 2 cups whole milk ¾ cup Parmesan cheese, grated (¼ cup reserved for topping) ¾ cup feta cheese, crumbled ½ tablespoon lemon juice ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional) pinch of cayenne pepper (optional) salt and pepper to taste

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Add the chopped kale and lightly sauté for 3-5 minutes, or until the kale starts to wilt. Transfer the mixture into a mixing bowl and add the chopped artichoke hearts.

Set aside.

Place the same sauté pan over medium-low heat and add the butter. Once the butter is melted, add the flour and stir for 1-2 minutes until the flour is cooked to form a roux. Add the milk and whisk until there are no more lumps. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly until thick. Once the mixture is thick, remove the pan from the heat and whisk in the grated Parmesan (reserving ¼ cup for later) and feta cheese.

Stir until cheese is completely melted.

Pour the mixture over the sautéed kale and artichoke hearts and stir to combine.

Add lemon juice and spices to taste. Transfer the dip to a baking dish and top with remaining grated Parmesan cheese.

Bake the dip in a 350-degree oven for 20-25 minutes or until heated through and bubbly. Tip: Place a sheet pan underneath to catch any drips. For a golden brown crust, place under the broiler for an additional 3-5 minutes. Serve immediately.

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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

Jean Ransdell

602.430.4081

480.294.3257

tom@tomscappaticci.com Realtor®, Associate Broker

jean@jransdell.com Realtor®, ABR, e-PRO, Relocation Specialist, 2013-2014 Pinnacle Peak RMS Tour 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

Test imonial

Scottsdale Executive Home 3967 SF 4 BR 3.5 Ba $999,500

”Jean and Tom did an excellent job in selling our home. They have a thorough understanding of the market and how to best market our home for a quick sale at a solid price. Their marketing materials and efforts were exceptional. They have a sincere commitment to doing the right thing and in helping us evaluate offers. We relied on their sound judgment and sold our home in three weeks. I would use them again if I needed to sell my home.” Ken and Darlene

Scottsdale, 4604 SF, 4 BR, 4.5 BA, 4 Car Garage $1,899,000

Trust Jean Ransdell and Tom Scappaticci for Results!

They are the Team You Will Proudly Use and Refer!

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