Images Arizona: Anthem June 2015 Issue

Tramonto Anthem Desert Hills New River

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Contents

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

Photographers Bryan Black Loralei Lazurek Keri Meyers Mike Harvey Michele Celentano Karen Hamilton Monica Longenbaker

Graphic artist Sam Paul

Advertising Consultant Brian Bluvas

Images Arizona P.O. Box 1416 Carefree, AZ. 85377 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.

Found in Translation

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

Writer Lara Piu Photographer Scott Foust P. 40

Local First A R I Z O NA 4

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www.HaroldsCorral.com June 2015

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Welcome

Y

You may have noticed when you picked up this month’s copy of our magazine that something is a little different. Don’t worry – it wasn’t your eyes playing tricks on you. We’ve changed our look!

For the last 15 years, our magazine has been evolving and becoming what it is today. We’ve learned what is important to us and to our readers,

Meet The Dykhuizen Family Writer Peni Long Photographer Keri Meyers P. 8

and we’ve worked hard to find the best writers, photographers and graphic designers to provide our readers with professional, top-quality and inspirational content each and every month. Now that we’ve officially upped our game, we decided to give the magazine a makeover to reflect the pride we have in our work.

We’ve built a new logo, carefully picked new fonts and redesigned some of our sections to give Images Arizona magazine a whole new look and feel. We love what we’ve come up with, and hope you do, too!

Cheers!

Get Out of Town P. 34

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

Brighter Dreams P. 44

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BCHS Volleyball

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P. 12

Care Sonoran Health and Emergency Center Emergencies can be frightening. We think it doesn’t have to feel that way. That’s why we honor your right to emergency care that’s personal and focused on your unique needs — 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week.

On I-17, south of Carefree Highway.

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

We are making healthy personal.

HonorHealth.com June 2015

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Meet THE

Dykhuizenfamily

Writer Peni Long Photographer Keri Meyers

For Alex and Heaven Dykhuizen, it has been a fast track from high school to marriage, home, family and fulfilling careers. That’s a lot to happen in six years, but where they are in life now seems the ideal place for the couple – a happy story for them and for their future in Anthem.

For her part, Heaven did not start out in Anthem. She came from California to visit relatives the summer of 2008. Part of the visit included the family’s Grace North Church, which turned out to be the inspiration for Heaven’s desire to return to Anthem after her graduation from high school. Upon her return, she met Alex one Sunday at Grace North Church.

“We were just good friends first,” says Heaven. But friendship blossomed into romance and the couple was engaged in October 2010. They married in June 2011.

Married at 19 and now with a career and family, it has been a very fast progression for the couple.

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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 June 2015

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For his part, Alex graduated from Boulder Creek High

7 months. “Brooklyn is a busy, busy toddler who loves

School in 2010. After receiving a full-ride basketball

Mickey Mouse – a non-stop 2-year-old, but Harper is so

scholarship, college was in the cards for him for a

relaxed. It’s fun to see their different personalities,” says

short time. Injuries sidelined his basketball career, and

their proud mom.

in 2011 he married his soulmate, Heaven, and work and family became his priorities. In rare moments apart from

The Dykhuizen house is still being made into their

work and family, he still plays basketball at Anthem’s

special home, and in her spare time, Heaven plans to

Community Center and serves at Grace North Church.

refurbish, remodel and personalize their place. It may take a while, since the home is also the office for the

Alex and Heaven are now happily at home in the

couple as they juggle expanding careers in health care

Anthem house they purchased in 2012. They share the

coordination and management.

home with their daughters Brooklyn, age 2, and Harper,

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For both Alex and Heaven, employment came as caregivers for Arion Care Solutions, an organization which has become a path to both service and success. Since joining Arion, Alex and Heaven have moved from being caregivers themselves to hiring providers and managing services.

Alex is now the veterans’ services manager for the company – fitting, since both of his grandfathers were in the military. “It was so rewarding to hear the stories from veterans and others being helped. I just knew this was my career,” he says.

Arion provides attendant care, habilitation, respite and in-home care for people of all ages, and with the veterans’ services division, Arion is now providing home care services for eligible veterans and surviving spouses.

“Do you know we have over 600,000 veterans in Arizona? We need to make sure they know about the services that we can provide to them,” says Alex. “So many people can use our help. We need to get the word out. There are over two million veterans and their surviving spouses eligible for a pension to help pay for costs associated with home care needs. That is our mission: compassionate care in the comfort of home.”

Heaven is a supervisor for Arion’s division of developmental disabilities. Like Alex, she coordinates hiring and services for a wing of the Arion organization.

Alex and Heaven as a couple radiate a serenity and quiet enthusiasm for their family, their careers, their church, and their life in Anthem. “We love going to local places, having barbecues with friends and just enjoying time with family. Anthem is so familyfriendly – a great place to raise our girls.”

And a place that is graced to be the chosen home of the Dykhuizen family. arioncaresolutions.com adykhuizen@arioncaresolutions.com

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Sports

Writer Tom Scanlon Photographer Mike Harvey

Boulder Creek Volleyball A powerhouse program

Could the Boulder Creek High School boys’ volleyball team spike its way to a second straight state championship?

Not quite.

Leading his team to the school’s first state championship last year was tough enough for Coach Troy Dueling. Last season he had a seasoned group of battle-tested seniors; this year, much of that team is now playing volleyball in college, leaving big holes to be filled by younger, inexperienced players struggling to defend that championship trophy.

Dueling, now in his seventh season at BC, has been pleased with the play of this year’s young, junior-heavy team, which he says illustrates the strength of the program.

“Even where we’re in a rebuilding year, we’re still in the top 10,” he noted. He was quick to add, “The bar is higher. It’s championship or bust.”

The pressure to bring another championship back to Anthem fell on the shoulders of a group

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of athletes who struggled a bit as the season began, then started clicking in mid-season when the Jaguars ran off a string of impressive wins.

“We have a really strong core junior group,” Dueling said. “I think this was a season that they were able to become the new face of BC volleyball.

There’s been a lot of team growth, individual growth and mental growth.”

The coach credits a trio of seniors – Adrien Wheeler, Booth Williamson and Stephen Hall – with helping their younger teammates. “I really admire and am proud of the work they put in this year,” Dueling said. “It’s not easy to be a small senior class, knowing the program is running through a younger wave. They’ve stepped up and been leaders.”

The seniors have also been key players, filling important roles. “Adrien has done a really good job of molding himself. He knew we needed another outside attacker. He had never played there, now he’s becoming a productive outside attacker. Booth and Stephen are middle blockers.”

These are crucial defensive positions, the coach noted, and though blocking is not as glamorous as an applausegetting spike or ace off a serve, the gritty work blockers do is needed for ball control.

Some of the underclassmen who have been impressive are juniors Grady O’Neil, Andrew DeLeon, Liam Santa Cruz and Bryce Whitman. Dueling also has a few sophomores in his rotation.

O’Neil is the libero, the defensive specialist who stays on the back row, digging away. “Grady is probably the best libero we’ve had,” Dueling said.

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This year’s team was lacking the likes of Quenten

well and has developed character. “There are things

Campbell, the epic spiker who led the Jaguars on their

on court we do, but what sets us apart is the level of

successful run through the playoffs last year. He was

dedication everybody – myself, assistant coaches, players

hardly a one-man show, with strong support from the

– put into it. Being a part of this program is not just

other seniors last season: Kennedy McGrath, Cody

a fun activity. It’s your life. It’s watching films, practice,

Williams, Alex Boyce, Elijah Mowry and Christopher

looking at practice film.”

Balzer.

Then again, there are certainly fun things, like trips to The juniors who playied so well for Dueling this year

tournaments at places like Las Vegas.

were mere sophomores last year, and the coach chuckles as he recalls them getting “beat up pretty good

Even after a state championship, Dueling feels his

by the older guys” during practices. Though the seniors

volleyball squad plays second fiddle to the big spectator

were a dominant force, Dueling knew the sophomore

sports: football, basketball and baseball. But he

class was talented, just inexperienced and physically not

continues to try to recruit athletes to his sport.

matured. “I could see the talent in the younger guys.”

His advice for youngsters, say, in sixth or seventh grade, Now that the younger guys have had a year of growth,

who want to learn volleyball and get on board with a

they were hoping to defend last year’s title.

superior program?

Late in the season, Boulder Creek was ranked ninth

“Contact me early,” said Dueling, who also coaches

in the state. “All the guys are pretty level-headed and

club volleyball nearly year-round. “Play a lot of sand

realistic about who we are,” said Dueling. “If we get the

volleyball, play club volleyball. You’ve got to start playing

right draw, we can back to the final four.”

at a young age.”

It was not to be, as a strong Highland team edged

Dueling notes that, unlike basketball and football,

Dueling’s boys, 3-2. The playoff loss ended the Jaguars’

you don’t have to be tall and muscular to do well in

season at 27-13-2, another big season for a program on

volleyball.

the rise.

The Anthem volleyball guru invites young athletes Dueling proudly notes that his teams have made the

to jump on board a program that he feels will be a

playoffs every year he has been Boulder Creek’s coach.

powerhouse for years to come. Now that he’s had a taste of being No. 1, Dueling says he is not finished: “I’d

After seven years, Dueling feels the program is going

like to win a few more championships.”

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community arts // Culture // announcements Writer Barb Evans

Preston’s Steakhouse Opens in North Scottsdale Preston’s Steakhouse, the latest offering from visionary Chef Charles Schwerd, is now open at the Citadel, 8700 E. Pinnacle Peak Road. The contemporary steakhouse offers an upscale yet unpretentious, local-centric experience at a more affordable price with a menu focusing on traditional steakhouse classics mixed with innovative chef surprises.

A variety of handcrafted bottle beers, classic and signature cocktails, and an extensive wine list ensure the perfect accompaniment to every meal. Dining reservations are

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recommended. For more information visit prestonsscottsdale.com.

community calendar arts // Culture // announcements

June 1-July 31 Topgolf Summer Academy Kids ages 6 to 12 can learn about all the components that make up the great game of golf

June 13, 14

in this weekly program, from

Family Weekend at the MIM

chipping, putting and full swing,

Kick off your summer fun as

to the game’s rules, culture and

MIM honors the wonderful

June 8

etiquette. Camps run Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-noon. $199 per week. Topgolf, 9500 E. Indian Bend Rd., 480-2402402, topgolf.com/kidzone.

MIM Concert: Steve Smith and Vital Information-NYC Edition Steve Smith, the former drummer from Journey and one of Modern Drummer magazine’s “top 25 drummers of all time” brings the NYC version of his celebrated jazz fusion band to the MIM Music Theater.

7 p.m. $32.50-$42.50. Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., 480-478-6000, mim.org.

1910s to the post-war era

educational cartoon series

from artists such as Georgia

and pop culture phenomenon,

O’Keeffe, Stuart Davis, Arthur

comes to life in this full-scale,

Dove and Marsden Hartley. Free

no-cut production for ages 8

with museum admission. Phoenix

to 14 offered in a summer

June 7-SepT 7

Art Museum, 1625 N. Central

workshop format. Workshop

Ave., 602-257-1880, phxart.org.

runs June 8-19, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.;

From New York to New Mexico: Masterworks of American Modernism from the Vilcek Foundation Collection

June 8-19

19-21. Check website for show

Enjoy masterworks of American modernism from the early

MTA Summer Workshop: “School House Rock LIVE! Jr.” “School House Rock,” the Emmy Award-winning Saturday morning

final performances run June times and to register. Musical Theatre of Anthem, 42323 N. Vision Way, 602-743-9892, musicaltheatreofanthem.org.

families throughout the state with a weekend of music, crafts, activities, tours, and of course, instruments. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free with paid museum admission.

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

June 15-19 Deer Valley Evangelical Lutheran Church Vacation Bible School Extend your child’s religious education and help them conquer everyday challenges with God’s might and power with this summer’s Everestthemed vacation bible school for children ages 4 to 12.

9 a.m.-noon. Deer Valley Evangelical Lutheran Church, 220 W. Union Hills Dr., 623-581-1198, deervalley.org.

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community calendar arts // Culture // announcements

June 19, 20

Believe in Anthem Awards Scholarship to Kate Artmann

Tilted Earth Wine & Music Festival

Believe in Anthem, a mother-

This vibrant festival returns

daughter non-profit dedicated

for its second year with an

to inspiring community

expanded two-day lineup of

service and leadership

well-known folk and acoustic

through kindness, awarded

rock entertainment, wine from

their annual scholarship to

17 northern Arizona wineries,

Anthem Preparatory Academy

and cuisine from eight gourmet

graduating senior Kate

food trucks from the Phoenix Street Food Coalition. 4 p.m.midnight. $20-$45. Riverfront

June 25-27

Park, N. 10th St., Cottonwood,

Scorpius Dance Theatre Presents “Rock”

928-639-3004,

Audiences will be taken back in time with this high-impact show

tiltedearthfestival.com.

that pays tribute to Rock ‘n’ Roll from the ’60s to the early ’80s by exploring the stories behind the music through dance, aerial arts and two short films. Check website for show times. $25+. Hormel Theatre at Phoenix Theatre, 100 E. McDowell Rd., 602-254-2151, scorpiusdance.com.

July 2 Anthem’s Independence Day Celebration Celebrate Independence Day while keeping your July 4th travel plans with this early celebration featuring wet and dry rides/inflatables, food, dancing and fireworks. 6 p.m.

Free. Anthem Community Park

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softball fields, 41703 N. Gavilan

drink specials, and a free

Peak Pkwy., 623-742-6050,

shuttle around town. 5 p.m.

onlineatanthem.com.

Shuttle available 6 p.m. to

July 3 Cave Creek’s 3rd of July Fireworks Extravaganza One of the Valley’s biggest parties, this family-friendly Independence Day celebration features live music, food and

midnight. Free. Reserved seats available: two-top, $10; four-top, $15; and 10-top, $30. Harold’s Corral, 6895 E. Cave Creek Rd., 480-488-1906, haroldscorral. com; The Buffalo Chip Saloon, 6811 E. Cave Creek Rd., 480488-9118, buffalochipsaloon.com.

Artmann. The scholarship was established to honor an Anthem female student who shows leadership in her community and school. Artmann has been involved in a number of school activities including volleyball, tennis, leadership team, yearbook committee and the gardening club. She has also served as secretary for homecoming and managed the summer reading program table at the library. She plans to study communications in college, and would like to eventually establish a career in advertising or public relations. believeinanthemaz.org.

community calendar arts // Culture // announcements

arts and crafts festivals for

Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation Honors Five Employees

2015/16, including the 8th Annual Carefree Christmas Festival (Dec. 11, 12, and

The Maricopa Community

13), the 5th Annual Carefree

Colleges Foundation (MCCF),

Festival of Fine Chocolate

the fundraising arm of the

& Fine Art (Feb. 11, 12, 13,

Maricopa County Community

and 14), and the 3rd Annual

Colleges (MCCC), honored

Carefree Days (April 8, 9, and

employees Dr. Christopher

10). Each weekend-long festival

Scinto, Landres “Buddy” Cheeks, Dr. Heather Weber, Miguel Fernandez and Dr. Bryan Tippet (awarded posthumously) at a luncheon held April 28 at the foundation’s offices. Five awards were made in the form of $1,000 scholarship given in each awardee’s name to a student at any MCCC college or center. Awardees may help select criteria for awarding the scholarship based on MCCF guidelines. For more information, visit mcccdf.org.

Anthem Country Club Community Association Honors Volunteers The Anthem Country Club Community Association (ACCCA) board of directors honored over 40 volunteers April 23

Canyon Springs Holds “Kinder’garden’” Grand Opening Canyon Springs Elementary School held a ribbon ceremony March 22, Earth Day, for its new “Kinder’garden,” a garden created by students from funds awarded to kindergarten teacher Jaime Hansen by the Deer Valley Education Foundation. The grant supports the kindergarten program and the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) program unique to the school. School principal Tricia Graham was present for the ribbon cutting in which students sang songs, watered and tended to their newly planted garden, and conducted a campus cleanup. at a reception held prior to

Cote, community manager, at

their quarterly meeting. The

623-742-4561 or

volunteers were recognized for

jcote@aamaz.com.

sharing their time and talents working on several committees, special projects and focus groups established for the betterment of the Anthem Country Club community. If you are interested in volunteering for the ACCCA, contact Jody

Magic Bird Announces 2015/2016 Carefree Arizona Festival Schedule Magic Bird Festivals recently announced its list of Carefree

takes place at Carefree Desert Gardens, 101 Easy St., and includes a variety of handselected local, regional and prestigious fine arts and crafts exhibitors, as well as live music and dance performances at the site’s open air Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion. For more information, including a complete list of upcoming events, call 480-488-2014 or visit magicbirdfestivals.com.

John C. Lincoln Health Foundation Gold Ball Raises over $1 Million John C. Lincoln Health Foundation hit a milestone by raising net proceeds that exceeded $1 million at their Gold Ball held March 21 at The

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community calendar arts // Culture // announcements that reduce the time between hospital arrival and treatment with the clot-buster tPA, the only drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat ischemic stroke.

For more information, visit honorhealth.com.

MTA Announces 2015-2016 Season

Phoenician. The record-breaking results will help change lives by supporting military and veterans’

Musical Theatre of Anthem,

programs through transition support services and Desert Mission. Proceeds also will support innovative healthcare and advanced technology.

Priscilla Ferry served as chair of the ball, a spring tradition hosted by the John C. Lincoln Health Foundation. More than 700 leaders in the business, professional and medical communities attended the gala.

For more information, visit jclhealthfoundation.com.

Three Area Hospitals Honored with Stroke Care Quality Achievement Award HonorHealth Deer Valley Medical Center, HonorHealth John C. Lincoln Medical Center

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located at 42323 N. Vision

Renowned Chef Lisa Dahl Opens Mariposa in Sedona Executive chef, restaurateur and author Lisa Dahl will open her fourth Sedona restaurant, Mariposa Latin Inspired Kitchen Steak & Seafood Grill, this summer. Located on a bluff overlooking the area’s world-famous red rocks, the restaurant will offer South American cuisine inspired by Dahl’s visits to Argentina, Chile and Uruguay. The restaurant also represents Dahl’s first foray away from the Italian cuisine served at her three other restaurants, Dahl and Di Luca, Cucina Rustica and Pisa Lisa. For more information, visit mariposasedona.com. and HonorHealth Scottsdale

of stroke patients. The program

Osborn Medical Center recently

helps hospital teams provide

received the Get With the

the most up-to-date, research-

Way, recently released its list of shows for their eighth season, offering opportunities for performers of all ages, including no-cut productions for performers ages 6-19.

Productions for 2015-16 include “Shrek the Musical, Jr.” Sept. 24-Oct. 4; “The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane” Nov. 12-15; “Annie, Jr.” Dec. 3-13; “Junie B. Jones, the Musical” Feb. 18-28; “Legally Blonde, Jr.” March 3-6; Disney’s “Mary Poppins”

Guidelines-Stroke Gold-Plus

based guidelines with the goal

Quality Achievement Award

of speeding recovery and

for implementing specific

reducing death and disability for

quality improvement measures

stroke patients. The hospitals

Pinocchio, Jr.” June 16-19. For

outlined by the American Heart

also received the association’s

audition and show times, visit

Association/American Stroke

Target: Stroke Honor Roll for

musicaltheatreofanthem.org.

Association for the treatment

meeting stroke quality measures

April 28-May 8; Disney’s “101 Dalmatians Kids” May 1222; and Disney’s “My Son

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Photographer Michelle Perry

Photographer Michelle Perry

Samantha Pear

Taylor Ellsworth

Writer Peni Long

Peyton Wayne

Photographer Maggie Holmes

Photographer Bryan Black

Branson Tibbs

Ian Burton

The Rotary Club of Anthem recently announced this year’s scholarship winners—five deserving students who completed the application process, demonstrated excellence and commitment to service, and exhibited energy, enthusiasm, and involvement in school and community activities.

According to Ken Hedman, program coordinator, all winners are leaders in their school and deserve the recognition and financial support awarded by the Rotary project. The applicant pool included students from the two public high schools serving Anthem and Anthem seniors attending private or parochial schools in the region.

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Each student was presented with

the top 8 percent of their class, many

a certificate at the school’s award

in the top 1 percent. It’s not an easy

ceremonies, and the $1,000 scholarship

choice, but we do come together and

to support enrollment at any accredited

agree on our winners.

community college or four-year college or university, or trade, vocational, or

“Congratulations to the winners of this

proprietary school for the 2015-2016

year’s scholarships. They deserve the

academic year.

recognition and the support.”

And this year’s winners are...

About the Rotary The scholarship program is a staple of

From Boulder Creek High School: Taylor

the Rotary’s activities; over $50,000 in

Ellsworth, Peyton Wayne, Branson Tibbs

scholarship funding has been awarded

and Samantha Pear

since the program’s inception in 2003.

Funding for the scholarships and the

From Sandra Day O’Connor High

Rotary’s other service programs comes

School: Ian Burton.

primarily from two major fundraisers generating about $20,000 each year.

The application and selection process is not an easy one. Each student

A 501(c)3 non-profit organization

applying must submit a list of activities

with about 50 members, the Anthem

and accomplishments demonstrating

Rotary is part of Rotary International,

leadership, any honors or awards, extra-

with 34,000 clubs worldwide staffed

curricular activities, community service,

by volunteers who work to combat

employment history, interests and

hunger, improve health and sanitation,

personal and career goals.

provide education and job training, and promote peace. Of the local group,

The process is completed with

Hedman notes, “The camaraderie is

submission of a 250-word maximum

wonderful, and the group seems to be

essay describing how the applicant’s

getting younger as it ages. That’s a

actions in a chosen career would be

good thing.”

beneficial to individuals, families and communities. Hedman says, “This

Service Above Self

reinforces the Rotary’s commitment

The Anthem Rotary is continuing to

to four principles in everything we do

expand its programs to live up to its

or say: Is it the truth? Is it fair? Will

motto and in this spirit has recently

it build goodwill or better friendships?

initiated a new program to provide

Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

clothing, food, school supplies and

Our scholarship winners demonstrate a

toiletries to homeless high school

commitment to these core values.”

students. Yes, that is correct. At last estimate there are about 80 students

Once the applications are submitted,

in our service area who have no home

Hedman and his two co-reviewers get

and no support but who are motivated

to work reviewing the submissions

to continue their schooling. It is hard

independently before meeting to agree

to believe, but bad things do continue

on their recommendations. The review

to happen to good people, and good

is thorough, including the submitted

people in the Rotary are working to

applications, Arizona’s Instrument to

help them. The Rotary has set aside

Measure Standards (AIMS) scores, class

$2,000 to support this initiative this

ranking, and grade point average (GPA).

year.

“Most of the students are definitely in

anthemrotary.org June 2015

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Writer Donna Kublin Photo by Gabe Mikesell

A great place to enjoy this summer, or any other time

meant to represent the American West and include old

for that matter, is the newly opened Western Spirit:

and new materials with some selected to age over time.

Scottsdale’s Museum of the West, located in the city’s historic arts district. The $11.4 million museum features

“It is a beautiful facility, new and fresh, with exhibits set

stunning rotating exhibitions of Western art, cultural

up extremely well,” said Jan Patton, museum docent.

treasures and historic artifacts on loan from some of

Anthem residents Jan and husband Jim signed up to

the world’s foremost collectors and institutions. Enlivening

become docents when the museum opened, having also

the experience are interactive exhibits, multi-media

been docents at the Heard Museum for the past nine

productions, and an ongoing schedule of fun, educational

years. They are part of the team that provides three

programs and public events.

different one-hour docent tours, available each Tuesday through Friday.

The museum opened in January 2015 to rave reviews.

“People are awestruck when they visit,” said Michael

“The museum is a much needed addition to the area,

Fox, museum director. “They are surprised by the unique

the state, and all things Western,” said Jan. “Visitors have

Western architecture of the building, the vastness of

told us that it was the highlight of their trip to Arizona.”

the collection, and the emphasis on storytelling in the exhibits.”

The spectacular building and the exhibits transport visitors to another place and time. Interactive activities as

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The exquisite new 43,000-square-foot, two-story main

well as multi-media kiosks strategically located throughout

building, designed by the architectural firm Studio MA, is

the galleries engage the interest of children and adults

located at the site of the historic Loloma Transit Station,

alike, providing insights into the art and artifacts on

which was designed by noted architect Vito Acconci.

exhibit, as well as topics such as Western geography,

Building materials, many indigenous to the area, are

history, flora and fauna.

Ima g e s A Z . c o m J une 2 0 1 5

Some of the current highlights include:

the exhibition are monumental bronze sculptures by Frederic Remington and Charles M. Russell. In addition,

Inspirational Journey: The Story of Lewis and Clark

there is an exhibit of celebrated contemporary Western

Featuring the Artwork of Charles Fritz

American artists.

(Through May 31, 2016) Contemporary painter Charles Fritz chronicled the

Coming in November is the 50th anniversary exhibition

historic early 19th century expedition of Captains

of Cowboy Artists of America, a retrospective exhibition

Meriwether Lewis and William Clark in a dynamic

featuring one piece of art by every artist who has ever

series of 100 paintings accompanied by complimentary

been a member of the organization.

sculptural bronzes by artists including Barry Eisenach, Richard Greeves and Harry Jackson. Interactive audio/

In addition to these exhibitions and galleries, the

video kiosks feature commentary by Fritz on his work.

museum also features the beautiful outdoor sculpture courtyard, with an ever-changing array of sculptural

The A.P. Hays Spirit of the West Collection

exhibits. The 135-seat theater/auditorium hosts

(Ongoing Exhibition)

performances, special programs, events and an ongoing

A selection of saddles, spurs, and other quintessentially

film production highlighting the story of the West. In

Western items from the collection of Scottsdale gallerist

April, the theater hosted a special event featuring

Abe Hays. Highlights include a John Wayne business

Johnny Western who, among other things, wrote

card signed by the iconic actor; a Colt 1977 double

the theme song “Ballad of Paladin” for the Western

action revolver with an ivory grip; and vintage tooled

series “Have Gun, Will Travel.” At the event, the iconic

leather holsters from the Albert Furstnow Company

musician, actor and radio show host was inducted into

(1890-1900) and the F. Ronstadt Company (circa 1910),

the Arizona Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame.

whose founder was the grandfather of singer Linda Ronstadt. Other treasures include a David E. Walker

Serving as a center for the community, the auditorium

leather saddle circa 1880 and a selection of Texas

was recently used for a job fair and business meetings;

Ranger badges from the 1890s.

plans are in place to use it for wedding receptions.

Several exhibitions will run only until September

The museum is a terrific summer outing for the entire

30, including majestic sculptures in bronze by John

family. “Representing all 19 Western states, it is a

Coleman with Erik Petersen; fine art of the American

great way to visit the American West without traveling,”

West by renowned artists; and the artwork and books

said Fox.

that illuminate the life and work of the prolific Western American writer and painter, Will James.

Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West 3830 N. Marshall Way, Scottsdale

Ongoing exhibitions of more than 80 paintings provide

480-686-9539, scottsdalemuseumwest.org

a visual treasure of the epic story of America’s West in the 19th and 20th centuries. There are also gold-

Adults: $13, Seniors (65+) and Active Military: $11,

tone photographs by Edward S. Curtis, Pueblo pottery,

Students (with ID) and Children (6-17 years): $8,

Navajo chiefs’ blankets, and objects associated with the

Members and Children 5 and under: Free

legendary man of the West, Kit Carson. Rounding out June 2015

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Writer Amanda Christmann Larson Photographer Bryan Black

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I

Inside the sanctuary of Papago Park, rust-colored

and a button-down denim shirt, sleeves rolled to the

sandstone monuments tower weathered and worn

elbows, his warm smile is his most notable trait.

over a saguaro-studded moonscape. Ponds lined with palm trees and neat swaths of golf course

In spite of his authority, Castro is a rare mix of

green from form oases in the parched desert, and

humbleness and savvy. He starts each day with a

the sun illuminates a white pyramid standing alone

cup of joe at Janey’s in Cave Creek, mingling with

atop a towering hillside. Erected out of grief by

a few morning regulars before heading south to

Arizona’s first governor, George Wiley Paul Hunt, to

run Arizona’s second most popular attraction. The

entomb the body of his wife, it is where he, too, is

self-described “quiet guy in the room” has spent

now enshrined.

the last seven years working tirelessly behind the scenes gradually shifting the paradigm of the zoo’s

Follow the paved path through this most unlikely

mission to be more conservation-conscious and

corner of Phoenix, and another fantastic anomaly

foundationally strong.

awaits. An array of birds, their melodies a medley of musical accord, accompanies the gentle rhythm of

Up for the Challenge

the hooves of giraffes and Grant’s gazelles as they

It’s been a tall order, even for this 30-year

saunter across a rolling savanna. Smiling meerkats

zoo veteran. When he first walked through the

stand erect, their masked eyes curious as they dart

entrance of the Phoenix Zoo February 1, 2008, the

to and fro foraging for food. A rare white rhino

country was on an economic high. Companies and

stands motionless in the shade like a giant weather-

individuals were thriving and had plenty to give to

worn boulder perched atop thick stumps.

non-profit organizations like the zoo.

In all, more than 1,400 mammals, birds, reptiles,

Still, there were issues that needed to be addressed:

amphibians and fish call this haven, the Phoenix

the fire marshal had issued a moratorium on new

Zoo, “home,” including about 30 whose wild relatives

exhibits because the zoo’s water lines were not up

are disappearing from the earth’s environs. It is a

to code; several habitats and features were outdated

massive effort of conservation and advocacy, and at

and insufficient; and administrative and educational

the helm is Carefree’s own Bert Castro.

facilities were overcrowded and inadequate.

At first glance, Castro could be mistaken for a

In October 2008, Castro launched an aggressive

wayward dad wandering among the strollers in air

capital campaign called “A World-Class Zoo for a

thick with the scent of sunscreen and the gleeful

World-Class City.” The goal was to raises $20 million

shouts of toddlers and schoolchildren. Wearing jeans

in donations to renew and reinvigorate the zoo.

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It seemed reasonable for a facility located in one of the most rapidly growing cities in the country. But days later, the stock market tanked and the bottom dropped out of an economy that proved too good to be true.

In response, Castro and the zoo’s board of directors dug in their heels and forged their way forward. Although it took twice as long as anticipated, they managed to not only raise the $20 million for which they initially set their sights, they exceeded their goal by $3.5 million.

It was an accomplishment that earned applause from not only the zoological community, but also from those who fully understood the challenges of squeezing proverbial blood from turnips during a worldwide financial crisis. It also earned Castro and the zoo a Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce’s distinguished IMPACT Award for Response to Adversity in the Large Business Sector.

For his part, Castro remains modest, always preferring the use of “we” to “I.” “We believe the zoo is one of the greatest community assets,” he explained. “In every world class city, what people gravitate to when they are looking for employment, a place to live, and a place to raise their family is a city with world class amenities and institutions. …The zoo is an integral part of that.”

From the Beginning Castro is no stranger to interminability. Cuban-born, he arrived in Oklahoma with his family and little more than the clothes on their backs as a toddler during the Cuban Revolution. His parents worked hard and passed their grit and tenacity on to their son.

When Castro was seven years old, he attended a birthday party for a classmate held at the Tulsa Zoo. He was enthralled. The highlight of the day: A short ride on one of the zoo’s elephants. (“Things were different back then,” he explains.) Young Bert climbed into his mom’s car at the end of the day and exclaimed to his mom, “You know that elephant I rode today? One day I’m going to be its keeper!”

Seventeen years later, he kept his word and became that elephant’s keeper.

Castro’s zoo career, beginning as a volunteer at the Tulsa Zoo, has been firmly rooted in his sincere love for animals. He has built his legacy and reputation at San Antonio Zoological Gardens and Aquarium, Zoo Atlanta, the Audubon Zoological Park in New Orleans and the Tulsa Zoo. Prior to coming to Phoenix, from 2001 to 2008, he served as executive director and CEO of the Oklahoma City Zoological Park and Botanical Garden.

He has also served as a board member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the Giant Panda Conservation Fund; as chairman of the AZA’s Wildlife Conservation and Management Committee; on AZA’s Diversity Committee; and on AZA’s Ethics Committee.

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He is a past chairman of the Zoo Conservation

been a lot we’ve come to know about their natural

Outreach Group, a non-profit organization that gives

behaviors and social structures. We realize now that we

professional guidance and assistance to zoos in

not only need to focus on the physical aspects, but also

Central and South America, and has been active

the psychological aspects. We’ve come a long way.”

in several global conservation efforts, including the conservation and reintroduction of large carnivores in

Other capital improvements at the zoo include the

Zimbabwe and Andean condors in Argentina.

beautiful new Philip and Joellen Doornbos Volunteer and Administrative Center, where administration and

“As my career has progressed, I have moved farther

staff will be housed, and where volunteers can receive

and farther away from what drew me to zoos to begin

training; the new Entry Oasis, a comfortable and

with – the animals,” he said. “My role has shifted to

inviting entry and exit point complete with a gift shop

fundraising and relationship-building, and I’ve found

full of toys, clothing, and other memorabilia; and

that I really enjoy working with people, and a lot of

the $3 million C.W. & Modene Neely Education and

my strengths lie in that area.”

Event Center, which now provides classroom space for schools and other groups to learn more about the

Those strengths are evident as Castro casually strolls

animals and their environments, as well as important

through the exhibits. Several staff members greet him

lessons on conservation and stewardship.

cheerily, and there is nothing contrived when he asks them how they are doing. He points out the new $1

There is also a new 4-D theater, where smells, water,

million Komodo dragon exhibit, the new $2 million

wind and other effects combine with educational 3-D

tiger habitat where a rare Sumatran tiger is soon

films. It’s a neat experience, and Castro took time to

to be added, and a special favorite, the orangutan

duck in for the 15-minute show. He even let out a

exhibit, “Orang-hutan,” which cost about $4 million to

chuckle or two along with the children in the room as

upgrade.

air shot from below the seat and behind the headrest and bubbles danced about in sync with the production.

True to the zoo’s commitment to conservation, each habitat has been developed with the holistic needs of

Every addition and upgrade has received careful

the animals in mind. It’s a relatively new approach for

consideration. Never one to volunteer for the spotlight

zoos all around, and Phoenix appears to be doing it

(although he does when needed), Castro is quick to

well.

credit others. “I am surrounded by really great people,” he explained. “I get a lot of pats on the back for

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“We’ve been able to learn a lot from animals in our

success with this capital campaign, but it has really

care,” Castro explained. “Through the years, there has

taken a lot of people to make that success possible.

Ima g e s A Z . c o m J une 2 0 1 5

We have a dedicated board of trustees, and a wonderful group of volunteers, a dedicated staff. I am humbled to be part of the bigger picture.”

He is also gives credit to his wife, Janice, who, like him, is passionate about wildlife. She holds a master’s degree in wildlife management, so she understands his sense of purpose. “She’s made tremendous sacrifices so I could pursue my career,” Castro explained. “There have been many personal sacrifices from my family to allow me to get to where I’m at. I am so appreciative to have such a loving family.”

One might think that, out of all of the exhibits, Castro would favor the most popular and dynamic of them. Instead, it’s one of the most simple that makes him smile most.

In a quiet corner, where pavement meanders through a wooded pathway, a small hut, much like what would be found in the Andes of Peru, stands quietly, free of crowds and often overlooked. Once a utility shack, Castro was a bit enamored with its simplicity, and something about it drew him in.

After examining it, he put some thought into what other uses it could have, and it is now home to a small collection of owls.

Ordinary and unpretentious, the owl exhibit exemplifies Castro himself.

In spite of – or perhaps because of – the zoo’s enormous mission toward education, advocacy, preservation and conservation, it is often the small details that count the most.

“We’ve been able to do some really good work and have helped some species that have been in dreadful situations in the world,” he said, his elbows resting casually on a table in the new administrative center he helped to make happen.

He appears comfortable and relaxed, but it is clear that, behind his glasses, there are many thoughts going through his mind. “We want to educate people about what happens in the world to wild places. There is a very serious side to what we do.

“We still have a lot of work to do.”

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Get out of town

We all know the drill: when the Valley’s temperatures start reaching the triple digits, it’s time to get out of town. Luckily, Arizona’s high country offers plenty of scenic views, shade and things to do.

To help you plan your escape, check out this list of our favorite high-altitude northern and eastern towns and some of the cool events happening there this summer.

Sedona Bike and Brew

Writer Barb Evans

sedona

Sedona’s majestic red rocks beckon many a traveler, whether it’s for a spiritual journey, an outdoor adventure, or a magical meander in Uptown. The area’s famed energy vortexes draw visitors from far and near, and the town’s numerous spas, resorts, art galleries, restaurants, boutiques and wineries are sure to nourish anyone’s soul. visitsedona.com.

July 25

August 1

August 28-29

Annual National Day of the Cowboy Celebration

Sedona Hummingbird Festival

Sedona Bike and Brew

Learn from hummingbird experts

This unique mountain bike race

Enjoy everything cowboy, including

about gardening, conservation,

takes riders on a six-mile track

gunfights, roping, action shooting,

science and the spiritual side of

over all 18 holes of the Sedona

re-enactments, musical revue,

hummingbirds; shop at the juried

Golf Resort, including 400 feet of

storytelling, poetry and a costume

Hummingbird Marketplace; tour local

elevation change and 90 acres of

contest. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Free. N.

gardens; and enjoy free banding

fairways, tee boxes, cart paths and

State Rte. 89A in uptown Sedona,

demonstrations. 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

natural and manmade features.

928-204-2390, sedonamainstreet.com.

Sedona Performing Arts Center,

2 p.m. $75 for racers, free for

221 Brewer Rd., 800-529-3699,

spectators. Sedona Golf Resort,

sedonahummingbirdfestival.com.

35 Ridge Trail Dr., 928-284-9409, sedonabikebrew.com.

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Flagstaff Hullabaloo

Flagstaff

Flagstaff is a great getaway for the heat-weary traveler who is looking to spend some time outdoors, as it’s located 7,000 feet above sea level and sits in the middle of a large ponderosa pine forest. There are plenty of trees, as well as great hiking and biking trails. The vibrant downtown is perfect for shopping, dining and fascinating people watching. flagstaffarizona.org.

June 6

June 6

June 13

Flagstaff Hullabaloo

Flagstaff Wine & Food Festival

Made in the Shade Beer Tasting Festival

A celebration of all things Flagstaff

Swirl, sniff and sip exquisite wines

that both families and funksters can

from international and domestic

Northern Arizona’s longest running,

enjoy, with fun activities including a

wineries as well as award-winning

most popular craft beer tasting event

bike parade, crazy costume contest,

Arizona vintners, and savor signature

returns for its 23rd year and features

live music, local vendor showcase,

culinary creations from renowned

the finest from such breweries as

delicious food and a wide variety of

area restaurants. Proceeds benefit

Beaver Street Brewery, McGaugh’s

micro-brews. 9 a.m.-9 p.m. $5-$50.

land conservation, park development,

Smoke & Bottle, the Lumberyard

Wheeler Park, 212 W. Aspen Ave,

volunteerism and recreational

Brewing Company and more. 1-5 p.m.

flaghullabaloo.com.

activities. 1-5 p.m. $37 all day pass.

$15-$90. Pepsi Amphitheater at Ft.

Pepsi Amphitheater at Ft. Tuthill

Tuthill County Park, Fort Tuthill-Palmer

County Park, Fort Tuthill-Palmer

Bypass, azbeer.com

Bypass, pepsiamp.com.

July 4 – Hopi Festival of Arts & Culture Award-winning Hopi artists from the 12 Hopi villages bring the mesas to Flagstaff with their unique carvings, paintings, jewelry, pottery, quilts, baskets and textiles. Enjoy cultural presentations, storytelling, music, food and dancing, and learn how the tribe is working to preserve language and agricultural traditions. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Museum of Northern Arizona, 3101 N. Fort Valley Rd., 928-774-5213, musnaz.org.

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Grand Canyon Star Party

Grand canyon

At over 277 miles long, 18 miles wide, and 6,000 feet deep, there’s a lot to explore at the Grand Canyon, but how you do it is up to you. There are lots of tours on each side, including mule rides, helicopter rides, river adventures and hiking tours. Plenty of hotels and lodges help you extend your stay. Be sure to pack a jacket – temperatures can dip into the 40s even in the summer. grandcanyon.com.

June 13-20

June 20

Grand Canyon Star Party

Williams Train Day

For eight days in June, park visitors can explore the

Pay tribute to the history of rail travel in the

wonders of the night sky on the Grand Canyon’s South

Southwest, and all machines that move with this

Rim with the help of the Tucson Amateur Astronomy

festival featuring authentic rail equipment from past

Association, and on the North Rim with the Saguaro

and present on display. You can also see rail on the

Astronomy Club of Phoenix. 8 p.m. Free with park

small scale with model railroad enthusiasts and their

entrance fee of $25 per vehicle. 928-638-7967,

elaborate, life-like layouts from all over Arizona. 9

nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/grand-canyon-star-party.htm.

a.m.-5 p.m. Grand Canyon Railway Depot, 233 Grand Canyon Blvd., 928-635-4010, thetrain.com.

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Mogollon Monster Mudder 5K

Payson

Immerse yourself outdoors among the majestic mountains of the Mogollon Rim in the peaceful town of Payson.

Though quiet and small, the town is anything but sleepy, offering some of the best fishing, camping, mountain biking and hiking in the state. There are even a casino, art galleries, antique stores and museums to help make your trip complete. paysonrimcountry.com.

June 5-6

June 6-July 25

August 20-23

Mountain High Games/Mogollon Monster Mudder 5K

Summer Concert Series

August Doins-World’s Oldest Continuous Rodeo

Come enjoy a cool Saturday Load up your truck, ATV or SUV

summer night under the stars

Experience the sport of the Old West

and head up to Payson for the

listening to the best bands and

as some of the world’s greatest

Southwest’s largest celebration of

musicians of Arizona’s Rim Country,

professional cowboys and cowgirls

adventure sports featuring ATV

including the John Scott Band,

compete for cash and prizes, and

trail rides, the Mogollon Monster

Whiskey Rose, Breaking Point,

fearless bull riders, steer wrestlers,

Mudder 5K course (includes over

Junction 87 and others. Saturdays

bronc riders, specialty acts and

30 obstacles), and a Kidz Monster

7-9 p.m. Free. Green Valley Park,

colorful clowns keep you entertained.

Mud run for ages 6-11. Check

1000 W. Country Club Dr., 928-474-

$10-$22. Payson Event Center, 1400

website for times. 928-474-5242,

5242, paysonrimcountry.com.

S. Beeline Hwy., 928-474-9440,

paysonrimcountry.com.

paysonrimcountry.com/Activities/ Rodeos/August-Doins-Rodeo.

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Mountain Artists Guild’s Fine Arts & Crafts Festival

PRESCOTT/PRESCOTT VALLEY

Once the capital of the Arizona Territory, Prescott is steeped in rich history and houses several museums, including the Sharlot Hall Museum, Smoki Museum and the Phippen Museum of Western Art. It’s also home to the infamous Whiskey Row, which at the turn of the century was known for its wild saloon shenanigans. The town still maintains that vitality with lots of shopping, dining and entertainment options, as well as plenty of hiking, camping and outdoor adventures. Just east of Prescott is Prescott Valley, a bustling community that has its own entertainment district, shopping and restaurants that make for a great day, or weekend, of exploring. prescott.com, visit-prescott.com.

June 18-21

June 20

August 8-9

Prescott Valley Days

Mile High Brew Fest

Mountain Artists Guild’s Fine Arts & Crafts Festival

Celebrate the 1978 incorporation

Savor samples of some of the

of Prescott Valley with this annual

Southwest’s finest craft beers and

This juried festival showcases a

festival that brings the community

wines while listening to live music

wide range of fine art from nearly

together with a parade, family

from area bands. All proceeds

120 select artisans and crafters

activities, carnival rides, food and

benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of Central

and also features plenty of fun and

fun. Prescott Valley Event Center,

Arizona. 1-6 p.m., $30 online pre-

food for the whole family. 9 a.m.

3201 N. Main St., 928-772-8857,

registration, $35 at the door, $10

Free. Yavapai County Courthouse,

pvchamber.org.

designated driver. Courthouse Plaza

120 S. Cortez St., 928-445-2510,

on Goodwin St. between Montezuma

prescottartfestivals.com.

and Granite St., milehighbrewfest.com.

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Greer Days

Greer

There’s plenty to do in Greer to help you get away from the hustle, bustle and heat of the city. Located in Arizona’s White Mountains at an elevation of 8,300 feet, Greer has a variety of lakes, streams and trails where you can camp, fish, hunt, hike and ride horseback, and maybe even spot an elk or two. greerarizona.com

June 12-13 Greer Days The village of Greer kicks off summer with its annual Greer Days celebration featuring an old-fashioned parade, music, arts and crafts, delicious foods, an

3655 W. Anthem Way, Ste A-109 Anthem, AZ 85086

auction, Lucky Duck race, children’s games and more. Check website for event times. Downtown Greer, 928-735-7540, greercivic.org/events/.

Show Low Days

SHOW LOW

Named by the winner of a legendary poker game who turned up a deuce of clubs to “show low” and win the game, Show Low sits on the Mogollon Rim at 6,412 feet and is surrounded by the tall pine trees of the White Mountains.

The area has several quaint boutiques and restaurants, and several lakes and trails make for great fishing and hiking. showlowchamber.com.

June 5-6 Show Low Days Families will love this Western festival in the pines featuring a stick horse rodeo, roping competitions, soap-box derby, pony rides, kids zone, car show and live music from Mogollon, Uncle Click and Tribute to Marty Robbins.

Friday, 1-10 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Show Low City Park, 1100 W. Deuce of Clubs, 928-537-2325, showlowdays.com.

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Writer Lara Piu Photo by Scott Foust

I

It takes several shelves to display the collection of

“We are losing generations of elephants each and

35 elephant figurines in her home. For some, the

every year due to the poaching crisis that threatens

majestic animals represent good luck; to others, they

their survival. If we don’t do something collectively, our

are decoration. But to Misha Mendicino, they represent

children will only read about the elephants in their

what’s important: family, creativity and community.

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

They’re also the signature and purpose of her resort

I started my brand was to help secure a future for

wear clothing brand, Misha Mendicino Designs.

them.”

“Fashion is the best way to merge all of my dreams

The clothing reflects Misha’s passions, while enhancing

together,” says Misha.

the lifestyle of sunny-weather moms like herself. The brand aims to combine sophisticated elegance with

Her mother, who recently celebrated her 87th birthday,

nature-inspired colors and vibrant prints to enhance

is enamored with elephants and has collected figurines

femininity and comfort in an organically chic style.

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

“It’s all about the feeling that the clothing evokes when

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

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

the first grader has contributed another 11 items to

effortless naturally beautiful feeling through clothing.”

the elephant collection, although hers are of the nonbreakable kind – think stuffed animals and other kid-

The resort wear designs include beach dresses and

friendly trinkets.

kaftans,

boho-style

clothing

and

comfortable

chic

boutique dresses featuring bright and unique prints and “She’s obsessed with elephants. She wants every single

flowing fabrics designed to compliment all body types.

dress in her size,” says Misha. “She’s really absorbed the mission behind the brand. Her, my son and husband

“My customers range from their 20s to their 60s and,

are my biggest fans.”

more than likely, many of them are moms like me who want easy, effortless beauty,” says Misha. “The kind of

The mission honors these mothers and daughters, and

woman who would wear my clothes loves the beach,

advocates for the well being of elephants in Africa as well.

is compassionate and loves animals, wants to give back to community, values her purchases and wants to

“I am very passionate about elephant conservation and

ensure its quality.”

bringing about awareness to the plight of our beloved elephants,” says Misha.

Only a little more than 20 months into the launch of her line, Misha Mendicino Designs has a strong following,

From its inception, at the center of Misha Mendicino

and is sold in more than 18 boutiques worldwide and

Designs is fundraising and awareness for elephant

counting. They can be purchased online and locally at

conservation

and

Velvet Boutique, Daniela Jay Boutique, LONNI Women’s

rehabilitation center in the world, the David Sheldrick

Fashion Boutique, Allie Ollie Boutique, Charmed Avenue

Wildlife Trust.

and Random Boutique.

through

the

largest

rescue

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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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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

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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

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“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 Rebecca Zaner Photo by Sam Paul

For hundreds of local dancers, Dynamic Motion Dance Academy (DMDA) has launched his or her own personal journey through the expression of dance. This year marks the 15th anniversary of dance at DMDA, and many of the academy’s students have come together to celebrate the success of their beloved dance studio.

Born and raised in Phoenix, studio owner Tiffany Rollins has spent her entire life dancing. She began lessons at the age of three and, once introduced, she never stopped.

Tiffany graduated from Arizona State University with a bachelor of fine arts degree in performance and choreography.

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She spent her performing career dancing with Center Dance Ensemble, Showstoppers, Dance FX and AzDance Group. She also had the opportunity to train with prestigious organizations such as Dance Theatre of Harlem and Alvin Ailey Dance Company throughout her career. She is currently a wife and mother to a 12-year-old son and 6-year-old daughter.

Tiffany has owned her own dance studio for 15 years and the company has expanded immensely since its beginning. There are currently 13 dance instructors and over 340 students.

DMDA has played an important role in the lives of many young students.

For some, this anniversary season brings much pride, as they have spent most of their lives growing up in the studio. These students have danced at DMDA throughout their childhood and as they now begin their paths towards adulthood, they still carry many joys and memories of their years at DMDA.

Rachel Zaner had danced at DMDA for 10 years, beginning at the age of nine. At that time, she and her family had just moved from across the country and her mother immediately enrolled her at DMDA in hopes of easing her transition. Adjusting to a new school and home was difficult.

“The one thing that got me through it was my time spent at DMDA,” Rachel shared. She had originally studied only ballet; however, Tiffany saw her potential in other areas as well and quickly enrolled her in additional classes. After 10 years of study, she is now an extremely versatile dancer, having studied jazz, ballet, modern, tap, acro, lyrical, contemporary, pointe and ballroom.

Through her classes over the years, Rachel observed Tiffany’s teaching styles and eventually learned how to instruct her own classes.

“Teaching dance brings me so much joy and I consider myself extremely privileged to have had the opportunity to start my teaching career at DMDA before even beginning college,” Rachel said. “DMDA was my first job. I taught my first dance class there and from that day on, I knew that teaching dance was what I was born to do.”

Rachel is no longer a student at DMDA, having started college last year.

Her training from DMDA has proved successful as she was impressively accepted into one of the top-five ranked schools for dance in the country, the University of Arizona. She just completed her freshman year and has loved every minute. She has found even more pleasure through dance and continues to grow as an artist in a highly stimulating and professional environment. She still finds time to return to DMDA to teach and take classes.

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Rachel

Mikayla

“After graduating with my BFA in dance, I plan to

teaching 10 classes at DMDA to begin that journey.

continue choreographing and teaching dance while

Ultimately, Lyndsie wants to own her own dance studio,

auditioning for dance companies,” Rachel shares of her

but her short-term goals include a BFA in dance with

future plans. “My ultimate goal is to open my own dance

a concentration in dance education. She also wants to

studio in order to spread my love for dance. Tiffany

travel and perform.

introduced me to my biggest passion in life and set a

strong foundation for my career in the professional dance

“I have been auditioning for cruise lines and hope to one

world. The love and respect that I have for Tiffany is

day book a job performing on a cruise ship,” Lyndsie

unconditional and it is my dream to one day be the kind

exclaimed.

of dance teacher to others that she has been to me.”

Mikayla Skogen, another of Tiffany’s long-standing

Another dancer who has been with Tiffany for 14 years

dancers, has studied at DMDA for its full 15 years. She

started at the age of three. Lyndsie Clymer’s mother

started at the age of three, as well. Growing up in a

enrolled her in dance classes in an effort to reduce

household full of boys and homeschooled for seven

her shyness. It must have worked because, after one

years, dance was her unique way of expressing herself.

class, she was hooked. Lyndsie is now 17 years old

She studied pointe, ballet, jazz, lyrical, modern, musical

and still dances every day at DMDA. She is currently

theater, tap, contemporary and acro at DMDA.

graduating high school and plans to continue her dream of becoming a dance teacher. Next year she will be

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Lyndsie

Ima g e s A Z . c o m J une 2 0 1 5

“My favorite styles of dance are ballet and pointe. I have

tried hip-hop and this ballerina just can’t pop it or lock it,” Mikayla said jokingly.

She is now a teacher at DMDA and plans to own her own studio one day.

“I absolutely adore teaching,” Mikayla exclaimed. “My favorite students to teach are the minis. Those little ones make my heart smile. I love seeing my students dance their hearts out on stage. It is amazing to watch them project their love for dance right along with me. It’s very rewarding. I am beyond blessed to have a job that I love. It definitely does not feel like work. It is my dream job!”

Tiffany is proud to see her students grow and achieve their goals. There is nothing more exciting than watching her dancers progress.

“I get to watch them grow up year after year,” Tiffany shared. “Overall, there is nothing that can make me prouder than to watch students that I have had since they were ‘minis,’ now becoming role models to the new generation of little ones at the studio.

They understand that to be respected you must be respectful, honest and know that there is always more to learn. I am so proud to be all of my students’ dance mom.”

These dancers share common goals and a passion for dance that has stemmed from one small studio in Anthem. They have all become such close friends and are proud to celebrate these 15 years that have been so important in shaping their lives and futures.

“I feel very lucky to come to work day after day.

There is nothing better than watching these kids smile and enjoy their time at my studio,” Tiffany shares. “If I can change even one child’s life by being a positive role model and teaching them to never give up, then I will have done my job. I feel very lucky to have helped these girls start their careers in the dance world. I simply could not be more proud.”

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Photographer Sam Paul

Sometimes significant events happen in our lives that bring

the pool, and after spending three days on life support

us to our knees and render us helpless. Times like those

at Children’s Hospital in Omaha, his parents made the

also seem to present the greatest opportunity to make a

agonizing decision to remove the machines that were

difference in the lives of others.

keeping him alive.

Such was the case with the death of young Joshua

To honor little Joshua, the Collingsworths created the

Collingsworth, son of Kathy and Blake Collingsworth of

Joshua Collingsworth Memorial Foundation with the hope of

Lincoln, Nebraska. The scenario itself is so common,

saving the lives of children everywhere. Blake Collingsworth

particularly in Arizona; it is almost a cliché. A beautiful day

wrote a book to reach their target demographic, 2- to

by the pool spent with family and friends – a moment or

5-year-olds. The book tells the story of Josh the Otter, who

two lapses when each parent mistakenly believes that the

learns to float under adult supervision, and then learns to

other is watching their child, until someone says the words,

swim. It is a fun and educational book that emphasizes to

“Where is ….”

children the importance of learning to float first like Josh the Baby Otter and never going near the water without an

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The day this happened to the Collingsworth family changed

adult or buddy. Within the past few years the book has

their lives forever. Little Joshua was found floating in

grown in popularity and is being widely supported by many

Ima g e s A Z . c o m J une 2 0 1 5

Rotary clubs, schools, community

without an adult and, in that way,

clubs, individual donors and

would be safe like Josh the Baby

businesses throughout the country.

Otter.

Residents and Rotarians Bonnie

They received a copy of the “Josh

Markham and her late husband,

the Otter” book, as well as a CD

Tom, were attending an

that includes the Josh the Otter

international Rotary convention

story, the water safety song, a

in May 2012 when Bonnie first

coloring book and a Josh the

discovered this worthwhile project.

Otter sticker from the presenters, which they wore proudly to show

“Tom and I were RVers and every

and engage parents, caregivers,

year when we would come back to

siblings and friends.

Anthem from our summer trip we would read about all the young

The Anthem Rotary Club began

children that drowned during the

funding Bonnie and Tom Markham

summer. It was heartbreaking,”

in 2012 to present the Josh the

Bonnie said.

Otter program to a number of preschools and kindergartens

Bonnie had researched other

in Anthem, and almost 600

water safety programs prior to

preschoolers and kindergarten

discovering the Joshua the Otter

children have attended the

program. “The Joshua the Otter

presentation each year.

project was the kind of program I was looking for,” she said. “This

With the passing of Tom Markham

program is interactive. It engages

in February 2015, Jim Robinson

the parents, caregivers, teachers

of Anthem Rotary and Bonnie

and the children.”

Markham are now presenting this spring to almost 600 children

She added, “It’s not just the usual

and plan to continue each year

list of do’s and don’ts on water

to pass on these important water

safety handed out to parents

safety messages.

to lecture to their children. Kids are encouraged to engage their

One of the greatest legacies left

caregivers and anybody who will

by Tom is his contribution to this

read to them the story so they

worthwhile program. Anthem Rotary

will never forget to be safe like

and program supporters say it

Josh the Baby Otter. The children

has little to do with grief and

are encouraged to become

everything to do with gratitude.

teachers and teach their younger

They continue to honor him and

brothers and sisters the important

the contribution he made to save

information they learn, as well as

the lives of children in the Anthem

teach their friends.

community.

During the Markhams’ visits to

If you’re interested in bringing this

local preschools, impressionable

program to your child’s school,

youngsters were read the story by

please contact Bonnie Markham or

Bonnie, met the Josh the Otter

Jim Robinson from Rotary Club of

puppets, took a pledge declaring

Anthem at shop.anthemrotary.org.

they would not go near water June 2015

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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

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free of judgment or restrictions. They cook, do yoga, paint, create ceramic projects, ride bicycles, sing karaoke, hike, go on outings to local attractions, practice putting on a small golf green on the property and, of course, plant and harvest goods from the garden.

Upon its inception in 2010, Scully Learning Center was to be a resource for children and young adults with autism. Paula, a retired schoolteacher, worked with Kiwanis Club’s Aktion Club, a branch of the service club that allows adults living with disabilities to participate in service projects and develop leadership skills, to develop a plan for her then-newly acquired property.

“Five years ago, the awareness and focus was on autism,” she explained.

“When we did community awareness and asked what the needs were, we learned that the real need was for resources for students with mild to moderate disabilities after they graduated high school.”

Paula learned the harsh reality for many parents and caregivers: When a child with disabilities is enrolled in public schools, programs are developed by special education staff to address the child’s specific needs. They have opportunities for socialization and activities and learning to engage and encourage them.

Once they graduate high school, most of those opportunities go away, yet the need for friendships and personal growth – whatever that might look like for each individual – does not go away. Special services can be few and far between, and finding and paying for them can be a challenge for families.

And so the mission of Scully Learning Center changed. Today, participants’ developmental backgrounds vary, but why they are there has far less importance than what happens once they walk through the doors of the substantial casita dedicated for their use.

On any given “experience” day, 8-10 volunteers and about 12 participants arrive nearly in unison, bringing with them the excitement and chatter of old friends. Conversations are often lively, and even the most hardened of killjoys would have a difficult time not cracking a smile at the sheer joy in the room.

From around the island of the well-supplied kitchen, a group of participants and volunteers talk about life and carry on with the fun and delicious task of making chocolate chip cookies.

One participant, Kelly, wearing a bright purple and blue scarf she knitted herself, looks on with authority. She worked at a bakery in another city before moving to the Valley, and she knows her way around the kitchen quite well. She is a natural leader among the group when it comes to culinary tasks.

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Jeremy, a participant with an endearing smile and charm

cookies with nuts or without nuts?”

like no other, runs the mixer. He looks like a pro in his blue and red tracksuit, and he’s got a knack for

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

conversation.

“My dad likes nuts. I don’t,” Jeremy adds.

“My dad likes nuts,” he says as he looks over the ingredients.

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

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

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perhaps the chattiest of the group on this day, and she

The conversation continues. It’s simple but meaningful

is clearly enjoying herself. “She likes peanuts,” she adds.

because every one of the participants knows they belong

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

here. Often, adults with developmental disabilities enjoy

Ima g e s A Z . c o m J une 2 0 1 5

activities and function at the level of a younger child.

Yet, when they engage in those activities, they stand out because of their age. Here, everyone fits.

In another room, several more participants and volunteers gather around a craft table for some creative painting.

Ability levels vary; some participants work with a volunteer to hold the brush and pick out the colors while others work independently. Each person – volunteer and participant alike – is engrossed in their project, and it’s a fun sight to see.

Paula’s sister, Ann Rice, enjoys coordinating some of the art projects. Like Paula, she is not quick to smile, but when she does, it is genuine and warm. Also like her sister, she pursued her true passion – in her case, art – later in life, earning her degree and exploring her own creativity only after life had begun to etch its joys and pains into her skin. She is clearly in her element at the center, and she plays a strong role of both leadership and support.

Volunteer coordinator Beth Moore is one of the most dedicated volunteers. She’s done a beautiful job of cultivating and delegating to a growing list of volunteers, each of who brings their own passions to the center. Like Paula, she’s quick to defer praise for her work and, instead, turns the focus toward the center’s goals. “We encourage independence,” she explains. “One of our hopes is that we can continue to develop skills [participants] already have.”

Volunteer Nina Gruber, a retired physical education teacher, joined the Scully Learning Center team after seeing an advertisement for volunteers needed in a local newspaper. Her chipper, down-to-earth friendliness echoes that of so many of the volunteers.

“Right now, one of our biggest goals is to find more participants. We need to make more people aware of what we have for them here,” she says.

Rice, Moore and Gruber are just three of the volunteers who contribute each week. No one gets paid; it’s completely a labor of love. Several organizations have also pitched in to help, including Kiwanis Club, Foothills Caring Corps and local churches.

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Not one to chase a spotlight, Paula stands back and lets the volunteers take over. Humble and determined, she shies away from the attention that being director of such an endeavor sometimes brings. In fact, the dream she is building may be called “Scully Learning Center,” but she is not the Scully she wants credited.

Paula’s life has always been full, but it has not always looked like it does today. For years, her life centered 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 June 2015

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Writer Suzanne Wright

Ask Texans if they’ve visited Big Bend and most will shake

April and May have mild weather and baseball, making it a

their heads. Understandable, considering their state – which

great time to visit the new stadium. Opened last April, the

is more like a country – is the biggest in the lower 48 and

beautiful $72 million Southwest University Park is home to

the second most populous.

the minor league Chihuahuas. It was money well spent, with a kids’ zone, Southwest art, fresh flowers in the bathrooms

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Big Bend isn’t easy to get to, which is why you’ll have it

and delicious, well-priced concessions, including nacho

pretty much to yourself when you get there. West Texas is

dogs and raspas, Mexican snow cones. Lawn tickets start

a land apart and one of the Lone Star State’s jewels.

at just five bucks.

El Paso: Your Gateway to Big Bend

El Paso is known as the cowboy boot capital of the world,

Located in the western tip of Texas with the Juárez

with outlets for Lucchese, Justin and Tony Lama, among

Mountains as a rugged backdrop, El Paso has an easy

others. If money were no object, I’d commission a pair of

blend of Mexican and Southwestern cultures, more akin to

handmade, custom boots from Rocketbuster. Housed in an

Albuquerque than Dallas. The elegant Camino Real Hotel

old trapper’s warehouse, they make boots for celebrities

is centrally located, allowing you to walk to downtown

and will happily give you a tour. The leathers – kangaroo,

attractions. And forget what you’ve heard about crime; El

anyone? – and the intricate styles, including skulls, flames,

Paso is the safest big city in America for the fourth year

peacocks, dice; even an Arizona landscape, will knock you

in the row.

out.

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There are a clutch of great restaurants right downtown, including the upscale Anson 11, where I dined on a fine multi-course dinner that featured chilled foie gras with pickled ramps, house-cured duck, lobster ravioli, prime rib with morels and dark chocolate and sea salt ice cream.

sample your way through excellent tapas, including grilled pork skewers with piquillo peppers; garbanzo beans and carrots goosed with curry, feta and candied pistachios; and grilled squid with orange zest. If you’ve got room for dessert, order the churros.

Driving, Dining and Stargazing Driving west on I-10, it doesn’t take long before the horizon expands and

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the endless blue sky meets the high plains scrub in the vast Chihuahuan Desert, the biggest desert in North America. I chased the sun and dodged tumbleweeds four feet in diameter. West Texas feels like one of the last great frontiers, scenic and silent and free of crowds. By the time I wrapped my weeklong trip, I’d put 1,300 miles on my rental car. It’s great road-tripping terrain.

The small towns that dot the Texas mountain trail region are charming and offer a surprisingly sophisticated mix of cultural and historical attractions, dining, lodging and shopping. Best of all are the people themselves; Texans blend the best of Southern hospitality with Western grit.

In Marathon (population, 450; elevation, 4,055 feet), the Gage Hotel offers the kind of laid-back luxury that makes a traveler feel like family. The cowboy chic furnishings are both grand and eclectic – yes, that’s a taxidermy cougar – without the formality. Ask for a suite in the Los Portales wing and you’ll be rewarded with a gracious room with saltillo floors, cowhide rugs, elk horn lamps and a stone bathroom.

The hotel’s White Buffalo Bar serves a cocktail called the Brush Fire that blends vodka, orange juice, lime juice and jalapeños that will awaken your taste buds. At the 12 Gage Restaurant, I enjoyed soft shell crab tempura with fried green tomatoes, followed by chicken fried steak with cracked pepper cream gravy, a specialty. For dessert, I had champagne-soaked strawberry shortcake and a wine made from prickly pear.

Alpine is a college town, home to Sul Ross State University and the county seat. Spend an hour at the Museum of the Big Bend for an excellent introduction to the area. I checked into the quirky Maverick Inn (“a roadhouse for wanderers”), which provides earplugs for the train that rumbles by should you need them. They make great coffee and granola for breakfast.

Dinner is at the Saddle Club: oysters with jack cheese and pico de gallo, prime rib sliders and a blood orange margarita to wash them down.

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Marfa is now recognized worldwide as a contemporary art

reflections from campsites and cars on the highway. Judy,

hub. It’s also a very literate town, with the Marfa Book

Susan and I drive nine miles east to the viewing platform,

Company rivaling any museum’s inventory of art and

arriving at 11:30 p.m. with a small group assembled.

architecture volumes; a Museum of Modern Art in the

We’re not sure what we saw, but this much is for sure:

desert. The best restaurant in town is Cochineal, and it

the stars at night are big and bright deep in the heart

also has a Manhattan vibe. While sipping a Hemingway

of Texas. We learned later that the Marfa lights are most

daiquiri (rum, grapefruit and lime juices), I tuck into crispy

commonly seen shortly after dark or before sunrise. It’s

fried artichoke hearts with aioli and Vietnamese-style

an atmosphere thing.

shrimp with southern grits and a poached egg. It’s a shame I was too full for the signature dish: date pudding.

It Ain’t Bragging If You Can Back It Up The award-winning movie “Boyhood” closes with the

Crossing the street to get to Hotel Paisano, I meet a

leading character in awe at Big Bend, a metaphor for

couple of vacationing gals from Abilene. They invite me

the freedom that lies ahead for him as a young man. It’s

to join them in the sun-dappled courtyard, where we

an apt metaphor. Big Bend National Park is the seventh

sip margaritas. Curious about the famed is-it-or-isn’t-it

largest park in the lower 48, larger than the entire state

phenomenon known as the Marfa lights, we decide to go

of Rhode Island, with 880,000 acres of land, river, desert

check it out together.

and mountains. There’s also Big Bend State Park, which spans an additional 350,000 acres for a total of 1.2

Since the 19th century, Apaches, ranchers, meteorologists

million acres of contiguous public land.

and other folks have reported accounts of red, blue and white dancing lights year-round. Many scoff that it’s just

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Both take their name from the bend of the Rio Grande,

the fluid border that divides Texas from Mexico. The Chisos Mountains Lodge, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, offers the ideal vantage point to take in the jagged peaks. Although there are two gas stations within the park, it’s the only place to stay. On the first night of my arrival, Ranger Rob is giving a very entertaining talk on the patio under the sun’s fading rays.

Big Bend receives just 350,000 visitors a year compared with Yosemite, which welcomes 5 million. All that elbow room gives you more of a chance to view wildlife, including the most reptiles, birds, bats and butterflies catalogued in any national park. Rob is taking questions when an employee comes out from the lodge to whisper in his ear. Turns out, there’s a baby black bear in one of the trees near the restaurant.

Brandishing cell phone cameras, we file out to take a look. This photogenic bear proves very popular on Facebook.

It’s a bit chilly at 5,400 feet in elevation, so I grab a fleece and take the short path to the “Window.” Stars glitter overhead and a sliver of silvery moon illuminates a distant butte. Later in the night I awaken, step outside and look up. The Milky Way dazzles on a clear, soundless night.

Tackling a park of this magnitude is no easy feat. I want to make the most of my stay, so I’ve enlisted Big Don of Big Bend Overland Tours for a tour. With Don doing the driving and peppering me with historical facts, I’m free to ogle the splendid scenery. Much of the flora and fauna is familiar from our Sonoran Desert, though the key indicator plant here is the stalky lechuguilla, not the saguaro. Toxic to sheep and cattle, the mineral and salt-rich agave is a staple of the javelina’s diet. South of the border, a sports drink is made from it.

We stop at 100-year-old settlement ruins on the way to the park’s highlight, Santa Elena Canyon. Here, the Rio Grande (“Rio Trickle” during drought) is trapped beneath walls that soar to 1,500 feet. We hike in to appreciate the scale, then wind our way on rutted roads to the historic Castolon Store for a light lunch.

The following day, I head out of the park to the ghost town of Terlingua to join guide Billy Miller of Far Flung Outdoor Center for a half-day canoe trip, putting in at the state park. The water level is low, so there’s some portage involved, but it’s still a fine way to pass time in this remote and beautiful borderland.

Terlingua was once a mining town, but now it’s most famed for “porch sittin’” at the Starlight Theatre. Buy a six-pack, grab a seat, watch the sun set and make some new friends while enjoying live music and good food. It’s the perfect way to cap a West Texas experience.

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Absentee Homeowner Services Carefree Property Services 480-575-6600 carefreepropertyservices.com Accountant Hasslacher Tax & Financial, LLC. 623-551-2332 42104 N. Venture Court, B130 Air conditioning/Heating Canyon State AC and Plumbing 602-996-1818 canyonstateac.com Airport transportation Anthem Shuttle 602-750-3001 anthemshuttle.com $500 On Time Guarantee Animal Care Desert Hills Animal Clinic 623-581-1558 dhanimalclinic.com Attorney Boates Law Firm 623-551-5457 anthemlaw.com Beauty Hair Care A Wild Hair 623-551-5561 awildhairaz.com Skin Care Merle Norman Cosmetics 623-551-9502 merlenorman.com Boutique Nothing in Moderation Located in Merle Norman 623-551-9502 Business Center Post Net Business Center 623-551-1305 postnet.com/az115 Business Groups Anthem/North Gateway Chamber of Commerce 602-495-6483 northgatewaychamber.org

Preferred Business at Anthem 623-551-0523 pbanthem.com Chiropractor Dr. Kurt Feifer 623-810-0465 42104 N. Venture Dr., Building E College Paradise Valley Community College 602-493-2600 my.maricopa.edu Community Organizations New River-Desert Hills Community Association 602-432-2800 nrdhca.org Community Theater Musical Theatre of Anthem musicaltheatreofanthem.org 602-743-9892 Starlight Community Theater starlightcommunitytheater.org starlightcommunitytheater.com DANCE CLASSES Diamond Dance Works 732-245-6518 34406 N 27th Dr., Bldg. 8 diamonddanceworks.com Dentist Bishara Dental 623-742-7220 46641 N. Black Canyon Hwy #7 Daisy Mountain Dentistry 623-551-5250 4205 W. Anthem Way, Suite #106 Sheppard Pediatric Dentistry 623-551-2992 3618 W. Anthem Way, Suite D104 Financial Planning Edward Jones - Doug DeMuth 623-551-0523 edwardjones.com Hasslacher Tax & Financial, LLC 623-551-2332 42104 N. Venture Court, B130

Garage Door Daisy Mountain Garage 623-322-4530 daisymountaingaragedoor.com Habilitation, REspite & Attendant care Arion 623-238-4349 sdykhuizen@arioncaresolutions.com arioncaresolutions.com Health & Fitness Sports Conditioning Harper Physical Therapy 623-742-7338 41818 N. Venture Drive, Suite #120 insurance Auto/home/life/renters/health/ retirement/Auto Loans & refinancing American Family Insurance John Kovach Agency 623-551-7900 johnkovachagency.com Farmers Insurance Glenn Grossman 480-588-9310 Maki Insurance 623-551-3585 makiinsurance.com State Farm - Nanette Miller 623-742-6866 nanette@nanettemiller.com Senior health plan specialist Generations Consulting Group 623-866-3222 keith@gcgagent.com Investing/Retirement Edward Jones - Doug DeMuth 623-551-0523 edwardjones.com Hasslacher Tax & Financial, LLC 623-551-2332 42104 N. Venture Court, B130 Jewelry/gold buyers AndrewZ Diamonds & Fine Jewelry 623-551-6892 andrewzdiamonds.com

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Landscape Design and Maintenance Iddings & Sons Landscaping, Inc. 623-465-2546 623-297-7584 Massage Hand and Stone Massage 623-551-6602 handandstone.com Therapeutic Massage by Maura 623-824-1663 41818 N. Venture Drive, Suite #120 Naturopathic Medicine Dr. Jen Gentry 623-251-5518 42104 N. Venture Drive, C-122 drjengentry.com Outdoor Lighting Let There be Light 480-575-3204 lettherebelightllc.com Orthodontics Cordon Orthodontics 623-465-5478 42201 N. 41st Dr., #102 Wood Orthodontics/Wyatt Wood 623-792-7323 3618 W. Anthem Way, Suite D108 Pediatrics Angel Pediatrics 623-551-0442 3654 W. Anthem Way Suite B-114 Twin Pediatrics 623-551-9825 42211 N. 41st Dr. Suite 153 Pest Control Titan Pest Control 623-879-8700 titanpest.com Photography Keri Meyers Photography 425-419-3999 kerimeyersphotography.com Physical Therapy Harper Physical Therapy 623-742-7338 41818 N. Venture Drive, Suite #120

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Plumbing Canyon State AC and Plumbing 602-996-1818 canyonstateac.com Proskill Services 623-551-7473 proskillservices.com Realtor RE/MAX Professionals Linda Rehwalt 602-249-SOLD azrealty.com Restaurants Dara Thai Cafe 623-551-6676 3655 W. Anthem Way Ste B-127 Ocho Locos 623-551-8580 3655 W. Anthem Way Screens C&S Screens 623-582-8592 cssreens@cox.net Schools Anthem Elementary School Main Line 623-376-3700 Attendance 623-376-3790 Anthem Preparatory Academy 623-465-4776 anthemprep.org Barry Goldwater High School Main Line 623-445-3000 Attendance 623-445-3090 Brighter Beginnings Preschool 602-619-4202 brighterbeginninspreschool.com Boulder Creek High School Main Line 623-445-8600 Attendance 623-445-8690 Canyon Springs Elementary Main Line 623-376-5200 Attendance 623-376-5290 Caurus Academy 623-551-5083 caurusacademy.org

Creative Castle Preschool 602-740-9561 creativecastlepreschool.com Desert Mountain School Main Line 623-445-3500 Attendance 623-445-3590 Diamond Canyon Elementary Main Line 623-445-8000 Attendance 623-445-8090 Gavilan Peak Elementary Main Line 623-445-7400 Attendance 623-445-7490 New River Elementary Main Line 623-376-3500 Attendance 623-376-3590 North Valley Christian Academy and Preschool 623-551-3454 northvalleyca.org Sunset Ridge Elementary Main Line 623-445-7800 Attendance 623-445-7890 Westwind Prep at Northern 602-864-7731 westwindacademy.org Shopping Cave Creek Candle & Gifts 6245 E. Cave Creek Road 480-488-7799 cavecreekcandles.com Spa Services Hand and Stone Massage 623-551-6602 handandstone.com Therapeutic Massage by Maura 623-824-1663 41818 N. Venture Dr., Suite #120 Termite Treatment Titan Pest Control 623-879-8700 titanpest.com Urgent Care John C. Lincoln Urgent Care in Anthem 623-434-6444

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Advertising: 623-341-8221

Veterinary Desert Hills Animal Clinic 623-581-1558 dhanimalclinic.com Water Softener & Filtration Rayne of the North Valley 623-234-9047 raynewater.com Weed Control EST Enterprises, Inc. 623-742-6923 estentinc.com Titan Pest Control 623-879-8700 titanpest.com Website design Fox Designs Studio 602-688-7588 foxdesignsstudio.com Window Treatments Carefree Coverings 602-617-2920 34522 N. Scottsdale Rd. Suite 100B Worship Arizona Hills Community 623-465-0202 arizonahills.org Calvary Chapel Desert Hills 623-434-5060 calvarychapeldh.com Chabad Jewish Center of Anthem 42302 N. Vision Way Suite #106 623-551-8348 Chapel Bellavista 480-502-0707 arizonaministers.com Canyon Church of Christ 623-889-3388 canyonchurch.org Carefree Vineyard Church 623-551-1133 carefreevineyard.com Catholic Community of St. Rose Philippine Duchesne 623-465-9740 diocesephoenix.org

Christ’s Church at the Crossroads 623-466-7964 thecrossroadsaz.com

North Valley Assembly of God 623-516-8734 northvalleyag.com

Christ’s Church of the Valley 623-376-2444 ccvonline.com

North Valley Jewish Community Association 623-322-0957 nvjca.org

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints 2503 W. Anthem Way Meeting times 9 a.m., 11 a.m., and 1 p.m.

Cross of Christ Lutheran Church 623-551-9851 anthemcross.org Crossroads Christian Fellowship 602-740-5964 42425 N. New River Rd.

Pioneer United Methodist Church 623-551-0802 pioneerumcaz.org Pureheart Christian Fellowship 602-866-8850 pureheart.org Spur Cross Cowboy Church 623-556-7935 spurcrosscowboychurch.com

Deer Valley Worship Center 623-582-1001 dvworship.com

St. Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church 623-486-8665 stharalambos.org

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

Sun Valley Baptist Church 623-986-1687 sunvalleybaptist.org

Desert View Bible Church 623-298-4900 desertviewbible.org

Valley Life Church 623-850-8777 valleylifeaz.com

Grace North Church 623-551-0007 gracenorth.com Hosanna Christian Fellowship 623-512-6213 hosannaanthem.com.

New Creation Community 623-261-6904 newcreationcommunity.org New River First Assembly of God 623-465-7455 newriverag@yahoo.com Northgate Church 34835 N. 7th Street Phoenix, AZ 85086 North Ridge Community Church 480-515-4673 northridge.org

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Recipe

Blue Cheese Sliders with Apple Slaw Writer and photographer Monica Longenbaker

It seems only appropriate that Father’s Day coincides with grilling season.

This year, turn up the heat with a gourmet slider that’s sure to impress Dad. Trade in the traditional American cheese for some tangy blue cheese that softens like butter over the flames. Pair it with a mound of crunchy apple slaw for an epic burger that salutes summertime.

Blue Cheese Sliders with Apple Slaw Yield: 12 Sliders 1 ½ lb Ground Beef Salt and Pepper to taste ¾ c Blue Cheese 3 c Apple Coleslaw (recipe below) 12 Slider Buns Apple Coleslaw Yield: 3 cups 2 c Green Cabbage, shredded 1 Apple, julienned ½ c Red Onion, finely sliced ½ c Carrot, shredded 1/3 c Mayonnaise 1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar 1 tsp Sugar ¼ tsp Celery Seed 1 tsp Lemon Juice Salt and Pepper to taste

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Directions: Preheat a grill to medium high heat.

Portion the ground beef into 2oz patties. Using your thumb, make a dent into the center of each burger to prevent it from puffing up while it cooks.

Season the sliders generously with salt and pepper and place onto a hot grill. Grill the patties until golden brown, about 4 minutes, then flip them.

Immediately cover each slider with 1 tablespoon of blue cheese. Close the lid and continue to grill for about 4 minutes or until desired doneness.

Place each slider onto the bottom half of a slider bun and top each one with about ¼ cup of apple coleslaw. Top with the second half of the bun.

Serve immediately.

Apple Coleslaw In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, celery seed, lemon juice, salt and pepper.

Add the cabbage, apple, red onion and carrots and toss to combine.

Refrigerate for 1-2 hours.

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