Images Arizona (June/July 2023)

From the Publisher

Publisher

Shelly Spence

Managing Editor

Joseph J. Airdo

Graphic Designer

Meaghan Mitchell

Contributing Writers

Joseph J. Airdo

Amanda Christmann

Francine Coles

Rebecca L. Rhoades

Shannon Severson

Photographers

Francine Coles

Loralei Lazurek

Carl Schultz

Advertising Sales

Cindi Calcinari

860-966-3271

cindi@imagesaz.com

Images Arizona

P.O. Box 1416

Carefree, AZ. 85377

623-341-8221

imagesarizona.com

According to a recent online survey, nearly 85% of Americans intend to travel this summer. In fact, 100 million of them are planning to embark on a road trip of at least 250 miles.

A separate study found that Arizona — with its five National Scenic Byways and All-American Roads that offer archaeological, cultural, historic, natural, recreational and scenic qualities — is home to the absolute best road trips of any state in the entire U.S.

In celebration of that, we have designed this special summer edition of Images Arizona as the ultimate guide to the many amazing drives and destinations around our spectacular state. It is our hope that these pages inspire you to explore Arizona in ways that you may have not considered before.

Summer is all about having fun and making memories with friends and family; and I cannot think of a better or more exciting way to do that than to hit the road in search of adventure — especially here in Arizona, where there is a seemingly endless variety of fascinating, beautiful and truly remarkable things to see and experience.

Whether you head out with a particular destination in mind or decide to simply get behind the wheel and see where the road takes you, remember to take plenty of pictures of what you find and send them to images@imagesaz.com or tag #imagesaz on Instagram for possible publication in an upcoming issue of Images Arizona.

Travel safe!

Shelly Spence

Publisher, Images Arizona magazine

shelly@imagesaz.com

623-341-8221

APhotography by Loralei Lazurek

GRACE RENEE GALLERY FEATURED ARTISTS

A CURATED COLLECTION OF INTERNATIONAL ARTISTS

Grace Renee

Left clockwise: Cathy Hegman, Figure with Dove, Acrylic on Canvas, 50” by 45”

Keneth Peloke, Found My Way, Oil on Wood Panel, 60” by 48”. Martin Blundell, Red Rock Cottonwood, Oil on Canvas, 20” by 24”

Left clockwise: Gabriela Aguilo, From Bloom To Fade V, Encaustic Painting on Walnut Panel, 24” by 24” John Bell, Sky III, Oil Painting on Wood Panel, 19” by 19”. Cathy Hegman, The Beekeeper, Oil on Canvas, 24” by 24”

“About seven miles down the dirt road, we were greeted with incredible wildflowers,” Dusel says. “We parked our car, crossed the road and wandered up a wash into the scene captured in this photograph. In celebration, we drove to Horseshoe Lake, uncorked a bottle of wine and witnessed a bald eagle soaring over the reservoir.”

instagram.com/tom_dusel

Photo by Tom Dusel

Photo hobbyist Tom Dusel, a retired dentist who lives in The Boulders in North Scottsdale, recently set out with his wife, Addie, and their friends Kathye and Craig, for a day of exploration and relaxation on Horseshoe Lake Road near Bartlett Dam.

MMore than 7 million people call Arizona home. But while big cities like Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe receive all the attention, it is actually the small towns — which make up a mere fraction of that population — that boast the biggest, most unique and most interesting attractions and are, therefore, the true heart and soul of our state.

With populations fewer than 5,000, these eight quirky communities may be the best-kept secrets in all of Arizona.

Writer Joseph J. Airdo

Bisbee, AZ // Photo by Eric Jewett on Instagram (@ericjewettaz)

BISBEE (POP. 4,907)

Driven by the booming mining industry, Bisbee once boasted a population of more than 20,000, making it the largest city in the Arizona territory in the early 1900s. Today, the city — located in Cochise County in southeastern Arizona — is known as a culturally rich community, offering visitors a mix of art, music, history, architecture, outdoor activities, dining and nightlife.

More than a half-million people visit the Smithsonianaffiliated Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum, whose exhibits include “Bisbee: Urban Outpost on the Frontier” — an in-depth look at the lives of the miners and settlers of this unique area of the Southwest. Meanwhile, the Queen Mine Tour offers tourists an up-close experience of the underground world of the miners who “carved their community and a living out of bedrock.”

However, it is the quaint, old-fashioned, small-town feel of the city’s shops and restaurants that may be Bisbee’s greatest appeal. A weekly farmer's market featuring regional artisanal goodies, a monthly art walk and yearly events like its Great Stair Climb and Historic Home Tour round out the many reasons people love this cosmopolitan community.

WINDOW ROCK (POP. 2,226)

A census-designated place that serves as the seat of government and capital of the Navajo Nation, Window Rock’s main natural attraction is the window formation of sandstone for which the community is named.

In addition to its namesake, Window Rock — located in Apache County in northeastern Arizona — is home

Window Rock, AZ // Photo by Stan Slade on Upsplash

to The Navajo Nation Zoo and Botanical Park — the only Native American-owned-and-operated zoo in the entire country, containing plant and animal species that are of cultural importance to the Navajo.

Window Rock’s attractions also include the Navajo Nation Fairgrounds, where the annual Navajo Tribal Fair is held; The Navajo Nation Museum, which boasts collections, exhibits and other activities focused on the cultural history of the Navajo; and the Navajo Tribal Park and Veterans Memorial, home to a statue of a Navajo Code Talker with his 32-pound radio on his back.

SUPAI (POP. 639)

Dropping down into triple-digit populations, Supai — surrounded by the towering cliffs of the Grand Canyon — is one of the most inaccessible censusdesignated places in the U.S. The only way in or out is by foot, horseback or helicopter.

About 3 miles above Supai, a spring rises from the ground, welling up water from ancient aquifers. The

Hackberry, AZ // Photo Courtesy of Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona

Supai, AZ // Photo Courtesy of Joseph J. Airdo

water descends as an idyllic creek below leafed-out deciduous trees, rushing through Supai and crashing down five wondrous waterfalls into deep, tranquil pools.

Having been stored in limestone caverns for millennia, the water is rich with minerals that not only give it an awe-inspiring turquoise color but also create jaw-dropping travertine rock formations. The 10mile journey down and through the canyon can be brutal — especially with 30 pounds of camping gear and supplies on your back — but the rewards are remarkable.

HACKBERRY (POP. 328)

“Across 66 and the Santa Fe tracks and Truxton Wash lies the tiny town of Hackberry, which owes its name to the nearby Hackberry Mine, established in the 1870s,” reads a marker that briefly summarizes the history of this unincorporated community and census-designated place in Mohave County.

“When the railroad arrived in 1881, the ‘town moved down,’ establishing itself on both sides of the Truxton Wash. The town's livelihood then shifted from mining to the railroad, and it became an important shipping center for sheep and cattle. The water tank is a reminder of the town's former importance as a watering stop for steam locomotives before they were replaced by diesel in the early 1950s.”

Following the closure of its silver mine in the 1920s, Hackberry saw a significant population decline but received a lifeline courtesy of U.S. Route 66, which led to many families embarking on road trips in search of adventure. Today, the town still sees some tourism courtesy of

Hackberry General Store — an eclectic shop dedicated to Route 66.

CHLORIDE (POP. 296)

The oldest continuously inhabited mining town in Arizona, Chloride was once a booming area, populated by about 5,000 residents. However, as the silver mines closed, Chloride fell from grace.

By 1917, its population had fallen to 2,000 and, by 1944, it was nearly a ghost town. Chloride continues to survive, though, offering travelers en route to or from Las Vegas a unique pit stop thanks to the elaborate rusty metal yard art found around town and artist Roy Purcell’s rock murals.

Other attractions include Cyanide Springs — an Old West town built by locals using lumber from the Golconda Mine, one of the richest mines in the area — and one of the state’s oldest cemeteries. An old gas station surrounded by railway tracks is among the many unique photo ops in the area.

AMADO (POP. 76)

Dropping down into double-digit populations, Amado is a census-designated place nestled in the Santa Cruz River Valley, known as a paradise for birdwatchers and nature lovers.

Amado’s wide range of ecosystems extends from the rugged peaks and pine forests of the Santa Rita Mountains, named for the patroness of impossible causes, to spring-fed canyons to the Sonoran Desert and Santa Cruz River Valley.

Movie buffs may recognize Amado from the opening sequence of the 1955 film “Oklahoma!,” with Gordon MacRae singing “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'” on horseback by the stalks of corn “as high as an elephant's eye.” A scene in 1974’s “Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore” was also filmed at the Long Horn Grill & Saloon — an iconic restaurant with an entrance in the shape of a large cow skull.

DRAGOON (POP. 33)

You may never have heard of Dragoon, an unincorporated community and census-designated place in Cochise County, but you have likely seen signs

Chloride, AZ // Photo by Robbie Vegas on Instagram (@robbievegas)

Amado, AZ // Photo by Tim Melideo on Instagram (@timmelideo)

Dragoon, AZ // Photo Courtesy of @akilian0744 on Instagram

for its main attraction — The Thing, America's most purposefully mysterious tourist destination.

However, Dragoon’s far more interesting attraction — Rattlesnake Ranch — is nearly as unknown as the community itself. An assortment of large sculptures sits just inside the entrance of the free makeshift, outdoor exhibit. Here, rusty and expertly painted dinosaurs mingle with a giant Gila monster, a wild stallion and a Native American on horseback.

Dragoon also serves as the final resting place of Johnny Ringo — a notorious Wild West outlaw whose death is shrouded in mystery. Today, Ringo’s grave is preserved as a historic site.

SUMMERHAVEN (POP. 26)

Boasting one of the smallest populations in Arizona, the aptly named Summerhaven is a small, unincorporated community and census-designated place on Mount Lemmon in the Santa Catalina Mountains north of Tucson.

At one point, Summerhaven had the highest golf links in the world on 50 acres of U.S. Forest Service and private land, with two trout streams running throughout.

Today, in addition to being a respite from the heat, providing picturesque surroundings and offering incredible views via Ski Valley ski lift and the University of Arizona SkyCenter, Summerhaven is also home to the Mt. Lemmon Cookie Cabin — a mountain-top lodge known for its delicious, homemade cookies the size of dinner plates.

Summerhaven, AZ // Photo by Raquel Baranow on Flickr

COMMUNITY

Through June 3

‘DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS’

Writer Joseph J. Airdo

June + July 2023

Arizona Broadway Theatre presents its production of “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.” See website for price and times. Arizona Broadway Theatre, 7701 W. Paradise Lane, Peoria. 623-776-8400; azbroadway.org

Through June 3

AN EVENING AT DESERT BOTANICAL GARDEN

Surrounded by the matchless desert landscape with the setting sun as a backdrop, Ballet Arizona choreographer Ib Andersen challenges the boundaries of contemporary ballet. See website for prices. Tuesdays–Saturdays 8 p.m. Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. balletaz.org

Through June 4

‘THE GREAT AMERICAN TRAILER PARK MUSICAL’

Fountain Hills Theater presents its production of “‘The Great American Trailer Park Musical.” See website for price and times. Fountain Hills Theater, 11445 N. Saguaro Blvd., Fountain Hills. 480-837-9661; fhtaz.org

Through June 30

SUBSTANCE OF STARS: MEDITATIONS AND EXPLORATIONS

June 19–July 21

CAMP TALIESIN WEST

The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation will host a series of summer camps featuring a variety of themes that encourage K–12 students to delve into architecture, engineering, art and photography. $40+. See website for schedule. Taliesin West, 12621 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd., Scottsdale. franklloydwright.org

Heard Museum hosts a pop-up exhibition in partnership with Amangiri — one of the world's finest resorts resting on 900 pristine acres on the border of Utah and Arizona. The exhibition showcases the work of acclaimed artist and filmmaker Steven J. Yazzie (Diné), who grew up not far from the resort in Page. Yazzie draws upon the themes of earth and sky to explore his ancestral landscapes through visually stunning, stimulating and calming videos and photographs. See website for price. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Heard Museum, 2301 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. heard.org

June 2–18

‘SCHOOL OF ROCK: THE MUSICAL’

Starlight Community Theater will present its production of “School of Rock: The Musical.” See website for price and times. Starlight Community Theater, 1611 W. Whispering Wind Drive, Suite 9, Phoenix. starlightcommunitytheater.com

June 3

‘FANCY MEETING YOU HERE’

ASU Kerr Cultural Center will host a celebration of the music of Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney, starring Brian Runbeck and Shana Bousard and featuring Joe Bousard and Scott Hay. $20+. 2 p.m. ASU Kerr Cultural Center, 6110 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. 480-596-2660; asukerr.com

June 5

‘MY SON PINOCCHIO, JR.’ AUDITIONS

Musical Theatre of Anthem will audition potential cast members for its upcoming production of “My Son Pinocchio, Jr.,” which retells the classic Disney story about a little wooden puppet that is wished to life from toymaker Geppetto’s perspective. Auditionees aged 8–18 should prepare a musical theater song. Audition preparation workshops are available for an extra charge. $375; sibling discounts available. 9 a.m. RSVP. Musical Theatre of Anthem, 42201 N. 41st Drive, Anthem. 623-336-6001; musicaltheatreofanthem.org

June 5–9

DHCSM SUMMER CAMP

Desert Hills Community School of Music will debut its first summer music camp featuring a band instruments workshop for ages 10–17 and a beginning strings workshop for ages 8 and up, including adults. See website for prices. Desert Hills Community School of Music, 34605 N. Tom Darlington Road, Scottsdale. 480869-7660; deserthillsmusic.org

June

5–Aug. 12

PHOENIX THEATRE

COMPANY SUMMER CAMPS

The Phoenix Theatre Company will host a series of summer camps for young performers. See website for price and schedule. The Phoenix Theatre Company, 1825 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. 602-254-2151; phoenixtheatre.com

June

7–July 9

‘THE PROM’

The Phoenix Theatre Company will present its production of “The Prom.” See website for price and times. The Phoenix Theatre Company, 1825 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. 602-254-2151; phoenixtheatre.com

COMMUNITY

June + July 2023

June 10 and 11

CELEBRATE THE BLUES

The Musical Instrument Museum will host an exploration of the origins of the blues — including Southern delta traditions and big-city electrification — through expressive performances and informative lectures. See website for schedule of events. $20; youth discounts available. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. The Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Blvd. Phoenix. 480-478-6000; mim.org

June 12–July 28

ABT’S ACADEMY

Arizona Broadway Theatre will host a series of summer camps for young performers. Sessions include “Finding Nemo, Jr.,” “101 Dalmatians: Kids,” “The Wizard of OZ: Youth Edition” and “Rev’d Up.” $150+. See website for schedule. Arizona Broadway Theatre, 7701 W. Paradise Lane, Peoria. 623-776-8400; azbroadway.org

June 12–Aug. 1

FHT SUMMER CAMPS

Fountain Hills Theater will host a series of summer camps for young performers. Sessions include “Legally Blonde: The Musical, Jr.” and “Annie: Kids.” See website for price and schedule. Fountain Hills Theater, 11445 N. Saguaro Blvd., Fountain Hills. 480-837-9661; fhtaz.org

June 14

GET LIT BOOK CLUB

PROMUSICA SEEKS NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

ProMusica Arizona Chorale and Orchestra’s executive director, Yvonne Dolby, has announced that she will retire June 30 after a successful 12-year tenure. The organization is, therefore, now searching for a new executive director to work with its talented and dedicated team of musicians and volunteers who are committed to bringing live music to the community; help shape the future of ProMusica Arizona by contributing your organizational skills and leadership; and grow professionally while making a meaningful impact on the arts community. promusicaaz.org

Desert Foothills Library will host a happy hour discussion of Eliza Reid’s “Secrets of the Sprakkar: Iceland's Extraordinary Women and How They Are Changing the World.” Free. 5 p.m. RSVP. See website for location. 480488-2286; dfla.org

July 3

INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION

Anthem will host its 23rd Independence Day celebration — featuring a fireworks display, fun rides and water slides, activities and festival food. Free. 5:30–9:30 p.m. Anthem Community Park, 41703 N. Gavilan Peak Parkway, Anthem. onlineatanthem.com

July 15 and 16

EXPERIENCE FRANCE

The Musical Instrument Museum will host an event that celebrates the music and culture of France. See website for schedule of events. $20; youth discounts available. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. The Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Blvd. Phoenix. 480-478-6000; mim.org

Writer Joseph J. Airdo

July 16

‘CATS: YOUNG ACTORS EDITION’ AUDITIONS

Musical Theatre of Anthem will audition potential cast members for its upcoming production of “Cats: Young Actors Edition.” Auditionees aged 13–18 should prepare a musical theater song. Audition preparation workshops are available for an extra charge. $375; sibling discounts available. 9 a.m. RSVP. Musical Theatre of Anthem, 42201 N. 41st Drive, Anthem. 623-3366001; musicaltheatreofanthem.org

July 27–29

‘CATS: YOUNG ACTORS EDITION’

Musical Theatre of Anthem presents its production of “Cats: Young Actors Edition.” $25. See website for times. Musical Theatre of Anthem, 42201 N. 41st Drive, Anthem. 623-336-6001; musicaltheatreofanthem.org

Aug. 3–6

SUMMER PERFORMING ARTS INSTITUTE CONVENTION

Musical Theatre of Anthem will host a series of workshops for young performers. $150+. See website for schedule. Musical Theatre of Anthem, 42201 N. 41st Drive, Anthem. 623-336-6001; musicaltheatreofanthem.org

CCheese, wine, whiskey, friendships — there are many things in this world that improve as they age. Unfortunately, our health is not among them.

Although how well you age can be influenced by a number of lifestyle factors over which you have a great deal of control — such as your nutritional status, your physical activity level, your sleep quality and your stress levels — some degenerative processes are simply a natural and inevitable part of the cycle of life.

In recent decades, science and technology have made important inroads in identifying the specific mechanisms of aging at the cellular level, with a significant discovery being the role of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) — the central redox coenzyme in cellular metabolism.

NAD+ is naturally present in every cell of our bodies and plays a significant role in a number of cellular processes, including the repair of DNA. However, as humans age, we lose about 50% of our NAD+ levels, impeding our body’s ability to repair cells and prevent degenerative health issues.

Additionally, NAD+ plays a key role in our cognitive function. One of the most feared and devastating signs of aging is cognitive decline. Advanced brain disorders — such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease — are on the rise, appearing in ever-younger populations and taking a toll on patients and their loved ones.

NAD+ stimulates the neogenesis of neurons to promote brain neuroplasticity and reduce inflammation. It also supports the production of norepinephrine and serotonin — important hormones that help regulate mood, suppress anxiety and promote healthy sleep.

Writer Joseph Airdo // Photography Courtesy The Center for Integrative Healing & Wellness

MAXIMIZING THE BENEFITS OF NAD+ THERAPY

There are a number of oral supplements on the market to boost NAD+. However, oral supplements must be absorbed in your digestive tract and processed in your liver before entering your circulatory system and finally arriving at your cells. During digestion, supplements are often only partially absorbed; some may even pass right through your digestive tract without ever being broken down.

Therefore, administration via weekly injection is recommended as the most effective and convenient way to deliver the coenzyme directly to your bloodstream, where it can be immediately distributed to cells throughout your body and begin the repair process. The many remarkable anti-aging benefits of NAD+ injection therapy include:

Anti-aging Benefits of NAD+

l Improved cognitive function

l Increased longevity

l Reduced risk of cancer

l Increased basal metabolism

l Reduced insulin resistance

l Decreased inflammation

l Protection of cellular mitochondria

l Improved sleep

l Improved liver function

l Improved hearing and vision

l Improved muscle function and recovery

l Improved immune system

THE CENTER FOR INTEGRATIVE HEALING & WELLNESS

Growing in popularity among celebrities, athletes and health-conscious people who want to maintain youthful robust health for decades on end, NAD+ injection therapy is offered locally at The Center for Integrative Healing & Wellness — a spa-like clinic staffed by professional clinicians who guide patients through their treatment so they can keep living the life they love.

The Center for Integrative Healing & Wellness offers 100mg NAD+ subcutaneous injections with four convenient and easy-to-use, ready-to-administer prefilled syringes delivered directly to patients each month. The clinic works exclusively with a 503A licensed and accredited pharmacy to ensure the highest quality and safety of NAD+.

The clinic’s expert staff instructs and guides patients through the process of injecting the coenzyme once a week in the morning to increase their energy and longevity. Injections offer excellent absorption and the beneficial effects are generally noticed very quickly. The Center for Integrative Healing & Wellness also offers concierge high-dose IV NAD+ treatment in the comfort of its clinic for those who have health issues that may benefit from a more rapid restoration of NAD+ levels.

Contact The Center for Integrative Healing & Wellness to inquire about NAD+ injection therapy and stop aging in its tracks today!

Dr. Fabio Almeida M.D. ABIOM, ABNM, ABOM Medical Director Center for Integrative Healing & Wellness

IIt’s Anthem’s hottest summer job; but contrary to Hollywood stereotypes, it’s not all about wind-tousled hair and slowmotion jogging. Being a lifeguard means long hours in brutal heat and daily skills training with an eagle-eyed focus on preserving safety and saving lives.

Overseeing it all is Tya Kuzov, the aquatics program supervisor for Anthem Community Council.

Water is a constant element flowing through Kuzov’s life. She hails from a family of lifeguards and some of her earliest memories are of spending summers at the pool her grandmother managed, helping with swim lessons and shadowing the lifeguards she admired.

Writer Shannon Severson // Photography by Loralei Lazurek

A graduate of Boulder Creek High School, Kuzov joined Anthem Community Council in 2015, working in nearly every division — from the front desk to the adventure club and even coaching cheerleading. Inspired by her first manager, she was determined to pursue a career in recreation and tourism. One of her goals was to work her way up the ranks to the job she has now at just 24 years old.

Perhaps the most important of her many duties is leading the recruitment and training of the crucial, top-rated lifeguard program in the community as she also works to complete her undergraduate degree in recreation and tourism management at Arizona State University.

“I’ve always had a passion for health, fitness, leisure and recreation,” Kuzov says. “I can see how they really help people emotionally and physically, so my goal is to stay within that scope [as a career.]”

Kuzov’s tenacity, dedication and attention to detail are exactly the traits she looks for in the 75–80 lifeguards she employs each summer from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The number is lower during the off-season, but every spring begins a period of recruiting, interviews and rigorous recertification.

It’s not the average summer job; saving lives is serious business. Many of the lifeguards Kuzov employs first participated in the Junior Guards program as middle school students, which takes place in June.

Someone dies from drowning every minute in the United States and one out of every five of those victims is a child. Drowning is the second leading cause of death for children aged 5–14.

“I like watching the kids grow,” Kuzov says. “They go through an interview, learn responsibility and many become very passionate about what they learn. They often go on to pursue becoming an EMT or a doctor. The heat and pay make it hard to recruit. In-N-Out pays more and has nowhere near the responsibility a lifeguard has.”

The training is also quite a bit more strenuous than working an average job. In addition to completing an 80-question test with a score of 80% or better, recruits must complete a 300-meter swim, a 50-meter sprint while wearing a tube and swim to the bottom of the 14-foot deep dive pool, pick up a 10-pound brick and swim with it across the pool, then do the same with a dummy, and, finally, with an instructor.

“As instructors, we swim to the bottom of the pool and wait and pray that someone comes to get us,” Kuzov says with a laugh. “They can’t get past training without that.”

CPR, first aid, emergency oxygen and the use of AED defibrillators are also part of the training. Every week, those who make the grade attend in-service training for up to three hours in addition to their daily shift and go through emergency scenarios during their shifts to keep them ready in case of an emergency.

“People who stay and like the structure often go into military programs,” Kuzov says. “I’ve written letters of recommendation for the Naval Academy, Army and Coast Guard. You have to be willing to train and be on your A-game. We push them to be responsible and they learn to be strong mentally.”

Two of those lifeguards who have continued to return year after year are Brendan and Abigail Sauer-Newell, who have also been around water their entire lives. Their father, Scott Newell, is the director of programs and aquatics at Anthem Community Council.

Brendan got his start in the Anthem lifeguard program as a high school student. This year will be his eighth summer in the program.

“I climbed the ranks from lifeguard to lead lifeguard to pool manager and have since taken EMT classes,” Brendan says, “I am currently working to finish my schooling to become a certified emergency paramedic.”

Brendan’s favorite part about the lifeguard program has been getting to help shape the younger generation as he has grown up. He says that many of the youngest lifeguards are just getting started in the lessons of serious responsibility, confidence and self-respect. He sees his younger self in them.

“I encourage them to better themselves and serve their community,” he says. “Lifeguarding changes a lot of their perspectives when they finally connect the dots and see that what they are learning and doing can really help someone and make a difference in the world around them. I get an overwhelming sense of joy in knowing that one day the questions they ask me and my response may help them save a life.

“In Anthem, our lifeguards take pride in their skills and knowledge, always pushing to be better. I take pride in knowing that, because of my involvement and the dedication of these young men and women, our community is safer and an overall better place to live.”

Abigail also began at age 15, as she and all her friends were involved in the Anthem Dolphins Swim Team that her father coached. Her older friends and mentor swimmers were lifeguards at the time.

“It was the next, natural step for myself and my friends at the time,” Abigail recalls. “It was like being part of a team and we spend so much time together [that] we became like family. That’s what I love most about this job. I

Tya's Top Tips for Water Safety

#1 Stay in the water with children. Even if they’re in a life jacket, they can drown.

#2 Have children practice asking permission to get into the water at home and away from home.

#3 Keep an eye on children in and out of the pool. Lifeguards are not there to babysit but to constantly scan the pool looking for safety concerns.

#4 Never swim alone. Using the buddy system for children and adults allows swimmers to look out for each other and call for help if something goes wrong.

#5 Teach children to enter the water feet first to avoid serious injury from diving into shallow water.

also love the fact that it means something. The way we train and how we practice is for real-life situations that could make a huge difference… I love this job because it’s important.”

Building community among the lifeguards is also something Kuzov points to that has kept her coming back to the program over the years and is something she values today.

“It’s a family,” she says. “You create relationships you didn’t think you’d create. We spend the whole day and evenings together and end up with long-lasting friendships.”

Kuzov is also building an environment of positive relationships through the community activities she has developed and will supervise all summer long.

The Anthem community pool will be the site for swim lessons, a synchronized swimming program, recreational swimming classes for ages 6 months to adult, the Aqua Bats recreational swim team and Dolphins competitive swim team. There will also be a middle school pool party and high school pool party. All the while, her lifeguard team and junior guards will be there to ensure the pool is a safe place to enjoy cooling off during our hot Arizona summer. onlineatanthem.com

TTwo years ago, Images Arizona showcased a selection of Cassell Archinuk’s photography that invited viewers to see themselves down the road. The intention was to beckon you, our readers, to visualize and embark on venturesome road trips of your own. After all, as any adventurer will tell you, the journey itself is oftentimes more memorable than anything experienced at the destination.

The response was remarkable. So, naturally, we just couldn’t wait to get on the road again.

“I think what is unique about Arizona’s roads is the fact that it does not take long for the scenery to change,” Archinuk says. “If you are in the Southwest, you will see the desert and cacti along your drive.

“Only two-and-a-half hours north, you have majestic mountains — like the San Francisco peaks in Flagstaff along with snow and skiing in the winter. Along the east, you get the Mogollon Rim with forests and lakes where you can camp and fish. Not to mention one of my favorite Arizona places — Sedona, with its stunning red rocks that surround the town.”

With this special summer edition’s photo essay, Images Arizona is again hoping to call our readers to the open road in search of adventure, wonder, amazement and — most of all — fun.

And this time, we want to see where that road takes you. Send photos of your Arizona expeditions to images@imagesaz.com or tag #imagesaz on Instagram for possible publication in the second of our special summer issues!

Writer Joseph J. Airdo // Photography by Cassell Archinuk

HAPPY TRAILS

Since we last spoke with Cassell Archinuk, the photographer has been able to fulfill one of her bucket list dreams — hiking to the Havasupai Indian Reservation in the Grand Canyon.

“I had been trying to get a permit there for the last seven years,” she says. “With the area being closed for the past two, this was the first year they reopened since the COVID shutdown. I was able to get on the cancellation list and snag a permit for mid-February. The waterfalls were beyond beautiful and the whole experience — from camping to hiking to just being there — was surreal for me and one I will never forget.”

Archinuk has, of course, also embarked on a few out-of-state adventures.

“This past year, I did an amazing summer hike at Mt. Rainier in Washington,” she says. “It was really amazing to see all of the colorful summer flowers, yet snow on the mountain where we were hiking.

“In the fall, I took a road trip to Durango and Telluride in Colorado to catch the last of the fall leaves — which were spectacular with the gorgeous mountains there. The Million Dollar Highway to Silverton and Ouray was definitely thrilling, as the elevation gets up to 11,200 feet and there is not much of a shoulder on these roads. But the mountains and views there make it worth driving. You just need to keep your eyes on the road.

“I also did a road trip in January to Moab and was pretty excited to see snow among the arches and red rock at Arches National Park. It was a great time to be there because the crowds were at a minimum during that time.”

As for the road ahead, Archinuk is looking into traveling to Iceland — another one of her bucket list dreams. She is also planning to explore areas around Page, such as White Pocket and the Vermillion Cliffs.

I am one to stop a lot along the way if there are interesting things to see. I guess that comes with being a landscape photographer. Cassell Archinuk

Arizona has a lot of history and there are many places that still tell their stories — from ghost and western towns to Indian ruins. One year, I visited 13 Indian ruins and had a blast learning about how these people lived here so long ago. You learn so much by visiting these places. Cassell Archinuk

My favorite season in Arizona is spring, because of the variety of wildflowers that line the roads — including the highways. Sometimes, there is a super bloom and so many places in the desert have poppies and other flowers scattered throughout, which makes for interesting hikes and Sunday drives. Cassell Archinuk

About the Photographer

About nine years ago, Cassell Archinuk started taking photos on her new smartphone while visiting Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah. She was mesmerized by the remarkable rock formations and found herself exploring a variety of different angles through the lens of the camera on her smartphone.

Archinuk had always been an avid hiker and loved spending time outdoors but never really considered herself a photography enthusiast. But as she began experimenting, her interest in the art form intensified.

One year later, Archinuk purchased a Nikon camera and continued experimenting. A few online tutorials and a lot of trial and error later, she founded Cassy Arch Photography.

“I am a passionate photographer who loves to capture landscapes, nature and people with gorgeous scenic backgrounds,” Archinuk says. “I love nature and the outdoors as it provides a sense of peace, balance and beauty. I also love to capture the feeling and emotion of the love between two people, family joy and many other portrait scenarios.”

Archinuk believes that her former career in cosmetology gifted her with an ability to visualize end results — a very advantageous tool when it comes to photography.

“I specialize in natural light photography and use that to bring the ‘wow’ factor into a photo,” she adds. “I feel like that is one thing that sets me apart because I understand the surrounding landscapes and how to best use this natural light to accentuate the photos In the best possible way.

“Arizona and the Southwest are a favorite to photograph with so much diversity it has to offer, but I have loved capturing the mountains and beaches as well. From weddings, elopements and engagements, you cannot go wrong with such a variety of backgrounds to choose from.”

cassyarchphotography.com

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SSeventy-nine years ago, Esther Williams appeared in a first-of-itskind water ballet sequence in the major motion picture “Bathing Beauty.” Having been made an instant celebrity as a result, Williams went on to star in a number of other films — including the iconic “Million Dollar Mermaid” — and is universally credited as having single-handedly popularized the art form of synchronized swimming.

“It is a lot harder than people think,” says Ilse Kremer, founder of Arizona Synergy — a local organization that aims to teach, practice and honor the sport of artistic swimming.

“Everybody thinks that they can float in the water, right? That they can egg beater and all that? But [artistic swimming] is an incredibly taxing and endurance-based sport. It requires just about every aspect of athleticism in [tandem.] Imagine doing gymnastics, upside down, while holding your breath. That is pretty much what it is like.”

DIVING RIGHT IN

Having swam competitively on the “National Stream” for the Neptunus Club in Belgium until she was 14, Kremer passed down her love for the sport to her daughter Nadia, who placed first at the state competition with another local team in 2018. The Scottsdale resident founded Arizona Synergy in June 2021.

“After a couple of years in this environment, we observed some things that we thought we could do better,” Kremer explains. “So we decided to start our own team and provide a different approach to the sport in general.”

Artistic swimming is considered one of the most difficult sports. It requires the endurance of a marathon runner, the lung capacity of a deep sea diver, the strength of a weightlifter, the acrobatic skill of a gymnast and the flexibility and grace of a dancer — all at the same time.

Ilse Kremer

Writer Joseph J. Airdo // Photography by Loralei Lazurek

A health-science professor who focuses on integration of scientific sports principles for optimal training with wholeperson development of athletes, Kremer believes that sports build character in both children and adults. She also believes that no sport does this better than artistic swimming.

“It really does develop kids in ways that few other things do,” Kremer explains. “There is no intra-club competition. They are all each other’s best friends. And we actively foster that because it is about character building. They work like few adults work. They take all of these setbacks and overcome everything you throw their way.”

It also builds confidence.

“We had swimmers at the beginning of last year who would not take an overshirt off because they did not want to be seen in a bathing suit,” Kremer adds. “Six months later, they were at a national competition, walking out there like they owned the joint. It is amazing.”

Anthem resident Melissa Loresto has seen this phenomenon first-hand.

“My daughter, Ada, started in November of last year,” says Loresto, noting that Ada was initially interested in joining AZ Heat, a competitive springboard diving team, but decided to give artistic swimming a try. “I was really excited to see artistic swimming offered as a recreation class [at Anthem Community Center] because I had friends growing up who were synchronized swimmers.

“Ada fell in love with it the very first day. It blended her dance, gymnastics and diving skills with her love of being in the water. She loves the intensity of the practices and would swim every day if she could. She never wants to leave the pool. She is having so much fun and has really taken off with it.”

Within her first year as an artistic swimmer, Ada was awarded 10 medals — nine of which were gold and one of which was silver. Kremer acknowledges that the 11-year-old Gavilan Peak School student is quite extraordinary.

“The water is her happy place,” Kremer says. “The more she swims, the happier she is.”

MAKING A SPLASH

Arizona Synergy, which has practice locations at both ASU West Sun Devil Fitness Complex in Glendale and Anthem Community Center Diving Well, is one of only five artistic swimming teams in our state. About half of its competitive team members live in Anthem and Norterra while the rest travel from areas as far away as Phoenix, Scottsdale, Avondale, Goodyear and Surprise for a chance to take part.

“When this sport bites, it bites hard,” Kremer says. “It is just one of those things that ropes you in and does not let go.

“We get a lot of kids who are swimmers and have sort of gotten bored with laps. They do not want to just swim for speed. But we also get kids who are not swimmers. We even had one or two girls who could not even swim a 25-yard lap in the pool. It is a very multi-dimensional sport that lends itself to a lot of different athletes from a lot of different backgrounds — or from no background at all.”

After having mastered all levels of recreational practice, swimmers who want to move up through the ranks in preparation for competition may join Arizona Synergy’s team. There, they can expect to practice a minimum of 11 hours each week. Advanced team members practice 16 hours per week.

Loresto admits that training is intense.

“The first hour of each practice is land work, involving stretching, working out and even ankle weights,” she explains. “Then they do intense lap swimming. They learn how to swim butterfly within time. Then they do figures, for which they get individual scores at meets.”

Figures are progressions between positions performed individually without music.

“I do not know if anyone really knows how intense this sport is,” Loresto adds. “All they see is the end result — the routines. But there is so much training that goes into that.”

Kremer concurs.

“The routines are literally just the tip of the iceberg,” she says. “You don't just jump in the water and perform this amazing routine overnight. The amount of hard work one must go through to get to the point where they can swim that routine is staggering.

“Artistic swimming is considered one of the most difficult sports. It requires the endurance of a marathon runner, the lung capacity of a deep sea diver, the strength of a weightlifter, the acrobatic skill of a gymnast and the flexibility and grace of a dancer — all at the same time.”

But anyone who has seen an artistic swimming routine knows that the resulting beauty, elegance and artistry are well worth the athletic effort. Last year, Arizona Synergy performed a football-themed routine. This year’s routines included James Bond and “Aladdin” as inspirations. Kremer has the flexibility and freedom to select themes that suit and showcase each individual swimmer’s skills and strengths.

JUST KEEP SWIMMING

Kremer notes that although Arizona Synergy is youth-based, many artistic swimmers continue to compete well into their adult years.

“Our sport has a very robust adult presence,” she says. “We have a lot of master swimmers that have been involved in the sport in one way or another well into their 30s and 40s. In fact, one of our guest coaches recently competed in the 70–79 age group. She can do splits that I could only dream of.”

It certainly seems that the sport will continue to be a part of Kremer’s 16-year-old daughter’s life, at least for the foreseeable future. An ASU Preparatory Academy High School student, Nadia has taken on the role of junior coach for Arizona Synergy and

Kremer anticipates that she will one day take over the team from her.

Meanwhile, Kremer’s son Aidan is also an artistic swimmer — one of only three males in Arizona who compete in the sport.

“Artistic swimming has recently made a big effort to be more gender inclusive,” Kremer says. “The next Olympic games coming up will be the first set where men are allowed to compete in all of the events.”

At 13 years old, Aidan has not yet decided how long he will continue in the sport. But, for now, he is building character, strength, endurance and acrobatic skill through Arizona Synergy — and having an absolute blast in the process.

“He is one boy with 15 girls paying attention to him,” Kremer says. “What's not to love?”

Loresto adds that, of all the skills fostered through artistic swimming, teamwork may be the strongest.

“I do not know if there is any other sport where team members become so tight-knit,” she says. “When they are swimming together 11–16 hours each week, they tend to form really tight bonds with one another. I think that it is these friendships that will last forever.”

arizonasynergyas.com

TThere is no doubt that Arizona is one of the most photogenic areas on the entire planet. Between our sensational sunsets over our majestic mountain vistas and our statuesque saguaros, it is exceptionally easy to make our out-ofstate friends, family and followers ridiculously jealous on social media.

However, if you really want to go viral, here are ten Arizona landmarks that best showcase our state’s impressive pageantry.

OLD FOSSIL CREEK DAM

Though it may be the site nearest to the Valley on our list of Instagrammable places around Arizona, access to Old Fossil Creek Dam requires a physically demanding 5-mile desert hike one way into a 1,500-foot-deep canyon via Fossil Springs Trail in Strawberry.

Old Fossil Creek Dam Writer Joseph J. Airdo

One of only two National Wild and Scenic rivers in Arizona, Fossil Creek is fed by springs coming from the cliffs of the Mogollon Rim. More than 30 million gallons of water are discharged each day at a constant 70 degrees while high mineral content leaves travertine dams and deposits, giving rise to fossillike features.

Affectionately dubbed “The Toilet Bowl” due to a round slide on the side of the river that will spin a diver around and out into the main pool from the base of the falls, Old Fossil Creek Dam offers much more than just a pretty backdrop for photos. There is even a shallow cave from which swimmers can hide from the sun before embarking on the even more strenuous hike back out of the canyon.

DEVIL'S BRIDGE

The largest natural sandstone arch in Sedona, Devil’s Bridge is surrounded by the stunning red rocks for which the area is famous and accessed via a relatively short 1.8-mile roundtrip hike.

However, with ease comes crowds, so the actual distance you have to hike from your parking spot may vary and you will likely have to wait in line for a chance to take that iconic picture of your travel companion walking across the 54-foot-tall and 45-footlong bridge.

Though you may feel pressure to pose and move on, remember to pause momentarily to look around at the radiant landscape. As with any of the locations on this list, an impressive post on social media is merely an added benefit. The true reward comes with being present in the moment and appreciating all that Mother Nature has to offer.

BIRTHING CAVE

While in Sedona, you may as well double down on your quest to capture picture perfection with the area’s other highly Instagrammable landmark. To reach the Birthing Cave, park and begin your roughly 2-mile roundtrip hike at either the Long Canyon or Mescal trailheads.

At the fork in the trail where a wooden fence sits, turn left onto an unmarked narrower trail. You will soon see a heart-shaped depression in the cliffs and be ready to snap your second Sedona stunner. Carefully climb the smooth slickrock walls of the cave to get one of the most breathtaking views in all of Arizona.

Have your travel companion capture the moment on camera and impress your followers with what could easily be mistaken for a production still from “Jurassic Park.”

YAKI POINT

No list of Arizona’s most Instagrammable places would be complete without our state’s most famous landmark — the Grand Canyon. On the South Rim, Yaki Point is the ideal overlook to enjoy a sunrise or sunset, providing jawdropping views of the dramatic and vivid color changes.

Public parking access is prohibited so, to get there, you will need to board a free Grand Canyon South Rim Shuttle Bus. Adventurers may alternatively opt to rent a mountain bike and ride it along a spectacularly scenic 12-mile roundtrip trail.

When caught in sidelighting, a photo taken from Yaki Point provides a fine perspective of the massive formations within the canyon and the distant North Rim — which is, coincidentally, the next stop on our journey.

Yaki Point - Photos by Bruce E. Moore

CAPE ROYAL

On the North Rim, Cape Royal provides the widest panorama of any Grand Canyon overlook, revealing stunning colors, deep gorges and towering buttes. Dominating the landscape to the southwest is Wotans Throne — a 7,721-foot summit that is sure to impress your Instagram followers.

Among the other notable sights visible from Cape Royal is Vishnu Temple to the southeast as well as Horseshoe Mesa and the Grandview area of the South Rim in the distance. Nearby Angel’s Window — a picturesque arch high on the limestone wall that beautifully frames the Colorado River — is another notable landmark that makes the photographic possibilities of this spot seemingly endless.

Accessing Cape Royal requires a 23-mile drive along a road whose speed limit is mostly 35 mph; so bring a dose of patience, enjoy the scenery and stop at Point Imperial, Vista Encantada, Roosevelt Point and Walhalla Overlook on the way to capture some supplemental shots.

MOONEY FALLS

Deep inside the towering cliffs of the Grand Canyon, Mooney Falls is the highest and perhaps most spectacular of the five waterfalls that have made passes to visit the Havasupai Indian Reservation one of the most highly coveted items among adventure-seekers.

Antelope Canyon

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Photo by Noel Reinhold on Flickr

Mooney Falls

// Photo Courtesy of Joseph J. Airdo

Havasu Creek’s waters plunge nearly 200 feet off Mooney Falls, providing quite possibly the most magnificent backdrop on this list. However, as if the sight alone were not impressive enough, the story of how you got there — which involves a semi-technical downclimb using bolts, ladders and chains — adds to the exclusivity and awe of this particular shot.

Hike, wade and bushwack 3.5 miles downstream to the extremely secluded Beaver Falls or climb back up to explore the more easily accessible Havasu Falls, Lil’ Navajo Falls and Fifty Foot Falls — the turquoise waters of which will make your followers green with envy.

ANTELOPE CANYON

Located on private land within the Navajo Nation in Page, guided tours are required to visit Antelope Canyon — which, named for the herds of pronghorn antelope that once roamed the area, immerses visitors in the swirling embrace of sandstone walls that have been shaped by millions of years of water and wind erosion.

Plan ahead to arrive midday March through October, when the position of the sun creates light shafts that reach the canyon floor and illuminates the pink, red, orange and gold patterns on the canyon walls.

Because it is shaped like an upsidedown “V,” narrow at the top and wide at the base, Upper Antelope Canyon is easier to walk through and more photogenic therefore more popular than Lower Antelope Canyon. However, many visitors claim that the latter is more fun, with narrow passageways to squeeze through and ladders to climb.

HORSESHOE BEND

While Antelope Canyon is best experienced and photographed midday, its neighboring landmark Horseshoe Bend looks most impressive at sunrise and sunset. Below the rim, the Colorado River makes a wide sweep around a sandstone escarpment, creating a roughly 1,000-foot-deep, 270-degree, horseshoe-shaped bend in Glen Canyon.

There is an easy 1.5-mile round-trip hike to the overlook over a hardened path. This — combined with recent exposure on social media — has made Horseshoe Bend one of the most popular tourist destinations in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, drawing more than 2 million visitors each year.

However, between the tranquil turquoise waters gently flowing below and the remarkably vibrant colors of the canyon and distant horizon, you will have no trouble tuning out the crowd, finding your zen and capturing the perfect shot of an iconic Arizona landmark.

THE WAVE

The most exclusive landmark on our list, The Wave is located in the Coyote Buttes North area of the Utah-Arizona border. The U.S. Bureau of Land Management issues just 64 permits — selected via a lottery — to visit the stunning sandstone rock formation per day.

Needless to say, demand to experience what has been dubbed the premier photographic destination in the U.S. Southwest far exceeds the supply. And as if the difficulty obtaining a permit did not make visiting The Wave challenging enough, you will need to hike three miles through the unmarked desert — guided only by a vague map of visible landmarks — in order to get there.

Birthing CavePhoto by Jimmy Conover on Unsplash

Forrest Gump PointPhoto by Dave Cox and Sammi Chicken instagram.com sammichicken

However, once there, you will be mesmerized by the trippy rock formation’s smooth, flowing shape and striking red and yellow stripes that prove that Mother Nature is the greatest artist of all. With its swirling layers and undulating forms, The Wave is not only an Instagrammable site but also a geological wonder 190 million years in the making.

FORREST GUMP POINT

It is only appropriate that we conclude our road trip in the place where Forrest Gump ended his ultra-ultra marathon of more than 15,000 miles in the eponymous movie starring Tom Hanks.

With the majestic Monument Valley as a backdrop, this spot on Route 163 at mile marker 13 near the Arizona-Utah border is extremely well-known among fans of that 1994 film. Though one could argue that there are many remarkable vantage points of Monument Valley, this one has become one of the most iconic and frequently photographed — and for good reason.

In addition to being an instantly recognizable piece of cinematic history, it also offers one of the most spectacular and archetypal views of the entire American Southwest, accentuated by Monument Valley’s gorgeous crimson mesas and towering sandstone buttes in the distance.

Horseshoe Bend // Photo by Drif Riadh on Unsplash

RECIPE

Crustless Lemon Tart

Serves: 12

Ingredients:

9 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 large eggs

2/3 cup all-purpose flour

1-1/3 cups granulated sugar

3/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Finely grated zest from 2 large or 3 smaller lemons

2/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

1-1/3 cups heavy cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Powdered sugar, whipped cream, fresh berries and edible flowers (for garnish)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Place butter in a microwave-safe bowl and cook on high power for 1 minute or until melted. Set aside to cool.

Place eggs in a medium-large bowl and whisk until well combined. Add flour and whisk again until mixture is smooth, about 30 seconds. Add sugar, salt, lemon zest, lemon juice, heavy cream and vanilla extract and whisk until well combined and smooth. Lastly, add melted butter and whisk until completely incorporated.

Spray a 9-inch cake pan generously with baking spray and rub with a paper towel to completely coat all of the inner surfaces. Spray lightly one more time then pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 45–55 minutes, or until the edges of the tart begin to turn a light golden brown. The tart will still be a little wobbly at this point. Allow tart to cool completely, 3–4 hours.

To release the tart from the pan, jiggle it a bit. If the bottom is not loose, place a folded kitchen towel on the counter and tap the edges of the pan all the way around on the towel. Place a flat plate on top of the pan and quickly flip it over so the plate is now on the bottom. Firmly jiggle the pan and plate up and down a few times until you feel the tart release. Then place another plate or your serving platter on top and flip one more time to the top is now up.

With a fine sieve, sprinkle the tart with powdered sugar. Garnish with whipped cream, fresh berries and edible flowers, if desired. thefancypantskitchen.com

Writer and Photographer Francine Coles thefancypantskitchen.com

This crustless lemon tart is so easy to make and is a real show-stopper! The bright lemon flavor is the perfect dessert for this time of year — and the pretty design makes it ideal for special occasions!