Images Arizona November 2020

N ovember 2020

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ECRWSS Local Postal Customer

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JOHN BELL Writer Shannon Severson Photography Courtesy of Tobias Nolan

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COMMUNITY EVENTS Writer Joseph J. Airdo

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LOCAL FACES Writer Joseph J. Airdo

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A MISSION OF PATRIOTISM Writer Joseph J. Airdo

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SONORAN SQUIRRELS Writer Joseph J. Airdo Photography by Peggy Coleman

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COSMIC BROWNIES Writer and Photographer Kyndra Kelly

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PUBLISHER Shelly Spence

MANAGING EDITOR Joseph J. Airdo

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Meaghan Hanie

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Joseph J. Airdo Sue Kern-Fleischer Kyndra Kelly Shannon Severson

PHOTOGRAPHERS Bryan Black Brandon Dunham Kyndra Kelly Loralei Lazurek Carl Schultz

ADVERTISING SALES Cooper Langston 480-544-8721 cooper@imagesaz.com

Images Arizona P.O. Box 1416 Carefree, AZ. 85377 623-341-8221 imagesarizona.com Submission of news for community section should be in to shelly@imagesaz.com by the 5th of the month prior to publication.

Images Arizona is published by ImagesAZ Inc. Copyright © 2020 by ImagesAZ, Inc. All rights reserved.

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

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

Local First A R I Z O NA 6

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It is finally that time of the year again when gratitude is at its absolute highest. Autumn wraps around us like a cozy blanket, fueled by various signs of the season that invite happiness and joy into our lives.

Simply step outside and bear witness to the stunningly gorgeous yellow, orange, red, purple and brown foliage. Keep a keen ear out for the crunch of those fallen leaves during a morning stroll or the crackle of the bonfire during the evening hours. The scents of cinnamon, cider and sage fill our kitchens and our tastebuds are tantalized by tart cranberry sauce, candied sweet potatoes and pumpkin spice lattes.

One of the other sensational signs of the season is the return of the Hidden in the Hills Artist Studio Tour. Now in its 24th year, Arizona’s largest and longest-running artist studio tour takes place during the last two weekends of this month and features 140 exceptionally talented artists — including skilled sculptor and brilliant alchemist Jason Napier, whose whimsical bronze jackrabbit, “Weedeater,” graces the cover of this year’s four-color artist directory.

A chronicle of Napier’s fervent life and expressive work can be found in the pages of this month’s issue of Images Arizona, along with a number of other inspirational and uplifting stories about our community’s extraordinary individuals and organizations. We also continue to introduce you to the many bright business owners who not only make our publication possible but also define our community.

I am eternally grateful to all of the people who make our community so colorful, vibrant and cohesive — especially this time of the year. The sights, sounds, smells and tastes of the autumn season remind me to be thankful to live among such unsurpassable splendor. They also remind me to be thankful to you, our remarkable readers. I hope that that this month’s issue invites just a little more happiness and joy into your life for which you, too, can be thankful.

Cheers!

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

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F R O M

A

D AY

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T H E

L I N K S

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T O

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N I G H T

O U T

CONTEMPORARY JEWELRY + ART

All the FOPE collections share an incredible attention to detail and high quality, while the original designs represent an ever-evolving interpretation of Italian style. The Flex’it collections in particular have become a trademark of this brand, with flexible bracelets entirely made of gold thanks to dozens of tiny gold springs.

[

November 20 & 21

Call for private appointment or come by to see this beautiful Italian jewelry.

Grace Renee Gallery 7212 E. Ho Hum Rd. # 7 | Carefree, AZ 85377 Open Daily 10 a.m.–5 p.m. and Open Late Thur.–Sat.until 7 p.m.

480.575.8080

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GraceReneeGallery.com

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Flex’it Bracelet with Diamonds 18 karat gold and diamond N ovember 2020

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Artist John Bell’s latest chapter will bring him to Grace Renee Gallery in Carefree for a showing of his paintings that are representations of natural forms with colorful style and midcentury modern influence.

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Writer Shannon Severson Photography Courtesy of Tobias Nolan

What began with a passion for drawing hot rods as a kid in northern New Jersey eventually led artist John Bell to gigs in some of the most iconic movies of the late 20th and early 21st centuries and jobs at the forefront of video game design.

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In Malcolm Gladwell’s landmark book, “Outliers,” the author describes the paths of people who rose to incredible career heights through a combination of dedication to their sphere of expertise and being in the right place at the right time.

“Success is not a random act,” Gladwell writes. “It arises out of a predictable and powerful set of circumstances and opportunities.”

The career trajectory of artist John Bell fits Gladwell’s theory perfectly. What began with a passion for drawing hot rods as a kid in northern New Jersey eventually led to gigs in some of the most iconic movies of the late 20th and early 21st centuries — earning him an Academy Award nomination and a British Academy of Film and Television Arts award — and jobs at the forefront of video game design.

With a wealth of artistic ability, creativity and willingness to venture into new frontiers, Bell’s latest chapter will bring him to Grace Renee Gallery in Carefree for a showing of his paintings that are representations of natural forms with colorful style and midcentury modern influence.

ENJOYMENT AND EXPLORATION

Although Bell lives in Bend, Oregon, his latest artistic endeavor was inspired by an Arizona artist.

“I read Ed Mell’s book [‘Beyond the Visible Terrain: The Art of Ed Mell’],” Bell says. “I got inspired to paint by first doing plant drawings. I really love the forms in succulents and cactuses. The lines were architectural and almost automotive.

I was doodling line drawings and over three to four years they evolved. The forms just began taking on a life of their own. I decided to try painting them in the spring of 2019.”

Bell took his collection of 2-inch doodles on notebook paper and began enlarging them and experimenting with oil paint — a new medium for him.

“I started small — just 10-by-10 inches — and decided I will paint small until I feel more confident,” Bell explains.

“Now I have works as large as 20-by-20 inches and will grow from there.”

This art was primarily for his own enjoyment and exploration, but Bell has always made a habit of reaching out to those whose work he admires. In this case, he wrote to Mell and was surprised when a call from the legendary Arizona artist turned into a long conversation about all of the things that the two men had in common.

When Mell extended an offer for Bell to be part of a show at Ed Mell Gallery in November 2019, the artist could hardly believe it.

“For him to invite me to be part of that show just floored me,” Bell says. “It was amazing. I brought two to be hung and two additional paintings. I sold all four the first day. When I returned home, it just started pinging. I was so encouraged that people were responding to my art.”

ARCHITECTURAL AND AUTOMOTIVE

The public appeal of Bell’s talents stretches all the way back to those New Jersey days of his youth when he and his two brothers would beg their dad, a Columbia Records marketing executive, to drive them to the nearest drag racing strip — 45 minutes away.

“We fell in love with the cars, the colors and the noise,” Bell says. “I started drawing these cars all the time.”

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Bell began corresponding with Kenny Youngblood, whose artwork was in all of the hot rod magazines at the time. He’d ask questions about design details and techniques and Youngblood would handwrite 5- to 6-page letters back with tips and advice.

Soon, Bell and his photography-loving brother were traveling to tracks every weekend to sell his drawings and his brother’s photos — often to the drivers themselves.

Bell’s father, Bill, who became a well-known artist himself after retirement from Columbia, had a chance encounter on a business trip to Los Angeles in 1975 that would change his son’s life forever.

Bill loved to strike up conversations with just about anyone and was soon telling a fellow bar patron of his young son’s talent for drawing cars. The man suggested that Bill encourage his son to apply for the Transportation Design program at Pasadena’s renowned Art Center College.

Bell did just that and was accepted, not quite realizing what a rarefied opportunity he had secured.

“On the first day, all the students sat in a big room and we were asked to raise our hands if we were from the U.S., Asia, Europe, Latin America, etc.,” Bell says. “I watched all the hands go up and I’m just some kid from New Jersey while people have come from all over the world to study here.”

FILM AND FREEDOM

After graduation and a couple of years at the General Motors Advanced Concept Studio in Detroit, a conversation with a fellow Art Center College graduate led him back to the West Coast for a job in advanced concepts at Atari in San Jose, California. That move — and more of Bell’s smart letter-writing, which included work samples — eventually led him to jobs at George Lucas’ Industrial Light and Magic in San Rafael, where he worked on storyboards for “Star Trek IV.” “The Industrial Light and Magic art department at the time was me and three other guys,” he says. “We were concept artists and there were maybe 15–20 people doing the job for the whole industry. The effects were brand new. I got lucky and got into it and stayed for 15 years.”

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Although John Bell lives in Bend, Oregon, his latest artistic endeavor was inspired

by Arizona artist Ed Mell.

Artist John Bell’s work on a number of major motion pictures has earned him an Academy Award nomination and a British Academy of Film and Television Arts award for visual effects.

EXPERIENCE

The Art of John Bell

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Grace | e7212 im a g e s a rRenee i z o n a . cGallery o m Nov m b e rE.2Ho 02 0Hum

Road #7 | Carefree | 480-575-8080 | gracereneegallery.com

It takes years from concept design to finished film. It’s an art that takes patience, creativity, flexibility and teamwork.

“

The colors I use in my paintings have adapted to the colors I’m living around — the Ponderosa pine and sagebrush.

It’s a different thing and it will be exciting to see where it goes.

John Bell

One of the highlights of his time at Industrial Light and Magic was working on Robert Zemeckis’ “Back to the Future II” and “Back to the Future III,” on which Bell had quite a bit of freedom to design his futuristic vision that became cultural icons — the hoverboards, street architecture of the fictional town of Hill Valley.

“The production designer, Rick Carter, and I hit it off,” Bell says. “My trip to Los Angeles for a couple of weeks’ work turned into several months. Rick told me to give them my take on whatever I found interesting or wanted to focus on, then they would come back to me with specifics for items and elements of the concepts. The chemistry in the studio was just great. We got along famously.”

That work earned him an Academy Award nomination and a British Academy of Film and Television Arts award for visual effects. It cemented his role in film history.

“To this day, I get letters and emails asking, ‘Do you have any ‘Back to the Future’ artwork you can sell?’” Bell says.

“There are fan clubs across the globe.

If only I had a little forward vision, I would have gone into the dumpster to grab some of the hoverboards they threw away from the set.”

Bell went on to work on the first line of visuals for “The Rocketeer.” He worked on “Jurassic Park” with Carter and Stephen Spielberg, then on “Contact” and “Willow” with George Lucas.

He had gigs with Dreamworks for “Antz” and “The Penguins of Madagascar,” did freelance work on “Cars” and Cars 2,” had a stint designing shoes for Nike and

was behind the visual artistry of “Rango” and “Pirates of the Caribbean IV.” His storyboards were even the source of the most dramatic scenes in the Academy Award-winning film “The Revenant.”

It’s almost as if Bell has lived a charmed existence, never missing out on being in exactly the right place for the right opportunity — or so it seems. Bell recalls the time he passed up a job working for Pixar on a new type of animation for a movie called “Toy Story.”

“I went to visit and was shown around Pixar,” Bell says. “It was all brand new computer graphics and I wasn’t so sure about it. I said, ‘I don’t think I’m interested.’ I shot three toes off my foot with that one mistake. I wish I’d had some forethought.”

LIFE AND LEISURE

After several lifetimes’ worth of great movie industry work experiences, Bell was ready for a more low-key lifestyle.

His home in Bend, Oregon provides that.

He’s working as a senior concept artist for Sony on a top-secret AAA video game while enjoying the slower pace of life and finding new inspirations for his paintings. He’s also been thinking about partnering with a woodworker to create wall reliefs of his works.

“Since we moved up here, the color palette has changed,” Bell says. “The colors I use in my paintings have adapted to the colors I’m living around — the Ponderosa pine and sagebrush. It’s a different thing and it will be exciting to see where it goes.”

If the past is any indication of the future, Bell will continue to bring his vibrant ideas to life, rendering the familiar on canvas in colorful new ways. johnbell.studio

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COMMUNITY

2020 NOVEMBER

Writer Joseph J. Airdo

Nov. 6–15

CANAL CONVERGENCE Scottsdale Public Art will expand this year’s Canal Convergence — an event that showcases enchanting, lightbased artworks from around the world — beyond the Arizona Canal at the Scottsdale Waterfront to include locations throughout Old Town Scottsdale. Additionally, Scottsdale Arts Learning and Innovation will use augmented reality technology to enhance the experience with a smartphone app, allowing activities like entertainment, workshops, artist talks and public art tours to still be part of this year’s event albeit in a safe, socially distanced way. Free. See website for installation information and locations. canalconvergence.com

Sept. 19–Dec. 5

Oct. 3–Jan. 31

Cision Gallery is hosting a series of

Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary

art classes taught by professional

Art presents mother and daughter

artists for youth. Made possible

artists Barbara Stauffacher Solomon

through the support of the Chandler

and Nellie King Solomon in their

Cultural Foundation, Vision Kids

first joint exhibition. Both artists

classes are streamed online via Zoom

were trained as architects but were

the most up-to-date information

each Saturday and provide children

never licensed, which might explain

at press time, some events may be

with the opportunity to create art

the way they establish rules, grids

that represents their own creativity.

or frameworks only to challenge

Participants develop important

their very existence. At the heart of

avenues for self-expression and

the pair’s artistic practice lies the

other factors associated with the

an understanding of the creative

confident ability to think and explore

COVID-19 pandemic. Please use

process as they learn techniques in a

beyond the norm — or beyond the

variety of media — including pencil,

frame. $10; youth, student and senior

watercolor, ceramics, photography

discounts available. Wednesday–

and more. Free. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Sunday 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Scottsdale

visiongallery.org/vision-kids

Museum of Contemporary Art, 7374

Keep in mind Although Images Arizona magazine has made every effort to publish

canceled or rescheduled to comply with social distancing measures and

the contact information provided to confirm dated details.

VISION KIDS CLASSES

BEYOND EXHIBITION

E. Second St., Scottsdale. 480-8744666; smoca.org

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Oct. 16–Nov. 30

VIRTUAL ARTS AND CRAFTS FAIR In lieu of Anthem’s Autumnfest, which has been reimagined in response to social distancing measures as a result of the COVID-19

More coverage. Less spendage.

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pandemic, an online catalog of arts and crafts products from vendors who participated in the event the past two years will be available on Anthem Community Council’s website so that dedicated festivalgoers can enjoy shopping from the comfort and safety of their own homes. onlineatanthem.com/autumnfest

Nov. 5

Nanette McClelland-Miller, Agent

623-742-6866

nanettemiller.com Fry’s Shopping Center: Next to Verizon and Tru Burger

CAREFREE ART WALK Stroll, shop, dine and enjoy an evening celebrating the arts in downtown Carefree while helping to support local businesses and local creativity — which makes our Arizona culture a better place to live, work and visit. Begin at any gallery, then continue on to other participating galleries. Enjoy a diverse display of artistic styles and mediums, meet the artists, enjoy refreshments and engage in conversation about art and architecture. Free. 4–8 p.m. See website for participating galleries. visitcarefree.com

Nov. 6–10

SCOTTSDALE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL The Scottsdale International Film Festival will pivot to a virtual format for its 20th annual event, giving moviegoers the opportunity to travel the world and enjoy cinema from the comfort and safety of their own homes. Using innovative technologies, the virtual festival will allow participants to easily build a customized schedule. With a selection of comedies, dramas, documentaries, thrillers and more, audiences are certain to find their niche watching one, several or all of the films in the festival schedule. scottsdalefilmfestival.com

Nov. 6–22

SAY GOODNIGHT, GRACIE Fountain Hills Theater will present its production of “Say Goodnight, Gracie” — a hilarious and heart-warming show about comedian George Burns who, in limbo, is unable to join his beloved wife Gracie until he gives the performance of his life for God. See website for prices and times. Fountain Hills Theater, 11445 N. Saguaro Blvd., Fountain Hills. 480-837-9661; fhtaz.org

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Nov. 20–29

HIDDEN IN THE HILLS Arizona’s largest and longest-running artist studio tour will take place during the last two weekends of November. The Sonoran Arts League’s self-guided tour this year will feature 140 artists at 35 private studios throughout the scenic Desert Foothills communities of Cave Creek, Carefree and North Scottsdale. Scottsdale bronze artist Jason Napier’s whimsical jackrabbit “Weedeater” will grace the cover of this year’s popular four-color artist directory. 480-575-6624; hiddeninthehills.org

Nov. 7

THE STELLA ARTOIS POLO CLASSIC

Nov. 8

Drive, Anthem. 623-336-6001;

The Bentley Scottsdale Polo

MUSICAL KALEIDOSCOPE CONCERT

Championships will produce a polo

ProMusica Arizona Chorale and

event with a new focus on social

Orchestra will livestream a concert of

THE SOUND OF MUSIC

distancing and a key focus to help

outstanding musical talent in small

Desert Foothills Theater will present

schools, nonprofit organizations

ensembles and solo performances.

its production of “The Sound of

and charities hit hard by the

A limited number of tickets will

Music,” a play based on the true

COVID-19 pandemic. The event

be available for those who wish to

story of the Von Trapp Family

will begin with Arizona Polo Club

attend in person. 4 p.m. See website

Singers that captures a personal

taking on the Brooklands Polo

for price and location. 623-326-

tale of growth and hope amidst the

Team. EPR Polo will then introduce

5172; pmaz.org

horrors of World War II. Adults $40;

the Celebrity Cruises Match Up, supporting Arizona Equine Rescue and Southwest Wildlife. In the final

Nov. 12–15

will take on the Women’s All-Stars in a “Battle of the Sexes.” $20+.

Musical Theatre of Anthem will

10:45 a.m.–6 p.m. WestWorld of

present its production of “Junie B.

Scottsdale’s Polo Field, 16601 N.

Jones: The Musical, Jr.,” the story of

Pima Road, Scottsdale. 480-423-

a young girl’s first day of first grade.

1414; thepoloparty.com

$13+. See website for times. Musical

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musicaltheatreofanthem.org

Nov. 12–21

children $25. See website for times.

JUNIE B. JONES: THE MUSICAL, JR.

match, Morehouse College Polo Club

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Theatre of Anthem, 42201 N. 41st

Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion, 101 Easy St., Carefree. 480-488-1981; dftheater.org

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Dec. 3–5

ANNE SYLVAIN HANDBAGS Fashion designer Patricia Raskin will debut her oneof-a-kind, investment-worthy handbags –– pieces of art to carry every day and for special occasions — at Grace Renee Gallery in Carefree. Along with durability, the naturally occurring beauty of each type of leather pattern is different from bag to bag while the sources that Raskin uses are models of sustainability. Each one is lined with high-quality leather, often in a fun, contrasting color. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Grace Renee Gallery, 7212 E. Ho Hum Road #7, Carefree. 480-575-8080; gracereneegallery.com

Nov. 13

Nov. 13 and 14

Nov. 14

Our Lady’s Guild will host its

Parkinson’s Foundation will host

Musicians Sandra Bassett, Steven

13th annual Christmas Bazaar.

a virtual fundraiser to support the

Powell, Beth Lederman, Jon Murray

The shopping extravaganza will

nearly 1 million Americans who

and Alonzo Powell will perform

showcase jewelry, photography, a

live with Parkinson’s Disease. The

a heartfelt tribute to the music of

pet boutique, fused glass, purses,

event will also help educate, inform

one of the world’s most beloved

quilts, rock art sculptures, gourd

and raise spirits of those individuals

songwriters and performers.

art, holiday ornaments and wreaths,

whose lives have been touched by

The group will put its own spin

children and doll apparel, imported

the disease. Donate or register your

on some of the incredible music

olive oils, woodworking and cutting

team online to walk in your own

that has captivated audiences for

boards, beaded wrapped silverware,

community. The virtual fundraiser

decades. $24+. 8 p.m. Virginia

watercolor paintings, metal yard art,

will also be posted on YouTube for

G. Piper Theater, 7380 E. Second

Native American crafts and more.

viewing after the event. 10:30 a.m.

St., Scottsdale. 480-499-8587;

The event will also feature sweets

movingdayphoenix.org

scottsdaleperformingarts.org

and treats, a mini book-nook and

LIFE FILLED WITH (STEVIE) WONDER CONCERT

OUR LADY OF JOY CHRISTMAS BAZAAR

coffee from the Joyful Grounds Café.

Free. 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Our Lady of Joy Catholic Parish, 36811 N. Pima Road, Carefree. oloj.org

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MOVING DAY VIRTUAL WALK

Dec. 3–6

OUR TOWN Musical Theatre of Anthem will present its production of “Our Town,” a story that follows the small town of Grover’s Corners through three acts — “Daily Life,” “Love and Marriage” and “Death and Eternity.” $13+. See website for times. Musical Theatre of Anthem, 42201 N. 41st Drive, Anthem. 623-3366001; musicaltheatreofanthem.org

CAIT HUBLE TO LEAD SONORAN ARTS LEAGUE Sonoran Arts League has named Cait Huble as its new executive director.

Huble — an Army spouse, distance runner and travel enthusiast who lives in Phoenix with her husband and two dogs — spent the last decade working with nonprofit arts organizations across the country, primarily focusing on strategic planning, programming and development. She holds a bachelor’s degree in management from Arizona State University and a Master of Business Administration degree from Concordia University - Irvine. 480-5756624; sonoranartsleague.org

THEATER HOSTS PLAYWRITING CONTEST Starlight Community Theater is hosting its annual playwriting contest,

INJURY SCREENING

encouraging new works for the stage by providing an opportunity to engage in the playwriting process. The winner will receive a staged reading and given consideration for a full production.

Submissions will be accepted until Nov. 20. starlightcommunitytheater.com

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IMAGES ARIZONA 7212 E. Ho Hum Rd. #7 | Carefree | 623-341-8221 | imagesarizona.com Images Arizona publisher Shelly Spence’s son Cooper Langston has been around the magazine ever since he was just a child. In fact, he and Images Arizona are almost the same age. A senior at Arizona State University’s W.P. Carey School of Business studying finance, Langston loves to hike, travel and spend time with his friends and family. He is also an avid golfer, having played for a year in college.

“I have seen Images Arizona — as well as the incredible local business owners who advertise throughout the magazine’s pages each month — go through many economic cycles,” Langston says.

“As with all things in life, there have been ups and downs; but this community has always had a very special way of coming together to get through the bad times and flourish during the good times.”

As Images Arizona’s advertising sales manager, Langston makes himself available for everyone’s needs as he aspires to help them in any and every way that he possibly can. Langston is especially proud of the many remarkable relationships that he has developed over the years with local business owners and employees, dating back to before he was even employed at the magazine.

“This is really just about developing relationships and doing the right thing by the local businesses to which we cater,” Langston says. “Without them thriving, we would not be here. Therefore, my mission aligns with the one to which Images Arizona has adhered over the past 21 years — ensuring that our clients get the most out of their marketing with us.”

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IRONWOOD FINE PROPERTIES 40214 N. Oakhurst Court | Anthem | 623-640-7683 | ironwoodteam.com Ironwood Fine Properties is a boutique real estate company whose core mission is to provide experienced real estate services for today’s savvy buyers and sellers. Ironwood Fine Properties’ passion for real estate and attention to emerging trends and cycles has allowed its team to sell more than $200 million in residential property.

Jeff Seman started Ironwood Fine Properties with the simple goal of offering like-minded, passionate Realtors living, working and raising families in the North Valley to help one another as well as those in the community in need of real estate services. As a former PGA Tour golf professional and sales professional for the original developers of Anthem County Club and Fireside at Norterra, Seman brings a unique understanding to buying and selling in master-planned communities.

Ironwood Fine Properties has created a client database of more than 3,000 qualified buyers and investors in the markets it serves — Anthem, Tramonto, Fireside, Cave Creek and North Scottsdale.

Understanding that buying and selling real estate are two of the biggest and most important life decisions someone can make, Seman and the entire Ironwood Fine Properties team invites the community to put its skills to the test.

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ANDREW Z DIAMONDS 3655 W. Anthem Way | Suite C131 | Anthem | 623-551-6892 | andrewzdiamonds.com Specializing in fine jewelry and diamond sales in Anthem since 2004, Andrew Z Diamonds and Fine Jewelry offers repairs, custom designs and appraisals with a complete repair shop on-premises. The store — which features a beautiful selection of jewelry — also buys and sells gold, silver, diamonds and preowned Rolex watches. Trust, honesty, integrity and experience are the hallmarks of the business.

Three generations of jewelers are at the heart of Andrew Z Diamonds and Fine Jewelry — Scott Z; Scott’s father, Andrew Z; and Scott’s grandfather John Z. In addition to being a World War II veteran, John was a watchmaker, a jeweler and the owner of four jewelry stores. Meanwhile, Andrew is a jeweler as well as a Gemological Institute of America Graduate of Diamonds and Color Stones.

With a business degree, Scott is a jeweler, a diamond expert, a custom designer and a Gemological Institute of America Graduate of Diamonds and Diamond Grading. He is also an active member of Preferred Businesses at Anthem, having served terms as vice president and president of the local business group.

As Independent Jewelers Organization Master Jewelers, Andrew and Scott have the unique distinction of being the only father and son to each be awarded Anthem Area Chamber of Commerce’s Business Person of the Year honor. The pair has served the community over the years by volunteering and donating to many local charities and groups — including each Christmas season’s Gift a Day hunt.

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THE MARKET AND SPA ON 41ST 42101 N. 41st Drive | Suite 156 | Anthem | 623-500-2399 Nearly 10 years ago in Los Angeles, Manny Gonzales — a licensed mortician, funeral director, embalmer, cremationist and global volunteer from Orange County, California — met Sharon Smith, a registered dental hygienist from Ventura, California.

Having recently celebrated their 5-year wedding anniversary, Gonzales and Smith are now the proud parents of two children — 7-year-old Emma and 6-year-old Nico Hayes.

The Anthem residents opened a 250-square-foot tanning salon about two years ago. The space has since evolved into a market and day spa. Now at nearly 3,000-square-feet, The Market and Spa on 41st sells local products, supporting other local businesses.

“We built the spa and market to showcase other local entrepreneurs and businesses from around the Valley,” Gonzales says. “And to bring local products to Anthem, where the community can go to one market to buy and support local.”

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POSTNET Anthem | 3655 W. Anthem Way | Suite A-109 | Anthem | 623-551-1305 | postnet.com Located in Anthem Marketplace, PostNet is a one-stop-shop for a variety of essential services. From shipping, high-quality printing, packaging, fingerprinting and binding to scanning, faxing, mailing, graphic design and getting a document notarized, PostNet can do it.

Having lived and worked in Anthem for the past two decades, owners Lanny and Linda Nelson aspire to serve the community. They offer customized and personal service with every transaction.

Packed to the gills with printing and shipping equipment, PostNet offers in-store graphic design and specializes in custom packing jobs. The store, which is the only FedEx Authorized Ship Center within 20 miles of Anthem, even has a wide-format printer specifically for blueprints.

As a network of franchises, PostNet can tap into nationally-priced services for all types of print services — including large-format banners, signs and car magnets. The store also offers free notary services for all veterans and has a special program for anyone needing a memorial brochure in times of loss.

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Jason Napier is a skilled sculptor and brilliant alchemist whose ability to create beautiful bronzes has captured the attention of collectors worldwide.

A self-taught artist, Napier studies his wildlife subjects to make sure the anatomy of each sculpture is correct. He enjoys the challenge of creating work in a variety of sizes. But like his rich, colorful patinas that he creates for each bronze, there’s much more to this masterful artist.

HIDDEN IN THE HILLS ARTIST FEATURE

O

On the surface, Jason Napier appears to be like any other artist who is passionate about his work.

Underneath the surface of Napier’s modest, easygoing demeanor, there’s a skilled sculptor and brilliant alchemist whose ability to create beautiful bronzes has captured the attention of collectors worldwide.

Lucky for art enthusiasts, Napier is one of 140 artists participating in Arizona’s largest and longestrunning artist studio tour, Hidden in the Hills, during the last two weekends of November. Coordinated by nonprofit organization Sonoran Arts League, this year’s 24th annual, free, self-guided tour takes place at 35 socially-distanced, private studios throughout the scenic Desert Foothills communities of Cave Creek, Carefree and North Scottsdale.

Not only is this Napier’s first year participating in the popular studio art tour, his whimsical bronze jackrabbit, “Weedeater,” graces the cover of this year’s four-color artist directory.

Ascension - Cool Blue Patina

by Jason Napier

“Jason’s contemporary wildlife sculptures are uniquely recognizable, collected and revered around the globe,” says Jane Boggs, a gourd artist and studio host who serves as the event’s co-chair. “We’re thrilled he is participating in Hidden in the Hills, especially since his art is so uplifting. You can’t help but smile when you see his work.”

Writer Sue Kern-Fleischer Photography Courtesy of Mark Gardner N ovember 2020

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HIDDEN IN THE HILLS ARTIST FEATURE

Jason Napier is one of 140 artists participating in Arizona’s largest and longest-running artist studio tour, Hidden in the Hills, during the last two weekends of November.

FASCINATED WITH THE FOUNDRY

Napier, a Scottsdale resident, grew up on the Oregon coast in a small town with several lumber mills. He credits his father — a millwright — with teaching him how to work with his hands. But art was not of interest to him until he got a job in a foundry, thanks in part to his wife, Danielle.

“Danielle was my high school sweetheart,” Napier says. “There’s really no me without her. I was chasing her around. When she got a job at an art gallery, I took a job in the foundry below. We were just teenagers, and I started out by sweeping the floor and helping to pour bronze. Eventually, we came up with the idea of conducting tours of both the foundry and the art gallery. That opened a lot of doors for us.”

Napier became fascinated with bronzes and worked every job in the foundry. He began sculpting wildlife, a subject he loved since he was a child. But his true aha moment came when he learned how to create patinas.

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JUDY BRUCE

Mixed Media

480-437-9995

7162 E. Stevens Rd. Cave Creek judybruceart.com

#4

Lucy Dickens Fine Art LucyDickensFineArt.com - 602-653-7002

Schedule your private tour today!

602-653-7002 The elements in the environment—every flower, animal, cloud—they, without question, bend gently toward the light. So do I. It’s with this notion that I collaborate with my environment to bring these spectacular scenes in nature to canvas. They say ‘every picture tells a story’...I hope to evoke feelings of serenity and grace, to capture beauty, and bring hope. Located in Carefree, Dickens has a beautiful gallery and working studio open by appointment.

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HIDDEN IN THE HILLS ARTIST FEATURE Weedeater

by Jason Napier

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“Many people don’t realize what goes into creating patinas for sculpture,” Napier says. “In fact, some people mistakenly think patinas are painted onto the surface. It’s actually a complex process involving chemicals and heat. As an artist, it’s my responsibility to know how the patina will affect color, depth and texture. It becomes even more complicated when I work on small sections of sculpture. I liken them to small canvases.”

After the patina is applied, a sealer is applied to the sculpture and a slow oxidation process changes the color. Over the past three decades, Napier has experimented with different patinas, always thinking of how to marry design and color.

“My patinas have evolved over the years, just like my work has,” he says. “When I have a vision for a piece, I grab my armature and my hands just know what to do. But I’m always thinking ahead about the patina.”

Today, Napier is best known for his fanciful, largerthan-life and table-top sculptures of wildlife. In addition to winning prestigious art awards, he was the 2014 featured artist in the nation’s No. 1 ranked arts festival, La Quinta Arts Festival in California.

Napier’s private and public installations feature everything from an astonishing bronze sculpture bench of two ring-necked pheasants set in Michigan’s Tapper Gardens to beautiful huskies outside a Watertown Hotel in the UW (University of Washington) District to a lifesize stallion on a prized cattle ranch in the Alberta Foothills of Canada.

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HIDDEN IN THE HILLS ARTIST FEATURE

Jason Napier’s whimsical bronze jackrabbit, “Weedeater,” graces the cover of Hidden in the Hills’ four-color artist directory.

A self-taught artist, Jason Napier studies his wildlife subjects to make sure the anatomy of each sculpture is correct.

‘WEEDEATER’ WINS HEARTS

Like many of his sculptures, nature inspired Napier to create “Weedeater” — a whimsical bronze jackrabbit that graces the cover of this year’s Hidden in the Hills artist directory.

“Danielle and I were hiking up Granite Mountain when we saw what we thought was a coyote,” Napier says.

“But as we got closer, we realized that it was a big jackrabbit eating what looked like a dead desert daisy. He had such big ears and long legs that we couldn’t help but laugh. I immediately knew I had to sculpt him.”

The artist will showcase medium- and large-sized limited editions of “Weedeater” during Hidden in the Hills.

The sculpture was among more than 100 pieces of diverse fine art entries submitted for consideration of the studio tour’s cover art during an online juried selection process.

The event’s co-chair and mixed media sculptor/studio host Joanie Wolter says Napier has a distinctive style that exudes motion and expresses the playful spirit of every subject.

“We had many wonderful entries, but ‘Weedeater’ won our hearts for this year’s cover art,” Wolter says.

Napier, who will exhibit and sell his work at Mark Lewanski’s Glass Studio 12 in Scottsdale, says it is an honor to have his work featured so prominently during the art tour.

“Danielle and I were thrilled to learn that ‘Weedeater’ was chosen as this year’s cover art, especially since the Hidden in the Hills artist directory has become a collectible over the years,” Napier says.

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Jewelry Design

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6711 E. Highland Rd. Cave Creek Etsy.com/shop/julieinscottsdale juliegilbertjewelry.com

#34 BETH ZINK STUDIO

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HIDDEN IN THE HILLS ARTIST STUDIO TOUR AND SALE

JULIE GILBERT

beth@bethzinkart.com bethzinkart.com

#20 KAREN O'HANLON

Paper l Mixed Media

Ginger Jar: “The Purple Garden” Kimono: “The Emperor’s Palanquin”

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33444 N. 55th St. Cave Creek

kpohanlonstudio.com irishcharms@msn.com

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HIDDEN IN THE HILLS ARTIST FEATURE

Ascension Fiery Red Patina

by Jason Napier

A PHOENIX RISING

Napier will also unveil several new pieces during the studio tour, including “Ascension” — a sculpture that depicts the Phoenix, a mythical bird with fiery plumage that lives up to 100 years. His inspiration for the piece came from a close client who is a retired veteran facing daily challenges of living with lifelong injuries and pain.

“She shared an amazing story with me about how this mythical bird lives within her and motivates her to rise every morning and continues to renew her strength,” Napier explains. “Capturing the action of this Phoenix rising was crucial in telling this story of inspiration that is applicable to so many.”

The patina color had to be dynamic on this symbolic bird and Napier found himself struggling to settle on just one palette.

“I knew I had to showcase the bird of fire in striking colors of reds and yellows, but the vision of vibrant blues and greens had a hold on me,” Napier says.

“Thus, two patinas were born that are completely different in feeling and I am excited to see how they engage patrons’ reactions.”

The Hidden in the Hills Artist Studio Tour will be Napier’s first big art event since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic earlier this year.

“Many of our shows over the summer were canceled,” Napier explains. “So Danielle and I are really looking forward to meeting art tour guests and sharing our passion for beautiful bronzes and uplifting art.” jasonnapier.com

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EXPERIENCE

Nov. 20–22 and Nov. 27–29 | 10 a.m.–5 p.m. | Private studios throughout Cave Creek, Carefree and North Scottsdale Maps and artist directories available online and at Sonoran Arts League’s Center for the Arts im a g e s aE. r i zCave ona.co m Nov e m b eSuite r 2 02144, 0 7100 Creek Road, Cave Creek | Free Admission | 480-575-6624 | hiddeninthehills.org

Laughing Glass Studio

Functional and Sculptural Glass Art

480-488-6070

4944 E. Sawmill Circle, Cave Creek Open by appointment year round!

Carole@LaughingGlass.com

#23 MANON DOYLE Jewelry Design

480-818-3803

4944 E. Sawmill Circle Cave Creek sistersofthesun.com

HIDDEN IN THE HILLS ARTIST STUDIO TOUR AND SALE

CAROLE PERRY & DON CARROLL

#23 NANCY PENDLETON

Mixed Media

602-999-8031

6233 E. Almeda Court Cave Creek NancyPendleton.com pendletonstudio@yahoo.com Also Represented by Wilde Meyer Galleries

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Writer Joseph J. Airdo

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Col. Thomas H. Kirk, Jr., attends Veterans Heritage Project’s fundraising dinner with his wife Ann. Photo Courtesy of Rudy Lizarraga

C

Col. Thomas H. Kirk, Jr. does not feel like a hero.

“My goal was to fly 100 missions but I ended up only flying 66 and a half,” says Kirk, a retired United States Air Force colonel fighter pilot who served 28 years on active duty — five and a half years of which were spent in a prison camp. “It cost me a lot of time, a lot of effort, a lot of hurt and a lot of pain. And I did not get to finish my mission.”

A lot of people would argue that Kirk is indeed a hero, though. In addition to being a veteran of both the Korean and Vietnam conflicts, the Anthem resident has continued his mission by sharing his story with young people thereby strengthening the future leaders of America with a better comprehension of history, a fortified set of values and a sense of patriotism.

“I recognize that my story is an incredibly interesting and demanding human interest story,” Kirk says. “I think that what I have to say is very viable and very important with respect to the history of our country. Our country has — certainly in my lifetime and throughout history — been a beacon of light, freedom and goodness that the world has needed. It is the greatest country in the history of mankind.”

It is that gratitude for and pride of the United States that keeps Kirk not only humble but also committed to sharing the story of what he calls not only the worst period of his life but also the best thing that has ever happened to him.

WITH GOD’S HELP AND YOUR OWN STRENGTH

On Oct. 28, 1967, Kirk was leading a military operation against an opposing armed force as an F-105 pilot near Hanoi, North Vietnam.

“I was 38 years old,” Kirk says. “I was a young lieutenant colonel at the top of my game with 17 years of training. I had had a combat tour in the Korean War and I was blessed to be leading the largest raid of the Vietnam War at that time. I joined three groups of airplanes to bomb the big bridge in downtown Hanoi.”

Seven surface-to-air missiles were fired at Kirk's F-105 aircraft and he was hit.

“I knew that I was on fire and I knew that I was not going to make it home,” he says. “But I was hoping to make it about 50 miles south, out into the jungle where they could try to come and pick me up.”

As he watched his flight controls burn through with his ship engulfed in flames, Kirk was forced to parachute from the plane.

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Photo Courtesy of Col. Thomas H. Kirk, Jr.

“I landed in a plowed field and I was captured immediately,” he says. “I was unconscious. When I came to, I found myself clustered around by a bunch of Vietnamese men, women and children, all of whom were beating me, throwing rocks at me and kicking me. They were just beating me black and blue.”

Kirk suddenly heard some gunfire. He was then blindfolded, bound, gagged and placed on a truck that took him back to Hanoi.

“I was very badly injured,” Kirk says. “I could not walk for nearly two months because landing in a parachute unconscious is like jumping off of a 12-foot wall. My knees and legs were all banged up.”

Kirk was tortured and interrogated. He did his best to stay strong and keep quiet. But on the third or fourth day, he broke.

“I have no idea what I told them, but I gave them something,” Kirk says. “I failed. I could not keep the code of conduct.”

Kirk was then placed into a cell and left alone with little food to eat and little water to drink.

Photo Courtesy of Col. Thomas H. Kirk, Jr.

“My whole world was taken away from me,” he says. “That was the absolute worst period of my life. I was doing what I was trained to do, was shot down and was very badly injured. No one had seen me get out of the airplane so my family did not know whether I was alive or dead. Then I got to the prison camp and endured torture but broke and gave them something. I felt as though I had failed myself and I had failed my country. I wanted to die.”

Kirk stopped keeping track of the days as his spirit lay shattered on floor of the cell. But one morning, everything changed.

“I started talking to myself and said, ‘Somewhere, you have got to dig deep enough to find the strength, the will and the determination to survive this,’” he recalls. “‘The war will not last forever. With God's help and your own strength, you can dig in and you can make this.’”

Photo Courtesy of Col. Thomas H. Kirk, Jr.

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Kirk spent five and a half years as a prisoner of war at the infamous Hanoi Hilton prison camp. He was released after the war's end in March 1973. For his combat leadership and heroism, he was awarded the Air Force Cross, four Silver Stars, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, seven Air Medals and the Purple Heart.

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Col. Thomas H. Kirk, Jr. (center), receives Veterans Heritage Project’s Storyteller Award from the nonprofit’s executive director Michelle DiMuro (left) and founder Barbara Hatch (right).

Photo Courtesy of Paul Reklaitis of Paul Michael Photography

“I took whatever they threw at me and I came out in good mental shape,” Kirk says. “Since then, whenever things in life have gotten bad, it does not take very long for me to go right back to that moment and realize just how blessed I am to go on and make life very positive.”

VETERANS HERITAGE PROJECT

Following his retirement from the Air Force in 1978, Kirk made his home in Italy, where he became a certified financial planner. He also taught real estate and business courses for the overseas division of the City Colleges of Chicago.

In 1985, Kirk moved to Madrid, Spain, where he continued his financial planning business. A few years later, he and three colleagues opened and operated a chain of home delivery pizza restaurants.

He moved to Vail, Colorado in 1992, at which time he remained active in his investment advisory business in addition to teaching ski lessons and playing the saxophone with several jazz groups.

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“

I recognize that my story is an incredibly interesting and demanding human interest story.

I think that what I have to say is very viable and very important with respect to the history of our country.

Our country has — certainly in my lifetime and throughout history — been a beacon of light, freedom and goodness that the world has needed.

It is the greatest country in the history of mankind.

Col. Thomas H. Kirk, Jr.

In January 2009, Kirk moved to Anthem.

Veterans Heritage Project founder Barbara Hatch contacted him about two years later and invited him to join her mission to connect students with veterans in an effort to bridge the gap between civilian and military life. The nonprofit organization aims to recognize veterans’ legacy of service, preserve America’s heritage and develop students' character and civic responsibility.

“There are about 10 veterans in the area who go into schools, businesses and civic organizations and give talks about their military experience,” Kirk says.

“The whole thing is based on getting high school kids to tell a veteran’s story.

The students learn a great deal about history and what veterans have been through. We feel that it helps them get a better command and control of English while becoming better citizens.”

Kirk adds that he has learned a lot from his experience as a POW. He could have easily kept the five-and-a-half-year period as a horrible experience, but he instead views it as the best thing that has ever happened to him.

“It makes me appreciate this country and everything that I have been offered,” Kirk explains. “And because I enjoy public speaking, I have made it a point to go out and talk about veterans.

The fundamental idea is service to the country. That is what I talk about. And that is what Veterans Heritage Project is doing to get more people — especially young people — to understand and support patriotism and love of country.”

THE DEPTH OF HUMAN EXPERIENCE

During a fundraising dinner earlier this year, Veterans Heritage Project honored Kirk with its Storyteller Award, recognizing both his legacy of service

and his commitment to sharing his story that has, in turn, helped build character in youth.

“I talk about values,” Kirk says. “I talk about family. I talk about your duty to get an education, to learn some skills and to try to make something of yourself.

Not everybody is going to be a leader, a doctor or a captain of industry. But everybody can do something and can do it well. And we all can do so much better at everything — especially in our relationships with our families and with our friends.”

However, Kirk maintains that he is not a hero.

“In just the 10 years that I have been here in Phoenix, I have made 365 talks to all different kinds of organizations all over the state,” he says. “No matter the distance, I am happy to go out and do it because I believe that it is something worthwhile. But it certainly does not make me a hero. What it does is get my suffering out in a positive way to try and make life a little better.”

Kirk adds that his story carries the depth of human experience — depth that benefits not only the future of our country but also those who need it most in the here and now.

“Maybe part of my mission is to get my story out to people — especially to people who have either lost something or are going through something bad in their lives,” he explains. “I believe very strongly that God gives each and every one of us the ability to deal with really bad things in our life. God gives us the ability to grieve but then pick ourselves up and to go forward. I think that is a message that everybody should know.” veteransheritage.org

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Writer Joseph J. Airdo

i mby a g ePeggy s a r i zColeman ona.com Photography 44

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I

If this year has taught us anything, it would be that we should expect the unexpected.

Who would have guessed back at the beginning of 2020 that stay-at-home orders, face coverings and routine temperature checks would become some of the most key characteristics of our day-to-day lives?

Or that stocking up on toilet paper would become an activity to which we could all relate?

Over the course of the past eight months, we have learned that preparing for all of life’s unexpected occurrences is absolutely essential to our survival as a species — a lesson that squirrels aced long before we humans ever even walked this planet.

Just as we frantically emptied supermarket shelves of toilet paper this past spring, squirrels spend each autumn searching high and low for food and then hiding it so that they and their families have proper rations during cooler winter months when food is far more scarce.

Although Harris’ antelope squirrels — commonly mistaken for chipmunks — are active year-round, Arizona’s other three varieties (rock squirrels, round-tailed squirrels and Arizona gray squirrels) either hibernate or at least retreat to their burrows in the winter.

Eating some combination of green vegetation, cactus, wildflowers, seeds, mesquite beans, insects and occasionally mice, our state’s squirrels take proper provisions to ensure they get through whatever the world throws at them.

Photographer Peggy Coleman, whose image of a round-tailed squirrel was featured in Arizona Game and Fish Department’s 2016 wildlife calendar, knows that ample preparation is just one of many lessons that we can learn from squirrels, though.

“With all wildlife — but especially squirrels — my favorite observation is behavior,” Coleman says. “I love to see how they interact with other critters and animals. Their antics bring so much happiness and joy. I especially love seeing how they interact with their young. They are very caring.”

Coleman’s autumnal squirrel photography featured in Images Arizona’s photo essay this month is meant to encourage much more than just ample preparation. It is also meant to encourage more caring behavior that brings happiness and joy to our community. We hope that these Sonoran squirrels serve as much a sign of the giving fall season as they do a reminder that we are all in this together.

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ARIZONA GRAY SQUIRREL By this time of the year, squirrels are starting to go underground a bit. But, for the most part, autumn is the best time to photograph them because of the light. I am sure that the climate has something to do with that but, without a doubt, October, November and December are wonderful months to get out and photograph any kind of wildlife in Arizona.

Peggy Coleman

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Squirrels require a little bit more effort to get a good balance of light and shadow because their positioning will sometimes pick up deeper shadows.

Peggy Coleman

ROCK SQUIRREL

SPREADING THE JOY Peggy Coleman’s favorite aspect of photography is sharing her work with the world.

“I love the joy that wildlife photography brings to others,” she explains. “There are so many of us who are homebound or cannot get out and look at nature. The variety of wildlife that you see worldwide — but especially here in Arizona — is staggering. The opportunity to share my work and then see people's reactions to it is definitely the most fun part of photography.”

Ten years ago, Coleman founded Birding Arizona and the Southwest — a Facebook group dedicated to bird photography, birding education, information and enjoyment that she continues to oversee and administer.

The group quickly grew from a humble 30–40 members to a respectable 500 members. Today, the group consists of more than 16,000 members.

In 2014, the photographer encountered a green heron playing around on a log and fishing. The bird went down into the water and spread its wings, at which time Coleman quickly snapped a photo.

“That split-second shot has now traveled the world more than a million times,” says Coleman, noting the photo earned a National Audubon Society award in 2015. “It has inspired artists for paintings, sculptures, tattoos, sketches, sidewalk art, jewels, blankets and quilts. I still get e-mails years later. It is really a fun gift for that to be out there circulating the world.”

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ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER Peggy Coleman first became interested in photography while in high school, where she was voted most likely to succeed with aspirations to become the next Barbara Walters. However, she got married and started a family shortly after graduation and put the camera on the shelf where it continued to sit as she pursued a career as a mortgage loan originator.

The advent of digital photography rekindled Coleman’s interest in the artistic medium, prompting her to explore Arizona in search of wildlife to capture on camera.

The Northwest Glendale resident estimates that it was about 15 years ago that she fell in love with nature — especially birds — but has trouble remembering exactly when that love affair began.

“When you are so much in the thick of something, it just sort of wraps around you like a blanket,” Coleman explains. “It is just something that you always have with you.”

She recalls walking the trails at Desert Botanical Garden and coming upon a cactus wren. For just one brief moment, she snapped a photograph of the bird looking upward. When she arrived back home and looked and the shot, she was overtaken with inspiration.

“I knew that I had found my love, my interest and my passion,” Coleman says. pegcoleman.com

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ROUND-TAILED SQUIRREL I love round-tailed squirrels.

Even though they are one of the more common squirrels that we have here in Arizona, they are so cute the way they climb trees and care for their young. They are more acclimated to people, which can be a negative for wildlife because that puts them in the danger zone. But it is terrific to be able to get relatively close — with safety and respect — and photograph them.

Peggy Coleman N ovember 2020

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HARRIS' ANTELOPE SQUIRREL

I love habitat shots. I love seeing them when they are at work in their own habitat — whether it is cactus or woodlands or autumn leaves, which are wonderful backdrops to squirrels.

Peggy Coleman

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42516 N BACK CREEK WAY, ANTHEM Offered at $695,000

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Southern Exposure, Twinkling Lights and Mountain Views Prepare to be awe-struck with this absolutely astonishing Anthem Country Club home featuring a high-elevation location that provides grand southern exposure, majestic twinkling lights and breathtaking mountain views.

One of the many highlights of this gorgeous 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath home is a highly sought after 12-foot ceiling. Featuring a one-story split master plan, two master suites and extensive plantation shutters, the Amherst model boasts the largest walk-in pantry in Anthem Country Club — ensuring sufficient space and convenience for all of a luxurious life’s necessities.

In addition to the pantry, the incredibly beautiful kitchen includes an island, slabgranite countertops, raised-panel cabinets, double ovens, a built-in refrigerator, a built-in microwave, a dishwasher and a garbage disposal, completing your entire cooking and dining experience.

The massive master retreat showcases a walk-in shower, raised vanities, a soaking tub and a custom closet. The second master retreat includes a custom office, making working from home an absolute breeze. Alternatively, enjoy a quiet read in the library with built-in bookcase or relax to your heart’s content in the elegant family room, which features a cozy gas fireplace.

A second gas fireplace is situated outside, where extensive flagstone is featured in both the front and the back. An outdoor barbecue makes entertaining under the stars a dream come true as you and your guests savor the southern sights and sounds that are unique to this ravishing residence.

Soft water and reverse osmosis systems, dual-zoned heating and cooling and a spacious laundry room with cabinets, a stainless sink, a washer and a dryer complete the picture of opulence and make this house the ideal home.

The quixotic location and copious amenities assure that this home will not be on the market for long. Call Linda today to schedule your private showing!

Please call Linda for your private showing.

Linda Rehwalt RE/MAX Professionals 602-402-1136 lindarehwalt@azrealty.com

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Writer Joseph J. Airdo Photography Courtesy of Musical Theatre of Anthem

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For the past 12 years, Musical Theatre of Anthem has aspired to develop youth and adults within the field of performing arts while enhancing their intrinsic creativity and brokering their vast talents.

Over the course of 99 productions — including “Cats,” “42nd Street,” “Peter Pan” and several Disney classics — the nonprofit performing arts organization has worked with more than 2,000 children, training and educating them to become the artists, patrons and leaders of tomorrow while providing opportunities to adults to empower them and foster their creativity.

Next month, Musical Theatre of Anthem will produce its 100th show, marking an impressive milestone of service to the community.

FILLING A NICHE

Jackie Hammond moved to Arizona in the early 2000s from the San Francisco Bay Area, where she worked in theater.

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“The BayArea was very arts-focused,”Hammond says. “When I moved to this wonderful town of Anthem in the North Valley, I found that many kids had never had any theatrical experience. I believed that theater was a niche that needed to be filled in the community.”

“

It was a lot of work to rebuild everything again but we just made sure that we did it all bigger and better than before.

Jackie Hammond

Hammond, who was working as a teacher at Gavilan Peak School, decided to combine her passion for theater and teaching with her husband Jeff’s entrepreneurial management degree to open a high-quality youth theater with a no-cut program so that every child had an opportunity to benefit from the theatrical experience.

The couple founded Musical Theatre of Anthem in 2008.

“I feel like the community really wanted it,” Hammond says. “I have always taught private voice lessons so I had a large number of students who I was already working with that were really excited about doing shows. Of course, they told their friends and those friends told other friends and word-of-mouth spread.”

Musical Theatre of Anthem initially utilized school and strip mall spaces for rehearsals and Boulder Creek High School’s facilities for performances. About five years later, it secured its own space on Vision Way — an opportunity that offered the theater, its staff and its students the stability they needed to explore more complex productions.

However, Hammond quickly discovered that having her own rehearsal and performance space also increased financial stress. Two years ago, the property’s management raised the rent. Unable to afford the increase, Musical Theatre of Anthem moved its operations to a space on 41st Ave. “It was a lot of work to rebuild everything again but we just made sure that we did it all bigger and better than before,” Hammond says.

KIDS NEED THE ARTS

Adhering to Hammond’s original aspirations, Musical Theatre of Anthem continues to cast

all youth who audition. Hammond believes that every child deserves a chance to shine on-stage while learning and growing as a performing artist.

“Having a no-cut program does not mean that our shows are of a lower quality,” Hammond explains. “It just means that we train our students and really give them all of the skills that they need for musical theater.”

Hammond believes that anyone and everyone is capable of excelling at musical theater.

“I have seen kids who have had trouble singing on pitch and in tune who have gone on to be fabulous singers,” she says. “Sometimes, when people cannot do something right away, they give up. But I truly feel that any child in our program can learn and grow.”

In fact, many of Musical Theatre of Anthem’s students have gone on to have very successful careers. With 12 years and 99 shows under its belt, the theater now has a list of alumni who have performed on national tours, on cruise ships and more.

However, the success stories are not limited to the performing arts as other alumni have gone on to pursue noteworthy careers in teaching and social services. Hammond emphasizes the importance of arts education to instill youth with the skills they need to be creative, confident and constructive citizens.

“Kids need the arts,” Hammond says. “There are many kids who do not play sports and maybe do not feel like they have a place. In theater, everybody is welcomed, everybody belongs, everybody is valued, everybody is seen and everybody is heard.”

Hammond adds that Musical Theatre of Anthem — which also offers film and puppetry classes with additional offerings on the horizon — provides performers a positive environment where they can practice teamwork and communication skills while experiencing the pride of accomplishment.

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“Theater has such a positive environment and teambuilding atmosphere about it,” Hammond says. “You really want to lift up everyone around you. The kids are so supportive of one another. It is nice to see the friendships that have evolved.”

IT TAKES A VILLAGE

Hammond acknowledges that when she and her husband founded Musical Theatre of Anthem 12 years ago, she did not anticipate that it would consume as much of her time as it has.

“That is the biggest challenge,” she says. “I never leave my work. I work 14-hour days every day because there is always something happening. But I would not trade it for anything because I feel like we have built such a great thing here in Anthem and in the North Valley. We are an arts organization that has filled a niche in this area.”

Hammond adds that she would be unable to run Musical Theatre of Anthem without the help of her incredibly creative staff and her wonderfully supportive parent volunteers.

“It takes a village,” she says.

Hammond is re-energized each time she sees Musical Theatre of Anthem’s students perform on-stage. In fact, even in the midst of this year’s COVID-19 pandemic, she found a way to continue offering the theatrical experience to the community.

Students and staff practice social distancing. Students wear regular face coverings during all rehearsals and clear face coverings during all performances. The theater’s sound and lighting crew have had to make several adjustments to accommodate the changes but, as with everything else, Hammond insists that providing youth with a creative outlet is well worth the effort.

Next month, Musical Theatre of Anthem will produce its 100th show — “Our Town,” which tells the story of the small town of Grover’s Corners. “‘Our Town’ is all about life,” Hammond says. “It is such a significant play of our time that we thought it would be a great show to mark this milestone.”

EXPERIENCE “Our Town”

Dec. 3–6 | See website for times | Musical Theatre of Anthem | 42201 N. 41st Drive, Suite B100, Anthem | $13+ i m a g e s a r i z| omusicaltheatreofanthem.org n a . c o m Nov e m b e r 2 02 0 56623-336-6001

“Our Town” was also selected to honor the memory of Lyle Kishbaugh, one of Musical Theatre of Anthem’s founding board members who passed away seven years ago. The show was Kishbaugh’s final show with the theater prior to his passing.

Kishbaugh’s wife Evon, who not only serves as Musical Theatre of Anthem’s box office manager but also sits on its board, started a scholarship fund at the theater in her husband’s name. The fund enables the nonprofit performing arts organization to provide scholarships to participants who have financial need and might otherwise not be able to participate.

Evon is sponsoring Musical Theatre of Anthem’s production of “Our Town,” covering royalties, production staff, set, prop and costume costs. She has also pledged to match donations up to $10,000 leading up to the show.

Therefore, the nonprofit performing arts organization has set a goal to get 100 families or businesses to donate $100 each by Dec. 3.

It is all in an effort to not only celebrate Musical Theatre of Anthem’s 100th show but also empower it to continue its service to the community for many years to come.

Hammond’s ultimate goal is for Musical Theatre of Anthem to foster a lifelong love of the theater and the arts in its participants, its audiences and the community.

“I want to see it go on forever,” she says. musicaltheatreofanthem.org

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Writer Shannon Severson Photography Courtesy of Herbert Hitchon

In small town squares across the United States, there is a long-standing tradition of honoring local military veterans with memorials. It’s an important way that a community can show how grateful it is for the sacrifices made by our country’s men and women in uniform.

The town of Carefree will now have its own memorial to veterans within Carefree Desert Gardens. The story behind it is one of community, collaboration and renewal of purpose for a young man seeking his Eagle Scout designation.

The completed project will be officially dedicated on Veterans Day — Wednesday, Nov. 11 — with programming throughout the day to accommodate social distancing measures.

“We have always been a very veteran-friendly town,” says Vice Mayor John Crane, who is a U.S. Navy veteran and former submariner. “We have had Veterans Day programs and Memorial Day ceremonies, but we wanted something that is perpetual and wanted it to come from the community as a grassroots effort.

The town was happy to provide the location.”

AN EAGLE SCOUT’S QUEST

While contemplating this project, Crane became aware of Devin Smith — a Cactus Shadows High School senior at the time who was attempting to complete the requirements to earn his Eagle Scout designation.

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Smith is the grandson of an original Carefree resident who is a 41-year Phoenix police officer and Army veteran who served in Okinawa as a “special message-relaying agent.” Smith, who hopes to become a Navy Corpsman and eventually a doctor, was going through a rough patch as he neared the end of his high school education.

“I had my post-college life planned out, but I was in a major auto accident and a lot of those plans fell through during my senior year,” Smith says. “I had gotten away from my lifelong goal of getting my Eagle Scout designation [and] was just caught up in my personal life.

“I totaled my truck the day before high school graduation.

I have a tremor in my arm that is genetic and the accident made it ten times worse. I had to make a decision that, once I got my feet back under me, I was going to dedicate myself to completing this goal; not just for my dad or my grandpa, but because it was important to me, personally.”

Smith’s portion of the project focused on the flagpole, which bears the U.S. and POW/MIA flags, serving as a beacon to draw visitors to the memorial. He got in touch with local business owner Jason Macke of Flagpole Today, who donated the 20-foot tall pole and flags.

Macke lent his expertise to guide Smith’s team of scouts while they installed the flagpole — which is illuminated at night so that the flags are always flying.

While the Carefree Veterans Memorial was just one aspect of his Eagle Scout quest, Smith says it has a special meaning to him.

“I wanted to do something for veterans because it is a cause close to my heart to honor the men and women who have served our country,” Smith explains. “My grandpa and great-grandpa served. It’s an amazing feeling to drive by and see my flag standing there. This all could have gone much differently. It was in God’s hands the entire time and I’m grateful He allowed this to happen.”

SUPPORT DESPITE SETBACKS

Smith’s work on the flag is just one piece of the larger puzzle of the Carefree Veterans Memorial. Crane asked town resident and U.S. Army veteran Mike Ferrell if he would be willing to lead the project and put together a group of veterans to be a part of it.

Ferrell said that he would be proud to be part of the effort and put together a planning committee that included

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From left, Carefree Vice Mayor John Crane (a U.S. Navy veteran and former submariner), Eagle Scout Devin Smith and U.S. Army veteran Mike Ferrell prepare for the Nov. 11 dedication of the town's new veterans memorial.

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“

This is a really special memorial in a beautiful place and many people have told me they are looking forward to the events this Veterans Day. John Crane

EXPERIENCE

U.S. Air Force veteran Pratt Ashworth, U.S. Marine Corps veteran Bob Jenkins, U.S. Coast Guard veteran Richard Hartig and U.S. Navy veteran Mike Wold. Several of the men are Ferrell’s fellow members at the American Legion Post 34 in Cave Creek.

“We started getting together as a group, visiting websites and looking at veterans memorials in small towns across the United States,” Ferrell says. “We studied construction, materials, the setting and wording on the plaques.”

In January, the planning committee ordered 6,000 pounds of stone from Anasazi Stone in Scottsdale and bronze plaques from Bertram Signs and Graphics in Carefree, as well as curbing, benches and pavers.

The vertically placed stones will be surrounded on all sides with a paved walkway and benches that visitors can use to sit and enjoy moments of contemplation. Each plaque will face outward, and honors veterans from the different branches of the armed forces: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard and Space Force.

The group planned to launch a major fundraising campaign in February 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic halted to their plans.

“We felt it would be inappropriate to approach small business for donations when they were already experiencing challenges at that time,” Ferrell explains. “We funded it ourselves and figured we would gather funds later, as we could.”

As it turns out, the group received donations despite the setback and continues to do so.

“The monetary donations from local area businesses and residents were more than we could have imagined at the outset of the project,” Ferrell says. “Without their donations, this project wouldn’t have been possible.”

Crane says the fundraising is 75% of the way finished, all of it through privately funded donations.

“We have received donations not just from Carefree residents, but from all over the area,” he notes. “So many who have served or who have a family member or friend who has served want to be a part of this.

GENEROSITY AND FRIENDSHIP

Crane adds that Carefree Desert Gardens is the perfect place for the memorial.

“We have the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona located off Cave Creek Road just north of the 101, but this part of the Valley didn’t have much of anything to recognize our veterans permanently,” he explains.

“We are proud to be a part of fulfilling that need. This is a really special memorial in a beautiful place and many people have told me they are looking forward to the events this Veterans Day.” The vice mayor says that he was honored to work with such a dedicated team of volunteers whose involvement, ideas and attention to detail never wavered despite setbacks that were out of their control.

Ferrell concurs, adding that one of the things that he enjoyed most was the camaraderie developed between the individuals on the team that put the project together.

“This includes the town of Carefree, the Boy Scouts, local merchants donating their time and materials to the project and, of course, the project team members,” Ferrell says.

“Their generosity and friendship caused me to have a greater understanding of what it means to be part of a small town and to participate in the efforts to make it a great place to live. I am proud to be a resident of Carefree, Arizona.” carefree.org

Carefree Veterans Memorial Dedication N ovember imagesar iz ona .c om Wednesday, Nov. 11 | See website for schedule of events | Carefree Desert Gardens | 101 Easy St. | Carefree | Free2020 | 480-488-3686 | carefree.org 61

Cosmic Brownies Everyone’s favorite childhood brownie is even better when it is baked fresh, from scratch, at home. Plus, these brownies are gluten-free — eliminating most, if not all, of the guilt associated with enjoying such a decadent dessert!

Makes: 8-inch-by-8-inch pan

Ingredients: For the Brownies: 1 cup gluten-free flour with xanthan gum 3/4 cup dark cocoa powder (Hershey’s Special Dark) 8 tablespoons butter (melted and cooled) 2 tablespoons coconut or avocado oil 1/8 teaspoon sea salt 3/4 cup white sugar 1/2 cup light brown sugar 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla 2 tablespoons light corn syrup 2 eggs (room temperature) For the Frosting: 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips 1/8 teaspoon sea salt

2/3 cup heavy cream Sprinkles (for decorating)

Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease and line an 8-inch-by8-inch pan with parchment paper and set aside.

In a large bowl, sift flour and cocoa powder together. Add salt, granulated sugar and brown sugar. Mix well.

In a small bowl, combine butter, oil, vanilla, corn syrup and eggs. Add to dry ingredients, mixing until completely combined. The batter will be quite thick and smooth Scrape into prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake until just firm to the touch and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean, 25–28 minutes. Allow to cool completely in the pan.

When brownies are almost cooled, place chocolate chips and sea salt in a medium-size, heatproof bowl, and set aside. Heat heavy cream in a glass measuring cup in the microwave until almost boiling, 1–2 minutes. Pour warm cream over chocolate chips and allow to sit until chocolate begins to melt. Stir until smooth. Allow mixture to cool about 2 minutes before pouring over cooled brownies, still in the pan, in an even layer.

Scatter sprinkles over chocolate layer and let sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then refrigerate until firm, about another 30 minutes.

Writer and Photographer Kyndra Kelly

kyndraclaire.com

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Remove from refrigerator and lift brownies out of the pan. Place on a cutting board and, using a knife run under hot water, cut into desired amount. Enjoy!

Hidden In The Hills Artist Studio Tour

NOVEMBER 20–22 & 27–29 CAVE CREEK • CAREFREE • NORTH SCOTTSDALE

SEE ARTISTS IN ACTION

Artwork (left to right, row by row): Marless Fellows, Ryan Schmidt, Elizabeth Butler Matthew Werner, Nancy Pendleton, Toni Perrin Jacki Cohen, Jason Napier, Chris Heede’s studio Manon Doyle, Sandy Tracey

SOC I AL ST

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Visit 35 studios featuring over 135 artists at this one-of-a-kind event. Find unique gifts for the holidays!

ANCING

480.575.6624 • HiddenInTheHills.org N ovember 2020

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