ImagesAZ Magazine :: Tramonto, Anthem, Desert Hills and New River

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December 2014

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contents

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

Editor/contributing writer Jenn Korducki Krenn

Contributing writers Donna Kublin Tom Scanlon Monica Longenbaker Amanda Christmann Larson Jim McAllister Barb Evans Lara Piu Stephanie Maher Palenque Paula Theotocatos Lauren Strait Peni Long Suzanne Wright Nigel Spence Jenny Brooks Rebecca Zaner

Photographers Bryan Black Loralei Lazurek Mike Harvey Michele Celentano Jamie Pogue Jerri Parness Karen Hamilton Monica Longenbaker

Graphic artist Sam Paul

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

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

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

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

Holiday Chocolate Truffles

Writer and Photographer Monica Longenbaker P. 66

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Local First A R I Z O NA

December 2014

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

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

Meet The Slaughter Family

Photographer Michele Celentano Writer Stephanie Maher Palenque P. 8

help bring ImagesAZ to life throughout our community every month.

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

Wishing you and yours all the best during this magical

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time of year. May 2015 bring peace, happiness and much more to smile about.

Cheers!

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

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Meet The

Slaughterfamily

Writer Stephanie Maher Palenque Photography by Michele Celentano

The Slaughters “do life together” here in Anthem. Parents Jeremy and Raechel love being home as a family, as do their four homeschooled children: Gavin, Cambria, Liam and Emmalyn. They enjoy their days together, sprinkled with a lot of love and laughter.

Both from Bend, Oregon, Jeremy and Raechel met at the birthday party of a mutual friend when Raechel noticed that Jeremy was the only guy not facing the group and talking. She struck up a conversation with him and they immediately became friends.

They started dating about a year later and were married within six months.

Jeremy, who graduated from University of Phoenix with a bachelor’s degree in business finance and from DeVry University’s Keller Graduate School of Management with a master’s degree in accounting and financial management, owns the Tikvah Group, a company that helps small and medium-sized businesses with finance and business development needs, including part-time accounting, controller and CFO services. They also work with businesses on mergers and acquisitions, build and develop internal accounting departments for growing companies and help improve margins. Jeremy is also a partner in Integrated Business Solutions, where he and his partner provide small and

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Caring for you Around the block. Around the clock.

Your trusted local health care provider in the North Valley is quickly gaining accolades from your neighbors. But did you know John C. Lincoln Sonoran Health and Emergency Center is also the industry leader in medical imaging and low-dose 3D mammography, with no appointment necessary for most services? Find out what your neighbors are talking about at JCL.com/sonoran.

On I-17, south of Carefree Highway.

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Medical Imaging

December 2014

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medium-sized businesses with quality payroll services.

driving someplace new is always a favorite.” The family dreams of taking an entire year off from traditional

Together, Jeremy and Raechel lead the LIFE Groups

homeschool and traveling through Europe and Asia

ministry at Grace North Church. Raechel tackles the

to study each place, including the history, culture,

daily duties in this ministry and loves being a part

architecture and food.

of it. They have a passion for connecting, fellowship and those relationships built on authenticity and

Each of the four Slaughter children has a totally

transparency.

different personality. Gavin likes Legos, Star Wars, riding his bike, camping, building forts, car trips, the beach

“This is our opportunity to be missionaries right in

and science. Cambria loves playing with her animal toys,

our own communities and simply love the people

friends, tea parties, horses and pretty dresses. Liam

around us with no agenda and wanting nothing back,”

loves playing with his brothers and sisters, swimming

Raechel said.

in the ocean and all things outdoors. His parents think “action” should be his middle name. Emmalyn loves

The Slaughters have always loved the northern corridor

playing with her brothers and sisters and is very social.

of Phoenix. In April 2008, when the last obstacle of a work commute was no longer an issue, they decided

The family is looking ahead in great anticipation of

to move to Anthem. The community fits their lifestyle

their favorite holiday: Christmas.

perfectly. As a family they love being outside, hiking, camping and going shooting.

“We love to wake up early and devour the presents, have yummy cinnamon rolls and spend the morning

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“We often go up north to get out of the heat and

together,” Raechel said. “My parents and sister’s family

enjoy the trees,” said Jeremy. “A family adventure

live close by, so we get together and eat and play

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

Our orthopedic surgeons set the pace.

So, now, Ed can go the distance.

For more than 55 years, Ed’s bowed legs had taken a serious toll on his knees. So when his condition led to osteoarthritis and the pain became too much to bear, he looked to John C. Lincoln for double knee replacement. With our advanced procedures that improved the longevity of his new knees, Ed can now go the distance.

And he’s leaving his past in the dust.

To read Ed’s story, visit JCL.com/Ed.

JCL.com

December 2014

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“This is our opportunity to be missionaries right in our own communities and simply love the people around us with no agenda and wanting nothing back.”

Raechel Slaughter with presents all day. On Christmas we also have

him that we are peacemakers and running around in

a birthday cake for Jesus. It is such a fun time, no

a public place is closer to creating chaos than making

pressure, just hanging with people we love all day. It is

peace. He looked at me with a puzzled face and said,

the best.”

‘But, Dad, we are the Slaughters. That means to kill.’”

It has become quite a joke in the Slaughter family.

One might guess that with so many children and a house full of people who truly live and work from

Jeremy added, “The fact that we love to hunt and fish

home, laughter and hilarity are bound to ensue. One

only adds to the funny story.”

great example was when Gavin was running around in church with a bunch of other kids. He was choosing

There is laughter to spare at home with the

not to listen when his parents requested he slow down

Slaughters; Jeremy and Raechel are the self-proclaimed

and mellow out since they were preparing to leave.

funniest people they know. They believe that life is too short not to laugh, and they are too funny not to

“After we got home, I spoke with him and continued

share their humor with everyone … or at least that’s

to let him know that we are the Slaughters and we

what they think!

honor, regardless of what everyone else may or may not be doing,” Jeremy said. “I then went on to tell

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Left to Right: Angela Boyle, Shelby Stewart, Natalie Stephens, Emily Aurilio (back), Kyle Escobedo and Stephanie Sammon

Sports

Writer Tom Scanlon Photographer Mike Harvey

Lady Jags’ Seniors Hope

to lead Boulder Creek to a state title Rick Klein may be in his first year coaching the Boulder Creek High School girls’ soccer team, but you’ll get no coach speak from him, no, “I have a very talented team, we’re just going to play hard and take it one game at a time.”

Klein is fired up about these Lady Jags and is anxious to watch them tear up the playing field.

“Our team is stacked!” Klein exclaims. “We have eight Elite Clubs National League players and the rest are top level state league club players.”

Klein, taking over for previous coach Natalie Schmidtke, has a group of scholarship-winning stars led by Angela Boyle, Kyle Escobedo, Shelby Stewart and Natalie Stephens. Boulder Creek girls’ soccer was just an afterthought until the 201112 season, when these four talented players, then freshmen, stepped onto the Anthem playing field.

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Led by the first-year kids, the Lady Jaguars doubled

and preparing for more difficult challenges ahead.”

their win total from the year before, going from an 8-8 record to a sparkling 16-4 season and a playoff run.

When they were freshmen and sophomores, Escobedo

The following season, the team looked unstoppable

and company were playing like seniors. In keeping

early, finishing at 18-2-2 and losing in the quarterfinals.

with the beyond-their-years theme, the senior core is

Last year’s team was 20-3-1, losing a tight match to

developing what Escobedo calls “the collegiate work

Perry in the semifinals.

ethic,” and has continued to progress toward the required fitness levels of their colleges. Indeed, all of

Will the Lady Jags make it all the way to the finals this

the star seniors from the BC team have been offered

year?

scholarships.

While the Boulder Creek schedule begins this month

“I am so glad I am able to spend my last year playing

with a December 8 match against Chaparral High

alongside these amazing friends and players,” Escobedo

School, Escobedo and many of her talented mates have

says. Known for her speed on the field, Escobedo

been playing soccer for months. Their grueling club

says her final year at BC is speeding by. “Senior year

soccer schedule takes them to tournaments all over the

is challenging in the sense of the rapid pace that

country. The high level of competition sharpens their

everything is happening. The year is almost halfway

skills, preparing them for what should be a memorable

over already, that’s crazy!”

high school season.

The soccer season hasn’t even started, but big goals Escobedo plays on the SC del Sol team with Stephens,

have been set down.

Stewart and Boyle. Led by the core of BC players, SC del Sol dominated the top-level play.

“We aim to be the most fit team out there on the field this year,” Escobedo says. “We look forward to working at

“The club season has been intensely competitive and

this aspect of our game and hopefully this improvement

busy as usual,” says Escobedo. “We look forward to

will lead us to the finals of playoffs this year.”

the events to come and the second half of the season after high school season. High school will work as a

She also expects a blend of the new and the old.

nice break for the team, but not by any means will we

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let our foot off the pedal. We, being the senior group

“The team this year will be looking to gain a few new

this year, have begun to focus on training for college

girls that we believe to be valuable assets to our

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

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December 2014

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game,” she says. “As for the returning players, we

“Ten years from now when I look back on my high

know each other well and how we play together. This

school years, I will most likely remember spending

being such an essential year to a lot of the team

the time with all of my amazing teammates,” she

members, we strive to make history. We want our last

says. “Honestly, they have taught me more than I

year to be our very best and to go out with a bang.”

can even express. Every practice and every game we put in the work together, we succeed and fail

The speedy scorer drops some tantalizing hints

together. There isn’t a thing I would rather be doing

about the upcoming matches.

than being with those girls.”

“This season should be an interesting one to watch

And she just might look back and remember a state

for our fans because of the competitive nature of

title game. Her new coach, Rick Klein, has set his

our players coming in and returning,” she says. “The

sights straight for the top.

improvements we will be making to the team this year will shock every team we play. The Lady Jags have

“Our seniors, Angela Boyle, Kyle Escobedo and

their claws out and are going for the gold this time.”

Natalie Stephens — the three captains — will lead our charge for Boulder Creek’s first ever Division I

Now that she is in the final months of her Boulder Creek career, what does Escobedo think she will remember about her high school years?

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state championship,” he says.

December 2014

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community arts // Culture // announcements Writer Barb Evans

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

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Dec. 4, 18 Wellness Orientation Workshop Learn how to make the right choices to improve the quality of your life, including how to decrease the medications that are making

Christmas classic will entertain the entire family.

Check website for dates and times. Starlight Community Theater, 1611 W. Whispering Wind Dr. #160, 623-252-6815, starlightcommunitytheater.com.

you sick. 6:30 p.m. Free.

Back to Health Chiropractic, 42104 N. Venture Dr., A-102, 623-551-6677, myanthemchiro.com.

Dec. 6 Las Tiendas Holiday Event Find the perfect holiday gifts while enjoying a

Dec. 5-7

festive atmosphere featuring

Waterfront Fine Art & Wine Festival

chocolate and apple cider,

Stroll the Scottsdale waterfront while enjoying artwork from more than 120 acclaimed artists

Dickens Carolers, hot cookies, music and Santa sightings. 6-8 p.m. Las Tiendas, 6130 E. Cave Creek Rd., lastiendascavecreek.com.

and wines from around the world. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. $3 per person. Wine tasting is $10 per person.

Scottsdale Waterfront, 7135 E. Camelback Rd., 480-8375637, thunderbirdartists.com.

Dec. 5-14 Starlight Community Theater Presents “Miracle on 34th Street”

AZDance Group Presents “A Joyous Christmas”

Based on the book by

Get a great start to the

Meredith Willson, this

holiday season with this

Dec. 6-7

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community calendar arts // Culture // announcements professional production

the sounds of the season,

featuring an integrated

including classic carols

cast of professional

and popular holiday music

dancers, apprentices

performed by youth ages

and children, along with

9-19. Check website for

outreach program Movement

show times. $16-$19 per

E-motion. 2 p.m. Adults,

person. Musical Theatre

$15; seniors/students,

of Anthem, 42323 N.

$12; children under 10,

Vision Way, 602-743-9892,

free. December 6 at Cactus Shadows Fine Arts Center, 33606 N. 60th St.;

Dec. 14

December 7 at Paradise Valley Community College

NVSO Presents “Holiday Toys”

Center for Performing Arts,

Celebrate the season with this musical rendering of traditional

18401 N. 32nd St., 480-

and classical holiday toys, featuring selections from “The

215-1916, azdance.org.

Dec. 9, 11 Anthem Holiday Home Tour Tour select Anthem homes decorated for the holidays.

Proceeds benefit We Care Anthem and Anthem Cares Through Service. 6-8:30 p.m.

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Nutcracker” and “Babes in Toyland.” 7 p.m. $5 per person.

North Canyon High School Performing Arts Center, 1700 E. Union Hills Dr., northvalleysymphony.org. $20 per person. Contact Pat Drapac, 623-703-5621,

Dec. 12-14

or Deb Rice, 425-894-

MTA’s Holiday Show

4345, to purchase tickets;

Musical Theatre of Anthem

anthemhousetour@gmail.com,

presents a concert-style

anthemacts.com.

performance filled with

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

musicaltheatreofanthem.org.

Dec. 12-14 7th Annual Carefree Christmas Festival The holidays are illuminated with this three-day festival featuring an electric light

parade, fireworks

mdavid624@cox.net.

display, live music,

Dec. 20-21

dance performances, real snow, gift market, food court and more.

Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free. Carefree Desert Gardens, 101 Easy St., 480-488-2051, carefreechristmasfestival.com.

Dec. 13

A-102, 623-551-6677, myanthemchiro.com.

Dec. 14

Upscale Singers Present “Songs of the Season” The Upscale Singers perform their annual Christmas show with winners from

DAR Presents “Freedom: What It Means To Me”

their eighth annual

Daughters of the

Adults, $15; students,

American Revolution, Ocotillo Chapter, welcomes speaker Thomas H. Kirk, Jr., a retired United States Air Force Colonel and 28-year highly decorated fighter pilot of an F-105. 9:30 a.m.

Free. Outlets of Anthem Community Room #435, 4250 W. Anthem Way, 623-551-3764, ocotillo.arizonadar.org.

Dec. 13

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

Dec. 16 Hanukkah Celebration Join the North Valley Jewish Community Association in celebrating Hanukkah with a candle lighting ceremony and

Anthem Community Blood Drive

traditional buffet dinner.

Help save a life

5:30 p.m. Adults, $25

and contribute to a healthy blood supply by donating blood. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Back to Health Chiropractic, 42104 N. Venture Dr.,

RSVP by December 13. per person; children 5-12, $13. Anthem Country Club’s Ironwood Grille, 41551 N. Anthem Hills Dr., 623-551-0310,

MIM Presents “Hear Them Ring” Chimes and jingles will fill the halls as the Musical Instrument Museum gets into the holiday spirit by showcasing instruments that ring, with performances featuring hand bells, steel pans and marimbas.

Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., 480-478-6000, mim.org.

Dec. 31 Anthem New Year’s Eve Close out Anthem’s 15th anniversary and ring in the New Year with music, dancing, a movie on the big screen, ice skating, food, family activities and fireworks. 6-10 p.m.

Admission is $5 at the door, but residents can purchase $1 admission bracelets at the Anthem Community Center from November 26 through December 19. Anthem Community Park, 41703 N. Gavilan Peak Pkwy., 623-742-6050,

December 2014

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community calendar arts // Culture // announcements

onlineatanthem.com.

for families in crisis for this year’s Adopt-a-Family

Salvation Army Seeks Bell Ringers for Holiday Red Kettle Campaign

program. Interested donors determine the size of family they are willing to adopt and donate gifts

Anthem’s Salvation Army

according to the family’s

Service Extension Unit seeks

shopping guide. The gifts

more than 200 volunteers to ring bells for the 2014

Pita Jungle Hosts “Empty Bowls” Fundraiser

Red Kettle Campaign, its

From December 1-7, all 14 Phoenix area Pita Jungle

primary fundraising event

restaurants will host an “Empty Bowls” fundraiser benefitting

of the year. Bell ringers

Waste Not, a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has

are needed for two-hour

been feeding the Valley’s hungry for 25 years. For $15, guests

shifts at the two entrances

can purchase a hand-crafted clay bowl created by local

of Walmart, Fry’s and

artisans from the Arizona Clay Association and receive their

Safeway from November 28

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

until the Saturday before

more information, visit pitajungle.com.

Christmas, and at Walmart for select times during Christmas week. Funds raised from the kettles support the charitable giving for residents in need throughout Anthem, New River, Black Canyon City and areas just south

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will be given to the families on Saturday, December 13 at High Desert Park in Black Canyon City and Sunday, December 14 at the Holland Community Center in North Scottsdale.

Individuals and groups such as businesses, HOAs, churches and schools are

checks payable to Anthem

encouraged to participate.

contact Tom Leyda or Tim

Salvation Army SEU.

All gifts and donations are

Maki at anthemsa@yahoo.

Foothills Food Bank Seeks Donors for Adopta-Family Program

tax deductible. For more

of Anthem. To volunteer,

com, or call 760-485-5549.

Donations can be mailed

information or to request a donor sign-up form,

to Anthem Salvation Army

The Foothills Food Bank

contact adoptafamily@

SEU, 3655 W. Anthem

and Resource Center seeks

foothillsfoodbank.com or

Way, A109, PMB 107,

donors to provide gifts,

visit the food bank at 6038

Anthem, AZ, 85086. Make

holiday meals and hope

E. Hidden Valley Dr., Cave

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

community calendar arts // Culture // announcements

Creek.

Believe in Anthem First in State to Sign Acts of Service Youth Partnership Pledge

Diocese of Phoenix Approves Anthem Food Pantry The Most Rev. Thomas J.

Believe in Anthem, AZ, a

Olmsted, bishop of the Diocese of Phoenix, recently

Upscale Singers Award Scholarships to Area Youth

approved the property lease

Pinnacle High School junior Mason Reeves and Gavilan

to build a food pantry on

Peak seventh grader Sophia Humbert were the top winners

the campus of St. Rose

of the Upscale Singers eighth annual Vocal Scholarship

Philippine Duchesne Catholic

auditions. Reeves took first place in the Senior High

Church, located near

division, winning a $500 scholarship; Humbert won the

the intersection of Daisy

Junior High division and secured a $400 vocal scholarship.

Mountain and Meridian

Both winners will be featured soloists in the Upscale

Drives. The food pantry

Singers’ annual Christmas show on December 14. Seven

will be constructed and

other students placed in the auditions and six honorable

managed by the St. Rose

mentions were named, with a total of $3,200 awarded. For

Conference of St. Vincent

more information, visit upscalesingers.com.

in need in the Anthem,

Pictured left to right: Erin Dominick, Michelle McIndoe, Ally

Tramonto, New River, Desert

Lane, Julia Davis, Sophia Humbert, Jayda Mendiola, Taylor

Hills and Black Canyon

Ellsworth, Mason Reeves, Tripp Arias (front), Samantha

City area. Construction is

Kunselman, Chance McLaughlin, Maddie Lopez, Becca Bauer,

next two months, with funds raised from the second annual Friends of the Poor

Halle Ata-Abadi

5K race/walk scheduled for February 21, 2015.

profit service organization, was the first group in the state to sign the governor’s Youth Commission Acts of Service Youth Partnership Pledge. By signing the pledge, the group promised to sponsor a community service project on National Make a Difference Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and Global Youth Service

de Paul to serve those

planned to begin within the

local mother-daughter non-

Day. Members signed the pledge in mid-October and quickly got to work making more than 200 brown bag meals for the homeless for National Make a Difference Day on October 25. For more information about Believe in Anthem, contact

December 2014

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Writer Tom Scanlon Photos below by Mike Harvey

November was championship time for fall high school

“I set a goal to make it to the podium and after I touched

sports, with one sport after another coming crashing to

the wall, I looked up at the scoreboard and felt excited and

its conclusion after months of competition. If there was a

relieved that I had reached my goal,” she said.

combination score (as in the Olympics), Boulder Creek High School might have won the title, as the Anthem high school

Kolkebeck dominated during the regular season, winning

finished near the top in several events.

every race she entered and breaking several of the school records she set last year. At the state meet, the BC

The swimmers, who put in thousands of laps at the Anthem

senior star also finished fifth in the 50-yard freestyle and

Community Center, were some of the top performers. You

anchored several relays.

could say Krista Kolkebeck finished her BC swimming career with a splash. Led by her fourth-place finish in the 100-yard

Senior Katie Moore came in sixth in the 200-yard freestyle

freestyle, the BC girls’ swim team finished sixth in the state.

and eighth in the 500-yard free. Junior Emily Martin took sixth in the 100-yard breaststroke. The girls’ 200-yard

Participating in perhaps the most competitive race in

freestyle relay team — Kolkebeck, Moore, Ali Steinbach and

swimming, Kolkebeck faced the top water athletes in the

Tessa Badalamenti — finished fifth in the state.

state. The 100-yard freestyle is her strongest race and was her best chance to be one of the four who received medals

The BC girls’ 200-yard medley relay team of Steinbach,

on the podium.

Martin, Madison Kemnitz and Badalamenti earned a sixthplace finish. The 400-free relay team of Kolkebeck, Moore,

26

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

Brittney

Clark

and

Kemnitz

took

in the opening round of the playoffs

eighth. Martin also finished 19th in

to a powerful Skyline team. Even so,

the 200-yard individual medley and

their 8-3 record was the best in

Kemnitz took 10th place in the 100-

years, and the 2014 season unveiled

yard butterfly race.

a dazzling offense under new coach Brandon Willard.

The

boys’

swim

team,

featuring

many underclassmen, finished 28th

Though

in the state meet, held at the Mesa

Dawson, who charged for more than

Aquatics Club.

1,200 yards, will graduate this year,

star

running

back

Blake

Willard will have some key pieces For the boys’ team, senior Michael

of his offensive juggernaut returning.

Farella finished 15th in the 50-

Gunther Johnson blossomed into one

yard freestyle sprint. In the 200-

of the top junior quarterbacks in the

yard medley relay, the BC boys’

state, completing 65 percent of his

team — sophomores Cooper Salmen

passes and tossing 28 touchdowns.

and Dakota Rubie and seniors Brad

Johnson will have his favorite target

Frakes and Anthony Gradillas —

back, fellow junior Troy Reed, who

finished 15th. Another 15th place

caught 14 touchdown passes.

finish came in the 400-yard freestyle relay, with Farella, Rubie, Salmen

Senior stars Ryan Parenteau, an all-

and sophomore Anderson Cline.

around offensive threat and thieving defensive

back,

and

powerhouse

The BC boys’ 200-yard freestyle relay

lineman Nathan Eldridge, a University

team of seniors Farella, Gradillas

of Arizona recruit, will be tough to

and Connor Lorson and sophomore

replace.

Cline took 17th place. Cline also finished 20th in the grueling 500-

The girls’ cross country team finished

yard freestyle. Rubie took 17th in

19th in the state and should be a

the 100-yard breaststroke and Jake

force to be reckoned with in the

Bulat came in 18th in the 1-meter

coming years, as it was led by

diving competition.

freshmen Morgan Starliper, Isabel Gallo, Anna Maceachern and Sierra

The BC boys’ golf team finished

Averill. Sophomores Lauren Potter

eighth in the state tournament held

and Nicole Rocha also ran for BC in

at Aguila Golf Course. Individually,

the state meet, with Brooke Weiler

Nick

the lone senior of the BC top seven.

San

Miguel

finished

27th

with a 75-78-153, one shot ahead of teammate Tyler Raab (78-76-

The

154) and three shots ahead of

finished 21st and also had quite

Cooper Langston (81-75-156) and

a few underclassmen: Jacob Lewis,

Spencer McGrath (77-79-156). Alex

a

Wilcox also qualified for the state

sophomore; and Allen Clarke, Cody

tournament, finishing 69th.

Fogo and Kyler Gates, all juniors.

boys’

cross-country

freshman;

Daniel

runners

Lozano,

a

The fastest of the boys’ team was The football team raced off to a

Braden Weiler, a senior.

terrific start this season, only to fall December 2014

Im age s A Z.c om

27

Writer Stephanie Maher Palenque

There is perhaps never more hoopla surrounding the holiday

giving to a gift on each of the 30 days preceding Christmas

season in Anthem than when Andrew Zychowski of Andrew Z

and, to keep everyone on their toes, he may even throw in

Diamonds and Fine Jewelry begins his annual gift giveaway.

a bonus gift on certain days. The gift of the day is then

This season, he will be doing it for the seventh year in a

hidden somewhere in Anthem and the hints are posted on

row, to the delight of residents all over the Anthem area.

Andrew Z’s Facebook page. The hint might be a picture, a map or even a poem.

The festivities kick off on Thanksgiving night and extend through Christmas Eve. Each gift-wrapped treasure is worth

Since Andrew started sharing secret hints on social media,

between $25 and $100. It might be a watch one day, a

the stakes have been raised. Men, women and children all

bracelet another or any number of items that are sold in

over Anthem anticipate his daily hints, keys in hands, ready

Andrew Z’s store in Anthem. Instead of gift giving during the

to pounce on an unopened treasure.

traditional “12 Days of Christmas,” Andrew extends the gift

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

Andrew insists that he has the most fun, though. His fun has increased, since he can now track through social media who found the gifts and how they found them. He, along with his wife, Beth, and his son, Scott, have a merry time reading through comments and notes to them on Facebook, like the one from Celeste West Cate last year: “Andrew, we didn’t find any of the gifts, but sure had fun trying! You and Beth (and Scott) ROCK! Thank you so much for all you do for our community. We are so blessed.

Wishing you all Christmas blessings in abundance. Can’t wait for more games to challenge us next year!”

Lisa Sassone wrote, “Purchased a gift from your store today and I am so excited to have jewelry from your store! I never found a hidden gift but it feels good to spend my hard-earned money at a local store that values customer service and has beautiful, quality products. We will forever be loyal customers for the service you gave us but also for what you do for the community.

Merry Christmas!!”

Andrew’s gift-giving venture brings out the little kid in all of us during the

holidays.

It’s

the

unbridled

excitement that comes with finding a gift-wrapped treasure, opening it up and discovering a gift that was lovingly prepared and given to us. Wouldn’t it be a happy holiday season if everyone took a cue from this local secret Santa?

Happy hunting! andrewzdiamonds.com facebook.com/andrewzdiamonds

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29

Chamber Profile

Writer: Chamber Contributor Jenny Brooks, Special to ImagesAZ

Business owners committed to community growth A business community and its chamber of commerce are only as strong as the commitment its business members make to it. Every year the Anthem North Gateway Chamber of Commerce collects nominations for Business Person of the Year to honor those who work to make the community stronger through their businesses.

This year’s nominees were Lisa Jackson, co-founder of Whitman and Jackson, CPAs; Mike Spinelli, owner of Mike Spinelli Photography; and Brian Benson, owner of Rhapsody School of Music.

The recipient of the 2014 Business Person of the Year award will be announced at the holiday reception on Tuesday, December 2.

Nominee: Lisa Jackson Company: Whitman and Jackson, CPAs Reason for nomination: “Lisa has always exhibited great business skills that are fact based and tuned to each client’s needs,” said Peter Petrone, owner of Single Resource Financial.

“She is an advocate of the local Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation and is a family-focused person trying to make our community a bit better. She was nominated before, but I think her ability and character grants another try at Business Person of the Year.”

About the nominee: Lisa is very active in the community and supports local charities. She is a long-standing member of the Business Network at Anthem as well as the Anthem North Gateway Chamber of Commerce. The charity closest to her heart is the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America. When her son, Adam, was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at the age of 9, her family became very active fundraisers for the organization. Lisa is president of the board of the Southwest chapter.

From the nominee: “This nomination makes me proud and honored to have earned the respect of my fellow business owners and peers,” Jackson said. “Anthem is a great community.”

A Special Thank You to all of our Sponsors

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

Nominee: Mike Spinelli Company: Mike Spinelli Photography Reason for nomination: “Mike Spinelli is an extremely talented photographer who maintains a successful business while also volunteering hundreds of hours to building relationships and community through sharing his time and many talents,” said Doug DeMuth, a financial advisor with Edward Jones. “He is a patient professional who also brightens a room with his infectious smile and sense of humor.”

About the nominee: As a proud United States Air Force veteran, Spinelli volunteers to take photos of the Anthem Veterans Memorial, the Daisy Mountain Veterans and other veteran organizations. He has also volunteered his talents for many other non-profit organizations, including ProMusica Arizona, North Valley Symphony Orchestra, Pioneer Village, Anthem Community Council and Desert Foothills Land Trust. Spinelli and his wife, Ro, moved to Anthem from California’s Bay Area, where Mike was a commercial photographer. He was also mayor for the city of Burlingame. He continues his civic involvement as a volunteer for several of Anthem Community Council’s planning committees, including the Anthem community planning and development committee and the Anthem community investment master plan committee.

From the nominee: “A chamber of commerce is truly central to making a community grow and thrive,” said Spinelli. “The Anthem North Gateway Chamber and its members exemplify this. That is why I am so proud to be part of the chamber and honored to be a nominee for Business Person of the Year.”

Nominee: Brian Benson Company: Rhapsody School of Music Reason for nomination: In one year, Brian Benson has grown his music school from 150 to 250 students with a family-oriented atmosphere that is also friendly, professional and safe. He and his wife, Angie, made a commitment to become enriching members of the business community when they opened their doors, and have spent the last year living up to their commitment.

About the nominee: The Bensons opened Rhapsody School of Music as the only school or store of its kind serving the North Gateway area. It provides music education to persons of all ages in private and group music lessons and is also an authorized dealer in name brand instruments. It provides great rock band and Kindermusik programs and also features a new on-site recording studio. Benson has donated instruments and lessons through raffles and silent auctions for multiple charities, including Hope 4 Kids, Fishin’ for a Cure, St. Rose Oktoberfest, Anthem Days, Musical Theatre of Anthem, Rotary Club of Anthem and Caurus Academy. He’s also served as a sponsor for the High Desert Little League, Girl Scout troops and Boulder Creek High School Band Boosters. The Bensons are currently working on a non-profit organization that will provide scholarships for lessons and instruments to those who couldn’t otherwise afford them.

From the nominee: “This recognition is another affirmation we’re doing things the right way by those who live here and support local businesses,” Benson said. “I want to sincerely thank everyone for being part of our great journey the last year. Angie and I have tried to create something in our community we could all be proud of in Rhapsody School of Music. It is an awesome and humbling moment for our family.”

Anthem North Gateway Chamber December 2014

Im age s A Z.c om

31

Writer Barb Evans

Arizona will soon become heaven on earth for thousands of

as I found our social calendar to be highly influenced by

classic car collectors and antique automobile aficionados

what car events were happening in town.

when collector car week converges upon the Valley next month. Numerous car auctions, sales and events, most

Steve inherited his love of vintage cars from his dad, Bob,

notably Barrett-Jackson’s auction at WestWorld, will take

and together they maintain a collection that includes a

place in Scottsdale and Phoenix. Among the crowd will

1909 Pierce-Arrow, 1931 Rolls-Royce, 1935 Locomobile

be my husband, son and father-in-law, who have had the

and 1961 Rolls-Royce, among others. Over the years,

week circled on their calendars since last year.

they’ve attended numerous car events, visited various antique automobile museums across the country and

When Steve and I married 17 years ago, I knew he was

spent endless hours talking on the phone about cars.

passionate about antique cars. After all, he had picked me

32

up in a 1963 Buick Riviera on our first date, and one of

Several years ago my son, Nathan, got in on the act,

the requirements for when we were planning our wedding

and was ecstatic to become part of their exclusive club. I

was to not schedule it for the first weekend in October,

should have realized he had inherited the car gene when

the standing date for the Antique Automobile Club of

Steve and I took Nathan to see the movie “Cars” when he

America’s annual Fall Meet in Hershey, Pennsylvania, to

was 5 years old. When the movie ended, he wouldn’t stop

which he had gone with his father every year since he was

crying because he didn’t want it to be over. Soon after,

7 years old. But not until a few years ago did I realize

he excitedly began collecting the die-cast cars, then later

that I should have added a clause to our vows that

moved on to a NASCAR addiction that still exists. Now 14

limited the number of car shows I would attend per year,

years old, he has expanded to following Formula 1 racing,

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

and is proudly following the footsteps of his father and

and am overjoyed to see them have the opportunity to

grandfather into the world of antique automobiles.

share that with others who feel the same. I invite you to attend the Arizona Concours d’Elegance on January 11 at

The guys experienced car nirvana this past summer when

the Arizona Biltmore to see firsthand these beautiful works

we all attended the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in

of art. If you do get the chance to go, come say hello to

California. Considered by automobile enthusiasts to be the

me; I’ll be the one sitting in the shade with a drink in my

granddaddy of vintage car shows, my father-in-law crossed

hand, smiling up at my happy car guys.

off a bucket list item by entering the 1909 Pierce. My inlaws, husband, son, daughter and I were treated like VIPs

2nd Annual Arizona Concours d’Elegance

gorgeous — and ridiculously expensive — cars from around

Sunday, January 11 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

the world. We ladies didn’t see much of the men that week,

Arizona Biltmore Resort, 2400 E. Missouri Ave., Phoenix

but when we did, they had smiles from ear to ear.

General admission: $75; tickets can be purchased online

for the week, as we had access to some of the most

Proceeds benefit Make-A-Wish Arizona As January approaches, I am preparing myself to once again relinquish the presence of my husband and son

arizonaconcours.com

to the indelible allure of classic cars. One event in particular already has my husband’s full attention: the Arizona Concours d’Elegance at the Arizona Biltmore. As marketing director for the event, Steve has been working feverishly since August to help position it as Arizona’s answer to Pebble Beach. It will be another special family day for all of us, as Bob will once again showcase his beloved Pierce-Arrow. My son will also get into the act by tweeting and Instagram-ing pictures of his favorite cars to

Concours d’Elegance The Arizona Concours d’Elegance opens Arizona’s

famous collector car week and is modeled after such great events as Pebble Beach in California and Villa d’Este in Italy. The event brings together rare and valuable automobiles to compete in classes that

his followers.

range from vintage and classic to sports, racing and

Although I don’t consider myself to be an automobile

Lloyd Wright-inspired Arizona Biltmore, the Concours

aficionado and sometimes have a hard time accepting my husband and son’s obsession, I do appreciate the beauty and craftsmanship that is exemplified in these cars. I am

exotic. Elegantly displayed on the lawns of the Frank celebrates automotive design and engineering with top judges from around the country awarding class winners, as well as the coveted Best of Show.

also proud of my men for their dedication and passion,

December 2014

Im age s A Z.c om

33

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

December 2014

Im age s A Z.c om

35

Writer Barb Evans Photographer Sam Paul

There’s a club at Boulder Creek High School whose job is

club’s vice president. “We learn how to run a business by

to make the other clubs look good. If given the chance,

figuring costs and deciding what to charge. The clubs are

they can help you look good, too.

our clients.”

BC’s

Visual

Voice

communications

for

Club

creates

the

school’s

eye-catching various

clubs

visual

Club president Dan Paul adds, “That’s what’s awesome

and

about us. We are the one club that gets to work with all

organizations. By using the principles and elements of

the other clubs.”

good design, members produce materials such as posters, invitations, T-shirts, advertisements and anything else you

So far this year, they’re busy.

can imagine.

Current projects include T-shirt designs for DECA and FBLA, “We act as a real design firm,” says Alex Khoury, the

36

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

posters and fliers for the theater club’s empty bowl fundraiser

and posters for several sports teams.

The group has already designed and produced posters for the homecoming tailgate pricing

and

is

currently

information

to

gathering

offer

holiday

Your Neighborhood Business Center

cards and graduation announcements.

As if that weren’t enough, they plan to rebrand themselves with a new logo and T-shirt design, and are looking to expand their business by offering their services to the community.

“If anyone needs design work, call us,” says co-treasurer Brooke Weiler.

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“Third hour is more of a student-led class because it gets more difficult at this level to follow a specific curriculum,” says Jordan. “I wanted to give them real-world challenges and have them establish designer-client relationships, so we meet at the beginning of the month and map out all the projects that need to be done.”

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Visual

Voice

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Andrew Jordan

Left to Right, Alex Khoury, Brooke Weiler, Dan Paul, Parker Hutcheson, Amy Bartimoccia

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

Jordan has been teaching graphic design at BC since 2009, when it was added as part of the Deer Valley Unified School District’s career and technical education curriculum. Currently, DVUSD students in grades nine through 12 can take beginning, intermediate and advanced courses to learn the relevant technologies and software programs to create effective visual communications. Many of the students who take the course discover creativity they thought they didn’t have.

“I have no other artistic ability besides graphic design,” says Khoury. “My drawing is terrible, but with graphic design you can create a new effect and make it cool in your own way.”

“Graphic design lets me communicate a message in a different way,” says secretary Parker Hutcheson. “You can do so many things with it.”

In the program, students also have the opportunity to earn industry credentials and dual enrollment college credit, and are able to take an internship during their senior year. But most advanced level students see the value in a college education and plan to continue their design training after high school.

“I plan to pursue graphic design as a career,” says cotreasurer Amy Bartimoccia. “Hopefully at FIDM [Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising] in Los Angeles. I fell in love with design because it lets me be creative.

I’m shocked at how much I like it!”

Members look to the Visual Voice Club as not only a way to gain valuable experience, but also as an opportunity to set themselves apart from the rest of the crowd.

“As graphic artists, we tell kids in the club to look at things differently,” says Paul. “Start with the craziest idea because it’s easier to bring it down to earth rather than starting with a blank slate. We are not black and white. We don’t want people to think we operate the same way as other clubs. We are creative people and we think differently.” bchsvisualvoice@gmail.com dvusd.org

December 2014

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40

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

Writer Peni Long

A NEW SANCTUARY IN NEW RIVER Jennifer Brumbaugh, executive director of Healing Hearts

cases. These two were from a backyard breeder. Ella

Animal Rescue and Refuge, has moved her precious

came with wounds throughout her body and was severely

stock from Willcox to New River, occupying the property

malnourished; Big Red, the magnificent thoroughbred,

established by Dreamchasers Horse Rescue. It’s a good

was jaundiced and severely neglected.

match for an organization with a mission to save and serve neglected and often abused horses. These healed

“Due to their significant neglect, they received around-the-

horses often find wonderful new homes as companions

clock care from Healing Hearts staff and veterinarians,”

for other horses or animals — or humans, for that matter.

Jennifer says. “Their survival was hour by hour. After eight days, we lost Big Red. Although he fought bravely

Healing Hearts was founded as part of a response to the

to come back, his body was too far gone from the

financial meltdown several years ago.

months of cruel starvation.”

“Arizona horses in particular had it bad,” says Jennifer.

The latest addition to the rescued herd is Winston,

“They need space, food and care, all of it expensive.

grandson of famed racer Native Dancer, who now

Too many people could no longer afford to keep their

has a fighting chance to survive as one of a long,

animals and had nowhere to send them.”

proud lineage. Fortunately, many of the rescued and rehabilitated horses are adopted by families who provide

Jennifer had acreage in Willcox, which became a haven

safe havens for them.

for those horses. But through her experience over the past few years, she also knew that Maricopa County

“The best thing is getting the pictures and social media

is a wonderful place for such an operation. Healing

posts from our adopting clients,” says Jennifer. “Such

Hearts opened a satellite facility on the Arizona Humane

great and happy stories. That’s really why we do what we

Society campus in 2013, primarily for the purpose of

do.” Many of the adoptees provide loyal companionship

increasing adoptions. The Dreamchasers move provided

to other horses, animals and appreciative humans.

the right opportunity to continue expanding Healing Hearts outreach.

Healing Hearts is a non-profit and can always use donations of money or volunteer time to help out with

Caring for horses is a big job, even bigger depending

the horses, at the office or around the stables.

on the condition of the animal arriving for care. The stories are endless, and often sorrowful. Pictured in the

602-714-0241

photos are Ella and Big Red, two of the most severe

healingheartsaz.org December 2014

Im age s A Z.c om

41

Writer Stephanie Maher Palenque

New Year’s Eve in New Jersey during my childhood meant getting into footed sleeper pajamas and waiting until the ball dropped in Times Square. At the stroke of midnight, I would run outside with my sisters and cousins and put dents in my mother’s cookware, giving the pots and pans a beating they wouldn’t forget until the following New Year’s Eve. This New Year’s Eve, save your cookware and bring the family to a wonderful one-time-only event planned to celebrate not only the arrival of 2015, but also the 15th anniversary of the Anthem community. It is planned for the evening of December 31, from 6 to 10 p.m.

42

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

This event officially closes out a year filled with special anniversary events in Anthem, starting with the opening of the Anthem Civic Building on January 25.

“We want this to be a memorable event for everyone,” said Kristi Northcutt, director of public affairs and communications for Anthem Community Council. “It’s the perfect end to the year 2014 and Anthem’s 15th anniversary will literally go out with a bang.”

Even though Jack Frost might be gently nipping at our noses, it will still be a comfortable, entertaining, memorable night for every age group. The night to remember will feature a synthetic ice skating rink to set the mood for some winter fun. If your family enjoys the rink, come back the next day for a perskater fee and enjoy the rink some more. It will also feature the movie “Frozen,” so be sure to bring blankets and chairs for your family to snuggle under while watching the flick.

Other

entertainment

planned

includes

music,

dancing, marshmallow snowball fights, a photo booth and fireworks. S’mores, trail mix and popcorn food stations will be on hand for munchies, or you can plan on having dinner at the food court. Adults are invited to enjoy casino games and the Rotary beer garden.

The time of the event was planned with much forethought so that families could celebrate the New Year on the East Coast together. Then parents can have the chance to tuck in their children before celebrating at midnight.

There will be $1 early admission bracelets for residents and $5 non-resident bracelets available from November 26 through December 19 at the Anthem Community Center. Bracelets will be required for ages 5 and older. The cost for bracelets will increase to $5 for everyone after December 19. onlineatanthem.com/new-years-eve

WHY YOU SHOULD CONSIDER SUPPORTING CHRISTIAN EDUCATION Our young people today face enormous challenges. A Christ-centered education, as offered by NVCA, provides a strong foundation that defines values, changes lives, while offering the best opportunity for achieving one’s educational potential.

NVCA has provided Anthem area children over $560,000 in tuition scholarships since 2011. This has enabled many children to receive an education that they otherwise would not have had the opportunity.

You can help support these children, and it will cost you nothing. Through the Arizona tuition tax credit program, if you pay any state income tax, you can get a dollar for dollar tax credit by sending your tax obligation to ACSTO. This tuition tax organization will then in turn provide a direct tuition grant to an NVCA student by designating NVCA as the receiving school.

Go online at www.acsto.org to donate, ACSTO will send you a receipt for your tax records. The maximum tax credit amount for 2014 is $2,106 (jointly filing couples) or $1,053 (single).

Consult with your tax advisor on your current situation and which option is best for you.

NorthValleyCA.org

623.551.3454

42101 N. 41st Dr., Ste 101, Phoenix, AZ 85086 December 2014

Im age s A Z.c om

43

Writer Tom Scanlon

Facebook post: “Did I mention QUIET no drums, guitars,

“The best thing about being a mom … bragging rights! In

amps cranked up full throttle so that every room in my

case anyone missed this, so proud of them!!” she wrote

house beats … I might not write at all … I might just

recently, with a link to a YouTube video on her sons’

give a moment of silence.”

band, Happy Accidents.

Ah, the life of a rock band mom-lawyer-writer.

Like a lot of hardworking parents in Anthem, Droban struggles to balance her professional life with being

With her crime-writing career taking off and branching

intensely involved in her kids’ lives. Droban is probably

into television, Kerrie Droban is rapidly becoming one

a little more challenged than most, as she has not one

of Anthem’s most famous residents. Her next work, she

but two careers. She is a criminal defense lawyer, and

says with a mixture of fear and excitement, will be a

sometimes her two professions cross paths. Writing and

novel. Sounds like quite a departure for the popular true

law keep overlapping, blending together like a cocktail.

crime writer, who has thousands of fans (quite a few of them in prison, by the way) waiting for news on her

“They’ve been kind of going in tandem, they fit well

projects.

together,” she says. “I graduated from law school in 1995 and have always been writing fiction.”

And yet her Facebook page, which most writers use to promote their work, is increasingly being invaded by

Droban is a graduate of the Johns Hopkins University

posts about her boys.

Writing Seminars and the University of Arizona, in addition to studying playwriting with Edward Albee and

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poetry with Peter Sacks, Carolyn Kizer and Joy Harjo.

Making her own life sound all the more like a work of

Though now known for her crime writing, Droban’s “The

fiction is the fact that as a crime writer, Droban has an

Language of Butchers” poetry collection was honored

invaluable in-house expert: her husband. Sergei Droban is

with the Academy of American Poets Award, the New

a former Tucson homicide detective. The two met at the

Letters International Poetry Award, the Poet Lore Award

University of Arizona.

and the Amelia Encore Award.

“I was in grad school, he was in college,” she explains.

She came into writing crime books quite by accident,

“We were in the international dorm … I know he’ll

when a couple of undercover agents approached her

deny this up the hilt, but he was actually dating my

about collaborating on a writing project. Droban’s true

roommate!” Sounds like Sergei might need a good

crime books, “Running with the Devil: The True Story of

defense lawyer himself …

the ATF’s Infiltration of the Hells Angels” and “Prodigal Father, Pagan Son: Growing Up Inside the Dangerous

But how does this lady do it? How is she a wife, mom,

World of the Pagans Motorcycle Club,” won USA Book

lawyer — often working perhaps the most important

News National Book Awards for Best True Crime and

cases imaginable, capital post-conviction cases with

Best Autobiography.

death sentences — and prolific writer?

Her additional books include “A Socialite Scorned:

She has two things going for her: an inner drive and an

The Murder of a Tucson High-Roller,” the tale of a

extraordinary sense of self-discipline.

murdered Tucson millionaire; and “Vagos, Mongols, and Outlaws: My Infiltration of America’s Deadliest Biker

A lazy Sunday afternoon might be a nice time to sit

Gangs.” Droban co-wrote the latter with former contract

down and do some creative writing, right? Not in the

informant Charles Falco, who went deep undercover in

Droban household, where the boys are cranking through

the biker underworld.

a Happy Accidents practice that pretty much has the walls shaking.

And she is a literary agent’s dream, adept at appearing as an expert on crime and motorcycle gangs, with

“I write every day from 4 to 7 a.m.,” says the rock mom.

appearances on A&E’s “Gangland: Behind Enemy Lines,”

“That’s the only time I have that’s quiet. Everyone’s

the History Channel’s “America’s Book of Secrets,”

sleeping, it’s really quiet and I can think really clearly.”

“Codes and Conspiracies” and numerous local television

And she does that every day.

and radio shows. In July, she taped an episode of CNBC’s “American Greed.”

“I work out three times a week, I meditate and I keep that [writing] regimen,” she says. “Nothing deters me

And now her book, “Vagos, Mongols, and Outlaws,” has

from that. It takes a lot of discipline because there are

been optioned for a television series starring Damon

so many distractions. You can sleep in – I don’t. I take

Runyon to air nationally in spring 2015.

small bites of the elephant. If you write a page a day, you’ve got a book at the end of 365 days.”

Speaking of outlaws, let’s talk about this petite woman’s fan club.

Assuming, that is, you don’t get too distracted by your sons’ band.

“I have represented quite a few Aryan Brotherhood [members]; they’re of course the prison gang,” Droban

Another Facebook post: “Somehow I wound up at The

says. “They’re allowed to get the book in prison, so I’ve

Offspring tonight! My boys have promised not to lose me

had a lot of people in prison request my books, and

in the mosh pit! I’m hoping for inspiration as I attempt

then they’re passed around.”

to craft the plot twist in the novel I’m writing lol!”

She laughs at her surreal life, adding, “It’s a strange fan base.”

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Writer Donna Kublin Photography Bryan Black

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

Pam and Steve Rusch both enjoy the process of

Artistic highlights for Pam thus far include being

creating. While Pam prefers an unplanned, spontaneous

juried into the prestigious, nationally recognized Rocky

interaction with paint on canvas or paper, Steve opts for

Mountain National Watermedia Exhibition in 2009 and the

a completely planned approach to working with wood.

American Watercolor Association National Watercolor

They each love what they do and often collaborate

Exhibition in 2010. Her work has been exhibited locally

on each other’s work. Having celebrated their 40th

and represented in a number of shows, including the

wedding anniversary last year, they are used to working

FLAIR art show in Anthem, as well as private collections.

together, though they admit they don’t always agree.

Pam’s work is full of depth and dynamism. Using fluid Their pre-retirement careers were in education in

and heavy body acrylics, she creates paintings full of

Jefferson County, Colorado. Pam taught visual arts at

color intensity and fluidity. She also creates works in

a junior high school, while Steve taught woodworking,

monoprint, watercolor and mixed media.

drafting, architecture, science, aviation and computers to high school students, among other subjects.

She is very active in the Arizona Watercolor Association and the Contemporary Watercolorists of Arizona, where

In 2001, they moved to Anthem, where they found the

she has met talented and supportive artists who have

perfect spot to pursue their post-retirement interests.

become family. She appreciates that these groups

Pam returned to her passion for painting. She considers

constantly have shows, giving her opportunities to

herself a colorist and her work a form of expressionism.

display her work. Pam also does commission work and is planning to have a one-woman show at a local

“It is a process-driven approach to painting based on

gallery next year.

cause and effect,” she explains. “It is very dynamic and spontaneous, and each painting evolves as I paint

Steve has crafted many beautiful things on his wood

it. Its evolution is largely from the interaction of color

lathe, including furniture, shelves, cabinets and bowls.

and design, where imagination and freedom allow each

But his passion lies in building clocks.

painting to develop through the process.”

“I used to have my students build clocks, and I have Pam has studied with a number of master painters who

made many for friends and family over the years,” he

have left lasting impressions. Locally, she studied with

says.

Dick Phillips, who became a friend and mentor. Others include Henny Marks, Glenn Bradshaw, Diane Maxey,

Steve has built grandmother and grandfather clocks,

Cheng-Khee Chee, Tom Herbert and Jo Toye.

though working on projects that large with hand tools can be quite a challenge.

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“Our son, Matthew, recently got married, and while I was hoping they wanted something a little smaller, they requested a grandfather clock,” he recalls. “How could I say no to that?”

Steve’s process starts with an idea. He then drafts the design using his skills, knowledge and, sometimes, computer software. When creating a wooden bowl, for example, Steve incorporates Southwestern design elements so that they permeate through the entire bowl, rather than just being inlaid on the surface. He then works on the design with his band saw and hand tools, ensuring that his cuts are as precise and sharp as possible.

With Pam’s input and assistance, Steve has also designed and built their living room coffee table, as well as the cabinetry and shelving for their home library. Over the past two years, he has been particularly interested in crafting wooden vessels with unique designs. Much of his material is found wood given to him by landscapers and friends. He also likes to add wood from around the world, selecting natural wood colors since he does not use stain and wants the beauty of the natural wood to speak for itself.

“The creation of art is the discipline of free minds.”

-Pam Rusch Pam and Steve love living in Anthem, playing golf and sharing their interests with friends. Steve welcomes found pieces of wood as he embarks upon new and interesting challenges in his wood creations, and Pam is looking forward to the next year of painting as she prepares for her one-woman show. Both are enjoying this stage of their lives as they continue to exercise their mastery of wood and paint. sprusch@cox.net

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December 2014

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SunRidge Canyon 13100 Sunridge Drive

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

Experience 6,823 yards of championship golf carved

golfers plenty of opportunities to score well. The

into the canyons of the McDowell Mountains at

tactically challenging 10th hole that runs south across

SunRidge Canyon Golf Club. Designed by Keith Foster,

the bottom of the canyon marks the turnaround point,

this stunning, multiple award-winning golf course

as golfers head back up the canyon on a traditional

boasts incredible vistas and some truly superb golf

out-and-back layout.

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

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

The front nine meanders down the canyon, giving

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

highlighted by rocky outcrops and giant saguaros. The

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

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

two separate teeing grounds, which are alternated

the long tees protect the right side of this postage

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

stamp-sized target.

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

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

cavernous bunker to the right. The tee shot from the

have to visit SunRidge Canyon to discover exactly

short set of elevated tees calls for a short iron or

how the story ends.

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

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Writer Lara Piu Photography courtesy Proven Media

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

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

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

know will participate in this year’s Carefree Christmas

Sunday. Better yet, dress them in their holiday best

Festival? Perhaps guaranteed.

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

“Everyone is involved, from local churches, schools,

adoptions.

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

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

“This is a true community celebration.”

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

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

centerpiece: the electric light parade. Produced by

holidays with real snow, an electric light parade, a

the Carefree Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce, the

fireworks extravaganza and more. Slated to run the

parade is expected to have nearly 15 new entries. It

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

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

are expected to attend.

followed by fireworks.

“The festival has become one of the most well-

In fact, several community supporters, such as

attended holiday events in the Valley,” Gemmill says.

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

What’s new

of real snow, and Chris Mellon Custom Home &

The event is stretching its arms with new

Remodeling Center will sponsor the kid’s zone. Children

entertainment, sponsors and a bigger, better electric

from United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Phoenix are

light parade. The Friday entertainment schedule has

grand marshals and will lead the parade this year.

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

ABC15’s morning meteorologist and Valley native, Iris

world, a Salvation Army brass band and more than

Hermosillo, will return as emcee.

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

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

Studio and Jolly Roger, a comic magician for children,

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

have also been added to the lineup.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Writer Tom Scanlon

Is Christmas in the city — or a modern suburb —

The granddaddy of Prescott December events comes

getting you down? Feeling like it’s all become just too

on Saturday, December 6, with the Christmas parade.

commercialized, too contemporary? Then you may want

Wait … aren’t parades for Thanksgiving Day and the

to wander up to “Arizona’s Christmas City.” Prescott may

Fourth of July? Who has a parade for Christmas?

be 99.9 road miles north of Phoenix, but thematically, it’s 99.9 million miles away.

Prescott, of course.

The Prescott area is a great getaway pretty much any

It may sound like Linus waiting for the Great Pumpkin

month of the year. Visitors from the Valley can breathe

on Halloween, but the Christmas parade has been a hit

cool mountain air in the summer, be dazzled by the

in Prescott for 32 years. The small town nostalgia will

colors of fall and in general be charmed by the small

be dialed up this year, as the theme is “150 years of

town feeling. The population is just over 40,000, as it

Christmas memories,” riding on the heels of the city’s

has been for years, and downtown Prescott is pretty

sesquicentennial celebration. Prescott was founded in

much as it was in the 1980s; maybe even the 1950s.

1864 as the territorial capital of Arizona.

In December, Prescott ramps up the charm, with a string

The parade is scheduled to start at 1 p.m. and end two

of Christmas-themed events that invite visitors to soak

hours later. After a break for visitors to shop, eat and

up nostalgia. In turn, the town merchants are more than

drink, the 60th annual courthouse lighting ceremony

happy to soak up visitors’ dollars, as the events were

starts at 6 p.m. You can’t miss the Yavapai County

masterminded to stimulate the local economy. But it’s

Courthouse — it’s the huge structure smack in the

a low-key pitch; rather than in-your-face mega sales,

middle of downtown Prescott.

Prescott’s approach is to reel people into town, have them enjoy a non-commercial event and then let them

If that’s not enough holiday nostalgia for one day, the

spend as they choose at restaurants, bars and scores

Sharlot Hall Museum (three blocks from the courthouse)

of mom-and-pop shops.

celebrates “Frontier Christmas” from 6 to 8:30 p.m., also on December 6. In addition to photos and displays

Christmas season in Prescott kicks off the Saturday

of Prescott Christmases past, the museum will have

after Thanksgiving with the 19th annual holiday light

“luminaries,

parade. If you miss it, no worries; the Christmas lights

cookies, hot tea and cocoa.”

handmade

decorations,

hearth-baked

will be on in downtown Prescott throughout December.

Sharlot Hall dials the time machine way back to when

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Prescott was a frontier town, and will have living history

It might not be the North Pole, but there is quite

actors recreating “pioneer Christmas traditions and

a bit of Christmas going on north of Phoenix. David

Arizona’s early history, including Tom Sanders’ account

Maurer, CEO of the Prescott Chamber of Commerce,

of a Prescott Christmas in the 1860s when saloon

said he spoke to a tour bus operator who expected to

keepers would get old boots, overalls and old coats …

make more than 20 trips from Phoenix to Prescott in

and then put a pint or quart of whiskey in one of the

December. While the signature event is the courthouse

boots or in a pocket in the coats or pants, and hang

lighting, Maurer says there are many different events

the tagged garments up Christmas Eve on the trees in

going on. The Christmas parade usually has more than

the park.” Prescott has grown out of that boozy holiday

100 entrants.

tradition, though the town still sports a Whiskey Row block of bars.

“It’s one of the biggest parades in the state,” Maurer says. It’s a time when the town merchants, who often

For the most part, though, the town’s December

battle for the same visitor dollars, can put their

traditions these days are sober, family events. The

competitive nature to rest and join a flotilla of low-

town gets musical for the annual “Acker Night,” with

budget floats.

musicians playing around the downtown shops starting at 5 p.m. on Friday, December 12. And there is what’s

“Things like the Christmas parade bring people together,”

billed as “The World’s Largest Gingerbread Festival”

he says. “Everyone enjoys a parade.”

on display in the lobby of the Prescott Resort and Conference Center.

Maurer adds that in December, “every weekend there’s something going on downtown.” The nostalgic events

“Christmas in Prescott is Christmas!” exclaims Roxane

in the city’s quaint downtown “remind people of their

Nielsen, owner of the popular Prescott Brewing Company,

hometowns.”

across from the courthouse. “To me, everything about it reignites a sense of wonder, of days and memories

Hence, Prescott’s motto: “Welcome to everybody’s

gone by, and reaffirms Prescott’s sense of community.”

hometown.”

Other Prescott holiday-themed events include “Santa

As an added bonus for those seeking the white

with the Animals” at the zoo at 1 p.m. on December 7;

Christmas of their romanticized or real past, Prescott

the Prescott POPS Symphony holiday performance at

often gets a good sprinkling of snow in December. In

3 p.m. on December 13; “The Christmas Tree” comedy

2011, it was a white Christmas parade, as a snowstorm

dinner theater (various nights) at the excellent tapas

landed in Prescott just in time for the parade and

restaurant El Gato Azul; “The Best Christmas Pageant

courthouse lighting. No wonder former governor Rose

Ever” show at Prescott Center for the Arts, December

Mofford named Prescott “Arizona’s Christmas City” back

18-21; and the 50-plus member Christmas Brass Band,

in 1989.

blowing up a storm of music at the courthouse plaza at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 20.

“History’s a little missing on how she did that and why she did it, but she did it,” Maurer says.

December 2014

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Writer Paula Theotocatos

“My fellow Americans, I have recently been told that

What is Alzheimer’s exactly?

I am one of the millions of Americans who will be

Alzheimer’s is a progressive degenerative form of

afflicted with Alzheimer’s Disease … I now begin the

dementia that can occur in people 65 years or older.

journey that will lead me into the sunset of my life.

There are also more rare forms that can occur in

I know that for America there will always be a bright

individuals who are younger than 65 years of age.

dawn ahead. Thank you, my friends. May God always

Its common symptoms include a decline in memory,

bless you.”

reasoning and judgment. This is not to be confused with age-related temporary memory difficulties such as

President Ronald Reagan wrote those poignant words

forgetting a name but recalling it later.

in a letter to the American public when he announced that he had Alzheimer’s disease and was preparing for

The Alzheimer’s Association lists 10 behavioral signs

the “long goodbye.”

that signal the onset of Alzheimer’s:

Alzheimer’s, a form of dementia, does not discriminate;

1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life, such

its victims include not only the average person but also

as forgetting recently learned information or

many well-known celebrities:

important dates or events.

Entertainer and Scottsdale resident Glen Campbell now

2. Challenges in planning or solving problems,

resides in a nursing home in order to manage his

such as having trouble following a familiar recipe

worsening Alzheimer’s condition.

or keeping track of monthly bills.

Former British Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, the

3. Difficulty with completing daily tasks, such as

“Iron Lady,” suffered from dementia and thought her

experiencing trouble driving to a familiar location.

husband, Denis, who had passed in 2003, was still alive.

She died from a stroke in 2013.

4. Confusion with time or place, such as forgetting where they are or how they got there.

Rita Hayworth, the 40s glamour girl, died at the age of 68 in 1987 from complications associated with

5. Trouble understanding visual images and

Alzheimer’s. Her daughter, Princess Yasmin Aga Khan,

spatial relationships, such as difficulty reading

can be credited with raising awareness of this tragic

and problems with driving.

disease when she supported and became president of Alzheimer Disease International.

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6. New problems with words in speaking or writing, such as calling things the wrong name (e.g., calling a watch a hand clock).

7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps, such as putting things in unusual places (e.g., placing keys in the refrigerator).

8. Decreased or poor judgment, such as paying less attention to grooming or keeping clean.

9. Withdrawal from work or social activities, such as having trouble keeping up with a favorite sports team or hobby.

10. Changes in mood and personality, such as becoming confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious.

Alzheimer’s Association, Desert Southwest Chapter The Desert Southwest Chapter of Alzheimer’s Association conducts a free group meeting on the fourth Saturday of every month from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Civic Center in Anthem (3701 W. Anthem Way), chaired by Susan Lewis and Patty Hintz. I personally was helped tremendously by this group to cope with my late mother’s dementia. The group is open to those who are caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or a related form of dementia.

Just sharing individual experiences with each other is a comfort for caregivers.

In addition, the meetings are a source of information about community resources to help the caregiver. Resources available include Helpline (a 24/7 assistance line), Medic Alert + Safe Return, Family Care Consultation, Education, Advocacy and more.

“It’s important for the caregiver to get some relief from the stress of caring for a loved one,” says facilitator Susan Lewis. “By attending meetings you will feel less alone and learn that others share in your feelings, frustrations and concerns.”

Alzheimer’s Association group meetings can help with such concerns as recognizing the symptoms of dementia/Alzheimer’s; how to best communicate with your loved one; how to handle the costs associated with caring, such as medical, prescriptions, adult daycare, in-home services or full-time residential care; how to respond when faced with unpredictable behaviors caused by dementia; and how to assist the person with personal care functions.

Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s is a bittersweet journey, but it doesn’t have to be a lonely one. Help is just around the corner.

Alzheimer’s Association Desert Southwest Chapter, 602-528-0545 Alzheimer’s Association Helpline, 800-272-3900 December 2014

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DiningSpotlight Guide

Peter from Dara Thai has done it again! He has developed a delicious new addition to their regular menu that will warm you inside and out. The coconut cream-based soup, called Coconut Citrus, has just the right amount of sizzle. It’s creamy and comforting, packed with flavor and a bit of a kick.

The soup is hearty, loaded with rice and your choice of chicken or shrimp. An undertone of citrus flavors will brighten even the dullest of winter days.

Dara Thai is open daily for lunch and dinner. Stop by and try an old favorite, or add their newest dish to your list.

Dara Thai 3655 W. Anthem Way 623-551-6676

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December 2014

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Accountant Hasslacher Tax & Financial, LLC. 623-551-2332 42104 N. Venture Court, B130 Air conditioning/Heating Canyon State AC and Plumbing 602-996-1818 canyonstateac.com Fairways Mechanical 623-606-0254 Sales, Service, Maintenance, System Design Priceless Plumbing Heating & Air 623-444-0611 pricelessplumbing.com Airport transportation Anthem Shuttle 602-750-3001 anthemshuttle.com $500 On Time Guarantee Attorney Boates Law Firm 623-551-5457 anthemlaw.com Automotive Repair C&R Tire 623-551-6255 candrtire.com Beauty Hair Care A Wild Hair 623-551-5561 awildhairaz.com

Local Index Business Groups Anthem/North Gateway Chamber of Commerce 602-495-6483 northgatewaychamber.org Preferred Business at Anthem 623-551-0523 pbanthem.com Chiropractor Back to Health 42104 N. Venture Drive, Building, Suite 102 623-551-6677 myanthemchiro.com College Paradise Valley Community College 602-493-2600 my.maricopa.edu Community Organizations New River-Desert Hills Community Association 602-432-2800 nrdhca.org Counseling Marriage/Relationship/Sex Therapy 623-465-9151 TalktoIna.com Community Theater Musical Theatre of Anthem www.musicaltheatreofanthem.org 602-743-9892 Starlight Community Theater starlightcommunitytheater.org starlightcommunitytheater.com

Skin Care Merle Norman Cosmetics 623-551-9502 merlenorman.com

Dentist Bishara Dental 623-742-7220 46641 N. Black Canyon Hwy #7

Boutique Nothing in Moderation Located in Merle Norman 623-551-9502

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Business Center Post Net Business Center 623-551-1305 postnet.com/az115

West Valley Pediatric Dentistry 623-935-9873 3618 W. Anthem Way, Suite D104

Financial Planning Edward Jones - Doug DeMuth 623-551-0523 edwardjones.com Hasslacher Tax & Financial, LLC 623-551-2332 42104 N. Venture Court, B130 Garage Door Daisy Mountain Garage 623-322-4530 daisymountaingaragedoor.com Habilitation, REspite & Attendant care Arion 623-238-4349 sdykhuizen@arioncaresolutions.com arioncaresolutions.com HANDYMAN SERVICES Brian Hansen 602-920-9141 Free Estimates Health & Fitness Sports Conditioning Harper Physical Therapy 623-742-7338 41818 N. Venture Drive, Suite #120 insurance Auto/home/life/renters/health/ retirement/Auto Loans & refinancing American Family Insurance John Kovach Agency 623-551-7900 johnkovachagency.com Farmers Insurance Glenn Grossman 480-588-9310 Maki Insurance 623-551-3585 makiinsurance.com State Farm - Nanette Miller 623-742-6866 nanette@nanettemiller.com

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Investing/Retirement Edward Jones - Doug DeMuth 623-551-0523 edwardjones.com Hasslacher Tax & Financial, LLC 623-551-2332 42104 N. Venture Court, B130 Jewelry/gold buyers AndrewZ Diamonds & Fine Jewelry 623-551-6892 andrewzdiamonds.com Landscape Design and Maintenance Iddings & Sons Landscaping, Inc. 623-465-2546 623-297-7584 Lighting AZ Holiday Lighting 623-780-5402 azholidaylighting.com Massage Hand and Stone Massage 623-551-6602 handandstone.com Therapeutic Massage by Maura 623-824-1663 41818 N. Venture Drive, Suite #120 Naturopathic Medicine Dr. Jen Gentry 623-251-5518 42104 N. Venture Drive, C-122 drjengentry.com Outdoor Lighting Let There be Light 480-575-3204 lettherebelightllc.com Orthodontics Cordon Orthodontics 623-465-5478 42201 N. 41st Dr., # 102 Wood Orthodontics/Wyatt Wood 623-792-7323 3618 W. Anthem Way, Suite D108 Pediatrics Angel Pediatrics 623-551-0442 3654 W. Anthem Way Suite B-114 Twin Pediatrics 623-551-9825 42211 N. 41st Dr. Suite 153

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Pest Control Titan Pest Control 623-879-8700 titanpest.com

Security Doors Steel Shield Security Doors 602-633-9368 steelshieldsecurity.com

Photography Karen Sophia Photography 480-543-7526 karensophiaphotography.com

Schools Anthem Elementary School Main Line 623-376-3700 Attendance 623-376-3790

Michele Celentano 480-399-3255 michelecelentano.com Physical Therapy Harper Physical Therapy 623-742-7338 41818 N. Venture Drive, Suite #120 Plastic Surgeon Dr. Patti Flint 480-945-3300 www.pattiflintmd.com Plumbing Canyon State AC and Plumbing 602-996-1818 canyonstateac.com Priceless Plumbing Heating & Air 623-444-0611 pricelessplumbing.com Realtor RE/MAX Professionals Linda Rehwalt 602-249-SOLD azrealty.com Restaurants CafĂŠ Provence 623-551-1313 cafeprovenceaz.com Dara Thai Cafe 623-551-6676 3655 W. Anthem Way Ste B-127 Ocho Locos 623-551-8580 3655 W. Anthem Way Yogurberry 623-792-5660 Outlets at Anthem Screens C&S Screens 623-582-8592 cssreens@cox.net

Anthem Preparatory Academy 623-465-4776 anthemprep.org Barry Goldwater High School Main Line 623-445-3000 Attendance 623-445-3090 Brighter Beginnings Preschool 602-619-4202 brighterbeginninspreschool.com Boulder Creek High School Main Line 623-445-8600 Attendance 623-445-8690 Canyon Springs Elementary Main Line 623-376-5200 Attendance 623-376-5290 Caurus Academy 623-551-5083 caurusacademy.org Creative Castle Preschool 602-740-9561 creativecastlepreschool.com Desert Mountain School Main Line 623-445-3500 Attendance 623-445-3590 Diamond Canyon Elementary Main Line 623-445-8000 Attendance 623-445-8090 Gavilan Peak Elementary Main Line 623-445-7400 Attendance 623-445-7490 New River Elementary Main Line 623-376-3500 Attendance 623-376-3590 North Valley Christian Academy and Preschool 623-551-3454 northvalleyca.org Sunset Ridge Elementary Main Line 623-445-7800 Attendance 623-445-7890

Westwind Prep at Northern 602-864-7731 westwindacademy.org Spa Services Hand and Stone Massage 623-551-6602 handandstone.com Therapeutic Massage by Maura 623-824-1663 41818 N. Venture Drive, Suite #120 Termite Treatment Titan Pest Control 623-879-8700 titanpest.com Tire Repair and Sales C&R Tire 623-551-6255 candrtire.com Urgent Care John C. Lincoln Urgent Care in Anthem 623-434-6444 Water Softener & Filtration Priceless Plumbing Heating & Air 623-444-0611 pricelessplumbing.com Rayne of the North Valley 623-234-9047 raynewater.com Weed Control EST Enterprises, Inc. 623-742-6923 estentinc.com Titan Pest Control 623-879-8700 titanpest.com Website design Fox Designs Studio 602-688-7588 foxdesignsstudio.com Window Treatments Carefree Coverings 602-617-2920 34522 N. Scottsdale Rd. Suite 100B

Worship Arizona Hills Community 623-465-0202 azhills.com Calvary Chapel Desert Hills 623-434-5060 calvarychapeldh.com Chabad Jewish Center of Anthem 42302 N. Vision Way Suite #106 623-551-8348

Hosanna Christian Fellowship 623-512-6213 hosannaanthem.com.

New Creation Community 623-261-6904 newcreationcommunity.org New River First Assembly of God 623-465-7455 newriverag@yahoo.com

Chapel Bellavista 480-502-0707 arizonaministers.com

Northgate Church 34835 N. 7th Street Phoenix, AZ 85086

Canyon Church of Christ 623-889-3388 canyonchurch.org

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

Carefree Vineyard Church 623-551-1133 carefreevineyard.com

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

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

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

Christ’s Church of the Valley 623-376-2444 ccvonline.com Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints 2503 W. Anthem Way Meeting times 9 a.m., 11 a.m., and 1 p.m.

Cross of Christ Lutheran Church 623-551-9851 anthemcross.org

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

Crossroads Christian Fellowship 602-740-5964 42425 N. New River Rd.

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

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

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

Desert Hills Presbyterian Church 480-488-3384 deserthills.org Desert View Bible Church 623-298-4900 desertviewbible.org Grace North Church 623-551-0007 gracenorth.com

Catholic Community of St. Rose Philippine Duchesne 623-465-9740 diocesephoenix.org Valley Life Church 623-850-8777 valleylifeaz.com Yoga Yoga Breeze 480-595-2855 yogabreeze.com December 2014

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Recipe

Holiday Chocolate Truffles Writer and Photographer Monica Longenbaker

During the holidays, it’s important to keep in mind that some of the best things come in small packages — like these adorable homemade chocolate truffles. Not only are they easy to make, but they can also easily be modified to embody any winter-themed flavor of your choosing. Add a touch of surprise by incorporating peppermint extract for a cool, minty spin, or kick up the heat with cinnamon and cayenne pepper to create Mexican Hot Chocolate-flavored truffles. Then “deck” your truffles with an array of fun, holiday-inspired garnishes. Simply roll them in powdered sugar to resemble snowballs or coat them with white or dark chocolate and top with a sprinkle of mini marshmallows or crushed peppermint. These rich, velvety candies make for some sweet treats and lasting holiday memories to share while making them with family and friends.

Holiday Chocolate Truffles Yield: 40-50 pieces

Directions: To make the ganache center, melt the dark and semisweet chocolate gently over a double boiler or in the microwave for 30-second intervals.

10 ounces dark chocolate, chopped 10 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped 1 cup heavy cream 5 tablespoons butter, room temperature

In a separate saucepan, heat the heavy cream to a simmer. Remove the cream from the heat and cool for about 30 seconds. Pour the cream over the chocolate and stir slowly in concentric circles to combine. Fold in the softened butter. Add additional flavors and spices if desired.

assorted garnishes (cocoa powder, powdered sugar, crushed peppermint candies, mini marshmallows, gingersnap cookie crumbs, sprinkles)

Pour the mixture in an even layer into a baking dish and refrigerate for 2 hours until firm but still malleable enough to scoop. Using a melon baller or small cookie scoop, portion 1-inch balls onto a parchment paper-lined plate or sheet pan and place back in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes.

For Chocolate Coating (optional): 10 ounces chocolate (semisweet, dark or white), melted

Once the truffles have hardened, roll each ball in the palms of your hands until smooth. Then roll in desired garnishes, such as cocoa powder, powdered sugar or ground gingersnap cookies. Or, using two forks, dip

For Peppermint Flavor (optional): 1 teaspoon peppermint extract

each truffle into melted chocolate to coat and place onto parchment paper.

Sprinkle with desired toppings, such as crushed peppermint pieces, mini marshmallows or sprinkles. Allow to set.

For Mexican Hot Chocolate Flavor (optional): ½ teaspoon cinnamon 1/8 teaspoon (or to taste) cayenne pepper

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