PUBLISHER
Shelly Spence
MANAGING EDITOR
Joseph J. Airdo
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Meaghan Mitchell
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Joseph J. Airdo
Francine Coles
Shannon Severson
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Francine Coles
Loralei Lazurek
ADVERTISING SALES
Cindi Calcinari 860-966-3271 cindi@imagesaz.com
by Loralei Lazurek
As the scorching summer heat begins to wane, there’s a palpable sense of excitement in the air. October in Arizona brings not only cooler temperatures but also a collective sigh of relief as we emerge from our air-conditioned cocoons to embrace the vibrant autumn season.
For those seeking the perfect autumn escape, “Harvest Havens” guides you to Arizona’s premier fall farm destinations, from the Verde Valley’s Mortimer Farms to high country orchards where warm days and cool nights create ideal conditions for both agriculture and artistry. These authentic experiences offer sophisticated agritourism that rivals any vineyard tour.
This month’s photo essay, “Haunted Horizons,” showcases Dave Wilson’s mesmerizing images of Arizona’s landscapes transformed by fog, moonlight and atmospheric conditions that reveal the mysterious side of our familiar terrain. His work captures the ethereal beauty that exists just beyond the visible, reminding us that even our well-known desert holds secrets worth discovering.
For those seeking spine-tingling thrills, “Home Is Where the Haunt Is” takes you inside Phoenix’s most elaborate residential haunted displays, where passionate homeowners transform their properties into theatrical experiences that rival professional attractions. These aren’t simple yard decorations — they’re sophisticated expressions of artistry and community engagement that bring neighbors together in celebration of the season’s most beloved traditions.
Images Arizona P.O. Box 1416
Carefree, AZ. 85377 623-341-8221 shelly@imagesaz.com imagesarizona.com
As you explore these pages, I hope you’ll be inspired to look deeper into the stories that surround us. Whether you’re picking pumpkins under vast blue skies, exploring elaborate haunts or simply appreciating the mysterious beauty of our desert home, remember that every landscape holds secrets worth discovering.
Happy fall!
Shelly Spence Publisher, Images Arizona
OCTOBER 23–25
Cocktail Party Thursday 4–7 p.m. Friday and Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Appointments Recommended.
Transform treasured jewelry into pieces that reflect who you are today. Award-winning designer Sarah Graham brings her acclaimed metalsmithing expertise to reimagine your collection using her signature fusion of 18-karat gold and innovative materials. Join us Thursday evening for a cocktail party to meet Sarah and discuss your redesign possibilities.
JENNYFER STRATMAN SCULPTING CONNECTIONS
OCTOBER 16
Wine and hors d’oeuvre Thursday from 4–7 p.m.
Discover the powerful bronze and steel sculptures of internationally acclaimed artist Jennyfer Stratman. Her distinctive works bridge industrial strength with organic beauty, transforming metal into poetry. Experience these sculptural masterpieces that have captured collectors worldwide.
NOVEMBER 11–12
Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Enter the extraordinary world of Alex Šepkus, where microscopic artistry meets unparalleled vision. Each 18-karat gold masterpiece showcases intricate geometric patterns and textures that transform jewelry into wearable sculpture. Experience these collectible treasures that have captivated museums and connoisseurs worldwide.
NOVEMBER 14–15
Friday 10 a.m.–7 p.m. // Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Celebrate Italian excellence with an exclusive showcase featuring FOPE’s revolutionary Flex’it technology, Demeglio’s innovative engineering, Mattia Cielo’s futuristic designs and Roberto Coin’s signature artistry. Join us Friday evening for cocktails as we toast the finest expressions of Italian goldsmithing, where centuries-old traditions meet contemporary innovation.
Grace Renee Gallery is a refreshingly beautiful way to explore fine contemporary art in the breathtaking shadows of the Sonoran Desert foothills of Carefree, Arizona. Artfully designed jewelry, inspiring sculptures, spectacular wall art, stunning ceramics and more await.
AARON HENRY’S GOLDEN LEGACY
NOVEMBER 21–22
Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Discover the warm luxury of Aaron Henry’s 18- to 19-karat gold creations, where each piece undergoes a meticulous 10-step process to achieve unmatched brilliance. These modern heirlooms blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary sophistication, designed to be treasured for generations.
Writer Joseph J. Airdo
The first whisper of autumn in Arizona doesn’t arrive with falling leaves — it beckons from the high country, where mountain air carries the scent of ripening apples and sprawling pumpkin patches paint the landscape in brilliant orange.
While Phoenix bakes in its final summer surge, destinations like Dewey, Flagstaff and the Verde Valley transform into harvest havens, offering sophisticated agritourism experiences that rival any vineyard tour or culinary expedition. This curated collection of Arizona’s finest fall farm destinations promises more than simple pumpkin picking — these are immersive cultural experiences that reconnect urbanites with the land while creating lasting seasonal memories.
In the elevated Sulphur Springs Valley, Apple Annie’s Orchard represents four generations of agricultural artistry. The Holcomb family’s multi-location operation showcases the perfect marriage of elevation and expertise, where warm days and cool nights nurture everything from apples to award-winning pies. This authentic working farm spans multiple sites — fruit orchards at Hardy Road, produce fields at Williams Road and a year-round country store — each specializing in different aspects of the complete farm-to-table experience.
Through Oct. 31, the orchard’s Fall Pumpkin Celebration transforms the Williams Road location into Arizona’s most impressive agricultural adventure. A 12.5-acre corn maze features more than 600,000 stalks with two difficulty levels, while sprawling sunflower fields provide Instagram-worthy backdrops for harvest memories. Visitors can pick pumpkins directly from the vine, navigate the colossal maze, and indulge in signature apple cider doughnuts and farmto-table apple pies crafted from the orchard’s own harvest — representing authentic agricultural tradition.
appleannies.com
The Verde Valley’s crown jewel spans 324 acres of authentic working farmland, where the mission of “connecting your family to your food” manifests through more than 54 carefully cultivated crops, from pumpkins and tomatoes to sunflowers and sweet corn. This family operation combines sustainable agricultural practices with educational programming that teaches visitors about land stewardship, while the high-country elevation provides a welcome 15–20 degrees cooler respite from Phoenix’s lingering heat.
Through Oct. 31, the beloved Pumpkin Fest & Corn Maze transforms the landscape into an agricultural celebration anchored by this year’s “Proud to Be Farmers”-themed corn maze, honoring those who feed our nation. Entertainment programming includes pig races, agricultural game shows, comedy juggling, tractor parades, fire dancers and Friday night barn dances — each crafted to bring joy while celebrating farming heritage. The farm’s signature farmto-table dinners, selling out monthly, offer farm-curated seasonal menus served under the stars where ingredients are grown, representing the ultimate fusion of local agriculture and culinary artistry.
mortimerfarmsaz.com
Since 1926, five generations of the Willis family have cultivated this White Mountain working farm, where traditional agriculture meets innovative entertainment. The authentic operation grows everything from field corn and hay to an assortment of pumpkins, gourds and squash, maintaining the agricultural heritage that has sustained the Snowflake community for nearly a century. The family’s commitment to hands-on farming creates an atmosphere where visitors experience genuine rural life rather than manufactured entertainment.
Through Oct. 31, the farm offers multiple corn mazes uniquely designed each year featuring sponsor logos — this year showcasing the Soar Clinic design. Laser tag is uniquely incorporated into the corn maze experience alongside tractor train rides and a dedicated kids zone. Traditional games like witch’s cauldron toss and toilet paper toss maintain old-fashioned charm, while every Saturday evening transforms the maze into a spooky haunted adventure. A new farm/maze color run represents the family’s commitment to evolving with innovative customer engagement while honoring nearly a century of agricultural tradition.
thewillisfarm-ranch.com
While not a traditional produce farm, Viola’s Flower Garden represents the specialized art of floriculture, where the family-run operation cultivates beauty rather than sustenance. Nestled at Flagstaff’s southern edge, this established garden center specializes in nursery stock, landscaping services and botanical education, transforming the retail space into carefully curated garden vignettes that serve as both commercial displays and natural art installations.
Throughout October, Viola’s Pumpkin Patch transforms the garden center into an intimate autumn retreat featuring more than 25 pumpkin varieties displayed among botanical backdrops. A straw-bale maze and pumpkin-painting stations cater to younger visitors, while on-site Hatch green chile roasting adds authentic Southwestern flavor.
violasflowergarden.com // flagstaffpumpkinpatch.com
macdonaldsranch.com
The Sonoran Desert provides an unexpected backdrop for this authentic Western ranch, where family ownership has created a premier destination for horseback trail rides through pristine desert landscape. MacDonald’s Ranch specializes in guided trail experiences that showcase native flora and dramatic sunset vistas while maintaining a petting zoo and offering stagecoach rides that transport visitors through Arizona’s frontier heritage.
Open daily except Tuesdays throughout October, the ranch’s Pumpkin Patch Festival combines traditional autumn activities with authentic Western experiences. Gold panning, lasso lessons and hayrides create an immersive cowboy atmosphere, while the popular Blazin’ BBQ serves elevated ranch fare alongside classic festival treats.
Arizona’s largest fall festival destination spans 300 acres of working farmland, where fourth-generation farmers have perfected the integration of authentic agriculture with sophisticated entertainment. The Schnepf family operation maintains year-round U-pick gardens, a renowned bakery serving farm-fresh breakfast and lunch, and elegant wedding venues that showcase the beauty of agricultural landscapes.
The farm’s Pumpkin & Chili Party, running Thursdays through Sundays Oct. 2–31, transforms the working farm into Arizona’s most ambitious harvest celebration. The celebrity corn maze, annually cut into the likeness of musical stars or public figures, anchors a festival featuring vintage carousel rides, professional stunt dog shows and Hillbilly Bob’s Pig Races. Evening fireworks and live music elevate the experience beyond typical farm entertainment.
schnepffarms.com // pumpkinandchiliparty.com
The Kelsall family’s 47-acre operation in the heart of Gilbert preserves rural traditions within suburban convenience, representing nearly six decades of agricultural evolution. Originally established in 1968 for Christmas tree cultivation, the working farm has transformed into comprehensive agritourism while maintaining its core mission of connecting urban families with agricultural heritage. The farm’s commitment to animal rescue adds emotional depth to the experience, housing farm animals and rescued creatures that teach visitors about compassion and stewardship.
Open daily through Nov. 2, Brooke’s Pumpkin Patch includes a complimentary small pumpkin for every guest alongside access to hayrides, straw bale mazes and animal encounters with both farm animals and rescued creatures. The gentle atmosphere caters specifically to young families, with activities designed for safe toddler exploration.
The Vertuccio family’s Italian heritage infuses this East Valley working farm with Old World charm and New World innovation, where second-generation farmers Cono and Angela Vertuccio continue their parents’ agricultural legacy. Since 1979, the family operation has grown from a roadside produce stand into a comprehensive agritourism destination, maintaining year-round you-pick opportunities for peaches and seasonal vegetables while hosting educational programs and private events that celebrate sustainable farming practices.
Celebrating its 27th year, the farm’s Fall Festival runs Oct. 3–Nov. 2 with the Valley’s longest-running 5-acre corn maze offering both day and nighttime adventures. New this year is an extensive ropes course challenging visitors of all ages, joining returning favorites like the mega slide, jump pads, making music chimes and roller bowler games. The farm’s unique pet-friendly policy welcomes leashed dogs, making it distinctly inclusive among major fall destinations.
vertucciofarms.com
Fourth-generation farmers Bill and Gracie Tolmachoff have transformed their century-old agricultural legacy into the West Valley’s premier agritourism destination, maintaining working crop fields alongside festival infrastructure. Originally growing cotton, wheat and corn, the farm has evolved to focus on fresh produce and seasonal entertainment while preserving its role as one of Glendale’s last great open-space farms.
The farm’s Pumpkin Days & Corn Maze operates throughout October with both a 6-acre family maze and a haunted AZ Field of Screams experience on Friday and Saturday evenings. The interactive family maze features map-collecting challenges, while unique attractions like the tomato cannon and a pedal cart track that accommodates 2–3 individual carts simultaneously distinguish the experience.
tolmachoff-farms.com
This family-owned Buckeye destination specializes in field crops that create photogenic agricultural landscapes rather than traditional produce farming. The operation cultivates 4 acres of sunflowers, historic cotton fields and Sudan grass specifically for scenic beauty and educational purposes, honoring Arizona’s agricultural heritage while providing contemporary families with authentic rural experiences.
Operating weekends throughout October, the farm’s Pumpkin Patch & Farm Festival combines traditional activities like pumpkin selection with unique agricultural tourism focused on the farm’s signature sunflower and cotton fields. A tractor tire playground, jumping pillow and pedal carts provide active entertainment, while scenic crop fields offer unparalleled backdrops.
The Arizona State Fair celebrates 141 years as a gathering place for Arizona’s diverse residents to honor the past, celebrate the present, and explore the future. Open Thursdays through Sundays, the fair features thrilling rides, along with classic and innovative fair foods. $17.50. See website for hours. Arizona State Fair, 1826 W. McDowell Road, Phoenix. 602252-6771; azstatefair.com
The hit Broadway musical takes the stage at The Phoenix Theatre Company, bringing royal sisters Elsa and Anna’s story to life with all of your favorite songs — plus new music written just for the stage. $59+. See website for showtimes. Dr. Stacie J. & Richard J. Stephenson Theatre, 1825 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. 602-254-2151; phoenixtheatre.com
Phoenix Zoo’s Wild Side Gallery presents an exhibition that blends comic art with wildlife conservation, featuring original works by creators including Jay Fotos,
Post Farms transforms more than 50 acres into a festive agri-entertainment destination. Enjoy one of Arizona’s largest corn mazes, quarter-scale diesel train rides, jumping pillows, a petting zoo, farm playland and pig races. See website for prices and times. Marana Pumpkin Patch, 14950 N. Trico Road, Marana. maranapumpkinpatch.com
Mark Kidwell, Meredith McClaren, Ryan Huna Smith, Jeff Pina and Hanna Strauss. A signed Todd McFarlane print will also be on display. Included with general admission. Thursday–Sunday, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Special launch event Oct. 4, 9 a.m.–1 p.m., with activities, character and artist meet-and-greets, and a surprise guest. Phoenix Zoo, Wild Side Gallery, 455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. 602914-4363; phoenixzoo.org
OCT. 2
Big Ideas Forum examines “AI Assistants,” exploring how LLM systems like ChatGPT, Perplexity and Claude can function as virtual assistants integrated into daily workflows rather than serving merely as advanced search engines. The discussion focuses on AI’s potential benefits across all aspects of life. Free. 4:30–6 p.m. Anthem Civic Building, 3701 W. Anthem Way, Anthem. 305-3027536; bigideasforum.info
Musical Theatre of Anthem holds auditions for its youth production of
“Elf The Musical Jr.” for ages 7–18; all who audition are cast. Audition prep workshops are offered Oct. 9 with participants receiving priority audition times. Tuition/costume fee $350; 10% sibling discount; scholarships available. See website for registration materials, to reserve a spot and additional details. Auditions: Friday, Oct. 10; dance call and callbacks: Saturday, Oct. 11. Musical Theatre of Anthem, 42201 N. 41st Drive, Suite B100, Anthem. 623336-6001; musicaltheatreofanthem.org
OCT. 10–12
The Arizona Wine Country Artists Village returns to Old Town Cottonwood for a family- and petfriendly outdoor art and fine-craft fair. Enjoy a juried showcase of top regional artists, a free scavenger hunt and raffle with prizes (including a $500 grand prize), and a kids’ craft station. Free. Friday and Saturday 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Old Town Activity Park, 187 E. Pima St., Cottonwood. artists-village.com
Celebrate Greek culture at the 64th annual Phoenix Greek Festival with authentic cuisine, live music, traditional dancing, shopping and cathedral tours. Family-friendly activities and children’s entertainment are featured throughout the weekend. $5. Friday 3–10 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 1973 E. Maryland Ave., Phoenix. phoenixgreekfestival.org
Phoenix jazz bassist Ben Hedquist leads his combo in an evening of adventurous, straight-ahead jazz as part of MusicaNova’s Chamber Series. $20; youth and student discounts available. 4 p.m. Orangewood Presbyterian Church, 7321 N. 10th St., Phoenix. musicanovaaz.org
11
North Valley Symphony Orchestra brings chills and thrills to the concert stage with spooky favorites including Bach’s “Toccata and Fugue,” Mussorgsky’s “Night on Bald Mountain,” Berlioz’s “Symphonie Fantastique,” and Elfman’s “Batman Suite.” $10; youth, student, senior and military discounts available. 7 p.m. North Canyon High School Auditorium, 1700 E. Union Hills Drive, Phoenix. 623-9804628; northvalleysymphony.org
OCT. 16
Grace Renee Gallery spotlights the bronze and steel sculptures of internationally acclaimed artist Jennyfer Stratman. Stratman's distinctive works bridge industrial strength with organic beauty, evolving from her background as a ceramicist into powerful metal sculptures now held in collections worldwide. View her latest sculptural works in an intimate gallery setting. Free. 4–7 p.m. Grace Renee Gallery, Historic Spanish Village, 7212 E. Ho Road, Carefree. 480-575-8080; gracereneegallery.com
OCT. 11–MAY 10
FRAMERATE: DESERT PULSE
Desert Botanical Garden debuts a multisensory exhibition by ScanLAB Projects featuring five monumental video installations that translate thousands of images into an immersive portrait of the Sonoran Desert. Included with membership or general admission. 8 a.m.–8 p.m. Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. 480-941-1225; dbg.org
MusicaNova Orchestra presents Evan Williams’ “Dead White Man Music,” a new harpsichord concerto blending Bach with Nina Simone and Julius Eastman, performed by Tigran Buniatyan. $33.50+. 7:30 p.m. The Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix. musicanovaaz.org
OCT. 17–31
Arizona Curriculum Theater’s 17th annual celebration returns to downtown Phoenix with immersive, candlelit performances of Edgar Allan Poe’s stories inside the historic Hotel San Carlos Ghost Lounge, plus the spine-tingling PoeFest Seance on select Saturday nights. The festival culminates Halloween night at Rosson House Museum, where “The Raven” is performed every 20 minutes amid Victorian mourning displays. See website for prices and schedule. Hotel San Carlos, 202 N. Central Ave., Phoenix; Rosson House Museum, 113 N. Sixth St., Phoenix. poefest.org
More than 100 juried artists from across the country showcase fine art including glass, painting, metal and woodworking at Sedona’s oldest and largest premier arts event. The 34th annual festival features live music, food trucks and libations from DA Ranch Estate Vineyards, plus Gourmet Row with locally produced kitchen, bath and home items. $15; children 12 and under free. Saturday 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Sedona Red Rock High School, 995 Upper Red Rock Loop Road, Sedona. 928-204-9456; sedonaartsfestival.org
ProMusica Arizona Chorale & Orchestra invites audiences to a musical celebration of birds, soaring through a vibrant repertoire and featuring a new work by composer Dana Graybeal. $27.50; student and youth discounts available. 3:30 p.m. All Saints Lutheran Church, 15649 N. Seventh St., Phoenix. pmaz.org
OCT. 18–19
The Anthem Community Council hosts its annual arts and crafts fair offering fine arts, crafts, culinary items, pumpkins, live music and more. Enjoy shopping from local and regional vendors, a pumpkin patch (includes free decorating kit), food court, Rotary beer garden and live performances by Wysdomb (Saturday) and Vixanne (Sunday). Free admission. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Anthem Community Park, 41703 N. Gavilan Peak Parkway, Anthem. onlineatanthem.com/autumnfest
OCT. 18–19
The Musical Instrument Museum explores Spanish musical traditions through interactive workshops, demonstrations
and performances featuring traditional instruments and regional musical styles. $20; youth discounts available. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix. 480-478-6000; mim.org
OCT. 22–24
Phoenix Zoo invites families for three nights of not-too-spooky fun featuring trick-or-treat stations, face painting, hourly costume parades and bewitching crafts. Admission includes zoo entry plus games and entertainment; food and beverages available for purchase. $18; children 2 and under free. 5:30–8:30 p.m. Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. 602286-3800; phoenixzoo.org
OCT. 23–26
Ballet Arizona presents the timeless fairy tale “The Sleeping Beauty,” featuring breathtaking choreography after Marius Petipa and a new adaptation by Daniela Cardim. Experience Princess Aurora’s magical journey with live accompaniment by the Phoenix Symphony. See website for prices and showtimes. Symphony Hall, 75 N. Second St., Phoenix. 602-381-1096; balletaz.org
OCT. 24–25
Award-winning jewelry designer Sarah Graham brings her acclaimed metalsmithing expertise to Grace Renee Gallery for an exclusive redesign event. Transform your existing jewelry into pieces that reflect who you are today — Graham will reimagine your treasured but outdated pieces using her signature fusion of 18-karat gold and innovative materials. Discover how her organic-inspired designs can breathe new life into your collection while preserving sentimental value. By appointment. Grace Renee Gallery, Historic Spanish Village, 7212 E. Ho Road, Carefree. 480-575-8080; gracereneegallery.com
OCT. 24–25
Desert Botanical Garden invites families to explore the “bootanical” side of the Sonoran Desert with live music, immersive experiences and curious creatures along the trails. Kids receive a free pumpkin while supplies last, and themed activities include the Monster Bash Dance Party, Mad Botanists’ Propagation Laboratory, Buggy Entomologists and a pumpkin patch. Included with membership or general admission. 5:30–9 p.m. Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. 480-941-1225; dbg.org
OCT. 25
ANTHEM CARS AND COFFEE
Classic and modern vehicles fill this monthly car show, complemented by coffee, food vendors and community fellowship. Free. 8–11 a.m. Outlets North Phoenix, 4250 W. Anthem Way, Phoenix. anthemcarsandcoffee.com
OCT. 27
RACHAEL & VILRAY
Arizona Musicfest presents the jazz duo featuring Rachael Price (vocalist for Lake Street Dive) and Vilray Bolles (Brooklyn-based guitarist, singer and songwriter), who conjure 1930s and ‘40s swing with timeless songs of passion and whimsy delivered with modern wit. $43+. 7:30 p.m. Pinnacle Presbyterian Church, 25150 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale. arizonamusicfest.org
NOV. 1
Cultural Coalition’s 14th annual celebration moves to the Arizona Center in downtown Phoenix for an evening honoring ancestors through music, dance and community art. Experience performances by local Chicano, Latino and Indigenous artists, giant puppets, live art demonstrations, traditional curanderas and a community altar where guests may place photos and mementos of loved ones. Free. 5–9 p.m. Arizona Center, 455 N. Third St., Phoenix. culturalcoalition.com
Sip, savor, and celebrate!
Step into Arizona’s most unforgettable festival experiences, brought to you by Vermilion Promotions. Whether you’re an art lover, wine connoisseur, music enthusiast, or a culinary explorer, Vermillion curates an immersive celebration where creativity, flavor, and community come together in perfect harmony. Free admission.
Stagecoach Village Art & Wine Festival
Nov. 21-23, 2025
Jan. 9-11, 2026
Mar. 20-22, 2026
Kierland Fine Art & Wine Festival
Nov. 1-2, 2025
Jan. 31- Feb. 1, 2026
WestWorld Art & Wine Experience
Nov. 8-9, 2025
Wigwam Fine Art Festivals
Dec. 5-7, 2025
Feb. 13-15, 2026
Tubac Festival of the Arts
Feb. 4-8, 2026
Oro Valley Art & Wine Festival
Feb. 28-Mar. 1, 2026
High Street Art Festival
Mar. 7-8, 2026
SanTan Art & Wine Festival
Oct 25-26, 2025
Mar. 28-29, 2026
Writer Shannon Severson // Photography by Pamela Murphy
usic fills the dance studio at Powerhouse Dance in Anthem, the beat wafting through the air as young dancers move across the floor. But these are not typical dancers — it’s one of the weekly classes of the All Bodies Dance program, where individuals with a wide array of physical and cognitive abilities gather to express themselves through movement.
Guiding the dancers is Anthem resident and former professional ballet dancer Katie Kirwan, the occupational therapist and lead dance instructor whose vision for an empowering, inclusive space for self-expression has transformed the lives of her students, their families and even the volunteers who work alongside her.
“As an occupational therapist, I wanted to use my love of dance with patients who were open to it,” Kirwan recalls of her first clinical job in Phoenix after moving from Chicago, where she had transformed her career from children’s ballet master at the Academy of the Joffrey Ballet to occupational therapist with Northwestern Medicine. “What began as a small therapy group soon grew to an online group and two in-person classes with more than 30 students.”
Being part of this team reminds me that dance isn’t about perfection; it’s about belonging — and that’s a gift I get to carry with me long after rehearsal ends.
Kelly Caldwell
Nineteen-year-old Kaitlyn Andre finds joy and friendship in her second year with All Bodies Dance's ballet/lyrical class, where she experiences the transformative power of inclusive movement and artistic expression.
Kirwan spent many accomplished years in ballet training with esteemed programs including the Dayton Ballet, Ballet Chicago and Ballet Magnificat!, but she was plagued with injuries.
“I felt I was battling my body,” she says. “I was often told my feet and legs weren’t good enough. In Chicago, I was part of the process for choosing who would go into a professional ballet track and who was more suited for recreational dance. I didn’t want to be part of that anymore. My heart was to help everyone find a path to their dream.”
When Kirwan took a dance instructor job in Anthem, she explained that she loved working with students who had disabilities, and the studio owners were thrilled. Today, All Bodies Dance has three Dynamic Diversities class options at Powerhouse Dance — ballet/lyrical and jazz/hip-hop for teens through adults and a junior class for ages 5–10. A summer camp session is also held each year. All instruction and practice culminates in performances — recitals and events such as the Abilities Expo in Scottsdale and the Spina Bifida Walk and Roll in Tempe — complete with costumes and celebratory cheers from their audiences.
The program welcomes participants of all genders and abilities. Some use wheelchairs or other supports, so Kirwan and her fellow instructor, Mikayla Skogen, use props — ribbons, scarves, tambourines and fabric — along with specific, open language to allow every participant to dance in whatever way they are able.
Recent dances included a journey through musical theater, with songs from “Cats,” “Singin’ in the Rain,” “Annie” and “Wicked.” Traditional tap shoes weren’t a viable option for everyone, so a tap board was created for dancers who could only use their hands.
“A cue I’ll use is, ‘Let’s lift our bodies up to the ceiling,’” Kirwan explains. “That could be the chest, eyebrows, eyeballs or chin. In ballet, cues are specific down to the joint. We teach so no one is left behind, but everyone is pushed to the end of their ability. My approach allows for flexibility. Understanding how to think opens options of what things can be.”
That redefinition empowers her students, instructors and the “dance buddies” who support the dancers.
“[These kids are] fearless, cooperative and ready to learn,” says Skogen, who teaches the Dynamic Diversities Junior class. “They’re way more capable of movements than they think they are. They are truly unstoppable and try their best at anything and everything, no matter the challenge.”
Meeting challenges is nothing new to students like 8-year-old Gianna Schippers, who was born with a rare genetic disorder called Larsen syndrome. At birth, she was bent in half with her legs backward and up by her head; almost all her joints were dislocated and she had bilateral clubfoot.
“We have had a big medical journey,” her mom, Melissa, explains. “When she heard about her friends starting dance class, she was so excited and wanted to dance, too, but every place I called wouldn’t take her once I explained her physical limitations.”
Gianna arrived at Kirwan’s All Bodies Dance at age 5 and has been dancing ever since. Melissa felt at ease knowing of Kirwan’s therapeutic expertise and says the dancers gain confidence and a sense of belonging when they meet new friends with similar physical limitations.
“I like dancing,” Gianna says with joy in her voice. “I like learning new things. I didn’t know what a lot of the words meant, but now I’m helping my mom learn them. I had a solo in our last recital. Miss Katie makes me feel happy.”
“In her first year of life, we were told it was unlikely she’d ever walk,” Melissa recalls. “The fact that she is upright and walking and dancing is so amazing. Katie and the [studio] have created an opportunity for kids who wouldn’t otherwise have the chance.”
At 19, Kaitlyn Andre was also new to dance. This is her second year in All Bodies Dance ballet/lyrical class. She uses a wheelchair, and moving her legs is challenging, but being at class with her friends is one of her favorite things about the program, and she says dancing makes her feel happy.
“Miss Katie is calming,” she explains. “I love to be with her, and I love my friends there, too.”
Kaitlyn’s mother, Debbie, says she had some initial concerns when she first signed her daughter up for classes.
“I was hesitant,” Debbie admits. “I was pessimistic about how much Kaitlyn would actually be participating and if she would feel that she didn’t belong. That was definitely not the case!”
After many years of health challenges and persistent physical pain, Debbie says the Monday afternoon dance class is a bright spot and creative outlet, even on Kaitlyn’s roughest weeks.
“Kaitlyn is engaged, included, and provided with oneon-one assistance when needed,” Debbie says. “Her confidence has definitely increased. Watching her learn an art, move her body and enjoy herself means the world to me. Miss Katie has found ways for Kaitlyn to move parts of her body that are often limited. She is truly amazing at what she does. She is compassionate, patient, and brings out the very best in the young adults in her class.”
Anthem resident Kelly Caldwell is one of the “Dance Buddy” volunteers who dedicates her Monday evenings to the ballet/lyrical and jazz/hip-hop classes. With decades of dance experience and 10 years as a special education teacher, All Bodies Dance combines two of Caldwell’s passions. Her time with the dancers has been personally moving and educational.
“I’m blessed to see the joy and confidence that shine through when our dancers take the floor or dance in their wheelchairs,” Caldwell says. “Each week, I get to witness moments of pure expression and connection — where ability doesn’t define limits, but creativity and spirit take the lead. It has taught me so much about humility, empathy, and the power of community.”
“Being part of this team reminds me that dance isn’t about perfection; it’s about belonging — and that’s a gift I get to carry with me long after rehearsal ends.”
Dance Buddies like Caldwell are sorely needed, and Kirwan says she accepts teens through adults. Dance experience is great but not required. Patience and consistency are what are most important. Every Dance Buddy has training on treating the students with respect, avoiding infantilization of adults with disabilities and assuming competence.
“As a nation, we need to respect people with different abilities,” Kirwan observes. “I am constantly seeking out opportunities to educate and expose myself in addition to continuing occupational therapy training. I still need to grow; we all harbor biases we aren’t aware of, but there is so much advancement in our verbiage and how we treat people.”
As Kirwan looks to the future, her goals for All Bodies Dance extend far beyond the studio. She envisions expanding the program to include a traveling ensemble for her dancers to perform at nursing homes and launching classes for older adults — particularly those living with Parkinson’s disease and other neurological conditions — using imagery, music and movement to help alleviate symptoms.
“It’s a healing avenue,” she explains. “Most neurological conditions can’t be cured, but engaging the brain in a full way — with sensory elements, music, socialization and movement — can help with daily function.”
All Bodies Dance is more than just a dance program — it’s a movement to redefine what is possible for disabled individuals and to challenge societal perceptions, providing spaces where everybody is valued and celebrated. By championing these dancers and their families, Kirwan and her team are not only transforming lives but also inspiring a shift in how we, as humans, view and accommodate those with disabilities. Kirwan’s program is a shining example of the power of inclusion, the transformative nature of the arts, and a reminder that when we lift each other up, limits fall away and the whole world benefits.
sites.google.com/view/allbodiesdanceaz
Writer
Three times each week, there’s a knock at Anthem resident Jim Crawford’s door. A friendly volunteer from Anthem Cares Through Service (ACTS) has arrived to transport him to critical dialysis treatment. Crawford says ACTS volunteers have been a pillar of consistency and kindness amid his health challenges. He’s not alone. This homegrown charitable organization, founded in 2009, is a boots-on-the-ground force for good in Anthem, directly assisting neighbors in their homes and throughout the community.
The charity’s latest expansion includes a well-stocked medical lending closet, brimming with essential equipment from wheelchairs and walkers to crutches and commodes. A new, streamlined volunteer sign-up system facilitates all services through a partnership with Carefree-based Foothills Caring Corps.
“I can’t say enough about this organization from the top to the very last driver that I’ve had,” Crawford says
emphatically, adding that having reliable transportation is comforting for him but also gives his wife peace of mind that he’s not in danger of an auto accident if dialysis treatments leave him dizzy. “They’ve been there every single time; not once have they not shown up or been late.
It’s an absolute top-notch organization.”
This kind of dependable assistance exemplifies the Anthem Cares Program’s stated mission: providing “caring support for independent living.”
Linda Pizzo, ACTS executive chair, leads the 12-member board and has expanded the organization’s donor and volunteer base.
“For years, our programs have helped with short-term needs like someone who needed a bill paid due to job loss or a medical event,” Pizzo explains.
Throughout its existence, the 501(c)(3) has distributed more than $600,000 in financial assistance to individuals and local charities, granted $70,000 in student scholarships and $22,000 for lifesaving defibrillator equipment at the Daisy Mountain Fire Department.
Pizzo says the partnership with Foothills Caring Corps is key to meeting the area’s growing needs.
“Our greatest need is for volunteers to serve our neighbors,” Pizzo says. “There are no services in Anthem for medical transportation.”
Foothills Caring Corps is just as pleased with the new partnership.
“ACTS is a great partner,” explains Brent Downs, executive director of Foothills Caring Corps, which has met 37,000 needs this year alone. “They’re plugged in and they know what is going on in their neighborhood. We cover 259 square miles but did not have coverage of Anthem. Now we are able to connect that community as well.”
Downs says the personal connections between volunteers and those they aid truly stand out from other worthy charities.
“We are very hands-on and relational,” Downs says. “People may not realize their neighbor is in need. When you go into someone’s home and drive them in your car, something magical happens. There’s a connection that takes place.”
The connections made through small acts of service can be life-changing. Judy Bluhm
Jill Tetsell is the ACTS at-large board member who, along with committee co-chair Karen Dorian, spearheaded the September launch of the medical equipment lending closet, housed at Anthem RV and Storage. Residents can request items by phone or email.
“Anthem’s population over the age of 60 has grown,” Tetsell notes, adding that volunteers have really stepped up for the program. “It makes sense to partner with Foothills Caring Corps. We welcome donations as word gets out and the need for items grows.”
ACTS Communications Chair Judy Bluhm says volunteering with the organization is flexible and easy to fit into anyone’s schedule.
“There’s something for everyone, whether it’s changing lightbulbs or programming a phone,” she says. “The connections made through small acts of service can be life-changing.”
ACTS and its 100 volunteers provide car rides, handyman services, technology assistance, grocery shopping and even friendly visits to chat, play a game or bring along a certified pet companion to perk up someone’s day.
“It’s been found that loneliness is just as debilitating as smoking a pack of cigarettes per day,” Pizzo explains. “I went on an intake visit with an Anthem neighbor who was so happy to host us, even serving cake and ice cream. When we shared the other ways that ACTS could help, she was stunned. It’s great to see the gratitude and appreciation of the people we are able to help.”
ACTS has become an indispensable, volunteerpowered resource for the Anthem community. As more volunteers answer the call to perform good deeds that make a difference, the strategic partnerships Pizzo and her board have forged will ensure this vital lifeline extends to all in need. With each small act of service, ACTS strengthens Anthem’s closely knit community and ensures no one is left behind.
anthemacts.org
Volunteers organize essential medical equipment at ACTS’ lending closet, housed at Anthem RV and Storage, where residents can access wheelchairs, walkers, crutches and other mobility aids free of charge.
From driving to medical appointments, changing light bulbs or setting up a new cell phone to grocery runs or friendly visits, whatever you have to give, ACTS Anthem Cares can connect you to a neighbor in need. Volunteers are screened and attend one of the monthly training sessions in Anthem. Drivers are especially in demand. Tax-deductible monetary donations are also welcome through the website at anthemacts.org
Dave Wilson
Writer Joseph J. Airdo
It feels as if I’m seeing the ghosts of the land’s past — not the spooky kind, but the spirits of ordinary people, full of stories forever lost to time.
Dave Wilson
The yellow eyes appeared first — massive, unblinking, staring back through the pre-dawn darkness of the Mogollon Rim. Then another pair materialized from the shadows. And another. Dave Wilson stood frozen, his headlamp’s beam catching what his mind interpreted as bears lurking just beyond the treeline.
“I literally started trembling,” Wilson recalls of that early morning encounter that would ultimately inform some of his most evocative landscape photography. “Something about seeing large eyes reflected in the darkness taps into something deeply primal. The experience completely overrides all rationality and fills you with terror.”
The “bears,” as it turned out, were elk — a discovery Wilson made only when dawn broke and thick morning fog
began rolling through the forest. But that primal fear, that brush with the unknown, had already shifted something in his artistic vision.
“I think being creeped out by imaginary killer bears actually put me in the perfect mindset to capture the beautifully eerie nature of the fog,” he says. “I had no trouble getting good photos.”
This intersection of fear and beauty, mystery and familiarity, defines this haunted collection of Wilson’s atmospheric Arizona landscapes that transform our known desert terrain into something altogether more enigmatic. Through his lens, fog-shrouded forests become portals to another realm, moonlit lakes reflect stories we’ll never know, and stark desert silhouettes stand as sentinels guarding secrets buried in time.
Something about seeing large eyes reflected in the darkness taps into something deeply primal. The experience completely overrides all rationality and fills you with terror. Dave Wilson
Photographer Dave Wilson’s willingness to embrace rather than resist unexpected conditions has become fundamental to his artistic process. When monsoon clouds replaced his anticipated golden-hour sunset at Joshua Tree Parkway northwest of Wickenburg, disappointment lasted exactly five minutes.
“Then I realized that if I let go of color and concentrated on dramatic black-and-white tones, I could still capture some really striking images — and I did,” he recalls. “You have to be an opportunist. If you set out expecting sunshine and blue skies but the weather turns dark and stormy, embrace that shift! It’s not worse — it’s just different.”
This adaptability extends beyond weather into a deeper philosophical understanding of Arizona’s landscape as a repository of untold stories. For Wilson, the state’s mystery emerges not from supernatural elements but from the weight of human history layered beneath the visible terrain.
“The strongest thread connecting humans throughout all of history isn’t our cultures, languages, religions or technologies — it’s the land we’ve all shared,” he reflects. “For me, it’s impossible to look out over a beautiful landscape and not think about that legacy. It feels as if I’m seeing the ghosts of the land’s past — not the spooky kind, but the spirits of ordinary people, full of stories forever lost to time.”
This perspective has evolved through decades of exploration, revealing Arizona not as a collection of distinct regions but as an interconnected whole. The Catalinas, Chiricahuas and Mount Graham aren’t isolated sky islands but part of what Wilson calls an “Arizona archipelago” — connecting the southern Rockies to Mexico’s Sierra Madre Occidental.
“Wherever you travel in the Grand Canyon State, everything is connected, a part of one grand landscape,” he observes.
Yet this expanded understanding carries sobering awareness. Wilson estimates that true wilderness comprises only about 6% of Arizona, with the remaining 94% increasingly developed or exploited.
“Arizona’s wild places are increasingly haunted by human activity, and the scariest thing happening to our land is that its wildness is vanishing — disappearing faster than a kid’s Halloween candy,” he warns. “My advice? Get out and experience Arizona’s wild places while they’re still wild. Don’t relegate exploring the state to a bucket list for ‘someday.’ Put it on your list of things to do now.”
Arizona’s wild places are increasingly haunted by human activity, and the scariest thing happening to our land is that its wildness is vanishing — disappearing faster than a kid’s Halloween candy. Dave Wilson
Dave Wilson’s journey from documenting wildlife sightings to creating fine art began during teenage hiking expeditions in the mountains around Tucson. Armed initially with a camera to prove his encounters with deer, javelina and bighorn sheep to skeptical friends, he approached photography “basically as a form of hunting.”
“Some people hunt with a gun. I hunted with a Canon,” Wilson explains. “My goal was simply to get close enough to an animal for a killer shot.”
A 20-year career in public relations and corporate communications — including positions at Walker Agency Public Relations, Graphics Co-Op and the Downtown Mesa Association — refined his technical skills through commercial photography, but it was the call of solitude that ultimately shaped his artistic vision. Wilson discovered that his most compelling work emerged when civilization fell away entirely.
“I have participated in all kinds of creative endeavors, but the endeavor that I keep returning to more than any other is nature and landscape photography,” he says. “That is probably because it is something that I can do completely alone. With outdoor photography, I can walk away from civilization altogether and work completely alone, and that is where I am most comfortable.”
This preference for solitude isn’t merely artistic temperament — it’s a practical necessity for capturing the fleeting moments that define his work. While others might retreat at sunset, Wilson ventures deeper into twilight’s embrace.
“I can’t tell you how many times I’ve hiked all day with others, only to have them say, just as the sun is finally getting low and the light is perfect, ‘Well, we’d better head back if we want to make it to the car by nightfall,’” Wilson says. “Hiking alone spares me the frustration of being with people who are ready to quit just as the conditions become ideal — adults who, even now, are still afraid of the dark.”
Wilson’s connection to Arizona’s landscape extends beyond photography. His book “Ruins Seldom Seen” uniquely combines a hiking guide with historical exploration — each trail leads to ancient Native American pueblos, cliff dwellings or rock art sites throughout the Southwest. Originally published by Falcon Press in 1999 and revised by Wilson in 2011, it establishes him as both a visual chronicler and written guide to the region’s archaeological treasures.
davewilsonimages.com
Aflash of light catches the dazzling Arizona sun as a racket slices through the air with a resonant “thwack.”
The ball sails across the net at center court with dizzying speed, daring the opponent on the other side to follow its rapid trajectory and direct it back with power, precision and finesse. In this moment, singular focus is required in a game where every point is a battle fought with power, endurance and grace.
Tennis is more than just a sport — it’s an art form, and the young women of Boulder Creek High School’s varsity tennis team use the court as their canvas, painting victories stroke by stroke. In the 2024-25 season, they earned a semifinal berth at the state tournament while posting a win rate of more than 70% in regular-season matches.
Sophomore Michelle Bullock won the 2025 Arizona Division I Girls Singles Championship — a redemptive triumph after finishing as runner-up her freshman year. Bullock also earned the Arizona High School Sports Awards presented by Diamond Kitchens and Bath Tennis Athlete of the Year honor and is already an elite-level, four-star recruit, ranked fourth overall in Arizona.
These Jaguars have elevated the level of competition and achievement and cemented a legacy for future generations here in Anthem—beating the odds in the process.
“They’re such a great group of girls,” says Coach Darcy Wine, the 2024 Section Coach of the Year who guided
her team to the 2025 state semifinals. “They learned to function as a team and how to win and lose with dignity — but they didn’t have a lot of experience with losing this year.”
Boulder Creek Athletic Director Kristin Ledin says the team’s success has fueled tremendous growth of interest by students vying for spots on the 2025-26 team and in the wider community.
“We have approval from the Deer Valley Unified School District to offer a middle school tennis program this year,” Ledin says. “We are inviting other DVUSD high schools to do the same. We are leading the way in keeping tennis a prominent sport for boys and girls teams.”
At the heart of this remarkable Jaguar squad is Bullock, who is unquestionably the team’s top talent and plays varsity basketball during the offseason. She’s a true artist and mastermind on the court, painting the lines with precision and targeting her shots with the strategy of a calm, cool and collected chess master.
Bullock’s state championship win this past season was a comeback of epic proportions. After her freshman runnerup finish, she entered the finals to face the top-seeded Desert Mountain player — a senior with a Division I college scholarship in hand, ranked sixth in the state, who’d already bested her in the regular season.
Writer Shannon Severson // Photography by Loralei Lazurek
“After being runner-up last year, I really wanted to go after the championship,” she recalls. “I worked hard over the summer, playing in tournaments. When I lost that regular-season match, it sparked something in me. I knew I could beat her. I practiced extra hard every single day.”
The training since she’d first picked up a racket at age 3, her college athlete father’s instruction, the competition she’d experienced in the U.S. Tennis Association since age 8 — it all came into sharp focus.
After winning the first set 6-1, Bullock lost the second 4-6, setting up a dramatic tiebreaker to decide the championship.
She went through her pre-serve ritual: a set of three high-knee skips, a set of five butt kicks, and a deep breath as she tapped the back fence — then exactly five bounces of the ball before a powerful serve to begin the battle.
“It was 7-all, and she hit this amazing shot,” Bullock says of the turning point. “I knew I had to get to the ball, or I would lose. I sprinted and got it over the net. She had to serve after that and ended up double-faulting.”
Bullock prevailed, grinding out a 10-7 win. She had done it. She was state champion.
“I cannot describe that feeling,” she says. “All my work, all the hours I trained and I came back to beat her. She was a good sport. I ran to my teammates, my coach and all the people who supported me.”
Senior
They learned to function as a team and how to win and lose with dignity — but they didn’t have a lot of experience with losing this year.
Darcy Wine
The championship win cemented her status as one of Arizona’s premier high school tennis athletes. With two more years of eligibility, Bullock hopes to lead her team to the state title while pursuing her goal of playing Division I college tennis.
“I love it because you get to be on a team in an individual sport,” she says. “We laugh a lot, and we have great, positive energy. We hype each other up on the court. If you have that positive energy, you can be in a flow state of mind.”
Bullock and her teammates have captured lightning in a bottle and are poised to do it again next season. Alina Barney, a sophomore, and Samantha Spiteri, a senior, are key returners who fueled the Jaguars’ road to the 2025 semifinals. They have faced their own personal challenges both on and off the court.
Sophomore Michelle Bullock transformed heartbreak into triumph, claiming the 2025 Arizona Division I girls singles championship after finishing as runner-up her freshman year.
“Alina is outspoken and outgoing,” Wine says. “She learned to be on a team and she did great — she really grew throughout the year.”
Barney outlasts her opponents with sheer mental and physical endurance.
At age 11, Barney lost her beloved father. It was a hard road back to competition, but in 2023, she was one of just 29 Americans chosen to train with her hero, 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal in Mallorca, Spain.
At just 14, Barney won a mighty challenge of her own: the co-ed championships in her category. With a 100-degree fever, she faced down both male and female competitors — and bested them every one.
“I woke up and said, ‘I don’t feel well at all,’” she recalls. “Somehow I pulled through and won the whole thing.”
Last season, she and her senior sister, Alisa, were partners at No. 2 doubles and went 11-2.
She moved to No. 1 doubles for the final two matches of 2025 and was victorious in both.
“The thing I love most about tennis is that it’s such a beautiful art,” Barney says. “It’s more of an individual sport, coming from the USTA, but in high school it’s a team. Everyone’s in it together. I have so much support on and off the court.”
At the state individual playoffs, she played a 3 1/2-hour match versus an eighth seed under the midday sun, which sent the temperature into triple digits. With both girls’ legs cramping in the heat, it was down to who could outlast the other.
“It was a test of mental and physical endurance,” Barney explains. “Everyone around had finished their matches and came to watch. It was competitive, but hearing my name and ‘C’mon, let’s go!’ helped to calm me and encourage me to come to the net and finish it.”
She won the match in a third-set tiebreaker, 10-7.
Sophomore Alina Barney channels her grief into greatness, honoring her late father’s memory through her relentless pursuit of tennis excellence.
Barney finished the season with an overall record of 27-5 and says she looks forward to team success and welcoming new teammates in 2025–26.
“I know what it feels like to come in as a freshman,” she says. “I’d love to be the one they look up to. I want to be that person they can rely on and will help them any way I can.”
After high school, her eyes are on a college tennis career and the Women’s Tennis Association tour.
Samantha Spiteri is the third component in the triumphant triumvirate and will play her final season in 2025-26. She had to overcome a move from Minnesota and adapt her game to excel at both singles and doubles.
“Sam is a confident player and very evenkeeled,” Wine says. “All the girls love her. She’s friendly and has a great sense of humor.”
Though new to doubles, she and Bullock earned doubles Section Player of the Year honors, going 12-1 for the season. At No. 3 singles, she was 12-3, and at No. 2 singles, she was 2-0.
“(In one match) I was down in the first set 0-4, but I kept pushing through,” Spiteri recalls. “I hurt the other girl mentally by not giving up. It’s important to play the point and not get hung up on the past. It’s the same with moving to Arizona — you can’t be living in the past.”
Her advice for young tennis players is straightforward:
“Never give up,” she says. “It’s basic, but it’s true. There can be ups and downs, but persevere because it’s an amazing sport that will be with you your whole life. Get past what might stop you.”
Just as great artists and athletes raise standards for those who follow, Bullock, Barney and Spiteri are building a tennis legacy in Anthem.
Ledin and Wine express pride in the team’s hard work and success. They see the results in a surge of interest in team tryouts with the new DVUSD middle school tennis program expanding access to top-tier instruction.
“We have so many talented players,” Ledin says. “This group is paving the way for Boulder Creek’s success to come. They are the originals.”
Win or lose, these promising young athletes are ambassadors on and off the court.
bcjaguarsathletics.com
Writer Joseph J. Airdo // Photography by Luke Wayne Media
In the sleek, minimalist interior of COURSE Restaurant, Chef Cory Oppold moves with deliberate precision. His hands, trained in architectural principles as much as culinary techniques, arrange microgreens, transform a plate of asparagus into a verdant landscape — a living plant rising from the white canvas of fine china.
“I view every chef as an artist and their restaurant as their gallery,” Oppold says, his eyes carefully monitoring every detail of the dish before it leaves the kitchen. “For example, when guests taste our asparagus, they realize this isn’t just ordinary asparagus.”
This masterful transformation of the familiar into the extraordinary defines Oppold’s culinary philosophy at COURSE, where his architectural training and farm upbringing converge in a symphony of meticulously crafted tasting menus. Since opening in May 2023, his North Scottsdale restaurant has garnered critical acclaim, including a 2025 James Beard Foundation semifinalist nomination for Best Chef: Southwest and the Arizona Restaurant Association’s Exceptional Culinary Experience award.
The journey to culinary stardom began far from the desert landscapes of Arizona. Oppold grew up on a dairy farm in Pearl City, Illinois, where hard work was simply expected and farm-to-table wasn’t a trend but a way of life.
“I started working around age 8 or 9,” Oppold recalls. “Hard work was just natural, you know? That’s just how we grew up.”
His early years, surrounded by large gardens and preserving food through canning and fermentation, instilled an appreciation for ingredients that would later become foundational to his culinary approach. But cooking wasn’t his first career aspiration.
“When I turned 18, my sister, who was already living in Phoenix, texted me,” Oppold explains. “She knew I wanted to study architecture and said, ‘Hey, since Frank Lloyd Wright’s influence is so strong here, why don’t you come out after graduation?’ It made sense, so I moved to Phoenix in 1998.”
The pivotal moment in Oppold’s culinary awakening came about a year and a half later, when he experienced fine dining for the first time at the Biltmore.
“That meal opened my eyes,” he says, his voice still carrying traces of that revelatory experience. “I realized food could be more than just nourishment. It was entertainment, art. I was completely intrigued and became really interested in culinary school.”
Encouraged by friends, Oppold enrolled at the Scottsdale Culinary Institute (later Le Cordon Bleu), graduating with honors in 2002. His career trajectory took him through several prestigious kitchens, including Different Pointe of View, L’Auberge de Sedona, Binkley’s, Tarbell’s and Atlas Bistro, before the COVID-19 pandemic forced a pivot.
“When COVID-19 hit in 2020, all restaurants were shut down,” Oppold recalls. “I created something called Simmer Down — a cryo-vac meal kit service for people who were cautious during those chaotic first few months.”
This adaptability evolved into an in-home dining service that allowed him to refine his multicourse concept while building a loyal client base. During one such private event, he met his future COURSE partners, Christian and Brett Pezzuto, setting the stage for his brick-and-mortar vision to become reality.
The connection between Oppold’s architectural training and culinary artistry is evident in every dish that leaves his kitchen. His plates demonstrate the same attention to composition, balance and structural integrity that he learned studying architecture.
“Both architecture and cooking definitely have an artistic element to them,” Oppold observes. “With architecture, it’s about building components, working with different layers, heights, and colors. Those same principles that drew me to architecture translated naturally into cooking.”
This design-oriented approach is visible in COURSE’s spring menu, where monochromatic color schemes and structural elements create visual cohesion within each dish.
“I definitely love our asparagus dish from the spring 2025 menu,” Oppold says with obvious pride. “It’s composed like a plant, featuring a manicotti filled with ricotta alongside different preparations of asparagus. We incorporate sea grass and sea beans with the asparagus, and everything is garnished to create this beautiful monochromatic green plate.”
Each season, COURSE menus continue with a color-focused approach as seen in other standout dishes.
“Then we have a dish that’s almost entirely yellow — our sea bass with fennel, tomato jam, patty pan squash and yellow bell pepper sauce,” Oppold explains. “Everything on the plate plays within that yellow color palette.”
He describes the spring menu finale with equal enthusiasm: “The dessert course is a study in red, featuring strawberries, pink peppercorns, hibiscus, amaranth and rhubarb. The whole menu flows like a rollercoaster of flavor — it starts bright and acidic, mellows out in the middle, and finishes with these beautiful, bold notes.”
For Oppold, vegetable-forward dishes provide the greatest canvas for creativity.
“Vegetable dishes are definitely our biggest thing,” he says. “We love taking everyday ingredients and restructuring them into something unique. Vegetables are special because they tell you exactly what time of year it is — melons in summer, black truffles in winter. That’s why vegetables are really the cornerstone of what we do at COURSE.”
This architectural approach extends beyond aesthetics to the fundamental structure of flavors and textures within each dish.
“When we build a dish, we first think about which ingredients will taste great together,” Oppold explains. “But then we play with different techniques to create contrasting textures — if something’s creamy, we need a crispy element next to it. It’s all these little details working in harmony. Like with a fatty fish, we know we need an acidic component to balance it out. Making a dish look beautiful is one thing, but making it make sense on the palate — that’s the tricky part. And honestly, that’s where it gets fun.”
Despite the sophisticated presentation of his cuisine, Oppold maintains a connection to his farming background through his ingredient selection and relationships with producers.
“Growing up as a farm boy, I experienced firsthand just how hard farming is and how much work farmers put in,” he says. “That’s why supporting local producers is so important to us at COURSE. When we can source ingredients locally, we not only get better quality, but we’re also supporting the hardworking people in our agricultural community.”
This appreciation for agriculture translates to COURSE’s menu development, where seasonality dictates direction.
“We try to source as much locally as possible,” Oppold notes. “Our beef comes from Prescott, and we work with many local vegetable producers. But
James
we also like to incorporate specialty ingredients that aren’t available here in Arizona. Sometimes the best version of an ingredient comes from California, and in those cases, we go with what’s best. While we prioritize regional sourcing when possible, our ultimate commitment is to using the highest quality ingredients, regardless of origin.”
The menu at COURSE changes with each season, offering a five-course tasting menu Tuesday through Thursday and an eight-course chef’s tasting on Fridays and Saturdays. This constant evolution reflects Oppold’s commitment to creativity and innovation.
“We deliberately avoid repeating dishes or creating ‘signature items’ — we’ll never put the same dish on the menu twice,” he says with conviction. “The creative process of menu writing is what intrigues us most. We’re always pushing ourselves to learn new techniques and approaches to keep things exciting, not just for our kitchen team but for our servers and especially our guests.”
chef Cory Oppold brings architectural precision and farmfresh philosophy to North Scottsdale’s fine dining renaissance at COURSE Restaurant.
This dedication to novelty resonates with COURSE’s clientele. The restaurant has quickly become a destination for special occasions and culinary adventurers seeking more than just sustenance.
“I always love when guests ask to come into the kitchen to meet our whole team,” Oppold shares. “That’s definitely one of the best reactions we can get.”
COURSE’s location along Shea Boulevard was strategically chosen to serve clients from across the Valley.
“During my in-home dining period, my clientele was spread across Paradise Valley, Desert Mountain, DC Ranch, Gilbert and Chandler,” Oppold explains. “This spot along the Shea corridor is perfect because it’s close to Loop 101, making it accessible for all my clients coming from both the North Valley and the East Valley.”
The restaurant’s success has contributed to North Scottsdale’s rising reputation as a fine dining destination beyond the established resort restaurant scene. COURSE’s intimate dining room creates an exclusivity that complements the meticulous nature of Oppold’s cuisine.
Since opening, COURSE has accumulated an impressive array of accolades. In addition to the James Beard recognition, the restaurant was named Emerging Restaurant of the Year and Top Chef at the 2024 Arizona Restaurant Association Foodist Awards then recognized for Exceptional Culinary Experience in 2025. COURSE was also the only Arizona establishment to make Yelp’s national list of Best New Restaurants for 2024, ranking No. 7.
“The recognition puts more weight on your shoulders — though we already put that pressure on ourselves as a team back here,” Oppold reflects.
“While the accolades are nice, they don’t change our fundamental approach or philosophy. What they do change is our drive — it makes us want to work even harder to keep exceeding expectations.”
This drive for excellence extends to every aspect of the COURSE experience, from the culinary creations to the service.
“Our focus is simple — making our guests happy,” Oppold says. “That’s the foundation of everything we do. And equally important is keeping our staff happy, because those two things go hand in hand. The happier our staff is, the better experience our guests will have. For COURSE itself, we’ll keep pushing the envelope, exploring what we’re capable of, and making every menu better than the last.”
Despite his sophisticated culinary repertoire, when asked what he craves for personal enjoyment, Oppold’s answer reveals his unpretentious nature.
“I would definitely say eggs are probably one of my favorite things — specifically scrambled eggs with Sriracha on toast,” he says. “Something very simple and, to be honest, kind of mindless, but just really tasty, you know?”
This balance of simplicity and complexity, of farm roots and fine dining finesse, defines not only Oppold’s cuisine but his approach to life. As COURSE continues to evolve, it remains a canvas for his artistic expression — a gallery where architecture meets agriculture, and where everyday ingredients are transformed into extraordinary experiences.
courserestaurantaz.com
Each October in Phoenix, much like werewolves during a full moon, a handful of ordinary suburban homes morph into elaborate theaters of terror, their creators channeling the dedication of museum curators and the passion of performance artists. These aren’t simple yard decorations tossed up for Halloween — they’re immersive experiences that draw visitors from across the Valley, testament to the extraordinary artistry that can bloom in residential settings.
Just south of Greenway Road on the east side of State Route 51, Michaela Nastasia has spent more than a decade perfecting what she calls her “fever dream” — Hellbilly Holler, a cannibalistic Appalachian nightmare that unfolds across her front yard like a twisted theater set.
A few miles away on the other side of the freeway, the Carrillo family has transformed its Ocotillo Hills home into Mount Mayhem, where 1920s carnival freaks and bearded ladies beckon visitors into their carefully crafted world of vintage scares.
Meanwhile, across town in the far north part of Glendale, Rich and Stacy McClellan’s 3,000-square-foot 42nd Haunt has evolved from a garage theme into one of the area’s most elaborate residential productions.
All three displays represent something far more sophisticated than neighborhood Halloween enthusiasm. They’re expressions of genuine artistic vision, community building and the kind of meticulous craftsmanship typically reserved for professional haunted attractions.
“I was originally inspired to create Hellbilly Holler Halloween Haunt for my niece, Athena,” Nastasia explains. “Growing up in Massachusetts, every house in the neighborhood would be decorated for Halloween, but that
wasn’t the case when I moved to Phoenix. Very few houses in my new neighborhood were decorated or giving out candy. I wanted Athena to have the same kind of Halloween experience I’d had — where an entire neighborhood comes together to entertain the kids.”
What began as an aunt’s desire to create childhood magic has evolved into something far more complex. Nastasia, a traditional and digital painter of fantasy and horror who has been creating haunts since her teens, draws inspiration from an eclectic mix of sources — from the “Hellbilly” music of Hank Williams III to Algonquin First Nations lore about the cannibalistic windigo spirit.
“I knew I wanted hillbillies and a swamp witch, so naturally a story had to develop between those characters,” she says. “We came up with the idea that the people living in the mountains didn’t have enough to eat, so they made a deal with the swamp witch to procure ‘food’ for them. That food turned out to be tourists hiking in the Appalachian Mountains, which is how cannibalism became our central theme.”
The narrative complexity rivals that of professional theme park attractions. Visitors encounter Madam Athena, a fortune teller warning travelers away from the holler, while hillbillies Jethro, Bocephus and Vincent conspire with Lucia the swamp witch to lure tourists into their lair. The recently introduced Frank SinRata — a 5-foot singing rat — adds an unexpectedly whimsical element to the gore.
“According to our lore, Frank SinRata was once a lover of the swamp witch, but it ended badly,” Nastasia explains. “She stole his soul and singing voice, trapping them in her favorite rat, so now he sings for all eternity in the rat patch of Hellbilly Holler.”
This attention to storytelling extends to the technical execution. Nastasia has embraced
Writer Joseph J. Airdo
AI animation technology to create custom projections of her characters in action throughout the haunt — the swamp witch casting spells, a screaming wendigo, alligators crawling alongside the swamp in her yard. These projections blend seamlessly with practical effects and handcrafted props, many built from repurposed materials.
“Some of our props are store-bought and then modified; others are built completely from scratch,” Nastasia notes. “For instance, I tore down a wooden fence and used the materials to build a cabin.”
The collaborative aspect proves equally important. Nastasia’s niece Athena, now 16, has grown from baby assistant to master craftsperson and the star of award-winning short films that serve as promotional materials for the haunt.
“She’s reached the point where I can hand her unfinished props, paint, tools and materials with just a basic explanation of what I want,” Nastasia says. “We put on some jazz music, I walk away to work on another project, and by the time I return, she’s not only completed the task but made even the plainest tombstone look like it’s 300 years old.”
On the other side of State Route 51, the Carrillo family — patriarch Rod, matriarch Seneca and son Soleil — has built its own Halloween legacy over 16 years.
“Mount Mayhem began as a small family project, inspired by a shared love of Halloween, haunted houses and storytelling,” Rod explains. “What started as a fun way to transform our backyard into something spooky for neighbors and friends gradually evolved into a full-scale Halloween show — one that soon became an annual tradition.”
The family’s approach to theme development reflects sophisticated artistic planning. Each year’s creative process begins in May with family brainstorming sessions, drawing inspiration from films, books and professional haunted attractions at Knott’s Scary Farm and Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights.
“Some years, our theme comes to us right away — even as we’re packing away sets and costumes from the previous year,” Seneca notes. “Other times, attending haunt conventions helps us refine our ideas. We’ll often hold brainstorming sessions, toss possible titles around in our family group chat, or look for ways to repurpose old props and sets — or create something entirely new from scratch.”
The theatrical aspects extend beyond set design to include makeup, costumes and performance.
“We approach the whole event like a theater production, with a call time for makeup and costumes, actor guidelines, safety talks and plans for crowd flow,” Seneca explains. “Then, when showtime arrives, it’s curtain up. It feels like staging a play — but our reward is screams instead of applause.
“One neighbor says the highlight of his season is hearing the echoes of screams and laughter coming from our house while he sits on his porch. Because we love the response we get, we work hard to keep things fresh and new every year — and that challenge is exactly what keeps us going, year after year.”
The McClellans’ approach at 42nd Haunt in Glendale offers yet another model for residential haunting excellence. Their castle-themed walkthrough experience operates with theater-level professionalism — complete with fire safety protocols, emergency exits, and an off-duty police officer for crowd management.
They also demonstrate the resourcefulness that defines serious residential haunters, constantly repurposing materials to create fresh experiences within budget constraints. Rich notes that what appears to be new construction often represents creative recycling.
“The swamp house out front this year looks new, but we used it in the back last year as a scene you’d walk into with green fog and swamp effects,” he explains. “The morgue table we have — a kid might jump up from that bed in a bedroom scene next year. We recycle everything.”
All three families emphasize accessibility and community impact. For example, two years ago, Stacy personally guided a young cancer patient with mobility challenges through 42nd Haunt, in which rest stations had been specially created to facilitate her experience.
“I rallied the whole crowd for her as she was going through, and everyone was super supportive,” Stacy says. “They all waited at the end to cheer her on as she came out.”
Likewise, Nastasia designed Hellbilly Holler specifically to address limitations she has commonly heard people mention when describing professional haunted houses.
It feels like staging a play — but our reward is screams instead of applause. Seneca Carrillo
“Many of them dislike mazes, darkness, being approached by actors, getting yelled at or feeling trapped,” she notes. “I completely understand their perspective because I’m claustrophobic myself.”
Her solution creates a more inclusive experience.
“Since it’s a display haunt viewed from the sidewalk and driveway, there’s plenty of room for wheelchairs and baby carriages,” Nastasia explains. “You can still get up close to the props and see everything clearly without walking on uneven ground or navigating small corridors between rooms.”
Beyond accessibility, the McClellans have found their greatest reward in witnessing the transformative power of their entertainment over time. Rich describes watching young visitors return year after year, evolving from terrified children who cry and run back out to confident kids who specifically request the full scare experience.
“That’s probably the best feeling ever — that we’ve created something meaningful for these kids to overcome and grow,” Rich says.
For the Carrillos, community impact extends beyond entertainment to charitable giving. They’ve partnered with Students Supporting Brain Tumor Research for seven years, donating proceeds to support the organization’s work.
“The best part is how it brings people together — across all political affiliations, economic backgrounds, ethnicities and ages,” Seneca observes. “We’ve had folks come through in hijabs, laughing the entire way, or screaming in Spanish. People travel from all across the area, some driving 45 minutes or more. We’ve even welcomed German tourists!”
All three families have created something rare in suburban America — authentic gathering places that transcend typical neighborhood boundaries. Their success demonstrates how residential spaces can become venues for legitimate artistic expression, community building and cultural tradition.
As October nights grow longer and Phoenix temperatures finally begin their descent from triple digits, these three homes stand as monuments to creative passion and community spirit. They prove that the most memorable art often emerges not from galleries or theaters, but from the dedication of neighbors who dare to transform their everyday spaces into extraordinary experiences.
Oct. 17–18, 24–26 and 30–31 // 6–6:30 p.m. (non-scare), 6:30–10 p.m. (full scare) // 4226 W. Park View Lane, Glendale
$5 suggested donation // 42ndhaunt.com
Oct. 17–19 and 29–31 // 7–9:30 p.m. // 1740 E. Purdue Ave., Phoenix // Free // mountmayhemhaunt.com
Hellbilly Holler
Oct. 18–Nov. 1 // Sun.–Thu. 7–9 p.m., Fri.–Sat. 7–11 p.m. // 14601 N. 40th Way, Phoenix // Free // hellbillyholleraz.com
This elegantly rustic Italian pear cake embodies the gentle transition from Arizona’s scorching summers to cooler autumn evenings. Greek yogurt creates an impossibly tender crumb while chunks of perfectly ripe pears — Bosc or Bartlett varieties work beautifully — infuse each bite with seasonal sweetness. The cake’s restrained sugar content allows the pears’ natural essence to shine, making it equally at home gracing a sophisticated breakfast table or concluding an intimate dinner party.
Serves: 8
INGREDIENTS:
3 large firm, ripe pears (Bosc or Bartlett), cut into 1/2-inch pieces
2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup whole-milk Greek yogurt
2 large eggs, room temperature
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Confectioners’ sugar for dusting Freshly whipped cream for serving (optional)
DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9 1/2-inch springform pan with parchment paper or coat with cooking spray.
2. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, whip sugar and eggs in a large bowl until the mixture achieves a pale, creamy texture — approximately 3 minutes.
3. Gently fold in the yogurt, melted butter and vanilla extract using a spatula until just combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt. Sift the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until incorporated. Fold in the pear pieces with care to avoid overmixing.
5. Transfer batter to the prepared pan and bake for 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, cover with foil during the final 10 minutes.
6. Cool completely on a wire rack before removing from pan. Dust with confectioners’ sugar just before serving alongside dollops of freshly whipped cream.
For an elegant presentation, garnish with paper-thin pear slices dehydrated at 150 degrees until crisp — a process that may take several hours, depending on humidity levels.
& Stacey D.
