Desert Discovery Center pitched to attract tourists to Preserve
By Amy Schrader
After 18 months of research, planning and community outreach, Desert Discovery Center Scottsdale (DDCS) presented its preliminary architecture, experiences and business plan for the proposed Desert EDGE (Encounters, Discovery, Global, Education) interpretive facility at the Gateway to the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.
“ is will give residents and visitors of all ages and abilities an opportunity to learn more
GoDaddy founder gives huge gift to support local Girl Scouts
By Mike Butler
Arizona doesn’t fare well compared to other states when it comes to young girls’ educational performance, participation in extracurricular activities and physical and emotional health.
at’s the conclusion of a 2017 State of Girls report conducted by the Girl Scout Research Institute.
But, as Girl Scout leaders like to say, data are not destiny.
And thanks to a recent $1.25 million matching gift from the Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation, the Girl Scouts Arizona Cactus-Pine Council has an opportunity
Maddie Felice in the LED light exhibit in the SMoCA gallery.
Aerial view of the proposed footprint. (Photo courtesy of Desert Discovery Center Scottsdale)
Bob Parsons shows off his Girl Scout shirt. (Photo courtesy of)
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Lori Piestewa Native American Games honor fallen soldier
By Kelly Broderick
To appreciate the spirit of the Lori Piestewa National Native American Games is to understand what occurs beyond the competition.
Last year, when an accomplished club basketball team from Scottsdale prepared to face a group from Chinle, a community in northeastern Arizona that is the heart of the Navajo Nation, it noticed its opponent had
something that fit their mission to reach out to a new demographic.
“Our executive director at the time, Erik Widmark, thought, ‘Who knows, maybe we can do something to honor her, not so much from the game standpoint but from a personal standpoint,’” Nees said.
From there, Widmark met with Piestewa’s family and learned many of them were athletes. Her cousins, nephews, brothers and sisters all played sports, and Lori was a three-sport athlete in track, basketball and softball. e tournament was formed and began its games in Flagstaff with venues in surrounding cities like Page and Winslow.
no equipment, no jerseys and no basketballs.
“ ey had to take magic marker and write numbers on the back of their shirts,” said Gary Nees, senior director of events and operations for the Arizona Sports and Entertainment Commission.
When the group from Scottsdale saw this, they went to the opposite end of the court and shared their basketballs with them. at random act of kindness is typical of the games that honor Lori Piestewa, the U.S. Army soldier killed during the Iraq War. is is the 16th year of the event that brings together basketball teams from all over the state. e three-day tournament was recently held at sites around the Valley.
e idea of it started when Nees and his staff were searching for a new event to put together. ey wanted
“At that time we were wondering if this was going to work or not because you just never know when you launch an event with a demographic we hadn’t worked with before,” Nees said. “But we were steadfast in our passion because of who Lori Piestewa was, so we were going to ride it out no matter what happened.”
ings were not easy at the beginning because of the distance of venues and the challenge of spreading the word. e first year of the games featured 65 athletes. It didn’t take long before the attendance and participation would skyrocket.
“ e second year we doubled, the next year we went up 15 percent, the next year we went up 18 percent and this year we went up 18 percent again,” Nees said. “Every year, it’s gone up in attendance, spectators and sponsorships.”
One of the reasons why the tournament has continued to grow is because to the passion behind the
Commander Darrell Hills salutes the American flags.
(Photo by Kimberly Carrillo)
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about our desert environment and how it relates to other deserts around the world,” said Sam Campana, executive director of DDCS. “It will provide an educational resource that doesn’t currently exist, will be the ‘must see and do’ field trip and will provide continuing education opportunities for area teachers.”
DDCS, a nonprofit organization established for the purpose of planning and possibly operating Desert EDGE, developed a conceptual design advanced by the City of Scottsdale’s architect, Swaback Partners, and by DDCS visitor experience designer inc Design.
e proposed campus, located at the McDowell Sonoran Preserve Gateway, at the intersection of ompson Peak Parkway and Bell Road, would have an estimated total square footage of 126,000 square feet, of which 47,600 square feet would be under-roof conditioned space and the remainder would be unconditioned space under roof, canopy or open air.
Exhibits would occupy 30,900 square feet in both indoor and outdoor areas. ASU’s Global Drylands Institute,
Girl Scouts...continued from page 1
to turn the tables on the state’s 35thplace ranking.
“We are absolutely thrilled for what this gift means for girls in Arizona,” said Christina Spicer, the council’s senior associate of fund development. “It has fueled a lot of excitement in the community. People really want to help.”
e generous gift from the highprofile North Scottsdale couple adds to the outright $5 million grant the Parsons Foundation made to the Campaign for Girls in 2015, which was the largest single gift ever received by a Girl Scout council. It allowed the construction of the Bob & Renee Parsons Leadership Center for Girls and Women at Camp South Mountain.
e multi-use center on 14.5 acres opened last April and over the summer gave 900 girls hands-on learning in STEM, the outdoors, cooking and gardening, entrepreneurship and other valuable life skills. Similar programs are offered on weekends and during school vacations throughout the fall, winter and spring.
e capital campaign is now
which will share in creating programs and educational experiences for visitors, would occupy 10,500 square feet, of which 9,000 square feet would be under-roof conditioned space. An offsite administration building of 5,400 square feet is also planned.
According to the DDCS’ plan, the “(Desert EDGE) will offer a unique setting and visitor experience, encompassing an indoor-outdoor setting with views framed to enjoy the natural environment, as well as a connections to the McDowell Sonoran trail system.”
just $3.2 million dollars short of its $18 million goal.
“Renee and I have seen firsthand how the Girls Scouts are working to create future leaders in our community,” Parsons, founder of Scottsdalebased GoDaddy, said. “It is our sincere hope that this fundraising match campaign will give others cause to join us
in this important investment with the sole purpose of educating and encouraging young girls to grow and become strong future leaders.”
“ e Girl Scouts are doing incredible work in providing a safe environment for girls to try on their leadership hats,” added Renee Parsons. “Once this campaign is complete, the organiza-
Exhibits and educational programs will explore geological origins, biodiversity and connectivity, water and its role in sustaining life, humans living
Discovery...continued on page 13
tion will be able to concentrate efforts on its true mission of fostering honesty, courage, friendship and inclusion, while teaching important skills and serving girls in our community.”
Formerly called Camp Sombrero, the South Mountain campus reflects the Girl Scout values of protecting the environment and using resources wisely.
New modernistic camping cabins, built on caissons and linked by raised walkways and decks, protect the fragile desert floor and allow rainwater to cascade through natural arroyos. e site’s sustainable design includes the use of recycled materials, low wateruse fixtures and natural lighting from windows and skylights.
e Parsons Leadership Center offers a variety of spaces for large and small meetings and training sessions. e rooms can also be used for adult training and by community groups and schools.
e center also contains a demonstration industrial kitchen, with access to a nearby culinary garden. ere’s a small trading post for campers, as well as a museum and gift shop.
Desert Discovery Center Scottsdale presented its preliminary report regarding the proposed Desert Discovery Center, Desert EDGE, located at the McDowell Sonoran Preserve Gateway at the intersection of Thompson Peak Parkway and Bell Road in Scottsdale. (Photo courtesy of Desert Discovery Center Scottsdale.)
From left: Girl Scout alumna Jordan Williams, current Scout Maya Hightower, Girl Scout AZ Cactus Pine Council CEO Maya Hightower, Renee Parsons and Bob Parsons at the opening of the Bob and Renee Parsons Leadership Center for Girls and Women. (Special to Nearby News)
looking back
By Scott Shumaker
Noble’s Folly: The Motorola Boom
A lot of forces came together in the 1950s to create a population boom in Scottsdale, including air conditioning and the city’s burgeoning arts and tourism industries. e arrival of a high-tech company also played a decisive role in the city’s growth. Motorola, pioneers of car radios and walkie talkies, among other innovations, helped super-charge the development of an already-growing city. e completion of a large Motorola plant in 1957 suddenly gave the “West’s Most Western Town” a
strong foothold in technology and furnished thousands of good jobs. e Chicago-based Motorola expanded in Scottsdale in part because Dan Noble, head of research for Motorola, liked horseback riding in Arizona, where Noble had vacationed as a college student.
Jokingly referred to as “Noble’s Resort” and “Noble’s Folly” inside the company, Motorola’s Arizona operations proved to be a winning gamble and helped Motorola become an industry leader.
Work is done on the Motorola plant’s front façade in this undated photo. Motorola’s new building incorporated the Midcentury Modern styling that appeared in many Valley buildings in the 1950s. The Motorola plant was designed by Edward Varney and Reginald Sydnor. The arrival of the tech sector brought many benefits but also downsides: Motorola and other companies eventually contaminated some of the local groundwater supplies, which are the subject of ongoing cleanup efforts. (Photo courtesy Scottsdale Historical Society.
Motorola’s semiconductor business was very successful, and Motorola products from Scottsdale were used in the Apollo space missions in the 1960s. This photo from 1962 shows some of the early expansion that the original plant underwent as operations grew. (Photo courtesy Scottsdale Historical Society.)
This undated aerial photo shows the first phase of Motorola’s plant at 8201 East McDowell Road. The 173,000-square-foot building provided workspace for 3,500 workers. The central tower was used in part as an antenna testing station. The Titus House, Scottsdale’s oldest home, appears in the upper right of the photo. (Photo courtesy Scottsdale Historical Society.)
In this undated photo, Dr. Dan Noble poses outside Motorola’s Phoenix research facility. Noble headed Motorola’s research and development and was the driving force behind the company’s expansion to Arizona. According to author John Bloom, Noble’s Phoenix laboratory was at first dubbed “Noble’s Resort” and “Noble’s Folly” by some inside the company. But Motorola’s work in Phoenix and Scottsdale proved enormously successful and profitable for the company. (Photo courtesy Scottsdale Historical Society.)
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Edward L. Varney Associates, co-designers of the Motorola plant, also designed Hotel Valley Ho, opened in Scottsdale the prior year. The Valley Ho and Motorola buildings both share characteristic Midcentury Modern stylings. (Photo courtesy Scottsdale Public Library.)
1620 W. Fountainhead Parkway, Suite 219, Tempe, AZ 85282 OR punch your answers into an email with “Scramblers puzzle” in the message line and send to: editor@NearbyNews.com.
North Scottsdale teen tops
Miss Teen USA pageant
By Amy Schrader
Scottsdale native Karly Riggs recently competed for the job of a lifetime – to become the next Miss Teen USA.
e 17-year-old senior at Chaparral High School and reigning Miss Arizona Teen USA represented Arizona at the 35th Miss Teen USA Pageant held at Phoenix Symphony Hall on July 29.
Riggs proudly represented Arizona, placing in the top 15 of a total of 51 contestants vying for the crown and title of Miss Teen USA 2017.
“One of the coolest things about this experience was that the competition was held in my home state,” said Riggs. “I felt so proud to represent the beautiful state of Arizona and show people that we are more than about the heat.”
Besides competing in pageants, Riggs, who is currently an AP and honors student, is dedicated to her schoolwork and extracurricular activities, including playing an active role in the Best Buddies program, National Honor Society and serving as an ambassador to the TYRO mentoring program.
She also was chosen to represent the nearly 27,000 students in her school district as a student advisor to the Scottsdale Unified School Board. is position allowed Riggs to promote the Civics Education Initiative, which requires high school students to pass a civics test as a graduation prerequisite requirement.
“I strongly believe that in order for the people of my generation to be strong and successful leaders of tomorrow, it is our responsibility as citizens to understand who and what shaped our nation,” said Riggs.
In addition to competing in the Miss Teen USA 2017 pageant this summer, Riggs was chosen to attend a pre-college program this summer at Harvard University this summer, where she studied the evolution of medicine.
A drive to achieve one’s personal best and make the world a better place is something that brings many pag-
eant contestants together.
“I have made lasting friendships with many of the other title holders across the country, who are like-minded, also committed to making a difference in their communities and are passionate about their various charities,” said Riggs. “ e level of camaraderie and support among the girls made the whole experience fun and memorable.
I didn’t look at it as if I was competing against other girls. I was just striving to do my personal best and enjoy this amazing opportunity.”
While Riggs enjoyed the experience, she also admitted that waiting for the judges to call her name wasn’t an easy moment.
“I was beyond relieved and excited to have made the top 15, especially since I was called second to last,” she said. “It warmed my heart to hear my family and friends cheer and celebrate when my name was called and to represent the state of Arizona.”
Karly’s parents, Kim and Jim Riggs, could not be more proud of their daughter’s achievements.
“We are so proud of Karly for using her position to positively impact the lives of young people,” Kim said.
“We are so impressed with her work promoting civics education in our country and inspiring her generation
Miss Teen...continued on page 13
Scottsdale native and reigning Miss Arizona Teen USA Karly Riggs recently competed for the crown and title of Miss Teen USA. (Photo courtesy Karly Riggs)
Fashion show goes to the dogs for two incredible causes
By Becky Bracken
is is no average tea party. Together, the Scott Foundation and Arizona Golden Rescue will hold the first annual Sir Barks A. Lot Fashion Paw Tea, featuring teens and dogs modeling the latest fashions to raise money for both nonprofits. It’s the kid- and dog-lovers event of the season, provided you can handle that much cuteness all at once.
Monterra at WestWorld on Saturday, September 9 at 11 a.m. and will be hosted by 12 News anchor Tram Mai, who recently adopted a 1-yearold Golden from AGR.
“ e theme for the event is the ‘Mad Hatter’s Tea Party,’ so, of course, we will have a dog dressed as Alice, another dog as the
Queen of Hearts, another as the Cheshire Cat, another as the White Rabbit and another as the Mad Hatter himself,” Orwig said.
Scott Foundation, Colleen Walski, came up with the foster
According to Arizona Golden Rescue cofounder Deb Orwig, she and her counterpart at the Scott Foundation, Colleen Walski, came up with the idea for a combination fashion show, dog show and tea party as a way to get both the dogs from Arizona Golden Rescue and the foster teens the Scott Foundation is trying to help together to participate in a fun event to raise money and awareness. e event will be held at
e event will be held at
“ ere will be a total of 38 dogs –24 girls, 14 boys – modeling fashions in the show. Most of the dogs are Golden Retrievers or Golden mixes that have been rescued by Arizona Golden Rescue. e rest are dogs rescued from other sources but who own AGR members.”
Teens in foster care will be modeling fashions by Spiritual Gangster, according to Orwig. Seamstresses are working to create custom designs for the dogs, who will trot the catwalk along with the
modeling fashions by Spiritual kids.
e Scott Foundation is dedicated to offering support to kids in the Arizona foster care system and will
Paw Tea...continued on page 14
Barney is wearing “Live, Laugh, Love” fabric because he’s always happy and smiling. (Photo by Deb Orwig)
Winnie is ready for her trip to France. (Photo by Connie McCabe)
Prestige Cleaners CEO, Donn Frye and his late father Don have been board members for the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Scottsdale for many years. The organization is a safe space where young people build needed skills and relationships to reach their full potential.
Help us make a difference to Arizona children by donating to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale. 100% of your money goes to programs you believe in and 100% of your donation comes back to you as a tax credit.
Donate today. Every contribution makes a difference.
call
or
that
Games...continued from page 4
cause and how the athletes view it as a time to play with the best.
Percy Piestewa, Lori’s mother, said this tournament represents everything that Lori did.
“We all have a purpose in life, I’m sure, but sometimes some of us never figure out what that purpose is,” she said. “But we figured that her purpose in life was to bring everybody together in peace and unity.”
Percy said Lori was always a good athlete but never wanted to be recognized for her accomplishments. Lori would go as far as scratching out her photos in the yearbooks and standing in the back of photos to make sure she wasn’t in the spotlight.
Along with the encouragement that is seen throughout the tournament, the games also often show compassion and kindness.
“It’s brought the whole world together,” she said. “We’ve met so many people from all over the world and there are so many caring people, and so many different ethnic backgrounds that care and love, and we need to remember that there’s a
“It was just her nature. She just wanted to be a part of the team and not anything special,” Piestewa said.
She believes that events like this are important for youth. After spending 40 years in the educational system, she saw many kids having to deal with the idea that they wouldn’t be able to succeed, whether it was because of their background or their heritage, but the National Games gives them an opportunity and the encouragement to move forward in a positive way.
“It makes us feel really proud, but in lieu of that, we hope that these kids, not just by reading about her and knowing about her, that they take it to heart and that they can do it, too, that they can be in that position and that they can excel,” Piestewa said.
lot of love in the world.”
Justin Peterson, the commissioner of the tournament, believes the importance of the event is that it allows for the legacy of Lori to live on.
“I think the biggest thing is that it brings all of the communities together and gives these kids the opportunity to compete against other teams in the region,” Peterson said.
With the challenges going on in the world, Piestewa said, the event continues to reach out to young men and women in a positive way. While the void of Lori is always there, Piestewa said, the amount of support they have received is a blessing.
“Some days are good, some days are
The Lori Piestewa National Native American Games has grown into an event that features more than 3,000 competitors. (Photo by Kelly Broderick/Cronkite News)
Game medals (Photo by Kimberly Carrillo)
sustainably in arid places and many other topics.
“ e sensitive placement of the Desert EDGE experiences are meant to showcase and celebrate various aspects of the preserve in ways that will help residents and visitors to better interpret what they’re seeing and to show them what they can’t see on a given visit in a given day,” said Campana. “Desert EDGE will tell the story of how Scottsdale’s citizens worked to preserve this land and will educate people about its importance now and into the future so we grow a generation of conservationists who remain committed to protecting the Sonoran Desert and McDowell Mountains.”
According to the DDCS, Desert EDGE has the potential to attract tourists visiting Scottsdale, as well as those visiting other locations throughout Central Arizona.
Based on market research and analysis, a preliminary range of attendance potential for Desert EDGE has been estimated at 228,000 to 385,000 once the center is established (third or fourth year after opening).
With increased visitors, parking spaces would also be increased. According the DDCS’ plan, there are currently 381 parking spaces at the Gateway site. e adjacent Desert EDGE would also have dedicated parking.
e DDCS’ current plan recommends an additional 163 parking spaces to be developed in conjunction with the DDC, as well as the possibility of valet parking and an off-site overflow parking with an additional 180 or more spaces located at the Desert EDGE administration building.
e site also would generate revenue from tickets, retail, food service, facility rentals, membership and other sources needed to meet its operating costs and to contribute to future facility re-investment and capital maintenance.
While the DDCS is enthusiastic about the future of Desert EDGE, not all Scottsdale residents support the plan.
“I encourage more tourism of the desert and more income for Scottsdale, but I worry that the plans for (Desert EDGE) are too big and will be too commercialized, defeating the purpose of having a preserved land for
visitors to see what the real desert is like,” said McDowell Mountain Ranch resident Maria Tseng. “I think the real desert is quiet, peaceful and affords solitude.”
Before the DDCS’s vision for Desert EDGE becomes a reality, it has to gain approval from the City of Scottdale.
According to Campana, Desert EDGE will be presented over the next couple months at several city public meetings, the McDowell Sonoran Preserve Commission, Tourism Development Commission, Planning Commission and the Development Review Board. ey will also be presenting to various community and neighborhood groups.
“We will be presenting at a Scottsdale City Council work study session on Sept. 26, and a City Council date will be set after that,” said Campana. “Ultimately, the Scottsdale City Council will decide if we should move to the next step, which would be preparing construction documents and continuing with fundraising.”
For more information about the project or to see the proposal, visit scottsdaledesertcenter.com.
to be good citizens and leaders of tomorrow.”
Riggs plans on using the remaining time left of her current title reaching out to others.
“For the remaining four months as Miss Arizona Teen USA, I will continue to inspire young girls to strive for self-love and acceptance,” said Riggs.
For more information about the Miss Teen USA competition, visit missuniverse.com/missteenusa/competition. Miss
Games...continued from page 12
bad, some days are more tolerable than others, but the fact that we have all these people that are willing to be there for us, to support us in so many different ways, with a hug or even just a phone call to say, ‘How are you doing today?’ is a godsend,” Piestewa said.
From 65 athletes to 3,300 and thousands of spectators, the Lori Piestewa National Games have come a long way.
UPGRADE TO A SMART GARAGE
Girl Scouts...continued from page 6
Outside, there are two renovated swimming pools, an elevated fire pit, an archery range, an amphitheater and plenty of room for tent camping. e Nature Trail winds its way through the campgrounds, and the Promise Trail culminates with a grand view of the campus and downtown Phoenix. Campers also enjoy the two labyrinths, which offer the sense of getting lost without really getting lost – there’s only one way in and out.
“It’s so much more than camp and cookies,” noted Council CEO Tamara Woodbury. “We provide girls with relevant programming that builds confidence and allows our girls to learn and grow in a supportive environment –all year long.”
Fans of the Girl Scout mission, Girl Scout alumnae and business and community leaders are encouraged to make a gift by Dec. 31 to qualify for the Parsons Foundation matching funds. For more information about the Bob and Renee Parsons Foundation, visit tbrf.org.
In another interesting study by the national Girl Scouts –Girl Scout DNA – Scouts are more likely than non-Scouts to:
• Be solution-oriented; less likely to be bystanders
• Be mentally and emotionally stronger
• Self-identify as leaders in school, work and community
• Have entrepreneurial spirit; be financially independent; set ambitious goals
• Better skilled at team-building and conflict resolution; form strong female networks
• Be civically and politically engaged; advocate for themselves and others
• Exercise empathy and emotional intelligence
• Not experience gender bias
• Demonstrate proficiency in business, STEM and arts/creative skills
• Experience healthy living and outdoor adventures; look for new experiences
split the proceeds from the event with Arizona Golden Rescue. Orwig says, for her organization’s part, the money raised will go directly into the care of the animals rescued by AGR.
So far, Orwig said they’ve sold more than 200 of the available 300 tickets. In the meantime, preparations for the big event are underway.
“ e only outfit within this theme finished so far is Alice’s “Dress Up for a Tea Party in Scottsdale” outfit – it will be worn by Shelby.”
Orwig and organizers also encourage attendees to don their most whimsical hats to keep with the “Mad Hatter’s Tea Party” theme. Early bird tickets are $45 each before August 31 and $65 after that date. Tickets include a cocktail reception, silent auction, raffle, sweet treats, a flowing brunch, the most unique fashion show and more. For more information on the event visit scott-foundation.org/ fashion-paw-tea or call 480868-9800.
Estate plans don’t ‘expire.’ However, personal circumstances and laws do change. Reviewing your plan is an opportunity to make sure it still fits your current needs.
You should have your estate plan reviewed if:
Your plan was not created in Arizona; Your plan was created more than four years ago; You are unsure whether your trust addresses potential capital gains and/or income tax issues; or You, your spouse or your named beneficiaries have had a change in circumstances (financial or personal).
There are several more reasons to have your plan reviewed, including the importance of understanding the plan you have in place and how it will impact those you care about.
Shelby will play Alice in Wonderland (above while Rosie is ready for her picnic (below). (Photo by Deb Orwig)
Family time
Crackerjax nails the perfect mix for family fun
Story & Photos by Crystal Lewis Brown
ere’s just something kids love about water balloons. Perhaps it’s the adult-sanctioned ability to throw something at another person. Or maybe it’s the simple act of getting soaking wet on a hot day. Whatever the attraction is, Crackerjax nails it.
But, I’m getting a little ahead of myself. I recently found myself in an unusual position. I suddenly had a houseful of boys – my two sons and two sons of family friends – to care for. eir ages span from 4 to 14, which means playing video games in our small playroom was entertaining for only so long. Enter Crackerjax. e North Scottsdale amusement center turned out to be my saving grace.
With both indoor and outdoor amusements, it’s perfect for spending time and burning energy year-round, although during summer months, you should get there early to enjoy a game of miniature golf before it gets too hot. After a quick game in which it was immediately clear that none of us were very good players (I literally hit a ball out of the park, which is a good thing only when you’re playing baseball), we got to the stuff the boys really wanted to do: go-karts.
Our age – and height – mix turned
out to work really well for our group. e two older boys, 10 and 14, went over to the big go-karts while the younger two, 4 and 8, headed over to the smaller Jax Trax. Kids who are just missing the height requirement to drive one of the big go-karts, may be tall enough to ride as a passenger with someone who is at least 18. at’s what we did, although the discovery that I wasn’t very good made for a slightly boring ride for my kiddo.
One of the center’s unique at-
tractions is the bumper boats. e kids revved up small boats and cooled off by driving them underneath the waterfall (note to self: Next time, bring towels).
For one price, you get a wristband that includes each of those activities, but there’s also the option to check out a few other fun attractions, including the aforementioned water balloons. ese aren’t the water balloons you remember from your childhood. For $5, competitors can enter Water Wars and get 12 balloons to shoot at their opponents using a water balloon launcher. Again: e perfect remedy for a hot Scottsdale day, but not so perfect for your car’s seats. Crackerjax also offers batting cages, laser tag, arcade and the Bungy Dome, in which you can leap up to 30 feet in
the air. And with a restaurant inside, you can sit down for a bite to eat before heading back outside for more fun or staying cool in the arcade. Insider tip: Laser tag doesn’t open until noon, so there’s plenty of time to hit the attractions before it gets too hot and head inside for a game. By the time we left, the boys were spent, and most of them were still wet. Next time, I’ll just be sure to bring the towels.
IF YOU GO
What: Crackerjax
Where: 16001 N. Scottsdale Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
Cost: Varies by activity. Wristbands are available. Info: 480-998-2800, crackerjax.com
Jordan Brown, 4, takes the lead from older brother Cameron, 8, as they race around Jax Trax.
Cameron Brown, 8, maneuvers away from the waterfall in the Crackerjax Bumper Boats attraction.
It’s Back to School at SUSD
by Nancy Norman
It was back to school Monday, August 7 for an estimated 23,000 Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) students. ey prepared for the new school year the week before by attending “Meet the Teacher Night” programs at SUSD’s 29 neighborhood schools.
Many students were able to see – for the first time – the result of projects completed at their schools over the summer with bond override funds. At Cheyenne Traditional School, there’s a new parking lot and a new way of getting in and out of it. Construction is about to get underway on Cheyenne’s new gymnasium and science buildings. Final design work is taking place for the new Hopi Elementary School, and design work on new schools for Hohokam and Pima continues with their respective communities.
At Anasazi, Laguna and Sequoya Elementary schools, there’s new flooring. And just in time for the fall football season, there are new fields at Chaparral, Coronado and Saguaro High schools.
Teachers have spent recent weeks
setting up new laptop computers purchased with 2016 capital override funds. e HP EliteBook 840 Notebooks will enable teachers to create even more engaging lesson plans for students. Docking stations allow teachers to connect seamlessly to classroom technology, such as Smartboards and document cameras, as well as provide them with the flexibility to be productive anywhere, anytime, to grade, plan, research, learn and stay connected with curriculum teams.
Also on the technology side, SUSD debuted a new, easier-to-navigate website earlier this month, and schools have started using a new, more environmentally friendly, money- and time-saving digital system for distributing flyers. What else is new in SUSD? e new Mandarin Chinese program is underway in two Desert Canyon Elementary School kindergarten classrooms. Students spend half of their school day learning math, science and Chinese language arts from a native Mandarin speaker who speaks to them in Manda-
rin only. e other half of the day, they spend learning reading, writing and social studies from an English-speaking teacher. e Mandarin Foreign Language Immersion (FLI) program will follow these students as they advance in grade level, expanding next year to Desert Canyon’s first grade, then second grade, until it progresses all the way through Desert Canyon Middle School and, ultimately, to Desert Mountain High School.
By supporting your students, you support SUSD, so get involved in your student’s school. Join your school’s parent-teacher organization. Volunteer in the classroom. ink of a way your employer or business can support an SUSD school. Make sure your student’s homework gets completed, tests are studied for, practices are arrived to on time and clubs are joined. Chaperone a field trip. Make a tax credit donation. And support our steadfast community backers, the Scottsdale Charros and
the SUSD Foundation.
SUSD has more than 80 National Board-certified teachers. We had more Flinn Scholars last year than any other school district in Arizona. SUSD high school students performed earlier this month at a world-renowned theater festival in Scotland. We have nine A+ schools, and award-winning robotics and athletics teams. Now is the time to be part of SUSD, where the mission is to ensure that all individual learners reach their full potential.
We have also launched the new Gifted Pre-K Academy at Redfield Elementary. e GPA is designed to meet the unique learning needs of gifted preschoolers through hands-on, projectbased, accelerated learning. At the Academy, students are receiving early instruction in art, music and science, all taught by a certified teacher with specialized training in education for gifted children.
SUSD students are back in school. (Photo courtesy of SUSD)
SUSD has also launched the new Gifted Pre-K Academy at Redfield Elementary. (Photo courtesy of SUSD)
top 10 family events
August 20, 2017 - September 20, 2017
Get Animated!
The Arizona Science Center’s newest exhibit allows guests to take a behind-the-scenes look at how to animate.
When: August 20, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Arizona Science Center, 600 E. Washington St., Phoenix
Cost: General admission price plus $5.95 to $7.95
Info: 602-716-2000, azscience.org
Power Brain for Children Ages 5-12
This 14-week program for children 5-12 will help develop the full potential of the brain through a series physical, emotional and cognitive exercises and games that are fun, simple and engaging.
When: Fridays, 4-5 p.m., starting August 25
Where: Scottsdale Body & Brain, 8880 E. Via Linda, Ste. 100, Scottsdale
Cost: $300
Info: bodybrain.com/scottsdale
DIY Makeup Class
Girls will make their own bath bombs, lip gloss and more to take home at this drop-off event.
When: Saturday, August 26, 4 p.m.
Where: 15425 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale
Cost: $29.95 per girl
Info: girly-girlz.com
Bird Cloud Island Party & Closing
Reception
Grab your beach towel and your flip-flops and head on down to the Bird Baths for this end-of-summer blowout!
When: Saturday, August 26, 7-10 p.m.
Where: Scottsdale Public Library, Scottsdale Civic Center, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd., Scottsdale
Cost: Free Info: Colleen Donohoe, 480-874-4680
Phoenix Center for the Arts Open House 2017
Instructors offer 20-minute workshops in their respective departments, including: dance, theater, mosaics, glass, creative writing, jewelry making and photography.
When: August 26, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Cost: Free Info: 602-254-3100 or hphoenixcenterforthearts.org
Music & Butterflies
Enjoy the classical stylings of Native American Grammywinning musician and songwriter Aaron White before proceeding to the theater to enjoy the short film “Flight of the Butterflies” in 3D.
When: August 27, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Butterfly Wonderland
Cost: Free with admission Info: butterflywonderland.com/eventcalendar
STEAM Storytime
Explore the concepts related to STEAM – Science, Technology, Engineering, Art/Design and Math.
When: Monday, August 28, 6:30 p.m.
Where: Scottsdale Arabian Library. 10215 E. McDowell Mtn. Ranch Road, Scottsdale
Cost: Free Info: 480-312-7323, scottsdalelibrary.org
Kitten Pop-Up Adoption Shop
The Scottsdale Quarter hosts monthly kitten pop-up adoption shops in partnership with the Arizona Animal Welfare League.
When: Saturday, Sept. 11, 11 a.m.
Where: Scottsdale Quarter, 15059 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale
Cost: Free
Info: aawl.org/events/kitten-popadoption-shop
AZ Quarter Horse Association Arizona Fall Championship Circuit
The AzFC is known as “The Show For Everyone” and is committed to welcoming all levels of exhibitor and creating an environment that is simultaneously first class, fun and exhibitor friendly.
When: Thursday, August 24-Saturday, September 20.
Where: WestWorld in Scottsdale Cost: Free
Info: azfallchampionship.com
Diamondbacks vs. Los Angeles Dodgers
Watch the Arizona Diamondbacks take on the Los Angeles Dodgers at Chase Field.
When: August 31, 12:40 p.m.
Where: Chase Field, 401 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix Cost: $7 to $180 Info: 602-462-6500, arizona. diamondbacks.mlb.com
around the neighborhood
Photos by Kimberly Carrillo
About 30 folks gathered at the SMoCA Lounge in August for an edult evening of classic yard games. We were there to catch all the action.
1. Di Yalo Manval, TJ Lovejoy and Annia Quiroz enjoying their drinks before the games begin. 2. Amy Dolinky and Aleyne Larner wait for the games to start. 3. Sean Bryan concentrates on getting the mini-float onto “sticks” to get points. 4. Sean Cook had a blast playing the first game. 5. Sam Markolf tries to score some points. 6. Monica Bebawy and Tyler Smith are excited to play the yard games. 7. Dylan Salam plays the ring toss game with drink in hand for added challenge. 8. Laura Kammerzell practices for the ring toss.
4 5 7 3 6 8 1 2
on the town
By Kenneth LaFave
BRAZILIAN KITCHEN
A
dining tribute to Brazil in Scottsdale
Brazilian cuisine is to Latin-American cooking what Portuguese is to Spanish: At first apparently familiar but then so different that it spins you into an entirely new universe. Yes, there are beans and rice, peppers and onions. But then there are cassava (tapioca), passion fruit, red palm oil, Brazil nuts. Carvalho’s Brazilian Kitchen in North Scottsdale is a fine dining tribute to the food of Brazil’s Amazon basin.
Owned by Phil and Ruth Carvalho Marsteller, Carvalho’s offers a moderately priced menu of rich choices. Most of the recipes come from Ruth, who is Brazilian by birth. She married Phil, an American who lived in Brazil as the son of a pilot and entrepre-
neur. e pair moved to the U.S. and, to our good fortune, Scottsdale. Phil Marsteller, his son Justin and server Aaron recently guided me and a companion through Carvalho’s exotic menu for a sampling of this hard-tofind food style.
We began with pao de queijo ($5), which translates as “cheese bread” but which is unlike anything else so named. ese small rounds are gluten-free because the dough uses tapioca flour instead of wheat, and it’s more cheese than bread. Its taste and texture are unique to Brazil. Other appetizers include shrimp skewers ($9) and meat or cheese turnovers ($6).
For entrees, my date ordered the picanha grelhada (grilled steak, $23) and I the moqueca de piexe (seafood stew, $24). e steak was a coulette cut, the marbled “cap” portion of sirloinof-beef, and this showed in both the tenderness of the steak and its juiciness. It may be ordered with beans and rice, or with the more typically Brazilian accompaniments of grilled pineapple and potato salad. She opted for the latter, which provided a sharp contrast of flavor and texture with the steak.
ingly, uniquely succulent. What’s more, the mahi-mahi and the shrimp both retained their flavors and textures amid the sea of sauce. Other intriguing-sounding entrees include a Brazil nut-encrusted halibut ($29) and grilled chicken breast with acai berry sauce ($20).
“Save room for dessert” is not often advice I follow, but in the case of Carvalho’s it’s advice I’d give, if for no other reason to try the utterly different mousse of the cupuacu fruit ($7). I gave up trying to identify the taste, but Phil Marsteller suggested “alco-
My seafood stew was unlike any other concatenation of fruits de mer I have ever tasted. Flaky mahi-mahi and several large shrimp sat with green peppers and onions in a sauce of red palm oil and coconut milk. Served with rice, the result was surpris-
hol without the alcohol,” and then it struck me: is was like eating a gelled version of a Brandy Alexander. For the less adventurous, try the passion fruit mousse ($7).
Carvalho’s full bar offers the usual favorites, but if you want to go Brazilian all the way, try the caipirinha cocktail ($9) made with a Brazilian liquor resembling tequila, or one of the Brazilian beers ($6).
Carvalho’s is also open for lunch, with many of the same entrees, plus sandwiches and salads. e Marstellers are proud to offer a 10 percent discount for all military personnel and veterans.
Carvalho’s Brazilian Kitchen 23623 N. Scottsdale Road 480-563-1562 carvalhos.com
Picanha Grelhada. (Special to Nearby News)
Moqueca de Piexe. (Photo by Kenneth LaFave)
Bolo Prestigio
Musse de Cupuaçu
By Jan D’Atri
Grilled eggplant Caprese what’s cooking?
(Photo courtesy of Jan D’Atri)
It’s one of the most beautiful places on Earth. e island of Capri stands out as a breathtaking Italian jewel near the Amalfi Coast in Southern Italy. Known for the famous Blue Grotto, Capri is also responsible for one of America’s favorite dishes, the insalata Caprese, or Caprese salad. ree ingredients plus a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar exemplifies quintessential Italian cuisine; simple, fresh and memorable. But this recipe adds a delightful twist to the
Grilled Eggplant Caprese
Ingredients: (Makes about 6 stacks)
- 2 large eggplants, unpeeled, cut into 1/2-inch rounds
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2-3 sheets soft Lavosh Bread (Trader Joe’s)
- 1 log (1 lb.) Mozzarella cheese log, cut into 1/2-inch slices
- 4 ripe tomatoes, cut into 1/2-inch slices
- Approx. 15-20 fresh basil leaves
- Olive oil and balsamic vinegar or balsamic reduction for drizzling
Directions:
Cut eggplants 1/2-inch slices. Do not peel.
Step #1
In a medium large pot, add enough water to cover eggplant slices. Add salt and bring water to boil. Place eggplant into boiling water and cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened but still firm. Transfer to plate or baking sheet lined with paper towels to drain.
traditional tomato, mozzarella and basil. Sliced, grilled eggplant is added, and the entire stack sits on a square of soft Lavosh bread that has been grilled and seasoned for the perfect base. I used a panini press to toast the sheets of Lavosh bread and to give the eggplant beautiful grill marks, but you can also use a grill plate or skillet. is dish is perfect for a light lunch or dinner and of course as a beautiful appetizer. Molto delicioso!
Step #2
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and garlic. Lightly brush oil mixture over both sides of eggplant slices. Sprinkle salt and pepper over slices.
Step #3
Brush oil mixture over lavosh sheets.
Sprinkle with a small amount of salt. Slice desired sheets into six squares.
Step #4
Heat panini press, grill pan or skillet. Arrange the eggplant slices and cook until golden brown on both sides. Gently lift out of pan and transfer the slices to a plate to let cool.
Step #5
In the same panini press, grill pan or skillet, heat Lavosh squares until crisp and golden brown. Set aside.
Step #6
Assemble the stack. On a plate, place one piece of Lavosh on the bottom, then top with slices of grilled eggplant, mozzarella and tomato. Place several basil leaves in between mozzarella and tomato slices. Sprinkle a small amount of salt and pepper over stack. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and balsamic vinegar or balsamic reduction. Repeat steps for the rest of the stacks. Add a few more leaves of basil for garnish. Serve immediately and eat with knife and fork.
Jan’s note: When buying tomatoes, do not refrigerate as they will become watery and lose flavor.
By Tracy Heck
entertainment Guitarist Ana Popovic finds musical freedom
Ana Popovic has been referred to as “one of the greatest six-string slingers of our time” and she tries to live up to those expectations with her intense live shows.
“At the end of the day, I play the shows for me and my band first,” says Popovic, who will bring her show to the Musical Instrument Museum on Sunday, September 3.
it was at the same time as a lot of incredible records and there we were in the Top 10 blues records alongside those albums from high-end record companies,” Popovic says. “I mean, you could have gotten the new Eric Clapton record for $9 or “Trilogy” for $20 and people were out there buying it. I guess that proves that people will still go in and buy stuff if they believe it’s good.
“ is project was something that I always had a mind to do, and I thought it was the right time to do it,” she adds. “A lot of people told me that it was just past its time and that nobody wants volume anymore. ey want a song or a small EP of songs. e fact that it did so well proved to be to the contrary and it’s a wonderful thing.”
Cloud Creations
“We try to have fun with what we do, and we try to go deep and forget about everything else. It’s about being one with our instruments and one as a band. Hopefully that translates over to the audience.”
Born in Belgrade, Serbia, Popovic grew up in a house filled with music. With a diverse collection of influences, Popovic swirls them in her performances and in her recorded tracks.
Last year, Popovic took that diversity to a new level when she released her
By Nearby News Staff
Cooks & Chords is an evening filled with tastings from favorite Valley restaurants paired with spirits and acoustic music. More than 350 guests will gather to celebrate this year’s masquerade-themed event and to raise funds to find a cure for multiple sclerosis. Cooks & Chords is on Saturday, September 23 from 6 to 9 p.m. e event is hosted by the Mayo Clinic, nestled in the Scottsdale foothills at 13400 E. Shea Blvd. in Scottsdale.
Guests will enjoy live music, as well as spirits crafted by Roger Clyne’s Mexican Moonshine, AZ Distilling Co., Fairytale Brownies and Huss
three-album collection, “Trilogy,” which features 23 tracks across funk, rock/blues and jazz discs.
She says she was surprised by the enthusiastic response that the release received. “When it came out,
Although there are some mainstays in Popovic’s shows, she likes to leave room for improvisation. She likes to get a handle on the crowd first. “Sometimes I will come to a show and look out and say, ‘ is is a biker crowd’ or ‘ is is a blues crowd.’ Oftentimes, they surprise you. You would assume fans at a jazz festival want a classic jazz sound, but on the contrary, they are jumping to these blues shuffle tunes and the real rock tunes. It’s wonderful to get that mix of different audiences.”
IF YOU GO
What: Ana Popovic
When: 7 p.m. Sunday, September 3
Where: Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix
Cost: $30-$40
Info: 480-478-6000, mim.org
Brewing. Among the featured restaurants and caterers are Sierra Bonita Grill, Atlasta Catering, Morrison’s at Mayo, and Fabulous Food Catering. Proceeds from the event as well as a raffle and silent auction will support MS research, programs and services. Auction and raffle items include a Disneyland tickets, hotel stays, restaurant gift certificates, and more! Tickets are $75 per person and are
available at nationalMSsociety.org/ ArizonaCooks or by calling 480-4553958.
Ana Popovic likes to leave room for improvisation at her shows. (Photo by Ruben Thomas)
This year’s event will have a masquerade theme. (Special to Nearby News)
events calendar
August 20,2017 - September 20,2017
Scottsdale ArtWalk
Restaurants, museums and free trolley and/or horse-drawn carriage rides are available during ArtWalk to transport folks from free parking areas throughout the Scottsdale Arts District and Scottsdale downtown.
When: Thursdays, 7-9 p.m.
Where: Locations include Main Street from Scottsdale Road west to Goldwater Boulevard, and on Marshall Way north of Indian School Road to Fifth Avenue.
Cost: Free
Info: scottsdaleaz.gov/events
Opera & Gelato Film Fest
Free film screenings of performances from Italy’s most famous opera house, Teatro alla Scala, in Milan.
When: August 20, 2 p.m.
Where: Arizona Opera Black Box, 1636 N. Central Ave., Phoenix
Cost: Free, reservations required.
Info: azopera.org
The Australian Pink Floyd Show
Having sold over 4 million tickets in 35 countries, The Australian Pink Floyd Show has attracted the compliments of Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour.
When: Thursday, August 24, 8 p.m.
Cost: $35-$55
Info: talkingstickresort.com
Phoenix Mercury vs. Los Angeles Sparks
The three-time WNBA champs, led by Olympic gold medalists Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner, take on the Sparks.
When: Thursday, August 24, 6 p.m.
Where: Talking Stick Resort Arena
Cost: $27.26
Info: phoenixmercury.com
Phoenix YEStival feat.
Todd Rundgren & Carl Palmer
The greatest hits from all the band’s studio albums up to 1980 showcase the history of one of the world’s most influential progressive rock bands.
When: Friday, August 25, 7 p.m.
Where: Celebrity Theatre, 440 North 32nd St., Phoenix
Cost: $54.50-$130
Info: celebritytheatre.com
The
Cemetery
Club
A heartwarming and sometimes humorous look at life and true
friendship by Ivan Menchell
Where: Theatre Artists Studio, 4848 E. Cactus Road, Ste. 406, Scottsdale
When: Aug. 25-Sept. 9, 7:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m.
Sundays.
Cost: $15-25
Info: 602-765- 0120, thestudiophx.org
Live & Local Fridays
Marmalade Skies is a seven-piece Beatles tribute band and 76th Street features Haley Gold on keys and Spencer Bryant on acoustic guitar.
When: August 25, 6 p.m. happy hour, 8 p.m. performance
Where: Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. Second St., Scottsdale
Cost: $12-15, 6 p.m.
Info: 480-499- 8587 or scottsdaleperformingarts.org
Winemaker Luncheons summer series
Meet your local winemakers for a three-course lunch paired with wine.
When: August 26 (Los Milics) & Sept. 2 (Lightning Ridge) 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Where: FNB Restaurant, 7125 E. Fifth Ave., Ste. 31, Scottsdale
Cost: $57.55
Info: fnbrestaurant.com/events/
Desert Mountain Fine
Art’s
Launch for Time to Shine
This event will kick off their participation in and the launch of Phoenix Children’s Hospital “Time to Shine,” a month-long campaign to raise awareness of childhood cancer. A portion of ticket sales will be donated to the hospital.
Where: 7012 E. Greenway Pkwy., Suite 160, Scottsdale
When: Friday, Sept. 1, 6 p.m.
Cost: $25-$35 Info: desertmountain.wpengine.com/ events/
Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market
This weekend event will feature over 200 of the finest vintage and handmade vendors selling all things chippy, rusty, vintage and handmade.
When: Friday, Sept. 5, p.m.
Where: 16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale
Cost: $8-$25
Info: junkinthetrunkvintagemarket. com
Theatre Artists Studio brings
By Nearby News Staff
“ e Cemetery Club”, a play by Ivan Menchell, tells the heartwarming story of three widows in Forest Hills, Queens. ey are the surviving half of three sets of long-time best friends. Once a month the three women meet to pay their respects to their husbands, who are all buried in the same cemetery. But when the ritual is invaded by a living, breathing man, these three lively friends face the realities of their own futures as well as a test of true friendship.
Directed by Pamela Fields, the cast features Studio members Dolores D’Amore Goldsmith, Marney Austin, Marcia Weinberg, Al Benneian, and Barbara Acker.
“ e Cemetery Club” will run from August 25 through September 17 at e Studio, 4848 E. Cactus Road, #406, in Scottsdale. Show times are Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $25 for general admission, $15 for students 25 & under and $20 for groups of 10 or more, seniors 65 and over and members of the military. For tickets, call the box office at 602765-0120 or visit thestudiophx.org.
Couple strives to incorporate fine art into everyday life
By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski
As a child, Phillip Payne saw art galleries as his playground. In some ways, he still does.
“I used to play hide-and-go-seek in an art gallery,” Payne says with a laugh. “It probably makes most parents cringe, but that was my world.”
He and his wife, Gabi, now spend their days at their Desert Mountain Fine Art Gallery in Kierland Commons. e duo pride themselves on showcasing a variety of original works, including western, pop, photography, contemporary and bronze sculptures by the likes of B.C.
Nowlin and Bette Ridgeway.
“It’s a dream come true,” he says. “We approach it a lot more like a museum than a gallery. We’ve really been enjoying curating different things.”
e couple planned the gallery for a year and a half. Payne previously managed a Santa Fe gallery. e two moved here to fulfill a desire to be more community-oriented.
“Our vision for a gallery was to be somewhere with a steady stream of local residents and become part of that community,” he says. “Santa Fe is very much a tourist town. You don’t
get the same people coming through. We want to build relationships with local residents for the types of events and classes that we want to do.”
In September, Desert Mountain Fine Art Gallery will support “Time to Shine,” a fundraiser for Phoenix Children’s Hospital, by donating artwork. September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
“‘Time to Shine’ contributions directly support innovative treatments for children battling cancer and the completion of the new Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders opening this fall,” says Steve Schnall, senior vice president and chief development officer at Phoenix Children’s Hospital Foundation.
Payne says he’s honored to participate.
“We’re creating artwork specifically for them,” he says. “We’re always looking for something that’s important to the community and important to us. Where the two things meet is that sweet spot where we want to create content.”
Innate talent
Born in Colorado, Payne was raised by his father, the late renowned bronze sculptor Ken Payne, and mother Karen in Sedona until age 9. Subsequently, they lived in Chinle and New Mexico. His father died in 2012.
“I grew up in an art family,” he says. “I was surrounded by amazingly talented artists who shared tips and talked about what they were doing.”
Payne, who didn’t study art formally, wants to impart his knowledge and love of art with the next generation.
Desert Mountain Fine Art Gallery is hosting “Painting It Forward,” a workshop for young artists, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 26. Similarly, an adults-only “Sip and Paint” is from 3 to 6 p.m. on the same day.
“We are lucky,” he says. “We were blessed for being exposed to fine art. I want to share that with the next generation. I really want to stimulate that right side of the brain and teach them something, as opposed to daycaring.”
He calls his dad his inspiration.
“My dad inspired a lot of people,” he says wistfully. “I’m just one of many. He was my hero. You’ll see a lot of his work here. He’s really well collected in Arizona. He passed away five years ago. I’m honored to carry on the legacy.”
Like her husband, Gabi is an artist. She’s an oil painter who is inspired by flowers. She uses a palette knife, passed down by her father-in-law, and oil paints to create colorful works.
“She’s been really popular here,” Payne says. “People love the look. It looks great, decoratively. ey’re colorful, happy and bold.”
Payne hopes art has the same effect on others that it had on him.
“We really hope that everybody will come in and feel welcome,” says Payne, while his dog, Max, plays nearby. “We hope that people bring in their kids and expose them to more art. If it’s a quick run through, or they participate in our classes, our goal is to make art a bigger part of people’s lives.”
Phillip Payne and his wife, Gabi, own Desert Mountain Fine Art Gallery in Kierland Commons. (Photo by Kimberly Carrillo)
Desert Ridge ready to flaunt its makeover
By Nearby News Staff
e 16-year-old Desert Ridge Marketplace shopping center is wrapping up a $15 million renovation this summer. To celebrate the Marketplace’s transformation, Desert Ridge will host a number of free events through the fall for families and adults alike, including art festivals, ice cream socials, fun ways to keep cool and live music.
night bites and cocktails.
New events for kids like Sundae Funday offer the chance to indulge in personally crafted sweet treats, live music, interactive activities and giveaways and an ice cream social at the end of the summer. Come fall, kids and adults can watch classic films on the newlyinstalled LED screens and picnic with grab-and-go dinner deals by new and favorite restaurants in the Marketplace.
Other new events like the Jazz Concert Series will take place over small plates and mocktails at new restaurants for adults, and free live music on Friday and Saturday nights from 7 to 10 p.m. will pair local bands with late-
New evening yoga classes in e District, led by local instructors, include FIT4MOM classes with Stroller Barre on Tuesdays and Body Back Classes on Wednesdays for moms looking to get back in pre-pregnancy shape. e additions to Desert Ridge include more than 57,000 square feet of eco-friendly turf, 75,000 square feet of luxurious dark recycled wood paneling, an update to the District Stage, new bocce ball courts, a new children’s play area, revamped fountains and portal entrances, environment-conscious EV charging stations, free Wi-Fi, a new color palette and new seating. e renovation culminates with the installation of two massive, state-of-the-art LED screens in August.
To learn more about Desert Ridge Marketplace’s ongoing evolution, visit shopdesertridge.com/next or visit in person at 21001 N. Tatum Blvd. in Phoenix.
Breakout local jewelry maker finding success online
By Becky Bracken
It started as a sweet gift from a mother’s heart to her young daughter. Now it’s grown into a full-fledged enterprise with several artisans creating dozens of handmade orders each day and prolific online presence. And it’s all running out of North Scottsdale.
Michelle Hebert was a first-grade teacher when she started making bracelets for her young daughter. Soon her friends and family wanted one of their own and word spread, along with demand for her designs. Her hobby became a sincere side hustle.
Hebert explains she was one of the first jewelry makers to use the nowubiquitous hand stamping method to personalize metal pieces.
“I started hand stamping in 2007,” Hebert said. “ e only kit you could buy was the kit plumbers use to stamp pipe.”
Ten years later, her business, Silver Wren, processes an average of about 40 orders a day, Hebert said. She’s left her teaching career behind and now employs six or seven women
in her Airpark studio, depending on the time of year, selling her one-of-akind necklaces across platforms like Handmade at Amazon, Etsy and her own site, thesilverwren.com.
Her Southwest sensibility and delicate designs are tailor-made for today’s trendy bohemian layered looks.
“I grew up in New Mexico and have a fierce love for the Southwest desert,” Hebert said. “I’ve taken some leaps with design, but my designs definitely have a Southwest look.”
In addition to hand-stamped bar necklaces, Silver Wren also offers gem necklaces with turquoise, crystal and others stones, earrings and custom bracelets. Each piece is lovingly made by hand, by women in her Airpark studio, according to Hebert.
“My great grandfather was a rug weaver,” she said. “I suppose it is genetic that I love to create. I spent my summers growing up in Santa Fe, New Mexico walking through the Spanish Markets. I was always enamored of the beautiful jewels spread across the rugs. I knew at a young age that handcrafted jewelry made me smile. Contemporary designs, beautiful turquoise and lavish layers make my work unique.”
Each and every piece she and her team create, she says, have special meaning.
“ ere are so many occasions we know a necklace is going to be a special gift,” she said. “Our customers inspire us everyday with their stories.” When it comes to advice she’d offer
other aspiring businesswomen, hers is pretty simple: Stick with it. And there are many small business owners trying to find success through selling their creations online. In Arizona alone, according to Handmade at Amazon, there are more than 40,000 authors, sellers, and developers building businesses on the company’s platform.
Competitor handmade marketplace Etsy recently released the results of a 2016 seller survey, which found they’re
overwhelmingly women (87 percent) and nearly a third (32 percent) rely on their creative business, both on and off Etsy, as their sole occupation.
“You just have to keep trying,” she said. “My mother and the rest of my family have drawers and drawers of stuff that didn’t sell. Just keep working, don’t give up… I know it sounds cliché.”
Find Silver Wren on Amazon, Etsy and at thesilverwren.com.
Each piece is made by hand in Hebert’s North Scottsdale studio. (Special to Nearby News)
In addition to hand-stamped necklaces, Silver Wren offers turquoise, crystal and other gemstones. (Special to Nearby News)
Call Tracey: 480-898-5611
THREE EASY WAYS TO PLACE AN AD:
Email Tracey: tracey@timespublications.com Visit our website: www.nearbynews.com Deadline: 5th of the month for the next
CONTRACTORS
HOME IMPROVEMENT
HOLTZMAN HOME IMPROVEMENT
PAINTING
STEVENSON PAINTING
Exterior Paint Specialist
Serving Scottsdale Since 1985
SOLID ROCK STRUCTURES. INC.
Matthew 7:24-25
• General Contractor
• New Construction, Home Remodel & Repairs
• Licensed to get the job done! From Start to Finish!
• Over 30 years experience
• 100% Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed
• No job too big or too small
• Prices to fit every budget
ROC #312897 602-332-6694 solidrockstructures@gmail.com
GLASS SERVICES
GLASS, MIRRORS, SHOWER DOORS
Family Owned with 50 years' EXPERIENCE.
Shower and tub enclosures
Framed, Frameless or Custom Doors
We also install insulated glass, mirrored closet doors, window glass, mirrors, patio doors, glass table protectors. If it’s glass, we can help you. QUALITY SERVICE at Competitive Prices. FREE Estimates
WESLEY'S GLASS & MIRROR
Call 480-306-5113
wesleysglass.com
SERVICING THE ENTIRE VALLEY HAULING
RUBBISH WORKS OF SCOTTSDALE / N PHOENIX
YOUR LOCAL JUNK HAULER
Labor, Hauling, Junk Removal, Old Furniture, Appliances, Electronics, Moving Boxes, Construction & Yard Debris. Garage & House Cleanouts
We Donate & Recycle
Visit:
www rubbishworks com/phoenix
Call: 480-545-1220
Email Rita at: rbrady@rubbishworks com
People do business with people they trust
Home Remodeling & Additions
*Kitchens or Baths
*Painting/Drywall/Stucco
*Plumbing/Electrical
*Tile/Flooring
*Decks/Garages
We Do It All!
24 Hour Emergency Services
Licensed/Bonded/Insured ROC#242008
SUMMER SPECIAL
15% off labor on any job over $1,000
Must mention this ad for discount
Can't combine with any other offer
Call for a Free Estimate!
602-628-8735
602-323-6574
Holtzmanhomeimprovement com
HOME REMODELING
ALL AMERICAN REMODELING AND HANDYMAN SERVICE
Need some help around the house?
Please call, I do it all!
*Design
*Carpentry
*Paint
*Flooring
*Electric
*Plumbing
*Drywall And More!
Small projects to full remodels & hydrotherapy tubs
Todd 480-388-5335
HOME & BUSINESS
REMODELING & REPAIRS BY MY FATHER'S TOOLBOX
Honest, Dependable, Quality Workmanship
Upgrade your plumbing or electrical fixtures.
Carpentry, Drywall & Painting
Concierge & Computer Services Available For free consultation call 480-600-0958
We accept Major Credit Cards ROC258814
Owner Operated with Attention to Detail Top Quality - Free Estimates Stevenson-Painting.com Brian 480-368-0606
ROOFING
Tim KLINE Roofing, LLC
The Most Detailed Roofer in the State. Roofs Done Right..The FIRST Time. 15-Year Workmanship Warranty on All Complete Roof Systems. FREE Estimate and Written Proposal. 480-357-2463 www timklineroofing com
R.O.C #156979 K-42 Licensed, Bonded and Insured
TRAVEL
ENOS KING-LEWIS II, AGENT Guide, Producer Fun Trips!
Prosperity - Wellness
www Enos4Prosperity com 800-824-1450 (Call 24/7) enos4homes@hotmail com
TUTORING SERVICES
ACADEMIC TUTORING HOMEWORK HELP FOR GRADES 2-8
One-to-one sessions in your home - Math, reading, writing, science, social studies, and testing/study skills - LRC teacher in SUSD for 38 years - Numerous references available Tedee Berez M Ed Chicagotedeebear@aol com 602-758-1010
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