85085 Magazine - December 2019

DECEMBER 2019

KNITTING FOR A CAUSE

Protecting the

INNOCENT Bikers Against Child Abuse want what's best for kids

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A Journey

Through 5,000 Years

SHEN YUN takes you on an extraordinary journey through China’s 5,000 years of divinely inspired civilization.

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DECEMBER 2019 | Volume 6 | Issue 12

features

18

Protecting the Innocent

20

Knit and Give

Contributors Alison Bailin Batz, Pastor David Bowen, Dr. Kelly Collins, Jan D'Atri, Dr. Curtis Finch, Jadyn Fisher, Shannon Fisher, C.A. Haire, Dr. Brian Hester, Heather Maxwell, Alexandra Prach, Bridgette Redman, Shelley Sakala, Octavio Serrano, Humphrey Shin, Tara Storjohann, Judge Gerald Williams

28

38

30 'Best Money Ever Spent'

What's Next?

7

Impatient Generation?

'Old-fashioned' styles of learning are outdated

8

Let's Take It Outside

The Valley is the perfect place for the patio lifestyle

10 Leapin' Lizards!

'Annie' takes over the holiday at Starlight

12 Holiday Tradition

Graphic Designer Shannon Mead

8

Deer Valley Unified School District hopes to stay on award-winning path

Executive Editor Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

Cigna volunteers donate thousands of caps to cancer research centers

Vice President Michael Hiatt mhiatt@timespublications.com

Bikers Against Child Abuse want what's best for kids

fresh 6

Publisher Steve T. Strickbine steve@timespublications.com

'The Nutcracker' makes its regular visits throughout the state

Foley & Giolitto CPA truly cares about its clients

home 32 Easy Wreaths

Get in the holiday spirit with these decorations

33 More Merry, Less Stress

Stay grounded this holiday season

34 Common Cents

10 ways to save money during the holidays

20 Fresh December Events

features

38 Renaissance Woman

Melody Pierce is using Miss Phoenix reign to help kids with eating disorders

24 Gift-Giving Tips

Here are affordable, locally inspired gifts for this holiday season

26 Warming Wines

36 What’s Cooking? with Jan D’Atri

22 Baby S.T.E.P.S.

Bottles best enjoyed with friends by the fire and for the holidays

business

Holiday Cookie Platters

40 Cannabidiol Chat

CBD can be helpful - with the right information

42 Holiday Skin Care Gift Guide

Get your best look with the help of professionals

43 High Blood Pressure

Five holistic tips to lower your numbers

46 Brainteasers

On the cover: Chops of Bikers Against Child Abuse by Pablo Robles

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85085 | DECEMBER 2019

Circulation

85085 Magazine sets high standards to ensure forestry is practiced in an environmentally responsible, socially beneficial and economically viable manner. This issue was printed on recycled fibers containing 10% post consumer waste, and with inks containing a blend of soy base. Our printer is a certified member of the Forestry Stewardship Council, the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, and additionally meets or exceeds all federal Resource Conservation Recovery Act standards

better

Local veterans honored at military ball

85085magazine.com

Production Manager Courtney Oldham

Anthem's Donna Chilleen keeps the dream alive at Chilleen's on 17

28 A Lasting Impression

Marketing Director/ Social Media Manager Eric Twohey eric@85085magazine.com

The Stelvio Quadrifoglio is a pleasure to drive

food

The holiday's meaning isn't found in a legal database

Advertising sales@85085magazine.com (623) 299-4965

35 Alfa Romeo

16 Computer Search for Christmas

Staff Photographer Pablo Robles

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85085 Magazine is published 12 times a year for full saturation distribution in Sonoran Foothills, Norterra, Fireside, Deer Valley Airpark, Dynamite Mountain Ranch, Carefree Crossing, Valley Vista, and Amber Hills. You can also pick up 85085 Magazine at many businesses including specialty shops, salons, spas, auto dealerships, libraries, children’s and women’s specialty shops, boutiques, restaurants, health clubs, hotels, medical offices, and many rack locations. Statements, opinions, and points of view express written consent by the writers and advertisers and are their own, and do not necessarily represent those of the publishers, editors, or 85085 Magazine staff. Although 85085 Magazine has made every effort to authenticate all claims and guarantee offers by advertisers in the magazine, we cannot assume liability for any products or services advertised herein. No part of 85085 Magazine can be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the express written consent of the publisher. Publisher reserves the right to accept or reject any editorial or advertising matter at any time.

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Yearly subscriptions available; twelve issues mailed directly to your mailbox for $19.95 per year (within the U.S.). All rights reserved. ®2019 Affluent Publishing, LLC. Printed in the USA.

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SCHOOLS

s ’ t a h W Next?

Deer Valley Unified School District hopes to stay on award-winning path

By Dr. Curtis Finch

T

his has been a busy year for the Deer Valley Unified School District.

After multiple awards of excellence and outstanding academic performance on the 2019 AzMERIT state tests, the task now is staying on top. With these outstanding performances this year and last, we are fully expecting to move into the No. 1 position of KTAR’s “Best AZ School Districts” list from our current No. 2 position.

DVUSD also expects to remain on the Forbes “Top 50 businesses over 500 employees” list this year. If you add in the community support for the bond and override elections in November and the overall increase in student enrollment, the sky appears to be the limit for Deer Valley Unified. So, you are probably thinking, “what’s next?”

There are three issues discussed, for more than a decaded, at DVUSD but have sat on the back burner: • Balancing the high school regions through boundary changes • Special education improvements • Specialty schools.

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85085 | DECEMBER 2019

In 2014, the governing board went completely through the boundary-change process only to see the recommendations stall at the last minute. DVUSD is on the “balancing” mission again this year with completion of a phase-in plan to be announced in January—stay connected to the process to provide your input and suggestions as we work together to maximize the use of our facilities (dvusd.org/Boundary2020).

The same can be said for the expansion of the continuum of services for special education. We’ve spoken about it for years with little systemic change. We know DVUSD does an amazing job with special education students, but we can always improve.

Last year, the governing board commissioned an external study, giving DVUSD a plethora of recommendations after interviewing and surveying hundreds of staff and parents. From this “Futures Report,” four DVUSD work-teams were formed to examine the execution of the key proposals with a potential four-year phase-in plan to be launched in early 2020 as well.

With enrollment on the rise and competition for students on the same trajec-

tory, DVUSD will move into the traditional school arena over the next five years.

DVUSD hopes to repurpose one school in the south, north and the central regions during this time.

Charter schools hold the traditional market and we believe DVUSD can excel in this environment because of our excellent track record of extraordinary education and quality teachers with appropriate certifications in their respective subjects.

So, to answer your great question of “what’s next” from DVUSD, you can see we are now tackling some previouslydormant systemic challenges. If DVUSD wants to be listed as the best school district in all of Arizona every year, on every list, we need to improve in every area, every year; remember, as Jim Collins says, “Good is the enemy of Great!”

Dr. Curtis Finch is the DVUSD superintendent and can be reached at superintendent@dvusd.org.

SCHOOLS

Impatient Generation?

‘Old-fashioned’ styles of learning are outdated and too time consuming

By Jadyn Fisher

A

s the year comes to a close, and with that the start of a new decade, it starts to put things into perspective of how much society has changed in the 2010s.

In those years, our community’s school systems have changed to be way more technologically based and advanced. These rapid advancements aren’t slowing down and are changing how students learn.

For starters, most high schools are using iPads instead of paper.

From textbooks, assignments to note taking—and everything in between—using an iPad has endless possibilities. They are used by all students and assignments are completed through apps.

Students then have access to everything at their fingertips. Our society—adults included—is becoming so much more dependent on phones. Because of this, we no longer have to search the library for hours for an answer to a question we were only mildly interested in. Students are being exposed to more information and knowledge from a much earlier age. That will, hopefully, lead to a more knowledgeable and advanced society by the time we are in the workforce.

The backside of this is the “old-fashioned” styles of learning are becoming too outdated and too time consuming for today’s students.

From what I’ve seen as a student, my peers can get bored and easily distracted when they’re asked to do things that require large amounts of time and energy, like reading a book.

More accessible things like audiobooks seem like a much better option—even if it’s paired with reading the physical book or PDF. Will this show in the future when they are tasked with more time-consuming tasks? Will students these days eventually make our society more time-efficient because of their need for speed?

How much will change in the next 10 years? In 2030, this article will be incredibly outdated.

Students can take classes to be prepared for technology changes. Ask your counselor about options at your school. I hope everyone has a safe December and great start to the new year. See you in 2020!

Jadyn Fisher (Photo courtesy Shannon Fisher)

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C LO S E TO H O M E

e k a T s Let’ e d i s t u It O The Valley is the perfect place for the patio lifestyle

By Shelley Sakala

T

hat crispness in the air is Mother Nature’s gentle reminder that we’ve hit peak outdoor living season in the Valley. In other words, it’s six months of sunny days and cool nights. It’s time to head outside and soak it all in.

The Valley is the perfect setting for the porch and patio lifestyle. The burgeoning outdoor living industry offers more options than ever for turning a ho-hum yard into an outdoor paradise. Look in any furniture store, big-box store, or even your local supermarket, and you’ll see row after row of barbecue islands, grills, space heaters and furniture.

According to marketwatch.com, the outdoor furniture market is a $16 billion industry—and it is forecasted to grow to $23 billion over the next five years. Arizona’s strong economy, abundance of resorts, and permanent blue skies make our state a major player when it comes to outdoor living.

Between all the design makeover shows, retail showrooms and Pinterest boards, the

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85085 | DECEMBER 2019

choices for upgrading your outdoor space are almost limitless. Some folks may love all the options, while others find them overwhelming. If you fall into the second category, the best advice is to just follow the trends.

Here are six trends in outdoor living you can expect to see in the coming months heading into spring.

Mixed materials

The battle between hardscape and soft surfaces ends with a compromise. Look for more mixed materials in the backyard, such as grass and stoneworking together. Stone steps cutting a path through green grass creates a timeless look that’s eye-catching and functional. The same effect and color contrast can be achieved by pairing stone surfaces with synthetic turf.

Wall integration

Most patios back up to at least one exterior wall of the home. Rather than settling for stucco and paint, designers (and the DIY

crowd) are making the backdrop wall a part of the design. Floating shelves, wood or stone facings, and plant walls add depth and character to a patio.

Designed lighting That single-bulb light next to the patio doors is being replaced by table lanterns, light-up umbrellas, string lighting (where permitted) and even freestanding outdoor floor lamps. It’s all about creating a living space with atmosphere, which calls for more than just a lonely utility light.

Inside out

People aren’t relying solely on “outdoor” furniture and accessories anymore. Outdoor or patio furniture is typically designed with materials that can withstand a little moisture or sunshine without being damaged. But the mild winters in Arizona allow for indoor furniture pieces and rugs to be used in an outdoor setting—especially when there’s a covered patio protecting them from the elements.

Accessories

When a patio design is approached as if you’re designing another room, it opens the door to accessorizing and design touches that make for inviting spaces. Hurricane lamps, beverage trays and draped blankets help transform the space into a popular destination for relaxing and entertaining.

The backyard is the new man cave The movement toward optimizing outdoor living spaces has had a ripple effect on other parts of the home. Bar areas and man caves have moved out of the shadows and into the light. Outdoor pub counters, barstool seating, and mounted televisions add another dimension to the backyard—not to mention a

great excuse to get out of the house. And when the sun goes down, you can pour yourself a cup of something warm, snuggle-up on your outdoor couch, and binge-watch Disney+.

Sounds perfect!

Shelley Sakala is a local Realtor with The Sakala Group, and an 85085 resident.

DECEMBER 2019 |

85085

9

EVENTS

Leapin’ Lizards!

'Annie' takes over the holiday at Starlight

By Bridgette Redman

F

or Sandi Carli, there is no such thing as too much “Annie.”

The director of Starlight Community Theater’s most recent production of “Annie”—running Friday, December 6, to Sunday, December 22—has enjoyed “Annie” ever since she was a child and through all five productions her daughter performed in.

Now directing the show for the first time, she’s thrilled to bring the joy of “Annie” to a new group of children and carry on the tradition at Starlight of producing a show with people of all ages.

Carli says “Annie” has always been a family favorite and a challenge she wanted to take on.

“I have always been a lover of musicals,” Carli says. “I saw the stage version of ‘Annie’ in local theater when I was a child and I fell in love with the movie with Carol Burnett. But my real joy came from seeing my daughter in her first show when she was 5 and played the littlest orphan. I was hooked from there.”

Her daughter went on to play several An-

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85085 | DECEMBER 2019

nie roles over the years, two of them at Starlight, with her last performance being as Miss Hannigan at a summer camp.

While the traditional show is important to her, she said she wanted to bring some fresh looks to the show, particularly with the choreography which is being done by Nathalie Valesquez.

“I have the best choreographer in the Valley,” Carli says. “She’s an amazing choreographer and has done very big things here in the Valley. We are so thankful to have her. Her choreography is what is bringing this story a whole new fresh look. We’re really going to give audiences some theater magic and star power in these actors who are really delivering their dances like no other.”

The lead role, Annie, is being played by 11-yearold Anora Biggs. In a show revolving around the young girl, she carries a heavy burden of lines, choreography and singing. Biggs is the same age Annie is in the show and has performed in several shows around the Valley, including in Starlight’s “Frozen Jr.” this past summer.

“She’s just so talented,” Carli says. “She

came ready to work and she’s doing a beautiful job in her singing and dancing. She is very professional in the way she has approached this project for a girl who is 11. She’s really been called on to do quite a bit of rehearsal for many weeks leading up to our opening night and she’s just a joy to work with.”

Max Reed, another returning Starlight actor who has performed all over the Valley, takes on Daddy Warbucks, a reprisal for him as he played the same role for Mesa’s Encore Theatre.

“He’s reviving the role, but tells me often this version of Daddy Warbucks is much different,” Carli says. “A different director, different theater, different fellow actors make it a new and fun experience for him to explore the character in a totally different way. He’s a whole lot of fun to work with—lots of energy. He’s going to be a really fun, exciting, dynamic Daddy Warbucks.”

The woman everyone loves to hate, the caretaker of the orphans, Miss Hannigan, is played by Lynn Golden who confided to the director the role was her bucket list.

“She brings such feisty, spicy fun and overthe-top-energy to this role,” Carli says. “She just loves and hates her little rotten orphans all at the same time. It is really cute to see her interact with them. Audiences will never forget her Miss Hannigan. She is loud and crazy and so much fun to watch.”

Just as the show itself is a family show for audiences to enjoy, it’s a family show among the performers and crew as well. There are several families participating in the show with four or five parents acting alongside their teens and younger children. There are also those who are working behind the scenes while either a parent or child is on stage.

“I like to think of it as instead of gathering around the dinner table, they are gathering and spending hours in rehearsal,” Carli says. “It’s fun to see them interact with each other. Our adults learn a lot from the kids and vice versa.”

Even the dog is a family dog, a tan canine named Brody Riddle whom Carli praises as already knowing all his parts and performing them well.

Carli cites several reasons for people to come see “Annie.”

First, it’s affordable, family entertainment around the holiday time when people are looking for something to do, especially when relatives come to visit, and they want an outing for the family.

“They can come and see live entertainment that is wholesome and exciting and live,” Carli says. “More than that, this story is so needed right now. Annie is a story of hope and optimism and family and fighting for those things and not losing sight of what is really important.”

Carli says the “Annie” storyline has a lot of political craziness and political undertones in it. It takes place during the Great Depression and Hoovertown makes an appearance.

Daddy Warbucks is an industrialist who harangues President Franklin Delano Roosevelt about fi xing the economy, and there is eventual reference to FDR’s historic New Deal.

“Even though our current day isn’t experiencing that sort of a scenario, there is still some political craziness out there in the world, no matter where you fall on that spectrum,” Carli says. “This is a story that speaks to everyone, and brings you back to what is important, especially at the holiday time. It is about a little girl who just wants to be part of a family.”

While the adults may be the ones who change the laws or protest in the street, Annie makes a difference to everyone around her because of her attitude.

“She is just infectious in her positive attitude and her street smarts,” Carli says. “She

is a child who is empowered to make a difference and is a really strong message, it plays out today.”

Finally, she says, the musical is just plain fun. The characters, the costumes, the music, and the dancing all combine for two hours of total fun and enjoyment.

Even more broadly, she says, whether it is “Annie” or another show, supporting the arts in the Valley is important.

“Starlight does a lot of great things, but there is a lot of great theater and other productions in the Valley,” Carli says. “Anytime people go out and support the arts, it’s really great for kids, it’s really great for our community. Enjoying live theater and unplugging from your phone and technology to watch people in their craft is always appreciated.”

“Annie”

Various times Friday, December 6, to Sunday, December 22 Starlight Community Theater, 1611 W. Whispering Drive, Phoenix Visit starlightcommunitytheater.com for ticket info

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shelley@thesakalagroup.com DECEMBER 2019 |

85085

11

EVENTS

Holiday Tradition

‘The Nutcracker’ makes its regular visits throughout the state

By Bridgette Redman

F

or so many artists involved in “The Nutcracker,” the ballet captured their i mag i nat ion—a nd t hei r t i me — since they were children.

Costumer Fabio Toblini, who designed the more than 150 costumes used in the Ballet Arizona “Nutcracker,” loved the show as a child and it was at a young age he started coming up with ideas for how it should look.

Jillian Barrell, who will dance Sugar Plum Fairy, Snow Queen and in the Chinese dance for Ballet Arizona, can’t remember a December where she wasn’t dancing “The Nutcracker.” The 30-year-old ballerina participated in the ballet when she was 6 and has danced it ever since.

“I can’t imagine a Christmas with ‘The Nutcracker,’” she says. “I’ve heard from dancers who have retired that it’s weird— you can go to holiday parties and stuff. For me, it is pretty much hand-in-hand with Christmas and New Year’s.”

Ballet Arizona’s “Nutcracker,” which the New York Times calls one of the top three in the nation, is just one of several Nutcrackers Arizona residents can attend this December.

It was originally staged in 2006, when the artistic director created this version, spending $1.8 million on sets, costumes, lighting effects and video projections.

The Ballet Arizona one hews very close to traditional expectations, according to Barrell. She says the style of the director, Ib Andersen, is very classy and classical, though the ballet also has some Balanchine influence, especially in the “Waltz of the Flowers.” She also cited the dance of the snow fairies as having Andersen’s signature choreography.

As someone who has performed the ballet with companies around the country, Barrell agrees with the New York Times’ assessment, citing the way the choreography matches the

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85085 | DECEMBER 2019

music, the high quality of the sets and costumes, and the skill of the dancers.

“The first act, especially, the sets are really magical,” Barrell says. “The costumes are really high quality. They were designed by this designer Fabio and they are really cool and different.”

Toblini worked with 12 costume shops to create and build all the costumes in “The Nutcracker.” After consulting with Andersen, he designed each costume—67 designs that would be turned into the more than 150 costumes—and then found those who were capable of building each of his designs.

It wasn’t always easy. Some of his designs were so unique that he would get told by most tailors that it couldn’t be done. One of his favorite designs is that of the Candy Cane dancers. He kept taking it to the costume shops and they told him it couldn’t be done. He wanted it to be a continuous spiral from one shoulder to the plait of the tutu. Everyone told him it had to be two pieces. But he searched until he found someone who shared his vision.

“This one person found a way,” Toblini says.

“The tutu is made with a flexible foam that you wire at one end and then he made a dress that stretches over the body of the dancer and this rigid shape that is the top of the tutu.

Then there is actually a tutu underneath with black ruffles so you can really see them.”

Toblini says he then accessorized the outfit with black fishnets, a black garter and a choker.

“They are a combination of playful and sexy and I think they are very original,” he says. “I have never seen anything like it.”

During the fitting, he says Andersen asked the dancers to twirl to show off the spirals that go all around the dress. He so liked what he saw that he changed the ballet’s choreography to include twirling.

“It creates this optical illusion that was really fun,” Toblini says.

Before he began creating his designs, Toblini researched and proposed to Andersen that he set the ballet earlier than the late-19th century. He suggested the first act take place in the 1840s.

“It’s more agreeable with the aesthetic of ballet,” Toblini says. “You can really see the shape of the dancers and the skirt is a much more romantic tutu. Also, the menswear conforms to the form of the ballet dancer. It has a very high and tight waist which is extremely flattering to the movement of the ballet.”

The second act is the dream sequence and Toblini committed to traveling the world and abstracting peasant clothing from different countries and abstracting them with colors and shapes. Always, he says, his goal is to flatter the dancers and ensure the lines match the choreography and its needs.

When Barrell was 6 and dancing her first “Nutcracker,” her mother asked her what her favorite part was—what she wanted to dance when she got older. She shook her head at her mother’s suggestion of Clara and said instead she wanted to be one of the Arabian dancers.

Two decades later, she says she has done every role in “The Nutcracker,” most many times, except she’s never done the Arabian.

As an adult, she finds she loves both the Dew Drop Fairy and the Sugar Plum.

“They’re really different,” she says. “Sugar Plum is more regal and elegant. It’s harder, but there is something really satisfying about it.

Dew Drop is joyful and bright. There is a punch as if she is shot out of a cannon.”

Ballet Arizona’s “The Nutcracker”

Symphony Hall, 2835 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, balletaz.org, various times Friday, December 13, to Tuesday, December 24, prices vary.

Holiday continued on pg. 14

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Holiday continued from pg. 9

'The Nutcracker' Roundup

C

an’t get enough of "The Nutcracker"?

There are plenty to choose from in Arizona.

Phoenix-area “Nutcrackers” Phoenix Ballet Professional dancers perform to Tchaikovsky’s score using the choreography and unique storytelling of their artistic director, Slawomir Wozniak. The Scottsdale Airparkbased ballet includes such twists as having Drosselmeyer on stage as an emcee throughout the second act.

Orpheum Theater, 203 W. Adams Street, Phoenix, phoenixballet.org, various times Friday, December 13, to Tuesday, December 23.

Ballet Etudes

This “Nutcracker” is Ballet Etudes’ 33rd annual and is performed by young dancers, ages 7 to 18.

They perform at two locations: Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Avenue,

Chandler (to Sunday, December 8), and the Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main Street, Mesa (Saturday, December 14, to Sunday, December 22), balletetudes.net.

Dance Studio 111 This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Ahwatukee Foothills “The Nutcracker,” performed by youth ages 3 to 21. Three of this year’s dancers have a combined 40 “Nutcrackers” between them. One started when she was age 1 as a Baby Mouse, another at age 2 in the same role and the third as a little Match Girl at age 6. Now seniors in high school, the three will share the roles of Sugar Plum Fairy, Snow

Queen and Butterfly Queen. The group’s website also has lots of Nutcracker items for sale including T-shirts that say “I’m a Snowflake” and “I like the party scene.”

Desert Vista Fine Arts Theatre, 16440 S. 32nd Street, Ahwatukee Foothills, afnutcracker.com, various times Saturday, December 14, and Sunday, December 15.

Moscow Ballet’s “Great Russian Nutcracker” The Moscow Ballet is touring the "Great Russian Nutcracker," which features an adult Masha instead of Clara. The Russian cast performs alongside a local children from Heart and Sole Performing Arts in Avondale and Surprise.

Comerica Theatre, 400 W. Washington Street, Phoenix (7 p.m. Thursday, December 5) and Centennial Hall, University of Arizona, Tucson (7 p.m. Monday, December 16). ticketmaster.com.

Southwest Youth Ballet

The Southwest Youth Ballet performs the traditional “Nutcracker” accompanied by the Chandler Symphony Orchestra. The company is dedicated to dancers ages 13 to 18 who want to become professional dancers.

Higley Center for the Performing Arts, 4132 E. Pecos Road, Gilbert, southwestyouthballettheatre.org, 7 p.m. Friday, December 13, 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Saturday, December 14, and 3 p.m. Sunday, December 15.

Tucson

Tucson Regional Ballet The Tucson Regional Ballet performs the “Southwest Nutcracker” with live mu-

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85085 | DECEMBER 2019

sic from the Tucson Symphony Orchestra.

It takes place in Tucson during the 1800s and includes rattlesnakes, coyotes and cavalry.

Tucson Convention Center Music Hall, 260 S. Church Avenue, Tucson, various times Saturday, December 14, and Sunday, December 15, tucsonregionalballet.org.

Ballet Rincon Th is is Ballet Rincon’s 18th year performing “The Nutcracker.” Ballet Rincon is a classical dance academy that trains young dancers.

Vail Theatre of the Arts, 10701 E. Mary Ann Cleveland Way, Tucson, 7 p.m. Friday, December 13, and 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, December 14, ballet-rincon.com.

Ballet Tucson

This is Tucson’s professional ballet company performing the classical work. Supporting the professional dancers is a cast of 50 children.

Tucson Music Hall, 260 S. Church Street, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, December 28, and 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Sunday, December 29, ballettucson.org.

December $30 Microchips Monthly Special The American Humane Society estimates over 10 million dogs or cats are reported lost each year. Unfortunately, a large percentage of those lost pets are never returned to their owner. Microchipping your pet is the most effective way of ensuring your pet is returned home if lost or stolen. According to a recent study, the return-to-owner rate for microchipped cats was 20 times higher and for microchipped dogs was 2 ½ times higher. A microchip is a tiny computer chip implanted just under the skin of your pet by your veterinarian without the need of anesthesia. The process is similar to giving your animal a vaccine, so it does not harm your pet. Each microchip carries a registration number that is associated with the owner’s name and contact information. When scanned the information is displayed so the owner can be identified. A chip greatly increases the likelihood that your pet will be returned to you if they are lost. Microchips provide the necessary reassurance that your pet will be reconnected with you in the event of an emergency.

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PERSPECTIVE A brief history of Christmas

While Jesus Christ clearly commanded his followers to remember his death and to celebrate his resurrection, there is no Biblical evidence that Jesus requested a celebration of his birth.

The origin of Christmas or “Christ’s Mass” is somewhat obscure. It became part of the liturgical calendar by tradition and St. Francis of Assisi allegedly introduced the nativity scene as a symbolic representation of the birth of Jesus.

But when religious puritans set sail for America, they believed Christmas was a false holiday and the gluttony associated with it had little to do with the teachings of Jesus Christ. The first Christmas carolers were apparently drunken gangs who would demand food in return for singing door-to-door. Perhaps this is one reason the second verse of “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” requests figgy pudding and says, “We won’t go until we get some.”

In 1870, President Ulysses S. Grant signed legislation making Christmas, New Year’s Day and Independence Day official nationwide holidays. However, it only applied to federal employees working in Washington, D.C. Federal employees working across the rest of the country apparently did not receive holiday benefits until 1885.

Computer Search for Christmas

The holiday’s meaning isn’t found in a legal database

By Judge Gerald Williams

C

hristmas is one of my favorite times, but I have been blessed with good Christmas seasons and with good Christmas memories. Many struggle to find meaning and purpose during the holiday season. Some of those people will search the internet for answers.

As I have done before, I recently typed the word “Christmas” into a legal database. I decided to start with federal cases because they are allegedly the most important. Not surprisingly, the first case that popped up was Lynch v. Donnelly.

In that case in 1984, the U.S. Supreme Court held a city government could have a Christmas display in a park that included a nativity scene as part of an overall display, that also included things like a Santa Claus house, reindeer pulling Santa’s sleigh, candy-striped poles, a Christmas tree, carolers, cutout figures representing characters like a clown, an elephant, and a teddy bear, hun-

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85085 | DECEMBER 2019

dreds of colored lights, and a large banner that read “season’s greetings.” Other cases have held that a menorah can also be a part of an overall holiday display.

While the law is reasonably clear, it is not clear whether anyone would like such a display once all of the required components are present. Another hit was for ACLU v. City of Birmingham.

In that case, the Sixth Circuit applied Lynch v. Donnelly with predictable results. The appellate court held that the placement and maintenance of a nativity scene on the city hall’s lawn was unconstitutional because it was not also accompanied by secular decorations.

When I searched only for cases from Arizona state courts, a divorce case ironically called Peace v. Peace appeared. The father objected to the family court order that listed Christmas as a visitation day that would be rotated. He claimed that doing so coerced him to participate in Christianity. The Ari-

zona Court of Appeals disagreed.

It seems clear that the meaning of Christmas cannot be found in a legal database. A different reference is needed.

In the Gospel of Luke, in the second chapter, after the birth of Jesus Christ is announced to common shepherds, it is recorded that a multitude of angels announced, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.” Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, or nothing, hopefully, you can get behind at least parts of that message.

So Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and may you have an opportunity to spend some time this holiday season with someone you love. Take care and stay safe.

Judge Gerald A. Williams is the justice of the peace for the North Valley Justice Court. The court’s jurisdiction includes Anthem and Desert Hills.

EVENTS

December Compiled by Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

2019

Have an event you would like in the calendar?

Tell us about it! Send details to christina@timespublications.com

DECEMBER 3

DECEMBER 7

SUNDAYS

Cars Café and Flea Market Vintage cars are just part of the fun the first Saturday of each month. Free coffee and biscuits and gravy are served this morning. Area residents are welcome to sell their goods at Cars Café and Flea Market as well.

My Crossroads Christian Fellowship, 42425 N. New River Road, Phoenix, 623-465-9461, myccf. church, 8 a.m., free admission.

Kids Plant Adventure Kids will receive a terracotta pot to paint. While the paint dries, they will learn about soil and why it’s important in keeping plants alive. Children will help mix the soil and chose a 2-inch succulent.

Plant Bar, 46135 N. Black Canyon Highway, New River, plantbaraz.com, 3 to 5 p.m., $14.95 plus tax; upgrades available in store.

Anthem Farmers Market The Anthem Farmers Market in Community Park features local producers of organic and seasonal crops, plants and seeds, compost and worm castings; grass-fed beef, pork, lamb and goat; fresh local eggs, cheeses and butters; value-added food producers of jams, jellies, pickles, tamales, sauces; and freshly baked artisan breads, pastries.

Community Park, 41730 N. Gavilan Peak Parkway, Anthem, onlineatanthem.com, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., free admission.

DECEMBER 5 TO DECEMBER 15

“Little Mermaid Jr.” Journey “under the sea” with Ariel and her aquatic friends in the musical adapted from Disney’s Broadway production and the motion picture.

Musical Theatre of Anthem, 42201 N. 41st Drive, Suite B100, Anthem, musicaltheatreofanthem. org, various times, $13-$19.

DECEMBER 5

Breakfast with Santa Come have breakfast with Santa. There will be storytime, free kids’ activities, live entertainment and goody bags. All proceeds benefit the Daisy Mountain Firefighters Charities.

Outlets at Anthem, 4250 Anthem Way, Anthem, outletsanthem.com, 8:30 to 10 a.m., $5, cash only.

No ticket sales at the door.

DECEMBER 10

New River/Desert Hills Community Association Community Meeting Christmas Party Celebrate the holidays with the New River/Desert Hills Community Association.

My Crossroads Church, 42425 N. New River Road, New River, nrdhca.org, 7 to 7:50 p.m., free admission.

Kids Holiday Craft Day Get more details on the website on December 1.

Plant Bar, 46135 N. Black Canyon Highway, New River, plantbaraz.com, 3 to 5 p.m., tickets start at $10; upgrades available in store.

Big Idea Forum Learn, explore, and understand subjects that impact everyone, like cutting-edge technology, socioeconomic issues or cultural trends and phenomena.

Civic Building, 3701 W. Anthem Way, Anthem, bigideasforum.info, 6:30 to 8 p.m., free admission.

DECEMBER 11

Bill Gates Breakfast Join Maricopa County Supervisor Bill Gates and his guest speaker for breakfast and questions. Occurs the first Thursday of each month.

Deer Valley Airport Restaurant, 702 W. Deer Valley Road, Phoenix, nrdhca.org, 8 to 8:50 a.m., free admission.

DECEMBER 12

DECEMBER 6 TO DECEMBER 22

“Annie” It’s a hard-knock life for Annie, but she perseveres.

Come witness her story.

Starlight Community Theater, 1611 W. Whispering Wind Drive, Phoenix, starlightcommunitytheater.com, various times, $15.

Holiday Craft Extravaganza Get more details on the website on December 1.

Plant Bar, 46135 N. Black Canyon Highway, New River, plantbaraz.com, 3 to 5 p.m., tickets TBA.

Cookie N Canvas Cookies N Canvas is a fun canvas class for kids. Artists teach step-by-step artistry on fun, 9x12 canvases.

Recommended for children 4 and older.

Mudpie Studios, 4250 W. Anthem Way, Anthem, 623-551-9177, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., free admission.

DECEMBER 13

Representatives Town Hall Christine Dyster of the Maricopa Recorder’s Office and Danny Denver of the U.S. Census will speak.

Anthem Civic Building, 3701 W. Anthem Way, Anthem, onlineatanthem.com, 9 to 11 a.m., free admission.

DECEMBER 14

Winter Wonderland Walk into a winter wonderland filled with music, games, crafts, mini train rides and snow. Snap free photos with Santa after his festive fire truck arrival.

Activities include: Holiday cookie decorating, letters to Santa, festive face painting, holiday bracelet making and reindeer ear crafts.

Happy Valley Towne Center near Dollar Tree, 2501 W. Happy Valley Road, Phoenix, 602-8660900, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., free admission.

Santa Meet and Greet Come meet Santa and explore Plant Bar. Plant Bar, 46135 N. Black Canyon Highway, New River, plantbaraz.com, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., free admission.

Winter Cookie Decorating Class Join the group for a beginner cookie decorating class, which includes six sugar cookies to take home and share. All supplies will be provided, and tickets are nonrefundable.

Plant Bar, 46135 N. Black Canyon Highway, New River, plantbaraz.com, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., $45.

Java & Jammin’ with Michelle Moyer Free, family-friendly program features tunes by Michelle Moyer. Coffee and treats will be provided.

Anthem Civic Building, 3701 W. Anthem Way, Anthem, 623-742-6050, onlineatanthem.com, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., free admission.

DECEMBER 16

DMFM Board Meeting Maricopa County Supervisor Bill Gates hosts an open meeting in a town hall format. Residents are encouraged to bring questions.

Daisy Mountain Fire Department Meeting Room, 1120 W. Desert Hills Drive, Phoenix, nrdhca.org, 7 to 8:20 p.m., free admission.

DECEMBER 19

Eat, Plant, Sip: Dinner and Planting Class Enjoy an all-inclusive planting class with Plant Bar’s “bartenders,” and then a buffet dinner on the patio.

Plant Bar, 46135 N. Black Canyon Highway, New River, plantbaraz.com, 6 p.m., tickets start at $24.95.

DECEMBER 20

An Evening with Santa Meet with Santa and tell him all of your wishes for the holiday.

Plant Bar, 46135 N. Black Canyon Highway, New River, plantbaraz.com, 5 to 8 p.m., free admission.

DECEMBER 2019 |

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Protecting the

INNOCENT

Bikers Against Child Abuse want what’s best for kids

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

B

ikers Against Child Abuse volunteers aren’t members of a gang. They use road names for security, and they have a heart.

The volunteers protect children from their abusers, whether it is at court or at home— where the young victims do not feel safe.

An 85085 resident, “Chops” was asked to volunteer by the organization’s state vice president when they were coworkers.

“He said I was a good fit for me and my personality,” Chops says. “I was in the military for 15 years. I was looking for the brotherhood I was missing from the military. That, and coming from an abusive home growing up, it touched me. I want to help kids in a way I wish I had growing up.

“At the end of the day, it’s about them, though. It’s not about me bringing my stuff in. That’s what we really concentrate on.”

Founded in Provo, Utah, in 1995, B.A.C.A. has chapters in every state and became 501(c) (3) in 1996. Its goal is to create a safer environment for abused children by empowering them to not feel afraid, according to its mission statement. The volunteers work with local and state officials to send a clear message to everyone involved and they are prepared to lend their support to them by affiliation, and their physical presence.

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“If they’re having nightmares or they’re afraid the person who’s threatening them is going to be outside the window or door, we stand outside their house and reassure them that everything’s OK,” Chops says. “We want them to have a good night’s sleep and not worry about the threat to them.”

Also part of its mission statement: “We stand at the ready to shield these children from further abuse. We do not condone the use of violence or physical force in any manner, however, if circumstances arise such that we are the only obstacle preventing a child from further abuse, we stand ready to be that obstacle.”

“We live and die by the mission statement,” Chops says. “We empower abused children by showing up. A lot of these children have a family structure or had a family structure based on lies or missed commitments.

“One of our top priorities is ensuring when we say we’re going to do something, we do it.

They’re so used to being lied to, manipulated or being hurt. We’re not into adding to it.

We’re a rock these children have never had before.”

How it works B.A.C.A. members are paired with children after an authorized agency says the kids are

frightened by their environment. A liaison determines verifies authorities have been contacted, and then the liaison reaches out to the family to organize an initial ride.

The children are given vests with the B.A.C.A. patch sewn on the back and it’s up to them if they’d like to wear them or not.

They are also gifted with bumper stickers and items donated by the public. The initial visits are generally a half hour.

Following this initial contact, children are given the name and number of two B.A.C.A. members who live nearby. The bikers are cleared for participation by passing an extensive background check and receiving instructions from a licensed mental health professional.

Anytime the child feels scared or the need for help, they can call the bikers to request a visit.

B.A.C.A. members and supporters also support the children by providing escorts for them if they feel scared in their neighborhoods; riding by their homes on regularly; supporting the children at court and parole hearings; attending their interviews, and; staying with the children if they are alone and frightened.

The bikers never go to the children’s home alone or without the parents’ permission.

Twice a year, B.A.C.A. hosts parties for children who are in its system. Chops says it’s encouraging to see the kids engage with other

children who have been in tough situations.

“One of our highlights is to stand back and watch them be kids,” says Nytro, the public relations manager who lives in Gilbert.

“Each of them has been abused and they can relate to each other. They swap numbers.

They smile. They interact with each other.”

Nytro’s story Like Chops, Nytro can relate to the children’s stories. She was abused as a child and nobody told her everything will be alright.

Nytro had to figure out for herself how to handle the abuse.

She tells the children she can’t change her past, but she can change what happens from that point forward.

“I love working with kids,” Nytro says.

“I work with kids from the inner city and gangs. I love being able to give them encouragement.”

Nytro wishes sports teams would bring awareness to child abuse like they do for breast cancer or Cinco de Mayo.

“I wish I could get the sports teams to wake up and wear blue,” says Nytro, whose husband, Rembrandt, also volunteers.

“I had a football player say to me they

couldn’t do it because of money—because of the money! All of our funds—100%—go to these kids. Does Susan G. Komen put all of those funds to the organization? I don’t have a problem with them, but we need people to wake up and take a look at what’s happening to kids.

“There’s sex trafficking, sexual exploitation.

Children age out of the system and have nowhere to go but the streets. It takes a village to raise a child and we are the village. Everybody needs to stand up for them.”

Nytro wants to issue a challenge to the sports teams—the Arizona Diamondbacks, Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Mercury, Phoenix Rising, Arizona Coyotes, Arizona Rattlers and Arizona Cardinals.

“I want to see who will wear blue during Child Abuse Awareness Month, which is April,” she says. “It should be every month.”

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Knit and Give Cigna volunteers donate thousands of caps to cancer research centers

By Octavio Serrano

T

heresa Richards didn’t realize when she learned to crochet it would eventually allow her to give back to the community.

“My grandma taught me to crochet when I was little,” Richards says. “I was probably 10 and I had gotten away from it. I hadn’t done it in years and when I started to work with Cigna in 2010, I met a lady who was crocheting and I asked her to give me a refresher course.”

Richards is one of about 15 employees— who meet as A Common Thread—at the Cigna office at I-17 and Happy Valley Road in 85085 who meet on their lunch breaks and crochet caps for cancer patients and babies in neonatal intensive care units.

About 630 caps and 30 port pillows were recently given to patients at Ironwood Cancer and Research Centers’ 10 Valley locations. The group began its service work as a result of Cigna’s national partnership with March of Dimes, a nonprofit organization working to improve health of mothers and babies.

“One of the ladies who was involved with back in 2012 decided to set up a special group to help donate and make preemie caps for the NICU babies,” Richard says.

“Cancer patients always need a soft cap when they start going through chemo and they lose their hair and there’s several different varieties.”

In five years, A Common Thread has doKelly Huey, left, with Ironwood Cancer and Research Centers, with Theresa Richards and Pamela Martin with Cigna, and Ciara Endicott and Megan Johnson with Ironwood Cancer and Research Centers. (Photo courtesy Cigna)

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85085 | DECEMBER 2019

nated roughly 20,265 caps and nearly 400 port pillows and shawls to cancer patients and babies in neonatal intensive care units.

“We had so many people here in the office wanting to participate, so we did our own chapter,” Richards says. “There’s now 11 chapters (of A Common Thread) around the country and there’s about 150 to 170 employees involved.”

The Ironwood Cancer and Research Centers project ran from September to midNovember or about 650 hours among 25 volunteers.

The process of making caps varies from person to person.

“The caps take about an hour to an hour

and a half, depending on how complex the creator wants to get or how creative they want to get with the yarn,” Richards says.

Most of these volunteers are not fulltime knitters, but people in the workforce who donate their free time to make these items for patients, she says. The volunteers set a goal for themselves but often go beyond.

“As a group of volunteers, we get together and decide and set a goal for ourselves and how many caps we’re going to do. We don’t necessarily stop there,” Richards says. “We just knit for a period of time.”

A Common Thread members know these caps are in demand because cancer patients

and NICU babies benefit from them.

A Common Thread has donated countless hours to their community by creating thousands of caps. The volunteers will continue to knit their way into the hearts of the patients who need these items.

Richards is happy she can put this longforgotten skill to good use. As a member of Cigna and A Common Thread, she is looking forward to continuing this project.

“Cigna does encourage us to get involved with our communities and give back in some way,” Richards says. “So, this is a way I feel I can give back. I have a craft or talent of crocheting and I can give back and be able to do it on my time.”

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Baby S.T.E.P.S. Melody Pierce is using Miss Phoenix to help others with eating disorders

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

M

elody Pierce was depressed and suffering from anorexia as she grieved her father’s death at age 10.

When her classmate, Andy Hull, died from suicide, his mother, LeAnn, spoke to Pierce’s class with a “You Matter” message— and something clicked. Pierce couldn’t let her mom see her spiral downward into an unhealthy abyss.

“She talked to us and this mother’s pain put a pit in my stomach,” says Pierce, a 2014 graduate of Sandra Day O’Connor High School.

“I thought of two things: I never want that to be my mom and I do matter. There was a place for me in this world. I told my mom I needed help. We didn’t have the perfect timeline of how to get help, but we found a good treatment team. It did take time, but we figured out what I needed together.”

Now Pierce is hoping to help others suffering from eating disorders by working as an eating disorder recovery coach and using it as one of her platforms as Miss Phoenix 2020.

“I love going around and speaking to different groups of people,” says Pierce, who competes for Miss Arizona in June. “I hope, through Miss Phoenix, that I can advance into more speaking opportunities across our state.”

Th roughout her reign as Miss Phoenix, Pierce will promote S.T.E.P.S. Toward Eating Disorder Recovery and Awareness for students in fourth-to-sixth-

Melody Pierce wants children to know they matter, so she does all she can to promote positive lifestyles.

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85085 | DECEMBER 2019

grade. Th rough S.T.E.P.S., Pierce developed a standards-based curriculum and spoke to crowds of more than 5,000 about her journey of recovery and body acceptance.

She also created a club at ASU under the S.T.E.P.S. title that acts as a weekly support group on the college campus she called home.

In 2018, she earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism/mass communication from the university.

Pierce will also spearhead the April 18 National Eating Disorder Association walk at Kiwanis Park; she has previously been a top-five fundraiser and keynote speaker at this event.

Pierce was diagnosed at age 10 years old after her father, Neil, died from a lethal mixture of alcohol and medication. Her parents had divorced when she was 2, and her mother remarried.

“I wasn’t completely alone,” she says.

“We had a really, really special relationship that was the catalyst to this behavior.

When you have addiction in your family, you know to stay away from alcohol and drugs.

“I had no idea addiction could present in

the form of food. That eating disorder is in the same part of the brain. No one really talks about it. It was in my genetics and that’s how I coped with it.”

She was fortunate she had access to treatment and health insurance.

“I became a recovery coach to help those in lower-income levels who do not have those resources,” she says. “We’re not all blessed with insurance or the resources.”

Pageant winner When she was awarded Miss Phoenix, Pierce won a $400 scholarship. This was her fourth year participating for Miss Phoenix.

Through her role as Miss Phoenix, Pierce is also a goodwill ambassador for Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

“I spend time with the kids,” says Pierce, who works in public relations at The Knight Agency in Scottsdale. “Those are my favorite moments, seeing the smiles on those little kids faces. There’s so much joy in that hospital. You’d think it would be sad or the kids would be upset. It’s not true. They’re so happy to see you. They’re stoked to meet a princess, is what they say.

“Being with the organization now for four

by Miss Phoenix Melody Pierce is crowned pictured is director 2019 Kaelyn Buffard. Also Whitney Ford.

mom, Nikki Murray, left, Melody Pierce credits her suffered from an eating for her strength after she d. chil a as disorder

years I’ve made great relationships in the hospital. We have all really grown to know each other. Continuing my work there is such a treat.”

The next milestone for Pierce will be the Miss Arizona Scholarship Competition June 16 to June 20, when more than $500,000 in cash and in-kind scholarships will be awarded along with the job of Miss Arizona. Candidates compete in interview, evening wear with social impact statement, talent and onstage question portions. Pierce performs an upbeat clogging routine for the talent portion of the competition.

Even if she doesn’t win Miss Arizona, Pierce plans to continue pushing her platform. She doesn’t want others to suffer the way she did.

“I want to be able to help other young women or men going through the same thing,” she says. “One person said I mattered, and it saved my life. I’m here to help and I have resources.”

For information about S.T.E.P.S., visit stepsrecoverycoach.com.

DECEMBER 2019 |

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Gift-Giving Tips Here are affordable, locally inspired gifts for this holiday season

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

A

rizona Diamondbacks purses, a car emergency kit, a Frank Lloyd Wright Backgammon Set and other amazing items for people on your “nice” list.

For the sports fan

Dooney & Bourke Diamondbacks Purse Spring Training isn’t for another two months, but that doesn’t mean we can’t rep our favorite teams. Dooney & Bourke has discounted MLB purses, at presstime, including this Diamondbacks Ginger Crossbody Purse ($110.60). With front slip, inside zip and cellphone pockets, this purse is ideal for any night out or sporting event. The strap drop length is 25 inches, and it measures at 6.25 inches high by 2.25 inches wide by 8.75 inches long.

Info: dooney.com and search for Arizona Diamondbacks.

Sportiqe This Tempe-based company boasts the best sweatpa nts on the planet—the Daly Sweatpants ($55). A-list celebrities and pro athletes like Jay-Z, Beyoncé, LeBron James, David Beckham, Jay Cutler, Justin Bieber, Mark Wahlberg and Jon Hamm have been

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85085 | DECEMBER 2019

rocking Sportiqe for years.

Info: sportiqe.com

are $9. Shown at right is the tomato pipette.

Info: caduceus.org.

For the coffee lover

For the beauty mavens

Festivus Holiday Blend Press is getting in on the Festivus bandwagon with its blend of Ethiopian and Brazilian coffees. It launched on Black Friday, November 29, and will sell for $16 at all Press locations or online.

Additionally, Press offers three gift boxes— a bag of Festivus and a $10 gift card ($25), a bag of Festivus and a coffee tumbler ($30) or a bag of Festivus and another bag of beans ($30).

Info: presscoffee.com

Drybar Beauty packages are always fun to receive. Drybar is offering The Party Four Pack with four of its favorites: Prep Rally Prime and Prep Detangler, Triple Sec 3-1 Finishing Spray, Detox Dry Shampoo, and Hot Toddy Heat Protectant Mist ($50/$75 value).

Drybar helps guests be extra this holiday, too, with its Shimmer Spritzer ($20).

The light-diff using shimmer spray that adds threedimensional sparkle, a hint of gold/rose gold highlight, and light hold to your hair.

Washes away with one shampoo.

Info: thedrybar.com

For the wine connoisseur Merkin Vineyards Pasta Owned by Maynard James Keenan from the rock band Tool, Merkin Vineyards is known for its wine. But from the fruits, veggies and foraged ingredients of the Verde Valley come handmade pastas created with Arizona grown, sourced and produced ingredients.

Give a loved one a unique taste of the Grand Canyon State with prickly pear campanelle, tomato pipette or toasted semolina pastas. The pastas

For the practical loved one Jumpsmart Back home in Michigan, everyone is getting stuck in the snow, but here we have to worry about breaking down in the desert or on the way to the high country. Jumpsmart is a practical vehicle jump starter that’s packed in a single, high-powered unit with a fourmode LED flashlight, power bank and vehicle jump starter.

The retail price is $119.99 from Limitless Innovations.

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An interactive chocolate making experience!

For the competitive family member The Frank Lloyd Wright Backgammon Set From solid glass serving trays embedded with Frank Lloyd Wright’s designs to decorative earrings, socks and throw rugs, there’s a stylish gift at every price point for those on your holiday list with a keen eye for design.

Shop the wide variety of products by visiting The Frank Lloyd Wright Store at Taliesin West, 12621 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard, Scottsdale, where foundation members receive 10% off. A portion of all merchandise proceeds help preserve and maintain the work of Frank Lloyd Wright.

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Warming Wines Bottles best enjoyed with friends by the fire and for the holidays

By Alison Bailin Batz

N

ovember saw temperatures mostly in the 80s – and even a few days in the 90s. Similarly, past few Januarys have seen unseasonably warm days. But, like clockwork, for about four weeks each December the Valley of the Sun gets chilly—and downright freezing at night. As such, here are some warming reds that make the perfect pours by the fire as well as the perfect gifts for friends and family during the holidays:

2017 Cooper & Thief Red Blend This is a bold red blend wine aged in ex-bourbon barrels, which impart soft, velvety tannins and a subtle heat, resulting in robust flavors with a long, lingering finish. A bonus: it is packaged in a nontraditional bottle and boasts hallmark whiskey tasting notes, unlike any other wine. $24.99

Antinori 2016 Villa Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG

To share this bottle is to share the spirit of Tuscany with those you love.

A perfect Italian varietal, the ultra-pleasing flavors of cherries, vanilla and a bit of balsamic reduction make this a treat for any holiday or winter occasion. $35

2018 Barsotti Vineyard Cabernet Franc For this truly beautiful bottle, the winemaker let the fruit hang

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a bit longer to see what expression this vineyard would make with slightly riper fruit. The magically delicious result is a lovely shade of pale purple and dances on the mouth with flavors of plus and black tea. $35

2015 Mountain Peak Rattlesnake The name alone makes it the perfect wine for Arizona imbibing. But beyond the clever moniker and label, this Zinfandel will make everyone’s mouth water with its robust flavors of blueberries, blackberries, cherry jam and fig all tied together by a brambly undertone. $48

One Hope Limited Edition Bronze Glitter Pinot Noir Like all One Hope wines, this glittery eye-catcher gives back, specifically supporting pet adoptions in this region and beyond. Expect some major black and red berry flavors here, as well as hints of cinnamon and a silky finish. $49

2014 Trésor Sonoma County Named for the French word for “treasure,” this is San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition medalist is a Bordeaux-style blend with primarily Cabernet Sauvignon, but also touches of Petit Verdot, Malbec, Merlot and the slightest hint of Cabernet Franc.

It is equal parts lush and ripe with concentrated fruit aromas and flavors. $50

2016 SHIFT A daring combination of Zinfandel, Barbera, Grenache, Petite Sirah, and Carignane, this warming wine has already earned a 93+ by Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, and that was only from a barrel sample. This one makes as good a gift as a bottle to keep for one’s self given its cutting-edge, metal label that

resembles a vintage, gated shifter. $56

2016 Carmel Winery Limited Edition Certified kosher, Carmel Winery works with 108 families of winegrowers to nurture some 3,500 acres of top vineyards in Israel. This is the group’s f lagship and annual limited-edition offering, available now. It is a Bordeaux-style blend and extremely full-bodied, bursting with ripe plum, cassis, violets mint and even a touch of cigar. $68.99

2016 APEX To a race car driver, the apex is the optimal line of the corner. Winning often depends on hitting it just right. Named on homage to this fine line, APEX is a beautiful blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot and Petite Sirah with a stunning metal Apex curbing on the bottle.

It is dark, rich, and smooth in texture, with aromatics of fresh blueberries, roasted coffee, anise and caramel. $76

Cakebread Cellars 2016 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon With pretty aromas of ripe boysenberry, dark cherry and cassis, coupled with scents of sweet oak and herbal spice, this Cabernet Sauvignon boasts a long, lovely finish featuring savory fruit, spice and mineral tones. $76.99

2016 Darius II Deliciously dense and exploding with aromatics, this is a WOW bottle to bring out when company comes. On the nose, there is a combination of crushed violets, crème de cassis and black fruits.

Then, they give way to black raspberries, wild blueberries and warm plums, followed by a surprising finish of black truffles, fresh tobacco, licorice and steeped oolong tea. $275

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CHAMBER

A Lasting Impression

Local veteran receives congressional recognition at military ball

By Heather Maxwell Executive Director Anthem Area Chamber of Commerce

A

rea veterans from all branches gathered alongside law enforcement, first responders, family and friends for the military ball at the Anthem Golf and Country Club on November 9.

As is often the case for events like this, Mike Spinelli and his wife Ro arrived early to set up lighting for the red-carpet photos.

An internationally known photographer, Mike is known vest among local business leaders for his warm smile and catchy tagline reminder to update their headshots: “You only get one chance to make a first impression.”

As the cocktail hour ended and everyone made their way to their seats, Mike was unaware of the honor awaiting him.

The dinner ceremony opened with the national anthem played by the U.S. Coast Guard band, the invocation and POW/ MIA recognition, before U.S. Rep. Debbie Lesko delivered a poignant keynote speech. She recounted her father’s military service, her humble beginnings and the

simple acts of local community service serve as building blocks along her path to the U.S. House of Representatives. As she wrapped up her comments, she turned her attention to the certificate folder in her hand.

“I have the privilege tonight to recognize one of your local community servants,” she said. “And I don’t think he’s expecting it. And this person is none other than tonight’s photographer, Staff Sgt. Mike Spinelli, who served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War, from 1968 to 1972.”

As applause broke across the crowd and Mike made his way to the podium, the congresswoman continued.

“Mike was nominated for a Congressional Recognition for his lifetime of dedicated service to our country, his community, and our veterans,” Lesko said.

“He is the son of a World War II veteran, who received the Purple Heart and a Bronze Star. Mike served our country honorably during the Vietnam War; has led a life of public service; and has received countless awards and recognitions for his

photography.

One of his best-known images in Arizona the Anthem Veterans Memorial. The image shows the sunlight illuminating a mosaic of the great seal of the United States as its rays shine through the openings in five staggered pillars representing every branch of the military.

Mike lives in Anthem with his wife, Ro Logrippo.”

Spinelli’s response was what one would expect from this humble servant, “I am totally blown away by all of this. I love being a part of this community where so many give so much of their time, energy and talent.”

More about Spinelli

Before moving to Anthem, Mike served as councilman, vice mayor and mayor of Burlingame, California (a suburb of San Francisco). Mike currently serves on the Anthem Community Council Community Planning & Development Committee. He previously served on the Anthem Community Council Economic Development Committee as well as the Anthem Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

In 2014, Mike was named Anthem Area Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year.

Professional acknowledgments During his active duty service, Mike trained the photographer who later went on to work for NASA processing film from the Apollo 11 moon landing. Mike won best in show and first place at the Biennial Inter-Service Worldwide Photographic Competition and was featured in Air Force Times and had his work displayed at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C. (Now in archives).

Mike received Associated Press honors for outstanding news photography and earlier this year two of Mike’s favorite sports photos—one of Tom Watson and one of Payne Stewart—were chosen for “locker” displays at the World Golf Hall Photographer Mike Spinelli, second from left, was recently honored. To celebrate with him were his wife, Ro Logrippo, left, Rep. Debbie Lesko and her husband, Joe Lesko. (Photos courtesy Anthem Area Chamber of Commerce)

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of Fame and Museum in St. Augustine, Florida. His work has also been featured in Newsweek, Sports Illustrated, GQ and Vogue, and several books.

Veteran service

Mike served on the original planning team for the Anthem Veterans Memorial, which has since received the following awards and recognition: Arizona Historic Landmark Designation 2012 – Arizona Historical Society; Arizona Public Works Project of the Year Award 2012 – Arizona Chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA); and ACEC 2012 Grand Award – Best Engineering and Environmental Consulting Project – American Consulting Engineers Companies.

Mike captured and donated the initial promotional photos of the Anthem Veterans Memorial; donated countless hours of his time and talent to capture hundreds of photos of local veterans featured on the Anthem Community Council website and during the Veterans Day ceremonies; and he continues to donate his time and talents for red carpet event photography at the Military Ball and the annual Anthem Area Chamber of Commerce Winter Gala.

About the Anthem Area Chamber of Commerce

The Anthem Area Chamber of Commerce is a member-driven chamber of influence, providing effective connections that enhance advocacy, business development and community investment in the Anthem area and the surrounding region. The chamber hosts several meetings and events monthly, including Morning Meeting on the second Thursday of each month and Business After Hours on the fourth Thursday of each month. Visit anthemareachamber.org for information on membership and upcoming events.

Its New Member Mixer is 5 p.m. Thursday, December 5, followed by the Winter Gala at 5 p.m.

Saturday, December 7, and the morning meeting at 7 a.m. Thursday, December 12.

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S P OT L I G H T

‘Best Money Ever Spent’

or an accountant to organize their books, we are likely the first person to talk to.”

Foley & Giolitto CPA truly cares about its clients

How it all started

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

Giolitto was born near Chicago, but he grew up in Florida. The family returned to Illinois while he was in high school.

Giolitto earned a Bachelor of Science in accounting in 2002 and a Master of Science in taxation in 2003, both from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s College of Business.

“The school has a great reputation for being either No. 1 or No. 2 in the nation every year in the accounting rankings,” he says. I went on to get my CFP®—certified financial planner—after becoming a CPA. “This means I can advise on more than just taxes.”

He worked as a tax supervisor for Selden Fox Ltd. in Oak Brook, Illinois, and as the manager of tax and financial advisory services at Mowery & Schoenfeld LLC in Lincolnshire, Illinois.

His experience also includes a four-year stint as manager of U.S. tax and financial consulting services at CDH P.C. in Itasca, Illinois, and has taught other CPAs as an instructor at The Center for Professional Education.

Like many people, Giolitto visited Arizona and fell in love with the terrain and weather.

“I found out I liked the elevation, the mountains, and the hiking,” he says. “It was pretty much No. 1 on my list. I did explore all over the country for the best place to move.”

Giolitto decided on the Valley and joined forces with certified public accountant, Charles Foley, in January 2016.

“We are a very remarkable consulting firm,” he says. “We found out that we are really good at one thing—that is saving people money.

“The microbusinesses and startup companies we work with are saving about $10,000 per year by working with us. Even the small businesses that are a little bit more established are saving about $50,000 per year working with us. If we were to tackle a larger company, the annual tax savings would probably be in the six figures or more.”

The key to Foley & Giolitto’s success is the customized nature of the tax strategies they build, which means no “cookie cutter” strategies.

“Sometimes the strategies are quite simple, and sometimes they are very complex,” Giolitto says. “We are building the strategy before the year ends. A lot of people think the tax

R

yan Giolitto leads Foley & Giolitto CPA in the Scottsdale Airpark, but there’s more to the business than meets the spreadsheet.

The Foley & Giolitto team is focused on helping people build wealth, starting with significantly reducing their taxes.

“We had a vision that we could create something that did not really exist in the market-

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85085 | DECEMBER 2019

place, in terms of a CPA firm,” Giolitto says in his Northsight Boulevard office.

“We wanted to do great things for our clients, but also build a company where the people who work there could enjoy a great work-life balance. In other CPA firms, it is inconceivable. Accountants get burned out easily at most other firms.”

The team has been successful in saving its clients thousands of dollars in taxes. The advisers at Foley & Giolitto have filed taxes in all 50 states, plus several international jurisdictions.

“We have this passion for saving our customers tax dollars,” he says. “It is really unlike anything else people have ever seen. Because of that, we spend more time, energy and effort than anyone else in the marketplace trying to save our customers actual tax dollars.”

In Chicago, Giolitto spent 12 years entrenched in complex, technical tax cases, including servicing high-net-worth individuals, companies operating in all 50 states, and international companies.

“We have seen clients with highly complex situations involving hundreds of unique investments,” Giolitto says.

“If somebody comes in here and says, ‘Hey, is this too complex for you?’ The answer is usually, ‘No.’ There’s nothing, really, that falls outside the scope of what we can advise on.”

The services are wide ranging as well, he says. The team has practical experience in different investment strategies, and it extends beyond tax advice. Foley & Giolitto offers financial planning, investment advice, insurance planning and estate planning.

“Most CPAs will advise on those at some point in their career, but we are actually doing those things in our own lives,” Giolitto says. “There are very few CPAs who have been involved in a crowdfunded real estate investment or cryptocurrency trade themselves.

“We do not compete with anyone in the marketplace. In fact, we are probably the best referral source for anyone in the marketplace because we are putting all those pieces together. If someone needs a payroll provider

code is black and white. We get a lot of people who say, ‘If I go to any accountant, it is going to be the same.’ “Yet time and time again, it is not, and we do significantly better.”

Giolitto says business owners and real estate investors are perfectly positioned to benefit.

“These are the people who can take full advantage of the strategies we provide,” Giolitto says.

Charitable arm

The firm donates to and volunteers with several organizations in the Valley.

“We support organizations that benefit children,” Giolitto says. “We tend to practice what we preach. There are a lot of Arizona tax credits for charitable organizations that we help our customers donate to as part of their tax strategy.”

Love House Kids Foundation and Arizona Helping Hands are among the organizations Foley & Giolitto support.

“We gravitate toward people who are making a difference,” Giolitto says.

“We” is not only the company, but his team of advisers, who includes coworker/wife, Lauren Giolitto. She volunteers heavily with local animal rescue organizations.

Why wait?

Giolitto finds that many people in the marketplace are receiving lackluster advice that is traditional and ineffective.

“They may not know what is available in the marketplace that could really benefit them,” Giolitto adds. “It costs them nothing to perform a review of their situation with us, but it costs them a lot of money to wait. Time and time again, someone comes in with a particular tax situation, and we can do better by about $10,000 or $20,000. It is interesting how that works.”

“We are finding out that we are saving our customers more than three times what a normal CPA would. We are essentially offering this product to the marketplace where there are literally hundreds or thousands of percentage points in returns. I do not see anyone’s investment or real estate portfolio doing that well. Because of those returns, it would be the best money they have ever spent.”

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CRAFTS

WREATHS Get in the holiday spirit with these decorations

By Shannon Fisher

D

ecember is here and it is the perfect month for making wreaths.

We made three different types and all of the materials were from Dollar Tree.

We started with a green foam floral wreath. We painted it all white with acrylic paint and set aside to dry. While we waited, we heated up the glue and cut strings off snowflake ornaments that came in a pack of 10.

You can use a blow dryer to speed up the paint drying, but once the circle was dry, we added hot glue to the middle part of the ornaments and glued the snowflakes around the edge of the wreath. You could add ribbon or other decorations as well, but we liked the all-white and glitter look.

The next wreath was made from the green foam floral piece as well. Paint the wreath white again and set to dry. Next,

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85085 | DECEMBER 2019

we used white garland to wrap around the bottom half for a beard. You could also use white tulle cut in strips to tie around the bottom to create the beard. We pulled one piece of garland across the center for the mustache. We then hot glued the end and let dry. Add a Santa hat to the top and your wreath is complete.

The last wreath is on a wire floral form.

We got two packs of small, red-and-silver ornaments. You could use any color, though. We found a cute snowman ornament and cut the string off and glued him to the bottom of the wreath. We then affi xed the round ornaments with hot glue.

Once you have it all fi lled in you are set to hang it.

These are the easiest wreaths and can be a great gift or kept for your own decor. I hope you have a great December of crafting.

Shannon Fisher is a local wife, mom of two girls and owner of Shannon Fisher Photography. She taught high school and elementary art before opening her photography business.

F A M I LY

More Merry, Less Stress Stay grounded this holiday season

By Pastor David Bowen, Standing Stones Community Church Standing Stones Christian Academy

T

he sounds of the season say it’s the most wonderful time of the year.

Neighbors, co-workers, and even some store clerks will wish you a “Merry” Christmas. What happens when you fi nd yourself feeling guilty because you do not feel very merry? You didn’t set out to be bah humbug; it just sort of snuck up on you. So now what?

During the most wonderful time of the year, the demands of maintaining a household do not go away. In fact, this is when you host more visitors and guests than normal, plus the kids are home more, all of which increase the usual demands. May the good cheer of the Christmas season fall upon you.

Adding to the daily chores are the additional tasks of decorating and shopping, both of which can be exhausting and expensive.

There’s a moment when you first realize just how few weekends there are between Thanksgiving and Christmas. How does one get it all done?

Research has found one of the biggest stress factors may be the expectation we have and the expectations we believe others have of us. Th is is Christmas, this is when the perfect picture postcard of an amazingly decorated home and your happy family gathers around the perfectly adorned Christmas tree after which they then share the perfectly cooked dinner. Because of social media, we see how perfect everyone else’s home, decorations and dinners are. So, yours must be as well.

There does seem to be a solution, however, as unhealthy but delicious dessert calls out your name, you know there has to be a better solution. Each delicious bite is supposed to help melt the stress away, at least until the guilt from consuming all those uncounted calories begin to bounce around in your head. Guilt, stress, expectations, none of these elements work to produce Christmas cheer.

In 1843, the phrase, we wish you “A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year” first ap-

peared on a commercially available Christmas card, as the world embraced Charles Dickens’ “Christmas Carol.” The greeting, however, goes back much further, to at least the 1300s. But what does it mean? To have a Merry Christmas is to wish for someone to have a joyful Christmas, an exultant Christmas, a content Christmas. In the original Old English, merry meant “to be pleasant, and agreeable.”

Christmas has its own vocabulary such as noel and nativity. The French root of the word “Noel” means “birth,” thus the First Noel means the fi rst birth or fi rst advent of Jesus. The word nativity, from the Latin, means “arisen by birth.” In 1223, after a trip to the Holy Land, Francis of Assisi created the very first Christmas nativity scene.

So, where does one’s priority land? Committing to the hours required to find and obtain the perfect gift? The hours and backache involved in displaying the perfectly decorated house? Developing the skills needed to master creating the perfect eggnog mixture? Or enjoying some quiet time with family and friends celebrating the First Noel over a simply prepared dinner. Place the Nativity scene at the center of the table and your house will instantly be decorated with the most important feature of Christmas.

To that, let me close by saying I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a less stressful New Year.

DECEMBER 2019 |

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FINANCE

Common Cents

10 ways to save money during the holidays

By Humphrey Shin, Executive Vice President, FirstBank

T

he holidays are a special time for giving and celebration, and this year, consumers plan to spend an average of $1,048 on holiday gifts and events, according to the National Retail Foundation.

But, when the holidays come to an end, the new year all too often ushers in a big stack of bills. Last year, Americans with holiday debt added an average of $1,230 to their credit cards, according to Magnify Money.

And this year, individuals are going into the holiday season already burdened with larger than average debt. For instance, Wallethub says the average credit card balance for an Arizona household this year is $9,104, ranking 14th highest in the nation.

At FirstBank, we want to help you enjoy the holidays—and the New Year. To help you spend and stress less, here are 10 of our favorite time-tested ways to celebrate the season without breaking the bank.

1. Make a list. Write down everyone you plan to give gifts to, from your nearest and dearest to your in-laws and the mail carrier.

Then put a dollar figure next to each name.

Setting limits will help you keep your holidays on budget.

2. Track your dollars. Whether you use a spreadsheet or check your bank balances on an app, keep track of your holiday spending in real-time. This will help ensure you don’t overspend. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau even found money tracking tools can help curb impulse spending, reduce financial uncertainty and make it easier to budget.

3. Rediscover cash. Although credit cards can be useful year-round, cash can help you stick to your budget during the holidays. Before you go shopping, take out the amount you’ve budgeted for in cash. When the cash is gone, shopping trip is over.

4. Try not to procrastinate. When you’re in a race against the clock, you’re less conscience how much you’re spending. Plan ahead and you could save hundreds of dollars, especially by taking advantage of advertised sales.

5. Host a secret gift exchange. For extended families or large offices, you can save a lot of

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85085 | DECEMBER 2019

money by hosting a secret gift exchange, where you each pick the name of one person to buy a gift for, instead of feeling obligated to buy a gift for every individual. The added fun is no one knows who has who.

6. Embrace potlucks.

Good food is a great part of the holiday ex perience, and it’s always fun to have everyone over for a festive meal. But why not invite people to contribute their own special dish to the celebration? Keep track of who’s bringing what and you’ll have a less costly and stressful mealtime.

7. Dollar stores are your friend. A new chew toy for the dog? Check. Candy canes for the tree? Check. Stocking stuffers for the kids?

Check. You can fi nd great prices at dollar stores on all those little extras can end up costing big. Don’t forget the tape and wrapping paper.

8. Consider vacation rentals. Whether you’re traveling out of town or hosting family in town, vacation rentals can offer a budgetfriendly option with added amenities. (In some cities, a hotel room can cost about 50% more than a vacation rental, Busbud says.)

Find listings from vacation rental companies like Casago, Airbnb and VRBO. If you’re traveling, make back some of those expenses by listing your vacant property as a vacation rental.

9. Get creative. Use your special gift for knitting, baking or woodworking to make a unique present with your own hands. Or buy several small items to make a thoughtful gift basket. When you draw on your imagination, you’ll discover countless inexpensive options for gifts.

10. Offer the gift of time. Presents don’t have to come in boxes. There are plenty of ways to show how much you care with the greatest gift of all: time. Buy a special card and write a

message inside with promises of an intangible gift, like an offer to babysit for new parents, host a special dinner party or help an elderly neighbor with an errand.

Here’s an added bonus tip, and it may be the most valuable one of all—try to create traditions not revolving around money. There are so many ways to experience the true spirit of the holidays without racking up a big bill.

You can set up an evening of caroling and hot cocoa with friends, take the kids to view the neighborhood’s holiday lights or assemble care packages for shelters, hospitals, or the armed forces. You can’t put a price tag on those memories, and they may end up being the ones you cherish the most.

For more financial health money-saving tips, check out FirstBank’s “Smart Cents” blog at efirstbankblog.com.

Humphrey Shin is executive vice president of FirstBank.

FirstBank ATMs

28635 N. North Valley Parkway, Phoenix 85085 3610 W. Anthem Way, Anthem 85086

WHEELS

Alfa Romeo The Stelvio Quadrifoglio is a pleasure to drive

By C.A. Haire

W

hen an SUV carries an $88,000 price tag, it is sure to be special.

In the case of this Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio, it can be found under the hood. There we find a Ferrari-designed and -built 2.9-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine, cranking 505 horsepower, and 443 lbs./ft. of torque. It is hooked to an eight-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode and an all-wheel-drive for a solid grip. The driveshaft is a super-light carbon fiber, which is also very durable. The steering has a quick 12:1 ratio for taking brisk corners. A computer control knob offers four driving modes: eco, normal, dynamic and race.

Placing the Stelvio in race mode provides maximum turbocharger output, hard transmission shift points, and opens the

The Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio is priced at $88,000 and features a Ferrari-designed and -built 2.9-liter twin turbo V-6 engine. (Submitted photos)

exhaust noise level to the legal limit, sure to attract any traffic police nearby.

The factory claims a 0-60 mph time of 3.6 seconds, and a top speed of 176. We did hit 60 in 4 seconds easily, but because most commuting was in the city limits, going for the top speed didn’t seem like a good idea.

But it is still nice to know it can do so, for at least bragging rights.

While this vehicle offers great performance, it is still practical to drive in every day commuting when placed in the normal and eco mode. In these settings, the exhaust noise is mild, and claimed fuel economy is 17/23 mpg. The rear storage area can hold 26 cubic feet of gear, the total cargo limit is a half-ton, and the towing ability is 3K pounds.

The interior controls are easy to understand and use, but the cabin materials used do seem to be rather bland, not impressive for such an expensive machine.

For those who would like to own this SUV, but don’t need all this power, but do need a lower price, Alfa Romeo offers the base Stelvio with a milder, yet still sophisticated fourcylinder turbo engine.

It puts out a healthy 280 horsepower, reaches 60 mph in about 5.5 seconds, gets 22/28 mpg, and starts at $44K. We racked up 800 miles on this model and found it to be more practical than the more exotic Quadrifoglio.

Then again, who pays $88K for a sleek Italian sports machine to be practical? Either model is a pleasure to drive.

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W H AT ' S C O O K I N G

Holiday Cookie Platters

By Jan D’Atri

D

oes your holiday cookie platter need a makeover?

Are you looking to add a couple of delightful holiday treats to your cookie exchange?

You can’t go wrong with either one of these! The M&M’s Christmas Cookie Bars were determined by Taste of Home magazine to be the most popular cookie in America this year with nearly 400,000 pins and online shares. It’s really easy and so very festive looking! If you love Snickerdoodles, this one has loads of flavor. Happy baking!

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M&M’s Christmas Cookie Bars

Ingredients: - 2 sticks of butter, room temperature - 1 cup sugar - 1 cup firmly packed golden brown sugar - 3 large eggs - 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract - 3 cups all-purpose flour - 3/4 teaspoon of baking soda - 3/4 teaspoon of salt - 1-1/2 cups of Christmas M&M’s plus more for topping - 1 cup of mini chocolate chips plus more for topping - 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9x13 baking dish with foil or parchment paper; leave some overhang to make removal easier. Spray foil with nonstick cooking spray. With an electric mixer, beat butter, sugar and brown sugar together until fluffy. Add in eggs and vanilla extract. Mix well.

Lower speed and add flour, baking soda and salt. Mix until combined. Add M&M’s and mini chocolate chips and give a final stir, reserving some M&M’s, mini chocolate chips and white chocolate chips for topping cookie bars. Transfer cookie dough to prepared baking dish. Press additional M&M’s, mini chocolate chips and white chocolate chips into top of cookie dough. Bake 35 to 40 minutes on oven rack in lower third of oven to prevent over-browning. Let cool completely and cut.

Snickerdoodles

Ingredients: - 1 cup butter, room temperature - 3/4 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup light brown sugar - 1 egg, plus 1 yolk - 1 tablespoon vanilla - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon cream of tartar - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt - 1 teaspoon cinnamon - 2-3/4 cup flour - Cinnamon Sugar Mixture - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Directions: Line a baking sheet with a parchment paper and set aside.

With an electric mixer, beat together butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes. Add in the egg, the yolk, vanilla, baking soda, cream of tartar, salt, and cinnamon and mix for 1 minute, scraping the sides of the bowl as necessary. Turn mixer to low and add in flour, mixing until just combined. In a separate small bowl, make your cinnamon sugar by mixing together cinnamon and sugar, stirring until evenly combined. Using a medium (2 tablespoons) cookie scoop portion out the dough and roll into a ball. Roll each cookie dough ball into the cinnamonsugar mixture until coated. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Bake at 325 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes or until done.

Watch my How-To Video for Christmas Cookies: Store in an airtight container. jandatri.com/recipe/christmas-cookie-bars/

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RESTAURANT

Donna Chilleen of Anthem has turned around Chilleen’s on 17 with the help of her family and “Bar Rescue.”

(Photos by Pablo Robles)

Anthem’s Donna Chilleen keeps the dream alive at Chilleen’s on 17

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

C

hilleen’s on 17 is warm and welcoming. With wood-lined booths and its legendary bathrooms, the low-lit family barbecue eatery is taking dining to the next level, thanks to owner Donna Chilleen and her daughters, Cheyenne and Aleah.

She hosts weddings every weekend in its elegant facility behind the restaurant. It’s so popular, the facility is booked into 2021.

To keep the locals happy, she hires Arizona bands perform on the patio and when that ends, the party continues inside with karaoke.

The former wedding coordinator for the Satisfied Frog, Chilleen has owned the restaurant since 2002, when she bought it on a whim with her now ex-husband, Scott.

“We were just driving by and we saw this place was for sale,” the Anthem resident says.

“My husband was no longer working for his dad at the Satisfied Frog. I said, ‘Why don’t we just buy that place?’ The kids were little. It was a rainy day. We bought it that day.

“I had to have it. I saw the potential.”

She bought it in 2002 and reopened it in February 2003. Since then, it has been remodeled and received a food makeover, with “Bar Rescue” at the helm in April 2013. Barbecue is where restaurant excels and Chilleen thanks “Bar Rescue" and Jon Taffer for that.

“Jon Taffer wants you to do well,” Chilleen says. “We were one of their most successful episodes. We kept everything he did. I have a friend who worked with ‘Bar Rescue.’ He had all the equipment in the attic.”

Before the “Bar Rescue” visit, Chilleen’s didn’t smoke their barCassi Heaton bartends at Chilleen’s on 17 in Black Canyon City.

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becue. Now they're trademark dishes.

“Everything from the smoker is really good,” she says. “The smoker is amazing. It gives us that good flavor. The brisket takes 14 hours. They put that in at night and the chef in the morning gets it. We can’t make it really quick. That’s something we do fresh.”

The barbecue at Chilleen’s is stellar. The all-you-can-eat barbecue beef ribs are $18.99.

Other menu items include Black Canyon chicken that is brined and slow smoked ($13.99); Southwestern smoked brisket that is cooked with the fat on it ($16.99); Chilleen’s St. Louis-style pork ribs are seasoned and slow smoked ($16.99 to $20.99); the chicken and pork rib combo ($17.99) and the “I Want It All” barbecue platter with pork ribs, chicken and sliced brisket at ($26.99).

The Saturday prime rib special is another attractive Chilleen’s dish.

“When it’s gone, it’s gone,” she says. “We slice it and it’s made to order. We try not to run out of things, but you’re going to. People also drive very far just to get the green chili.”

She’s referring to the green chili con carne, a pork-based green chili served with a fresh f lour tortilla ($7.99). Other green chilithemed starters are chili en chips, cooked

in-house tortilla chips with the green chili dip ($6.99); green chili cheese fries ($6.99); and fried green chiles, a 40-year-old family recipe of handbreaded, deep-fried mild ortega chiles ($7.99).

Entrees include standard fare like New York strip steak ($25.99); choice ribeye ($27.99); and top sirloin ($19.99). Boneless marinated chicken with “grandma’s secret marinadeâ€? ($14.99); broiled cod ďŹ llet ($12.99) and blackened cod ďŹ llet ($13.99).

Burgers and sandwiches round out the menu—just before dessert. The specialty is a personal-size apple pie with mounds of ice cream and cinnamon-sprinkled whipped cream.

Chilleen keeps the restaurant fresh. Last summer, Chilleen’s closed for ďŹ ve days to remodel the dining room and the bathroom.

That completed the circle started by “Bar The wood that lines the booths are from Rescue.â€? her grandfather’s house at 19th Avenue and “We had three layers of ooring,â€? she says. Dunlap that was torn down after he died. “We put down new ooring, the corrugated “I think it looks amazing in here,â€? Chilleen tin in the booths. If you get barbecue sauce on says. particleboard, you can’t wipe it clean.

Soon, she says, Four Sons is opening next “We redid the bathrooms, too. Every time door. She expects business to pick up a bit— we go in there, we see how pretty they are. We even though it isn’t struggling. had really bad bathrooms before, so we gutted “This is the dream I always had,� says Mikku Ad 85086_Layout 1 9/24/19 11:32 AM Page 1 them completely. It took all of our energy.�

Chilleen, who moved to Arizona from Ohio

The wedding venue at Chilleen’s on 17 is booked into 2021.

at age 18 in 1988. “I wanted a waiting area and an intercom. We have 30-minute waits on Fridays. I wanted to have a wait.�

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ASK THE PHARMACIST

Cannabidiol Chat

CBD can be helpful—with the right information

By Tara Storjohann and Alexandra Prach

C

annabidiol (CBD) is everywhere.

CBD kombucha at the market, CBD cocktails at the bar, CBD ketchup and salsa, CBD bath bombs—the list goes on.

CBD has been introduced to all markets for its potential health benefits. However, not many people are aware of the benefits and which products provide them.

This article can give you some insight to see if you could benefit from CBD and can further guide you to choose a CBD product right for you—from a pharmacist’s standpoint.

What is CBD? CBD is one of the 104 chemical compounds naturally derived from the hemp/ cannabis plant. Unlike THC, CBD has no psychoactive effects. CBD users claim it has the ability to help with many conditions such as chronic pain, insomnia, inflammation, anxiety, depression, acne, neurological disorders, high blood pressure, and side effects related to cancer, including nausea, vomiting and pain. Although there are not yet large-scale studies proving CBD’s ef-

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fectiveness in these conditions, many patients rave of the benefits.

How does CBD work?

CBD works through a system called the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which primarily regulates mood, sleep/wake cycle, inflammatory responses, and the immune system. Research indicates CBD affects other receptors as well which are involved in regulating pain, mood and seizure activity.

How do I choose the right product?

If you have any of the above-listed issues, CBD could be an option for you but knowing which product to choose can be confusing.

Five rules for choosing a CBD product 1. Choose a professional brand. Professional brands are created by medical professionals such as doctors and pharmacists, with the intention of providing safe and ef-

fective CBD products. Make sure the CBD product’s manufacturer tests for purity and is compliant with the FDA’s Current Good Manufacturing Practice regulations, which ensures product consistency, potency and safety. These professional products are likely to be found at pharmacies.

2. Choose a full-spectrum product. Fullspectrum CBD products contain not only CBD but also various nonpsychoactive components including cannabinoids, flavonoids and terpenes, which work together to promote a greater therapeutic response at a lower dose.

3. Choose an appropriate dosage form.

Many different forms of CBD are available to choose from, but which is most appropriate? If you are using CBD for widespread pain, insomnia, anxiety, acne or nausea, an oral form of CBD is recommended. Capsules and tinctures are available for oral use. The sublingual tinctures are great because they allow for easy dose adjustments.

Any concentrated pain in one area such as joint pain or muscle pain can be relieved

with topical CBD in the form of a salve or lotion. Many of these formulations also contain menthol, which can provide a cooling effect for pain relief. The oral and topical forms of CBD are safe to use in combination if the pain is not relieved by just one by itself.

4. Choose the correct dose. This one is a bit harder. Everyone metabolizes CBD differently, and so the dose of CBD is unique to each individual. If you are sensitive to medications, it is recommended to take 5 to 10 mg daily to start. If you are taking other medications to control pain and usually have to take higher doses of medications, it is recommended to start with 10 to 20 mg daily. These can be adjusted depending on tolerance and effects and can be used multiple times a day.

5. Choose a time of day to take CBD. If you are using CBD for insomnia, take CBD about a half-hour before bedtime. Use caution in using CBD throughout the day when starting off and unsure if it will make you drowsy or not. It is OK to take CBD multiple times a day for conditions such as pain and anxiety, but be careful engaging in any activities requiring complete attention and control of bodily motions as you are getting used to it. Topical formulations scarcely are absorbed into the blood, and therefore can be used any time of day without causing drowsiness.

What are the risks?

Two concerns patients usually have regarding CBD include side effects and drug testing. Although CBD is very well tolerated by most people, some may experience some side effects such as fatigue, changes in appetite, diarrhea, drowsiness and dry mouth. It is rare these kinds of side effects occur, however, it is important when begin taking CBD oil to be aware of the side effects. Study how your body responds to it.

Also, if drug testing is a concern, either for work or at pain clinics, many professional brands carry one or two “THC-free” products. The minuscule amount of THC found in the full-spectrum products does not yield any psychoactive effects, however, it may show up in a drug test. If this is a concern, I recommend trying the THC-free products, which are just as effective.

So, could CBD help you finally get a good night of sleep? Could it help relieve the pain in your knees stopping you from doing yard work? Could it possibly help you get off anxiety medication with the undesirable side effects? Possibly! For more information, reach out to your pharmacist or health care professional, who can work with you to start CBD. Dr. Alexandra Prach earned her PharmD degree from the University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy in Kingston, Rhode Island, in 2019. She interned full time at two compounding pharmacies in New England and has been heavily involved in seeking solutions to the national opioid epidemic. Her passion for compounding and interest in alternative pain management guided Prach to Arizona to do a post-graduate residency training program at Potter’s House Apothecary & Wellness. She is excited to have the opportunity to learn from the leaders in compounding pharmacy and play a role in providing personalized pharmaceutical care to patients.

Dr. Tara Storjohann has resided in Anthem since 2002 and is a pharmacist and an associate professor in the College of Pharmacy at Midwestern University in Glendale. She is a board-certified geriatric pharmacist and a fellow of the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists. She loves Anthem and enjoys spending time in the outdoors hiking and snowskiing. She is a health advocate and is passionate about helping others achieve their wellness goals.

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H E A LT H

Holiday Skin Care Gift Guide Get your best look with the help of professionals

By Dr. Kelly Collins, Premier Wellness Center and Aglow Medspa

T

he holiday season is upon us and it’s time to find gifts for everyone on the list. With that said, the holidays are the perfect time to give the gift of gorgeous skin.

But with all the products out there, who has time to sift through everything? To make it easier, I have paired some of my favorite products with those on your list who are hardest to shop for. So, if you have been searching for the perfect beauty gift idea to give this holiday season, look no further! Here are the top products that are guaranteed to put a smile on anyone’s face.

For the skin care product guru Revision Skincare-Nectifirm: This award-winning formula features five peptides, plant extracts and antioxidants that work cohesively to create a smoother, younger-looking neck, décolletage and jawline.

SkinBetter Science - InterFuse Intensive Treatment, Lines: Do you want the look of dermal fi llers without injections? This patented, state-of-the-art technology contains an injectablegrade hyaluronic acid along with a collagen-nourishing complex of amino acids, peptides and vitamin C. Intensive Treatment Lines will improve moisture retention while plumping the skin to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles.

For the outdoorsy type SkinBetter Science – Alto Defense Serum: Alto Defense Serum contains antioxidants that will improve the appearance of uneven skin tone and redness. Combines vitamins C

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and E plus 17 additional antioxidants designed to provide a new level of comprehensive and dynamic defense against free radicals. Enhances vitality and improvement of skin tone and luminosity.

Revision Skincare – Intellishade: Intellishade is an age-defying tinted moisturizer with sunscreen. Th is award-winning formula will provide your skin with a healthy and natural glow. Anti-aging daily moisturizer intelligently designed to deliver the power of five anti-aging products in one. It helps to correct, protect, conceal, brighten and hydrate skin to deliver results. This 5-in1 moisturizer features more than 20 agedefying ingredients, broad-spectrum SPF 45 protection plus a universal tint that blends naturally with the color of your skin for an instant glow.

For the ‘glow-getter:’ A guide to hydration and moisture SkinBetter Science Trio Rebalancing Moisture Treatment: Looking for a product that provides heavy hydration without the weight? (This is the “biggun” moisturizer that is perfect for dry and mature skin types.)

The patented formulation will bring back balance to dry and aging skin.

SkinBetter Science – Refresh Hydration Boosting Cream: Refresh Hydration Boosting cream is a dual-action moisturizer that delivers immediate and long-lasting hydration. It’s a perfect universal moisturizer that is good for all skin types (anyone can benefit from this product).

It provides soothing hydration with a velvety finish and uses a unique combination of ceramides and botanical lipids to hydrate the skin and provide a smooth and supple, yet airy finish. (Tip: Add a little splash to your makeup foundation to enhance your glow.)

Revision Skincare – Hydrating Serum: Oil-free moisture that is good for all skin types. It features two forms of hyaluronic acid plus a blend of powerful natural fruit extracts, antioxidants and a peptide leaving skin smooth and refreshed. The product’s ultralight texture absorbs instantly without leaving skin feeling greasy. It’s excellent for oily or acne-prone skin.

For the Makeup Maven Glo Skin Beauty Mineral Makeup & Skincare Products: These award-winning, skinnourishing, mineral makeup formulations will enhance and protect even the most sensitive skin types. Glo Skin Beauty offers a variety of formulas and finishes along with an Skin continues on pg. 44

High Blood Pressure Five holistic tips to lower your numbers

By Dr. Brian Hester, Back to Health of Anthem

F

or as long as I can remember, my mom has had high blood pressure. Most kids would hear their dad yell from the front seat, “Quit horsing around, you’re raising my blood pressure!” Except our mom would actually mean it. And she most definitely said those exact words to us on multiple occasions.

Whether or not her blood pressure was actually being raised at that moment or she just wanted 4 seconds of peace and quiet remains to be seen.

Hypertension was a part of her life since she was 18. Eighteen! Can you believe that?

If you know my mom, it almost makes sense though. She’s basically “Super Woman,” always on the go, doing things the right way (her way), and is mega intense. That doesn’t exactly lead to serenity and peacefulness.

On top of that, she’s always been the type of person that could eat whatever she wanted with zero consequences. So it’s not like she was eating fish and kale her whole life. Once she hit 40, things started to change, and her body just couldn’t deal. Her blood pressure was high. On medication, it was 180/95. If you have no idea what those numbers mean, just know, that’s not good.

I share that with you to show my heart behind all of this. I made it my mission, because I saw the danger with my mom, to be able to holistically eliminate diseases like hypertension.

Whether you are trying to work yourself off of medication or wanting to avoid it altogether, let’s jump into a few different ways to lower your blood pressure.

1) Get rid of the inflammation in your diet.

If you weren’t already aware, hypertension is when the force of blood pushing against vessel walls is too high. This added pressure causes the heart to work too hard and blood vessels to function less effectively. When we eat foods that inflame those vessels, it makes blood pump even harder. Which then raises your blood pressure even more. We put our bodies in a chronic state of inflammation by eating foods made or covered in flour, sugar, or oil. Fries, donuts, cereal, cookies. Even your whole-grain bread and “sugar-free” items are inflammatory. Pretty much any food that is “made” and not simply “grown.”

We want to stick to a whole food diet, fi lled with one-ingredient items. Grass-fed meats, wild-caught fish, fresh vegetables and fruits, sweet potatoes, quinoa, nuts, and good oils like olive, coconut, and avocado. Fuel your body instead of just fi lling it. Plus, you won’t be consuming anything that sticks to the inside of those vessels that further narrows the blood flow path.

2) Increase cardio. Now notice I didn’t say “go run a marathon.” The Catch-22 of increasing your cardio is that you need to do

it in a way that doesn’t raise your blood pressure too high. My advice: start small and work your way up. If your current cardio includes carrying your chips from the pantry to the couch or walking upstairs to your bed each night, you must start simple like speed walking around the block. After a week or two, work your way up to being able to jog one lap with a walking lap before and after. Or can go low impact like cycling or swimming.

Strength training is another great option.

Building muscle while conditioning your heart is one of the best things you can do (and is another great low-impact option).

Home gym, at the park, big-box gym—there are lots of choices. I can’t say it enough, start small. Anything above and beyond what you normally do will have an impact. I highly recommend our Function Training Center here at Back to Health of Anthem. Our trainers are professionals who pride themselves on building workouts specifically tailored for each person and their goals.

3) Refuel your pill container with supplements. We all know those pill organizers that have the S M T W T F S markings on them we’ve seen our grandparents use for years. I know, I know, they’re for “old people.” But I have to admit, I bought one a few months ago and it was the best $3 I’ve ever spent! Our grandmas knew what was up. A while back, I wrote about the six essential vitamins everyone should be taking. But with hypertension, we need to add a couple more: hawthorn and garlic.

My botanicals professor in chiro school had super high blood pressure in college so he started taking hawthorn regularly. After six months, it was gone. That’s the great thing about botanicals and herbs, they aren’t Band-Aids for a bigger problem. They cure the problem, not treat the symptoms. As always, consult your chiropractor before starting or increasing any vitamin regiments. If you’re not sure what you may or may not need, call us up for in-depth blood analysis. It’s a great Pressure continues on pg. 44 DECEMBER 2019 |

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Pressure continued from pg. 43

way to determine your needs.

4) Increase specific foods in your diet while decreasing others. Isn’t it cool that the right foods can not only fuel our bodies but can also help heal our bodies? Some great foods known for reducing blood pressure are celery, garlic, pomegranate, ground flaxseed and beets. On the flip side, you’ve must eliminate some foods, and this one won’t really be all that of a shocker: salt. Adding salt to food and eating foods naturally high in salt like cured or processed meats are the biggest culprits. In school, they always said, “where sodium goes, water flows.” So, if we have an excessive amount of sodium in our bodies, we retain water to dilute it. The more water we retain, the higher volume of blood we have which further increases the stress on our arteries. This is why if you ask any doctor, their first dietary recommendation for a patient with hypertension is sodium reduction.

5) Make relaxation part of your day. I can already hear you. “If I had time to relax, my blood pressure wouldn’t be so high!” I get it.

Again, start small. Even if it’s just 10 minutes a day sitting in your room with the door locked so your kids can’t barge in, it’ll help. You can

find a relaxation playlist on Spotify or Pandora or even a worship station.

Find something that works for you and helps remove the thoughts of everything going on in your life. Find a comfy spot, sit up straight and concentrate on deep breaths. This time can be spent in prayer, listening to the music, or completely zoning out.

The important part is that you can just relax.

BONUS: Add essential oils to your nighttime routine. Again, one of those cool things that products made from plants can actually help heal your body. There are essential oils that can help lower your blood pressure and help your body relax. Some great ones to try are lavender, frankincense, bergamot, clary sage, ylang-ylang, and jasmine. You can have a diffuser next to your bed so they will not only help you get to sleep easier but can help the healing process while you sleep!

Left untreated, high blood pressure can be extremely dangerous. But there is hope! If you know you are struggling with high blood pressure and want to make a change the right way, call us to schedule a consult at 623-5516677. We are ready to help get you on the path to a healthier you!

Info: myanthemhealth.com.

Skin continued from pg. 42

exceptional shade gallery to promote beautiful and customized makeup perfection. Glo Skin Beauty’s makeup contains a proprietary blend of vitamins A, C and E and green tea extract for nourishing antioxidant protection. All products are talcfree, allowing silky, even coverage that enhances skin’s beauty. With a stunning color range designed to celebrate individuality, from “barely there” the “beautifully bold.”

Still can’t decide? Take the guesswork out of holiday gift-giving with a Premier Wellness Center Gift Card. It is the ideal solution for anyone on your list! Beautiful skin is a present worth giving.

Premier Wellness Center and Aglow Medspa 42211 N. 41st Drive, Suite A109, Anthem 623-399-8222, premierwellnessaz.com

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85085 | DECEMBER 2019

If you are interested in learning more about any of these or other aesthetic treatments for fall, book a free consultation with me or any of our other providers at Premier Wellness Center.

Dr. Kelly C. Collins is the owner and medical director of Premier Wellness Center in Anthem.

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ft 59104VED Ask for The Favorite Gi

16 MAIN COURSETS + SIDES & DESSER

*Savings shown over aggregated single item base price. Limit 2. Free burgers will be sent to each shipping address that includes (59104). Standard S&H added per address. Not valid with other offers. Expires 2/29/20. All purchases subject to Omaha Steaks, Inc. Terms of Use & Privacy Policy: omahasteaks. com/terms-of-useOSI and omahasteaks.com/info/privacy-policy or call 1-800-228-9872. Photos exemplary of product advertised. 19M1110-1

BRAINTEASERS

Difficulty This Week:

★★★

★ Moderate ★★ Challenging ★★★ HOO BOY! 46

85085 | DECEMBER 2019

DOWN 1 Pirates’ potable 2 Blackbird 3 Hosiery style 4 Fuss 5 “Beezer” 6 Centers 7 Dies -8 Freedom, for short 9 Churchly council 10 Source of annoyance 11 Rose oil 17 Owing

19 21 22 24 26 28 30 32 33 34 36 38 39 40 42 45 46 48 50 51

Jeopardy Go a-courtin’ Curved line Carte lead-in Not idle New Chum Gun attachment Lemieux milieu AAA job Champ Hypnotized Bellini opera Drink to Center Antitoxins Region Peacock network Always, in verse Historic period

Answers:

Place a number in the empty boxes in such a way that each row across, each column down, and each small nine-box square contains all of the numbers from one to nine.

ACROSS 1 Whitewater carriers 6 Zero 9 Hot tub 12 Confederacy’s foes 13 Spoon-bender Geller 14 Still 15 Blunder 16 Advisory group 18 1970s band, Mott the -20 PBS science series 21 Pale 23 Ball-bearing item 24 Venomous viper 25 Utah city 27 Elmer Fudd’s weapon 29 Ink producers 31 Cottontail 35 Trumpet part 37 Mexican entree 38 Up to the time that 41 Doctrine 43 Evergreen variety 44 Midday 45 Psychotic, for short 47 Jack Webb series 49 Recipient 52 Type squares 53 Sib 54 Villainous look 55 Scoundrel 56 Train component 57 Aquarium favorite

CLASSIFIEDS VISIT: 85085Magazine.com/Classifieds TO PLACE YOUR AD! OR CALL: 480-898-6465 A/C & HEATING

LANDSCAPING

LANDSCAPING

Anthem's Most Trusted A/C & Heating Experts ProSkill Services.

623-562-3500 ROC#276901

LOPEZ

HAWKEYE LANDSCAPING INC 85085 local company.

Doing business for over 22 years. ROC CR-21138105, ROCB-3284133.

Providing all your custom design and installation needs.

623-582-1122 HawkeyeCustom Landscaping.com

APPLIANCE REPAIR APPLIANCE PROS We are local in Anthem & repair all brands and models of Refrigerators, Washers, Dryers, Stoves, Dishwashers, Stoves, Ice Machines, Wine Coolers & more!

Call 602-501-5501 ApplianceProsAZ.com

IRRIGATION

SYSTEM & LANDSCAPING LLC.

Affordable Prices, Better Service!

• Sprinklers • Valves • Timers • Maintenance • Tree Trimming • Artificial Grass • Installation of Winter Grass

602-367-8742 No Job Too Small or BIG!

CLEANING Affordable, dependable, professional.

Household/Residential Cleaning. Anthem Owned.

Bonded/Insured.

Call 623-825-6364.

Visit www.ValleyMaid.com

Reach every household and business in 85085!

Place your ad here for as little as $25.

Takes only a minute.

Go to: 85086magazine.com/ classifieds

ELECTRICAL Anthem's Most Trusted Electrical Experts ProSkill Services.

623-562-3500 ROC#322328

HOME FOR RENT? Place it here!

81% of our readers, read the Classifieds!

Call Classifieds 480-898-6465

AZ YardWorks, LLC. Landscape Maintenance Services.

Proudly serving our neighbors in 85085 since 2011. Reliable, Affordable and Local.

Free Estimates!

623-551-TREE www.AzYardWorks.com

Light Up Your Life With LED!

- Outdoor Lighting Installs, Remodels, Repairs Landscaping, Irrigation, Maintenance, Synthetic Grass, Fire Pits, BBQs and More!

POTTER LANDSCAPING 623-465-0952 ROC150017, 203168 Bonded & Insured mikescreativescapes.com

ROOFING Phillips Roofing

Family Owned & Operated Residential & Commercial Free Estimates Valleywide Service Where Quality Matters

623-873-1626

phillipsroofing@cox.net www.phillipsroofing.org ROC 223367 Bonded & Insured

DO YOU OFFER Lessons & Tutoring?

Children need your help!

Place your ad today Contact us: class@times publications.com or Call 480-898-6465

NOTICE TO READERS: Most service advertisers have an ROC# or "Not a licensed contractor" in their ad, this is in accordance to the AZ state law. Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC): The advertising requirements of the statute does not prevent anyone from placing an ad in the y e l l ow p a g e s , o n business cards, or on flyers. What it does require under A.R.S. §321121A14(c) www.azleg.gov/ars/ 32/01165.htm is that the advertising party, if not properly licensed as a contractor, disclose that fact on any form of advertising to the public by including the words "not a licensed contractor" in the advertisement. Again, this requirement is intended to make sure that the consumer is made aware of the unlicensed status of the individual or company. Contractors who advertise and do not disclose their unlicensed status are not eligible for the handyman's exception. Reference: http://www.azroc.g ov/invest/licensed_ by_law.html As a consumer, being aware of the law is for your protection. You can check a business' ROC status: http://www.azroc.gov/ DECEMBER 2019 |

85085

47

DINNER AND A MOVIE! Solve the Crossword puzzle and mail it in for a chance to win a $50 Gift Card to Olive Garden and 4 Movie Tickets. Answers to the clues can be found throughout the ProSkillServices.com website and every day products that we sell.

Sponsored by:

1 2

15

3

4 5

6

7

DOWN 1. Brand of tankless water heater 2. Bathroom fixture more common in Europe than North America 3. Noisy kitchen appliance 4. Wrenches and screwdrivers 7. Service area 11. Main colors 12. an average person will use this 2500x a year

8 9

10

11

ACROSS 12

5. Big name in faucets and fixtures 6. Our pricing 8. 2700+ five star reviews 9. A “shocking” new service we offer 10. Appliance needed for a hot shower 13. Method to save money during Arizona summer months 14. Receives 5% discount on repairs 15. ProSkill ______ an initiative to systematically support local charities

13

14

Official Contest Rules: Solve the crossword puzzle and mail it in to ProSkill Crossword Puzzle, 4215 W. Fortune Dr, Anthem, AZ 85086

for a chance to win. Contestant must provide first and last name, address, phone and email with their submission. Must be 21 years or older to enter the contest. Employees are ineligible.

Entries must be postmarked no later than December 27th. A drawing will be held from all correct entries. One winner will receive a $50.00 Gift Card and 4 movie tickets. Winner will be notified by phone, and prizes will be sent by mail. Winner will be announced in the January issue. *PLEASE DO NOT CALL PROSKILL ABOUT THE CONTEST, if you have any questions please email us at CONTEST@PROSKILLSERVICES.COM

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AIR CONDITIONING • ELECTRICAL • PLUMBING • WATER TREATMENT