North Valley Magazine 1211

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SCENE AFTER SUNSET: Explore Arizona Nightlife

HOT SHEET:

What Still Sizzles This Winter www.northvalleymagazine.com

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North Valley DECEMBER | JANUARY 2012

DAVIS DENTISTRY

Mark S. Davis, DDS

Aesthetic & Restorative

Experience an old fashioned approach back to when a family and dentist had a

REAL RELATIONSHIP. • Dental Implants • General and Cosmetic Dentistry • Fillings • Inlays or Onlays • Crowns • Routine Cleaning • Bridges • Dentures • Root Canal Treatments • Extractions

480-595-1300

www.davisdentistry.com 34522 N. Scottsdale Rd. Suite D-5 Scottsdale, AZ 85266 Inside Terravita Marketplace NEW PATIENTS ONLY

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5000 OFF

your *first* dental appointment.

Cannot be combined with any|other offer.2012 North Valley 3 DECEMBER JANUARY

We feature upcoming events, great local deals, travel features, restaurant reviews and lots of prize giveaways on our Facebook page!

BE PART OF THE

North Valley

FACEBOOK COMMUNITY!

e n i z a g a m orthValley

N / m o c . k o o Faceb

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North Valley DECEMBER | JANUARY 2012

Unwrap some

holiday magic.

Join in the Joy with Seasonal Events.

Lunch with Santa

Thursdays • Dec. 1, 8, 15 & 22 11 a.m. - Noon

Kids can enjoy lunch from a Norterra restaurant, goodie bags, music and fun all for just $7. Call 623.582.9599 for more information and to register.

Norterra Fine Art Festival

Dec. 2 - 4 Fri/Sat: 10 - 5 p.m. • Sun: 10 - 4 p.m.

Browse booths of fine art including paintings, sculpture, photography and more.

Cruisin’ with Santa

Friday, Dec. 9 6 - 9 p.m.

Special holiday car show with Santa! Kids’ activities, music and a variety of cars on display.

Sounds of the Holidays

Saturday, Dec. 10 5 - 8 p.m.

Enjoy musical performances by students, complimentary hot chocolate, cookies and visits from Santa.

Mistletoe Farmers’ Market

Wednesday, Dec. 21 3 - 7 p.m.

Special Farmers’ Market with seasonal foods and gifts, kids’ crafts, holiday music and visits from Santa.

Extended Holiday Hours NOV 25: 8AM-9PM, NOV 26: 9AM-9PM, NOV. 27: 10AM-6PM, NOV 28-DEC 16: 10AM-9PM (SUNDAYS: 10AM-8PM) DEC 19-23: 9AM-9PM DEC 24: 9AM-5PM, Closed Christmas Day

For complete event details, visit NorterraShopping.com I-17 and Happy Valley Road in North Phoenix. Dick’s Sporting Goods, Best Buy, Harkins Norterra 14 and many more places to shop and dine.

Follow us:

DECEMBER | JANUARY 2012 North Valley

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Come see over 2,400 of the world’s most beautiful Arabian horses compete for the coveted title of Scottsdale Champion. Browse through the two big-top tents which host 300+ Commercial Exhibitors from around the world.

View their showcase of art, jewelry, clothing, every equine related item imaginable and take time to enjoy a wide variety of food!

Tickets to the Scottsdale Show can be purchased through TicketMaster 800.745.3000 or www.ticketmaster.com If you are interested in visiting a local Arabian farm, visit our website for listings.

Convention & Visitors Bureau

ARABIAN HORSE ASSOCIATION OF ARIZONA PO BOX 13865, Scottsdale, AZ 85267 * 480.515.1500 (p) * 480.515.1122 (f ) * info@scottsdaleshow.com The 2012 Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show is proud to benefit the following charities: Cox Charities, March of Dimes, Horseman’s Distress Fund and the Phoenix Crisis Nursery. Photo courtsey of www.darryllarson.com and www.javan-photography.com.

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North Valley DECEMBER | JANUARY 2012

Help us Change a Life

Don’t let Arizona’s children go to bed hungry.

Please visit JCL.com/fighthunger or call 602-331-7860 to donate.

DECEMBER | JANUARY 2012 North Valley

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Contents DECEMBER/JANUARY 2012 [ IN EVERY ISSUE ]

13 Publishers’ Letter 14 Contributors 16 Connect With Us

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Holiday Gift Guide Get some ideas for your friends and family—ideas to gift, and ideas to receive!

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Still SCENE AFTER HOT What Sizzles This SUN SET SHEET Winter

Explore Arizona Nightlife www.northvalleymagazine.com

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North Valley DECEMBER | JANUARY 2012

Cover Feature It’s time to reveal the 2011 Readers’ Choice Restaurant Award winners! You voted, we tallied, and all of us get to taste the results.

Delivering A Little Holiday Happiness.

Glow For The Holidays

(3) Lightening and Brightening Skin Treatments (2) Microdermabrasions FREE Glow Minerals Shimmer Dust $695 Expires 01/02/2012

Erase 10 Years In 10 Minutes (2) Syringes Restylane $700 OR (1) Perlane $435 $50 Off All Dysport Treatments Expires 01/02/2012

Luscious Lashes This Season FREE Latisse Lash Elongator with purchase of any laser package.

Not valid with any other offer. Limit one.

We use the best technologies to get the best results.

Call for a free consultation with Dr. Maltais.

• Medical Injectables: Botox, Dysport, Juvederm XC, Restylane, Perlane, Radiesse, Sculptra, Selphyl • Injectable Liquid Lifts, Facial Contouring

• Laser Body Contouring, Cellulite Reduction • Medical Weight Loss • Naturopathic Longevity Support - Skin & Health • Bio-Identical Hormone Therapy

• Laser Skin Tightening & Rejuvenation • Laser/Light Acne Treatments • Medical Aesthetic Treatments

• Cellular Rejuvenation: IV Nutrient Therapy, Vitamin Injections

Actual Physician Skin Solutions Client

Look Good And Feel Great This Holiday.

Stay Healthy All Season Long.

Ward off cold and flu with our proven B12 shots and IV Nutrient Therapy.

Give And Get.

Purchase any regular price laser treatment or package and receive another laser treatment or package FREE

Its our passion and mission to partner with you in your quest to look and feel great.

Our experienced clinical staff is here to serve you with a combined 30 years experience in the aesthetic medical field. When the best results are desired the best team is required!

Dr. Shannon Maltais, N.M.D.

DECEMBER | JANUARY 2012 North Valley

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18275 N. 59th Ave., Suite C-116, Glendale, AZ 85308 | (602) 843-4040 | www.physicianskinarrowhead.com

Contents STYLE

60 S tyle & Beauty: His and Hers Revisited: Luxury Bathroom Styles That Please Modern Homeowners 70 J ewels: Lower Quality, Higher Profit: Do the Math before You Purchase Gemstones

RELATIONSHIPS

78 Relationship: Ask the Dating Coach

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47

ENTERTAINING

68 F lavor: Naughty and Nice Desserts

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34

55

48

HEALTH

48 F itness: Excuses, Excuses: Turn Them into Reasons!

62 H ealth: Tackling a Growing Problem: Phoenix Doctor Challenges Families to Conquer Childhood Obesity 64 G olf: Posture

60

80

66

BUZZ

55 Entrepreneurship: Employee vs.

Entrepreneurial Mentality 66 A uto Trends: Lexus CT 200h Combines Performance, Economy, and Luxury 76 E vent Calendar

PAMPERED PETS

72 A sk The Vet: How Can We Keep Our Pets Safe During the Holidays?

74 A dopt-A-Pet: Good Friends Who Need Great Homes!

PEOPLE & PLACES

50 U ncorked & Unplugged 51 N ational Amputee Golf Association National Championship 52 2 011 Soldier Ride 80 D edication and Opening Ceremony of the Anthem Veteran's Memorial Dedication Ceremony

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North Valley DECEMBER | JANUARY 2012

[ VALLEY SCENE ]

28 LOCAL PROFILE: Bells of Hope Chime Through Grief: Remembering Zachary Marco 29 DAYTRIPPERS & WEEKENDERS: Out Wickenburg Way 30 AZ FUN FACTS: A Land of Anomalies and Tamales 32 HOT SHEET 34 ENTERTAINMENT: Spin the Entertainment Wheel (and Help a Struggling Venue) 36 ART & CULTURE: Cutler Plotkin Jewish Heritage Center: All Faiths Invited 37 VALLEY VIBRATIONS: La Donna È—Brilliant! Amber Wagner’s Glorious Success 38 SPORTS: Bondurant School: Race Car Instructor Combines Ambition with Drive 40 TWO CENTS: Who’s Looking? We’re Busy Eating! 42 SCENE AFTER SUNSET: North Scottsdale 43 ARIZONA SKIES: A Journey through the Stars 44 GIVING BACK: Grieving Families Find Hope—and Peace—at Camp Paz 46 HIGHLIGHT: Take a Holiday from the Kitchen!

46 HIGHLIGHT: Russo and Steele Provide a Ride to Success—and Some Pretty Cool Ones for Pleasure 47 OUTDOOR ARIZONA: Winter as You Please: Arizona Has It All

DECEMBER | JANUARY 2012 North Valley

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Volume 7 / Issue 1 PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER

Adam Toren adam@northvalleymagazine.com

NORTH VALLEY ASKS

What is your favorite holiday dessert?

Matthew Toren matthew@northvalleymagazine.com

EDITORIAL

Managing Editors Crystal Huckabay crystal@northvalleymagazine.com Pavlina Toren pavlina@northvalleymagazine.com

Take a vacation

from the local mall.

Editorial Supervisor Cassaundra Brooks cbrooks@northvalleymagazine.com Copy Editor Kate Karp kate@northvalleymagazine.com Food Editor Samantha Turner Editorial Interns Bill Raznik, Rachael Blume

Patti Jares: My youngest daughter combines two recipes to make a sweet potato pecan pie so rich and sweet it tastes illegal!

Michael Torres: My favorite holiday dessert would be a second helping of holiday dinner. It's usually better than whatever dessert is available!

Carol La Valley: Butterscotch apple crisp and pistachio lemon cookies.

CONTRIBUTORS LeAnne Bagnall, Scott Bohall, Gerald Calamia, Ken Edwins, Lea Friese-Haben, Matthew Grunwald, Patti Jares, Jon Kenton, Carol La Valley, Kevin Madness, Ben Miles, Lee Nelson, Tyson Qualls, Greg Rubenstein, Scott Sackett, Michael Torres, Marshall Trimble, Eric Twohey, Colleen Wakefield

NOW OPEN : EXPERIENCE: Adelante Gallery, Adornments, Bakery Café, Barbara’s Boutique, Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shop, Brugo’s Pizza Co., Conrad Leather Boutique, Cooper’s Art Gallery and Brokerage, Golden Door Homestore, Mila, Boutique and Intimates, Mineral & Fossil Gallery, Out of Africa, Salon Mila, Spotted Donkey Cantina, Stefan Mann and Zuva Gallery.

A place like no other to shop, dine, and explore the arts.

Scottsdale Rd at Carefree Hwy elpedregal.com | 480-488-1072 /elPedregalAZ

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North Valley DECEMBER | JANUARY 2012

PHOTOGRAPHERS Michelle Pelberg, Mark Susan, Caroline Goddard ADVERTISING sales@northvalleymagazine.com 602.828.0313 Marketing Director Eric Twohey Art Director/Production Vanessa Fryer

CIRCULATION

Distribution Manager Mark Lokeli

Networking

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER Eric Twohey NORTH VALLEY MAGAZINE is published six times a year for distribution aimed at higher-income households in such areas as Anthem, Carefree, Cave Creek, Tramonto, North Scottsdale, Desert Ridge, DC Ranch, Grayhawk, Estancia, Desert Hills, Troon North, Desert Mountain, McDowell Mountain Ranch, and Arrowhead Ranch. You can also pick up North Valley 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 expressed by the writers and advertisers are their own, and do not necessarily represent those of the publishers, editors or North Valley Magazine staff. Although North Valley 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 North Valley Magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the expressed written consent of the publisher. Publisher reserves the right to accept or reject any editorial or advertising matter at any time.

Postmaster: Please return all undeliverable copies to North Valley Magazine, 3120 W. Carefree Hwy., Ste. 1-128, Phoenix, AZ 85086. Yearly subscriptions available; six issues mailed directly to your mailbox for $19.95 per year (within the U.S.). All rights reserved. ®2012 North Valley Magazine. Printed in the USA.

NVM + 2011

• publishers' letter

A Package of Holiday Cheer!

W

inter is the season of food and fun, and Arizona has both in spades. We start off the issue with our annual Readers’ Choice Restaurant Awards, featuring your favorite eateries from around the Valley!

There were no double winners this year, but you will find both familiar and new names on the list, so you have plenty of great places to try this coming year. ’Tis also the season of giving, and we’ve got a Holiday Gift Guide with lots of goodies to give and to receive as well as some profiles of people and business who are generous year-round.

You might notice a few additions and changes this issue. We’re starting out the New Year with an updated look and a few new columns for you to enjoy. Steve Kates, Arizona’s own Dr. Sky, highlights some of the exciting changes to look for in our beautiful night skies in December and January. Meanwhile, publishers Adam and Matthew paint the town red and give you their take on Arizona nightlife in Scene after Sunset. Our Hot Sheet showcases some of the best in local and national entertainment, trends, and more.

Adam Toren Publisher

Indulge in some naughty and nice desserts with our special extended Flavor column. Learn from our experts in love, style, and fitness. Take advantage of the rare weather and the seasonal sensibilities to explore the region and recharge for 2012.

We’ve enjoyed yet another year with you all, and hope that 2011 was memorable in the best of ways. Here’s wishing you and yours a most wonderful 2012, filled with exciting opportunities, continual good news, fun surprises, new finds, and growth.

Cheers!

Matthew Toren Publisher

DECEMBER | JANUARY 2012 North Valley

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NVM + 2011

• contributors Golf

Scott Sackett is a GOLF Magazine Top 100 Teacher.

Scott teaches at McCormick Ranch Golf Club in Scottsdale. He is also the director of instruction at the Rim Club in Payson. He splits his time equally between the two. To reach Scott, call him at (904) 838-2721 or e-mail him at scott@northvalleymagazine.com. Visit his Web site at scottsackett.com.

ART & CULTURE, MUSIC

Lee Nelson lives in the Chicago area and writes freelance for a variety of magazines, Web sites, businesses, and organizations. She spent twenty years of her career as an award-winning features and education reporter for a daily newspaper in Iowa. music@northvalleymagazine.com

SPORTS

Michael Torres is a Texas State University alumnus who majored in journalism. He is a freelance writer and sports enthusiast currently residing in Mesa, Arizona. sports@northvalleymagazine.com

Auto Trends

Greg Rubenstein is a freelance automotive journalist and deputy editor for iZoom.com, an auto- enthusiast Web site. He has been writing about and racing cars for twentyfive years. autotrends@northvalleymagazine.com

Adopt-a-pet

Michelle Pelberg is a Phoenix native whose passion for animals began at a very young age. Her talent for photography was not discovered until later on in her life. When not tending to her small zoo at home, she helps educate the minds of high school kids as an assistant teacher of photography. michelle@northvalleymagazine.com

Jewels

Scott Bohall is the owner of Treasures Jewelers. The Treasures staff has won more design awards than any jeweler in Arizona. Scott is a past president and current board member of the Arizona Jewelers Association. He travels the world to find gems and speaks throughout the state on jewelry-related topics. jewels@northvalleymagazine.com

Giving Back

Freelance feature writer Carol La Valley missed being an Arizona native by six months. When she was growing up, the North Valley was where she and her family went to have picnics and ride dune buggies. She received the Outstanding Writing Award from the Arizona Newspapers Association and Arizona Press Women in 2007 and 2009. givingback@northvalleymagazine.com

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Arizona Fun facts

He has been called a cowboy singer, a humorist, and a storyteller. He is Arizona’s official state historian, but Marshall Trimble’s most treasured title is teacher. He hopes people will realize the importance and fun involved in Arizona history and culture. marshall@northvalleymagazine.com

Relationships

Lea Friese-Haben is Arizona’s number-one dating expert.

She is happily married to Cpt. Greg Haben of Southwest Airlines and has three children. Lea is a certified holistic practitioner and is a regular guest on channels 3, 10, 12, and 15. relationships@northvalleymagazine.com

Flavor

Matthew Grunwald has been whipping up culinary delights in his mother's kitchen for years and loves to bring his original recipes to a television audience on “AZ Midday” and “Valley Dish” segments. He is training at the Culinary Institute of America and plans to once again distribute a line of mouthwatering cookies through local stores very soon. flavor@northvalleymagazine.com

Health, Style

LeAnne Bagnall is a writer and editor from Los Angeles who specializes in arts and culture, health, and communityrelated topics. health@northvalleymagazine.com

ARIZONA SKIES

Steve Kates/Dr. Sky is a locally and nationally known broadcaster of both radio and TV. He is president of Dr.Sky Inc, a multimedia company that produces the Dr.Sky Show on KTAR News Talk 92.3 FM, and appears as a regular on the Morning Scramble on AZTV with Pat McMahon. sky@northvalleymagazine.com

LOCAL PROFILE

Patti Jares has been a freelance writer for more than 20 years and a full-time feature reporter since 2005. She resides in Wickenburg, Arizona and feels blessed to live close to her two grown daughters and their families as well as having a career doing what she loves. local@northvalleymagazine.com

FITNESS

Josh Rogers, a former professional athlete, is a certified personal trainer, strength training specialist, nutritional coach, and motivator to many! He and his wife, Laura, have owned Sweat, a personal training gym in Anthem, since 2005. Josh is an active father of three who is extremely passionate about life's blessings and getting clients to reach their goals! fitness@northvalleymagazine.com

CORRECTION NOTICE

In the October/November 2011 issue, in Review for Two, the name of 32 Shea was transposed. Also, Scott Bohall authored Jewels and Lee Nelson wrote Music. North Valley Magazine apologizes for these errors.

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North Valley DECEMBER | JANUARY 2012

Paradise Valley Hospital North Valley Magazine, 4c full page 7.625x9.75

e r a c y t i l a u q t a k o o l h s e r f A

A new view at the top

Quality care gets a fresh look at Paradise Valley Hospital. From our $2.5 million renovation to being honored by Ranking Arizona as a #1 Acute Care Hospital, we are beginning a tradition of clinical excellence, innovation and compassion, all for the benefit of our community.

3929 E. Bell Road Phoenix, AZ 85032 | 602.923.5000 www.ParadiseValleyHospital.com

DECEMBER | JANUARY 2012 North Valley

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®

MIM. The most extraordinary museum you’ll ever hear.

“MIM is my favorite museum in the world. Everyone needs to see it.”

—Tony Bennett

Connect with North Valley Magazine To get in touch: North Valley Magazine 3120 W. Carefree Hwy., Ste. 1-128, Phoenix, AZ 85086 Telephone: (602) 828-0313 • Fax: (623) 889-9001 Web Site: NorthValleyMagazine.com General E-mail: info@northvalleymagazine.com.

For submissions and suggestions: LETTERS TO THE EDITOR:

Letters may be e-mailed to letters@northvalleymagazine.com. They may also be sent via mail or fax to Letters to the Editor at our address.

Letters may be edited for space and clarity.

EVENTS CALENDAR: Submit press releases or event descriptions in writing to Cassaundra Brooks at events@northvalleymagazine.com. Be sure to include event title, date, time, place, details, cost (if any), and contact number or Web site. The deadline for February/March 2012 consideration is January 1.

PRESS RELEASES: Submit press releases via e-mail to Cassaundra at cbrooks@northvalleymagazine.com.

STORY QUERIES: Submit one-page queries to us by mail, attention Editorial Department. Accompany any queries with clips and a fifty-word biography.

STORY SUGGESTIONS: We welcome editorial suggestions from our readers. Please e-mail story ideas to cbrooks@northvalleymagazine.com, or mail or fax them to the attention of the editorial department.

To advertise your product or business: Contact the sales department by phone at (602) 828-0313,ext. 1, or by e-mail at sales@northvalleymagazine.com.

To subscribe or obtain back issues: SUBSCRIPTIONS:

MUSICAL INS TRUMENT MUSEUM

To subscribe to North Valley Magazine, or to make changes to an existing subscription, call (602) 828-0313 ext. 2, or visit our Web site.

BACK ISSUES: Back issues from up to two years are currently available for $8.95 each, including postage. You may order past issues on our Web site. Please allow five to seven days to process. It is North Valley Magazine’s policy not to mail, e-mail, or fax copies of articles that have appeared in the magazine.

Where to find us:

MIMphx

theMIM.org | 480.478.6000 | Open Daily

4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix, AZ 85050 Corner of Tatum & Mayo Blvds., just south of Loop 101 in Phoenix 16

North Valley DECEMBER | JANUARY 2012

North Valley Magazine has racks in prime locations across our distribution area. For the rack location nearest you, e-mail info@ northvalley magazine.com. We also mail magazines to various neighborhoods. If you would like to ensure that your place of business receives several copies or would like to submit your place of business for a future rack location, please send a request via e-mail or regular mail to Mark Lokeli at mark@northvalleymagazine.com. Follow us on Twitter at Twitter.com/NorthValley and join our fan page on Facebook!

The Caepe Preschool Starting Out Right...

Small differences can grow into big advantages.

At The Caepe Preschool, students are taught in small class sizes which allow individualized instruction and a comforting environment for children to begin to learn. The Caepe Preschool is a private preschool with a safe, stimulating atmosphere and intriguing curriculum. The Caepe Preschool is exclusively equipped with qualified instructors who deliver education that encourages confidence, self-esteem and academic growth. Students learn physical and social skills while having fun, all which are necessary before entering kindergarten. Take the first step, call to hear how our unique programs help develop and prepare your child for a formal education. things every young mother needs to know: For more information, call 623.551.7808 or visit thecaepepreschool.com

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1. Your preschool child can develop the academic, physical and social skills necessary for kindergarten most quickly when student-teacher ratios are 8:1 or better.

2. Children engaged in higher-level thinking, the performing arts, building and construction as well as gross motor and fine motor skill activities achieve more rapid, well-balanced mental and physical growth.

3. The Caepe Preschool, a safe, private, well-equipped environment exclusively staffed by qualified instructors is now accepting applications.

Small differences can grow into big advantages. That’s why no detail is overlooked at The Caepe Preschool. If you are interested in giving your two and a half to five year old child the best that Anthem has to offer, we would love to talk with you. Join us for preschool tours starting Monday, September 15.

Now Accepting Applications for morning or afternoon sessions.

Please ask for Marc Hayes or Darren Lee at 623.551.7808

The Caepe School 42212 N. 41st Dr. Suite 105, Anthem, AZ 85086 | thecaepepreschool.com

...Finishing Strong!

Advancing Education. Individualized Instruction.

The Caepe School is a private, non-profit school currently serving grades K-10. At The Caepe School students receive an exceptional education taught through a variety of disciplines including experiences both in and out of the class room. Students excel through several learning models with support from highly qualified teachers in academic subjects as well as in areas such as performing arts, sports, experiential field trips and community involvement. All of this contributes to a superior college preparatory education supporting the philosophy of educating the whole child – culturally, academically, emotionally and physically – allowing the student to become a lifelong lover of learning.

For more information, call 623.551.7808 or visit DECEMBER | JANUARY 2012 North Valley 17 thecaepeschool.org

Readers' 2011

Choice Restaurant Award Winners

Congratulations

to the winners of our 2011 Readers’ Choice Restaurant Awards!

Thank you to everyone who voted for your favorite dining destinations from across the Valley. There are some familiar names on the list from previous years, but there are also some rising stars on this list.

Time to eat!

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North Valley DECEMBER | JANUARY 2012

f 2011 Readers' Choice Restaurant Award Winners f

After Hours:

Breakfast:

CityNorth 5455 E. High St., Ste. 101 Phoenix, AZ 85054 VIP reservations: (480) 374-1830

10626 N. 32nd St. Phoenix, AZ 85028 (602) 867-SHEA 32shea.com

Blue Martini

You can’t partake of Phoenix nightlife without a visit to Blue Martini. Stop by for some tasty tapas and cool cocktails, or plan a private party people will remember. Enjoy live entertainment from top artists, bands, and DJs, and make the most of your experiences by joining their exclusive VIP membership. Girls can get a midweek refresher on Wednesday’s Girls’ Night Out, which includes fabulous amenities and VIP tables.

American:

Thirteen North Grille 1301 E. Northern Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85020 (602) 795-1397 thirteenorthgrille.com

Featuring a menu that is both familiar and sophisticated, Thirteen North Grille serves up sizzling dishes to delight any palate. Start the meal off with a tasty bruschetta platter or seared ahi tuna before moving on to the signature 13th North salad. Opt for a savory openfaced New York strip sandwich, or sample something a little more interesting, like the grilled Alaska salmon with dill sauce or mussels and clam linguine. Even their mac ’n’ cheese has a twist: Tillamook cheddar, gruyere, and fontina cheeses give the classic American dish an original flavor.

Appetizers:

Ocean Club 15045 N. Kierland Blvd.

Scottsdale, AZ (480) 443-8555 mastrosoceanclub.com

This ultra-high-end coastal version of the steak house offers the best in upscale seafood in a clubby, avant-garde atmosphere that features live entertainment nightly in the O Bar.

Barbecue:

Q-to-U-BBQ 3434 W. Anthem Way, Ste. 146 Anthem, AZ 85086 (623) 465-7800 q-to-u-bbq.com

This family-run uniquely named barbecue joint serves up authentic slow-smoked barbecue in Anthem. Gnaw on some St. Louis-cut pork ribs, chow down on some pulled pork or brisket, and enjoy the aptly named Loosen Your Belt and Unbutton Your Pants sampler platters.

A friendly atmosphere, melt-in-your-mouth American dishes, and homemade sides make the trip up to Anthem from anywhere in the Valley a pleasant one. Closed Mondays.

32 Shea

Blink and you might miss it, but big flavor comes in small buildings. With a cool vibe, a smooth bar, and a dog-friendly patio, it’s the perfect place to stop in for some relaxation, an intimate business meeting, a traditional date, or a great meal to start the day. A reasonably priced menu features the nutritious and the savory. Nutella lovers will love this little slice of heaven.

Brewery:

Four Peaks Grill & Tap* 15745 N. Hayden Rd., #D5-7 Scottsdale, AZ 85260 (480) 991-1795 fourpeaks.com

From Scottish-style ale to oatmeal stout to Hefeweizen and specialty beers, Four Peaks can please your craving for hops. Of course, what would brew be without classic accompaniments like wings and five-layer nacho dip? Brewery basics like hearty burgers, soups, pizzas, and alehouse sandwiches anchor a menu that includes some favorites, like pub fish and chips and comforts like carne adovada (cherry-wood-smoked slow-roasted pork simmered in red chili sauce with rice, beans, and warm flour tortillas). Also check out the brewing company in Tempe.

Burgers:

Delux Burger 3146 E. Camelback Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85016 (602) 522-2288 deluxburger.com

Who says you can’t have dessert first? Start off with the Delux banana split lava cake, or accompany your meal with a Delux house draft root beer float. Continue with some chilled gazpacho made fresh daily, and then fill up on a variety of sandwiches, panini, and deli salads. Pair every course with some yummy sweet potato fries.

Chinese:

Jade Palace* Pinnacle Peak 23623 N. Scottsdale Rd., #7 Scottsdale, AZ 85255 (480) 585-6630 jadepalaceaz.com

The family-owned Jade Palace crafts your delicious Chinese dishes using fresh ingredients delivered to its three locations daily.

According to its Web site, meats are cooked using a technique referred to as “instant high heat,” which is said to not only cook meats faster but also preserve its tenderness, nutrients, and taste. Enjoy a traditional menu packed with your favorite Chinese cuisine, all in the middle of the desert.

DECEMBER | JANUARY 2012 North Valley

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f 2011 Readers' Choice Restaurant Award Winners f

Coffee Shop:

Press Coffee Food & Wine* CityNorth 5410 E. High St., Ste. 115 Phoenix, AZ 85054 (480) 419-6221 presscoffeefoodwine.com

This family-run business that combines passions for food, wine, and coffee has expanded to three locations in three years. Coffee beans—many organic—sourced from around the world are roasted daily. Join them for events like wine tastings, coffee cuppings, live music, art shows, and three-course doggie dine-outs for your canine companions. Accompany your fresh-brewed cuppa with nutritious and filling snacks and dishes.

Comfort Food:

Chompies*

Mercado Del Rancho Center 9301 E. Shea Blvd.

Scottsdale, AZ 85260 (480) 860-0475 chompies.com

The Borensteins came to the Valley from Queens, New York, in 1979 to make the entire Valley eat, dollink, eat—and eat deli. Chompie’s is an exciting New York-style deli-restaurant and bakery featuring freshly baked breads, cakes, pastries and, of course, world-famous bagels and bialys in 35 “hot” varieties.

and Tuscan kale as well as crispy salmon skin with wakame, baby radishes, sesame, and ponzu. Bring your favorite bottle of wine to pair with such an elegant dish or with a rave list of fantastic and diverse cheeses. Visit their Web site for a list of events.

Deli:

Miracle Mile Deli* Arrowhead Towne Center 7700 W. Arrowhead Town Center, #1145 Glendale, AZ 85308 (623) 979-3430 miraclemiledeli.com

This delectable delicatessen has served Valley residents for sixty years with the kind of service and homemade fare that can only be found at family-owned and -run establishments. With third-generation owners, a name that commemorates its original location, and a mission to offer “consistently delicious food, reasonable prices, and quick service,” this delightful deli can be found at three convenient locations.

Dessert:

The Cheesecake Factory * 15230 North Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85254 (480) 607-0083 thecheesecakefactory.com

The Cheesecake Factory is an upscale casual dining restaurant offering more than 200 menu selections that include appetizers, pizza, pasta, seafood, steaks, salads, sandwiches, and fifty delectable cheesecakes and desserts!

Continental:

Eclectic:

2515 N. Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85257 (480) 990-2433 atlasbistrobyob.com

7212 Ho Hum Rd. Carefree, AZ 85377 (480) 488-8182 carefreestation.com

Atlas Bistro

This premier BYOB is popular, so it’s best to make a reservation.

And you’ll want to, because the menu features scrumptious options like hand-rolled gnocchi with BMR chevre, black garlic, baby squash,

Carefree Station Grill & Bar

Located in the heart of the Spanish Village in Carefree is a delightful dining destination with diverse, beautifully plated dishes of staple meats like pork, steak, and lamb as well as a La Familia menu featuring authentic Mexican options from the staff’s stash of family recipes. Enjoy an extensive wine list and rich desserts. Also, consider catering for your special event.

Family Friendly:

Dave & Busters

21001 N. Tatum Blvd., Ste. 44-1400 Phoenix, AZ 85050 (480) 538-8956 daveandbusters.com

A prime place to eat and play, Dave & Busters is great for a family outing. In between billiards and arcade games, snack on American appetizers or feast on juicy burgers, hearty steaks, and or seafood. Save room for dessert—everyone loves brownie sundaes and bananas foster pie, but you’ll likely want to sample the Belgian chocolate fondue, which is ideal for sharing.

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North Valley DECEMBER | JANUARY 2012

f 2011 Readers' Choice Restaurant Award Winners f

Italian:

Times Square Neighborhood Italian Restaurant 2602 W. Deer Valley Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85027 (623) 582-8866 timessquareaz.com

French:

Zinc Bistro Kierland Commons 15034 N Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85281 (480) 603-0922 zincbistroaz.com

Location, location, location—a New York-style Parisian bistro in the Arizona desert! Enjoy the oyster bar where shellfish is brought in daily— the freshest oysters, clams, mussels, and lobster you can find in the desert.

Greek:

Daphne’s Greek Café 16447 N. Scottsdale Rd. Ste. 101 Scottsdale, AZ 85254 (480) 247-6704 daphnesgreekcafe.com

This lovely restaurant provides you with the perfect opportunity to sample a rather tasty cuisine from the enchanting Mediterranean.

Named for the ancient Greek mythological goddess Daphne, who was transformed into a laurel tree whose branches are twisted into a wreath to adorn the heads of Olympic athletes, the restaurant aspires to its symbolic excellence. Its reasonably priced menu offers dishes with a sensible number of calories and a burst of that yummy Greek flavor.

Indian:

Bombay Spice 10810 N. Tatum Blvd.

Phoenix, AZ 85028 (602) 795-0020 bombayspice.com

Indulge in savory Indian cuisine and eat healthy at the same time.

Dishes are prepared with olive oil instead of ghee or butter, and the Web site details the nutritional content of each dish. Those who require gluten-free, vegetarian, or vegan-friendly options will appreciate the accommodating menu, which showcases authentic Indian options like chickpea ceviche and curries mixed with vegan protein, as well as roti and naan breads made fresh daily. Pair your meal with a selection from their international wine list.

Oh, yes. It’s one of those restaurants that feature caricatures of the regular customers on its walls. But its the food that lures customers back time and again. In true Italian style, Times Square’s menu includes pizza, pasta, and pollo (chicken) in addition to the baked basics and homemade desserts. No menu would be complete without the customary soups and salads, but you may be surprised to learn that this joint also serves breakfast.

Japanese:

Tokyo Lobby Sushi + Grill 5795 W. Bell Rd., #1 Glendale, AZ 85308 (602) 942-4165 tokyolobbysushi.com

One of Asia’s greatest gifts to the West is sushi—at least, that’s what sushi lovers are wont to believe. Sushi is a delicacy and an art, and when crafted and cut just right, it’s an experience for the palate and the eyes. Load up on a colorful array of fresh fish, shrimp, and other sourced-from-the-sea selections. Not a fan of nuri (seaweed)?

No worries—there’s plenty of sashimi to be sampled. If you prefer your food cooked, there are plenty of decently priced options on the grill menu as well.

Mexican:

The Blue Agave Mexican Cantina 7000 E. Mayo Blvd.

Scottsdale, AZ 85054 (480) 419-6375 blueagavemexicancantina.com

Lunch on some stuffed burritos and chimichangas, or exercise some portion control with the chef ’s Just Right Portions selections.

Savory pulled pork, Baja fish tacos, and jalapeño cheese filet mignon comprise some of the flavorful main courses, while starters like fire-roasted shrimp salad and spinach con queso topped with fresh tomatoes complement great conversation. Leave room for some caramel apple cheesecake or the classic Mexican fried ice cream, or opt for some after-dinner drinks that include aromatic coffee and port.

DECEMBER | JANUARY 2012 North Valley

21

f 2011 Readers' Choice Restaurant Award Winners f

Patio Dining:

Pizzeria:

7135 E. Camelback Rd., Ste. 195 Scottsdale, AZ 85251 (480) 751-2200 foxrc.com/olive_ivy.html

4404 N. Central Ave., Ste. A Phoenix, AZ 85012 (602) 234-2100 pizzeriabianco.com

Olive & Ivy Restaurant & Marketplace

Old world meets new at Olive & Ivy, which blends the provocative flavors and timeless elegance of the Mediterranean with contemporary California chic. Olive & Ivy, featuring Scottsdale’s largest outdoor patio, is a lively neighborhood hot spot offering something for everyone.

Pizzeria Bianco

If you favor traditional Italian pizza offerings, you’ll like Pizzeria Bianco, whose menu highlights pizza selections like Margherita (tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and basil) and Wiseguy (wood roasted onion, house-smoked mozzarella, and fennel sausage).

Snack on some Gaeta olives and get your greens in with a salad made with local organic lettuces.

Restaurant Wit h A View:

Different Pointe of View (at Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort) 11111 N. 7th St. Phoenix, AZ 85020 (602) 866-6350 tapatiocliffshilton.com/dining/different-pointe-of-view

We live smack dab in the middle of the most beautiful desert in the country, and Different Pointe of View takes advantage of the scenery to maximize the dining experience of its diners. Take in views of North Mountain from the terrace or through panoramic windows as you savor dishes like Ellensburg seared lamb loin with crispy parmesan polenta, roasted baby beets, Brussels leafs, and Perigord truffle mushroom reduction. Finish off the meal with a wine and chocolate sampler, which includes a sampling of Chef Lara’s fine chocolates paired with Wine Flights by the in-house sommelier.

Romantic:

Orange Sky Restaurant (at Talking Stick Resort)

Persian Room • Photo by Mark Susan

Persian:

The Persian Room 17040 N. Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85255 (480) 614-1414 persianroom.com

Take a trip to Persia in our own backyard! Savor the sweet and spicy flavors indicative of Persian cuisine in a richly appointed dining area. For the past twenty-five years, the Persian Room has offered a varied menu that includes marinated meats like filet mignon and lamb, grilled seafood over saffron-scented basmati rice, and uniquely flavored stews.

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North Valley DECEMBER | JANUARY 2012

9000 E. Indian Bend Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85256 (866) 877-9897 talkingstickresort.com/ orange-sky.aspx

The 200-seat restaurant sits atop Talking Stick Resort’s f ifteenth f loor and gives diners stunning 360-degree views of our “signature orange sunsets.”

Ingredients are high quality, fresh and, when possible, locally sourced. Dishes are simple and varied. An eclectic wine list is illustrated by a glass wine room that displays more than one hundred white wine selections and a sommelier table with handcrafted cedar wood wine racks. Enjoy some privacy with the love of your life in the high-back seating enclaves and forget everything outside of the sensational food, company, and skies.

f 2011 Readers' Choice Restaurant Award Winners f

Thai:

Takeda Thai 10271 N. Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85253 (480) 483-5006 takedathai.com

Sample well-prepared Thai food made with authentic herbs and spices and served with care. The menu includes fresh salads and soups, seafood and meats, and rice and noodles, with all the flavors and spiciness Thai food lovers crave.

Vegetarian:

Picazzo’s Organic Italian Kitchen*

Seafood:

Ocean Prime City North 5455 E. High St., #115 Phoenix, AZ 85054 ocean-prime.com

The modern American supper club melds the retro with the contemporary for a pleasing and elegant design aesthetic. With incredible service, delicious seafood and steaks, and creative quality cocktails and wines, Ocean Prime doesn’t just lure people in—it keeps them coming back for more.

Sports Bar:

Yard House* 21001 N. Tatum Blvd.

Phoenix, AZ 85050 (480) 563-9273 yardhouse.com

If it’s beer, it’s here. The Yard House is an upscale casual eatery known for the world’s largest selection of beer, from the known to the obscure. Each location features a transparent keg room containing more than 600 barrels, some 1,000 gallons of beer, and an endless fleet of tap handles. There are plenty of unique American cuisine menu items to wash down with your selected suds.

Steakhouse:

Fleming’s Steakhouse* DC Ranch 20753 N. Pima Rd., Bldg. R North Scottsdale, AZ 85255 (480) 538-8000 flemingssteakhouse.com

Fleming’s features the finest in prime beef and a tempting variety of chops, seafood, chicken, generous salads, inventive side orders, and indulgent desserts in a fine-dining atmosphere. Fleming’s 100’s celebrated wine list boasts some of the finest wines in the world, all available by the glass.

7325 Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd.

Scottsdale, AZ 85260 (480) 990-2212 picazzos.com

Picazzo’s is locally owned, and many of its ingredients are locally grown. All of its ingredients, however, are organically grown, and any meats are hormone- and nitrate-free. Gluten-intolerant guests can relax with a menu that is over 90-percent gluten-free, including desserts and beers. The first location opened in Sedona in 2002, and ten years later, the now multiple locations are still providing the originally conceptualized tasty and nutritious meals.

Vietnamese:

Da Vang

4538 N. 19th Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85015 (602) 242-3575

If you’re looking for authentic Vietnamese cuisine for a great price, you’ll want to check out Da Vang. Try their strong iced coffee, traditional pho, rare beef, tasty broth, and other classic Vietnamese dishes.

Enjoy quick service, large portions, and distinct flavors!

Wine Bar:

Rhythm and Wine 7605 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd., #D1 Scottsdale, AZ 85255 (480) 478-6999 rhythmandwine.com

Sure, Rhythm and Wine serves some traditional American and Italian treats, including yummy pizzas, flaky fish and chips, and a fondue dessert dish, but the wine and spirits are its biggest draw. Decide between sweet and dry; sparkling and flat; white, blush, and red; and light, medium, and full intensity in your choice of wine, champagne, cocktails, or port. Take your palate on a journey around the world, order a bottle, or sample by the glass. Be sure to visit their Web site for a calendar of events that highlights happy hours and live music.

DECEMBER | JANUARY 2012 North Valley

23

f 2011 Readers' Choice Restaurant Award Winners f

Business Meeting:

Elevate Coffee Co. 2530 W. Happy Valley Rd., Ste. 1273 Phoenix, AZ 85058 (602) 341-5480 elevatecoffee.com

Since 2009, Elevate Coffee Co. has provided a diverse group of Phoenicians with a place to relax and connect with one another over nose-twitching aromas and insides-warming brews. Enjoy live music on weekend nights, study or catch up on work in peace while sipping savory international blends, or indulge with your friends in wholesome sandwiches and refreshing smoothies and frappes. Ten cents from each cup of joe goes toward providing safe water for children in Africa.

Celebration:

Vincent on Camelback* 3930 E. Camelback Rd., #204 Phoenix, AZ 85018 (602) 224-0225 vincentsoncamelback.com

Celebrate with good food and good company at Vincent on Camelback. Roasted rack of lamb, wild boar loin, cream of butternut squash soup, macadamia-crusted sea scallops, Tahitian vanilla vacherin, house-made sorbets, and decadent soufflés are just some of the mouthwatering options from which to choose. Consider catering an off-site celebration, or book a private dining room for 18 to 120 guests.

Happy Hour:

Brio Tuscan Grille Scottsdale Quarter 15301 N. Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85254 (480) 607-1100 brioitalian.com/index.html

Brio Tuscan Grille brings you the f lavors of Tuscany with its tempting brunch, lunch, dinner, and dessert menus. Three private rooms that seat up to forty people make Brio a great location for your special parties and events. But this Italian eatery also offers up a great wine list as well as a special $2.95 “Tuscan Taster” bar menu Mondays through Fridays from 3–7 p.m. and 9 p.m. to closing time. Relax in Brio’s elegant European-inspired setting Wednesdays as you enjoy two dollars off martinis in the dining and bar areas.

Ladies’ Lunch:

Arcadia Farms 1625 N. Central Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85004 (602) 257-2191 arcadiafarmscafe.com

Ladies, not only will you be lunching on artistic and flavorful recipes but you’ll also be chowing down on dishes made with locally and organically grown, pesticide-free, hormone-free, and trans-fatfree ingredients. After browsing the Phoenix Art Museum, stop in for some afternoon tea complete with tea-size sweets and imported teas, or savor the Sunday brunch delights like smoked salmon, berry crepes, and quiche Lorraine.

Sunday Brunch:

The Wrigley Mansion

2501 E. Telawa Trail Phoenix, AZ 85016 (602) 955-4079 wrigleymansionclub.com

Dining at The Wrigley Mansion is a complete experience. Their award-winning Sunday Champagne Brunch is worth the trip, and Geordie’s Restaurant & Lounge offers guests more than an elegant, historic setting—its creative American fare is a perfect weekend evening meal and is now back for lunch five days a week.

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North Valley DECEMBER | JANUARY 2012

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local profile / DAY TRIPPERS & WEEKENDERS / ENTERTAINMENT / ART & CULTURE / AZ FUN FACTS / GIVING BACK / VALLEY VIBRATIONS HOT SHEET / SPORTS / SCENE AFTER SUNSET / ARIZONA SKIES / HIGHLIGHTS / OUTDOOR ARIZONA / SPORTS / TWO CENTS

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27

local profile

Bells of Hope Chime Through Grief: Remembering Zachary Marco B y P att i J ares

A child should never, ever pass away before

his parents, but Zachary Marco did. The 21-year-old Arizona State University honors student was gunned down on a quiet evening on October 17, 2010 as he walked to his dorm from the campus library. The senseless tragedy received national and international media attention, and Zachary’s father, attorney Daniel Marco, credits the extensive coverage with the apprehension of the two murder suspects.

The incomprehensible loss felt by Marco, his wife Claudia, and their daughters, 20-year-old Katie, and 16-year-old Michelle changed the family forever. On the day of his son’s death, Marco, a successful criminal defense attorney, could no longer defend those charged with crimes. But instead of allowing grief to destroy him, he determined to do something positive in honor of his son.

Through much soul searching, Marco decided to establish the Zachary Marco Foundation with the help of his firm, Mostafavi, Marco, and Wimmer. Marco is also collaborating with friends Jamal Johnson and Steve Dunn, both former police officers who now coach football.

Initially, Marco’s experience with the murder of his son and the subsequent search for his killers opened his eyes to the plight of other parents who had no courtroom skills or financial means for an attorney. He accompanied families suffering the same tragedy to their court dates, walking them through the difficult process.

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North Valley DECEMBER | JANUARY 2012

But Marco’s journey of grief recently brought him to the realization that he could best honor Zachary by focusing on high school students facing obstacles on their path to college. His son excelled during his time in college and had planned to go into practice with his father after completing his education. Zachary worked as a page for the Arizona Senate a nd w a s set to intern in Wa s h i n g t o n , D.C. But he did not let his success blind his eyes to those around him—he spent his spare time as a tutor at ASU, equipping struggling students who needed a boost.

“Some kids need a firm hand and a bit

of guidance,” Marco says. “The Zachary Marco Foundation will target those kids and give them the tools necessary to get to college. We’ll help them through the entire process.”

To qualify for help, students must participate in a high school sport, carry a B and C grade point average, and possess a sense of discipline and an economic need. The foundation is something Marco believes that his son would have liked. It does not erase his grief, but it generates hope.

“As the parent of a murdered child, you represent the worst that can happen to a family,” Marco says. “It’s hard to understand so many conflicted emotions coming at you from so many angles. This is something positive I can do for Zack instead of just grieving for him.”

In his blog, http://mysonzack.wordpress.com/, Marco works through his grief and offers comfort to parents facing the same nightmare. Marco is presently creating a 501(c)(3) and anticipates a day soon when the foundation will be up and running, helping the average student who often slides under the radar. “ Z ac k w a s a good kid destined to do great things for the commun it y at la rge,” Marco says. “So I can do some of that for him while I’m still breathing.”

"It’s hard to understand so many conflicted emotions coming at you from so many angles.

This is something positive I can do for Zack instead of just grieving for him."

For more information on The Zachary Marco Foundation, write to 123 N. Centennial Way, Ste. 110, Mesa, AZ, 85201. For more on Zachary, go to Remembering Zachary Marco on Facebook.

daytrippers & weekenders

Turn Off the Highway and Back in Time: Wickenburg Brings You Back Home

BY CASSAUNDRA BROOKS

Arizona has a rich Western history, and one of the best towns to showcase the spirit of the West is nearby Wickenburg. Located roughly an hour northwest of Phoenix, it features authentic dude ranches, a historic movie theater, a celebrated museum, interesting antique shops, mom-and-pop restaurants and stores, and a classic small-town flavor.

Walk through downtown where the Desert Caballeros Western Museum is located, stop in for ice-cream at Chaparral Homemade Ice Cream & Restaurant, pause to check out the old jail tree to which criminals were once chained, and finally pop in to the Chamber of Commerce for an extensive list of more things to do and see around town. Go horse crazy with some trail rides or a stay at a dude ranch like Kay El Bar or Rancho de los Caballeros (aka Los Cab).

Explore the outdoors by traveling a short distance to hike Vulture Peak or to check out Vulture Peak Mine. Take an unexpected detour onto one of many dirt roads that lead off from Wickenburg Way (which is also Highway 60) to hike. Take a jeep tour, go off-roading, check out the Hassayampa River, or find a cowboy-poetry reading.

Of course, Wickenburg offers an array of activities to suit the non-cowboy, like prime golfing at the Wickenburg Country Club or Rancho de los Caballeros and hit performances at the Del E. Webb Center for the Performing Arts, located on the Wickenburg High School campus. Keep a lookout for events like Gold Rush Days, which brings thousands to Wickenburg each February for a parade, a carnival, arts and crafts booths, a classic-car gathering, trail rides, a rodeo, reunions, and more.

Go clear your head, take a family day or two, or treat your em-

ployees to a company retreat. It’s a great escape from city life, and you don’t have to travel too far to find it.

For more general information and calendars of events, visit ci.wickenburg.az.us, outwickenburgway.com, wickenburgchamber.com, and wickenburg-az.com. Sites for places named above include kayelbar. com, ranchodeloscaballeros.com, westernmuseum.org, chaparral-icecream. com, wickenburggolf.com, and delewebbcenter.org.

DECEMBER | JANUARY 2012 North Valley

29

AZ Fun facts

Arizona: A Land of Anomalies and Tamales B y M arshall T r i mble , O f f i c i al A r i zona S tate H i stor i an

As we count down to our 100th birthday, it’s

good to remember that Arizona is a place of contrasts and contradictions. For instance, the first “white man” to come to Arizona was a black man. His name was Esteban, and he arrived in 1539 as a scout for the Coronado Expedition.

The first native Arizona cowboy movie star was a cowgirl. Dorothy Fay Southworth of Prescott headed out to Hollywood in the 1930s and was soon starring in western movies. She married her favorite leading man— one of Hollywood’s most popular singing cowboys, Tex Ritter—and was the mother of actor John Ritter.

The Lost Dutchman was a German, and the Gunfight at OK Corral didn’t occur at the OK Corral. The fight took place on Fremont Street between Fly’s Photograph Gallery and the Harwood House. The famous Navajo Taco was invented by a Greek, and New York’s popular mayor, Fiorello La Guardia, was raised in Prescott.

Arizona’s youngest county, La Paz, is officially America’s oldest. The reason for this contradiction? According to the U.S. Census Bureau, one-third of the population is 65 years old or older.

Arizona’s rivers are known for their capricious behavior, too. In 1885, the citizens of Florence petitioned the territorial legislature for a bridge across the Gila River so they could get to the Salt River Valley when the river was up. They got their appropriation, and the bridge was built and dedicated. One morning, the citizens looked out to see that the fickle river had changed its course, bypassing the bridge and leaving it standing alone in the desert.

In 1846, when the Mormon Battalion crossed Arizona during the Mexican War, Lieutenant George Stoneman decided to test the navigability of the Gila. His men built a raft and loaded it with supplies, and the young lieutenant cast off into the Gila and floated a short distance before the naval craft sank.

Like any good skipper, Stoneman went down with his ship…then walked ashore.

Two years later, the Howard family was floating down the Gila when Mrs. Howard, who was expecting, decided the time had

30

North Valley DECEMBER | JANUARY 2012

come. They pul led ashore, and she gave birth to a baby boy and promptly named him Gila. Gila Howard became the first American baby born in what would become Arizona.

During the 1920s, the federal government decided to build a dam on the Gila. Unfortunately, the surveyors chose an unusually wet year. They picked a site in a narrow canyon east of Hayden. The dam was built and named Coolidge for the former president, but by the time it was dedicated, Arizona was in another drought and nothing but tall weeds grew where the lake was supposed to be. Calvin Coolidge was there, but he didn’t have much to say about the waterless reservoir. He wasn’t known as Silent Cal for nothing. But humorist Will Rogers was never at a loss for words. He looked out across the sea of weeds and quipped, “If that was my lake, I’d mow it.”

Senator Barry Goldwater told a story about his grandfather, Mike, who had a store in the Colorado River port city of La Paz. He woke up one morning to find the river had changed its course and La Paz was perched on the banks of a dry arroyo. He packed his merchandise in a wagon and set out to find it, and when he did, the store was rebuilt. He named the new town Ehrenberg for an old friend.

I can’t vouch for the veracity of this story, but as Mark Twain said, “If it didn’t happen this way it coulda happened this way.” Hazel Breadsacker owned a ranch down along the Colorado River near Yuma. Her west pasture backed up to the river that was known for changing its course without warning. She looked out one morning to find it had cut a new path around the east side of her place. A local newspaper reporter asked Hazel what she thought of becoming a Californian. With a straight face, she replied, “That’s okay with me. I don’t think I could stand to spend another summer in Arizona anyway.”

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Give the gift of luxury, relaxation and indulgence this holiday season. Talking Stick Resort gift cards are the perfect holiday gift for all your loved ones.

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Jineane Ford WEIGHT LOSS STORY

Experience Counts!

“Price or experience?

Are you going to pick a doctor for this important step in your life based on price – or experience? It was an easy decision for me.”

“Black and White”

Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner? Sidney Poitier, that’s who! This touching, heartfelt, thought-provoking comedy is timeless and features a seamless script and a top-notch cast of Hollywood legends.

Buy, don’t rent.

Melt for Buttery Goodness

In 20 09, a loca l “mompreneu r” launched a line of flavored butter from a farmers’ market. Creative Butters can now be found at AJ’s Fine Foods, Whole Foods, and other gourmet retailers in Arizona. Try seasonal flavors like cranberry orange, honey jalapeno, and maple brown sugar. creativebutters.com

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North Valley DECEMBER | JANUARY 2012

pson_33V.pgs

03.30.2011

12:20

Spreading Like Wildfire

Studio Movie Grill gives a twist on the traditional “dinner and a movie”: Guests have the opportunity to combine the two activities. The company recently took the show to North Scottsdale. studiomoviegrill.com

Red Hot Sound

I f y o u’v e not e x p e r ie nc e d STOMP, you must catch the show at ASU Gammage, Dec. 28–31. Ring in the new year with an unforgettable celebration of sound unlike any you’ve ever heard. stomponline.com or asugammage.com

Celebrate the Holiday at

Naughty

Have your employees been

Nice? or

Treat them to a “Big” festive celebration. Whether you’re a “Little” business of 2 or 50, we have the holiday event for you.

Still Hot

Local PR gal and the future Mrs. Frankie Muniz Elycia Marie Turnbow opened Arcadia Vintage in March, 2011. Indulge your designs on sequins, beading, angora, lace, feathers, silk, leather fringe, and more. arcadiavintage.com

Foodies, Get Fired Up!

Iron Chef Jose Garces has opened two dining destinations in downtown Scottsdale at The Saguaro: Old Town Whiskey (a bar reminiscent of an old-time frontier drink parlor) and signature restaurant Distrito (opens early December). jdvhotels.com/hotels/saguaro

Big Little

Holiday Extravaganza Thursday, Dec. 15th Contact Kathy Cuaderno:

623.425.3021

for more information.

Heat in the Kitchen

Love’n the Kitchen is a premier Vik ing-sponsored cook ing school here in the North Valley that welcomes students of all skill levels to learn the culinary arts in delicious, bite-size morsels.

Enjoy collaborating with professional—some quite famous— chefs from Arizona and around the world. (480) 459-8953 or loventhekitchen.com DECEMBER | JANUARY 2012 North Valley

33

entertainment

Spin the Entertainment Wheel (and Help a Struggling Venue) B y C assaundra B rooks

Theater

Actors Theatre—a thought-provoking, risk-taking, contemporary professional theater that invites cultural conversation and focuses on the actor—is in danger of closing. Despite strong ticket sales, the 26-year-old theater has experienced a drop in private and corporation contributions in the downturn of the economy. It needs funding by December 31 in order to continue its current season and additional funding by June 30, 2012 to stabilize. Consider donating whatever you can to help this original experimental theater survive.

Visit atphx.org for more information and a list that details what your particular financial gift buys.

Music

Phoenix Symphony’s season is in full swing this winter. The celebrated orchestra delights audiences with some holiday favorites as well as a variety of selections from well-known composers throughout history. Highlights from December and January include Holiday Pops with Joseph Young (December 2–4), Handel’s Messiah (December 14–18), Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue (January 6–8), and The Music of John Williams (at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, January 26–27). Visit phoenixsymphony.org for details and tickets.

Gallery

Fancy photography? Get educated with a stroll through Northlight Gallery at Arizona State University’s Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts. The gallery displays photo-based work by up-and-coming as well as renowned artists. In addition to its exhibits, the gallery also provides ASU students with exposure to recognized experts in the field of photography. Visit http://art.asu.edu/gallery/northlight for additional information, including hours and parking. Closed Sundays and Mondays.

TV

From the ongoing CW series Supernatural to NBC’s newest gamble Grimm and FX’s horror-drama American Horror Story, TV audiences are eating up stories and characters that stretch the imagination—especially when they explore the dark side. The vampire craze continues with CW’s The Vampire Diaries and HBO’s more adult True Blood, while a different kind of the undead roam cable on AMC’s The Walking Dead.

Fairy-tale characters are trapped in ABC’s so-far-successful Once Upon a Time. Syfy’s Warehouse 13 takes a more lighthearted look at supernatural artifacts, while the network’s cult favorite, Haven, investigates the supernatural. FOX Network’s Little Engine That Could, Fringe, is a nice blend of the creepy and the cool. But these aren’t the first freak shows (even Buffy the Vampire Slayer and LOST had their predecessors) and, all things considered, they won’t be the last.

Film

An Academy Award is generally considered the highest mark of superior achievement in the film industry.

So why is it that sometimes, nominated films see so little time in theater and may even fail to attract a large audience? Meanwhile, blockbusters go largely unnoticed by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. November kicks off an elite election campaign that culminates each February with a gathering of the glamorous and a handing-out of golden statues. Six thousand Academy voting members attend special screenings and review submitted DVDs; then, they have from late December through January to submit their completed ballots to an international accounting firm. Academy members vote only in their category of expertise, save for categories of Animated Feature Film, Foreign Language Film, and Best Picture. For better or worse, Oscar contention isn’t measured in mass appeal or even in pure entertainment value. A movie might be made impeccably well and yet be too narrowly defined, offbeat, dark, or complicated to serve up as everyone’s cup of tea.

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North Valley DECEMBER | JANUARY 2012

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art & culture

Cutler Plotkin Jewish Heritage Center: All Faiths Invited B y L ee N elson

More than 85,000 Jewish residents live and work in Greater Phoenix. But their ancestors started out in the area as a group of 120, and the first synagogue was constructed in 1920.

The 90-year-old building went through a $2.5-million renovation and reopened last year as the Cutler Plotkin Jewish Heritage Center. The Arizona Jewish Historical Society began the restoration in 2008 by having contractors redo the sanctuary, annex, and historic bungalow along with a new parking lot, outside garden terrace, and new plumbing, electricity, and other mechanical systems.

The building did not always serve a Jewish congregation.

It also had been a place of worship for Chinese-speaking residents and later for Spanish-speaking Baptists.

“Our city doesn’t have a lot of historical buildings. This is one with a very unique atmosphere and a unique past,” says executive director Lawrence Bell. “It took three years to restore the building and turn it into an education center and museum. Now, we are in operation, and we welcome everyone, not just the Jewish community.”

The building is available for tours and events. The location, next to the Burton Barr Public Library in downtown, has been convenient for many organizations and individuals.

The Center has hosted workshops, anniversaries, community events, and Christian wedding receptions. It holds up to 220 people.

One of the Arizona Jewish Historical Society’s fundraisers each year is the annual Heritage Award Dinner in November. The award is given to an individual who has made a contribution to the Arizona community through outstanding leadership, service, and dedication. This year’s winner was Jerry Colangelo, former owner of the Phoenix Suns, Mercury, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Sandsharks.

The museum gallery is presently showing New Frontiers: Jewish Pioneers in the Arizona Territory. The display consists of photos, artifacts, photographs, and texts of the early Jewish settlers in the area. The exhibit is open from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday or by special appointment.

The center also offers a monthly book discussion group and culturally rich programs scheduled throughout the year. Plans are in the works for a series of programs throughout 2012 that accent Arizona’s centennial celebration.

In conjunction with the Jewish museum exhibits, the center offers curriculum packets for fourth grade and junior high school classes.

Teachers wishing to download the materials can do so before or after visiting the museum on their Web site.

Swing by the center for a cultural visit or book it for a special event.

“We want people to make a day out of it,” Bell says. “Visit us and visit all the cultural centers around the area.”

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North Valley DECEMBER | JANUARY 2012

Cutler Plotkin Jewish Heritage Center 122 E. Culver Street, Phoenix (602) 241-7870 azjhs.org

valley vibrations

La Donna È—Brilliant!

Amber Wagner’s Glorious Success B y P att i J ares

once questioned the possibility of a career in opera. But not anymore.

Today, the 2005 graduate of Grand Canyon University is anticipating her New York Metropolitan Opera debut as Verdi’s Anna in the opera classic Nabucco. Her first experience with the Met won her the 2007 Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions Grand Finals, the subject of the highly acclaimed 2009 documentary The Audition. Currently performing the title role in Strauss’s Ariadne auf Naxos with Lyric Opera of Chicago, Wagner admits things have “taken off rather quickly.”

It was her GCU voice instructor, Sheila Corley, who first noticed her gift. “I never had a student like her,” says Corley, who first met Wagner at an October audition. “When she opened her mouth, I knew there was something unique.”

A gifted singer and Julliard scholar, Corley embarked on the challenge of preparing Wagner both physically and emotionally for

Soprano Amber Wagner

a career as an opera performer. The instructor gave herself to the promising singer, spending an entire summer working closely with her. The two have remained friends; in fact, Corley will fly to Chicago this month to watch her former student perform.

“There’s nothing like that relationship between student and teacher in the scheme of things,” Corley says. “My greatest joy is watching them soar. It’s amazing.”

Ironically, until she met Corley, Wagner had never considered the tradition of opera.

“I didn’t grow up listening to opera, and neither did my family,” says Wagner, who was born in California. But with a solid love of music, she earned a small scholarship to GCU and auditioned for the music department. And when she met Corley, her life’s direction changed. Today, she has an impressive list of accomplishments, including a membership with the Patrick G. and Shirley Ryan Opera Center at Lyric Opera of Chicago and future engagements that include her role debut as Sieglinde in Die

Valkürie at Oper Frankfurt, conducted by Sebastian Weigle.

Wagner has won many competitions and awards and is also the recipient of a Sullivan Foundation Career Grant. Being on the fast track is a thrill for her, but she acknowledges the sacrifices, which include time away from her husband Gabriel Salazar, an instructor at Grand Canyon University.

“This isn’t the typical story,” Wagner says. “I’m very blessed—it usually takes years to build a career like this. This was very fast.”

Wagner admits that even though she wants to continue to perform, she would like children in her future and more time with Gabriel. She possesses incredible talent but credits her former voice instruction with her career in opera. She has considered the idea of teaching music someday—perhaps inspiring someone as Corley inspired her.

“I’ve met some very special people along the way,” Wagner says, “but it was Sheila who started it all.”

DECEMBER | JANUARY 2012 North Valley

37

sports

Bondurant School: Race Car Instructor Combines Ambition with Drive

By Michael Torres • Photos courtesy Bob Bondurant

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North Valley DECEMBER | JANUARY 2012

At 78 years old, Bob Bondurant, winner of the 1965 World Manufacturer’s Championship for the United States, is still one of the biggest names in the racing industry. Since 1990, Bondurant’s School of High Performance Driving has called Phoenix home.

Everyone from professional drivers training for road racing to bigname celebrities has graduated from the school. Bondurant has a sense of pride when he see each of his graduates succeed.

“It feels fantastic when you know you’re a part of that,” Bondurant says. “I still love what I do.”

Yet, as accomplished as Bondurant is as a racer and an instructor, it is his character that makes him a true winner. Last month in November, the Bondurant School played host to the Barrow Neurological Institute, which brought to the school twenty-five paraplegics who were given an opportunity to get behind the wheel of a car. Bondurant and company took their guests on hot laps so that they could experience high-performance driving.

The school supports forty-two charities, but being a part of this event with Barrow was something special. Pat Bondurant, Bob’s wife and president of the school, felt a connection with the Valley community after the event.

Another memorable event occurred in August 2011, when Bondu-

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rant welcomed a 26-year-old man by the name of Tommy who had been diagnosed with a life-threatening disease and had only days left to live.

Bondurant brought Tommy to meet NASCAR driver Tony Stewart, a graduate of the school.

“It was one of the most satisfying things in my whole life,” Bondurant says.

Meeting Stewart was great for Tommy, but it was Bondurant who left a lasting impression. After taking Tommy out on the track for hot laps, Bondurant took off his helmet, autographed it, and gave it to his visitor.

“This is Bob Bondurant, who I don’t think has ever given his helmet to anyone,” his wife, Pat Bondurant, says.

Days later, Tommy’s parents informed Bondurant of his passing and told him that Tommy never let go of the helmet.

The school’s outreach extends outside the Valley community as well.

Many of the students at the school are from around the globe, and keeping up with the Internet and social media has helped in branching out to others worldwide. The Bondurant School will be launching a new Web site soon that should include more social-media links, multimedia, and real-time updates. John Prumatico, media relations manager for the school, knows it is important to keep up with social media these days in order to maintain a strong fan base.

“It keeps interest up because everyone is on real-time updates with everything we’re doing here at the school,” Prumatico says.

Despite all of his success, Bondurant is still focused on providing the best at his school. With events, stellar graduates, and special guests, the Bondurant School has kept Bondurant sharp, young, and in love with racing.

“We have never cut back on perfection,” Bondurant says. “I want everything to be absolutely perfect and we’re still doing that. I love the school. It’s been my life.”

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39

two cents MR. Matthew Dearing

MRS. Leeann Dearing

Who’s Looking? We’re Busy Eating!

Luu’s Chicken Bowl North Phoenix 10876 N. 32nd St. Phoenix, AZ 85028 (602) 569-1667 luuschickenbowl.com

Matthew: All I can say is, ask for the “Matt Special” (not on the menu!). Half beef, half chicken salad with ginger, peanuts, and spicy sauces. Totally healthy and delicious. I eat there four to five times per week. All for $6.44!

Leeann: Love the spring rolls and rice.

Family owned and always good atmosphere. Definitely recommend.

Zoyo Yogurt 4740 E. Shea Blvd.

Phoenix, AZ 85028 (602) 765-2448 zoyogurt.com

Matthew: I am finally over places like this because they will not consistently keep mint on the menu. However, I have to admit that Zoyo has all its competition beat with the best in variety and cool open floor plan.

Leeann: I am a fro-yo fanatic. And of all the spots in North Valley, Zoyo is my number-one pick. Just keep the cake batter flavor, and you have me for life.

Nick’s Italian Restaurant 10810 N. Tatum Blvd.

Phoenix, AZ 85028 (602) 953-1110 nicksitalianrestaurantphoenix.com

Matthew: I’m more of a steak kind of guy, but for an Italian joint, I will say that the bread, food, and service are all great. Good date nights, because they make my wife happy!

Leeann: LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE! Had my birthday catered and asked for every romantic date to include Nick’s. Give me a vodka gnocchi—their pink sauce—and send me to heaven.

Matthew: This place rocks! Reminds me of Le Grande Orange in Phoenix. Very trendy restaurant/grocery with great food and service. Highly recommend the Dirty Doctor Melt sandwich.

Leeann: I personally like their breakfast

Matthew: This has been a family staple for us for decades. Our theater, Dearing Acting Studio, is within walking distance, and we go there after almost every Chaos Comedy show.

Great happy hour specials and good food to back it up. A must for North Phoenix.

Leeann: My husband loves this place, so when we can’t go to Nick’s, I am happy to have some yummy pizza and zucchini sticks. The girls are also cute in their short skirts, but who’s looking at that?

Luci’s Healthy Marketplace 1590 E. Bethany Home Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85014 (602) 773-1339 lucishealthymarketplace.com

Uncle Sam’s 3217 E. Shea Blvd.

Phoenix, AZ 85028 (602) 996-3511 unclesamsaz.com

above all. My sister-in-law and I frequent this great getaway for a little “us” time combined with some tasty French toast.

Matthew and Leeann Dearing own and operate the local Dearing Acting Studio off Shea Boulevard and 32nd Street (dearingstudio.com). Leeann is one of Dr. Bob Parson’s official Go Daddy Girls. For more of their thoughts and suggestions, follow them on Twitter @LeeannDearing and @DirectorDearing.

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North Valley DECEMBER | JANUARY 2012

arizona skies

A Journey through the

Stars B y D r . S k y

Welcome to a new and exciting column on the wonders of the night sky! Get set for an amazing journey into the wonders of astronomy, space, aviation, and weather with me, Dr.Sky. Each issue, you will find some useful and interesting information on how to be a part of the amazing events that occur in our Arizona skies. As a talk show host of both radio and TV, I hope to bring you the best of what is going on in our night skies—some of the best skies in the world! Now on to the skies!

With December here to ring in the holiday season, our December skies are full of great objects to see.

Let’s begin with our nearest neighbor, the moon— always a treat to see. Look for first quarter on the 2nd and then on to a very special full moon on the morning of December 10, with the last full moon of 2011, the Full Long-Night Moon, and the start of a total lunar eclipse, before sunrise. Look to the northwest skies starting at 5:46 a.m. MST for the start of the partial phases of the eclipse. Things get better, as the total eclipse starts at 7:07 a.m. MST. You will need a little patience, as the moon will be low in the northwest sky and sets around 7:18 a.m., so you will just see the start of totality. This is a holiday treat for all to enjoy.

Last quarter is on the 17th, and the new moon occurs on the 24th. For planets, Venus is the star of the season! Look for this blazing orb low in the southwest at sunset. High in the east at sunset is mighty Jupiter, and Saturn rises before dawn in the southeast sky.

A happy new year—2012—brings us to January!

The first month of the new year has some equally amazing sights. The moon starts off 2012 with a first quarter on January 1, and the first full moon of 2012 occurs on the 9th, as the Full Wolf Moon. Last quarter on the 16th and back to the new moon on the 23rd.

Planets adorn the skies, too! Look for Venus higher in the southwest at sunset, and Jupiter, bright in the south at dusk. Two meteor showers occur during this period; the first is the peak of the Geminid meteors on the morning of December 14. Look nearly overhead before dawn, and the January Quadrantids peak on January 3.

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year! Always remember to keep your eyes to the skies.

Join Dr. Sky for the many Dr. Sky programs around Arizona, monthly events at the beautiful Las Posadas Resort in Sedona, and monthly “Dr. Sky Cruise to the Cosmos” on the Dolly Steamboat. Listen to KTAR News Talk 92.3 weekly for the Dr.Sky Show, 3 a.m.

Saturday mornings. Find the good stuff on Dr. Sky’s Web sites at drsky.com and drsky.tv. E-mail Dr. Sky at drsky@cox.net, and find him on Facebook.

DECEMBER | JANUARY 2012 North Valley

41

SCENE AFTER SUNSET North Scottsdale

Photos by 2E Photography

By Adam Toren and Matthew Toren

The publishers, Adam and Matthew, check out six of the North Valley's after-sunset attractions.

Ocean Prime at City North,6 p.m.

Ocean Prime marries fresh seafood cooked to perfection and USDA prime cuts with a Wine Spectatorhonored wine list and tops it off with personalized service. With a great atmosphere and a menu filled with special dishes, it’s the perfect first stop for an evening out.

TIP No. 1

Be sure to try the candied yams with marshmallow brulee to accompany your preferred steak or seafood entree. Amazing!

Tip No. 2

They have private rooms available for groups if you bring the party. If your party is small (four or fewer), we’d strongly recommend reserving a booth in the lounge, where you can enjoy live music on the weekends

Blue Martini at City North,7:45 p.m.

You can’t partake of Phoenix nightlife without a visit to Blue Martini. Stop by for some tasty tapas and cool cocktails, or plan a private party people will remember. Enjoy live entertainment from top artists, bands, and DJs, and make the most of your experiences by joining their exclusive VIP membership. Girls can get a midweek refresher on Wednesday’s Girls’ Night Out with fabulous amenities and VIP tables.

TIP No. 1

Consider dining here earlier in your eve to take advantage of happy hour.

Tip No. 2

If you’re feeling tipsy, make use of one of the many carservice options outside so that you will arrive home safely.

Apple Store at Scottsdale Quarter, 8:20 p.m.

Take a few minutes to browse the Apple Store for the latest in fun and user-friendly technology with the help of knowledgeable Apple experts. The trainers can get you acquainted with your new tools and toys, and the Geniuses can sort out any issues or repairs at the Genius Bar.

TIP No. 1

Music lover? Check out the new GarageBand for iPad, iPhone, and iPod. It makes song creation easy!

Tip No. 2

You can browse and try out all the new fun gadgets and also get service and instruction to maximize the efficiency of the ones you already have.

6:00 p.m.

7:45 p.m.

8:20 p.m.

2 Ocean Prime 5455 E High St Suite 115 Phoenix, AZ 85054 (480) 347-1313 oceanprimephoenix.com

2 Blue Martini 5455 E High Street, Suite 101 Phoenix, AZ 85054 VIP reservations: (480) 374-1830

2 Apple Store 15169 North Scottsdale Road, Suite 125 Scottsdale, AZ 85254 (480) 627-5501 apple.com/retail/scottsdalequarter

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North Valley DECEMBER | JANUARY 2012

The Salt Bar at Scottsdale Quarter, 8:45 p.m.

Salt, located just inside the lobby of iPic, is hip, stylish, and a prime spot for some R&R. It’ll make a memorable pit stop, but you may want to stick around to sample the diverse menu. You’ll enjoy creative cocktails and appetizers designed by renowned mixologist Adam Seger. Add Salt to your diet—it’s pleasing to the palate—and on the weekends, the ears as well with the live DJ.

TIP No. 1

It’s a great date spot that provides an intimate setting to interact, going against the grain of the more traditional dinner-and-a-movie stereotype.

Tip No. 2

The trendy decor provides some nice photo opportunities, so make and capture some memories!

Dominick’s Steakhouse at Scottsdale Quarter, 9:30 p.m.

Michael Dominick’s Lincoln Avenue Prime Steakhouse is a two-level standout addition to Scottsdale Quarter. With a rooftop poolside dining experience and a menu that features the fresh, the classic, and the imported, it’s a popular choice for a night out in North Scottsdale. However, its popularity also means it is crowed and a bit chaotic, and the customer service was a bit disappointing for such a premiere dining destination.

TIP No. 1

If you are planning on “dropping in” without reservations on a Saturday, think again!

Tip No. 2

Getting a table in the bar area is not ideal for an enjoyable dinner—it seemed way too crowded and overwhelming.

PrimeBar at Scottsdale Quarter, 11 p.m.

To finish off the night, consider contemporary ale house Primebar, which features sustainable, local ingredients in dishes that are perfect sustenance in between dances. Check out their extensive list of wines, local microbrews, and handcrafted specialty cocktails.

TIP No. 1

Not a huge dance floor, but ample space to let loose in the North Scottsdale area—an unfortunate rarity these days.

Tip No. 2

Enjoy a couple of beverages and mellow out to the live music.

Do you have or know of a venue that our readers would love to hear about? Let us know at info@northvalleymagazine.com.

8:45 p.m.

9:30 p.m.

11:00 p.m.

2 Salt Club 15257 N. Scottsdale Rd. Suite F-230 Scottsdale, AZ 85254 (480) 483-3232 thesaltclub.com

2 Dominick's Steakhouse 15169 N Scottsdale Rd Scottsdale , AZ 85254 (480) 272-7271 http://tinyurl.com/8xvoja4

2 PrimeBar 15037 North Scottsdale Rd Scottsdale, AZ 85254 (480) 822-6200 http://tinyurl.com/clzvqos DECEMBER | JANUARY 2012 North Valley

43

giving back

Grieving Families Find Hope—and Peace—at Camp Paz A rt i cle and photos by C arol L a V alley

The c-h-u-t-h-u-n-k is the sound of a bat in

the hands of a young child as it hits an apple and sends chunks flying—the horses will eat them later so they don’t go to waste. Elsewhere at Camp Paz, four adults are laughing as they learn to walk as one on a single pair of extra-long skis. Welcome to Camp Paz— peace in Spanish—and creative grief therapy.

Founder and emergency-room physician “Dr. Chip” Finch told the camp counselors at orientation that “everyone leaves more whole on Sunday than when they arrived Saturday.” All around the circle, there were nods and smiles of agreement.

Stepping Stones of Hope’s camp was born in 1999. It offers a child and the surviving parent or guardian a place where each can heal from his or her loss, be it a spouse, a sibling, or a parent. Campers spend thirty-six hours learning coping skills through games, masks, and music therapy while interacting with people who are experiencing what it is

like to live without the one they love. Adults participate in the same activities their children do, just at different times.

Adults and children are separated when they arrive on a Saturday morning. For the most part, they won’t see each other again until the Sunday afternoon picnic with its amusing skits written and performed by the children. “It gives them future conversation starters,” says board president Diane Raden.

Children mimic adult behavior, and adults need to know that for a child to see them cry can be a gift because it means that the child can cry, too.

No camp would be complete without music, and at Camp Paz, each volunteer must make up a singing rhyme to go with his or her name and sing it in greeting to

It’s a different form of comfort, a different way to express grief.

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North Valley DECEMBER | JANUARY 2012

arriving campers. “Music is how I express myself,” says certified music therapist Marty Finch. “It’s a different form of comfort, a different way to express grief.”

Color and art therapy also play a role in the healing process. During one activity, a counselor talked to the children about the emotions different colors make us feel and how sometimes those colors and emotions change after the loss of a loved one before they began to tie-dye T-shirts. Each child was asked to pick three colors to dec-

VERDE VERDE CAnYon CAnYon RAiLRoAD RAiLRoAD

orate a shirt. At first, the children could see how the colors might look all bunched up and crazy when dipped but then turn into a beautiful shirt when hung to dry. Young campers hammered together precut birdhouses. As the paint dried, several adults wondered aloud what the flames painted on one house and the deep, dark purple on another might represent. Art therapy with masks began as a teen event that has now spread to the adults. The papier-mâché masks represent each person’s unique characteristics, and the paint represents how each person feels at this stage of his or her grief.

Camp Paz staff and counselors go all out to build a safe space for campers to better understand their grief. Human beings yearn to know the why of things. During “Ask the Doc,” everyone is free to ask the questions they might have been afraid to ask before, even heavy ones about cancer, heart failure, and why we resuscitate people who seem to have died. Intimate pain and abundant love are shared at the candlelit remembrance ceremony on Saturday evening before the campers head to a campfire in the woods with lighthearted songs, jokes, hot chocolate and s’mores.

Most counselors are long-term volunteers with Stepping Stones of Hope who began as campers themselves. This gives the camp a depth of empathy along with the training. “Adults who pick up children Sunday look like they have hope,” Andrea McClimon says. She attended the first-ever camp in 1999 after her mom died. McClimon became a counselor a few years later; now 24 years old, she has her BA in social work.

Sunday’s main activities include the picnic and interaction with the special-needs animals at Whispering Hope Ranch and the picnic.

Judging by the hugs, smiles, and tears, there is little question that lives have been positively impacted by the experience.

To learn more about educational Grief at Work or to sign up for a camp date offered by nonprofit, completely volunteer-driven Stepping Stones of Hope, call (602) 264-7520 or visit them on the Web at steppingstonesofhope.org.

eagle WatCh • eagle Watch is on in the Verde Canyon, December through May • as arizona’s first human snowbirds arrive, migrating bald and golden eagles settle into the Canyon sanctuary where they play and prey all winter • Passengers are privileged to view american bald eagles display remarkable courting rituals and prepare their nesting sites

800-456-3117 verdecanyonrr.com CLARKDALE, ARizonA 2 hours north of Phoenix and 25 minutes from Sedona

It’s not the DestInatIon; It’s the Journey DECEMBER | JANUARY 2012 North Valley

45

highlights

Russo and Steele Provide Take a Holiday a Ride to Success from the Kitchen!

—and Some Pretty Cool Ones for Pleasure B y C assaundra B rooks

B y C assaundra B rooks

’Tis the season for...dining! Whether

you’re celebrating a special date with a special someone, showing your out-of-town guests a good time, or pleasing your particular palate, The Shops at Norterra offer a variety of options to satisfy your situation.

Here’s a sampling: Succu l en t seafood:

One of the most popular Asian cultural and culinary imports is sushi, and Ah-So Sushi serves up some sensational selections.

Every January, the finest ground-transportation vehicles ever made converge

in the city of Scottsdale, and auto enthusiasts from around the country and the world come out to play, admire, swap stories, and buy and sell some seriously sweet rides. For twelve years, Russo and Steele has been a major attraction for those looking to buy or sell top offerings in European sports, American muscle, hot rods, and custom cars. The intimate, specialized boutique auction features no stages—the cars share the floor space with the people. And with elevated platform seating encircling the floor, the buyers get a complete, unconventional vantage point.

Russo and Steele was launched by auto enthusiast Drew Alcazar and his wife, Jennifer, who named the auction after their passion—cars—rather than themselves. Their focus is on the cars, their fellow enthusiasts, and their community.

Each year, their Preview Charity Gala, complete with live music, decadent food, and high-profile MC raises funds for local nonprofits. “It provides the opportunity to raise money for local nonprofits but also provides a platform for these charitable organizations to create more awareness for their cause within their community,” Alcazar says.

This year, Russo and Steele is throwing a spotlight on the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale. The organization annually provides more than 16,000 Northeast Valley youth with a positive environment through over one hundred quality programs in the arts, character and leadership development, education and career development, health and life skills, and fitness and recreation. These all endow the young people with skills that will carry them through life.

For more informtion on the high-energy Russo and Steele Collector Automobile Auction (including information on its August Monterey, Calif. Auction), visit russoandsteele.com or call (602) 252-2697. For additional information on the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale, visit bgcs.org.

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Perfect pizza: Mellow out and munch on some mmm-good mixed fare at Mellow Mushroom.

Comfy coffeehouse:

scheduled entertainment.

Me et up w it h colleagues, friends, and f a m i l y a t E le v a te Coffee Co. for some piping-hot brew. Hit up the caffeinated hot spot on select nights for

Visit shoppingnorterra.com for a complete list of restaurants.

outdoor arizona

Winter as You Please:

Westminster Village

Arizona Has It All B y C assaundra B rooks

Westminster Village is a not-for-profit Life Care Community conveniently located just east of the 101 on the Southwest corner of Cactus and 90th Street in Scottsdale, AZ. Originally built in 1988, Westminster Village offers the full continuum of care with 248 Independent Living apartments, 23 brand-new Assisted Living apartments, 60 bed Health Care Center and a licensed, on-site Home Health Agency. A $16 million dollar renovation was completed in early 2008, which, in addition to the Assisted Living apartments, created a resort-like Village Center. Some of the new amenities include: For all of you who complained that the summer heat overstayed its

welcome, it’s time to make the most of our mild winter and embrace the cooled-off outdoors. The Valley offers some fun, family-oriented seasonal options, and you don’t need to shovel your way out of your driveway to enjoy them.

Both Desert Botanical Garden and Phoenix Zoo are known for dazzling displays of lights, live music, and special holiday events.

Your little ones can gander at the animals and plants while you take in the fresh air and magical atmosphere. Selected events are adult only, so leaving the kiddos with a trusted caretaker and getting away for an evening out with your significant other or that group of friends you have precious little time to see would be a special treat. DBG’s Las Noches de las Luminarias is a popular happening that runs for three weeks in December, and Phoenix Zoo holds a winter camp and Breakfast with the Animals. Check out dbg.org and phoenixzoo.org for complete calendars of events and details.

Craving a winter wonderland? Hop in the car and head north for just a couple of hours to play in the snow. Get active and opt to ski or snowboard at Sunrise Park Resort (sunriseskipark.com). You can cozy up in a cabin there, too, and take day excursions into the powdery goodness with a sled. You’ll get a whole different perspective on one of the world’s natural wonders. Or keep it simple—hammer your friends with precision-made snowballs Elf-style, catch snowflakes with your tongue, build a family of snowmen, and create some snow angels. Just be sure to keep a watchful eye on the forecast and bring adequate outwear, dry clothes, blankets, chains for your tires, and lots of water. Not all of you desert rats have played snow bunny before!

• New Main Entrance, Living Room and Library Areas • Wellness Center, Massage Therapy, Fitness Center & Swimming Pool with a ramp entrance • Three new dining venues including the Garden Café, Donnelly’s formal dining, and the Ocotillo Dining Room • Beauty salon and barber shop • Outdoor Pavilion with a fireplace, seating and reflecting pool Because Westminster Village is a Life Care Community, Residents move in when they are in an independent stage of life, and then move through our continuum of care. The entrance fee that Residents pay when they move in covers any long term care they might need in the future. Westminster Village is committed to remaining Resident-focused and needs-driven by continually seeking to understand and respond to the changing needs of its Residents.

Eight floor plans to choose from; monthly service fees begin at $2,285.

Contact info: Lindsey J. Arrey Director of Marketing

480-451-2000

lindsey.arrey@wmvaz.com www.wmvaz.com DECEMBER | JANUARY 2012 North Valley

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NVM + 2012

• FITNESS

Excuses, Excuses: Turn Them into Reasons! [ B y J osh R ogers ]

As a personal trainer, I hear many of the same excuses for many people about why they “can't work out.” Like muddy quicksand, there's no way out of this as long as it is there! To me, the reasons why people can't are often reasons why they should. The hard part is getting a person to change the way he or she looks at excuse into a motivation.

And that's the true reward for me: changing the perception and then seeing it change a lifestyle!

The top five reasons I hear people can't work out are: I have no time.

I frequently get “I do have a job, kids, and a life, you know.” If you spend time surfing the net or watching television, there's the time you need! Take control of your health and incorporate exercise into your schedule the way you would a doctor's appointment or a job. Keep your gym clothes handy so you can burn calories when an opportunity opens up.

Many parents feel guilty taking time for themselves, but the benefits of being in shape (actively playing with your kids), being a great role model (so they learn how to be healthy), and making time for good health (demonstrating the value of priorities) will teach your children how to take care of themselves when they grow up and “have no time!”

I have no energy.

No doubt, everyone struggles with the first few weeks of an exercise schedule, and that is why so many people give up. But if you can be consistent and dedicated for a few weeks, the exercising will energize you and prevent tiredness. Make sure you are getting sufficient sleep and are eating a healthy diet. See your physician if you want recommendations for vitamin supplements.

I'm not motivated.

Having enough energy to exercise is a matter of having the right motivation. You have to care—your quality of life may depend on it!

If you don't factor behavior change into your program, that program is worthless. You have

to be willing to get off the couch and change.

If you hate the idea of exercising in general, try working out with a personal trainer who can help you get past your negative association with working out and keep you motivated.

Soon, you'll make progress physically and feel your dopamine and energy levels rise. You'll quickly realize you can do this!

It's too expensive.

Hiring a personal trainer or purchasing expensive home equipment can be a big investment, but neither is necessary. You can walk around your neighborhood or climb the stairs at work. There are many creative things you can do at home, and you can shop around for great promotions from your local gym!

I'm sick or injured.

This excuse really keeps people further away from good habits. With a physician's permission, there are numerous exercises you can do around any injuries you may have. I've had the opportunity to train many clients with injuries, illnesses, or disabilities; when these people trained on a regular basis, they were able to lose weight, get off medications sooner, and inspire others. Working out the proper way is also necessary to prevent further harm to the body.

As an added note, I often hear clients and friends discussing their regrets, which include not spending enough quality time with their loved ones and not taking care of themselves. To this, I say that if you take good care of yourself, you will be able to spend more time with your loved ones. Turn your excuses around, and you'll have less regret in your life!

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North Valley DECEMBER | JANUARY 2012

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&

PEOPLE Places Uncorked & Unplugged >> Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale, Desert Ridge Marketplace, 21001 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix

The eighth annual event delighted over 2,400 attendees with savory food and wine tastings while raising funds for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale. Restaurants that included Brio Tuscan Grille, Orange Sky, and San Felipe's provided samples from their fall menus, while the wine-tasting portion expanded this year to include champagne and spirits, featuring Chalone Vineyards, Acacia Vineyards, Ciroc Vodka, and many others. Guests were also treated to live entertainment on three separate stages. bgcs.org and uncorkedandunplugged.org 50

North Valley DECEMBER | JANUARY 2012

&

PEOPLE Places National Amputee Golf Association National Championship >> Rio Verde Country Club, 18731 E. Four Peaks Blvd., Rio Verde Photos courtesy NAGA

More than 120 amputee golfers from around the world gathered just outside Scottsdale for the sixty-third annual NAGA Open Championship. NAGA was incorporated in 1954 and has grown to include more than 2,500 members worldwide. nagagolf.org DECEMBER | JANUARY 2012 North Valley

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&

PEOPLE Places 2011 Soldier Ride >> Wounded Warriors Project, Phoenix Photos courtesy Wounded Warriors Project

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North Valley DECEMBER | JANUARY 2012

The Wounded Warriors Project (WWP) 2011 Soldier Ride made its way through the Phoenix area on its way across twelve cities. WWP hosts the event each year to “help wounded warriors restore their physical and emotional well-being” and to “raise awareness for our nation’s wounded warriors who battle the physical and psychological damages of war and give the public a chance to ride alongside and honor these men and women.” The Ride enjoyed a barbecue after into Phoenix. soldierride.org or woundedwarriorproject.org

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NVM + 2012

• ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Employee vs.

Entrepreneurial Mentality [ B y A dam T oren and M atthew T oren ]

There are those who

work at jobs their entire lives and cannot fathom ever becoming an entrepreneur. The idea of not having that steady paycheck coming in every couple of weeks scares the heck out of them. To this group, there is security in a job, and owning a business is nothing but risky. What they don’t see is that they work for a company that was started by an entrepreneur. Their “secure” job was created by someone who was not satisfied with the limited opportunity of the steady paycheck, and now they work for that person (or a corporation founded by them) and put money into a pocket that could have been their own.

This isn’t meant as a criticism of those who choose not to become entrepreneurs—to each his own. We’re simply pointing out how different entrepreneurs are from the rest of the crowd. It’s not that entrepreneurs are willing to take risks— it’s that they see traditionally working at a job as a greater risk.

This is especially true in recent years, as it’s currently clear that there is no such thing as a secure job. And if you lose a job and see getting another job as your only option, you might be in rough shape for a long time. On the other hand, an entrepreneur who loses a client or even has to completely

reinvent his or her business to stay profitable has a lot more options.

Below are examples of what we see as the primary differences between employees and entrepreneurs in the way they deal with different situations. Before anyone who works for someone else gets up in arms about this list, let us say that we do realize that not all employees are prone to say these things. Many are ambitious, have jobs they genuinely enjoy, and are more than willing to go above and beyond for their company. Unfortunately, these are the people we worry about most. The employees who are constantly complaining and trying to work as little as possible to get by probably wouldn’t make great entrepreneurs anyway. But people with a positive attitude, a great work ethic, and a drive to succeed might very well be missing a golden opportunity by working for someone else.

Again, there is no right or wrong—only right or wrong for you, and each person has to define it for himself or herself. We’re simply saying that if you are working your butt off at someone else’s company, there might be an opportunity for you to apply your knowledge and skills to your own business and have more freedom, more money, and the satisfaction that comes from building your own company.

Employee

Entrepreneur

“It’s not my job.”

“What needs to be done, and how can I help?”

“Is it Monday already?”

“It’s gonna be a great week!”

“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

“It’s not bad, but let’s see if we can improve it.”

“Is it five o’clock yet?”

“Is it midnight already?”

“I wish they’d give me a raise.”

“Let’s explore ways to increase revenue.”

“Did you see Jersey Shore last night?”

“Did you go to the networking event last night?”

“There they go changing things again.”

“Change is inevitable, and we need to adapt.”

DECEMBER | JANUARY 2012 North Valley

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HOLIDAY Gift Guide

Make a Dream Come True, Whatever It May Be Treat yourself this holiday season by getting little-black-dress ready at Physician Skin Solutions at Arrowhead. Add the finishing touches to your holiday outfit with a smooth, shimmering neck and chest by Vivite Vibrance Décolleté. Exfoliate, hydrate, and plump chest roughness and wrinkles while firming away sagging skin! (602) 843-4040 or physicianskinarrowhead.com

The Whole Deal package is the best that V’s Barbershop has to offer! The lucky guy will start with a shampoo, a haircut, and a relaxing oldfashioned straight-edge shave with loads of hot lather and hot towels. He’ll finish with a relaxing facial and a thorough facial massage and will leave V’s looking and feeling his very best! $70 vsbarbershop.com

Give your friends or family the freedom to get away at (almost) a moment’s notice with a special holiday gift from Magellan Jets. A variety of packages includes the ten-hour “Flex Deck” card and five-hour “Take 5” card, which allow the giftee to charter a private plane at ten- and five-hours’ notice. Packages begin at $1,000. Magellan Jets offers ten different aircraft from which to choose and 24-hour concierge service, among other exclusive amenities. (617) 328-JETS or magellanjets.com

Support the American workforce and decorate your home simultaneously with timeless crystal and glassware from Rolf Glass. An original cut-glass studio that cuts, etches, and engraves distinct and classic designs into glass cutlery, Rolf Glass is the only manufacturer of its kind left in North America. rolfglass.com 58

North Valley DECEMBER | JANUARY 2012

PC gaming and video-viewing experiences just got better. AOC recently released a 23-inch full HD 3-D monitor that even converts 2-D images into 3-D. It’s compatible with most gaming consoles and Blu-ray and DVD players. It comes with two pairs of polarized glasses and retails for $299. http://us.aoc.com

Jewelry designer Cornelis Hollander has collaborated with yoga teacher Harmony (soharmony.com) to create a line of yoga-inspired jewelry. The line keeps Hollander’s contemporary influence while tapping into the core of yoga. This holiday season, Cornelis Hollander Designs Inc. says “Namaste.” yogajewelryscottsdale.com or cornelishollander.com

Get personal with the gift of a dream. Help the people you love to unlock, cultivate, or share their talent by providing them with the proper tools. Whether it’s buying their musical instruments or art supplies, building a home studio in which they can train and unleash their creativity, or finding them opportunities for expressing their talents to the public at large, there are plenty of ways to show your support in concrete ways.

Boulders Resort & Spa offers a number of holiday golf packages that cater to all levels of golfers, and the on-site golf shop sells high-quality golfing goodies. Get the golfer in your family personalized one-on-one instruction with the experts, or sign him or her up for one of several tailored packages that suit a variety budgets and schedules. (480) 359-4794 or bouldersclub.com

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Season tickets are a simple and personal gift for the art patrons and sports nuts in your circle of family, friends, and colleagues. Support local art venues and companies or sports teams while giving those on your gift list the convenience of attending the performances or games of their choice on their own terms. From Arizona Opera to the Phoenix Coyotes, there is something for everyone. Local museums like the MIM might be other options to consider!

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NVM + 2012

• STYLE & BEAUTY

His and Hers Revisited: Luxury Bathroom Styles that Please Modern Homeowners B y L e A nne B agnall

It’s classified from anything from a simple washroom to a fanciful boudoir powder room—the space we call bathroom has undergone several conceptual renovations through generations of time. Whether you admire the segregated sinks and towels of traditional gender etiquette for your separate daily rituals or enjoy wide-open spaces to encourage relaxation, the bathroom has become a coveted place of ownership and sophistication in the world of modern luxury.

Today, the bathroom represents a space for seclusion, revitalization and, of course, fashion. You can turn any bathroom into a “rest” room in the genuine sense by tapping in to what inspires you most. Whatever your style—midcentury, Victorian, Old World European, biomimicry design—the central 60

North Valley DECEMBER | JANUARY 2012

theme of any luxurious bathroom is privacy. Since the invention of indoor plumbing and the addition of yet another room to one’s home, even more space is available in which to give personal expression and bragging rights.

When thinking about designing or redesigning your bathroom, a great place to gain insight is hotels. Five-star hotels have always made it a point to offer guests exquisite bathroom spaces to make for a pleasant and satisfying stay. There’s no reason why you can’t have the same sense of pampering and elegance in your own bathroom. First, decide what major pieces—bathtubs, sinks, toilets, and cabinets—you want installed that utilize your space best. When selecting these pieces, your motif might be influenced by a single item that you’re fond of:

a flower, a candle, a figurine, or even a faucet handle. These small appointments can set the mood of the whole room. You can also save space with newer designs like BluBleu’s highend bathtubs, which incorporate cubbyholes and shelves for comfort and accessibility, or overflow tubs by KÄSCH. Thankfully, the innovative technology of SmartTouchPlus products conserve water and space to add seamless tranquility to your bathroom. And what modern bathroom would be complete without a flat-screen television to regard from your cradle of leisure? These intelligent designs allow you more space for décor or even furniture like shelves and chairs, letting you create your personal signature on your bathroom.

Light is a major presence in a captivating bathroom: tall windows permit natural light to flow into a room that was previously a separate space closeted from the rest of the house.

Light also brings out the colors and charms of the room and is also the most effective tool in giving the illusion of space in what is typically a 60-square-foot room. If large windows aren’t an option in your home, consider incorporating strategically placed mirrors around the room to bring forth illumination.

The second-greatest element is color. A personal bathroom should never be bogged down by a strict all-white schema that more closely resembles a doctor’s office than a place of serenity. If you desire a bone-white clawfoot bathtub, contrast its bold whiteness with alternate color schemes on the walls, curtains, and surfaces. There’s no rule that says all the walls must have the same color—walls in the wash area can be soft teal-colored tile, while those in the dressing area include fancifully patterned wallpaper with complementary tapestry and carpet. The contrasts will not only add depth to the area but also character to your beloved centerpieces.

Texture also strongly defies the comfort level of the bathroom. Usually sleek marble, cool matte, or polished chrome surfaces increase the peaceful aesthetic of the bathroom, but you can amplify its decorative quality with ornamentation. Baroque-inspired accessory pieces, like those from Jason Wu for Brizo collection, captivate the grace of modern luxury. Since the bathroom is not the largest room in the house, the décor lies in the details: everything from lacy curtains, to cozy rugs, to ornate drawer handles, to antique soap dishes can tell the story of your intimate style.

With a touch of your personal flair and innovative technologies, your bathroom can seem more like a seductive spa that you may never want to leave.

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NVM + 2012

• HEALTH

Tackling a Growing Problem: Phoenix Doctor Challenges Families to Conquer Childhood Obesity [ B y L e A nne B agnall ]

We’ve all heard about childhood obesity overtaking the nation like a hurricane—the CDC reports the childhood-obesity rate has tripled since 1980, with one in three low-income young children overweight or obese (17 percent of all children and adolescents are obese). But does that mean your child will fall prey to the statistics?

Consider the basic factors working against today’s youth; then think how, when combined, they create a perfect storm for poor childhood health:

1. A lack of daily physical activity in combination with environments that encourage physical inactivity: Limited safe recreational spaces in urban environments or restricted school physical education and sports programs leave many children indoors with nonphysical activities like television, computers, video games, and other media as standard recreation.

2. Households’ inaccessibility to affordable, fresh produce (supplied by supermarkets, farmers’ markets, etc.) combined with a surplus of food suppliers that market unhealthy foods (like convenience stores and fast food restaurants).

Families in rural, minority, or low-income neighborhoods have the most limited access to healthy food sources.

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3. Less awareness of essential healthy foods in the face of highly advertised mass-supplied sugary, high-energy dense foods in larger proportions.

4. No support system that propagates healthy lifestyles: Children will adopt their parents’ lifestyles, which, if composed of unhealthy diets and inactivity, will set children up for extreme health threats such as obesity and diabetes early in their lives.

So, where to start? Luckily, Phoenix is home to one of the nation’s most respected and renowned health experts, and he is also skilled in combating childhood obesity and related conditions. The 2011 recipient of the American Osteopathic Association’s Pfizer ”Fit For Life” Award, Dr. Art Mollen, D.O. of the Mollen Foundation has been practicing family medicine for decades.

Based on his countless studies and successful programs, Dr. Mollen cites prevention as “the main strategy” when it comes to circumventing serious health risks like obesity. “My Foundation’s practice is different from a lot of other doctors in that we use diet and exercise programs as the first modality of treatment for our patients with

conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol,” Dr. Mollen said.

If it’s anyone’s advice you want about squelching childhood obesity, it’s his. Dr. Mollen was a captain and chief of Allergy and Immunology in the U.S. Air Force prior to his well-known career in internal medicine. He was later nominated for the position of U.S. Surgeon General. He’s also a bestselling author of four health and fitness books, a nationally recognized preventive medicine expert and consultant, and the founder of the Phoenix 10K, now in its thirty-sixth year. Dr. Mollen himself runs or bikes three miles, swims for 30 minutes, and lifts weights daily—he looks more like a man in his late thirties than his late sixties.

Based on the National Survey on Children’s Health, Arizona stands twenty-fifth in the nation’s childhood obesity rate of 30.6 percent.

“The childhood obesity problem in Arizona is just as prevalent as other states, and it’s not very good,” Dr. Mollen says.

“People don’t realize the dangers of childhood obesity now and how it will have such a great risk on the future health of children; it increases their risk for disease going forward by 50–60 percent in terms of heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension.”

Recognizing widespread childhood

obesity as just the eye of the storm, Dr. Mollen opened the Mollen Foundation to teach young children exercise and nutritional strategies early on so that they might have the knowledge and tools to have lifelong health. Since 2009, the Mollen Foundation has placed 450 children in its conjunctive fitness education programs with Phoenix’s Park and Recreation Department and the YMCA, giving them access to physical activity and handson learning experiences in diet and exercise.

In just ten weeks, Dr. Mollen’s program was able to get 70 percent of its young participants into better shape and improve their behavioral skills.

What caused such drastic, positive change to their health? “It starts with teaching a child the difference between eating a 500 calorie candy bar and a 100 calorie apple and instilling this skill set early on to make it a habit,” Dr. Mollen says. Making choices is a vital lesson for children’s future health, but is not just for kids to learn. Parents are also invited to participate in the interactive nutritional and educational part of the program; the parents thus learn about proper nutrition along with their children,” “The first thing is to be an exemplary parent,” Dr. Mollen says. “All the scientific literature suggests that if the parent is exercising, keeping themselves in good shape, and eating right, it will have a significant impact on the child. Families who eat together and stay fit together are happier together.”

As for exercising? “Simply go outside and walk,” Dr. Mol-

len says. “If you want to begin your child on an exercise program—whether they are 6 or 16 years old—walk, jog, or crawl one mile together every day. And if you do this for 30 days, they will have received the ‘minimal dose’ of exercise. They will start to feel its positive effects. Continue for 90 days, and they will feel the ‘maximum addictive dose’ of exercise and want to keep up the good habit.” Dr. Mollen recommends taking advantage of Phoenix’s beautiful canal banks for jogging or biking and to perform your family exercise routine early in the morning or at night to avoid hot temperatures. You can also implement indoor exercise equipment like trampolines (which kids love) when outdoors is not an option. The point is to replace poor habits like excess television with healthy choices like swimming or sports. These small daily rituals are guaranteed to lead to lifelong health.

Dr. Mollen also emphasizes the other benefits of physical activity: improved behavior, and self-esteem. “Often, the problem with obesity goes beyond the physical health problems,” he says. “The emotional aspect of childhood obesity may be even greater in terms of a child’s future health.” Physical activity not only removes the pains of poor health but it makes kids’ hearts and spirits happy, too.

For more tips from Dr. Mollen, visit drartmollen.com

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DECEMBER | JANUARY 2012 North Valley

63

GOLF FEATURE

Posture

[ B y S c o tt S a c k e tt • P h o t o s b y C o l l e e n M i n i u k - Sp e r r y ]

In the last issue of NVM, I talked about step one of a great setup: grip. This article is going to cover step two of a great setup: posture.

One thing that you should take note of while watching the guys on tour is how tall they are at address. I have one simple line at address: If you are tall, set up tall, and if you are short, set up tall. You need to be tall. The importance of staying tall at address is that it produces a

FIGURE 1

FIGURE 2

large arc while you swing. Large arc equals more distance. The body angles that you create while being tall determine at address what you can and cannot do in the golf swing. When you maintain a consistent posture, the likelihood of creating a repetitive swing is magnified. If you want to improve your current ball striking, you must understand the importance of how the body moves through the golf swing.

The most difficult thing about the golf swing is the up-and-down movement of the arms and the rotation of the body. These two movements control the overall path and the angle of attack. Their coordination produces solid contact and powerful shots. The first key to combining these movements effectively is posture, because how you stand directly affects the size and shape of the motions. Check the posture of tour players, and you’ll see that these angles are almost universal. They include a spine angle (forward bend from the hips) of approximately 30 to 40 degrees from vertical and a side tilt away from the target of two to ten degrees, with the left shoulder slightly higher than the right and the head behind the ball.

Take your grip; stand straight up with your feet together. (Figure 3) Spread your feet shoulder width apart, with knees locked. (Figure 4) Stick your rear end out with your knees still locked. This position allows you to bend from the hips rather than from the waist. (Figure 5)

Ground the club while keeping your knees locked. After the club is grounded properly, bend your knees slightly. This places the spine at the proper angle. (Figure 6)

FIGURE 3

FIGURE 4

Your head should be behind the ball. This raises your left shoulder slightly higher than your right and should give you a small amount of side tilt away from the target. (Figures 1 and 2) Your weight should be balanced over the balls of your feet, partly favoring the heel. Never are you on your toes during a golf swing.

FIGURE 5 64

North Valley DECEMBER | JANUARY 2012

FIGURE 6

Side Tilt

At address, the spine must be tilted slightly away from the target.

(Figures 1 and 2) This is the number-one fundamental that I see golfers overlook, because many amateurs think the head starts directly over the ball in a full swing. This is a vital element of great ball striking.

Preset the hips an inch or two toward the target and position the sternum slightly away from the target to create the proper side tilt. Once you tilt, it is important that your body be balanced at address. With effective side tilt, we are now prepared to use our body to its greatest extent. It allows us to load on the right post in the backswing and return to impact with our head behind the ball. This is one universal fundamental of all tour players. Claude Harmon said it best: “It’s pretty hard to get behind something that you never got behind in the first place.” Achieving side tilt at address allows us to hit the ball with power and accuracy.

Remember: If you’re going to implement power into the action, your head must be behind the ball at the point of contact.

Your posture should remain constant regardless of the club you’re hitting. If the club is shorter, the overall shaft plane will be steeper; conversely, if the club is longer, the overall shaft plane will be flatter.

Results of Good Posture

Good posture promotes a level backswing. If your stance is overly upright, for instance, you will grow taller in the backswing, thus restricting your shoulder turn and reducing power.

Stand too hunched, and the swing becomes very steep. By staying level throughout the swing, you can swing the clubhead at maximum speed at a 90-degree angle to your forward spine tilt.

The proper side tilt also helps you turn behind the ball, which allows you to load up on your right post for a powerful coil. All good golf swings operate around two axis points: the right leg and the left leg. If your posture is poor, you’re more likely to rotate around only a single axis point, which makes it next to impossible to deliver the club with any balance and force behind it. As stated earlier, all good players set up with their head behind the ball—a result of the spine tilting away from the target—and keep it behind the ball through impact.

It does not return in front of the ball or over the top of the ball. This is why side tilt is necessary. Make sure the entire spine tilts as a unit—don’t simply move your head behind the ball.

Once you can get comfortable with getting the body in the proper posture, you will have a much easier time hitting the ball. The great thing with spending the proper amount of time needed with posture is that you can look as good as a tour player at address. And that is your first step to better ball striking. Good luck, and stay tall.

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NVM + 2012

• AUTO TRENDS

Lexus CT 200h

Combines Performance, Economy, and Luxury [ B y G reg R ubenste i n ]

Performance and economy seem like an un-

likely combination when describing the characteristics of a single car. Add in the premium expectations that come from a vehicle offered by a luxury auto manufacturer, and you have the recipe for a car that seems to be striving to satisfy too many opposing goals.

But Lexus’s parent company, Toyota, virtually wrote the first few chapters in the book on fuel-efficient hybrid technology with its landmark Prius sedan. Now, Toyota has managed to successfully come up with the vehicle I’ve just described. The 2012 Lexus CT 200h manages to meld the desires of enthusiast and ecologist while hitting the mark in the luxury department.

Introduced as an all-new model in 2011, the CT 200h continues this year as a vehicle that engages the enthusiast driver and at the same time delivers stellar economy. In a week’s driving almost exclusively in “sport” mode— one of three choices that also include “normal” and “eco”—it returned a spectacular 41.5 mpg in combined city and highway driving, right on target with its EPA-estimated rating of 43 city/40 highway mpg.

For the CT 200h to have achieved such impressive economy is not completely unexpected, given that it uses the same basic drive system as the Prius. At the heart of this powertrain is a 1.8-liter four-cylinder gasoline en-

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gine paired with a tandem of electric motors.

Combined, the output generated is 134-horsepower, which is delivered to a front-wheeldrive system through a continuously variable transmission specific to the CT 200h.

Technically, the CVT excels at optimizing fuel economy and power delivery by keeping the engine in the meat of its power band under virtually all driving situations. In practical terms, the driver may never notice the difference between this CVT and a conventional automatic transmission, as the CT 200h accelerates with the perceived feel of gear changes.

Aside from its high-efficiency underpinnings, what really sets the CT 200h apart are its aggressive good looks, responsive handling, and beautifully executed interior. This is a sports sedan that is wholly satisfying as a driver’s car. Inside, highly bolstered front seats keep driver and front passenger firmly yet comfortably held in place, even during quick turns and spirited driving.

For the driver, a full array of high-contrast gauges are neatly arranged behind the thick leather-wrapped steering wheel, surrounded by nicely weighted switchgear. For the front passenger, most surfaces are pleasingly soft to the touch, and there are plenty of cup holders and storage pockets as well as a cavernous glove compartment.

The rear seats are comfortable as well,

though leg room is tight. The advantage is the substantial cargo space provided behind the backseats and under the rear hatch. Fold down the rear seats, and this sedan becomes a weekend cargo warrior ready and capable of hauling project materials from the local homeimprovement center.

From the outside, the CT 200h looks the part of performance sedan, even if it only plays the role in terms of handling—its 0–60 mph acceleration requires about nine seconds, though it feels much faster. Its low-slung stance and striking, slightly menacing design make this a standout among sports sedans and performance hatchbacks.

Standard equipment includes 17-inch aluminum wheels, keyless entry and pushbutton starting, dual-zone climate control, a 10-speaker CD stereo with Bluetooth audio streaming, heated front seats, and sunroof.

The CT 200h Premium starts at $31,250.

The $4,875 navigation and leather package includes leather seats and trim, driver-seat memory, rain-sensing wipers and auto-dimming side mirrors, a hard-drive nav system, voice command, and backup camera.

At an as-tested price of $37,000, the CT 200h proved both entertaining to drive and economical. With plenty of luxury features, it’s even a good value—a welcome find in today’s auto market.

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• flavor

Naughty and Nice Desserts [ B y M atthew G runwald ]

Sugar This simple yet irresistible carbohydrate gives chefs and cooks the ability to craft everyone’s favorite meal: dessert. Today, desserts are no longer considered secondary and are often treated as art forms. The plate is a pastry chef’s canvas, waiting to be decorated with magnificent creations. Whether simple or extravagant, dessert should be luscious and decadent. Of course, there is also opportunity for lighter, healthier desserts in the world of pastry, but still, without sugar, there would be fewer smiles in the world.

Y T H G NAU

THE

Oozing Dark Chocolate Rich Pudding Cake Drenched in Chocolate Sauce

¾ cup fine sugar 1 cup all-purpose flour ¼ cup Hershey’s Special Dark Cocoa Powder 2 teaspoons baking powder ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt ½ cup buttermilk at room temperature ⅓ cup butter, melted (bring to tepid) 2 teaspoons vanilla extract Topping ½ cup fine sugar ½ cup packed light brown sugar ¼ cup Hershey’s Special Dark Cocoa Powder 1¼ cups boiling water Chocolate Sauce ½ cup dark chocolate ½ cup whipping cream at room temperature

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Cake: In a bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt. Whisk in the milk, butter and vanilla. Stir together with a wooden spoon until smooth.

Pour the batter into an ungreased 9-inch square baking pan.

Topping: Whisk together the fine sugars and cocoa and sprinkle it evenly over the batter. Gently pour the boiling water over the top but do not stir into batter.

Bake about 30 minutes. You want the center to bubble and look like an undercooked brownie.

Remove from oven and let stand 15 minutes.

Serve in dessert dishes, spooning sauce from bottom of pan over top. Can also be prepared in separate ramekins.

Chocolate Sauce: Place chocolate and whipping cream into a small heatproof bowl over a small saucepan of boiling water. Make certain that pans do not touch. Stir slowly until melted.

Make certain that chocolate and cream are not too cold, as this will cause curdling. Once cake is cool, sliced slowly and placed into dessert dishes.

Drip chocolate sauce over each piece as it is served.

Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate Crunch Pie ½ cup unsalted butter 1¾ cups powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting) 1 cup smooth peanut butter ¾ cup graham cracker crumbs ¼ cup unsalted butter ½ cup high-quality dark chocolate chips

Line an 8-inch square pan with foil and butter the foil.

In a medium saucepan, melt the half-cup of butter. Remove from heat and stir in the 68

North Valley DECEMBER | JANUARY 2012

powdered sugar until smooth. Stir in the peanut butter and graham cracker crumbs until completely combined and smooth.

Spread the peanut butter mixture into the prepared pan and smooth.

Melt the quarter-cup of unsalted butter.

Add the chocolate and stir until completely melted. Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer and smooth. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Use a sifter to dust with powdered sugar.

Slice and serve in individual dessert cups.

e c i N

The

Wow ’Em Rustic Apple Galette

½ cup pastry flour ½ cup all-purpose flour 3 teaspoons granulated sugar ⅛ teaspoon sea salt 5 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces 2 heaping tablespoons low-fat buttermilk 3 tablespoons ice water Filling: 3 medium gala apples, unpeeled for added fiber 3 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon cornstarch or similar thickening agent 5 tablespoons light-brown sugar (for added flavor and crunch, include more to taste) 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon pinch of ground nutmeg Glaze: 1 teaspoon pure honey ½ teaspoon brown sugar ¼ teaspoon boiling water Crust: Put the pastry flour, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt into a food processor and pulse several times to combine. Add the butter and pulse about 12 times until you get a course texture. Combine the buttermilk and ice water,

add them to the dry mixture, and pulse slowly to combine. Pat the dough into a 4-inch-round pan, wrap in plastic wrap, and freeze for about 5 to 10 minutes. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F and allow oven to sit at full temperature for 15 minutes.

Filling: Cut apples into quarter-inch slices and toss them with the lemon juice. Sprinkle in the cornstarch, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg and toss until the apples are evenly coated.

On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough into a large circle, about 9 inches in diameter. If dough is tacky, sprinkle with a bit of flour.

Transfer dough to a prepared baking sheet. Arrange the apple mixture in a mound in the center of the dough, leaving a small border. Fold the border over to partially cover the filling.

Bake at 425 degrees F for 15 minutes and then reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F, keeping the pie in the oven all the while. Bake for another 35 to 40 minutes until the apples are tender and the crust is golden brown. Caution: Do not overcook, as apples will shrivel. Hint: For even baking, place a ridged baking sheet with about one inch of water below the pie as it is baking. Remove separately and use extreme caution.

In a small bowl, stir together honey, brown sugar, and boiling water to make a glaze. When the pie is done, remove it from the oven and brush the glaze all over the top of the apples and crust. Transfer to a serving plate to cool slightly.

This is a perfect, healthy indulgence with fewer calories!

Nicely Naughty Pumpkin Flan with Light Whipping Cream Cooking spray ⅔ cup sugar ½ cup whole milk ¼ cup evaporated milk 2 large eggs 2 large egg yolks 1½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract ½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon ¾ cup solid-pack canned pumpkin

In a small saucepan, heat ⅓ cup sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until sugar melts and forms a medium-brown caramel, about 6 minutes.

Quickly transfer this mixture to a prepared springform pan. Mixture will immediately set. Hint: For ease and success, melt sugar with double boiler. If cooking on a stove top, stir constantly over low heat in aluminum pan.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Combine milk and evaporated milk in a small

saucepan over medium heat until warm. Reduce heat to a low simmer and keep milk warm. Meanwhile, bring about 3 cups water to a boil and keep hot. In separate bowl, whisk together eggs, egg yolks, remaining ⅓ cup of sugar, vanilla, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Fold pumpkin into egg mixture.

Then fold in evaporated milk. Pour mixture into spring-form pan. Then place a baking sheet in oven, fill with the hot water and place spring-form pan on top for even baking. Bake for approximately 35 to 40 minutes. Ovens vary, so use caution not to overcook, as edges will become too hard. Remove pans separately, using extreme caution. Allow to cool and gently remove from pan. Place a dessert plate gently on top and cautiously turn pan and plate over together. Flan should slide out easily.

Use caution as to not crack flan. Slice and serve with your favorite nonfat ice cream or whipping cream.

Rich, healthy autumn treats—exceptionally flavorful and perfect for holiday indulgence.

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North Valley DECEMBER | JANUARY 2012

NVM + 2012

• jewels

Lower Quality, Higher Profit: Do the Math before You Purchase Gemstones [ B y S cott B ohall ]

bad rap for having a large profit margin. Some of the negative press is deserved, but you may be shocked at how little profit there often is. At a ball game, a hot dog can be sold at ten times the cost of the ingredients, and most of us are, if reluctantly, okay with the end price. But how many of us would pay ten times the price for a filet mignon? Not many, I’d think. It’s a pretty good rule that there is more profit percentage available on low-quality jewelry than on high-quality jewelry.

To dissect the inside secrets on jewelry buying, the easiest place to start is with watches. Most watches have a manufacturer’s list price—no one sells above that price. Since every store that carries that brand starts at the same cost and every store has the same suggested retail, it is easy to compare exact models in different stores. There are some exceptions to watches, as discontinued models can be bought at warehouse stores and on the Internet.

Long-term value is always better with reputable watch companies, whether a moderately priced brand like Seiko or Citizen or nicer watches like Omega or Rolex. If a watch has the same name as a perfume, it is probably not a great watch.

With gold prices soaring, the smart shopper will ask how much a gold chain weighs before buying. If the store is selling a regular gold chain “on sale” at $150 per gram and another jeweler is selling the same chain for $70 per gram at “regular price,” it is easy to judge. Plain gold wedding bands and gold chains can be this simple to evaluate, as they have very little human labor or quality differences. Jewelry that has many set stones or complicated designs is not as easy to compare. For these pieces, it is good to ask a few questions. Custom made or mass produced? Made in USA or made in China? For anything over $1,000, have an independent

Jewelry gets a

appraiser value it.

I a m of ten asked where the best place to buy diamond s is.

The answer is that there is no way to know. More information is needed. There is no shortage of diamonds on the market, yet high-quality diamonds are very hard to find at great prices. Diamonds are one of the easiest items to take to an independent appraiser and find out how well you did. In general, buying a diamond on a cruise is a bad idea. An appraiser can also tell you what the average store sells each quality diamond for.

Gemstones—there could be a whole book about how not to buy them. For starters, if someone is pushing lab-created gems on you, that is good for the jeweler but not good for the owner. They are highly profitable but worth nothing once you own them. On the other hand, low-quality real gems are not worth owning either. Ruby is very expensive in gems over one carat unless it is the new material that is filled with lead glass, dyed, and not very attractive. The department stores have been caught selling the treated ruby as natural at 20 times the cost, whereas high-quality ruby is rarely sold at more than double the cost. Many gems like purple sapphire, tsavorite, spinel, rubellite, and a few others have gone up in value 30 percent to 50 percent in the last two years. Gems like mystic topaz (treated color) have gone down in price. With the last few years’ tough economy, there are many great deals on colored gems to be found.

If you don’t know jewelry, know your jeweler.

DECEMBER | JANUARY 2012 North Valley

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• animal Love

How Can We Keep Our Pets Safe During the Holidays?

Veterinarian Reveals Hidden Dangers to Avoid Potentially Disastrous Pet Problems [ R epr i nted f rom L eg i t R ev i ews . com ]

As the pages of the calendar flip and we move closer to the holiday season, pet owners should be aware of common—but hidden—dangers to their pets as we transform our homes for the celebrations to come.

“The holidays are supposed to be a time of joy for our families, but in preparing for the season, many pet owners run the risk of exposing their pets to household dangers that could present potential life-threatening hazards to their pets,” says veterinarian Lori Pasternak of Helping Hands Affordable Veterinary Surgery and Dental Care in Virginia.

“These latent hazards could derail a family’s holiday season if their pets become ill as a result of these hidden perils.”

removal. Moreover, exposed cords from electric lights can cause electrocution or oral burns if chewed.

Pasternak’s list of prospective risks includes: Decorations

Holiday Feast

While holiday decorations can make a home feel more festive, they can be tantalizing traps for pets. Pet owners should keep decorations and ornaments higher up on trees so that they are not consumed by pets. If a pet decides the colorful garland or tree trim might make a tasty snack, they can and will get stuck in your pets’ intestines, necessitating immediate surgical

Gift Wrap

When it’s time to pull all the gifts out of hiding to be wrapped, take care that your pet isn’t in the room as you spread out all the wrapping paper, bows, and ribbons. If a cat should starting gnawing on the ribbon, it will literally “stitch” the cat’s intestines together as it is being passed through the gut. Surgery is one holiday gift you don’t want to give your family pet.

While turkey and ham make up the majority of traditional holiday meals, turkey and ham bones can become lodged in the intestines if swallowed in large pieces. Be careful that your guests don’t give in to the holiday spirit too much and choose this time to offer table scraps to your pets. Your pet could become seriously ill or even choke to death.

Flowers

The poinsettias many choose to use as holiday centerpieces are also toxic to most household pets if they are chewed and swallowed in large-enough quantities. The level of toxicity is completely proportional to the size and weight of your pet, but instead of doing the math on that equation, it’s better to choose other types of floral arrangements that don’t endanger your pets.

“The holidays should be a time for fun, not an unscheduled trip to the animal hospital,” Pasternak says. “If something does happen, don’t hesitate to take your pet to the nearest animal hospital. But we’d rather not see you this season. The best holiday gift you could give your pet is a hazard-free household so they can enjoy the warmth and joy of your celebrations safely and soundly.”

Lori Pasternak, DVM, graduated from Virginia–Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine in 1998. She worked in a full-service practice in Richmond, VA, for thirteen years prior to opening Helping Hands Affordable Veterinary Surgery and Dental Care.

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• adopt-A-Pet

Good Friends Who Need Great Homes [ P hotos by M i chelle P elberg ]

Cream Puff is an extremely cute 1-year-old domestic shorthair. She loves interacting with people, and once she sees you, she is at your feet rubbing on your legs. Her adoption fee is $50.

All adoption fees include spay/neuter, microchip, and vaccines.

Salvador is a 7-year-old Chihuahua. Sweet and mellow, Salvador is just looking for a lap to snuggle on.

He gets along well with other polite dogs and would probably do fine with cats as well. He is recommended for junior high ages and up. His adoption fee is $50.

Vincent is a 10-year-old Chihuahua

mix. He is a sweet little gentleman, very docile, and he loves a lap to lie in. He is good with cats and other dogs. He is recommended for junior high ages and up. His adoption fee is $50.

Thomas is a 5-year-old terrier mix.

He is a total ladies’ man who prefers his ladies a bit older, since kids are a little too much for him. Thomas is not recommended to live with cats but may get along with other dogs. His adoption fee is $50.

Chewey is a stunning 7-yearold Abyssinian who enjoys chin scratches, whisker rubs, and bird watching. When Chewey gets excited, he will sometimes “air knead” with his paws. His adoption fee is $50.

Elmo is an 8-year-old domestic-

shorthair tuxedo. He is a fun and playful guy who enjoys giving serious head butts as he twists and turns.

He also loves being close to people.

Elmo’s adoption fee is $50.

 These pets may already be adopted. Please visit a awl.org for a current listing of pets available for adoption at the Arizona Animal Welfare League. All dogs and cats have been spayed or neutered, are up-to-date on their shots, and will go home with a microchip inserted. The Arizona Animal Welfare League is open from 11 a.m.–7 p.m. Tuesday–Friday, and 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. AAWL is located at 30 North 40th Place in Phoenix. For more information, call (602) 273-6852.

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North Valley DECEMBER | JANUARY 2012

Luxuriously Furnished Executive Office Suites in Tramonto

al Virtu es Offic Now le ab l i a v A

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Prime location across the street from Kohls, In-N-Out Burger, Taco Bell, The Good Egg, Chili’s, Chase Bank, Home Depot, and Staples.

v Offices range in size from 95-152 sq. ft. v Kitchen, copy room, and reception area v Utilities, VoIP phones, and high-speed T-1 Internet are included v High-tech conference room with flat-screen television, computer, and Internet connection v Easy access to the I-17 and the Loop 101

Located at I-17 and Carefree Hwy 34975 N. North Valley Parkway Ste. 152 Phoenix, AZ 85086

To set up a time to view the executive office suites, contact Scott at

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Executive Suites DECEMBER | JANUARY 2012 North Valley

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NVM + 2012

• event calendar December 2–3

Phoenix Children’s Chorus Holiday Concerts

The Phoenix Children’s Chorus puts on its annual holiday concerts at La Casa de Christo Church and the Higley Center for the Performing Arts, respectively, at 7 p.m. The chorus consists of 300 children ages 8 to 18 and is comprised of four choirs, three accompanists, and four directors. pcchorus.org December 3

Miracle On 32Nd Street

93.3 KDKB and Celebrity Theatre present this special event featuring Vince Neil and special guests Skid Row to benefit Phoenix Children’s Hospital. phoenixchildrens.com December 26–31 and January 2

Holidays At The Heard

December 20

Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker See the famed ballet performed by the notable ballet company that has helped make it so popular and beloved. The Moscow Ballet comes to Comerica Theatre for a mesmerizing performance of the holiday classic. livenation. com (Note: If you simply cannot make this date, do watch Ballet Arizona perform this ballet at Symphony Hall.) balletaz.org 76

North Valley DECEMBER | JANUARY 2012

Head to the Heard Museum for this Southwestern tradition. Check out performances and artist demonstrations that introduce visitors to traditional and contemporary American Indian music, dance, and art. The event is included in general museum admission. heard.org/holidays December 28, 2011–January 1, 2012

Arabhorse Arabian Farm Tour This special tour gives participants a look at the world’s finest Arabian horses and an exclusive glimpse into this particular horse industry. Check the Web site for a schedule and a list of the

participating farms. (480) 440-7875 or arabhorsefarmtour.com January 6–February 19

Singin’ In The Rain

Arizona Broadway Theatre brings a classic film favorite to the stage to kick off the second half of its 2011–2012 season. It’ll be a treat to see songs like “Singin’ in the Rain” and “Good Mornin’” and memorable scenes, like the one featuring Donald O’Connor’s exhausting acrobatics, brought to life in front of your eyes. azbroadwaytheatre.com January 7, 14, 21, and 28

Guided Petroglyph Tours

The Deer Valley Rock Art Center celebrates the New Year with specially scheduled guided tours for the public every Saturday from 10–11 a.m. These guided tours of the petroglyph trail, nature preserve, and museum are inexpensive at $3–$7 (free for children 5 and younger) and are both educational

and fun. The quarter-mile trail features 1,500 petroglyphs made between 500 and 7,000 years ago. (623) 582-8007 or http://dvrac.asu.edu

January 20

Anderson & Roe Piano Duo, Electrifying & Riveting

Julliard graduates Anderson and Roe have been called the “Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers transposed from the dance floor to the keyboard.” They dazzle audiences at the Pinnacle Presbyterian Church on the NW corner of Pima and Happy Valley Roads. $7–$39. (480) 303-2474 or pinnacleconcerts.org January 27–29

Madama Butterfly

Giacomo Puccini’s opera calls Phoenix Symphony Hall home for three days as the stars of Arizona Opera don ornate outfits to portray the life and love of a young geisha and the American sailor who gave her a child and broke her heart.

The production features Shu-Ying Li in the title role. Sung in Italian with English subtitles. azopera.org

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NVM + 2012

• Relationships

Ask the Dating Coach [ B y L ea Fr i ese - H aben ]

The current economic climate is causing a number of couples to call it quits. This column is dedicated to those of you dealing with divorce. Everyone comes into your life for a reason, a season—sometimes a lifetime, but always as a lesson. Learn the lesson and enjoy everyone in your life.

Know When to Hold— and Hold On to—’Em Dear Coach Lea,

My husband and I have been married for seven years. I recently filed for divorce because of his gambling addiction. He’s an executive and makes a good living but spends most of it gambling or on credit cards to maintain his addiction. I am a florist and am 45 years old with no children.

It doesn’t look like our divorce will be amicable. I have a few nice pieces of jewelry that he gave me during the marriage, as well as my engagement ring, and he’s demanding it all back. Do I have to return the jewelry he gave me? I want to keep them in case of emergency. I am responsible for half his debt because I live in a community property state. I’m really scared!

Dear Scared,

I am so sorry for your situation. Money is the number-one reason people get divorced (sex is

number two). You are correct—you are financially responsible for his debt as long as you are married. Jewelry is your personal property, as the items were gifts during the marriage. The only time the engagement ring has to be given back is when an engagement is broken. Once married, however, it’s yours. Keep the ring and continue to talk to your husband about settling; otherwise, you’ll be hocking your jewelry to pay for the lawyers.

Filling the Empty Spaces Dear Lea,

My divorce is getting nasty now, and I’m shocked that friends and family members are taking sides. Our marriage has deteriorated over the last few years, and as a result, I filed for divorce. Several of my friends and family members have sided with my husband. I have not disparaged my husband to anyone, and yet he has thrown me under the

bus when it comes to our kids, my sisters, and several of our friends. I won’t have a friend or family member talking to me after all of this. Is there a way to keep friends and family out of our divorce?

Dear Friendless,

Everyone is uncomfortable with divorce. Sometimes, friends and family will take sides to keep the peace. Invitations to both of you at events, weddings, and graduations are uncomfortable for the parties involved. The reality of divorce is that you are facing multiple losses, not just that of your spouse, and it’s all happening simultaneously. Focus on developing new friends, hobbies and networks. In time, some of your old friends may come around, but for now, concentrate on making new connections. Change is always scary, but with it come incredible new possibilities.

Divorce doesn’t have the stigma it used to—there are lots of people in the same boat. Take this opportunity to create the life you’ve always dreamed of.

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North Valley DECEMBER | JANUARY 2012

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Law Offices of Howard A. Snader Call today for personal attention and experienced criminal law representation from a Board Certified Criminal Defense Expert. Howard has specialized knowledge of Arizona's Criminal Law that can make the difference for you.

14300 North Northsight Blvd., Ste. 230 Scottsdale, AZ 85260 (480) 588-5699 www.NotACriminal.com www.phoenixcriminallawlawyer.com

Scott Sackett, GOLF instructor Scott Sackett, one of GOLF Magazine Top 100 Teachers, conducts private lessons at McCormick Ranch Golf Club. Scott is also the director of instruction at the Rim Golf Club in Payson, Ariz. All of Scott’s clients can take instruction at The Rim Golf Club along with playing the prestigious golf course for just a guest fee.

To contact Scott, you can e-mail him at Scottsackett@cox.net or visit his website at www.scottsackett.com

DECEMBER | JANUARY 2012 North Valley

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&

PEOPLE Places

Dedication and Opening Ceremony of the Anthem Veteran's Memorial Dedication Ceremony >> Anthem Community Park Mike Spinelli Photography 80

North Valley DECEMBER | JANUARY 2012

A project of the Anthem Community Council, the Anthem Veterans Memorial was unveiled to the public on November 11, 2011. This special event was highlighted by a Pentagon approved fourplane flyover from Luke Air Force Base. The Memorial was uniquely designed for the sun’s rays to pass through elliptical openings in the Memorial’s five pillars and perfectly illuminate a mosaic of The Great Seal of the United States occurring at precisely 11:11 a.m.; a phenomenon that will be repeated every Veterans Day, Nov. 11, at 11:11 a.m.

DECEMBER | JANUARY 2012 North Valley

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Tomorrow’s future starts today.

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Adam Toren and Matthew Toren are the founders of YoungEntrepreneur.com, which has quickly become one of the largest social networking forums for young entrepreneurs in the world.

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