North Valley Magazine April/May 2019

APRIL | MAY | $3.99

The FREIGHT TRAIN'S Rollin’

The

Outdoor Living

Issue

Is David

Peralta

the new face of the D-backs?

ECRWSSEDDM LOCAL POSTAL CUSTOMER

ROCK THE DISTRICT JAMS FOR A GOOD CAUSE

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO.5377 DENVER, CO

THE CROZIER GALA

$

500 OFF

ANY GARAGE CABINET SYSTEM OF $3000 OR MORE Offer valid at time of initial estimate only. Not valid with other offers.

Some restrictions may apply.

Running out of space?

Home Office

Kids Closets

Tailored Living designers can help you maximize space throughout your home with beautifully organized custom storage solutions. Make your wish a reality and find out how an organized home can free you up for a more enjoyable holiday season.

Murphy Beds Call to schedule a Visit to Our NEW Showroom!

By Appointment Only 16443 N. 91st St. Ste 107 Scottsdale, AZ 85260 Free In-Home Consultation

480.470.9441 premiergarage.com

*At participating franchises only. Ask for details on local special offers in our area. Some restrictions may apply. Š2018 Tailored Living, LLC. All rights reserved. Each franchise independently owned and operated. Tailored Living featuring PremierGarage is a trademark of Tailored Living, LLC and a Home Franchise Concepts brand.

Garage Flooring

$

250 IN FREE

CLOSET ACCESSORIES

Offer valid at time of initial estimate only. Not valid with other offers.

Some restrictions may apply.

LONDON GOLD

LONDONGOLD.COM ARROWHEAD

(623) 979-4445 CHANDLER

(480) 705-4191

SCOTTSDALE

(480) 367-1717

FEATURES

ON THE COVER: David Peralta.

Photo by Sarah Sachs/Arizona Diamondbacks APRIL | MAY | $3.99

The FREIGHT TRAIN'S Rollin’

The

Outdoor Living

Issue

Is David

Peralta

the new face of the D-backs?

ECRWSSEDDM LOCAL POSTAL CUSTOMER

42

Furnishing the Great Outdoors Luxury items play a part in posh patios

46

46

Advocacy and Algorithms Gail Baer doesn’t mind using analytics to affect change

50

Flying High Again Local couple’s chopper services flying high 2

42

APRIL 2019 | MAY 2019 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM

50

ROCK THE DISTRICT JAMS FOR A GOOD CAUSE

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO.5377 DENVER, CO

THE CROZIER GALA

Reverse Osmosis System Tune-Up • • • • • •

Standard Yearly Filters Flush Water Heater Check Water Heater Water Pressure Check Softener Inspection & Test General Plumbing Inspection • Standard Yearly Filters • • • • •

Flush Water Heater Membership Price: Check Water Heater Water Pressure Check Softener Inspection & Test General Plumbing Inspection $129.00 Normally

Furnace Tune-Up

60 Months 72 Up toMonths $1000 or • Safety Inspection

72 Months

or

Up to $700 Off

• • • • •

One of the Highest Ranked TRANE Comfort Specialists in the Nation!

• Calibrate Gas Valve •Safety Clean Flame Sensor Inspection •Calibrate Electrical Component One of the Gas Valve Test •Clean CheckFlame and Clean Gas Burner Sensor Comfort S

•Standard Yearly Filters •Flush Water Heater •Check Water Heater •Water Pres ure Check •S o f t e n e r I n s p e c t i o n & T e s t 100 •General Plumbing Inspection

Electrical Component Test Check and Clean Gas Burner Membership Price: See Seey your o independent uTrane r Dealer in for complete de program p eligibility, en dates, details d and e restrictions. nt Special T financing ra offers n ORe discounts Deale r for complete program

One of the Highest Ranked TRANE Comfort Specialists in the Nation!

up t upo to $1,000 $ valid1 on Qualifying ,0 Equipment 00 only. Offers v vary a by equipment. lid All sales o must n be to homeowners Qu in the a United li States. fy Voiding Equipment only . Offers va

w he where r prohibited. efor p **The r Wells o Fargo h Home i Projects bcredit i tcard e is issued d by .

Wells * Fargo * Bank T N.A., h an Equal e Housing W Lender. e Speciall terms ls Fargo Home Projects credit c your independent Trane Dealer complete program eligibility, dates, details and restrictions.

Special financing offers OR discounts ap apply ly to qualifying to purchases q charged u with a approved if credit. y The i special terms willhomeowners continue uto r apply c h alla qualifying s purchases e are charged with approved credi o $1,000 validp on Qualifying Equipment only.

Offers vary byl equipment.

Alln salesg mustAPR bep to in until the United States.

Voids re prohibited. **The Wells Fargo Projects credit card is issued Fargo Bank N.A., an Housing Lender.

Special terms pa id paid in full. i n TheHome monthly f u payment l l for. this purchase T h willby e beWells the amount m thato will payn forEqual thet purchase h l iny full in equal p payments a y during ment for this purchase will be y tot qualifying purchases charged with approved credit.

The special terms APR will continue to apply until all qualifying purchases are h e the p promotional r o (special m terms) o period. t The i APR o for n Purchases a will l apply ( to s certain p fees e such as c a late i a payment l fee t or e if you r use m the card s) period. The APR for Purcha inf full.

Ther monthly payment fore this r purchase will bethe the amount thatc will pay purchase ininterest full in in equal payments during o o forterms) other th transactions. newt r a n APR s Purchases a is 28.99%. t ifor o Ifthe you n area charged s .

F o any n the e minimum w accounts, the APR for Purch promotional (special period.

TheFor APR foraccounts, Purchases willfor apply to certain fees such as late payment fee or billing ifr you cycle, use the card itransactions. nte interest r e charge swill tthe be $1.00. c ThisPurchases information arg accurate e ofw 3/1/2019 iand ll isinterest subject b to e change.

For $ current 1 information, .0 call 0 us at. This information is accurate ther For new accounts, APRh for isis28.99%.

Ifasyou are charged in any billing cycle, the minimum -will 8 1-800-431-5921.

0 4 Offer expires 3 1 5/15/2019.

-as 5 Pertaining 9 to2 manufacturer’ s. consumer O discount ff e portion r only:information, e *Rebate x paid p in the i form r of a s 3/15/2019. P ertaining to m est1 charge be0 $1.00.

This information is accurate of 8/1/2018 and1 is subject to change.

For current call us at e 00-431-5921.

Offer expires Pertaining to manufacturer’s consumer discount portion only: *Rebate paid theU.S. form of e a The your Visa P T ra n Trane e Visa3/15/2019.

Prepaid® Vi card. s Use a your Visa P Prepaid re card anywhere p a Visai debit d cards ® are accepted c a in the r United d States .inand U Territories. s repaid card anywh e Visa Prepaid® card.

Use your Prepaid anywhere Visa debit cards areoraccepted inorder the United and Territories.

The $79.00 Normally c a r d card may m notVisa be used a aty anycard merchant, n including o tinternet b and e mail u telephone s e merchants, dStates a outside t ofU.S. the a United n States y and U.S. merch an t, including internet may not be used at any merchant, including internet and mail or telephone order merchants, outside of the United States and U.S. T e ri Territories. t o Card r isi issued e bys The. Bancorp C Bank, a Member rd FDIC, pursuant is toi aVisa s license s from u VisaPay e U.S.A. Inc. d Pay close b attention y toT the expiration he Bancorp Bank, Member FDI tories.

Card isr issued by The Bancorp Bank, FDIC, to a license from U.S.A. Inc. attention to the expiration d a e date printed p onr thei front n ofMember the t card. e Card d ispursuant valid through themonth. lastt day h of the month. e You f will r o notclose have access t to the o funds f after t expiration. he card. Card is valid through t printed on thet front of the card.

Card is valid through the last o day ofn the You will not have access ton the funds after expiration.

EXPERTS IN HIGH

Residential and Commercial Electrical Services Available!

Offering Electric and Gas

Offering Electric and Gas Tankless Water Heaters • • • •

Tankless Water Heaters

Enjoy Endless/Instant Hot Water Adjust Using WiFi Connectivity • Enjoy Endless/Instant Hot Water Increase Gas/Electric Savings Little•to No Maintenance Adjust Using WiFi Connectivity

Hello Nest Efficiency Doorbell $ LED Lighting Off • High Retrofit

375 Ta n

• 24/7 Streaming Energy Monitoring and Management •• Night Vision In Home Car Charging Station •• Recognizes Different Electric People • En •• SayWhole Hello When Away Home Surge Protection

•

Ad

•

Lit

• General Service Repair and Installation Nest Thermostat • In $

• Increase Gas/Electric Savings • Little to No Maintenance

• • • •

365

Proven Energy Savings Programmable Thermostat Control from Anywhere Track Energy Usage

Bundle and Save

$

Prefer the Older Tech?

No Problem. That’s Easy For Us!

Prefer Prefer the Older Tech?

INSTANTLY On the Any Two Nest Products

No Problem.

No That’s Easy For Problem.

Us! AIR

CONDITIONING

•

AIR AIR CONDITIONING

ELECTRICAL

•

•

Old

That’s

PLUMBING

•

WATER

Ea

TREATMENT

ELECTRICAL CONDITION • PLUMBING • WATER TREATMENT

DEPARTMENTS BUZZ

HOME

10 OUT TAKES

57 VISIT

Celebrity Fight Night

Holiday in Healdsburg

12 EVENTS

60 HISTORY

What’s happening in the North Valley in April and May

Trinble’s Tales, massacres at Skeleton and Guadalupe canyons

16 PHIL ANTHROPY

62 EVENTS

A Vessel of the Lord, Catholic Community Foundation’s Crozier Gala honors its roots

One Last Hurrah

22 FUN Local musicians shred and sign for a good cause

18

24 NEWS BRIEFS

TASTE 63 WHAT’S COOKING

North Valley news

Ham and Egg Brunch Cups

64 GOING WILD Foraging and game dishes are key to Cartwright’s success

FRESH 29 ARTS

66 TOAST OF THE TOWN

Jeff Harris says goodbye during Sonoran Desert Chorale’s ‘Sing In’ show

Brunch comes to Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse

32 THEATER Don Bluth brings Noel Coward’s spooky work tot the stage

34 THEATER Dawnn Lewis hits the stage for ‘Thoroughly Modern Millie’

BETTER 29

68 WHEELS 2019 Atlas is a big SUV for VW’s shoulders

69 GYM

36 MUSIC

Making Fitness Flexible

‘Live from Laurel Canyon’ breathes life into folk mainstays

68 WHEELS A Lexus and a Land Cruiser

38 TRAVEL

70 PUZZLES

The long and short of California’s Long Beach

Crossword and Sudoku

71 MARKETPL ACE

BUSINESS

The North Valley Marketplace

53 A PEACE OF MIND Retractable screens and awnings add comfort and value to home

57

55 BL ADE RUNNER Tony Turchetta turns pen-collecting hobby into a business

56 THE ‘STAR MAKER’ Public relations maven Kim Prince cultivates cannabis brands

66 4

APRIL 2019 | MAY 2019 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM

VOLUME 13 / ISSUE 7 PUBLISHER STEVE T. STRICKBINE Steve@TimesPublications.com

VICE PRESIDENT MICHAEL HIATT MHiatt@TimesPublications.com

EDITORIAL MANAGING EDITOR Christina Fuoco-Karasinski ASSOCIATE EDITOR Madison Rutherford EDITORIAL INTERN Garrison Murphy GRAPHIC DESIGNER Veronica Thurman PRODUCTION MANAGER Courtney Oldham CONTRIBUTORS Allison Bailin Batz, Kristine Cannon, Miranda Cyr, Jan D’Atri, Samantha Fuoco, Christina Fuoco-Karasinski, Laura Latzko, Megan Marples, Eric Newman, Bridgette Redman, Greg Rubenstein, Octavio Serrano, Scott Shumaker, Carrie Snider, Alison Stanton, Marshall Trimble STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS Kimberly Carrillo, Pablo Robles ADVERTISING Sales@NorthValleyMagazine.com 602.828.0313 MARKETING DIRECTOR Eric Twohey SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Sheree Kamenetsky

CIRCULATION

NETWORKING SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER Eric Twohey

NORTH VALLEY MAGAZINE sets high standards to ensure forestry is practiced in an environmentally responsible, socially beneficial, and economically viable manner. Printed by American Web on recycled fibers containing 10% post consumer waste, with inks containing a blend of soy base. Our printer is a certified member of the Forestry Stewardship Council, the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, and additionally meets or exceeds all federal Resource Conservation Recovery Act standards. When you are finished with this issue, please pass it on to a friend or recycle it. We can have a better world if we choose it together.

NORTH VALLEY MAGAZINE is published six times a year for distribution targeting high-income households in such communities as Carefree, Cave Creek, Desert Mountain, The Boulders, Terravita, Silverleaf, DC Ranch, Grayhawk, Desert Ridge, Tatum Ranch, Paradise Valley, Legend Trail, Whisper Rock, Troon, Estancia and Arrowhead Ranch. You can also pick up North Valley Magazine at Scottsdale Whole Foods and AJ’s locations among many businesses, including high-end retail shops, salons, spas, auto dealerships, libraries, children’s and women’s specialty shops, boutiques, restaurants, coffee shops, health clubs, luxury resorts, medical offices and many rack locations.

POSTMASTER: Please return all undeliverable copies to North Valley Magazine, 1620 W. Fountainhead Parkway, Suite 219, Tempe, AZ 85282. Yearly subscriptions available; six issues mailed directly to your mailbox for $19.95 per year (within the U.S.). All rights reserved. ®2018 Affluent Publishing LLC. Printed in the USA.

6

APRIL 2019 | MAY 2019 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM

THE REAL ESTATE MARKET DOESN’T DICTATE YOUR RESULTS, THE REAL ESTATE TEAM YOU HIRE DOES!

25620 N 113th Way Scottsdale AZ 85255 5 Bedroom | 6.5 Bath | 5,558 Sqft | Offered at $1,595,000 Troon Village Contact Colby McMahon at (480) 409-7306

9701 E Happy Valley Road 10 Scottsdale AZ 85255 5 Bedroom | 5 Bath | 5,700 Sqft | Offered at $1,595,000 The Peak Contact BVO at (480) 999-2948

10596 E Yearling Drive Scottsdale AZ 85255 3 Bedroom | 3.5 Bath | 5,313 Sqft | Offered at $1,500,000 Windy Walk Estates | Troon Village Contact BVO at (480) 999-2948

10200 E Cinder Cone Trail Scottsdale AZ 85262 4 Bedroom | 4.5 Bath | 5,217 Sqft | Offered at $1,499,000 Troon North Contact Michael Gorman at (480) 508-8312

10629 E Desert Willow Drive Scottsdale AZ 85255 5 Bedroom | 4.5 Bath | 6,075 Sqft | Offered at $1,300,000 Windy Walk Estates in Troon Contact BVO at (480) 999-2948

8336 E Calle De Alegria Scottsdale AZ 85255 3 Bedroom | 2.5 Bath | 3,741 Sqft | Offered at $1,149,000 Pinnacle Peak Country Club Contact BVO at (480) 999-2948

7941 E Via De Luna Drive Scottsdale AZ 85255 5 Bedroom | 5.5 Bath | 4,350 Sqft | Offered at $899,000 Sonoran Hills Contact Jeffrey Serpa at (480) 526-5116

7933 E Via de Luna Drive Scottsdale AZ 85255 6 Bedroom | 5.5 Bath | 4,761 Sqft | Offered at $899,000 Sonoran Hills Contact BVO at (480) 999-2948

ANDREW BLOOM

BABS BLOOM

AUSTIN BLOOM

Senior Partner REALTOR® Andrew@BVOLuxury.com

Director of Marketing Director of Client Care Barbara@BVOLuxury.com

Chief Technology Officer Austin@BVOLuxury.com

REALTOR®

480.999.2948 | www.BVOLuxuryGroup.com

Property Management, Leasing and Sales

v Flat marketing and Leasing costs v Flat monthly management fee

CONNECT GET IN TOUCH: North Valley Magazine

1620 W. Fountainhead Parkway, Suite 219, Tempe, AZ 85282 Phone: (602) 828-0313 • Fax: (480) 898-5606 Website: NorthValleyMagazine.com General E-mail: info@NorthValleyMagazine.com.

SUBMISSIONS AND SUGGESTIONS: LETTERS TO THE EDITOR:

v Full tenant background checks

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.

v No upcharge on maintenance

EVENTS CALENDAR:

v ACH set for owners and tenants Office located at Deer Valley and 19th Ave.

Peace Properties, LLC

Property Management

16 years experience

Contact us for a no obligation consultation.

Office: 623-374-2698 Mobile: 480-414-2769 Email: kori@peacepropertiesaz.com

Submit press releases or event descriptions to events@NorthValleyMagazine.com. Be sure to include the event title, date, time, place, details, cost (if any), and contact number or website. The deadline consideration for Dec./Jan. 2018/2019 is October 15.

PRESS RELEASES:

Submit press releases via e-mail to editor@NorthValleyMagazine.com.

STORY QUERIES:

Submit one-page queries to us by mail, attention Editorial Department.

Accompany any queries with clips and a 50-word biography.

STORY SUGGESTIONS:

We welcome editorial suggestions from our readers. Please e-mail story ideas to editor@NorthValleyMagazine.com, or mail or fax them to the attention of the editorial department.

ADVERTISE YOUR PRODUCT OR BUSINESS: Contact the sales department at (602) 828-0313, ext. 1, or e-mail at sales@NorthValleyMagazine.com.

Purchases & Refinances

Conventional | FHA | VA | USDA *Niche Products available*

$500 credit

towards your appraisal costs when you or a friend mention this coupon.

Subject to a closed loan with Peoples Mortgage Company. Settlement service providers are not eligible for discount. Limit one coupon per customer. Not valid with any other offer. Offer is not transferrable, not exchangeable and has no cash value.

Coupon must be presented at time of application and cannot be used on a Brokered loan, Down Payment Assistance program, HELOC or Subordinate financing. Void where prohibited. Expires 4/30/19.

12/31/18

HURRY! e rise! e on th Rates ar

Ask me how you can lock today even BEFORE you find a home with our Lock & Shop program!

Call today for a FREE prequal!

SUBSCRIBE OR OBTAIN BACK ISSUES: SUBSCRIPTIONS:

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

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 website. 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:

North Valley Magazine has racks in prime locations across our distribution area.

For the rack location nearest you, e-mail info@NorthValleyMagazine.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 to info@ NorthValleyMagazine.com. Follow us on Twitter at Twitter.com/NorthValley and join our fan page on Facebook!

Nick Patullo Loan Originator

623.302.3178

npatullo@peoplesmotgage.com www.peoplesmortgage.com/nickpatullo LO Licensing: AZ LO-0942305 NMLS-890426 Company Licensing: AZ BK-0904164 NMLS-6274 New Start program- No seasoning for Short Sale, Foreclosure, Deed In Lieu and 6 months seasoning from discharge date for Bankruptcy. Max DTI 43%. Any borrower who will be eligibile for FHA, VA, FNMA, or FHLMC financing withing 6 months from the note date is ineligible. Program subject to change at any time without notice. Call for full details. All loans are subject to underwriting by a Peoples Mortgage Loan Underwriter.

8

APRIL 2019 | MAY 2019 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM

JOIN THE CONVERSATION facebook.com/NorthValleyMagazine

@NorthValley

@NorthValleyMagazine

W H AT I S Clinically Proven to Help People Lose Inches Bodcor is the latest in fat reduction technology offering you a way to achieve inch loss and body contouring with no pain, no needles and no downtime.

First time in Arizona!

U N B E L I E V A B L E N E W FAT R E D U C T I O N 4 D L A S E R T E C H N O LO G Y I S H E R E

LASER FAT LOSS A S L O W A S $199 BIG SAVINGS & BIG CHANGES Call now for free consultation!

Tr a n s f o r m y o u r b o d y !

Easy Financing available* Call now for free consultation!

Check your rates with no impact to your credit score!

Special Offers Also Available* Additional 25% Savings to All Law Enforcement, Military, First Responders, Nurses, Teachers, Active Duty, Retired Military & Spouses.

Thank you for your service!

2025 MINUTES I M M E D I AT E R E S U LT S !

TIGHTEN & TONE, LO S E W E I G H T, REMOVE CELLULITE T R E AT S : LOVE HANDLES, ABS, LEGS & ARMS

C o n t a c t U s To d a y t o L e a r n M o r e !

480-405-4061 To redeem special offers must use this phone number

i n f o @ b o d c o r. c o m | w w w . b o d c o r. c o m

BUZZ • OUTTAKES

Celebrity Fight Night

T

he 25th annual Celebrity Fight Night kicked off with an exciting red carpet that included celebrity guests like Rita Wilson, Melissa Peterman, Chris Tucker, John O’Hurley and Reba McEntire. Sixteen-time Grammy Award-winning songwriter and producer David Foster returned as musical director and Barry Manilow was the headlining musical entertainer for the evening. Honorees for the evening included 27time Grammy Award-winner Quincy Jones, ASU President Dr. Michael Crow, Barrow Neurological Institute’s Dr. Abraham Lieberman and Renee Parsons of the Bob and Renee Parsons Foundation. (Photos by Pablo Robles) Former NFL player Nick Lowery frequently supports local charities.

Boxer Michael Carbajal and a guest have fun at Celebrity Fight Night.

Legendary baseball player George Brett and Leslie Davenport took part in Celebrity Fight Night.

Astronaut Buzz Aldrin walked the red carpet.

Reba McEntire, shown here with boyfriend Skeeter Lasuzzo, made a return visitor to Celebrity Fight Night.

10

Celebrity couple Bo Derek and John Corbett walk the red carpet.

Celebrity Fight Night founder Jimmy Walker jokes around with comedian Chris Tucker on the red carpet.

APRIL 2019 | MAY 2019 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM

Newlyweds Brian McKnight and Leilani McKnight came in a few days early to do press for Celebrity Fight Night. McKnight is planning to release a new album in June.

“Seinfeld’s” John O’Hurley and Lisa O’Hurley visited Scottsdale.

WHERE LIFE HAPPENS Desert Ridge Marketplace is at the center of the community offering great shopping, chef-driven restaurants and over 500 events a year. This spring, enjoy a full schedule of live entertainment and events for the entire family.

YOGA + BEER • SECOND SATURDAY FITNESS • MOVIES IN THE COURTYARD EASTER FEST • PHOTOS WITH THE BUNNY • BUBBLE BASH • LIVE MUSIC

SHOPDESERTRIDGE.COM/EVENTS

BUZZ • EVENTS

By Samantha Fuoco AZ Wine & Dine

THURSDAYS in APRIL and MAY Yoga Fusion Join Elizabeth Boisson in an intermediatelevel course of Yoga Fusion at the Desert Foothills Library from noon to 1 p.m.

Thursdays. The class will start with breathing exercises, go through different types of stretching movements and then into Vinyasa or the Flow yoga.

Noon to 1 p.m. Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. Schoolhouse Road, Cave Creek.

480-488-2286, dfla.org. $8 per class.

SATURDAYS in APRIL Cruiz-In Car Club Show Enjoy a breakfast buffet at Venues Café and hotrods. The restaurant offers a breakfast platter for $9.95 – two eggs, any style, sausage, bacon, potatoes, fruit and toast.

8 a.m. Venues Café, 34 Easy Street, Carefree. 480-595-9909, venuescafe.com, venuescafe@gmail.com. Free admission.

SUNDAYS in APRIL Farmers Market High Street welcomes 100 vendors to its Farmers Market that features food and arts weekly on Sundays.

10 a.m. to 1 p.m. through April. High Street, 5415 E. High Street, Phoenix. highstreetaz.com. Free admission.

4 AZ Wine & Dine The culinary community will show off its skills at AZ Wine & Dine, which showcases local chefs, resorts, restaurants and fine wines. The two-ticket bundle costs $150.

6 to 9 p.m. Scottsdale Quarter, 15279 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. azwineanddine.com. $80.

12

APRIL 2019 | MAY 2019 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM

5 J.A. Jance Author Signing Author J.A. Jance makes an appearance in Cave Creek to push her new thriller, “The A List,” which hits stores April 2.

4 p.m. Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. Schoolhouse Road, Cave Creek. 480-4882286, dfla.org. Free admission.

10 Ken Zoll Talk Ken Zoll will speak about “Meteorites Among the Ancient People of Central Arizona” at the Arizona Archaeology

7 Pet CPR and First-Aid Class The Pet Safe Pet CPR and First-Aid course teaches pet professionals and parents what to do in the event of an emergency before they are able to get help for their pet. The handson course is held monthly at PHX Animal Behavior Center and covers topics including how to perform pet CPR, how to bandage a wound, and what to do in the event your pet is choking. There is a five-hour class that covers CPR, first aid and choking, while the eight-hour option also includes dental care and senior pet care sections. All materials are included in registration and each student will leave with a book reviewing the techniques and a certificate of completion.

9 a.m. (eight-hour class) or 10:30 a.m. (fivehour class). PHX Animal Behavior Center, 12235 N. Cave Creek Road, Suite 13, Phoenix. phxanimalbehavior.com/seminars. $90 (five-hour), $125 (eight-hour).

Society-Desert Foothills Chapter. The AAS-DFC meetings are held the second Wednesday of each month, September to May. 7 p.m. The Good Shepard of the Hills Episcopal Church’s community room, 6502 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek. azarchsoc.wildapricot.org/ desertfoothills. Free.

new location

coming soon! e4 chandler

2430 gilbert road

eggstasy breakfast • lunch • mimosas

e16990 east shea blvd scottsdale

e210155 east via linda scottsdale ranch e320775 n pima road scottsdale

•

480.500.5889

•

480.993.3449

•

480.219.8344

www.eggstasyaz.com

BUZZ • EVENTS 12 The Nature of Finance Workshop: Talking to Family about Money This workshop will provide participants with the tools to help them educate their children about the basics of finance, how to have openness with their partners and how to approach discussions around arrangements set by their parents for endof-life preparedness.

9 a.m. Carefree Council Center, 33 Easy Street, Carefree. 480-488-6131, ext. 203, dflt.org. Free admission; registration required.

12 “Evening with Teddy – Roosevelt Comes Alive” Hear “Teddy Roosevelt” discuss the conservation movement of the 1800s at this benefit for Cave Creek-based Desert Hills Land Trust and the National Museum of Forest Service History. The event starts at 5:30 p.m. with a cocktail hour featuring heavy hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. Guests will then move to the Tohono Ballroom, where they will have a plated dessert paired with wine while the program begins.

5:30 to 9 p.m. El Pedregal at the Boulders Resort and Spa, 34631 N. Tom Darlington Drive, Scottsdale. 480-488-6131, dflt.org. $150.

13 Responsible Gardening in Severe Drought Certified arborist Rick Cober will speak about dealing with drought in landscapes.

Programs traditionally include a plant raffle, and a suggested minimum donation of $5.

9:30 a.m. Carefree Council Center, 33 Easy Street, Carefree. 480-488-3686, visitcarefree.com. $5 suggested donation.

13 Game of Throws: 50/50 Cornhole Tournament Play cornhole for a great cause. Enter the 14

APRIL 2019 | MAY 2019 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM

Maricopa County Home Show

champion bracket with a team of throwers for $250, Fun in the Sun Bracket with a team for $150, or throw it alone for $10 for four throws. The winner gets 50 percent of the pot, while the other 50 percent goes to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

11 a.m. WestWorld, 16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, 480-312-6802, gameofthrows. splashthat.com. $10.

FRIDAYS in MAY Carefree Farmers Market Vendors from around Carefree and the Valley come to the Farmers Market to sell goods like fresh, local, seasonal produce, herbs and flowers. Vendors also sell local jams, jelly, honey and salsas.

9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Carefree Desert Gardens, 101 Easy Street, Carefree. 623-848-1234, carefree.org. free.

SATURDAYS in MAY Craft N Chat Knit, crochet or table craft? Join locals around the Valley who are enthused by different types of crafts every Saturday at the Desert Foothills Library. New crafters and experienced ones are welcome to join.

1 to 3 p.m. Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. Schoolhouse Road, Cave Creek. 480488-2286, dfla.org. Free.

3 TO 5 Maricopa County Home Show Attend free crafting workshops, ask questions of a master gardener, design a dream backyard with the landscaping expert, or just walk around the Maricopa County Home Show.

Shop for unique and handmade home décor, indoor and outdoor furniture, gifts, pet furniture, and trendy wood plank signs.

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. WestWorld, 16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale. 480-312-6802, maricopacountyhomeshows.com. $10.

4 Helios, A Modern Renaissance and the Phoenix Girls Chorus Empowering young women to find their voice through musical education and performance, Helios is the inspiration for the Phoenix-based choral ensemble. Helios’ strong singers come together with the Phoenix Girls Chorus.

7 p.m. Pinnacle Presbyterian Church, 25150 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale. 480-303-2474, pinnacleconcerts.com. Call for ticket prices.

5 “Sing On: The 25th Season” The Sonoran Desert Chorale ends its 25-year celebration with a tribute to songs of the heart.

3 to 5 p.m. La Casa de Cristo Lutheran Church, 6300 E. Bell Road, Scottsdale.

480-835-7059, sonorandesertchorale.org. $18-20.

“I feel efficient and organized

”

My closet has helped bring order to my chaotic life

480-998-2070

Call for free design consultation or visit us online at closetfactory.com Visit our Showroom: 14425 N. 79th St., Suite H Scottsdale, AZ 85260 closets | garages | home offices | entertainment centers | wall units | wall beds pantries | craft rooms | laundry rooms | mud rooms | wine rooms

the art of organization ©2018 Closet Factory. All rights reserved. ROC #175443

NVM

BUZZ • PHILANTHROPY

A Vessel of the

Lord

Smiles and Beyond founder says God inspired organization

By Taylor O’Connor

L

inda Parker-Smith was going through a dark time in her life.

She lost her husband and sister, and then her son took his own life.

It was during that time she felt God’s touch and heard his voice. He says, “Now is the time for smiles,” the Cave Creek resident recalls.

It was her trust in the Lord that brought her to create Smiles and Beyond, a nonprofit that helps incarcerated men and women, and domestic violence survivors, fix their teeth.

Smiles and Beyond has helped nearly 300 men and women, and Parker-Smith could not be prouder. She did it not for herself, but for the Lord and those she serves.

16

APRIL 2019 | MAY 2019 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM

“I have always felt it’s not me. It’s God that’s growing it. He just asked me to be His vessel. And I execute this, and He has allowed me to see all these people that are living this great life.”

After the Lord’s call, Parker-Smith was unsure of the next step. So, Parker-Smith approached church groups and found she could mentor those in prison. During that time, however, Parker-Smith could not make the time commitment due to her job as a dental consultant.

She brainstormed and liked the idea of working with prisoners. With this, coupled with her 35-plus years’ experience as a dental consultant, she founded Smiles Beyond Bars.

She approached one of the doctors at her office at the time, Mark Peck, and ran the idea by him. Peck loved it and hopped on board to help Parker-Smith pursue her new work.

“I had a $100,000-plus job and I had people working for me. I quit everything cold turkey. I had three dentists working for me and three consultants working for me and I called them in and I said, ‘We’re going to help who we have helped but we are not taking on any more clients. This is what I’m going to do.’

“Well they all thought I really was crazy.

So, with that being said, Smiles was born.”

In the early years, Parker-Smith struggled.

She almost lost her house and car because of her investment in Smiles. She was not getting paid at the time, but Parker-Smith says she trusted the struggle, knowing God would prevail for her.

Parker-Smith is thrilled the organization took off and is continuing to grow. She is grateful for the work Smiles does and the new life the organization can give the people it serves.

“The common thread in these people from going back to prison, going back to domestic violence, is the teeth. If I have my teeth fixed, God has changed me.”

Parker-Smith says Smiles has an application process for clients. It’s rigorous and goes deep within what happened over the course of the applicant’s life. The application is complex because the work is expensive, and the organization needs to know the applicant is serious about not returning to prison.

Among the requirements: Prospective clients must be out of prison for a year and

be a part of a church or religious-based organization. The religion, Parker-Smith stressed, does not matter.

“Statistics tell us 93 percent of people who are in a faith-based organization will not go back to prison. So that’s a big thing for us.”

After all of these steps are met, and the application is submitted, the applicant needs to pay a $500 program fee that will help pay for their dental procedure. They encourage people to save right away, ask family for support, and they offer a payment plan.

“We do this because that’s called skin in the game,” Parker-Smith says. If people are investing their money into the procedure, it will be more valuable.

In late February this year, Parker-Smith added the domestic violence survivor aspect to it.

“I saw the need to help women who are suffering, women who have been beaten, women who have lost everything. I went to my board and I says, ‘I’m really feeling this, what do you think about it?’” Parker-Smith says. “We all prayed on it and all came up with the same idea, we need to help them.”

This led to the name change to Smiles and Beyond, a revamped website and a new look for the organization. Parker-Smith is beyond satisfied with how things are working out.

“I execute this and He (God) has allowed me to see all these people who are living this great life. I don’t get paid a lot, but it’s a payment more than you can imagine. I get invited to baby showers and bridal showers, graduations and when women get their children back. I’m there because they invited me out there. I am so blessed.”

To raise money for Smiles, Parker-Smith held a gala. But to respect domestic violence survivors, it’s switching to a luncheon on October 2. It will discuss women helping women. Her goal is to have very prominent women as speakers – women people would not think have been affected by domestic violence.

Along with the fundraiser, the organization relies heavily on donations for its work and has raised $8 million in its years as a nonprofit.

Parker-Smith says her work helps revitalize life, thus inspiring the slogan, “We change lives, one smile at a time.”

For more information, visit smilesandbeyond.org.

IF YOU DON’T WEAR IT, SELL IT

We pay TOP PRICES for DIAMONDS, GOLD, & JEWELRY in our Discreet, Professional, North Scottsdale Office By appointment only

480.773.8004

*Not affiliate with Rolex or Rolex USA

14300 N. Northsight Blvd. Suite 127 • Scottsdale, AZ 85260 • www.swjbuyers.com

BUZZ • PHILANTHROPY

Bishop Eduardo Nevares, Gov. Doug Ducey, Angela Ducey and Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted prepare to enter the Crozier Gala.

Cindy McCain, left, poses with Joe Garagiola and Sharon Harper at a previous year’s Crozier Gala.

(Photos courtesy of Catholic Community Foundation)

‘Remembrance’ Catholic Community Foundation’s Crozier Gala honors its roots

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

Former Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner addresses guests at the Crozier Gala.

18

APRIL 2019 | MAY 2019 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM

atholic Community Foundation welcomed or honored guests like Tony LaRussa, Derrick Hall and Erma Bombeck at its annual Crozier Gala in the last 30 years.

This year, for the 50th anniversary of the Diocese of Phoenix, the Crozier Gala’s theme is “Remembrance.” The gala, set for Saturday, April 27, at The Phoenician Resort, will celebrate the generations of families, businesses and organizations who live their faith by supporting the ministries that serve the Diocese of Phoenix.

“The Crozier Gala is an opportunity for the Catholics in our community to get together and celebrate all the great work we’re doing,” says chairman Trish Stark.

The Crozier Gala’s proceeds will go toward creating a perpetual endowment to support spiritual and corporal works of

mercy. The other half of the gala’s proceeds tend to the foundation’s immediate programmatic needs, including the Crozier Catholic School Scholarship Program for children of Catholic school employees.

“Some teachers in the Catholic school system, who provide a wonderful education, can’t afford to send their own children to Catholic schools,” Stark says.

The Catholic Community Foundation has granted millions of dollars to the Catholic community through its annual grants program. Its annual grants program has awarded more than $2 million in Catholic high school scholarships.

The Catholic Community Foundation manages endowment funds for more than 150 agencies, including over 85 parishes, 41 schools and Catholic agencies.

In 2003, the foundation became a

ONEOF OFAAKIND KIND COMMUNITY COMMUNITY A AONE That beautifully blends timeless charm of historic neighborhoods

That beautifully blends timeless charm of historic neighborhoods with the vibrance of in-town living. Set near a vibrant entertainment, with the vibrance of in-town living. Set near a vibrant entertainment, employment and transportation corridor with nearby retail and employment and transportation corridor with nearby retail and conveniences, Union Park at Norterra stands out from other conveniences, Park ata Norterra stands outtofrom communitiesUnion by providing unique opportunity both other connect communities by providing a unique opportunity to both connect with your neighbors and everything that surrounds the community. with your neighbors and everything that surrounds the community.

Spanning approximately 400-acres, Union Park at Norterra is

Spanning 400-acres, Union at Norterra is a plannedapproximately for 1,100 single-family homes, 1,100Park multi-family units, hotel, office space, a school site,homes, and a specialty retail corridor. planned for 1,100 single-family 1,100 multi-family units, a hotel, office space, a school site, and a specialty retail corridor.

Live, Work, Play ... The Union Park at Norterra Way.

Live, Work, Play ... The Union Park at Norterra Way.

AW

ASHTON WOODS,

AW

David Weekley Homes

�cwld

�cwld H O M E S

David Weekley Homes

RELP NORTERRA EAST I, LLC (Union ASHTONUSWOODS,

O M or E S Park at Norterra Community) does not offer, Hbroker arrange real estate sales. No offer to sell or lease can be made or accepted prior to the issuance of the final Arizona Subdivision Public (Disclosure) Report. All Rights reserved ®2019.

US RELP NORTERRA EAST I, LLC (Union Park at Norterra Community) does not offer, broker or arrange real estate sales. No offer to sell or lease can be made or accepted prior to the issuance of the final Arizona Subdivision Public (Disclosure) Report. All Rights reserved ®2019.

03.06.19_North Valley Mag_8.375x10.875.indd 1

3/6/19 3:22 PM

BUZZ • PHILANTHROPY Legendary baseball manager Tony LaRussa and exDiamondbacks pitcher J.J. Putz answer questions from D-backs’ CEO Derrick Hall, not pictured.

Tony LaRussa enjoys dinner with Kathleen and Tom Harris.

separate 501(c)3 charitable foundation so it could offer additional services to better support Catholics in the Diocese of Phoenix. Today, assets surpass $65 million.

Silent auction

This year, the Crozier Gala will feature a silent auction and a raffle, according to Stark.

“We have some fun things,” she says. “We will be selling 200 tickets for $100 a piece, and the recipient will win a trip to Santa Fe that will be led by a local Catholic priest who has deep roots in Santa Fe and Taos.”

The winners will explore their Catholic heritage in Santa Fe, which is important because it houses one of the country’s first missions.

The keynote speaker is ASU football coach Herm Edwards.

“Basically, we’re going to recognize the key people in the Diocese who have contributed to its growth over the last 50 years,” she says. “We’re going to be doing a video montage that recognizes these folks.

“We want folks to enjoy the event and we want to get the information out there.”

The evening will wrap with dancing to the tunes of Lucky Devils.

“We want it to be a celebration of all the great work the Catholic Diocese Catholic Community Foundation and all of its agencies have done.”

20

APRIL 2019 | MAY 2019 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM

Entertainment and dancing are big parts of the Crozier Gala.

Lessons learned

Scottsdale businessman Jim Bruner has seen the Catholic Community Foundation grow, as he was the foundation’s first board director. He was approached by then-Bishop Thomas O’Brien in 1988 to do so.

“I was taught never to turn the bishop down,” he says with a laugh. “I learned that in religion class.”

The first Crozier Gala was held in 1989, when Cardinal John O’Connor, archbishop of New York, addressed the audience.

“We had a small crowd—200, 250 people—and O’Connor had a powerful speech. You could hear a pin drop. O’Brien said it was quiet because it was boring, and everyone was sleeping. Bishop O’Brien had a great sense of humor,” Bruner says.

Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted and football great Kurt Warner chat during the Crozier Gala.

Bombeck spoke at the following year’s gala. Bob Newhart and other entertainers followed.

Throughout the 30 years, the mission has stayed the same with the Crozier Gala.

“I’m proud the bishop asked me to get it off the ground,” says Bruner, who is now the trustee emeritus. “We worked very hard over the years to do amazing things.”

Catholic Community Foundation’s Crozier Gala 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday, April 27 The Phoenician Resort, 6000 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale $125 to $50,000 ccfphx.org

RE/MAX – #1 Brand For Real Estate ®

Free Market Analysis | Local, National & International Exposure Social Media Marketing | Video Marketing Drone Photography | Personal 5-Star Client Service A small portion of my commission will be donated to a local charity.

REALTOR

|

CHEY TOR

FUNDRAISER

|

PHILANTHROPIST

602.487.3975

CHEY@CHEY TOR.COM 7633 E ACOM A DR #10 4 SCOT T SDA LE, A Z 8526 0

NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM APRIL 2019 | MAY 2019

21

BUZZ • FUN

ROCK

Ryan Sims has charted with the song “Get Away.” (Photo by Shelby Voss)

the

District Local musicians shred and sing for a good cause

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

W

ell-known Cave Creek country singer Ryan Sims has spent the last year touring North American radio stations pushing his 2017 EP, “My Side of the Story.”

Long gone are the regular gigs at Copper Blues or various restaurants around the Valley. But when the Cactus Shadows High School graduate returns home, he makes sure it’s for a good cause.

He, Sims’ mentee Cali Rodi, Chad Freeman and 30 student bands will take the stage Friday, April 12, and Saturday, April 13, at the Carefree Sundial for Rock the District, a fundraiser for the Cave Creek Unified Education Foundation.

Rock the District is the signature fundraising event started by Cactus Shadows High School student Melissa Nelson and hosted by the Cave Creek Unified Education Foundation, a nonprofit organization.

Since its inception, it has raised more than $200,000 benefiting Cave Creek teachers, students and schools.

Among the alumni students returning to their roots are Tia Penny, the youngest to play in Alice Cooper’s Proof is in the Pudding, and Homestretch, the band who won third place. Also appearing is Promise to Myself, an alumni band whose music has been chosen by Dutch Cali Rodi recently released the song “Party Favor,” which can be found on iTunes. (Submitted photo)

22

APRIL 2019 | MAY 2019 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM

Bros. Coffee to play in its locations across the country.

Rodi performed as a student at the first Rock the District in 2009 and was recently signed by Keith Urban to his publishing company, BOOM. “I felt so lucky,” says Rodi, who lived in Cave Creek and Nashville before settling in Los Angeles. “I tell everyone how great of a music scene my community had.

Rock the District, Chicks with Picks, all the bars like Harold’s and Buffalo Chip, they all let me sing at such a young age.”

Rodi fondly remembers the first Rock the District, when her friends held signs with her name on them.

“It was such a cool feeling,” she says.

“My first performance ever was in the seventh grade at Sonoran Trails Middle School’s talent show. No one knew I even talked because I was really shy in school.

The show was my first chance to show the people going to school with us this is what I do, and I want to do this forever.”

Sarah Byrne, who organizes Rock

Light up your Life ROCKIN’ FOR A REASON

Rodi says. “I went up there with my book to play a few songs. He said he would let me on one condition – and he For Rock the District, tickets ripped my book in half. It range from $10 to $360, was my security blanket depending on number of looking at the words of seats and package while I was singing. He purchased. said I had to learn the The Sanderson Lincoln songs.”

Black Label Lounge is a As for Sims, Music place to relax with an adult Row lists his single “Get beverage while enjoying the Away” as No. 44 after 11 show, while VIP tables give weeks on the charts. He concert goers the chance to splits his time between see the show up close. the Valley and Nashville, General admission tickets where he meets with are available as well. publishers and record Feeding music lovers are labels. food trucks like Hibachibot, Sims and Rodi Munch Box, Firehouse Kettle collaborated on a Corn, and Kona Ice. military-inspired Rock the District starts at song called “Dodging 5 p.m. Friday, April 12, and Bullets,” which was Saturday, April 13, at East picked up by a PGA Sundial Circle, Carefree. To military outreach learn more or buy tickets, program. visit rockthedistrict.net.

Recently, however, she has been writing songs the District with Kesha for Urban’s company Cardinal, says the event BOOM, even though she allows Valley residents to see leans toward pop. world-class acts.

“Growing up, Keith “With the alumni, it’s Urban was my hero,” says a chance to see how these Rodi, now 23. “I had posters former students have of him in my room. I love become up-and-comers in guitar and his style of the music industry,” she says. playing. This is a dream “For the students, this come true. I wanted to will be a chance for friends, be out in L.A. doing pop family and neighbors to see music. I love country, but it’s these teen bands and singers just not where my heart is. take the stage and show the Keith just sent me an email world what they got.” that said, ‘You go your way; Sims and Rodi met at the I’ll go your way too!’ It was now-shuttered Cocomo Joe’s from Leonard Cohen. in Cave Creek during his “Keith is pretty much open mic night. She was 12; as pop as it gets as far as he was 23.

Nashville goes. I’m lucky we “I showed up with a book found each other and could full of songs, printed out,” relate on that level.”

New Patient Special

99

$

Exams, X-rays, CT Scan, & Cleaning and FREE Take-home Whitening with Dr. James Oh

Advanced Dentistry & Implant Center

We are family friendly!

480.725.9188 advanceddentistryscottsdale.com 10031 E. Dynamite Blvd #200 • Scottsdale, AZ 85262

NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM APRIL 2019 | MAY 2019

23

BUZZ • NEWS BRIEFS

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

Carefree Desert Gardens hosts photo contest The town of Carefree is accepting submissions for its Carefree Desert Gardens Photo Contest Monday, April 1, to Friday, April 26, at several locations.

Entrants vie for people’s choice award, which will be presented in the Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion on Friday, May 10, in conjunction with National Public Gardens Day. “The Carefree Desert Gardens present a wide array of spectacular photographic opportunities,” says Mayor Les Peterson.

“Opportunities abound – from the exotic desert plants sprinkled throughout to magical sunrises and sunsets; from spectacular mountain vistas to

the memorable people who stroll through the Gardens. Take your pick, and let your imagination and photographic skills capture a masterpiece.”

Images must be taken within the Carefree Desert Gardens in the Carefree Town Center.

Photographers are limited to three image entries, which must be received no later than Friday, April 26. Submissions will be reviewed by a judging panel, and 12 images will be selected to compete for the people’s choice prize. The public can vote at the Desert Foothills Library between April 27 and May 5.

Entries may be submitted at The UPS Store, 33689 N. Tom Darlington Drive; CVS Photo Counter, 5400 E. Carefree Highway; and at Carefree Town Hall, 8 Sundial Circle. Entry forms are available at each location, or may be downloaded at carefree.org.

Contest entry is free, and the winning entries will have their images used on future marketing and promotional materials by the town.

For more information, call 480-488-3686 or visit carefree. org/230/GardenPhoto-Contest.

“Waterfall,” by Doreen Florence, was the 2018 Carefree Desert Gardens first-place winner.

(Photo courtesy town of Carefree)

24

APRIL 2019 | MAY 2019 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM

Foothills Food Bank names community partners The Foothills Food Bank & Resource Center has created Community Partners, a new partnership program with local businesses.

According to Pam DiPietro, executive director of Foothills Food Bank, the program will feature one business each month that partners with, and donates to, the food bank while offering specials to local residents.

“Our first community partner is The Horny Toad in Cave Creek,” DiPietro says. “This family dining establishment is providing a number of coupons on behalf of the food bank that you can print from our website, such as pasta deals and drink specials. A portion of the proceeds from these specials will benefit the food bank.

This wonderful partnership helps the community while adding local flavor and business incentives for the public.”

Community Partners offers businesses a “menu” from which to choose their level of

involvement, and 100 percent of the membership funds is donated to the food bank.

Foothills Food Bank in return promotes the business and its donation(s), while local residents get deals when they donate to the food bank.

Any business can serve as a Community Partner to the food bank by visiting comepartner.com, where they can sign up. Visit foothillsfoodbank.com to see the food bank’s partners or foothillsfoodbank.com/ community-partners to learn more.

Foothills Food Bank and Resource Center provides emergency food, financial assistance and other life necessities and resources to individuals and families in the desert foothills, which encompasses a 180-squaremile area that includes Black Canyon City, Cave Creek, Carefree, Anthem, Desert Hills, New River, North Scottsdale and North Phoenix.

Horseshoe Trails teacher arrested A former principal at Horseshoe Trails Elementary School in Cave Creek has been arrested and accused of sexual assault and abuse.

Matthew Schenk, 34, recently quit his job at the school, and posted on social media that he was moving to China.

However, he was located and arrested at LAX airport in California on March 11.

The alleged incidents involving an 18-year-old homeless male occurred in Peoria in 2017, according to Peoria police.

According to reports, the Cave Creek Unified School District says they have

no information the alleged crimes are connected to the district.

Schenk faces two charges of sexual abuse, and one count of sexual assault, according to court paperwork.

Cactus Shadows’ DECA competes in state tourney Cactus Shadows High School DECA members recently competed in state DECA competition at the Arizona Grand Resort Hotel to determine who would represent Arizona at the International DECA Conference in Orlando, Florida.

The chapter and several of Cactus Shadows students came back with multiple awards and six Falcons qualified to attend the International DECA Conference.

State DECA finalists for the competition’s second day were Isabelle Bridgeman, Jaclyn Russek, Chance Taskey, Sarah Weiss, Megan Walker, Ashley

Wilkins, Lilly Ellison, Andrew Scola and Luke Sample.

CSHS Senior DECA Elite Members were Megan Walker, Ashley Cantin and Sarah Weiss.

Walker and Weiss received the top 10 percent score.

Ellison and Andrea Williams qualified ICDC. Ellison, in addition, took fourth place state DECA, Business Growth PlanQualify ICDC. First place in role play-hospitality team went to Russek and Bridgeman.

First place in role play hotel and lodging

management, and second place, state DECA, Hotel and Lodging Management went to Weiss, qualify ICDC. Scola received second place state DECA, entrepreneurship team, while Sample qualified ICDC. Louise Rochford, CSHS DECA adviser, was honored for 20 years of service. CSHS DECA received the Elite and Affiliated state DECA chapter awards and six members attended ICDC Conference and Competition, April 26 to May 1. They are Bryce Coup, Lily Ellison, Luke Sample, Andrew Scola, Sarah Weiss and Andres Williams.

Portable Oxygen For The Way You Want to Live Includes Everything You Need to Regain Your Freedom At just 2.8* lbs, the Inogen One G4 is the ultralight portable oxygen concentrator you have been waiting for. The Inogen One G4 is approximately half the size of the Inogen One G3.

JUST 2.8 LBS.

Meets FAA Requirements for Travel

REQUEST YOUR FREE INFO KIT TODAY!

CALL TODAY! 1-844-201-2758 *With a single battery. © 2019 Inogen, Inc. All rights reserved.

NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM APRIL 2019 | MAY 2019

25

The

FREIGHT

TRAIN

David Peralta’s trademark lean is a D-backs crowd favorite.

26

APRIL 2019 | MAY 2019 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM

David Peralta says the D-backs are on track for a championship

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

S

tanding at his locker in the Salt River Fields clubhouse, Arizona Diamondbacks’ outfielder David Peralta smiles as he prepares for an interview. He’s unaware two players – pitchers Andrew Chafin and Zack Godley – are about to jump in.

“Oh boy,” the North Valley resident says as Godley sticks a mic in his face while Chafin handles video duties.

“Hi Choo Choo,” Godley says pokerfaced. “How do you like being called ‘Choo Choo’ instead of ‘Freight Train’?”

Peralta is a favorite around the clubhouse, especially among fellow Venezuelans Eduardo Escobar, Wilmer Flores and Ildemaro Vargas. Some even say the 31-year-old is the new face of the Arizona Diamondbacks, as one of the veteran players.

“Everybody keeps telling me that,” Peralta says with a laugh. “It’s making me feel old.

We have some other guys who have been around the same time. It’s just time to step up.

“We’ve been together a long time. It’s time for me to help the young talent and keep everyone happy. Everything starts here in the clubhouse. I need to create a family room, so we can all be together. We’re going to go through good times and bad times.

That’s when we need to stick together.

It’s going to be a great year. I have a good feeling.”

Fresh start

The Diamondbacks are getting a fresh start this year, after the departures of Paul Goldschmidt, Patrick Corbin, A.J. Pollock and others.

Fresh starts are nothing new to Peralta.

Peralta grew up in Venezuela, dreaming of becoming a professional baseball player. He saw men in the “bigs” signing autographs, taking pictures with fans and smacking home runs – all things he yearned to do.

“I was looking forward to being one of those guys,” Peralta says. “Finally, I got the opportunity to be one of those guys.”

But his first round in the MLB didn’t go well. He signed with the St. Louis Cardinals as an amateur free agent on September 26, 2004. Then a pitcher, Peralta was released five years later.

What comes next is a much-documented story; one that is similar to Kurt Warner’s rise from the ashes. By the 2011 season, he was greeting customers at McDonald’s.

He used the money to commute between Florida and Harlingen, Texas, where he would play indie ball.

A Diamondbacks scout saw him play in a game for Wichita, Kansas, in 2012. On July 3, 2013, he inked a deal with the D-backs as a free agent.

“The toughest part was having to leave my country to come here to a new situation,” he says. “I had to make a lot of phone calls. I didn’t have an agent. I had to do everything myself. It was hard. I used to be a pitcher.

“I was trying to become an outfielder, on an independent team. But they didn’t know me. I didn’t have any numbers, and I wasn’t a hitter on a Major League team. It was hard to get an opportunity.”

But someone did: Eddie Dennis, the manager of the WhiteWings.

“He gave me the opportunity and I told him that that was all I wanted,” Peralta says. “I wanted the opportunity to show everything I can do. I started playing really well, putting up good numbers and building my way up.

“I had to go through the hard times to get to where I am now. I went from sleeping on air mattresses during the season to here. It was tough, but it was an experience and I learned from that.”

Since joining the Arizona Diamondbacks, Peralta has become a fan favorite. He amiably signs autographs and takes photos with fans. It’s “the lean,” however, that grabs fans every time. Just as Peralta is getting comfortable in the batter’s box, he leans back to concentrate on his task at hand.

“It started with my first year in the independent ball,” Peralta says with a laugh.

“I was using it more to locate with my eyes, NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM APRIL 2019 | MAY 2019

27

my target. Then I started this little flow, to make it look better.

“Now everybody calls it the ‘lean back.’

Everybody likes it. It’s a little bit of a style and it’s working right now.”

Peralta, however, isn’t entirely convinced that he’s one of the most beloved players on the team. Nevertheless, he’s just as devoted to D-backs fans as they are to him.

“I always try to interact with the fans,” he says. “Sometimes when I’m on Instagram, I get messages saying, ‘I was trying to say hi to you!’ I’m sorry but sometimes it’s hard. I wish I could please everyone, take pictures with everyone. When we’re doing stretches before the game starts, I take a couple minutes to sign and take pictures with the fans. We’re trying to do our best to please all the fans.

“We play because of the fans. We’re here because of the fans.”

David Peralta will be honored with a bobblehead on June 22.

Fandom

Peralta is becoming a collectible for the second time, when the D-backs give the first 20,0000 fans entering on June 22 a #FreightTrain bobblehead. Reportedly, it will make a sound.

“I’m really excited,” Peralta says as his eyes light up. “I had my first one in 2016 and I couldn’t enjoy it because I was hurt. I’m excited about it this year. I hear it’s going to have some sort of noise thing. I’m happy and hopeful it comes out really well.”

He admits he has a bobblehead in his North Valley home, where he lives with his wife, Jordan, and 18-month-old daughter, Sofia. The couple snuck away for a bit in the off season to the Dominican Republic for a long weekend.

That was important to Peralta; so was his visit to Venezuela, where he visited with his family alone. Venezuela is a country in disarray.

President Nicolas Maduro was re-elected in May 2018, but coercion and vote rigging were suspected. When he was inaugurated in January, his new term was considered illegitimate by countries like the United States and Canada.

Maduro recently said, “I am the only president of Venezuela. We do not want to return to the 20th century of gringo interventions and coups d’état.”

Violence, hunger and food shortages are widespread. Reports have said 80 percent of Venezuelan households do not have sufficient access to food. The health system 28

APRIL 2019 | MAY 2019 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM

has collapsed, and more than 3 million people have fled Venezuela since 2014.

“It’s tough,” Peralta says. “I have to leave my personal problems in the clubhouse, though. When I step on the field, I have to concentrate and do my job. If I bring my problems with me, I’m not going to be the player I want to be and know I can be.

“It’s hard because my family’s hurt. I have to deal with that every day. I can only control what I can control. The only thing we can do is hope – hope that everything’s going to get better. I pray every day and we’ll see what’s going to happen.”

Ultimate D-backs wish

Peralta has already visualized his wish for the 2019 baseball season. The home opener is Friday, April 5, against the Boston Red Sox.

“Every year, the goal is the same – to go to the World Series and win the World Series,” he says. “This year, it’s not going to change. We have new guys. We have new people. We have young talent. We have so much talent here in this room.

I’m really excited about it.

“We’re ready to do our best every day and we’re going to do it as a team.”

Peralta stresses the word “team” – and that’s the current team. Not last year’s.

“The thing I will say is it’s not about one player,” he says. “Whoever’s not here, good luck wherever they’re going to go.

We’re just going to care about who’s around here, in this clubhouse. We have to do it as a team.

“Outsiders can say whatever they want.

I believe in what we have here.”

FRESH • ARTS

A

New

BEGINNING Jeff Harris says goodbye during Sonoran Desert Chorale’s ‘Sing On’ show

By Laura Latzko

J

Jeff Harris is stepping down from his position as Sonoran Desert Chorale director.

eff Harris has directed the Sonoran Desert Chorale since he founded the group 25 years ago. After the chorale’s “Sing On” concerts, he’s closing that chapter.

Recently, Harris retired from his position as director of choral activities at Westwood High School in Mesa, where he worked for 31 years. He has also stepped down as music director for First United Methodist Church of Mesa, where he worked over 20 years.

Sonoran Desert Chorale performs in Scottsdale on Sunday, May 5.

A desire to travel and spend more time with his grandchildren led to his decision to retire.

The new choir director has been decided but not yet announced.

Harris says the final concert of the season will be bittersweet for him and longtime members of the choir who have been involved for over 20 years.

“It’s going to be hard to give it up. The people and the relationships that we’ve created over the years in the ensemble are special,” Harris says. “Through all of the things that we’ve done together, there’s a whole lot of trust that has been earned and also gained or given through what we do on a weekly basis when we are in season … So, it’s going to be hard, but there’s a new chapter for me to experience, and it’s time to let go and move on.”

The final concert of the season is focused on the impact of music on people’s lives and NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM APRIL 2019 | MAY 2019

29

FRESH • ARTS features tunes with themes of hope, peace and love.

“Music is the kind of thing that speaks to people in different ways. You can equate people’s intense love to sing because of the texts that are there … That’s what happens to you as a singer … The senses as you make music are like the expressions of love. It can be very intense,” Harris says.

The choir will perform favorites from its repertoire in celebration of Harris’ final concert and the close of the 25th season. One of those shows is 3 p.m. Sunday, May 5, at La Casa de Cristo Lutheran Church, 6300 E. Bell Road, Scottsdale.

The concert will have works from composers from around the world, including Rene Clausen, Dan Forrest, Morten Lauridsen and Lloyd Pfautsch.

One of the pieces in the concert, Craig Hella Johnson’s folky song “Light of a Clear Blue Morning,” was arranged for Dolly Parton.

Through Dan Forrest’s “Oread Farewell,” Harris will say his goodbye. Within the piece, one of the finals in the concert, three sopranos perform in an echo style.

Harris says the piece pays tribute to the memories the choir has made together.

“We have experienced many moments over 25 years … A whole lot of music has come and gone through us, and we’ve all experienced those things together,” Harris says.

The concert will end with Clausen’s “Joyful Journey,” a piece written specifically for the chorale’s 20th anniversary.

The concert takes audiences through different emotions and sounds. In Dan Forrest’s piece “You Are the Music,” for example, a soprano and horn player stand on opposite ends of the stage and have a conversation through music.

“There’s going to be a lot of power, a lot of emotional content, a lot of inward power when it comes to the impact of the text on people and the relationships that we’ve had as an ensemble with each other … Sometimes, over the years, we would enter into a piece, and on the first impression, they would look up and roll their eyes possibly. I would say, ‘Well, give it time.’ Usually, you win them over, through the experience of learning the piece, and that’s what music does. It’s transforming,” Harris says.

During the concert, chorale members will sing in different languages, including Spanish, Czech, Italian and French. A cellist, pianist, violinist, percussionist and horn player will accompany the choir.

30

APRIL 2019 | MAY 2019 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM

Jeff Harris leads the Sonoran Desert Chorale during a recent performance.

Throughout the concert, Harris plans to dedicate pieces to mentors who have impacted his life. Z. Randall Stroope’s piece “Amor de Mi Alma” is a tribute to his wife.

“Without her, this whole experience would not have happened, because of the support that she gave and her involvement throughout this,” Harris says.

This season, the chorale has performed repertoire from its 25 years of performance.

The season has included audience favorite, Christmas and spiritual concerts.

For the first concert of the season, the organization enlisted the help of supporters to choose music for the program. The concert featured sacred and secular music from the group’s repertoire.

Musical love affair

This is the end of a long love affair for Harris, who has built a career in music over nearly 40 years. His decision to pursue music started while attending college in northern Iowa, where he was part of a choral society.

“My experience there was really influential in getting me to go into this art form as a vocation,” Harris says.

Harris came to Arizona to pursue a master’s degree in music from ASU. Along with founding the chorale, Harris has held positions such as president of the Arizona chapter of the American Choral Directors Association.

His work developing and nurturing the chorale has been among his biggest accomplishments. During Harris’ time with the choir, the group has performed over 100 concerts for the community.

Harris started the choir 25 years ago to provide performance opportunities for community members interested in choral music.

Since 2001, the choir has done six European tours, performing in cities such as Prague, Dublin, Rome, Budapest and Munich.

The group has sung a variety of music, including Russell Wilson’s patriotic piece “Prelude to Glory,” songs by George Gershwin and Leonard Bernstein and a bluegrass choral piece.

The chorale has worked with different musicians and ensembles over the years, including 17-piece and 35-piece orchestras.

The singers are from different backgrounds, including engineers, music educators and homemakers. It started with 48 singers and has grown to 64. Each season, it has new spots for around six new performers. Prospective members must audition.

“We have a lot of people who have a history themselves of singing through college, and they bring those skills to us. This is not a ‘y’all come’ choir. They have to be able to sight read.

They sing a solo to audition. If they make the cut, then we add them,” Harris says.

The Sonoran Desert Chorale’s “Sing On” 3 p.m. Sunday, May 5 La Casa de Cristo Lutheran Church, 6300 E. Bell Road, Scottsdale $15 for seniors and students; $18 general admission 480-835-7059, sonorandesertchorale.org

Largest Iron Door Showroom in Arizona Over 100 Doors in Stock!

Before

After

SERVICE AND QUALITY AT THE BEST PRICE

IRONDOORSARIZONA.COM

$1000 in FREE Accessories!

Up To When You Mention This Ad in North Valley Magazine

Call or Text for FREE Estimation

602.726.2727 11035 N. 21st Avenue

OUR PRICES WILL NOT BE BEAT!

ROC 319940

FRESH • THEATER Left, Jack White and Priscilla Bertling star as Dr. and Mrs. Bradman. Below, Tom Koelbel and Joy Bingham Strimple as Charles Condomine and Madame Arcati.

Joy Bingham Strimple plays Madame Arcati and Tom Koelbel portrays Charles Condomine in “Blithe Spirit.”

CALLING THE Spirits

Don Bluth brings Noel Coward’s spooky work to the stage

By Laura Latzko

S

hows exploring the other world and séances are often presented in a spooky way. In Noel Coward’s play “Blithe Spirit,” conjuring up spirits ensues in hilarity.

The Don Bluth Front Row Theatre will present the show through Saturday, May 4.

The company produced the show six years in the living room of Don Bluth, the 32

APRIL 2019 | MAY 2019 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM

theater’s founder, director and producer.

Bluth was a Disney animator, best known for his work on films such as “The Secret of NIMH,” “Pete’s Dragon,” “The Rescuers,” “Anastasia” and “All Dogs Go to Heaven.”

In “Blithe Spirit,” author Charles Condomine and his wife Ruth host a dinner party and séance as part of his research for a novel on a homicidal medium.

They are joined by Edith, the maid, and Doctor and Mrs. Bradman.

The séance, run by eccentric clairvoyant Madame Arcati, results in an unexpected visitor.

Directed by Janis Webb, the show stars Tom Koelbel as leading man Charles Condomine.

The production’s cast is small, seven people. This is Webb’s second time directing with the company and Koelbel’s first acting in a company production. Koelbel regularly performs with Theatre Artists Studio in shows such as “Inherit the Wind” and “I Never Sang for My Father.” Webb recently directed Mesa Encore Theatre’s production of “The Lion in Winter.”

Set in an upper-class home in 1940s England, the farcical comedy “Blithe Spirit” was meant to take audiences away from the daily realities of the war.

“It was very popular back then, séances and the other world. People who had a lot of money would hold séances for fun after dinner. There was just a lot of interest in the other world. And it was a time when in England, there was a lot of sacrificing going on and a lot of pain and suffering with the

Left, Priscilla Bertling as Mrs. Bradman, Stephanie Cartwright as Edith the maid and Cheryl Schaar as Ruth Condomine.

war. So, he wanted to write a play that was funny and would lift people’s spirits and yet delve into the afterlife, too,” Webb says.

Webb says the show’s humor comes through in the dialogue. Koelbel has found the show’s lofty language to be the most difficult aspect of the role.

“The dialogue has been quite a challenge.

It’s very, very British, and apparently Noel Coward never met an adjective he hasn’t used,” Koelbel says. “I always try to do things that challenge me in one way or another, and that’s my challenge with the show is trying to make some of this verbose language seem natural coming out of my mouth.”

During the show, Koelbel must quickly change costumes between scenes. The part of Charles was originally written for Coward, who often acted in his own shows.

“His high comedies are all pretty much the same. He wrote them so he could star in them. So, the lead person is always a similar person to Charles, and the wife is similar to the wife in this … He was a 1940s Woody Allen,” Webb says.

In the show, the even-keeled, debonair Charles represents a direct contrast to the

over-the-top Madame Arcati, who is portrayed

by Joy Bingham Strimple.

The production has been scaled down to accommodate the theater’s small size, with minimal props such as a rotary phone added to evoke the spirit of the 1940s. The play’s clothing and hairstyles, which include victory curls, pocket watches and gloves, also fit with the time period. Sound and lighting effects help bring audiences into the séance scenes. Webb says she had to remove elements such as slamming doors because within the space, curtains act as doors.

Inside the theater, audience members are close to the auction onstage.

Webb says putting on the show in such an intimate space requires that certain details look realistic.

“It is so wonderful to have your audience so close to you, but then the flip side of that is they see absolutely everything,” Webb says. “So, you have to be sure there’s liquid in the glasses. You have to be sure there’s food on the trays.”

The actors have to play to different sides of the room and move constantly. Koelbel says the close proximity promotes a greater interplay between the actors and audience.

“They are there with you, and you can feed off of them a little more easily,” Koelbel says. “You have some audiences that enjoy the show tremendously, but they’re just not a ‘ha, ha, ha’ kind of audience. But if you’re two feet away from them, you can see them enjoying themselves. You get that same kind of feeling as if they were laughing out loud.”

Don Bluth Front Row Theatre’s “Blithe Spirit” When: Various times, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays through May 4 Where: Don Bluth Front Row Theatre, 8670 E. Shea Boulevard, Suite 103, Scottsdale Cost: $27 More info: 480-314-0841. donbluthfrontrowtheatre.com NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM APRIL 2019 | MAY 2019

33

FRESH • THEATER

‘A Different

World’ Dawnn Lewis hits the stage for ‘Thoroughly Modern Millie’

By Bridgette Redman

D

awnn Lewis has been defying conventions since she was a teenager and it has resulted in a long-lasting career that includes Broadway, television, composing, voice acting and songwriting.

From April 25 to May 5, this former star of “A Different World”—and the composer of its theme song—will star as Muzzy in Scottsdale Theater Company’s “Thoroughly Modern Millie” at the Tempe Center for the Arts.

“I’ve come to know the caliber of the projects that are done there,” Lewis says. “Another client represented by the same agency as me has worked there with David (Hock, the artistic director) and had nothing but amazing things to say. It is a lot of fun working with great people in a community who loves live theater.”

Hock says Lewis can make Muzzy her own during the run at the Tempe Center for the Arts.

“Dawnn can make it her own,” he says. “She has a very sassy side to her personality, so I can make Muzzy sassy and fun and seductive.”

Hock has already made one alteration to the show for Lewis.

Muzzy’s second song is always done with backup boys, but Hock is instead giving her backup trumpet players who will play what the vocals would be singing.

“Dawnn can riff and play around with the musicians on stage,” he says.

“Thoroughly Modern Millie” came out in 2002 with music

by Jeanine Tesori (also known for “Fun Home,”“Shrek: The Musical” and “Caroline or Change.”) It was based on the 1967 film starring Julie Andrews. Set in 1922, small-town girl 34

APRIL 2019 | MAY 2019 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM

Millie Dillmount has arrived in New York City determined to become a success—which includes finding a great job and marrying her rich boss.

Muzzy is a famous singer who advises Millie on her love life, particularly with Jimmy, who will be played by Kelly Methven, who has toured with “West Side Story,”“Rock of Ages” and “Grand Hotel.”

Storied career Lewis created the role of Delores in “Sister Act” and she was in “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” with Matthew Broderick.

A New York native, she was the only girl among four children and sang and danced to musical TV shows as a child. That whetted her appetite for performing.

Because she was perpetually surrounded by boys, her mom wanted to encourage her to do something that was her own and sent her to dance class when she was 7. She discovered she had a talent for it and by the time she was 8, was performing at Carnegie Hall.

“My mom raised us on her own and was really happy I had an interest that was a positive one,” Lewis says. “She invested everything she could. My brothers would come to my recitals. They hated it, but we learned to be supportive of each other.”

She graduated from high school at age 16 and played the cello, danced, sang opera and published a series of poems.

“I was seeking out all these ways to express myself creatively and it looked like the sky was the limit,” she says.

She attended the University of Miami, whose staff was reluctant to admit her because of her age. Her grandmother, who lived nearby, agreed to be a responsible adult for her.

While at college, she ignored the classes she was told she should take because she’d already had them at her performing arts high school. Instead, she chose the classes that made the most sense for her career. The University of Miami ended up developing a new musical theater degree program designed around her.

My mom raised us on her own and was really happy I had an interest that was a positive one. She invested everything she could. My brothers would come to my recitals. They hated it, but we learned to be supportive of each other.

“You were either an arts or music major, but because my background was cross-discipline, I was the guinea pig for musical theater,” Lewis says. “The program has now graduated Tony winners, Oscar winners and Grammy winners. I’m really proud of that.”

They made her reaudition for every class she was already in. She says she had a 45-minute audition before a jury of the entire faculty of music and the faculty of fine arts.

She performed two arias—one in Italian and one in French—a Broadway song, a jazz tune, a comedic and dramatic monologue and then choreograph a dance. She was then able to go back to taking the classes she was already taking.

After graduating cum laude with a Bachelor of Music degree in 1982, she performed on Broadway and toured with live shows. Then she got the call to audition for “A Different World.” An hour later, her phone rang again with a request to write the theme song for the show. She thought her friends were playing a joke on her.

It wasn’t until after her audition, when she met with Bill Cosby and the show’s artistic team in the star’s dressing room, that they discovered they’d asked the same person for both roles.

She played Jalessa Vinson-Taylor from 1987 to 1992.

More recently, she’s voiced Storm of the

X-Men in three games and other characters for Mortal Kombat, “Futurama,” “SpiderMan: The Animated Series,” “Bruno the Kid” and “Boondocks.”

She starred in two Disney Channel original movies. In 2006, she was in the film adaptation of “Dreamgirls,” and released a CD called “Worth Waiting For.” She has a recurring role on “Major Crimes,” DreamWorks’ “Spirit Riding Free,” Netflix’s “Carmen Sandiego,” and “Veronica Mars.”

For a busy actor like Lewis—she’s doing voices for 10 animated series and runs her own foundation, A New Day, which offers hope and empowerment to youth and underserved communities—Hock says he makes sure the schedule can work for her.

Lewis will arrive for a week of rehearsals and then the show runs for two weeks.

“For performers who have movie and TV shooting schedules, this is really nice,” Hock says. “They don’t have to commit to a long time and it opens up the possibility to more people I can get. They aren’t tying themselves up for six months the way they would for Broadway.”

Bock says this musical is just about having fun.

“It’s a fun night out to hear really good singing, see a TV star you wouldn’t normally get to see, watch some live dancing and hear a live orchestra.”

Lewis says she loves “Thoroughly Modern Millie” is about female power in the ’20s, about being progressive and not being afraid to say who you are.

“Muzzy is committed to living her biggest best life and about recognizing that there was a cost,” Lewis says. “That resonated with me personally. I love what I get to do, and I get to do it in a large way.”

“Thoroughly Modern Millie” Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, scottsdalemusicaltheater.com, various times Thursday, April 25, to Sunday, May 5, $42-$58.

NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM APRIL 2019 | MAY 2019

35

FRESH • MUSIC

REAL MUSIC, REAL ART

“Live from Laurel Canyon” is a Phoenix collective who celebrates the folk music from the Hollywood Hills. (Photo by David Moore)

‘Live from Laurel Canyon’ breathes life into folk mainstays

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

B

rian Chartrand spent the summer of 2012 working as a cruise ship musician.To prepare for it, he needed to know 300 covers—even before he stepped foot on the boat.

It took some preparation, as he chose tunes by artists like James Taylor, Simon and Garfunkel and The Beatles.

“It was a really good history lesson for me, and an ego check as well,” Chartrand says. “I got on this ship and I would find people would request a new artist or other artists like Joni Mitchell, Carole King, Crosby Still and Nash.

I started my research to learn more about these bands. I never dug into their history much, but I started to see how they were connected.”

Chartrand wanted to share his knowledge with fans at home, so he created “Live at Laurel Canyon,” a reference to the Hollywood Hills neighborhood that was home to musicians like Frank Zappa, Jim Morrison, King,The Byrds, Buffalo Springfield, Canned Heat,The Eagles and Neil Young.

“Live at Laurel Canyon” hits the stage at 7 p.m. Sunday, May 5, and Monday, May 6, at 36

APRIL 2019 | MAY 2019 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM

the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix.

The 90-minute retrospective shares the music and stories of Laurel Canyon musicians between 1965 and 1975.

“The first time we played ‘Live at Laurel Canyon,’ I thought this could be a thing,” he says. “That as 2013. We’ve had a lot of fun playing at the MIM. That’s our home base.

They’ve been so supportive of the project and the band really early on.”

Besides singer/acoustic guitarist Chartrand, the band includes electric guitarist Adam Armijo, keyboardist Lamar Gaines, drummer Todd Chuba, vocalist Holly Pyle, vocalist David Freeman and bassist Alex Kyhn.

“I’m really proud of the Arizona-based band I was able to put together,” he says. “Last year, we signed a booking deal. We’ve been getting on the road and it’s been a ton of fun.

It’s a show that isn’t short on songs. There are so many amazing songs. I could put together a show that lasts the entire day.”

Along with the music are the stories, which are priceless. Chartrand adds multimedia to

the show, which he calls “compelling stuff.”

“Live from Laurel Canyon” is relevant as well.

“The timing is really good,” says Chartrand, who moved from Massachusetts to Phoenix in October 2003. “People want to get connected to real music again.”

Going forward, Chartrand would like to see “Live from Laurel Canyon” evolve.

“I see more touring in the future,” he says.

“I’d really love to develop the multimedia aspect of it. We’re just getting started and hitting our stride.

“One thing to remember is we’re not a tribute act. We will reinterpret and reinvent classic tunes. We don’t dress in period clothing. We just celebrate the amazing music and try to give it new life.”

“Live from Laurel Canyon” 7 p.m. Sunday, May 5, and Monday, May 6 Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Boulevard, Phoenix 435.50-$45.50 480-478-6000, mim.org

FRESH • TRAVEL

LONG BEACH The long and short of California’s seaside town

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

F

rom the Hilton Long Beach windows, container shipping ports loom over the shore.

There’s more to the nation’s second busiest container port than industry.

Long Beach is vibrant, with a wealth of museums, murals and a relaxing waterfront.

After a 5 1/2-hour drive, all we wanted to do was chill by the beach and listen to the seagulls.

This isn’t Los Angeles or San Diego, it goes much deeper than that.

From eclectic neighborhoods to sandy beaches, Long Beach is home to a 1930s ocean liner, adorable sea lions and fun ocean animals.

Where to stay Hilton Long Beach 333 E. Ocean Boulevard westinlongbeachhotel.com Within 5 minutes of being at the Hilton Long Beach, I had already made a fool of myself. Heads up: You have to use your room card to access the elevator’s controls. Otherwise, the elevators close on guests. Don’t worry, you won’t get trapped.

Anyway, public service announcement 38

APRIL 2019 | MAY 2019 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM

aside, the modern-looking Hilton Long Beach allows visitors to see every side of the city. A selection of the 469 guest rooms and 31 suites overlook the marina and tranquility of the Pacific Ocean. It is mere blocks from beaches, shopping, theaters and bistros.

Insider tip: Talk to the servers during Sunday brunch. They’re knowledgeable about the city, spewing tips here and there about what out-of-town guests should visit.

The hotel is pet-friendly.

The Queen Mary harkens to the days of art deco.

Sights to see The Aquarium of the Pacific 100 Aquarium Way aquariumofthepacific.org The Aquarium of the Pacific features more than 11,000 animals in over 50 spectacular exhibits. The facility may not be fancy like OdySea in Scottsdale, but it gets to the point. The courageous can mingle with sharks and rays, or check out jellyfish.

(I was stung by a jellyfish when I was 9 and

it traumatized me, but this was still cool.) The world’s largest ocean aquarium boasts a replica life-sized whale hanging from the ceiling.

The behind-thescenes tour is a must, but so is the gift shop, where the trinkets, T-shirts and penguin umbrellas (yes, it’s a thing!) are affordable.

We came home with bags of souvenirs from the aquarium. Travel there on the last day of your trip, so you can save a little cash for the rest of the stay.

The Aquarium of the Pacific is called one of the best in the nation.

Harbor Breeze Cruises 100 Aquarium Way Dock 2 562.432.4900, https://tickets.harbor-cruises. com/

We knew we were in good hands when the captain pointed out Parker’s Lighthouse, a recipient of Wine Spectator’s award of excellence. It’s known for its mesquite-grilled fresh seafood and spectacular views. (More on that later.) We also explored Long Beach’s coastline, while our apt host schooled us on the harbor’s history and the skyline. More importantly, we saw California sea lions up close on buoys.

The adorable mammals seemed just as interested in us as we were in them. The cruise gives an idyllic view of the Queen Mary, an art-deco ocean liner in its 41st year in Long Beach. Docked alongside it was Carnival Inspiration, the closest I’ve ever been to a fantasy class cruise ship.

The Queen Mary 1126 Queens Highway queenmary.com We were whisked back in time to the days of art deco ocean liners, men in tuxedos and women in flowing gowns on NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM APRIL 2019 | MAY 2019

39

FRESH • TRAVEL The Queen Mary. Celebrating 41 years in Long Beach, The Queen Mary is a top attraction with historic tours and special exhibits. While we were there, The Queen Mary housed a Princess Diana exhibit that was bound to make even the most heartless person weep. The ship has 347 spacious staterooms with elegant suites, fine restaurants and Sunday brunch, a spa, shops, ocean views and meeting facilities aboard and alongside for 20 to 5,000 guests.

The Museum of Latin-American Art (MOLAA) 628 Alamitos Avenue molaa.org Founded in 1996, The Museum of Latin American Art is a cultural gem. The only museum in the United States dedicated to modern and contemporary Latin American art, the MOLAA is stunning, as is the 15,000-square-foot sculpture garden.

The gallery hosts works from the likes of Tamayo and Matta to Cruz-Diez, Los Carpinteros and Tunga.

Dining Michael’s Downtown Italian Kitchen 210 E. Third Street michaelsdt.com Michael Dene has a must when traveling to Long Beach. The restaurateur found the perfect way to wood-fire pizza with freshly made mozzarella. That’s nothing new to Dene, as he and his staff take locally sourced ingredients and create stellar dishes like Bolognese with tagliatelle pasta with prime hand-grown beef, pork and veal sauce; and gnocchi served in a gorgonzola sauce that was impeccable. The appetizer was king here: braised beef, veal and pork meatballs smothered in red sauce that were flavorful. Also, on the menu are salads, grain bowls and, of course, great wine to pair with meals.

Breakfast Bar 70 Atlantic Street 562.726.1700, the-breakfast-bar.com Breakfast Bar serves breakfast and lunch, 40

APRIL 2019 | MAY 2019 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM

Long Beach is filled with colorful art, expensive boats and stellar food.

along with an assortment of wines and beers, in the heart of downtown Long Beach. Family owned by Josh and Pamela Beadel, who have both worked and lived in downtown Long Beach for more than 10 years, the Breakfast Bar’s tasty menu abounds with special dishes from their family traditions and recipes.

The menu is as special as it is personal.

For example, a Breakfast Bar favorite is Uncle Marcee’s Omelet Casserole, which is individually baked and served with a potato pancake and fruit.

Because I’m a plain Jane, I tried the French toast, thick-cut sourdough French toast served with two eggs cooked any way (I had scrambled) and a choice of

two bacons, two sausage links, two turkey sausage or one sausage patty.

The guests at the table next to us were from Boston and delightful. They were eyeballing my husband’s meatloaf steak and eggs. It was house-spiced and thickcut meatloaf made with beef, pork and soyrizo, and topped with two eggs cooked any way. It was served with potato pancake and house rosemary bread.

The long and short of it is Long Beach is more than Sublime, bike-friendly streets and the ocean. It’s a respite from the Arizona heat and a place to put our feet up.

Your Neighborhood Urgent Care!

Urgent Care services we can help you year-round: • Cold/Flu Treatment • Wound Treatment • Stitches & Suturing • Seasonal Allergies • Urinary Tract Infections • Ear & Eye Infections • Onsite X-ray & Labs

• School & Sports Physicals

• Sinus Infections

• and much more!

Check-in online with WAHOO (Wait At Home Or Office) & wait wherever you’re most comfortable. We’ll text when your room is ready!

Convenient Locations & Extended Hours

NextCare.com AZ_NorthValleyAD - 1118.indd 1

•

1-888-306-5311 11/12/2018 1:46:05 PM NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM APRIL 2019 | MAY 2019 41

g n i h s i Furn the

t a e r G

Outdoors

42

APRIL 2019 | MAY 2019 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM

Iron Doors Arizona can jazz up the exterior of a home quickly.

April and John Whearty’s home would make anyone envious.

Luxury items play a part in posh patios

By Carrie Snider

B

ackyards in the Valley are some of the luckiest around. In many ways, they are an extension of the house itself—they are a great place for family and friends to spend time no matter the month of the year.

Take springtime. Temperatures are just right for some outdoor parties complete with ample seating, food hot off the grill, and plenty of landscaping to enjoy. In summer, it’s all about cooling off in the pool.

Fall is a great time to spend time with the family in a backyard play area. Winter can be chilly, but with a hot tub or fire pit, you still get to enjoy your outdoor space.

When it comes to choosing exactly what to put in your backyard, there are many different options. Several retailers in the North Valley area make it easy to find the latest luxury items close to home.

Furnishing the great outdoors

Entertaining was the idea behind John and April Whearty’s outdoor living space located on Black Mountain in Carefree. The couple bought their 1980s home a few years ago and while it had good bones, there was much about it they wanted to change.

“The landscape was all desert before,” John says.

What they really wanted was a yard reminiscent of Hawaii, where they honeymooned. April was the brains behind making their outdoor space feel like paradise. “Now it has lots of tropical stuff that withstands the heat.

April and John It feels like you’re in Hawaii,” he says.

Whearty wanted Their yard is sectioned off with a backyard that resembled Hawaii. multiple patios that serve as specific spaces: a grilling area, Phoenix view

sitting area, hot tub area, pool area, and more.

Besides the hardscaping, what really sets those spaces apart is the outdoor furnishings. The Wheartys enlisted the help of Nick Stelfox of Carefree Outdoor Living to help them find the best pieces to define their spaces.

They purchased a lot of pieces from the Tommy Bahama Outdoor Furniture collection, which the couple says has been worth the price tag.

“It’s really heavy-duty furniture,” John explains. “They are just gorgeous. Very substantial. It doesn’t blow away.”

When choosing different outdoor furniture styles, they also got to decide the fabric patterns. The fabric, they added, has held up extremely well.

“The material can the rain and the sun.

You don’t have to bring in your outdoor cushions inside,” John says. Even with the harsh Phoenix sun, the Wheartys says their outdoor furniture still looks great.

Outdoor technology

Besides a beautiful place to entertain, the Wheartys were looking for convenience.

Some of the latest options in outdoor living includes, as one would expect, technology.

The couple could certainly go around the yard and light the many gas-powered tiki torches when hosting guests. But why do that when you can turn them on or off with your phone?

And don’t forget to do the same with the lights for their pool. The Wheartys love that they can control their outdoor lighting from the palm of their hand.

“There are different settings, like party mode, red, white, and blue mode,” John explains. The Portland transplants also NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM APRIL 2019 | MAY 2019

43

pointed out that they have the option to use green lights to honor Portland State University.

Still, the real light show has nothing to do with technology. In fact, a huge part of why they love their outdoor space so much, and why it’s designed the way it is, is to enjoy Mother Nature’s lights.

“Sunsets here are something special,” John says.

Divide and Conquer

Chad Norris, lead designer at Desert Foothills Landscape in Cave Creek, says a big part of collaborating with homeowners is getting a feel for what they really want out of their outdoor space—or actually multiple spaces.

“We work to designate different areas,” he says. “We want the entire outdoor living environment to be completely customized.”

Fire features are always popular, but lately homeowners are choosing to put in gas fire tables. Rather than a fire pit, a fire table adds a touch of style and luxury. It helps define

44

APRIL 2019 | MAY 2019 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM

conversation spaces, adds warmth, and even allows for a bit of storage.

Dividing spaces doesn’t have to be drab.

In high-end backyards, another item many clients ask for is a unique water feature.

“It provides ambient noise, and it also beautifies the space,” Norris says.

And then there are the play spaces. While many of his clients already have access to golf courses close by, some elect to put in putting greens in their backyards so they can always enjoy a little bit of golf.

Norris adds sometimes clients come to him with lots of ideas about how to design their outdoor spaces, but some also give him free reign and trust his judgment in making their backyard a desert paradise.

“I like not being tied down. Being creative allows us to let the project evolve.”

Sometimes, what the client first has in mind changes as the design unfolds before their eyes.

One thing he hears a lot is that homeowners want to add a lot of “color” to their yards. In Phoenix, just because it’s the desert doesn’t mean it’s all dirt and rocks.

“There are plenty of cacti and succulents that offer year-round color and impact. We can also add perennials for some color at certain times of year,” he says.

Putting all that time and effort into putting plants

into a homeowner’s yard is only just the first step. The next step, Norris explained, is showing it off by strategic lighting.

Luxurious backyards call for luxurious landscape lighting.

“Your landscape can look one way during the day, but it can look completely different at night. We can install a variety of fixtures to emphasize different areas of the landscape. Then, whether you’re outside or inside looking out, homeowners can enjoy their backyard.”

Adding those special touches are what makes a backyard luxurious, and that goes beyond the landscaping—it extends to decorative touches on the house itself.

Steve Yagudayev of Iron Doors Arizona offers a variety of intricate, unique iron doors that can really set the stage for the ultimate in backyard style.

A pop of color will make any patio fun.

Nick Stelfox of Carefree Outdoor Living

“It really makes the house pop out, allows you to enjoy the nice weather, and helps your home be more secure,” he says.

The best in barbecues

In the world of grilling, there is always the option to go with the standard, run of the mill grill. But why go basic if there is such a thing as a smart grill on the market?

Matt Bass of BBQ Island, which has locations in Scottsdale, Peoria, and Tempe, says with the Phoenix weather the way it is, it’s only natural that locals spend time outdoors grilling year-round. And while you’re spending all that time cooking outdoors, it only makes sense to go luxury.

When a customer comes in looking

to add an outdoor kitchen area, Bass says they first get a sense for how involved the homeowner is in grilling.

“Based off of that, on our website we have a whole kitchen idea center, with build outs on options. There is also a gallery of handful local landscapers that have done work to give you ideas,” he says.

Drop-in coolers are very popular in Phoenix to keep beverages cool without power costs. It’s basically a metal cooler that can be set into an outdoor island. It has a hole in the bottom to drain out melted ice.

“It can retain temperature really well. It has a really nice weather sealant on it,” he explains.

Pizza ovens are also popular right now, and it’s a great option if you want to cook pizza, but don’t want to heat up the house.

They also add a fun aesthetic to an outdoor kitchen area, Bass explains.

BBQ Island hosts regular cooking classes and competitions. They sell a wide variety of smokers and grills, including high-end brands Lynx and Twin Eagle. T Joe Spencer of Murphy O’Brien Public Relations says the latest and greatest in smokers and grills has everything to do with

convenience.

The Lynx Smart Grill has all the features you could ever want: Wi-Fi enabled, voiceactivated, automated.

“It automatically cooks food based on commands,” Spencer says. “And it remembers your settings. You could tell it that the last time the meat was too done, so it will turn it down and make it more rare.

It tells you when to flip the meat. It comes preloaded with a bunch of recipes.”

Lynx also has a Smart Smoker, with a thermometer that connects to your phone and tells you the internal temperature of the meat.

“You can literally just sit on your couch and watch your meat,” he says.

With so many luxurious options available, the hard part is narrowing down your choices. In Phoenix where the outdoors begs to be enjoyed, the sky is the limit.

NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM APRIL 2019 | MAY 2019

45

y c a c o v d A and ALGORITHMS Gail Baer doesn’t mind using analytics to affect change

By Alison Bailin Batz

H

ealing Lives. Whatever it takes.

“This has been the central mission of Jewish Family & Children’s Service in this community for more than 80 years,” says Gail Baer, a North Valley leader who has serves as vice president of Philanthropic Services for the organization.

“But for me, this concept has been a part of my life since childhood.”

Baer grew up in Bethesda, Maryland, near Washington, D.C. “My parents were always involved in the community, especially my mother, who was a staunch activist in the Soviet Jewry movement, which was an international human rights campaign through the 1980s,” says Baer, who remembers accompanying her family to rallies and helping volunteer where she was needed.

When not helping, Baer was – in her own words – busy “geeking” out.

“I have always been a proud math and science nerd,” says Baer, and it paid off when she was accepted to Cornell to study engineering.

46

APRIL 2019 | MAY 2019 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM

security tightened. There was a military While in college, Baer presence everywhere. Travel was limited. The excelled in data analysis, world was on high alert. change management and “My kids still remember their school – operational research. She also whose colors were red, white and blue and continued down the road whose mascot was a bald eagle – white of philanthropy through her washing the buses to downplay American sorority, Sigma Delta Tau. patriotism as a precaution,” Baer says.

There, she also met and fell in love with When her husband’s project completed fellow engineering student, Michael Baer. overseas in 2002, the family moved back The two married after college in 1989 to the East Coast, where Baer took on a as Baer began working her way up the leadership role with Grant Thornton. She corporate ladder on the East Coast, initially used her analytical mind to help expand as a management consultant. During the next 10 years, the couple toggled between New York City and Washington, D.C., while starting a family.

“In 1999, my husband’s job required us to move to Singapore for a few years,” says Baer, who at the time had three children younger than 6.

And though it sounds scary, Baer remembers those days as among the most impactful and inspiring for their family.

“It not only bonded us in a way you would not believe, but opened our eyes to different flavors, customs and traditions than we had ever experienced,” Baer says.

“I think every family should be so lucky to experience what we did during those years together.”

The family was still living in Singapore The Baer family. during 9/11. As one would imagine,

GIVING, SHARES BAER, CAN BE DONE THE FOLLOWING WAYS:

Gail Baer with fellow advocates, Carol Siedberg and Karen Owens.

Gail and her mom Donna.

the company’s business model beyond tax and accounting and into consulting.

In 2005, serendipity struck.

“My husband had the opportunity to relocate to Phoenix just as Grant Thornton announced an enhanced presence here,” Baer says. “Arizona became home.”

Arizona also brought Baer back to her roots in helping others.

“Being a newer business, I worked with the firm to build a tangible, authentic philanthropy presence in Greater Phoenix,” says Baer, who used data analysis, research and her background in community outreach to launch GT Cares, a community relations program, for the firm in 2007.

Through the program, Baer helped mentor young team members on how to best dip their toes into volunteerism; supported leadership to seek out board positions; and financially supported important causes in the community.

“I never thought my background in numbers would connect the way it did to directly help people, but the impact we were having was real, tangible and one of the most fulfilling things in my career to that point,” Baer says. “One of those organizations we were supporting was the Valley of the Sun United Way, which fights to break the cycle of poverty across Maricopa County.”

Annual Gifts

The organization inspired Baer so much that when they announced a new position to help engage corporate partnerships in 2011, she left her private sector career for the world of nonprofit work.

“I loved how the United Way was, in many ways, a one-stop shop to help so many organizations at once,” Baer says.

By 2016, with five years of dedicated service under her belt, Baer was ready to take the next step in her advocacy journey – that step took her to JFCS when they announced the need for a local leader to help increase major and planned giving.

“Like United Way, JFCS is a one-stop shop for people in need. The organization provides behavioral health, healthcare and social services to all ages, faiths and backgrounds across Maricopa County. As a mother, this touched me,” Baer says.

According to Baer, specific programs and services include: counseling, mental health assessment and treatment, early childhood trauma assessment and treatment, child crisis intervention and rehabilitative services, support for victims of domestic violence, substance abuse, work force readiness for teens aging out of foster care, and services for the Jewish community.

“My position is a unique one – it allows me to combine my analytical and philanthropy background to help people convert their passions and generosity into a true investment back into the community,” Baer says. “In addition to annual gifts, I work directly with donors to create a legacy of planned giving that will live on well beyond all of our lives.”

For more, visit jfcsaz.org.

Individuals may donate a cash gift through credit card, check or appreciated stock.

JFCS qualifies for the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit, which allows for a credit on Arizona state taxes (up to $400 for single filers and $800 for joint filers).

Bequest Gifts

After providing for the needs of loved ones in a will, folks may choose to benefit organizations like JFCS that reflect causes personally important to the donor.

Life Insurance

Designate a fund created through annual premium payments.

Trust Gifts

Charitable trusts provide an annual income to the donor or a designated beneficiary for life (or another period of time specified). Upon the death of the trust’s beneficiary, the principal transfers to JFCS and becomes an endowment.

Charitable Gift Annuities

You make a gift of either cash or stock and you receive an income for life, part of which is tax free.

Lifetime Gifts

You can choose to establish a personalized fund with a modest initial investment and continue to contribute to that fund over time.

“I am proud to share we now have more than 100 legacy donors in the Valley – and we are actively seeking more,” Baer says. “Join us!”

NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM APRIL 2019 | MAY 2019

47

Growing through tough times Best-selling author J.A. Jance comes to Arizona to push ‘The A List’

I

By Taylor O’Connor

n second grade, author J.A. Jance read Frank Baum’s “The Wizard of Oz” series and fell in love. Not with the mystery of the wizard behind the green curtain, but with Baum and the talent behind the words. She thought maybe she could do the same.

In that moment, Jance knew she wanted to be a writer.

After years of rejection, Jance is a New York Times best-selling author with 59 books and counting.

“It’s wonderful,” Jance says about her success. “I grew up in Bisbee, Arizona, and reading was my way to get beyond the confines of that small Arizona town. I dreamt 48

APRIL 2019 | MAY 2019 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM

of being a writer, but I had no idea how All of Jance’s works—18 Joanna Brady wonderful the dream would be.” books, five Walker family books, 14 Ali Jance’s latest book “The A List,” is the Reynolds books and 24 J.P. Beaumont books 14th in her Ali Reynolds series. The author as well as her poetry book “Book of Fire”— is touring the state the first week of April to are still in print. She’s proud of her works meet with readers and fans. their longevity.

“In this book, Ali Reynolds is living her The pursuit of her dream had a few bumps reinvented life in Sedona in the present time, on the way. Her first husband was accepted but the story pulls her back in her previous into a creative writing program, while she was life when she was a news anchor on a TV denied. He told her there would only be one station in L.A.,” Jance says, writer in the family, and it would be himself.

“A woman comes to her and asks for The director of the same program said to her help because her 22-year-old son is on her, “‘Girls become teachers or nurses and dialysis and is in need of a kidney transplant. boys become writers.’” Jance continues, “All This story features an unexpected serial killer of those things are a part of my history. Here’s and it was one I came to like. I did not expect the thing: writers get the best revenge. Don’t to like this serial killer.” make writers mad, we Jance says she looks have our ways of getting forward meeting her even.” readers to hear their Jance says she never feedback. gave up on her second“Part of writing is grade dream. Once she what goes on between divorced her husband, me and my computer she was in her late 30s keyboard, my fingers with two kids and a and the screen, that part fulltime job selling life of it is a very solitary insurance. In 1981, existence,” Jance says.

Jance began writing “But, I enjoy book tours. during her little free I enjoy interacting with time, from 4 to 7 a.m. my readers and hearing “I think that speaks what they think of my to the power of that books. I love hearing dream. Long before I their feedback.” was published, I had this Usually Jance sense that I was finally tours other states, but doing what I intended because her husband to do. has been having health “The ancient J.A. Jance’s latest book “The A List,” is the 14th in her Ali Reynolds challenges, she cut sacred charge of series. (Photo courtesy Halpin Studios) back her promotional the storyteller is to schedule. “For years, he beguile the time. I hear has been on the road with me and has been from people who have just lost a spouse my guy. Going by myself and being without and are grieving and get through those him makes it a little less fun.” sleepless nights with my books. It gives She will only tour Arizona and me incredible pleasure that my books have Washington state, where she currently lives. gotten through those tough times. It says Jance writes for two different publishers, that I am doing the right thing.” has two deadlines a year and goes on two book tours a year.

J.A. Jance “The ‘A-List’ is book 58 and I am sending 4 p.m. Friday, April 5 59 and I will be on my way to 60 books. It’s Desert Foothills Library 38443 N. safe to say that ever book counts as 100,000 Schoolhouse Road, Cave Creek words and I have published a weekly book for 480-488-2286, dfla.org, 13 years with about 750 words. I have written reservations required around 8 million words in my career.”

Desert Foothills Landscape

IF YOU WANT THE BEST, WORK WITH THE BEST!

480.488.0128 36815 n cave creek rd • cave creek, az

dflaz.com

The Clifton family, including Scott and Vanessa Clifton, are the owners of the recently launched Western Sky Helicopters located in the Scottsdale Airpark.

(Jerry Clifton/Special to North Valley Magazine)

Flying High Again Local couple’s chopper services flying high

By Kristine Cannon

S

itting in the passenger’s side of her father’s Robinson R44 helicopter, parked on a helipad in the Scottsdale Airpark, 10-year-old Avery Clifton has her hair in a ponytail, hidden under a bulky, black headset.

She’s wearing a blue, floral dress, and she’s

50

APRIL 2019 | MAY 2019 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM

proudly showing off a brown, rectangular book with gold lettering: “The Pilot’s Flight Lot and Record.”

Avery wants to be just like her dad, Scott Clifton, who has more than 23 years’ experience flying helicopters for local news stations and as a search-and-rescue pilot for the state of Arizona.

“She’s already logging hours, and he’s teaching her to fly because she wants to be a pilot,” says Avery’s mom, Vanessa.

Vanessa and Scott are the owners of two family-owned businesses: Cave Creek-based Aerial Solutions and the newly launched, Scottsdale-based Western Sky Helicopters – both of which involve helicopters but serve different purposes.

Aerial Solutions, founded in 2008, is considered the authority for helicopter program management, event management and hot air balloon advertising.

Aerial Solutions not only manages the Cochise County Sheriff ’s Office helicopter, but also launches all hot air balloon events in town.

Western Sky Helicopters is brand-new – it

opened in January – and conducts helicopter tours throughout and just beyond the Valley, as well as fills the void for charter work in Phoenix.

“There’s starting to be that demand for it,” says Vanessa, vice president and COO of Western Sky Helicopters.

With Western Sky’s charters, which recently launched this month, guests can ride in one of their Robinson R44, Raven II helicopters, which come equipped with air conditioning, leather seats and bubble windows.

Western Sky’s 14 CFR Part 135 certification allows guests the option to get picked up or dropped off wherever they’d like – as long as there’s a helipad available.

“We saw that there was the void in the market,” Vanessa says. “We would get calls from people all the time just because they know we’re involved in the helicopter industry that were like, ‘We need to charter out to NASCAR. We need a charter flight out to a golf course.’”

“There’s going to be a lot of charter work,” Vanessa continued.

What makes Western Sky’s charter services appealing, according to Vanessa, is its price.

Because Western Sky flies a smaller aircraft, it has smaller operating costs, meaning the client spends less, comparatively.

Western Sky’s bread and butter, though, are its helicopter tours.

“People who travel here, they’re always looking for activities and things to do,” she says. “Just in a span of a week, we’ve got four tours lined up and we haven’t even started our big marketing push yet.

So people are already starting to find us.”

Western Sky offers four regular, year-round tours, including a “Valley and downtown Phoenix’ tour, a “city lights” tour, a “mountains and lakes” tour and a sunset tour.

They also offer seasonal tours, such as a holiday lights tour and a Fourth of July tour.

Vanessa says the tour that offers the most bang-for-your-buck is the hour-long, $375-per-adult sunset tour.

“It’s going to give you kind of all of the tours wrapped into one,” she says.

With the sunset tour, flyers will also get the Valley tour, as well as see mountains and lakes.

And on the way back, they’ll catch a glimpse of the city lights.

All tours use the Robinson R44 helicopter, which holds a pilot plus three passengers – and, yes, it has air conditioning.

More out-of-the-ordinary, special requests include utilizing Western Sky’s helicopters for real estate-related aerial photography and ranch management.

“There’s a huge market for real estate sales people who want to get a good, overall picture of these areas that they’re looking at purchasing a home,” Vanessa says.

Regarding ranch management, Western Sky can assist ranchers in getting a headcount of their cattle.

“Some of these ranches in the outlying areas

Avery Clifton, 10, wants to be just like her father, Scott Clifton, co-owner of Western Sky Helicopters, which offers sightseeing tours and helicopter charters throughout the Valley. (Jerry Clifton/Special to North Valley Magazine)

are huge, so if they need to transport feed out to a remote area, if they’ve got a fence line that’s down, we can do that,” she says.

Vanessa says she has also received requests from men who want to propose in a unique way.

“They want to be flown to a really unique, beautiful spot, land, get out, make their proposal, fly back,” she says. “Those are the kinds of special requests that we’re getting now.”

In the future, Western Sky is interested in partnering with local chefs and resorts to create romantic packages where a chef and clients are flown out for a special meal in a remote location.

“We’re working with golf clubs, and just really start promoting the charter, letting everybody know that we’re out there,” she says.

Helicopter tour pricing is based on time: 20-minute tours are $175 per adult and $125 per child, while 40-minute tours are $275 for adults and $225 for children.

“We just want it to be really straightforward with our pricing,” Vanessa says. “We know what it costs to operate the aircraft for per hour. I don’t care where you want to fly.”

Surprisingly, Vanessa says the 20-minute tours are not as popular as they thought they’d be, so they’re considering changing the blocks of time from 20 or 40 to 30 or 60 minutes.

“I thought that’s what was going to be the most popular because it’s the least expensive, but everybody says it just doesn’t seem like long enough,” she says.

What’s important to Vanessa is pricing the tours at a price-point she would pay herself.

“I’m not going to price it to where I wouldn’t personally take my family,” she says.

But what’s most important to the Western Sky team is trust and safety; they’re what Vanessa says sets them apart from the competition.

“It’s extremely important to us as a company and part of our company ethics is we’re not going to put you in an aircraft with anybody that we wouldn’t put our own family and children in an aircraft with,” she says.

All three FAA-certified pilots currently employed by Western Sky, including Scott, Don Hooper and Ryan Shugrue, have over 60 combined years of experience.

“These guys have thousands and thousands of hours of experience between them, and that’s just something that we wanted to focus on doing a little bit differently,” Vanessa says.

This level of care – and the community’s familiarity with Scott – is why Vanessa believes they’ve had such a positive response to Western Sky, so far.

“It has to do with my husband’s reputation within the industry,” she says. “He’s very respected with what he’s done and where his career has gone.”

Information: westernskyhelicopters.com NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM APRIL 2019 | MAY 2019

51

BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT

A

e c a e P of Mind

Retractable screens and awnings add comfort and value to homes

By Alison Stanton

H

ere in the aptly named Valley of the Sun, the constant beating of the sun’s hot rays can wreak havoc on homes, making air conditioners work overtime and causing exterior paint to fade.

As Ken Pesho notes, his family-owned and -operated business, All Seasons Retractables, is ready, willing and able to help bring homes and their owners some much-needed relief.

Pesho co-owns All Seasons Retractables with Keith Filippazzo. Pesho has been in the awning and screen industry for 49 years in the Valley, and Filippazzo was a remodeling contractor in Colorado for 14 years prior to moving to the Valley 12 years ago.

“My wife, Jane, does all the important work like the paperwork and accounting,” Pesho says.

All Seasons Retractables offers a variety of shade products. From retractable patio awnings and window awnings and retractable exterior window and patio screens—either standard or with a zipper— to interior window screens and blackout shades, retractable screen doors, shade sails and retractable pergola awnings, Pesho says his company has everything their customers need to keep their homes looking and

feeling cool.

“Our retractable screens and awnings can be operated in a number of ways, including manually, motorized and automated, and they can also include the MyLink feature, which allows people to control them from their phone or computer,” Pesho says.

All Seasons Retractables’ team covers the entire Valley of the Sun and is also happy to travel anywhere in the state to meet with clients, Pesho says.

They also offer free, no-obligation estimates that will help homeowners see how affordable high quality and attractive shades and awnings can be.

“All Seasons Retractables holds everything used in our screens and awnings to the highest of standards, including the engineering, materials, manufacturing capabilities and warranties. This means we constantly provide quality and value to the consumer,” Pesho says.

All Seasons Retractables helps customers see the value in shades and awnings.

Pesho says when he and Filippazzo decided to open All Seasons Retractables, they spent a lot of time searching for the best products that were priced fairly and reasonably that they could offer to their valued customers.

“We are focused on giving our clients great value and service for their money, and we found that in a local manufacturer that has been in business since 1880,” Pesho says.

NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM APRIL 2019 | MAY 2019

53

BUSINESS GROWTH ACTION STRENGTH

Creating Opportunities

SPOTLIGHT All Seasons Retractables installs products made by the Sunair Awnings.

“Sunair Awnings has two plants, one in Arizona and the original United States plant in Jessup, Maryland. They were the first modern retractable awning company to operate in the United States.”

Pesho says he and Filippazzo enjoy working with their customers and using Awnings can add value to any home.

JOIN ENGAGE THRIVE www.carefreecavecreek.org

480.488.3363

GOT AN OLDER CAR, VAN OR SUV?

Do the humane thing.

Donate it to the Humane Society.

You’ll be supporting the nation’s largest and most effective animal protection organization, seeking a humane world for people and animals alike.

Call 1-855-602-1315 54

APRIL 2019 | MAY 2019 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM

their 60-plus years of combined experience to help people find the best shading needs for their budget.

They also strive to offer only the highestquality products at the lowest possible price, combined with the best service. As Pesho notes, their goal is to put “professionalism and honesty” at the forefront of every transaction.

“We are also a licensed contractor and an A+ member of the Better Business Bureau, which are two of the most important things any customer should look for,” Pesho says.

“We design and install on every home as if it were ours.”

All Seasons Retractables 602-350-1319 allseasonsretractables.com

BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT Anthony Turchetta creates his own shaving brushes to offer customers. (Photo by Octavio Serrano)

WE STARTED SELLING MEN’S SHAVING PRODUCTS BECAUSE I GOT BORED OF MAKING PENS AND STARTED MAKING SHAVING BRUSHES.

BLADE RUNNER Tony Turchetta turns pen-collecting hobby into a business

By Octavio Serrano

C

arefree resident, Tony Turchetta, had a successful insurance career for 30 years, when he gave it up to follow his passion: pens.

“I collected pens and, about 20 years ago, I started making pens and then I started making pens under my own brand name,” Turchetta says.

The move made sense. Turchetta loved to collect nice pens when he worked in insurance. After three decades, he was ready to elevate his hobby and profit from it.

“It’s a hobby that got out of hand,” Turchetta says with a laugh.

Eight years ago, he founded Penchetta Pen & Knife, located in The Promenade.

Pens sell anywhere from $4 to $5,000.

His favorite is the Pilot Vanishing Point, a “perfect fountain pen” with an 18-carat gold nib.

“We try to get most people involved with fountain pens because it’s the easiest thing to write with,” Turchetta says.

Most of his pens are discounted. After a while, the pen-obsessed Turchetta

developed a knife collection.

“We expanded our knife collection because we found our pen customers loved knives, and I collect knives as well,” Turchetta says.

Penchetta Pen & Knife’s knife collection ranges in price and style; collectibles, throwing knives and heavy duty are included. Through the years, he expanded further by selling his shaving brushes, razors and kits.

“We started selling men’s shaving products because I got bored of making pens and started making shaving brushes,” Turchetta says.

In addition, Penchetta Pen & Knife offers a wide collection of air guns and rifles. Its collection includes air guns from Sweden, England, Germany and Austria. The pellet rifles, Turchetta says, are perfect for competitive shooting.

Turchetta describes Penchetta Pen & Knife as the “ultimate men’s store.”

“If you’re looking for a gift for a man, no matter what you buy in here, they will love it,” Turchetta says.

Eventually, however, Turchetta would like to retire and spend time with his family.

“I’ve played with pens and knives for 20 years and I want to play with my grandkids now,” Turchetta says.

Penchetta Pen & Knife 16211 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite A3, Scottsdale 480-575-0729, penchetta.com NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM APRIL 2019 | MAY 2019

55

BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT Kim Prince’s Proven Media is working with CannaMexico World Summit 2019.

The ‘STAR MAKER’ Public relations maven Kim Prince cultivates cannabis brands

By Scott Shumaker

C

arefree resident Kim Prince was crushing her public relations career.

She ascended to the upper ranks of a successful electronics company and counted the “crème de la crème” of accounts among her clients. But something was missing.

“We were bored,” Prince says. “I had a great career and it was beautiful, but I just wasn’t happy.”

In 2008, Prince followed her passion and took her communications skills to a new domain: the legal marijuana industry. She

56

APRIL 2019 | MAY 2019 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM

founded a public relations firm, Carefreebased Proven Media, and began learning the brave new world of legal cannabis—just as it was starting up Neko Catanzaro, vice president of brand and creative strategy for Proven Media, says Prince had the foresight to enter the industry “before cannabis was trendy, before it was really in the mainstream rhetoric of: ‘this is the next big thing.’ I think that’s really amazing, especially considering we’re not based in New York City. We’re not based in San Francisco.”

Prince acknowledges the industry has “grown tremendously.” She also serves as public relations director for the Marijuana Industry Trade Association of Arizona.

“There’s a beauty to learning it from the bottom up,” Prince says. “We got in, we started to understand the plant, we started to understand compliance, we started to understand how it varied from state to state,

we started to understand then the technologies behind bringing cannabis to market.”

In recent years, legalized cannabis has gained mainstream acceptance and shed much of the stigma of previous eras. Nationally, cannabis is now a multi-billion-dollar industry, and a growing number of investors and entrepreneurs are clamoring for a piece of the current green bonanza.

“There are huge investment plays being made right now,” Prince says.

Her company boasts a national client list and is looking toward a future where legal cannabis is an international trade. But more than looking forward, Prince is helping to develop that trade: Proven is the public relations agency of record for the upcoming CannaMéxico World Summit 2019, hosted by Vicente Fox, a former president of Mexico and advocate for legalized marijuana. Fox is one of many leaders advocating for a legal marijuana industry similar to what some states in the United States have developed.

Prince says her role in the cannabis industry is creating and promoting brands, promoting cannabis professionals, and, more recently, representing technology firms serving the cannabis industry.

“We did a case study for a seed to sales software company, and it’s technical, its technical,” Prince says, “and to take software and do a four page case study and make it beautiful and sexy…that’s how far we go.”

Prince and Catanzaro say they believe the key to succeeding in the cannabis industry is taking your existing talents and abilities and transferring them to the world of cannabis.

“What we do is we’re star makers,” she adds, “whether it’s a brand or a person or a process.

We’re finding where our niche is, and we’re really good at taking people who are doing great things in cannabis and helping to get the word out.”

Cannabis is one of the nation’s fastestgrowing industries, and Prince says that Proven Media is helping bring entrepreneurs and investors together. Recently, one of her clients inked a $10 million deal to sell her cannabis company.

Prince is happy with the career change she made 10 years ago. She loves the bustle and enthusiasm of the people in today’s legal cannabis industry and is looking forward to the future.

“I do love the business of cannabis,” she says.

“I love people, and I love business, and I love the plant.”

HOME • VISIT

HOLIDAY IN

View? What view?

Oh, this…a standard view on any day of the week in Healdsburg.

Healdsburg The quintessential guide to the Northern California gem

By Alison Bailin Batz

W

ith world-class dining, wineries and places to rest one’s head, Healdsburg is darn near heaven on Earth.

But with hundreds of options – many within walking distance of each other – how is one supposed to even start planning a trip?

Let us do it!

STAY The Grape Leaf Inn, just off the

main drag in the heart of Healdsburg and walking distance to nearly a dozen wineries, award-winning restaurants and other attractions, is not only charming, but You would never know it by looking, but hiding under this cozy lobby at the Grape Leaf Inn is a full speakeasy!

sneaky cool. In addition to rooms and suites – including a guest house off the main property with its own patio and indoor/ outdoor shower – the inn boasts a speakeasy for guests, which is accessible through a secret door hidden behind a bookcase! And while the Healdsburg’s Ferrari-Carano is a nearby restaurants are world-wide leading producer of worlddelicious, do not miss class, nationally-acclaimed wines.

Grape Leaf for breakfast.

Their lauded chef makes everything from scratch daily and even visits your table to personally help you Cast Wines is a newer vineyard and choose you own culinary adventure. tasting room to the area, but it cast its spell on visitors and locals quickly (so it is clearly named well!). A chief reason: Its terrace boasts one of the most expansive views of the region, or of any wine region in the country. They also have a festive atmosphere with champagne sabering on the patio and lively Pétanque games (a cousin of bocce) on a custom-built court. Of course, their wine is also exceptional, especially their takes on Sauvignon Blanc and Old Vine Zinfandel.

Opt for a seated tasting or a full vineyard walking tour to get the full experience.

Mazzocco Winery has similarly mind-

SIP

NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM APRIL 2019 | MAY 2019

57

HOME • VISIT

While newer to Healdsburg, Cast Wines are already making their mark (Cast Wines)

blowing Zinfandel, and a garden patio perfect for spring and summer tastings. A member of the Wilson family of wineries in the region, another option is to book their VIP tour, where you’re whisked away to four of their wineries over the course of six hours with full transportation and an expert guide.

Now, if you can’t make it a full day, definitely visit Mazzocco’s sister winery, Wilson Winery, if you can. Not only is it run by a female winemaker, but it is an area landmark, and not only for its wine and historic barn

building. On the lawn, you would be hard-pressed to miss the 26-foot-tall steel coyote, which the owners bought from an artist who had it on display at Burning Man. And yes, you can climb it for the photo opp of a lifetime.

For those seeking photo opps with both feet still safely on the ground, head over to Dry Creek Vineyard, a family-owned vineyard founded by California wine pioneer David Stare known as the birthplace of Fume Blanc.

They offer wine blending classes by reservation, where guests can not only taste wine, The sign says exactly what folks do when they leave Bravas…Brava!

Cast Wines grows and crafts wines in limited quantities highlighting only the very best grapes in the area.

(Cast Wines)

58

APRIL 2019 | MAY 2019 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM

The only thing that rivals the wine in Healdsburg… the food!

but blend their own bottle of custom wine as well.

ZO Wines, like Dry Creek, offers tastings. And like Dry Creek, they also offer something extra special: a tasting wheel! Rather than simply savor a flight of wines, your wine guide will take you on an adventure in tasting using a ZO colorful tasting wheel, where you are able to use your own senses to determine the flavors you personally taste in each glass (not what sometime tells you that you should taste).

The interactive experience makes novices wine lovers feel comfortable, and it challenges veteran tasters to come up with new ways to describe each sip, smell and swirl in each glass.

And then there is FerrariCarano. Yes, that FerrariCarano, which owns 1,600 total acres of vineyards across 24 ranches. Most people don’t realize the wine giant, which was founded by a husbandand-wife team of Italian descent, is located in the heart of Healdsburg. The estate is something out of a movie,

ZO Wines acts like a family and are known for “adopting” their guests as family as well.

complete with overflowing gardens, a full Tuscan villa, fountains, statues and tasting experiences for the ages. Certainly, their terrace tasting is special, but if available, splurge on the private wine tasting in their Prevail Room, deep in the heart of their winemaking facility in a VIP room fit for a king.

DINE Beyond being known for its wine,

Healdsburg is one of the true birthplaces of the farm-to-table movement, and nearly every restaurant in the area puts the concept into action is some delicious way.

This is perhaps no more evident than at

Bed and breakfasts are a hallmark – and heavenly – in Healdsburg.

Zazu Kitchen + Farm, which grows almost all of its own produce onsite and at its sister farm down the street.

As such, menus change not only with the seasons, but with the daily fresh harvest.

Its chef and co-owner Duskie Estes gained national acclaim when she competed on “The Next Iron Chef ” on the Food Network in recent years. She has since appeared on the channel several more times, on various programs. Insider tip: order anything on her Tours of area vineyards range from small microtasting rooms to massive “amusement parks for adults” like this.

menu with bacon, including the baconinfused cocktail.

For a far different experience, but something otherworldly while in Healdsburg, also try Bravas, a tapas bar where it is almost impossible to stop ordering small bites. Hailed by Travel + Leisure as “one of the top 20 tapas restaurants in the U.S.,” Bravas serves up traditional Spanish and modern tapas-style dining in Wine Country by James Beard nominees Mark and Terri Stark.

And then there is Valette. Over a glass of wine nearly two decades ago, two brothers dreamt of a restaurant that would provide a canvas for Sonoma County farmers, winemakers and artisans to showcase their crafts. The restaurant is in Downtown Healdsburg, the heart of Sonoma County and the location where their greatgrandfather operated bakeries. They opened Valette in 2015, realizing their dream.

For more, visit wineroad.com.

NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM APRIL 2019 | MAY 2019

59

HOME • HISTORY

Massacres at Skeleton and Guadalupe canyons

By Marshall Trimble

hen Mexico increased taxes on alcohol and tobacco in the late 1870s, smuggling along the Arizona-Sonora border became big business.

Mexican smugglers exchanged silver and gold in Tombstone, Tucson and other trading posts for alcohol and tobacco to sell below the border. The smugglers became easy prey for the Cochise County Cowboys, a loose-knit band of livestock thieves and stagecoach robbers. Prominent among this pack of pariahs were Johnny Ringo, Curly Bill Brocius and “Old Man” Clanton.

It’s not known how many northern-bound smugglers were robbed or how much loot was taken because both parties were in violation of the law, but no doubt the amount was substantial.

Along with robbing smugglers the Cowboys were rustling cattle from the Sonoran ranchers, then driving them back to Arizona and selling the stock to the mining camps.

Skeleton Canyon and Guadalupe Canyon are located in the Peloncillo Mountains, which lie along the remote Arizona-New Mexico line just north of the Mexican border.

It was popular with smugglers and rustlers.

The canyons were the scene of two notorious massacres between the Cowboys and the Mexican Rurales. It’s difficult to sort out the details because the facts between the two have become intertwined.

The first occurred in July 1879 after a band of Cowboys had been raiding in Sonora. The military commander in the area, Francisco Neri, sent out a detachment of Rurales led by Capt. Alfredo Carrillo. They picked up the bandits’ trail and followed it into Skeleton Canyon. The canyon connected the Animas Valley of New Mexico with the San Simon Valley in Arizona.

The Cowboys set up an ambush and awaited the arrival of their pursuers. When 60

APRIL 2019 | MAY 2019 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM

the unsuspecting Rurales rode in, they opened fire, killing all but three. There was no diplomatic outcry from Mexico because the Rurales illegally crossed the border into the United States.

The second massacre came two years later, on the morning of July 27, 1881. Jim Hughes, who had been on a foray into Mexico, told Curly Bill Brocius that a party of Mexican silver smugglers was bringing a pack train into Arizona through Skeleton Canyon.

Brocius, Johnny Ringo, Hughes, Zwing Hunt, Billy Grounds and Jim Crane, along with a dozen Cowboys who had been raiding in Sonora, attacked the party of smugglers 30 miles south of the border and stole $2,500 in gold and silver coins, along with $1,500 in livestock, 39 gold bars and a cigar box full of diamonds.

One version of the story says Hunt and Grounds were left to keep an eye on the loot while the rest of the gang headed for Galeyville in the northern part of the Chiricahua Mountains. While Brocius and the boys were partying, Hunt and Grounds decided to bury the loot in a secret location and keep it all for themselves.

On August 12, 1881, the Mexicans got their revenge. Old Man Clanton and six others were driving a herd of stolen Mexican cattle, north through Guadalupe Canyon.

Capt. Carrillo, leading a force of 50 Mexican Rurales was hot on their trail. They crossed the border and continued following the rustlers into the canyon.

The Cowboys, believing the Rurales wouldn’t continue the pursuit, stopped to make camp about 100 yards north of the border. Later that night they were joined

by Jim Crane, one of the outlaws wanted for robbing the Benson stage a few months earlier.

More recently Crane had been riding with Brocius and Ringo during their forays into Sonora.

Two of the rustlers awoke during the night when they heard the cattle getting restless and suspected a bear was close by. A few moments later gunfire erupted, killing Clanton, Billy Lang, Charlie Snow, Dick Gray and Jim Crane. Only two men, Harry Ernshaw and Bill Beyers though wounded, managed to escape.

Some two weeks later, the cowboys robbed another smuggler train, this time near Charleston on the San Pedro River, a few miles east of Tombstone, killing one man and taking $1,000 in gold and silver coins.

The Tombstone Epitaph wrote: “When the civil authorities are insufficient or unwilling to protect a community, the people are justified in taking the law into their own hands and ridding themselves of the dangerous characters who make murder and robbery their business. It remains to be seen how much longer such damnable acts as the Fronteras Massacre and San Pedro murders shall go unpunished.”

Grounds and Hunt were gunned down on the morning of March 29, 1882, in a battle with Cochise County lawmen at a ranch near Tombstone. Grounds died on the spot, but Hunt survived temporarily. He later died of his wounds, but not before spinning a deathbed tale claiming they rode out of Mexico following a three-month raid with two four-horse wagons loaded with plunder which they buried in Skeleton Canyon.

The gunfight near the OK Corral on October 26, 1881, along with deaths of Johnny Ringo and Curly Bill dealt a serious blow to the escapades of the Cowboy element, depleting their ranks. With the election of former Texas Ranger John Slaughter in 1887, who issued an edict, “Rustler Get Out or Get Killed.” law and order was slowly coming to Cochise County.

The buried treasure in Skeleton?

Coronado’s “Children” are still looking for it.

NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM APRIL 2019 | MAY 2019

61

HOME • EVENTS

ONE LAST

Hurrah

Carefree Community Block Party brings families together

S

By Taylor O’Connor

weet lemonade, cheeseburgers, face paint and a splash pad are a few of the offerings of the second annual Carefree Community Block Party.

The block party will take over Easy Street and be filled with local businesses, nonprofits, attractions as well as the vendors for the many attendees.

This free event will take place 2 to 7 p.m.

Saturday, April 6, in Downtown Carefree along Easy Street and the Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion.

“Basically, it’s a community party,” says Beth Renfro, the director of marketing and communications for Carefree. “It’s a last hurrah for the people (winter visitors) before they go back home. It’s one last time we are all together as a community.”

Renfro says Carefree has a considerable number of winter visitors who come during the winter months. Arizona warms up in April and families return to their once-chilly state, ready for summer.

Spirit of Carefree Award recipient Ron Bacher appears as Carefree Santa.

(Photo courtesy town of Carefree)

62

APRIL 2019 | MAY 2019 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM

Councilmen Gene Orrico and Vince D’Aliesio work the grill during last year’s Carefree Block Party. (Photo courtesy town of Carefree)

During the block party, guests can talk to local nonprofits and businesses about what they do, enjoy carnival-style food like hot dogs, shaved ice, burgers and popcorn, take a Zumba class, watch a karate demonstration, and possibly participate in a yoga class, Renfro says.

One of the highlights from last year, Renfro says, is the dunk tank. “The mayor, councilmembers as well as other important community members participate. People can step up and throw a ball to try and dunk the people sitting. People really enjoyed it last year, so we had to bring it back.”

For younger kids, the splash pad will be open, and Renfro advises to bring swimsuits.

Bathrooms will be on site for children to change. Children can also get their faces painted, play in the bouncy house and play games like cornhole.

An addition to the block party, adult tricycles will be available. Adult men and women may participate in a tricycle race or just ride around. Renfro says the details are still being sorted out, but everyone planning the event is looking forward to this addition.

“There are a few more new things, but I want to leave a couple surprises,” Renfro says.

Participating businesses and nonprofits are taking part in a $25 value raffle, but it is up to the businesses on what they want to offer. Usually, it’s gift certificates or a gift baskets, but they have drawings for raffles throughout the day.

The block party will host “The Spirit of Carefree” awards, a time meant to honor those who represent and serve the

Vice Mayor John Crane gets dunked during last year’s Carefree Block Party.

(Photo courtesy town of Carefree)

community well. Renfro says they are a behind on handing out the awards; this year they will be giving out the 2017 award to Ron Bacher. Known as the “Carefree Santa,” Bacher died in 2018. His wife will receive the award at 3 p.m. Renfro says he’s dearly missed.

Taking the time to honor the community and its members is what the event is all about, Renfro says. It’s about a day of appreciation and fun.

“Expect the day to be really fun. It’s a casual event, come as you are and should be a whole lot of fun.”

Carefree Community Block Party 2 to 7 p.m. Saturday, April 6 Downtown Carefree along Easy Street and the Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion Free admission; food and drink are extra carefree.org

TASTE • RECIPE

What’s Cooking

With JAN D’ATRI

Ham and Egg Brunch Cups

T

hey’re easy enough for kids to make and yet elegant enough to serve at your next fancy brunch. They’re called ham and egg brunch cups, but you can also make them with sliced turkey or salmon. I love this recipe because Ham and Egg Brunch Cups (Serves 4) Ingredients: 4 slices deli-style ham, turkey or smoked salmon 4 large eggs 4 teaspoons milk or cream 4 tablespoons shredded or sliced cheese Salt and pepper to taste Herbs like thyme or chives for garnish Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray cupcake tin or ramekins with nonstick cooking spray or grease with butter. Line each cup with a piece of ham, turkey, or several pieces of smoked salmon. Ham, turkey or salmon should cover the bottom and sides of the cup. Break an egg into each cup. Pour 1 teaspoon of milk or cream on top of each egg. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Bake for about 12 minutes or until egg whites are opaque and eggs are done. Remove egg cups from oven. Sprinkle with tablespoon of shredded cheese or a piece of sliced cheese. Garnish with herbs. Serve immediately.

it’s so simple and looks gorgeous on a plate.

I’ve included a fantastic recipe for crispy hash browns and a simple way to “fancy up” store-bought refrigerated cinnamon rolls.

These delicious brunch cups are my new favorite way to say good morning.

Cinnamon Roll Pull-a-Parts Here’s a great way to fancy up refrigerated cinnamon rolls.

Remove the dough from one canister of Pillsbury cinnamon rolls.

On a cutting board, gently push the slices together and with your hands, roll them into one continuous log until there are no visible seams in the dough. With scissors, snip the top part of dough to about three quarters of the way down. Arrange the cut sections so that each section leans on opposite or alternating sides. Spread the pieces apart, alternating sides.

When rolls are done, drizzle with icing and serve.

Crispy on the Outside Hash Browns (Serves 4) (The secret to these perfectly crispy hash browns is letting them cook without disturbing them! I know the tendency is to keep flipping, but don’t! Trust me!)

Ingredients 1 large russet potato, peeled and shredded

2 teaspoons olive oil, divided Salt & pepper to taste Directions: Roll shredded potato up several paper towels and squeeze tightly to draw out the moisture. Repeat with fresh paper towels if needed.

Place shredded potato in a bowl. Toss with salt & pepper.

Preheat a large fry pan (preferably nonstick) to medium-high.

Place oil in the hot pan and swirl around.

Make four patties of potatoes and place in hot skillet, patting them slightly to flatten.

Reduce heat to medium-low and cook undisturbed and uncovered for 15 minutes.

When bottom is crisp, turn potatoes over. Cook until crisp. Serve immediately.

Watch My How-To Video for Ham and Egg Cups here: https://jandatri.com/recipe/ham-and-egg-cup/ NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM APRIL 2019 | MAY 2019

63

TASTE • DINE Cody Heller and Brett Vibber created a backwoods-yetrefined vibe in Cartwright’s Modern Cuisine. (Photos courtesy Cartwright’s Modern Cuisine)

Going Wild

Foraging and game dishes are key to Cartwright’s success

By Eric Newman

F

ood industry veterans Cody Heller and Brett Vibber were looking to get out from under an employer’s wing and branch out on their own.

They found the perfect spot to do so. They purchased Cartwright’s Modern Cuisine, which had long been a cornerstone of Cave Creek, in May 2017.

“I don’t think either Brett or I would really want a restaurant downtown or in Old Town, it just really isn’t us,” Heller says.

Cartwright’s Modern Cuisine matches an eclectic menu with a fun, outdoorsy vibe.

Heller and Vibber were familiar with Arizona’s restaurant and food scene already.

Heller moved to the Valley in 2005, working his way up to a general manager at his place of business. He even managed Cartwright’s for some time before the previous owners 64

APRIL 2019 | MAY 2019 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM

decided to sell.

As for Vibber, he is an Arizona native and a longtime chef who worked at eateries like Roka Akor, a Japanese restaurant in Scottsdale.

One thing they had in common is their love of the food service industry.

They met while working at Cartwright’s years earlier.

“He was working there a few months after I left, because I wanted to try something different,” Heller says.

When Vibber suggested purchasing Cartwright’s, Heller had a question for him.

“I asked if he was drinking,” Heller says with a laugh. “But no, he was serious and

Cartwright’s offers a variety of quality food in Cave Creek.

here we are today.”

Heller says owning Cartwright’s has been rewarding, though sometimes difficult.

Neither man owned a restaurant previously, but they could create their own atmosphere and menu that captures their personalities and tastes.

With items ranging from seafood to

Kindergarten Registration

Kindergarten Roundup

Visit our five A+ elementary schools – each one with its own Signature Curriculum and Point of Pride.

Black Mountain Elementary School PERFORMING ARTS • SPANISH PRE-K-6

Desert Sun Academy

FRENCH IMMERSION • SPANISH PRE-K-6 • STEAM

Desert Willow Elementary School

SPANISH IMMERSION • TECHNOLOGY • INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

Horseshoe Trails Elementary School CHINESE IMMERSION • HORSEMANSHIP

Lone Mountain Elementary School STEM PROGRAM • CHINESE PRE-K-6

480.575.2000

natural bison or a 16-ounce ribeye, the menu offers plenty of options for diners to try something entirely new or stick to oldtime classics. The menu changes every few months, but maintains a similarity to the way Cartwright’s was run years earlier.

The dinner menu begins with sushi/cold bar, with items like Desert Sweet Shrimp Ceviche ($18); sashimi platter ($24); and seasonal oysters ($18). The starters are creative: venison meatballs ($16) and Cave Creek onion soup ($6-$8). Stroganoff ($28), pork shoulder ($28) and game burger ($22) are among the modern classics.

Mount Lassen trout ($32), Haida Gwaii salmon ($32) and Pacific tuna ($38) are the highlights of the sustainable seafood menu.

As might be expected from a place that serves a slate of food, the owners pride themselves on serving dishes created with items foraged in the wild, something not always seen at restaurants in the area. Heller and Vibber are outdoorsmen, and they hope the menu, location and vibe give off that energy.

Prime beef and game ranges in price from $40-$68.

Heller and Vibber are pleased with what they’ve accomplished and where they landed.

“Here, you can kind of step right out and you’re in a small town with nature and everything around it, but close enough that we can get into the city to do stuff. It’s the perfect spot for us.”

Cartwright’s Modern Cuisine is located at 6710 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek, 480-488-8031, cartwrightsmoderncuisine.com.

www.CCUSD93.org

BEST IN REAL ESTATE AWARDS Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts

APRIL 18, 2019

...a Tradition of Trust

For more information visit

BREAevent.com Event proceeds benefiting the Foundation for Blind Children

NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM APRIL 2019 | MAY 2019

65

TASTE • DINE

Toast of the Town Brunch comes to Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse

Keeler’s stuffed doughnuts are piled high with strawberries and blueberries.

By Megan Marples

F

or Carefree’s newest steakhouse, community is what it’s all about.

When Judy and Paul Keeler opened up Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse in January, they envisioned a family-oriented steakhouse with an expansive menu of homestyle dishes at affordable prices.

After a successful couple months of serving certified angus beef steaks and fresh seafood, executive chef Anthony Apolinar stretched his creative talents and designed a brunch menu that blends fine dining with home-cooked meals. Apolinar grew up in South Phoenix and has been cooking at Valley restaurants like Culinary Dropout before settling in at Keeler’s.

“I don’t like doing the same thing,” Apolinar says. “If I get stuck in a box, I’m 66

APRIL 2019 | MAY 2019 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM

never going to grow and exceed my own expectations.”

While the brunch menu includes the restaurant’s trademark steak and seafood, the breakfast offerings make Apolinar’s talents truly shine. He drew from his Hispanic roots to reinvent cherished childhood dishes such as the chorizo breakfast burrito, which is called the chef ’s burrito on the menu.

“The reason why this is called the chef ’s burrito is because at the age of 6 years old, my nana taught me how to cook chorizo,” Apolinar says.

The burrito is filled with savory chorizo, fluffy eggs, creamy cheddar cheese and soft potatoes. All the ingredients are expertly blended together, which ensures every element is tasted in each bite. The chorizo has a slight kick, but doesn’t go so far as to

be spicy. The burrito is served with a green and a red salsa, both of which offer a cool, refreshing splash of flavor to the otherwise hot breakfast item.

Another Hispanic dish on the brunch menu is chilaquiles, which is a breakfast plate of tortillas, pork and eggs. Apolinar said he has one word to describe this dish: heavenly.

“If you go to Mexico right now, you’ll have something just like that,” Apolinar says. “It’s authentic.”

Green chile pork is slathered on a bed of tortilla strips and topped with two eggs cooked any style. For this item, Apolinar recommends fried eggs. Taco-sized soft tortillas line the plate, ready to be filled with the delicious concoction. They act as the perfect vessel for the messy ingredients and offer a nice bite to the dish. The pork is tender and has a bit of heat. The creamy yolk and buttery pork contrast well with the crunchy, salty tortillas. Unlike traditional chilaquiles that use tortilla chips, the tortilla strips allow for an easier eating experience, especially when utilizing the soft tortillas.

Those with a sweet tooth can order the French toast or pancakes, but for a truly indulgent experience, try Keeler’s signature stuffed doughnuts. Apolinar created the delectable item while searching for a sweet brunch dessert that no other place offered.

“You haven’t seen this anywhere else,” Apolinar says.

Two cake doughnuts dusted in cinnamonsugar are piled on one another to create a sweet tower of dough. A tangy, strawberry mascarpone oozes from every crevice and acts as the glue for the creation. Fresh blueberries and strawberries along with mini chocolate chips are sprinkled on top of the doughnuts. A light caramel drizzle and

a sprig of mint finish off this extravagant dessert.

The doughnuts are made fresh by Keeler’s in-house pastry chef. The dough isn’t sweet like a traditional doughnut, so the sweeter elements shine and do not overpower the dish. The dough is also very dense, unlike the airy doughnuts most people are familiar with. This acts as a strong base for layers of Chilaquiles is a popular breakfast dish.

toppings. As Apolinar put it, “the proof is in the pudding, or in this case, the doughnut.”

Apolinar says he strives to cook with local ingredients and prepares almost everything in-house. If he can’t make it from scratch, he said he sources it from local companies.

“When you start with a great product, the end product is phenomenal,” Apolinar says.

Judy Keeler, co-owner of Keeler’s

Neighborhood Steakhouse, says she likes Apolinar’s variety of brunch options.

“He included everybody’s tastes,” Keeler says.

In addition to offering homemade brunch items, Keeler says the restaurant feels like home because everyone pitches in to help.

On any given day, diners can see Keeler tidying the patio or the rooftop dining area.

“We water plants (and) just do whatever needs to be done,” Keeler says. “That’s what makes it such a family place.”

The new restaurant is still finding its footing on what the locals want, and it frequently offers specials. If a specific dish isn’t offered, Keeler says they’ll do their best to make it. She says the staff wants the restaurant to be the go-to eatery for Carefree residents.

“If you want to come dressed up, you can come dressed up,” Keeler says. “If you want to come in your cowboy boots, you can come in your cowboy boots. It’s just that kind of a place.”

Keeler’s Steakhouse 7212 Ho Hum Drive, Carefree 602-374-4784, keelerssteakhouse.com

Breakfast burritos are served with green and red salsa.

NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM APRIL 2019 | MAY 2019

67

BETTER • WHEELS

2019 Atlas

A big SUV for VW’s shoulders

By Greg Rubenstein

A

tlas, VW’s biggest SUV, is a made-in-the-United States model targeted squarely to the American market’s appetite for spacious sport utility vehicles. With three-row seating for seven and a cavernous interior, the Atlas is clearly a product delivered to meet buyer desire. In its sophomore year as a 2019 model, VW smartly added more features to its less-expensive versions, while making key safety features standard across all of the seven available trim levels.

As a midsize, three-row SUV, the Atlas contests a segment replete with no less than two dozen competitors.The VW clearly invested in design and materials to deliver an entry which can attract and hold consumer interest. It’s no surprise—and likely not by coincidence—the Atlas’ exterior dimensions closely align with the segment sales leader, Ford’s Explorer. At 198.3 inches long, 78.3 inches wide, and 70 inches high, this VW is less than a thumb’s width from having measurements identical to the Explorer.

While their sizes are the same, they cut a distinctly different look.

From the side, the Atlas presents a long hood with a relatively upright windshield, and a roofline which gently slopes aft. From the front 68

APRIL 2019 | MAY 2019 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM

3/4, a signature multi-horizontal-line grille, wide body-colored bumper band, and high, blocky fenders create an unmistakably VW look.This familiar look, which is more muscular, blocky and aggressive than the majority of smoother, is flowingly designed. By contrast, the Explorer has a short, stubbier hoodline, a more reclined windshield and a flat roofline.

Inside the Atlas, premium features abound, with plenty of high-quality, soft-touch surfaces and well-executed ergonomics. The almostmidline, tested SE with technology trim is above the S and SE models, and below the SE with Tech R-Line, SEL, SEL R-Line, and SEL premium versions, but still comes loaded with tech and convenience features.

Standard on all Atlas variants is a rearview camera, a full complement of airbags, a tire pressure monitoring system, a crash response system, a post-collision braking system, a forward collision warning and autonomous emergency braking system with pedestrian monitoring, plus blind spot monitoring, rear traffic alert, multi-function touchscreen infotainment system, automatic LED headlights with LED daytime running lights, rain-sensing wipers, 18-inch alloy wheels, and power-adjustment heated side mirrors.The SE

Including destination charge, pricing for the base Atlas starts at $31,820, and the top-end SEL Premium is $49,320, including V6 with AWD. (Photo courtesy VW)

with tech trim adds in power adjustment driver’s seat with heat, headlight washers, remote start, three-zone climate control, power rear liftgate, plus semi-autonomous cruise control and lane keeping.

Higher trims offer luxury features including full leather seating, 20-inch alloy wheels, premium 12-speaker Fender audio system, power passenger seat, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, and parking assist with overhead camera.

The Atlas is available with either a 235-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine, or a 276-horsepower, 3.6-liter V6 engine, both mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The turbo four comes with front-wheel-drive, and is EPA rated at 20 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined. The V6 comes with either FWD or all-wheeldrive, and is EPA rated at 17/24/19 in FWD, and 17/23/19 in AWD. Including destination charge, pricing for the base Atlas starts at $31,820, and the top-end SEL Premium is $49,320, including V6 with AWD. Equipped with FWD, the as tested V6-equipped SE with tech was $38,220, and returned a real-world 22 mpg in a week’s worth of driving which included a daily commute, weekend kid- and grocery-hauling, plus an excursion into the Tonto National Forest. The Explorer has a similarly wide range of pricing, from a base (including destination) of $33,460, to $55,260 for the range-topping Platinum model.

The Atlas proved to be very comfortable for the daily commute and weekend use, with agile maneuverability and excellent highway manners. Outward visibility is unobstructed, controls are intuitive, and both ingress and egress are contortion-free. Amply roomy, the Atlas serves up loads of space for occupants, including the nice touch of sliding secondrow seats, and rear cargo space is sufficient for weekend-to-weeklong trips.

Choices abound for those needing a threerow SUV, and although it’s one of the newest entries in the segment, the Atlas is certainly worth a look. For those wanting an upscale interior, a fun-to-drive experience, or VW styling, the Atlas won’t disappoint.

BETTER • GYM

MAKING FITNESS

Flexible

By Miranda Cyr

F

lexIt, an app that allows users to access gyms without a long-term membership, has hit Valley gyms like Mountainside Fitness and YouFit. FlexIt charges by the minute for gym attendance, between 8 to 30 cents per minute, as opposed to paying for a full membership. This sets them apart from other similar temporary gym membership apps like Class Pass or Daily Burn, according to FlexIt CEO Austin Cohen.

“ClassPass made it accessible for folks to go to a lot of different places via one membership, as opposed to just going to one,” Cohen says.

“It really catered to the millennial

FlexIt makes gym membership easier

experience. I wanted to deliver that same experience in the gym industry, but I wanted to do it in a way where the gyms were our partners. We were never competing with them. Anything that is membership, like a ClassPass membership, competes with the gym’s ability to sell a membership. We put together a model where we could provide the flexibility, the variety and the optionality for consumers.

“They are also empowered.

Simultaneously, we’re marketing for gyms, filling unused time on youth inventory, bringing them new leads, so not just incremental money, but the right folks to become members.”

The New York-based app works like this: It scans the gym’s barcode, which is placed at a participating gym’s front desk. The timer begins as soon as the user scans the code,

and the user stops the timer by scanning on the way out.

“The user pays only for the time they’re in the gym,” Cohen says. “They don’t sign any paperwork when they walk in. It’s a totally frictionless, nonintimidating experience, and you don’t have to take a tour. We did this by design. We want to get people the best experience possible in the clubs.”

While at the gym, users have complete access to all gym equipment, classes and amenities.

Mountainside Fitness is the newest addition to FlexIt’s roster.

“The first thought about it was, ‘It’s cool, but it doesn’t really fit our business model,’” says Tom Hatten, CEO of Mountainside Fitness.

“Then through discussions and exclusivities with FlexIt and the ability to set our own rate, it allows a consumer to try the club out without a five-day pass.

It can be anytime during a month or a year, and then they like it, it would then be more cost effective for them to join (with a membership). But it still gives them the flexibility to try it out. This is the consumer’s world, so we want to give them the opportunity to like us on their terms” Cohen says his product is a win-win for him and his clients.

“I think we’re going to start getting more people fit,” Cohen says. “We’ll be able to get more people going to work out, people who haven’t had a membership – didn’t want to lock in and commit – we’ll get them moving, living healthier lifestyles. Our mission is to make fitness more accessible, and we’re doing that by making it more flexible.”

He hopes FlexIt will help make scheduling workouts easier.

“In terms of changing the gym industry, we’re reducing the barriers,” Cohen says.

“Going to the gym, even if you’re really fit, can be an intimidating experience.

With FlexIt, you walk in, you’re not aggressively approached by anybody. It’s very comfortable. You check in, you go and do your own thing, leave when you want to, totally on your own terms” For more information, visit flexit. fit or download the app on the App Store or Google Play.

NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM APRIL 2019 | MAY 2019

69

BETTER • PUZZLES PUZZLE ANSWERS ON PAGE 71

ACROSS 1 Jewel 4 Appointment 8 Con job 12 Boxing legend 13 Big story 14 -- Major 15 Medieval entertainer 17 Anger 18 “-- lazy river ...”

19 Extreme 21 Assault 24 Heavy weight 25 Hawaiian neckwear 26 With it 28 Complete range 32 Exam format 34 Illustrations 36 Soybean paste 37 Eastern potentate (Var.) 39 Lummox 41 Profit 42 Needlefish 44 Aplenty 46 Graham of “Monty Python” 50 Bay State sch.

51 Humdinger 52 Alternatives to station wagons 56 Israeli airline 57 Carbon compound 58 Where (Lat.) 59 Roll up 60 Almost black 61 Knock

DOWN 1 Leg, slangily 2 Yale student 3 Little details 4 Break off 5 Spring mo.

6 Layer 7 Brilliance 8 Older spelling for a South American country 9 Gator’s cousin 10 Largest continent 11 Shoppers’ mecca 16 Hot tub 20 Pooch 21 Lotion additive 22 Expression 23 Sedona automaker 27 Expert 29 Labyrinth beast 30 Addict 31 Carry 33 Humorous hoax 35 Playground game 38 Aries 40 Kin 43 Japanese noodles 45 Actress Ullmann 46 Staff leader?

47 Streaming video giant 48 Winged 49 1492 craft 53 Penultimate mo.

54 Cagers’ org.

55 Try the tea

S U D CROSSWORD K U

SUDOKU

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

Difficulty: Moderate

70

APRIL 2019 | MAY 2019 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM

ADVERTISE 602.828.0313

SALES @ NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM

Since 1992 “Your landscaper for life!”

623-582-1122

• www.HawkeyeCustomLandscaping.com

Specializing in renovation & new custom landscape construction.

Landscaping License CR-21 138105 • General Contracting License B-3 284133

RAIN MAN ROOFING $

39

00

TUNEUPS

ROC156315, ROC285317

AC-HEAT-PLUMBING FREE ESTIMATES & DIAGNOSIS!

OPEN 24/7/365 (602) 536-7620

623-670-2835 www.rainmanroofing.com service@rainmanroofing.com AZ Lic# K42 • ROC 268230

Licensed, Bonded & Insured

We are a professional asset management service company, focused on the maintenance, repair and replacement of all roof types, walk decks, patios and other residential and commercial waterproofing systems.

We understand that homeowners and facility managers are in need of professional services designed specifically to maintain their roofing assets and through our maintenance efforts, we have earned the trust of numerous repeat clients.

FREE Roof Evaluation when you mention this ad.

SUBSCRIBE TO

Answers for Puzzles page 70

OCT

OBE

R | NOV

EMB

Swin Time g

ER 2018

| $3.9

9

6 Issues at $19.95/year The North Valley’s Preferred Publication

The Be ntley Scottsd ale Champio Polo nships

northvalleymagazine.com/subscribe

ARIZO

MUSIC NA F PREVIEWEST

PUMPK

KINGIN

@NorthValley Facebook.com/NorthValleyMagazine

Ray Vil carves lafane a niche

Coming Next Issue

4

Kn Boxingockout Gyms

LUXURY STAYCATIONS

NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM APRIL 2019 | MAY 2019

71

MEDICATION ASSISTED DRUG & ALCOHOL DEPENDENCY TREATMENT

Suboxone Vivitrol Counseling 7331 E. Osborn, Suite 410, Scottsdale, AZ 85251 • (480) 550-7842 www.truesolutionshealth.com

CALL (480) 550.7842 FOR A CONFIDENTIAL CONSULTATION

HEADQUARTERS! The CoolSculpting procedure is the world’s #1 non-invasive fat-reduction procedure.

It’s an innovative way to contour your body by freezing unwanted fat away with no surgery or downtime. With more than 5 million CoolSculpting treatments performed worldwide, people everywhere are getting a better view of themselves, thanks to the one-of-a-kind CoolSculpting procedure.

FDA-CLEARED NON-SURGICAL ELIMINATES FAT

WINTER SPECIAL!

Buy Three CoolSculpting Treatments & Get One FREE* Buy One CoolSculpting Treatment & Get One 50% OFF* Expires 5/31/19 *Buy three CoolSculpting treatments at full price and receive one of equal or lesser value free. Limit one (1) “Buy Three Areas Get One FREE” per person throughout the term of this promotion. Offer valid while supplies last on CoolSculpting Treatments purchased prior to May 31, 2019. Must complete a complimentary CoolSculpting Consultation at Arizona Aesthetics Center prior to purchasing treatments. Must purchase all applicable treatments in full at time of booking. Prices exclude tax. Not applicable to previous purchases. No refunds or exchanges.

No cash value. Not valid with any other offers, discounts, special promotions or prohibited by law. Must mention “Buy Three Areas Get One FREE” at time of booking consultation and at time of purchase.

The CoolSculpting procedure is proven, safe, and effective. Get wow results and love how your clothes fit better, feel better, and look better.

CALL US NOW! 480.656.5311

Arizona Aesthetics Centers • Lewis Heller M.D. 7450 E Pinnacle Peak Road #258, Scottsdale, AZ 85255

www.arizonaaesthetics.com