Care Sonoran Health and Emergency Center Emergencies can be frightening. We think it doesn’t have to feel that way. That’s why we honor your right to emergency care that’s personal and focused on your unique needs — 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week. On I-17, south of Carefree Highway.
Scottsdale Healthcare and John C. Lincoln
We are making healthy personal.
Health Network are now HonorHealth. HonorHealth.com
DECEMBER 2015
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contents D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 5 || V O L . 2 I S S . 3
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feature 24 YOUNG ARTISTS
The artistic creations of local kids have the WOW factor
fresh 6 BETWEEN NEIGHBORS Publishers’ note
10 MOMENTS
18 GOLF
The personalities of AZ courses
36 SPORTS
Sporting tradition
37 FAMILY
business
A season of giving
21 ENTREPRENEURS
food
22 SPOTLIGHT
40 HOME COOKING
Avoid scheduled social media disaster
Business owners Michelle and John Ricart
Seasonal treats to satisfy your sweet tooth
Fun things to do in December
12 OUTTAKES
home
better
14 READS
30 ENTERTAINING
43 LIFE
16 WEATHER
32 KIDS
Seen in the community
Hyperbole and a Half
Oh hail, yes
Christmas magic
Avoid seasonal overload
34 CRAFTS
Christmas projects
4 || 85085MAGAZINE.com || DECEMBER 2015
Take a walk on the humble side
45 SUDOKU
An original Linda Thistle puzzle
46 CROSSWORD
An original Myles Mellor crossword
Now accepting appointment reservations for the 2015 Tax Season. Contact us at
623.889.3403
DECEMBER 2015
|| 85085MAGAZINE.com || 5
Over time, the buildup of unhealthy chemicals from the environment and lifestyle choices can compromise the way your body works. The first signs of environmental overload
Start your Clear Change today at:
may include feeling physically or mentally “run down”. You can use the Clear Change Detox Program to support your body’s ability to remove unwanted and potentially harmful compounds. Get re-energized in 10 days with the Clear Change Detox Program.
www.NorterraFamilyMedicine.com \ www.ParadiseMedspa.com DECEMBER 2015
|| 85085MAGAZINE.com || 7
Residential & Commercial A family owned company that lives in 85085
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fresh | MOMENTS
THINGS TO DO… DECEMBER Compiled by Sondra Barr
2
Bring the kids out to get in the holiday spirit and enjoy free hot chocolate and cookies from California Pizza Kitchen, Story Time readings of holiday classics with Mrs. Claus, dancing and exercises by The Little Gym, and special guest characters presented by Arizona PBS. 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. District Stage at Desert Ridge Marketplace, 21001 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix. shopdesertridge.com
3
Head to Food Truck Family Night for a taste of some Valley favorites including Fontana’s Pizzeria, Dipstick Waffles & Bakery, Satay Hut, Green Chile Grill, and others. 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sonoran Foothills School, 32150 N. Foothills Dr., Phoenix.
3
The Salvation Army, Phoenix Firefighters, and KSLX are partnering to collect coats and monetary donations for one day during the Coat Drive. Desert Ridge Marketplace, 21001 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix. shopdesertridge.com
3–6 & 10–13
The Musical Theatre of Anthem presents Annie Jr., a musical based on the Tony award-winning Broadway play. With equal measures of pluck and positivity, little orphan Annie charms everyone’s hearts despite a next-to-nothing start in 1930s New York. Musical Theatre of Anthem, 42323 N. Vision Way, Anthem. musicaltheatreofanthem.org
10 || 85085MAGAZINE.com || DECEMBER 2015
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Enjoy a Holiday Happy Hour with the fabulous musical duo, Notes from Neptune. For Fireside at Norterra residents. 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Fireside at Norterra, 28185 N. Melvern Trail, Phoenix. ourfiresidenorterra.net
The American Girl Fashion Show at JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge benefits the Emily Center at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, the largest pediatric consumer health library in the southwest, and celebrates girls throughout history with a colorful fashion show. Enjoy elegant refreshments and learn how clothing has changed to reflect history, culture, and girls’ individual styles. Tickets, $70 each. 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., each day. JW Marriott Desert Ridge, 5350 Marriott Dr., Phoenix. givetopchf.org/american-girlfashion-show
5
Enjoy Breakfast with Santa. Tickets are on sale until Dec. 4 at Customer Service for only $5 and all the proceeds go to The Daisy Mountain Firefighters Charities. Santa will be on hand to greet each child and have story time before the Santa House opens. Cafes at Anthem Food Court, 4250 W. Anthem Way, Phoenix. outletsanthem.com
6
Join the North Valley Jewish Community Association to help celebrate Hanukkah. Enjoy cocktails, a candle lighting ceremony, and traditional buffet dinner starting at 5 p.m. Adults, $25. Children, $13. Ironwood Grille, Anthem Country Club, 2708 W. Anthem Club Dr., Phoenix. (623) 322-0957 or email fkesselman@cox.net.
Enjoy the wonderful delights of fresh, locally grown food at the Anthem Farmer’s Market from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Anthem Community Park, 40410 N. Gavilan Peak Pkwy., Anthem. onlineatanthem.com
HonorHealth presents an Overview of Diabetes and Prevention of Side Effects seminar. HonorHealth Medical Group, 6320 W. Union Hills Dr., Ste 2200, Glendale. (623) 561-3103. honorhealth.com
11
The Shops at Norterra’s annual Christmas Event and Car Show will have something for everyone, including a Main Street car show, snowfall, and activities for kids, plus Santa Claus. 2460 W. Happy Valley Rd., Phoenix. norterrashopping.com
12
Enjoy a Snow Day and Bagels and Brew. For Fireside at Norterra residents. Call (623) 580-9556 for times. Fireside at Norterra, 28185 N. Melvern Trail, Phoenix. ourfiresidenorterra.net
12
Show your support for patients hospitalized during the holidays during the 4th Annual Ignite Hope candlelight walk to Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Walkers will be greeted by patients waving candles from their hospital room windows, with an inspiring program and the lighting of the Phoenix Children’s Christmas tree to follow. 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Phoenix Children’s Hospital, 1919 E. Thomas Rd., Phoenix. pchignitehope.com
}
13
Join Westgate Entertainment District and Chabad West Valley to celebrate Hanukkah with a Grand Menorah lighting, complete with activities, raffle prizes, games for children, and live entertainment. Traditional latkes, hot cocoa, and cider will be served. Fountain Park at Westgate, 6751 N. Sunset Blvd., Glendale. ichadab.org
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Enjoy Magical Snow throughout the day every hour on the hour starting at 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. within the AMC Fountain area at Desert Ridge Marketplace. Out of thin air, flakes of fluffy white snow will float down from the sky, transforming the area into a living snow globe. Desert Ridge Marketplace, 21001 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix. shopdesertridge.com
27 11–13
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Three days of free holiday fun await the entire family at the Carefree Christmas Festival. Play in 35 tons of real snow while enjoying a gift market, kids zone, live entertainment, nativity scenes, and fireworks extravaganza after an electric light parade on Saturday. Carefree Desert Gardens and Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion, 100 Easy St., Carefree. carefreechristmasfestival.com
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The Holiday Classic Triathlon begins and ends at the Anthem Community Center. Hosted by 4 Peaks Racing, this popular sprint triathlon is the final event on the Arizona multisport calendar. Anthem Community Center, 41130 N. Freedom Way, Anthem. 4peaksracing.com
Pre-party at Westgate before the Arizona Cardinals game. Enjoy convenient parking, Cardinals cheerleader autographs, fan-friendly activities, and more, all within walking distance of University of Phoenix Stadium. The fun begins three hours before kick-off at the WaterDance Plaza. Westgate, 6751 N. Sunset Blvd., Glendale. westgateaz.com/cardinals Carefree Xmas 4.75x5.33 Sq Ad 2013_Carefree Xmas 4.75 Square Ad 10/14/15 7:13 AM Page 1
ELECTRIC LIGHT PARADE-SAT 6PM
Downtown Carefree 80+ Lighted Entries! Sponsored by
Three Days of Holiday Fun for the Entire Family!
DECEMBER 11th-13th FRI, 10am-9pm - SAT, 10am-9pm - SUN, 10am-5pm
35 TONS OF REAL SNOW!!! • FIREWORKS SANTA• Holiday Music & Dance • Christmas Gift Market Kids Zone • Late Night Shopping • Live Entertainment! ALL EVENTS FREE! All events take place in downtown Carefree, Arizona
w w w. Carefre e C h r i s t m a s F e s t i v a l . c o m DECEMBER 2015
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fresh | OUTTAKES
WHAT
Dedication Ceremony WHERE
Sonoran Foothills School 32150 N. Foothills Dr., Phoenix
DETAILS
Community members, parents, and students celebrated the official grand opening of Deer Valley Unified School District’s Sonoran Foothills School. The ceremony kicked off with a ribbon cutting in the school courtyard and ended in the library with light refreshments and a campus tour. —Photos by Shannon Fisher Photography
If you know of any events happening in the area or have photos you would like to share with us, please submit them to events@85085magazine.com. 12 || 85085MAGAZINE.com || DECEMBER 2015
DECEMBER 2015
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3
MORE READS TO TRY
Dream the Impossible Dream: Zen Pencils: Volume Two By Gavin Aung Than Author Gavin Aung Than takes inspirational and famous quotes and adapts them into cartoon stories that are heartwarming and memorable.
Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg By Irin Carmon and Shana Knizhnik This intimate, irreverent look at the life of Ruth Bader Ginsburg offers readers a glimpse into the mindset of this groundbreaking Supreme Court Justice.
What We Left Behind By Robin Talley This emotional, empowering story examines what happens when love isn’t enough to conquer all. DECEMBER 2015
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Hail Happens Wyoming, Colorado, and Nebraska are considered “Hail Alley,” receiving more than nine days of hail per year, with annual damage in the billions. Thankfully, suburban Phoenician nonfarmers like us don’t often face this type of danger. Phoenix hailstorms are uncommon, and dangerous hail is even more infrequent here in the Valley of the Sun. Some people actually benefitted from our last big hail storm, scoring sweet deals on luxury cars that sustained hail damage as they sat on the lot. Freak storm activity such as what we experienced five years ago is almost too rare to worry about. My suggestion is a little advance planning. Invest in several good plastic squeeze bottles of fruit-flavored syrup and throw an impromptu Hawaiian shave ice party during our next hail storm. I call dibs on lime. about. But you may recall the great Phoenix hailstorm of 2010 that wreaked havoc on the city to the tune of $2.7 billion in damage. Roofs, cars, windows, and air-conditioning units were bombarded with hail the size of tennis balls. Insurance claims skyrocketed, as did consumer fraud resulting from questionable hail damage claims. And a number of homeowners found themselves filing complaints and lawsuits against disreputable roof repair companies who either did shoddy work (or simply took the money and ran). It was one big, cold mess.
DECEMBER 2015
*
DID YOU KNOW...? The largest piece of hail ever recorded in the United States fell June 23, 2010, in Vivian, South Dakota. It had a diameter of 8 inches and a circumference of 18.62 inches. This little frozen monster weighed in at 1 pound, 15 ounces. The sky is falling!
DECEMBER WEATHER Average temperature: 55° Average high temperature: 66° Average low temperature: 45° Warmest ever: 84° Coldest ever: 26° Average precipitation: .88 inches
|| Interested in advertising? Call (623) 299-4965 DECEMBER Ext. 1 Today! 2015 || 85085MAGAZINE.com || 17
Talking Stick: Brought scenic views and slot machines; wins popularity contest.
Cave Creek: Drives up in a Sebring wearing jean shorts carrying a ham sandwich and bomber cans of Bud Light.
Top Golf: Arrives on a hover board wearing sunglasses, with Tony Hawk wearing a Bill Murray t-shirt.
TPC Scottsdale: Arrives in a rented party bus. Leaves boa feathers and glitter along the curb to the front door. The rest of the party silently accepts it, but no other course could get away with this.
Falcon Dunes: When asked what went on between him and the beverage cart girl, he only replies, “That’s classified.”
Dove Valley Ranch: Keeps asking if anyone brought good grass seed. Did I forget your course? Send your suggestions to me at CLJ629@gmail.com.
Sun City Country Club: Declares itself everyone’s designated driver; passes out in the rocking chair by 8 p.m.
DECEMBER 2015
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WHAT SOME LOCAL ART TEACHERS HAVE TO SAY… Sunny Hall
Camille Obert-Goralski (aka Ms. G)
Paint and Gogh!
Sonoran Foothills School
“I became an art teacher to change ‘I can't’ to ‘I can!’ And I was not disappointed with my endeavor. When the students beamed with satisfaction and a smile, I knew my mission had been accomplished. Teaching art was so rewarding that after retiring from Deer Valley School District, I created a great venue to continue my passion for teaching—Paint and Gogh! It’s a guided acrylic painting class for students ranging from 5 years old to 90 years young. My business is mobile, setting up painting parties and classes in all parts of the Valley. I also teach at Norterra Canyon Elementary School through the Community Education Department. Paint and Gogh! is a great way to instill self-confidence, socialization, relaxation, and just plain fun.”
“I have three big reasons why I teach art: my mom, cobalt blue, and serendipity. Although I started my teaching career at 35, my entire life has been very artsy. But I never thought I’d ever have a career as an art teacher. In North Dakota, where I grew up, we didn’t have art classes in grade school. I couldn’t wait until middle school to be in art class, but after my eighth-grade year our teacher left and the school never rehired an art teacher. I spent the rest of my art education taking correspondence courses and dreaming of going to Parsons School of Design. I didn’t follow my dreams—instead I ended up working in technology. That in turn flowed into training jobs and then my first real teaching job at the Mall of America. I taught computers, but when the school lost their art teacher, I jumped at the chance! I went from being a computer teacher at an alternative high school to living a life filled with art and creativity here at Sonoran Foothills. I feel so completely blessed to be able to say that I worked at Sunset Ridge for nine years and am welcomed now into the Sonoran Foothills family with love. I adore these kids and they keep my life inspired!”
28 || 85085MAGAZINE.com || DECEMBER 2015
YOUR DREAMS EVOLVE. YOUR COVERAGE SHOULD TOO. Contact me to find out how I can help protect your dreams. Martie Troisi Agency Phoenix, AZ 85085 mtroisi@amfam.com (623) 388-8943 fb.com/MartieTroisiAgency
American Family Mutual Insurance Company, American Family Insurance Company 6000 American Parkway, Madison, WI 53783 ©2015 010611 – 6/15
Keeping the Magic of Santa
Turning your Santa believers into Santa helpers one magical moment at a time! By Julie Atkinson Since the birth of our first son, my husband and I have gone to great lengths to make the jolly guy in the big red suit every bit deserving of the title, “Santa.” We followed all of the “good Santa” rules. The holidays come and go this beautiful way for about 10 glorious years and then it happens—the magical part of Christmas starts becoming a BIG topic on playgrounds all across the world. Our Santa believers come home one day and ask the dreaded question: “Is Santa real?” I can remember the day my oldest came home and said he needed to talk to his magical elf because some people at school were saying horrible things about Santa. He went on to say he was in a fight with about 90 percent of his friends because he was defending Santa. Uh oh! The hubs and I didn’t see this coming, but we should have, since he was in fifth grade. We panicked. Could it really be time to expose the secret we worked so hard to protect? I’ll be honest— my husband was ready to throw in the towel. He was thinking it
might be nice to get a small amount of appreciation for spending a good amount of money and three hours in line for that hard-to-find item of the year that is always number one on our kids' Christmas list. I convinced him that we needed to figure out a way to keep from going from magical to ultimate letdown in one quick conversation. That night, I wrote the very first copy of my book Santa’s Secret Society: Where Secrets are Unlocked and the Magic of Santa Lives on Forever. Presenting the book, which is more of a treasured keepsake, worked better than I ever could have imagined! My son was so excited to be one of the Santas. He loved seeing his name and pictures in several spots of the book. He said the best part was signing a contract at the end of book where he promised to never share the secret with someone small, so the joy of Christmas will continue for all. Not only was he able to transition from being a Santa believer into a Santa Helper, but he was actually excited about keeping the “Santa Secret” from others who are not ready to be part of our Santa’s Secret Society.
DECEMBER 2015
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50% OFF In-stock Winter Gear
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bicyclevibe.com 2605 W. Carefree Hwy., #132 Phoenix, AZ 85085
Ornament To make an ornament to capture those cute feet, you can use Model Magic air dry clay to make a holly leaf from foot prints. Start with green Model Magic. Roll it in to a smooth ball and flatten to make space for you to press your child's foot. Repeat for the other foot and then trim around the footprints with scissors. Stack the heels over each other, add three red balls of Model Magic for berries, poke a hole in the top big enough for a string, and allow to dry flat. When dry, you can add a name and year for the perfect keepsake ornament.
Message Candles Start with white tissue paper and permanent makers and draw your design on the tissue. Cut around the paper to get rid of the excess tissue. Next, press the paper design to your white candle and then take wax paper and cover the design, while holding it tight to the candle. Use a blow-dryer to melt the paper to the candle. Once the paper disappears, you know it is done and you can peel the wax paper off. Enjoy your candle with a message! Note: Adult supervision is recommended during the blow-dryer phase. DECEMBER 2015
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FREE!
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Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2016 9am-1pm | Admission Free
Sundial Recreation Center
14801 North 103rd Ave., Sun City, AZ 85351 Lots of Prizes and Giveaways! Hosted by Danny Davis | Entertainment by:
Also sponsored by:
(480) 348-0343 • (800) 959-1566 • f: (480) 348-2109 • www.lovinlifeafter50.com/expo
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Crossword by Myles Mellor | CROSSWORD better
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