Northern Arizona's Mountain Living Magazine | Spring 2021

MOUNTAIN NORTHERN ARIZONA’S

MAGAZINE

In and in How to adjust wedding plans during the COVID-19 pandemic

PLUS La Posada’s Turquoise Room carries on legacy with new chef

$2.95

Spring 2021

‘Resilient Matriarchy’ highlights Indigenous women artists Grand Canyon backpacking for the whole family

Special Wedding Edition

Free with Arizona Daily Sun Home Delivery

spring21 namlm.com

1

C Capstone apstone Hom Homes es at Jasper Jasper,, P Prescott rescott V Valley alley AZ

ENDURING There are homes of enduring greatness. They are built to endure the test of time and to appeal to modern sensibility throughout the decades. They tell stories, embody permanence and remain timeless Your dream home should be everlasting.

FIND YOUR FOREVER WITH CAPSTONE HOMES CapstoneHomesAZ.com

2

Northern Arizona’s Mountain Living Magazine

THE GYM IS A SAFE PLACE FOR FITNESS the industry took 2,873 GYMS Across part in providing their data 49.4 MILLION MEMBER EVIDENCE THAT CHECK-INS THENO POSITIVE CASES

Over three months

Infection Rate

.0023%

ORIGINATED IN GYMS

SOURCES:

Fitness is essential in keeping FlastaFF healthy 1 IN 5 AMERICANS Experience mental health illness and people with mental illness have

40% HIGHER RISK of developing cardiovascular and metabolic diseases than the general population Physical activity has long-term mental health benefits as well, including reducing the risk of stress and depression

Yet, ONLY about

23% OF ADULTS Are hitting the federal physical activity guidelines for adults according to the CDC

FoLLoWING ALLL coVid-19 regulation ns ANd GuIdELINESS! SOURCES:

ANNIVERSARY PROMOTION

CElEbRAtIng 42 YEARS

42

with $

iNitiAtiON Expires 2/28/21

Your membership includes: 2 Clubs, 3 pools (including a salt pool, a lap pool and an outdoor pool), 4 Steamrooms, 6 Jacuzzis, 2 Kids Clubs, 9 Courts, State of the Art Strength and Cardio Equipment, Indoor Track, Gymnasium, Personal Training, Small Group Training, Physical Therapy, Swim Lessons, Tanning on site plus much more!

Group Fitness classes includinG: Beginner Classes, Yoga, Cycling, Zumba, Step, Pilates, Aqua X, Les Mills®, Aqua for Arthritis, Barre Fusion 45, Barre Above, Heart Rate, RPM, Body Pump, Body Jam and more.

Zoom classes included WITH YouR MEMBERSHIP!!

FAC East 1500 N Country Club Rd. • 928-526-8652 | FAC West 1200 W Rt. 66 • 928-779-4593 www.flagstaffathleticclub.com Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/FlagstaffAthleticClub

Spring 2021 namlm.com

3

TABLE of CONTENTS

2021

COVER STORY

8

In sickness and in health Despite the COVID-19 pandemic shutting businesses down and forcing travel plans out the window, many couples didn’t let that hold them back from celebrating their love. Here are some ways wedding ceremonies have adapted in the past year and how couples have customized them to their individual needs and styles.

DEPARTMENTS MATTERS of TASTE

MIND & BODY

20 For 20 years, Chef John Sharpe

27 Hearts need more than love to thrive.

shaped La Posada’s Turquoise Room.

After retiring this past fall, he left the restaurant in the capable hands of Jesus Nuñez.

BY the BOTTLE 23 There’s more to the art of cocktails

than many may have learned last year.

the ARTS 24 Open Doors: Art in Action’s newest

exhibit brings together the work of four Indigenous artists as they explore maternal connections.

Keep up on heart health with these suggestions from several professionals.

OUTDOOR LIFE 29 Tag along as author Seth Muller

shares highlights from a recent family backpacking trip in the Grand Canyon, one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

DISTINCTIVE SPACES 31 Keep the home in tiptop shape with

spring cleaning, updating to solar power and keeping on top of product recalls.

ON THE COVER ALSO 6

EDITOR’S NOTES

7 ABOUT TOWN

4

Northern Arizona’s Mountain Living Magazine

33 PLAYING FAVORITES 35 SPOTLIGHT

Tyrone and Shi were married during an outdoor reception at the Flagstaff Municipal Courthouse last year.

Photos on cover and table of contents by Julia Romano Photography

MOUNTAIN NORTHERN ARIZONA’S

MAGAZINE

PUBLISHER & ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Colleen Brady 928.556.2279

EDITOR MacKenzie Chase mchase@azdailysun.com 928.556.2262

Northern Arizona’s Mountain Living Magazine is published quarterly at 1751 S. Thompson St. | Flagstaff, AZ 86001

SALES CONTRIBUTORS Zachary Meier Lydia Smith Heather Weisberger

Northern Arizona’s Mountain Living Magazine is published by

ISSN: 1534-3804

Copyright ©2019 Northern Arizona’s Mountain Living Magazine. Unsolicited manuscripts, photographs, illustrations and other materials are invited, but will not be returned unless accompanied by a properly addressed envelope bearing sufficient postage. Publisher assumes no responsibility for lost materials or the return of unsolicited materials. Publisher assumes no responsibility for any materials, solicited or unsolicited, after six months from date of publication. Cover and entire contents of this publication are fully protected. Reproduction or use without prior written premission from the editor is strictly prohibited. Northern Arizona’s Mountain Living Magazine is not responsible for scheduled event changes. Any views, opinions or suggestions contained within Northern Arizona’s Mountain Living Magazine are not necessarily those of the management or owners.

Transitional care, reimagined.

Aspire Transitional Care (Aspire) welcomes individuals on their healing journey offering a refreshing alternative to traditional short-term care. Here, we believe in a calm and supportive environment that offers beauty and tranquility.

Aspire is newly managed by The Goodman Group, one of the most respected names in senior living and health care nationwide. Individuals benefit from a dedicated, trained and compassionate staff and on-site rehabilitation. Aspire offers private rooms, chef-inspired meals, hospitality services and amenities, and personalized care services.

Call Jason at 928-522-3728 to pre-plan your post-hospital rehabilitation.

1521 N Pine Cliff Drive, Flagstaff, AZ 86001 928.440.2350 | aspiretransitionalcare.org

Flagstaff Transitional Care, LLC d/b/a Aspire Transitional Care complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, or any other protected status.

LANGUAGE ASSISTANCE SERVICES Spanish

ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-844-674-8457 (TTY: 711).

Navajo

D77 baa ak0 n7n7zin: D77 saad bee y1n7[ti’go Diné Bizaad, saad bee 1k1’1n7da’1wo’d66’, t’11 jiik’eh, 47 n1 h0l=, koj8’ h0d77lnih: 1-844-674-8457 (TTY: 711)

Spring 2021 namlm.com

5

EDITOR’S NOTES

‌N

ot even a worldwide pandemic can stop love.

Rather, couples have turned to nontraditional ceremonies while planning their weddings the past 10-plus months, choosing to elope rather than host gatherings with family and friends, organizing virtual ceremonies on Zoom, shrinking their guest lists and postponing honeymoons. One way or another, weddings continued.

This year’s special wedding edition of Northern Arizona’s Mountain Living Magazine offers some tips for couples at the beginning of their planning journey and looks at the trends that have proven successful across the nation and will likely continue as a result of these—forgive me— unprecedented times. Individual cake servings, hybrid ceremonies where atrisk family members join in virtually and more became commonplace in 2020. For those looking for the perfect venue for their northern Arizona wedding, there are a number of beautiful settings to choose from as always, just with health and safety precautions now in light of COVID-19.

Another common theme that arose in the past year is the prevalence of virtual events. Concerts, art gallery openings, improv

Quotes to inspire your vows GREEN SHOOT MEDIA

‌ he love you feel for your future T spouse may be hard to put into words.

However, when the time comes for sharing vows at the altar, you should plan to recite your feelings flawlessly.

And like the old mantra says, imitation is the best form of flattery. That’s why looking at the words of others can help spark some of your own creative ideas.

If you’re having trouble finding your voice when saying how much you appreciate their companionship, use these powerful quotes as inspiration.

6

Northern Arizona’s Mountain Living Magazine

shows—although we couldn’t gather in person, artists made sure we weren’t lacking in fresh entertainment. This spring, the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany’s Open Doors: Art in Action presents the online exhibit Resilient Matriarchy: Indigenous Women’s Art in Community. In it, five poets and visual artists come together to celebrate maternal bonds, with the touching exhibit accessible to audiences beyond northern Arizona thanks to this new technological shift.

Still, some things have remained the same, like the caliber of Southwest cuisine at La Posada’s Turquoise Room in Winslow.

Following longtime Chef John Sharpe’s retirement last year, Chef Jesus Nuñez—who has worked with Sharpe for more than three decades—has carried on the restaurant’s allure for travelers looking for an authentic Southwest experience.

All this and more await readers in these pages. As always, thanks for reading.

Until next time,

MacKenzie Chase mchase@azdailysun.com

“Where there is love there is life.”

– Mahatma Gandhi

“You know you’re in love when you can’t fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.”

– Dr. Seuss

“If I had a flower for every time I thought of you, I could walk through my garden forever.”

– Alfred Tennyson

“Love is like a beautiful flower which I may not touch, but whose fragrance makes the garden a place of delight just the same.”

– Helen Keller

“We loved with a love that was more than love.”

– Edgar Allan Poe

“A great marriage is not when the perfect couple comes together. It is when an imperfect couple learns to enjoy their differences.”

– Dave Meurer

“There is no remedy for love but to love more.”

– Henry David Thoreau

“There is no more lovely, friendly and charming relationship, communion or company than a good marriage.”

“What is love? I have met in the streets a very poor young man who was in love. His hat was old, his coat worn, the water passed through his shoes and stars through his soul.”

“When I saw you, I fell in love, and you smiled because you knew.”

– Victor Hugo

– Arrigo Boito

– Martin Luther

ABOUT TOWN

Favorites of the season from the area’s art and entertainment offerings

‌FEB. 12-MARCH 27 INTO THE LIGHT The HeArt Box, 17 N. San Francisco St. Flagstaff artists Shonto Begay, Jill Sans, Jacques Cazaubon Seronde, Jihan Gearon and Jerrel Singer are featured in The HeArt Box’s Dawn | a reflective exhibition. Showcasing the rawness of creation, each of the artists interpret the shift from darkness to light. Preview photo is of gallery owner Sans in the midst of the creative process. Virtual opening Feb. 12 at 5:30 p.m. via Facebook Live. www.theheartbox.space

PLAY ON Online at www.flagshakes.org

ONGOING RESTORING BALANCE Museum of Northern Arizona, 3101 N. Fort Valley Road, Thursday-Sunday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

The murals that make up MNA’s ongoing exhibit Journey to Balance: Migration and healing in three Hopi murals were created by the late Michael Kabotie and Delbridge Honanie during their artist residency in 2001. The images explore the human journey through periods of chaos and discord to wholeness and balance. Purchase tickets ($12, free for members and children 9 and under) and reserve a time to visit at www.musnaz.org.

FEB. 12

Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night waxes poetic on finding love and overcoming adversity. Add in a case of mistaken identity and bright yellow socks, and the famous comedy comes to life.

Flagstaff Shakespeare Festival’s film version of the play features eight actors from across the country under the direction of Jim Warren, founding artistic director of the American Shakespeare Center. Tickets and more information at www.flagshakes.org IN BLOOM The Arboretum at Flagstaff, 4001 S. Woody Mountain Road

MAY 1

The Arboretum at Flagstaff reopens after a winter hiatus May 1. Sign up for a membership starting at $40 to receive discounts and perks, support The Arb’s research center, educational and public programs, and gain free entry to explore the gardens and special features like the Botanical Blacksmiths installation. www. thearb.org

ONGOING

UNLEASHING CREATIVITY Sedona Arts Center, 15 Art Barn Road

Tap into your creativity by attending a class or workshop hosted by the Sedona Arts Center. In-person classes like ceramics for beginners as well as virtual workshops covering topics like iPhone photography and abstract art are available for artists of all ages and skill levels. www.sedonaartscenter.org Spring 2021 namlm.com

7

In and in

‌P eople are undoubtedly adaptable. In the past year, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced us to shift many of the ways we conduct our lives, including how we express long-lasting companionship.

As couples find their bonds strengthening, weddings continue, albeit with some changes. The following articles describe some of the ways in which people have adjusted to host weddings in 2020 and beyond.

DREAMSTIME VIA TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE‌

8

Northern Arizona’s Mountain Living Magazine

Don’t wait. Hold tight to your planned wedding using these expert tips DARCEL ROCKETT

Chicago Tribune‌

omewood, Illinois, residents, Deborah and Markell Thrash were married Aug. 8 on the grounds of Sinha Elegant Cuisine surrounded by 25 of their closest family and friends. DNR Events, an event planning firm in Blue Island, Illinois, made their big day happen.

“We were going to get married right before the pandemic set in, in March,” said Deborah Thrash, 58. “We’ve both been married before. When everything sort of opened back up, we waited a little while, then I was like: ‘Are we going to do this?’ He said yes, and I ran with it. My thing is live for today because I don’t know what tomorrow is going to hold.”

Like the Thrashes, other couples are pushing forward with wedding dates.

Wedding and event planner Desireé Dent, founder of Chicago-based Dejanae Events, said three couples on her wedding roster are holding true to their originally planned wedding date. That’s despite the postponing trend that many couples have taken since the COVID-19 pandemic began. According to the wedding planning website The Knot, most couples with wedding dates between March and August postponed their wedding celebrations (only 7% are canceling altogether).

“A lot of the couples we’ve been working with have been planning their wedding since 2019,” Dent said. “Couples are still getting married; it just looks different … more micro-weddings or ‘mini-monies.’ We still want people to know that love is not can-

celed,” she said. “The fabulousness level of a wedding is up to the couple.”

Kate Reavey, owner of Chicago Vintage Weddings, said her firm just executed a $30,000 wedding for 26 people recently that she describes as “stunning.” She and her friend, Alyson Thompson, a hotel catering manager, are hosts of “The Itty Bitty Wedding Committee Podcast,” a wedding planning resource for Chicago couples impacted by the events this year. Reavey’s wedding tips include: Upgrading menu options. Think additional courses and intermezzo teasers, or a menu that relies heavily on products from local small farms with a show-stopping presentation.

“Don’t get ordinary banquet food,” said Romona Johnson, DNR Events co-founder/owner. “Be creative. Hire food trucks — empanadas, jerk chicken and some cupcakes.”

Bringing in a sommelier or improving bar options. Think vintage wines, a champagne tower, or personalized bitters for cocktails. The bitters can double as a great favor if your guests are cocktail people. “Alcohol can be very close to what you spend on the

food package – depends if you’re doing top shelf,” Johnson added.

See if your caterer/venue will allow you to bring in a chef to do a cooking demo for guests.

A trend in the time of COVID-19 is single-serve wedding cakes, so you can have small cakes brought to each guest’s setting for dessert.

Provide packages of desserts/candy for each guest to enjoy at home. Customized cookies printed with your wedding logo and packed in a box with a personalized tag.

Bring in draping to make the wedding environment feel more intimate, or decorative greenery walls to create the same effect. Specialty rentals like a champagne cart, mirrored tables are another unique addition. Katherine Healy Brown, owner of Clover Events, said lounge furniture groupings that allow people who live in the same house to sit together is another layout option.

Going big on flowers via a grand entryway, hanging floral displays, larger-than-life centerpieces, and arrangements for the restroom add to the wedding’s ambiance.

Order monogrammed customized masks. Brown suggested the same thing with cheeky face masks for guests.

Order car service for each guest, taking care to book shared cars only for people who are in one another’s bubble.

Bring in specialty entertainment, such as a dance performance or even stand-up comedy for later in the evening. Brown said one of her 2020 couples chose to do a casino night, in lieu of dancing.

spring21 namlm.com

9

Here’s how to

kindly

uninvite wedding guests during the coronavirus pandemic HANNAH HERRERA GREENSPAN

Chicago Tribune

Q:

Your wedding is approaching, and you need to limit the number of guests in attendance to follow social distancing guidelines. How should you uninvite people?

A: Uninviting guests is much easier than it normally would be because no one is going to be surprised that a global pandemic has forced you to modify your wedding plans.

You may even find that many guests will be relieved to be uninvited so that they don’t have to send regrets, as many may be worried that your event could put their health at risk.

The key is to let your guests know as soon as possible and ideally offer them an alternative to an in-person celebration. You might write a note like this: “Dear (guest’s name — this should be personalized) “In light of the current global health crisis, we are modifying our wedding to make it as safe as possible and to follow social distancing guidelines. Because of this, we hope you will accept our apology as we will not be able to include you in our special day, in-person.

“We will be having a virtual celebration for our original guest list after our very small in-person wedding, and we hope that you can attend that event. You are so important to us, and we would love to have the opportunity to celebrate this moment in our lives with you however we can.”

Other important elements are to follow up 10 Northern Arizona’s Mountain Living Magazine

any gifts with thank you notes immediately as you usually would and if you’ve already secured wedding favors you can even send them to guests who can’t attend in person, so that they feel like they’re a part of your day.

The purpose of a wedding is to bear witness and celebrate the union of two people, and even during this challenging time, with small weddings and virtual celebrations, you can still create that connection.

— Lisa Orr, etiquette and protocol consultant A: With today’s tech, no one has to be officially disinvited. Everyone can be included even if it’s limited to the virtual world. To protect guests from feeling downgraded to the virtual nose-bleed seats, set aside time after the ceremony for a private e-toast.

(Maybe send a Champagne care package beforehand.) Acknowledge their supportive participation and say that, under better circumstances, you wish you could clink glasses in person but look forward to doing so when you can. This is the modern equivalent of inviting a guest to the ceremony but not the reception.

However, how do you decide who makes the in-person cut? Before you rank your relationships, first ask for opt-out volunteers.

There’s social pressure to attend a wedding, which might force high-risk or risk-adverse guests to reluctantly forgo their COVID-19 concerns. Giving them an opportunity to opt out might be a welcome relief.

If your local government or venue has strict COVID-19 guidelines, like mandatory masks or travel restrictions, explain these constraints to your guests.

Another option includes limiting plusones. Or reduce the headcount by replacing wedding staff and asking essential guests to act as the officiant, musician, hairdresser, makeup artist, photographer, etc. This makes a wedding an intimate community event.

Whatever actions you take, do it as a couple. Marriage’s purpose is to lend support in good times and bad; consider this good team practice for the future. And when breaking the bad news to anyone, do it with care. Draft a polite, apologetic response, and customize it to each relationship. Don’t text, email or send the news secondhand. Make an audio or video call to each person. Or deliver the bad news in person (6 feet apart, masked), offer consolation air hugs and give them their own hand sanitizer wedding favor.

— Katrina Majkut, author of “The Adventures and Discoveries of a Feminist Bride: What No One Tells You Before You Say ‘I Do’”

Love is in the Pines.

Nestled at the base of Northern Arizona's San Francisco Peaks, Little America Hotel is a scenic destination for creating cherished memories year-round.

FLAGSTAFF.LITTLEAMERICA.COM | 928.779.7921

spring21 namlm.com

11

TESSA MCLEAN

‌W

SFGate, San Francisco‌

hen Tyler Huffman logs on to host a virtual wedding, he starts with showing a quick orientation video for guests that shows how to properly name yourself, how to mute and includes other technical hints that will make the wedding an optimal experience for both the couple and guests. If guests don’t name themselves properly, for instance, it’ll make things really difficult once it’s time to split them into their virtual dinner tables.

Just like he would as the emcee of an in-person wedding, he’s reading the emotion of the “room” and ensuring proper timing and flow, in addition to guiding the technical aspects of the event like “spotlighting” (a Zoom term) the couple and speakers they are including.

“I think I’ve seen more emotion in the Zoom weddings than I have in most of my time doing weddings in 13 years,” Huffman said. “People are just so happy to be part of something they didn’t think they would be part of. If it’s managed properly, it can be really great.”

Once the ceremony is over, couples can have wedding guests congregate at virtual dinner tables (i.e. those breakout rooms you may have used at work or school), where they can pop from table to table like they would at an in-person wedding.

Those at the “dinner tables” might mingle while they’re waiting, but they also might take the time to compose a video message for the couple to view later, hop in the virtual photo booth, play a trivia game about the couple or even watch a custom mixology video showing how to make the bride and groom’s signature cocktail at home. The couple may have even sent the cocktail ingredients ahead of time, along with mini disco balls to make your backdrop more festive.

And the whole thing might end with a dance party, where a live DJ sets the tunes and your living room becomes your dance floor. Think of it like the jumbotron at a basketball game — you’ll get on the big screen for your 15 seconds of fame at some point.

Companies that catered to wedding production have had to pivot and build new marketing to present these new offerings.

Owner Shelley Anderson of Cage and Aquarium typically supplied DJs and photographers for a wedding. Now, they’re crafting custom 12 Northern Arizona’s Mountain Living Magazine

VIRTUAL

DINNER TABLES,

ZOOM HOSTS: The new standards of pandemic weddings

viding guest gifts.

“The hard part about planning right now is the unknown,” Chang said. “There’s a lot of emotion wrapped up in weddings already, and then add (the pandemic) and it’s just intense. You can totally wait to have this huge wedding you had planned, but you have to realize that won’t happen for at least a year or more probably.”

Chang’s main company, Mango Muse Events, was focused on destination wedding planning, so she said she feels like her business has been doubly hurt by the pandemic. She’s concerned for the events industry long-term, as it’s been tough on a lot of vendors who cater to this industry.

Zoom experiences for couples and offering Zoom hosts like Tyler, who takes care of audio/video needs and emcees the main event.

“We’ve definitely had a bit of a pivot,” Anderson said. “We were already getting into livestreaming before the pandemic and so we used what we’d learned for these new virtual events. It’s more than just a Zoom wedding; we provide a full interactive experience for our clients.”

All of the company’s “Zoom hosts” must go through training before performing at their first wedding, as she said it’s essential to know the intricacies of the platform. She said they also try to do tech rehearsals with the couple so that everything goes smoothly the day of the wedding.

Even with all that preparation, things still go wrong. For couples who get excited about this new alternative and go with the flow, she said the events can be really memorable. “There’s a level of excitement for the online guests. A lot of people haven’t attended a virtual wedding,” Anderson said. “It’s a really positive way for couples to do things safely and include everyone. While it might look totally different from a wedding a year ago it can still be a really special event.”

Jamie Chang, a Bay Area wedding planner, said she tried to make the best of this time and launched a whole new part of her business focused on virtual weddings. She launched a new website called, “Let’s I Do this!” designed for couples who don’t want to postpone their wedding or engagement and want to get married now. Her packages include everything from a virtual host to AV equipment to pro-

Emily Jenks, an SF-based wedding photographer, said in the beginning of the pandemic she refunded over $10,000 worth of work she had booked within 48 hours. “I was crying my eyes out,” Jenks said. “But it wasn’t those couples’ faults. They shouldn’t be penalized.”

She still keeps her services refundable because regulations are still changing so quickly.

Jenks typically photographed the bulk of her weddings at San Francisco’s City Hall, but now work has picked up a bit again as couples opt for small elopement-style weddings outdoors. She thinks “hybrid weddings” — where the couple gets married outdoors with up to 10 guests and livestreams the event simultaneously — are appealing to those couples who were against virtual weddings initially but don’t want to face an uncertain timeline anymore. She was almost fully booked again for this past September and October.

San Francisco couple Luba and Daniel Cordoza got married virtually in August. “Getting your entire family on a Zoom call can be challenging and it definitely started out rocky. Some of the less tech-savvy guests didn’t know how to mute themselves and kept talking over the officiant, looking back it was sort of hilarious (not so much in the moment),” Luba said. “Despite the initial hiccups, it was a beautiful moment. We got to exchange vows with our families watching safely from their homes and did a group toast afterward.

I would recommend a Zoom wedding to any couple who don’t want to put love on hold!”

Mormon Lake Lodge nestled amidst the largest stand of ponderosa pines in Northern Arizona just 30 minutes southeast of Flagstaff on the beautiful scenic Lake Mary Highway.

Mormon Lake Lodge is the perfect location to have your beautiful wedding or an event, that you will remember for the rest of your life. Our tradition of dedicated service coupled with our western hospitality and charm allows for the successful combination of any event, large or small. Our staff works hard to coordinate each detail to ensure unforgettable memories you will never forget. We invite you to come out and experiment the rustic settings of Mormon Lake Lodge and the beautiful environment that surrounds it.

Photos by Julia Romano Photography and Andrea Cleghorn Photography

1991 Mormon Lake Rd. 928.354.2227 Ext. 13 MormonLakeLodge.com bgirvin@mormonlakelodge.com spring21 namlm.com

13

Pro tips on

DAVID SYREK

A

Chicago Tribune

s the adage goes, “home is where the heart is,” and for couples who don’t want to postpone their big day any longer, looking to friends with backyards or transforming their own outdoor space into a chic wedding venue has become a great option.

Chances are your new guest list is significantly smaller than originally planned. You can use that to your advantage, from a budget perspective, to make the event even more special than originally planned. An outdoor wedding also can help to ease stress for guests who have reservations about being in a group, no matter how small.

“Having a wedding at your home feels more relaxed for your guests in a lot of ways,”

transforming your

backyard into a

chic wedding venue

said Kate Reavey, president and owner of Chicago Vintage Weddings. “Maybe they are familiar with your home, but they get to see it in a different light.

People really feel like they’re

Knot tying experts.

coming for an intimate dinner party where all of their needs have been carefully considered, and it’s a lot less of a huge production than going to an event and being around hundreds of

people,” she said.

Reavey, whose company produces highly personalized, “luxury on any budget events,” also produces budget-conscious, all-inclusive mini weddings that provide everything from hair and makeup to catering, photography and on-site event management.

“When you’re having an outdoor wedding at home, you’re starting from scratch,” she said.

“You can spice up the grounds, like adding extra landscaping or a custom arbor that can stay onsite after the event.”

Aside from the all-important task of strategically trying to pick a rain-free day, there are other things to consider.

Think about traffic flow. If you have space, designate different areas for various functions, like a table set up with a special mini cocktail for guests as they arrive.

Have Perfect Skin for your Wedding Day! Junto Skin & Laser has all of the service options and experience to make your dream skin possible for your wedding day! Call to book your service today!

Over 40 years of experience

Financing Available VOTED BEST JEWELER YEAR AFTER YEAR

by Arizona Daily Sun Readers

204B E. ROUTE 66, HISTORIC DOWNTOWN FLAGSTAFF,AZ 86001 jeffkarljewelers.com • jeffkarljewelers.net • jeffkarljewelers@gmail.com.

PHONE: (928) 773-8914 • www.jeffkarljewelers.com 14 Northern Arizona’s Mountain Living Magazine

Free Consultations & Customized Treatment Plans for your individual needs!

1515 E Cedar Ave. Suite C-1 Flagstaff, AZ 86004 928-255-5440 info@juntoskinandlaser.com

GREEN SHOOT MEDIA

‌Y

our wedding is a big day, but what’s really huge right now are things that are tiny. Miniature foods, drinks, favors and even cakes are all the rage. Here are some ideas to help you incorporate this trend into your wedding.

Finger foods Finger sandwiches are a great idea for a garden wedding, but you can take this even farther.

Mini tacos, sliders, pigs in a blanket all can be miniaturized.

Serve these tiny dishes as passed dishes or on distanced tables.

A taste of cake

THINK TINY while planning your big day Drinks We all know a tiny drink is most commonly a shot. There are ways, however, that your bartender can craft little specialty shots that are more elegance and less frat party.

Favors Think little bottles of local honey or wine, miniature chocolate bars with your monogram and the date, itty bitty bottles of liquor — all are great ideas for

jumping on the tiny train. Keep your tiny favors local to give your guests a great memento of the day.

Clothing Even clothes are getting in on the trend, including shorter skirts that bare knees and legs for warmer days for brides and bridesmaids.

Crowds As the pandemic rolls on,

Photo credit: Cameron Clark Photography

Wedding cakes have been shrinking lately. Full cakes became cupcakes and are now cake pops and cake balls. These tiny treats can be stacked in layers and arranged in adorable ways to complement your decor and theme.

ADOBE STOCK VIA GREEN SHOOT MEDIA‌

couples are trimming guests lists to accommodate local rules on gatherings and to make their ceremonies safer. And it’s a trend that may stick, experts say.

It also plays into a more enduring trend of minimalism and choosing experiences over expense.

Cornman Farms in Michigan offers a small wedding package and noticed the trend before COVID-19. It accommodates a tiny crowd and offers couple a stunning backdrop for their big day.

“When we first came up with this, a pandemic not being considered, we said it was designed for couples who wanted simplicity and affordability but still wanted those Instagram-worthy photos,” said Jamie Gray, the farm’s marketing and communications manager, in The Detroit News. “They kind of get the best of both.”

Enjoy your wedding celebration in a beautiful, fun atmosphere while our friendly and helpful staff guides you through your day. We have three extraordinary picturesque outdoor ceremony sites which can also be used for cocktail hour. Our gorgeous reception venues offer indoor/outdoor appeal so that guests can experience the outdoor beauty of Flagstaff. You do not have to be a member or sponsored by a member to enjoy our wedding facilities, so call to schedule your tour today! Karen Harting, Catering Sales Director. kharting@fhgc.com.

2425 William Palmer, Flagstaff AZ 86005 | 928.525.5227 | www.fhgc.com/weddings spring21 namlm.com

15

TIPS TO CARE for your

hair, skin GREEN SHOOT MEDIA

‌Your wedding day can be a significant investment and one where you expect everything to go right. Consider the expense you paid for a photographer, a professional makeup artist and an expert hair stylist.

These industry specialists understand the risks of winter weather and how to protect the bride’s skin and hairdo from the elements.

However, if you plan to prepare for the event on your own, you should know these winter wedding beauty tips.

Protect your hair Especially during winter weddings, the cold temperatures, chilly drizzle or even light snowfall can create havoc on a loose hairstyle.

Prepare yourself for the ceremony by paying attention to your hair care routine. The experts at The Knot offer these tips to look your best when 16 Northern Arizona’s Mountain Living Magazine

saying, I do.

Invest in more substantial conditioners during colder months.

Avoid knots by brushing and often detangling, especially before bed.

Hydrate with a moisturizing shampoo and specialized hair masks.

Get a trim before the big day to eliminate split ends and a healthier appearance.

You should also practice your chosen hairstyle before your wedding day comes.

Take the time to research different bun methods, curling techniques or straight ening tools.

ADOBE STOCK VIA GREEN SHOOT MEDIA‌

Keep your skin healthy Dry skin and rosy cheeks can be a focal point during a high-definition photo shoot. Do your best to prepare for the wedding by incorporating high-moisturizing skin creams and masks to remove dead cells. You will also want to stick to a balanced diet, and add these healthy foods to your routine, as suggested by the Mayo Clinic.

Tomatoes, berries and nuts.

Carrots, apricots and spinach.

Fish like salmon or mackerel.

Lentils, beans and peas.

If you tend to experience rosy cheeks during the cold, consider covering your face

with full coverage foundation and concealer. Ask your wedding party to check on its performance periodically and apply more makeup as needed.

Chapped lips The cold, dry air of winter is famous for causing chapped or cracked lips. Protect yourself from flakiness and discomfort by using a protective lip balm.

Apply this protective layer before using the lipstick that ties your dress and makeup scheme together. With these strategies, you can have a first kiss with confidence.

From

rustic to fairytale A wedding tent at Arizona Nordic Village.

JULIE KENKEL

Local venues fit for any wedding style

W

ith the rollout of vaccines, optimism is building for the return of large weddings starting later in 2021. Arizona Nordic Village General Manager Evan Rei-

M A K E

mondo said reservations are beginning to come in for summer and fall celebrations at the recreation area located in the Coconino National Forest, 15 miles north of Flagstaff on Highway 180.

What he also is experiencing is a significant increase in the demand for camping, especially for those who don’t want to be too far away from city

amenities.

“We understand our niche is a step above setting up your own tent out in the woods,” he said. “We’re providing that bridge for people to have that rustic experience and feel like they’re getting away from everything, but also to maintain their creature comforts. We’re planning for people who have not camped out at all or much,

T H E

Arizona Nordic Village Part of Your Happily Ever After Chic

Romantic

Beautiful

Photo Courtesy of Brooke Photography

Rustic

Highway 180, 15 miles north of Flagstaff ArizonaNordicVillage.com • 928-220-0550 facebook @nordicvillageweddings

Spring 2021 namlm.com

17

Arizona Snowbowl 9300 N. Snowbowl Road, www.snowbowl.ski/weddings Ideal for: Year-round indoor or outdoor ceremonies overlooking Flagstaff Contact: (928) 214-4035 or banquets@snowbowl.ski DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel 1175 W. Route 66, doubletree3.hilton.com Ideal for: Variety of styles with expert catering Contact: (928) 773-8888 Forest Highlands Golf Club SAATY PHOTOGRAPHY‌

Arizona Snowbowl and may be inexperienced in the outdoors.

We’re seeing a lot of families with younger kids who want the outdoor experience but don’t want to be out in the middle of nowhere.”

Future brides, looking for a woodsy overnight destination for their special event that can include friends and family members, may be excited to learn the Nordic Village is planning to provide more camping accommodations with a Forest Service style campground plus an additional six to 10 more cabins and yurts.

Proposed improvements identified in the recreation area’s Master Development Plan (MDP) are being designed to meet the recreation need and improve the guest experience. The campground buildout calls for 40 units. Reimondo is hoping to have 20 to 25 campsites available by fall 2022.

Currently, the overnight comfortable carrying capacity is more than 50 guests. With the completion of the campground, that number is projected to increase to 170.

A large permanent pavilion for weddings and events is also in the future, as well as enhancements to the lodge. Recreational activities being considered include a tree canopy zipline and guided nature hikes.

Currently, interactive displays are being planned to greet visitors in the Discovery Yurt, along with a delineated trail and brochure for self-guided nature hikes.

“We are excited about creating more overnight facilities and more recreational activities for guests in the near future. In the last year, we’ve seen a significant increase in the number of people spending 18 Northern Arizona’s Mountain Living Magazine

2425 William Palmer, www.fhgc.com/weddings Ideal for: Exclusive forest ceremony and indoor reception Contact: (928) 525-5227 or kharting@fhgc.com Frontiere at Rogers Lake 9485 Forest Service Road 231, www.

FrontiereAtRogersLake.com Ideal for: Rustic outdoor ceremonies from May 1-Sept. 30 Contact: (928) 679-8026 The Gardens at Viola’s

Forest Highlands Golf Club time outside,” Reimondo said. “I hope that trend continues.”

Indeed, couples will hardly encounter a shortage when it comes down to choosing which northern Arizona venue will host their wedding. Here is a list of more options from Flagstaff to the Verde Valley.

FLAGSTAFF‌ The Arboretum at Flagstaff 4001 S. Woody Mountain Road, www.thearb.org Ideal for: Outdoor ceremonies set against the San Francisco Peaks

610 S. Route 89A, www. flagstaffweddingvenue.com Ideal for: Versatile ceremonies and receptions with indoor and outdoor spaces Contact: (928) 853-0399 High Country Conference Center 201 W. Butler Ave., www.highcountryconferencecenter.com Ideal for: Elegant indoor or outdoor ceremonies Contact: (928) 523-9521 Little America Hotel 2515 E. Butler Ave., flagstaff.littleamerica.com Ideal for: Fully customizable celebrations

Contact: (928) 774-1442 or info@thearb.org

Contact: (928) 779-7922 or jmcclelland@flagstaff.littleamerica.com

Arizona Nordic Village

Mormon Lake Lodge

16848 Highway 180, www.arizonanordicvillage.com

1991 Mormon Lake Road, www.mormonlakelodge.com

Ideal for: Rustic, accessible ceremonies and off-grid accommodations

Ideal for: Rustic, outdoor forest ceremonies

Contact: (928) 220-0550

Contact: (928) 354-2227 or mllevents@mormonlakelodge.com

Museum of Northern Arizona

SEDONA‌

CORNVILLE‌

3101 N. Fort Valley Road, www.musnaz.org

Agave of Sedona

D.A. Ranch Estate Lodge & Vineyards

Ideal for: Intimate celebrations indoors or outdoors

1146 W. State Route 89A, www.agaveofsedona.com

1901 Dancing Apache Road, www.daranch.com

Contact: (928) 774-5213

Ideal for: Breathtaking Red Rock views

Ideal for: Indoor or outdoor ceremonies among the vineyards

Contact: (928) 554-4995

Thonager’s on Kiltie 2640 W. Kiltie Lane, www.thornagers.com/weddings

Amara Resort and Spa

Ideal for: Charming forest ceremonies with indoor and outdoor spaces Contact: (928) 774-8583

100 Amara Lane, www.amararesort.com Ideal for: Modern elopements or larger ceremonies against a Red Rock backdrop Contact: (928) 282-4828 or sales@amararesort.com

Weatherford Hotel 23 N. Leroux St., www.weatherfordhotel.com Ideal for: Unique, elegant celebrations in a historic venue Contact: (928) 779-1919 or weathtel@weatherfordhotel.com

Enchantment Resort 525 Boynton Canyon Road, www.enchantmentresort.com Ideal for: An unforgettable destination ceremony

CAMP VERDE‌

Contact: (928) 204-6190 or lauren.paull@enchantmentresort.com

Cliff Castle Casino Hotel 555 W. Middle Verde Road, www.cliffcastlecasinohotel.com

Page Springs Cellars 1500 N. Page Springs Road, www.pagespringscellars.com Ideal for: Unique vineyard and creek setting Contact: (928) 639-3004 or private-events@pagespringscellars.com The Vineyards Bed & Breakfast 1350 N. Page Springs Road, www.thevineyardsbandb.com Ideal for: All-inclusive wedding planning and destination setting Contact: (928) 300-4313 or info@thevineyardsbandb.com

L’Auberge de Sedona

Ideal for: Celebrations in a fun, central location Contact: (928) 567-7921 or sales@cliffcastlecasino.net

Contact: (928) 301-0791

301 Little Lane, www.lauberge.com Ideal for: Elegant ceremonies of various sizes with panoramic views Contact: (928) 905-5745 or info@lauberge.com

COOLSCULPTING Dr. Lex / Dr. Quigley / Dr. Boettcher / Dr. Gibbs Board Certified Plastic Surgeons

Call to Book Your Complimentary COOLSCULPTING Consultation!

We also do complimentary consultations: • Tummy Tuck • Breast Augmentation • Mommy Makeover • Liposuction (928) 774-2300 www.psna.net 1020 N San Francisco Suite #200, Flagstaff, AZ 86001

*model pictured

HighCountryConferenceCenter.com | P. 928.523.9521 Spring 2021 namlm.com

19

MATTERS of TASTE

Turquoise Room’s ongoing success builds on its

Southwest strengths

‌G GAIL G. COLLINS

randeur never fades. In the case of the landmark La Posada Hotel, it has endured some humbling moments, but its prominence continues, true to its original vision.

Fred Harvey Company completed the building of La Posada Hotel in 1930 to serve as the “Resting Place,” as its Spanish name imparts. Purposefully situated as a resort for northern Arizona, the hotel proffered the luxury of linens, china, crystal and, importantly, the flawless service synonymous with Harvey, who “civilized the West.” The hospitality tycoon developed and ran the hotels along the Santa Fe Railroad, marking La Posada as the finest in the Southwest.

Grand Canyon artist and architect Mary Colter worked for Fred Harvey Company, designing everything from La Posada’s functional layout to its maids’ costumes and niche tableware. A fantasy backstory projected the property as a Spanish landowner’s grand hacienda, and attention to detail in art and artifice enhanced that image. Colter also fashioned the railroad dining car for the Super Chief, which ran from Chicago to Los Angeles, dubbing it the Turquoise Room. Starlets and icons, such as Shirley Temple, Amelia Earhart, President

20 Northern Arizona’s Mountain Living Magazine

Hopi hummus with piki bread.

Fresh salmon in corn husk papoose.

Harry Truman and Albert Einstein, embraced the chic transportation.

La Posada closed in 1957, then was gutted and turned into offices for the railroad.

A few times, it was slated for demolition, before it was rescued by in 1997 by Allen Affeldt and wife Tina Mion and restoration began.

In 2000, Affeldt invited John and Patricia Sharpe to explore the renovation of the historic property. It needed a restaurant comparable to its celebrated caliber.

Sharpe left four acclaimed restaurants and a 25-year culinary career in Orange County and moved to Winslow.

The location was as appealing to Sharpe as it had been to Harvey. An interstate highway, the romance of Route 66, Grand Canyon National Park and other international tourist sites drew millions of annual visitors and lay within a comfortable reach. Still, no destination dining existed between Flagstaff and Albuquerque.

As chef-owner, Sharpe executed the vision for the Turquoise Room’s stylish features, from exposed beams, stained glass, pressed tin and tile to carved chairs.

Patricia added imaginative influence with leather-topped tables and painted vintage

If you go ABOVE: The Corn Maiden’s Delight breakfast platter features a bowl of warm yellow corn polenta topped with fire roasted tomatoes, fresh spinach, two poached eggs, Jalapeno jack cheese and a fresh roasted corn salsa. BOTTOM LEFT: Prickly pear bread pudding. BOTTOM MIDDLE: Sweet corn tamale.

BOTTOM RIGHT: Roasted corn flan.

The Turquoise Room at La Posada is located at 305 E. Second St. in Winslow.

Visit www.theturquoiseroom.net to browse the menu, make a reservation and learn more.

Price: $$-$$$

21

Churro lamb sampler. placemats.

Staffing from a small pool was difficult. The team was trained from the ground up, and a strong crew endures.

“People thought we wouldn’t make it,” Sharpe said of when the Turquoise Room opened on Oct. 10, 2000. With a wry smiled, he added, “It was all we could do to keep up with the people coming through the door.”

The Turquoise Room’s menu melds traditional Southwest flavors with artistic arc. The braised Churro lamb is a stalwart example and found in a host of dishes, like Native cassoulet with elk sausage, lamb chop and duck confit.

To spearhead local sourcing in California, Sharpe drove to San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente for direct access to farmers. His interest in Native American culinary history prompted him to host Indigenous feasts at Bowers Museum of Cultural Art in Santa Ana. In Arizona, he allied with Gary Nabhan at the Center for Sustainable Environments at Northern Arizona University to prosper relationships and venues, like Flagstaff Community Market.

Sharpe is a chef with a conscience.

22 Northern Arizona’s Mountain Living Magazine

Santa Fe eggs.

He built bonds with local tribes—the Tohono O’odham, Navajo, Hopi and Zuni—to provide ancient produce, like tepary beans, cholla buds, acorns, and products, like Churro sheep and delicate piki bread, to complement authentic recipes. Try the bison ribs or red posole with lamb and pork.

This attention to detail earned the Turquoise Room such accolades as Condé Naste’s Best Food Award, a listing among Arizona Highway’s Best 75 Restaurants and the New York Times highlight of rediscovered glory among many more. In 2012, the James

Beard Foundation announced Sharpe as a semi-finalist for Best Chef.

On Oct. 1, 2020, Sharpe retired from 20 years in his creative kitchen.

He praised Patricia’s backing and recognized diners’ special connections.

In the last months, patrons savored a meal, shook Sharpe’s hand and offered thanks.

“The important thing is to support our team,” Sharpe said. “They are the success of this restaurant—they execute.”

Rest assured, this gem is in the capable hands of Chef Jesus Nuñez, Sharpe’s right-hand man of 33 years, and an accomplished staff. The humble chef is driving the menu in a delicious direction, while building on its Southwest strengths.

General Manager Johnny Jackson III confirmed longtime guests are delighted with the host of persistent favorites alongside fresh approaches.

“People come here to create great memories, and this has continued,” he said. “Last year brought a younger crowd of families to this magical place, and we’re inspired and hopeful.”

Chef Nuñez hails from Jalisco, Mexico, and blends his background with the menu’s assets. For Thanksgiving, Nuñez prepared a Latin turkey, marinating the fowl in achiote paste, featuring chili, garlic and cumin with sweet prune sauce, which garnered rave reviews. Other additionsto the line-up include pork chops in tamarind sauce and grilled fresh trout with roasted vegetables, a popular pick.

“We will continue the same traditions in level of service, quality of food and local sourcing, so nothing has changed,” Nuñez assured. “The groundwork for this exceptional hotel has been laid, and we will keep the train on the track.”

So, the grandeur guests expect from their beloved La Posada’s Turquoise Room carries forward, even as new relationships are forged.

BY the BOTTLE

DRINK GARNISHES

Against the wall: Pour 1/2 ounce Galliano on top of the drink.

or the back of your spoon.

Who says cocktails have to be standard or one-sizefits-all? The more unique you make your cocktail ingredients and presentation, the better.

Whether you’re sipping a Long Island iced tea on your back deck alone or setting up an open bar cocktail party for 20 guests, don’t be afraid to put your creativity to the test by adding a few special garnishes.

Remember that there are a few basic rules to preparing and incorporating garnishes into your drink, including not letting them overpower what’s in the glass and using thick cuts of fruit instead of flimsy ones.

Here are a few more tips to make sure you pull off great garnishes:

Multiple: Pour 1/2 ounce Frangelico on top of the drink.

The simple

Bruise or bruised: A straight-up martini that is shaken instead of stirred.

Neat: Served in a rocks glass at room temperature without ice.

Double: A drink with double the amount of liquor (same amount of mixer).

Screaming: Pour 1/2 ounce vodka on top of the drink.

A CRASH

COURSE

The art of mixology — creating cocktails — can be simple or complicated, depending on how far you want to take the craft.

And just like any other discipline, bartending has its own vernacular that must be learned before taking your skills to the professional level.

Are you planning to take the next step? Maybe you just want more knowledge of the lingo for your next party. Before you shake one more drink, read the following definitions as spelled out by the National Bartenders Bartending School.

Flaming: Setting the cocktail or liquor on fire to enhance the flavor and look of the drink.

Layering: To layer or float an ingredient (cream or liqueurs) on top of one another. This can be achieved by using the rounded or back part of a spoon resting against the inside of the glass.

Long: Served in a tall glass.

Mex style: Pour 1/2 ounce tequila on top of the drink.

Muddling: Crushing of fresh ingredients, such as fruit or mint, to extract the most flavor. You can use a muddler

Shaking: Using a cocktail shaker to mix and chill the ingredients at the same time.

Short: A drink served in a rocks glass.

Splash: Top with 1/2 ounce mix.

Stirring: The use of a metal or glass rod in a mixing glass to stir your drink.

Topless: A margarita without the salted rim.

Twist: The peel of a lemon is twisted over the drink, then dropped into it.

With a little English: Pour 1/2 ounce gin on top of drink.

When it comes to garnishes, simple is better. You’re going for style points here, not so much for complements to the taste of your drink. For the best-looking garnishes, opt for fruits and vegetables instead of plastic additions, such as umbrellas or toothpicks.

Go for authentic rather than audacious, and you’ll find yourself spending more time enjoying your drink than preparing your garnish. Try to match your garnish with the color of your drink. Making an orange sherbet vodka treat?

Cut a thin slice of orange peel crosswise and twist. Serve it on the side of the glass for an orange overload.

The Fancy What’s better than a chilled mojito with a hint of peppermint? How about adding a sugar cane stick to really stir your drink? Fresh herb sprigs also make great, simple additions to your favorite mixed drink. Just be sure to use them sparingly. Too many may overpower your drink.

Consider buying oversized ice cube trays to make largerthan-life cubes, which also serve as great additions to your drink. You can add fresh herbs or berries in the trays for an extra touch of garnish that will provide a flavor burst to your drink.

Special Touches Adding garnishes is fine and dandy, but don’t forget to do it in style. Impress your guests with a collection of cocktail tools that will make you look like a legitimate bartender.

Add a shaker and a hand juicer to your repertoire to add splashes of extra creativity to every drink.

Remember your jigger to make accurate measurements and a cutting board for cutting fruit and garnishes. To create a fun party atmosphere, create a drink station that lets your guests try out these tools themselves.

Spring 2021 namlm.com

23

the ARTS

Acrylic painting by Lynnette Haozous.

24 Northern Arizona’s Mountain Living Magazine

RESILIENT MATRIARCHY BELOW: “For Her,” 2020, Color Pencil on Antique Paper, 16 3/4 x 14 inches,

by Avis Charley.

MARGARITA CRUZ

I‌n Open Doors: Art in Action’s current exhibit, Venaya Yazzie curates a collection of resilience, of movement and migration into healing, and of honoring matriarchs. Artists and poets Tacey M. Atsitty, Avis Charley, Lynnette Haozous, Monica Wapaha and Yazzie herself have each given a part of themselves to this online exhibit.

Bringing together art from Apache, Navajo and Pueblo artists online has created an open door for those who normally would not be able to witness the people who inhabit the high desert. Rather than focus on landscapes typical of Southwestern art, the pieces in Resilient Matriarchy: Indigenous Women’s Art in Community reflect the importance of matriarchs in their cultures and shed light on their own narratives that reveal a resilience that continues on through their daughters.

The work in this exhibition imitates and even initiates movement, whether it flows like a river or reminds

“Protectors,” 2020, Color Pencil on Antique Paper, 16 1/2 x 11 inches, by Avis Charley. us that time is ever shifting.

The importance of grandmother, mother and sisterhood are explored through paintings, poetry, essay, photography and illustration. For Yazzie, a focus on matriarchy comes from her

love for her grandmother, who she lost to heart failure in February 2020. In an essay introducing her photo journey, “Migration Song, Flooding Narrative,” she reflects on the ways that her grandmother taught her.

“She was the family matriarch and I think that all the women in this show have that content close to them,” Yazzie said in an interview. “These are women [mothers, grandmothers, etc.] who nourished us, and continue to nourish us as adults. I really wanted to make sure that this show was paying tribute to those women. Personally, it’s for my grandmother. I’ve been able to curate some shows before but this is the first time it’s been very personal.

Putting it together was almost like healing myself.”

Spring 2021 namlm.com

25

Yazzie wrote in the artist statement which begins the exhibit that this space becomes a collective form of healing through migration and, in ways, a decolonization. In work like Wapaha’s photography, the ways in which Indigenous women hold humor as a weapon against colonization is captured. In utilizing humor, these artists are actively denying stereotypes that have portrayed Indigenous women as merely silent and serious figures. Photographers like Edward S. Curtis, known most for his staging of Indigenous women living in the Pacific Northwest, have long been a culprit in prolonging this stereotype.

Wapaha’s “500+ Years and We are still laughing at the White Man” is a stunning photograph of two women laughing with what appears to be a reflection as if one is looking at the image through a glass frame. Her work reclaims the people she portrays.

“Every community I’ve come into contact with has come out in color or humor and I think that speaks volumes about resiliency of ourselves as women and coming matriarchs of our families.

We find that colorfulness of a dire situation,” Yazzie said. “A lot of it might be black and white and with color here and there, but somehow and someway, we try to find the good in the bad.”

Both Charley and Haozous use bright colors to paint strong women in traditional garments. Haozous paints mothers as they travel with their children, in a sling or cradleboard. She blends her love for art with that of advocacy in her reflection. Haozous places an emphasis on the ways traveling across the continent, living in harmony among plants and animals who also freely migrate, has been disrupted and harmed by man-made borders. Charley uses colored pencil on ledger paper, illustrating women in traditional clothing as they protect and give hope to one another.

The work of ledger art has historically been associated with the masculine as it derives from art made by those imprisoned—usually male—around the

26 Northern Arizona’s Mountain Living Magazine

“Bizhi’ba Trekking through Ancestral Grief, Offering Migration as Healing II— Human,” Digital Photo, 2020, by Venaya Yazzie.

1860s. Charley not only uses the ledger behind the art to make it a point that this art does not belong solely to men, but in illustrating women she is asserting their narrative and presence in both history and the present.

“All of this art that these women are bringing to the table is helping us to heal from past traumas,” Yazzie said. “I hope that that will reverberate and help viewers who look at this work and really understand that there is some ceremonial act we all recognize. Some ritualistic tradition that we’re working through.”

Atsitty’s poetry winds like a river throughout memory and time. She places the reader in the past in several pieces, reflecting on familial ties and especially those with women—a mother, grandmother, a sister, a teacher—but brings them to the present through a sort of grieving for memories. In the poem “A Blood Letting”—the title a reference to the practice in which someone suffering, usually from illness, lets themselves bleed as a form of therapy—Atsitty utilizes white space to demonstrate a pause or cut through the sentence, brilliantly combining the themes of fragmentation as well as a ritual for healing. In this poem, she mourns a mother and looks toward one ritual of many in healing. Practices and

ceremony can also be linked to Yazzie’s own path navigating the loss of her matriarch.

Yazzie’s photo journey, a hybrid collection of poetry, essay and photography, brings both a close and opening to the exhibit. Since the art is online, it is a choose-your-own-adventure as to where visitors begin, but it’s recommended that one either begins or ends with Yazzie’s powerful documentation of her own grandmother as it weaves together all of the moments touched on throughout this exhibit.

Not only does the work these women create ask viewers of the exhibit to rethink the way ceremony and tradition are used to heal, but it also asserts the resiliency deeply embedded in matriarchy. Sue Norris, a founder of Open Doors: Arts in Action, reminds us that the show itself is an act of resiliency in this time. Far from the unique in-person exhibition experience, the new space in the virtual world continues to link others to educational opportunities—a key part of the mission of Open Doors. At the bottom of the exhibit’s introductory page are links to several organizations with causes related to Resilient Matriarchy—“Adopt a Native Elder,” “Missing & Murdered Diné Relatives,” “Diné Studies Conference” and, close to Norris’ heart, “Changing Woman Initiative.”

As an advocate for home births, Norris is especially excited for others to learn about this nonprofit which concerns midwifery and maternal health.

“A lot of times,” Yazzie said, “when I talk to people, they have a lot of good things to say about our landscape but they don’t have a chance to see what the people here are doing. Being virtual gives it that chance.”

Whether from northern Arizona or across the country, visitors will not have to travel far to experience this work. Resilient Matriarchy: Indigenous Women’s Art in Community is on virtual display through April 15. Visit www.opendoorsartinaction.com for more information and to tour the exhibit.

MIND and BODY

GET ACTIVE Becoming active is a great way to get your heart health — as well as physical and mental health — in line.

You don’t have to be an Olympic athlete to lead a healthy, active lifestyle. Health.gov says to aim for at least two and a half hours of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week. Here are some heart-promoting physical activity tips that you should know.

Start Slow Start slow with new activities and do more as time goes on and your confidence builds up.

Workouts don’t have to include lifting weights in the gym or running around a track. Your activities can be something you and your family enjoy doing together.

There are plenty of activities you can have fun doing while you are getting your much needed physical activity. Here are some to name a few from Health.gov: • Go for a brisk walk around the neighborhood or mall.

• Ride a bike to work or around your neighborhood or park.

• Do push-ups during commercial breaks while watching TV. Remember to have fun with your workouts.

The more you d rea d

working out, the easier it will be for you to stop working out. Make your physical activity something you can do with your family or friends. If you are a person who can handle intense activity such as basketball or soccer, then do so.

Always remember to pace yourself and be careful to not hurt yourself.

Exercise to Build Muscles Health.gov recommends doing muscle-strengthening activities at least two days a week. This can include chores or honey-dos.

Activities such as heavy gardening, like digging or shoveling, or doing push-ups are great activities.

Practicing squats is another muscle building workout that you can perform at home. Set a chair under yourself and place your hands crossed on your shoulders and squat up and down onto the chair.

Spring 2021

27

Reducing risk of stroke Maintaining a healthy lifestyle will also help you reduce the risk of stroke. Health.gov shares information on what a stroke is and what you can do to reduce the risk of you or a loved one having a stroke.

What is a stroke?

BASIC HEART

HEALTH TIPS As you get older your risk for heart disease increases. You need to take big steps to actively monitor your health and change your lifestyle to a healthier one.

Health.gov shares basic heart health tips to help you and your loved ones lower your risk for heart disease.

style. Health.gov says adults need at least two and a half hours of moderate aerobic activity each week. This can include fast walking, dancing and biking.

Begin by working out for at least 1020 minutes a day. Increase the time as you adjust your schedule and your body to physical activity.

Eat healthy

Encourage Healthy Habits

Changing your diet can be one of the most difficult ways to lower your risk of heart disease — difficult because you may be accustomed to eating certain foods and certain spices on your foods for years. As you get older these foods can be a danger to your life paired with stress and sleep habits.

Start by eating the right foods. A heart-healthy diet is low in saturated and trans fats, added sugars and sodium. Heart-healthy foods are high in fiber, such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables. You can find all these types of foods at your local grocery stores.

Get Active Becoming more active can also help to lower your risk for heart disease. You don’t have to become a professional weight lifter to create a healthier life28 Northern Arizona’s Mountain Living Magazine

Take a look at your life and monitor what unhealthy habits may cause heart problems in the future. Break away from habits such as smoking, alcohol or stress.

Quitting smoking helps lower your risk of heart disease and heart attack. Secondhand smoking can be just as harmful to you as well.

Ask guests to smoke outside and try to avoid being around people that will smoke without considering your health.

Drink alcohol in moderation and manage stress properly. Stress is one of the leading causes of heart disease, depression and high blood pressure.

Practicing deep breathing techniques and meditation are good ways to manage your stress and relax yourself.

Health.gov defines a stroke — sometimes called a “brain attack” — as when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked, which can hurt or kill cells in the brain. Strokes are the leading cause of death in adults.

Strokes can cause lifelong damage such as: Trouble thinking and speaking.

Paralysis Trouble controlling or expressing emotions.

Are you at risk?

If you are afraid you are at risk of having a stroke, here is what Health.gov says are the biggest risk factors.

The number one risk factor for stroke is high blood pressure. There are no signs or symptoms for high blood pressure, so Health.gov stresses the importance to get your high blood pressure checked regularly.

Talk to your doctor about how often to check your blood pressure and whether measuring at home is right for you.

Other risk factors for stroke are smoking, drinking too much alcohol, use of illegal drugs, diabetes and high cholesterol, to name a few.

Signs Strokes usually happen unexpectedly and with little to no warning. Health.gov shares signs you can watch for: Sudden dizziness, loss of balance or trouble walking.

Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or trouble understanding.

Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.

Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg. Especially on one side of the body.

Sudden, severe headache with no known cause.

If you or someone in your family has a stroke, call 911 right away. The chances of you or your loved surviving and recovering depends on how fast emergency help arrives.

OUTDOOR life

IN THE FOOTSTEPS

Thoughts and reflections on backpacking with the family

‌O SETH MULLER

ur full-family backpack trip to Indian Garden, 3,060 elevation feet down into the Grand Canyon, marked the first time my wife Jane and I truly backpacked with our children. Not only camped. Not only hiked. But backpacked. It was like us to make the first time for all of us a deep plunge into one of the largest canyons on earth, up and down steep trails and along unforgiving terrain. We always find magic in the big, brutal, beautiful exposure.

Both our children—Grace and Ezra, 12 and 9 at the time, respectively—not only did well but thrived and celebrated our experience. We were joined by Grace’s friend McKenna and her mom, Dara, for a great group adventure hopefully etched like a petroglyph into their memories.

JANE MULLER‌

The author and his 9-year-old son, Ezra, take in the views from Plateau Point inside the Grand Canyon.

Spring 2021 namlm.com

29

JANE MULLER‌PHOTOS

A desert bighorn lamb crosses the Bright Angel Trail near Mile-and-a-Half Resthouse.

Ezra Muller gives his approval of the views and sights along the Bright Angel Trail.

Grace Muller takes a break along the Bright Angel Trail.

Mid-October during the school district’s fall 2020 break struck us as an optimal time on the calendar. Not the harrowing downstrokes of summer with nothing but raging heat and toowarm nights. Though temperatures at the bottom of the canyon approached triple digits, the angle of the sun and cliff shadow offered forgiveness for our travels.

At Indian Garden, we relished the oasis. The pulse and flow of Garden Creek. The boughs of shady cottonwoods. A campground with spigots pressurized with spring water. Fourand-a-half miles down, but with two water sources for the hike. The thick ribbons of shade became our angels.

The sentinels of rock held back the

relentless sun.

Our trip—like all of the best backpacks into and out of the canyon I had taken before—became a collage of divine moments. A mother desert bighorn sheep crossed the trail with her curious lamb following behind.

The rock art left underneath a massive boulder jutting out captured everyone’s imaginations. The makeshift creek that formed from a waterline leak below Mile-and-a-Half Resthouse attracted all manner of birds. A raven took a morning bath in a pool from the water.

We needed to make a 30-minute trek in the midday sun for our last leg of the hike, only to arrive at the Indian Garden and its canopy. A mule-deer fawn

30 Northern Arizona’s Mountain Living Magazine

Grace and McKenna named Jolene. She took delicate steps toward our campsite, only to squat and urinate near the edge of it. We considered it good luck.

Ezra took to the cool waters of Garden Creek. He worked to dam it with rocks and dug out a small wading pool.

The arrival of the mule trains brought a highlight event of the day, and the three kids gathered to take pictures and enjoy the presence of the animals and riders. They also brought a strange juxtaposition with the trail runners, the traditional and historic use of the canyon much different than the growing modern mindset to run the canyon, move fast and make time.

Everything we did went much slower. We took the steady trek out to Plateau Point and let ourselves marvel at what felt like the true center of Grand Canyon. We studied and considered the green of the river. When night fell, we took in the Milky Way and the shooting stars of the peaking Orionid meteor shower. The Big Dipper hung upside down to our eye, handle pointed to the northern horizon. At night, we could also see the parade of headlamps strung along the Bright Angel Trail—showing the way out.

In the morning of our second day, we spotted ribbons of snakes in the lush grass of the day-use area. Ezra built another natural dam and created another pool at a spot of Garden Creek. We took moments to listen to the sound of the creek and the canyon breeze through the cottonwoods, and we could not help but feel at home inside the canyon.

It all culminated into a dramatic sense that this is what we needed for the children, and for our family. In times of pandemic and politic strife, Zoom classes and meetings and too much screen time, we needed to open our eyes and ears and tap into natural moments in one of the greatest natural wonders on earth. Grace and Ezra and McKenna all made it clear. We would return, and soon.

DISTINCTIVE SPACES

Shopping for

solar

of Energy, and installers must meet qualifications and install panels to meet local building, fire and electrical codes. Your system should be thoroughly inspected by a certified electrician before it goes online.

Learn more about your options for solar in northern Arizona by reaching out to any of the following businesses:  Flagstaff Solar, (928) 458-

3333, www.solarlifehome. com/flagstaff-solar  Northern Arizona Wind &

A

solar array is installed in America every two minutes, according to community solar advocates Solstice.

With solar getting more affordable, more homeowners are jumping on board, having solar panels installed on their homes. Given the newness of solar energy, however, knowing what to look for while shopping for solar panels can be tricky.

The U.S. Department of Energy offers a primer for homeowners called “Homeowner’s Guide to Going Solar.” The website (bit.ly/3rIT1xk) covers the basics of how solar energy works, how to determine if your home is suitable for a solar installation, and the financial and safety considerations involved.

Home Suitability Many factors are considered in determining whether your home is suitable for solar panels. In general, you will need to own your home and have a newer roof with a south-facing slope that isn’t obscured by excessive shade. Each individual

Sun, (928) 526-8017, www. solar-electric.com solar company will have its own requirements.

Financial Matters You can buy solar panels outright, finance them with a loan, or lease panels. With a loan or lease, your monthly payments could be lower than your monthly electricity bill, but you will be locked into a longterm contract. Another option is a power purchase agreement, through which a consumer agrees to purchase power produced by panels installed on his home at a set price. Purchasing panels could allow you to qualify for the Solar Investment Tax Credit, a 30% federal tax credit available through 2022. Lease and PPA agreements do not qualify for the credit.

Also ask about net metering.

This arrangement allows you to receive credit on your electric bill for power that your system feeds back into the grid.

Shop around with various solar installers and compare their financing options. Compare the up-front and monthly costs, as well as tax benefits.

Safety

If you’re worried about whether solar is safe for your home, rest assured the industry is well regulated to protect homeowners. Solar panels must meet international inspection and testing standards, according to the Department

 Plug & Play Solar,

(800) 347-2291, www. plugandplaysolarkits.com  Prometheus Solar,

(928) 527-1034, www. prometheussolar.com  Rooftop Solar, (928) 213-5670,

www.rooftopsolar.us

Could Your Kitchen Use an Update?

Before

After Refacing

1 DAY WOOD RESTORATION REFACING & REDOORING NEW CABINETS + DESIGN CABINET PAINTING

Andy & Laura Leigh Mathis Local Owners ROC# 303301

kitchentuneup.com

928-707-0315

Locally owned & operated. Financing available.

Spring 2021 namlm.com

31

Stay in the know on

RECALLS In December 2020, a U.S. ceiling fan manufacturer recalled nearly 200,000 fans due to a risk of the fan blades detaching during use, causing injury and property damage. Along with making the switch to solar power if possible, homeowners can improve their living spaces by keeping tabs on recalled products that might be laying around the house with the potential to do harm.

You might think you have nothing to worry about, but in December 2020 alone, the CPSC issued recalls of dozens of household items, including the following: all-terrain vehicles, home energy storage batteries, gas camping stoves, portable baby sleepers, tents, flashlights, pole saws, bicycles, cell phone chargers, multi-cookers and more. The risks include burns, fire hazards, fall risks, suffocation and more.

To stay in the know, regularly visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s recall website at www.cpsc.gov/Recalls. You can also sign up for e-mails about recalls in specific categories of products.

product may offer repair, replacement or a refund. You may not need your receipt, so it’s important to always look into rectifying the situation.

If you do receive a replacement product or refund, you will likely be required to destroy and dispose of the faulty product safely to keep it off the market.

Sell Smart If you’re planning a rummage sale or selling goods through the classifieds or an online marketplace, do your part to help keep dangerous products out of the marketplace by checking the CPSC website for recalls. Selling recalled products is illegal, not just for retailers but for individual sellers. If you find a product is recalled, immediately destroy and dispose of it to help keep others safe. Many baby cribs with drop sides, as well as most cribs manufactured before June 2011, have been recalled and should not be resold. Check out the CPSC’s publication “Resellers Guide to Selling Safer Products” at https:// bit.ly/3rFFdnj.

Shop Smart

To protect your family from unsafe products before you buy, visit SaferProducts.gov, where reports of harm caused by products are cataloged in a searchable database.

On the website, you can search by brand and model number and read reports made by consumers about their experience with products from air purifiers to In Case of Recall If you own a recalled product, dishwashers to thermostats to the company that produced the lawn equipment and more.

32 Northern Arizona’s Mountain Living Magazine

SPRING CLEANING CHECKLIST Spring cleaning is a chance for a fresh start.

After a long winter spent cooped up at home, spring is a natural time to declutter, clean and organize your home. Here is a checklist of spring cleaning jobs to remember. You can go it alone, or consider hiring a local cleaning service like Merry Maids of Flagstaff, A Cleaner You or TrueShine, LLC. to help you really make your home shine.

MarthaStewart.com recommends replenishing your cleaning supplies before you get started. That way you’ll have all the tools you need for the job.

• Basic cleaning. Sweep, mop, vacuum, clean toilets, the works. This is the time to tackle deep-cleaning jobs you’ve been putting off. Sanitize the hard-to-reach area behind the toilet. Scrub off caked-on soap scum and grime on the bathroom faucet. Really get in there and finish the job.

• Once-in-a-while jobs.

This is the time to clean the oven, open all the windows and clean the tracks, glass and screens. Degrease the kitchen cabinet doors and hinges.

Give the refrigerator a deep clean, including the door seals and glass. Defrost the freezer, if needed. Deep clean the

kitchen sink disposal. Polish any silver. Dust the blinds and wash or vacuum the curtains.

Shampoo rugs. Clean washing machine seals. Dust and wipe down baseboards and crown molding. Clean and sanitize remote controls. Check or replace smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries. Replace air filters. Dust and clean light fixtures and ceiling fans.

Vacuum refrigerator coils. Flip mattresses. Wash comforters and other large bedding, or take them to the cleaners. Reseal grout. Polish or wax wooden furniture. Wax flooring.

• Seasonal maintenance.

Clean gutters. Clean and repair outdoor furniture. Pressure wash the deck or patio.

Clean any debris from the roof. Consider having your air conditioning unit cleaned and serviced.

• Declutter. Spring is a great time to go through adults’ and kids’ closets to see which clothes no longer fit or have holes/stains. Make a donation pile and organize the remaining clothes in drawers and closets. Do the same with toys and books. Toss any food that’s been hanging around in the refrigerator a bit too long.

Inventory the deep freeze so you can use up foods that have been lurking there.

PLAYING FAVORITES

Documenting a

TOWN 2020 releases from Soulstice Publishing celebrate joy of the mundane

‌T

he faces and places that give Flagstaff its unique character are on loving display in this past winter’s Walking Flagstaff: A Photo Journal by George Breed.

Armed with his trusty point-andshoot Olympus SP-800UZ—the third of its kind after the first one broke and the second was stolen—Breed has been documenting life in Flagstaff ever since forgoing a car for his feet in 2009. Retired from his previous life as a psychologist, martial artist, Marine and trail hiker, he could roam wherever his spirit and feet took him.

When he steps out his front door, he turns down random streets and alleyways, guided solely by his whims. He captures pet cats sitting in windowsills, osprey and great blue herons catching a meal at Francis Short Pond, performance artists at Wheeler Park and Heritage Square, flowers illuminated by the sun just so, pleasing textures and color patterns, long-gone murals.

“I had no car and did not want one,” he said. “As I walked, I became friends with Flagstaff’s street people, business owners, politicians, river runners, canyon hikers, buskers, street musicians and photographers, artists of paint and jewelry and acrobatics. I quickly added a camera to my daily stroll, to capture and share what I saw.”

He posted photos to a blog called “Walking Flagstaff,” which later blossomed into a popular Facebook page.

Jake Bacon, chief photographer of the Arizona Daily Sun, considers Breed a mentor.

“What draws me to George’s work is how he approaches his subjects over time, subjects that each of us sees as staples of our community, that we see every day and that, to a degree, fade into the background,” he wrote in the book’s opening essay. “George looks at those subjects with fresh eyes and keeps looking. ... This is what sets George apart.

With the simplest of cameras, he sees new ways to capture the beauty all around us.”

Bacon served as photo editor on the book project, sifting through some 4,500 photos, themselves chosen by Breed from a collection of nearly 50,000 images. The final book presents 235 images, plus two dozen of Breed’s short writings about walking and photography.

“Walking produces calmness of mind.

Calmness of mind allows clear seeing,” he explained on one page. On another: “I walk around until I stop trying to accomplish something. Then I start taking photos.”

The collection reflects a Flagstaff of the past, with buildings and residents who have since left standing proudly in the images on the page. It reminds us that there is joy in the mundane if we just take the time to slow down and appreciate it.

Soulstice’s Walking Flagstaff and

The cover of George Breed’s Walking Flagstaff features “Sound of Flight,” a large mural by local artists Sky Black and The Mural Mice on the east side of the Orpheum Theater.

COURTESY SOULSTICE PUBLISHING‌

Just a Teacher—reviewed on the next page—can be purchased at Bright Side Bookshop, 18 N. San Francisco St., or directly through the publisher at www. soulsticepublishing.com.

Spring 2021 namlm.com

33

PLAYING FAVORITES

Not just a

teacher

—or a pond MACKENZIE CHASE

‌W

hile the Frances Short Pond near Thorpe Park is a veritable wildlife oasis along the Flagstaff Urban Trail System, it wasn’t always so. The pond behind what’s now Flagstaff Junior Academy presented a hazard in the mid-1960s as it was partially filled with trash and residents worried children could drown in it. But when the city council expressed plans to pave it over, teacher Jim David had another idea, one that would create more of a symbiotic relationship between the land and community at large.

In Soulstice Publishing’s “Just a Teacher,” former National Biology Teacher of the Year David and Puente de Hozho Tri-Lingual School founder Michael Fillerup tell the fictionalized story of how the pond came to be, emphasizing the impact teachers can have on thousands of young minds throughout their career.

The book begins with recent college graduate Todd Hunter taking a job teaching math and science to 9th graders in order to remain in the mountain town in which he studied and met his wife. However, he quickly realizes that teaching is a much more difficult endeavor than he had expected.

Hunter struggles to keep his students’ attention as he attempts to teach science concepts from a thick, dull textbook. As an outdoorsman skilled in interpreting nature in the real world, whether navigating lethal river rapids or facing down a black bear, he’s found his weakness: “I’ve run from the South Rim to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon and back in a single day—forty-two ankle-breaking, switch-backing miles— and finished with a limp and a shout and a 34 Northern Arizona’s Mountain Living Magazine

smile. Only this has brought me to tears: teaching disinterested ninth graders.”

Then he sees the unofficial city dump behind the school from a new perspective following a particularly difficult day. As a vision takes shape, Hunter enlists the help of his students to formulate a six-stage plan for transforming the eyesore behind their school into a wildlife refuge while applying scientific principles from their textbook to help reinforce what they learn while building the pond.

A passage early on and quoted on the back cover of the book sums up the theme: “Over the next thirty-five years, I will teach more than seven thousand students and remember the majority of them, but I will not forget a single name or face from that first class, the one that started the Pond Project.

This is where I’ll cut my teeth; this is where I’ll learn the difference between teaching and blabbing. This is where I’ll learn about inspiration, motivation, leadership, and vision. And this is where I’ll learn that to teach is first and foremost to love.”

“Just a Teacher” was pieced together with narratives taken from David’s detailed accounts of his decades-long teaching

career, with Fillerup shaping it into a cohesive story.

Turmoil in Hunter’s marriage and a transition from classroom to administrative work carry the plot beyond the scope of the Pond Project, as well as an added mystery that will keep readers turning pages to figure out what the main character has been hiding.

In the end, the book is a celebration of a teacher’s legacy. Fillerup and David lay their hearts bare on the pages, imploring teachers, students and parents to not give up on the largely unappreciated and under-funded education field.

Take the title itself. Fillerup described a scenario in which a teacher is at a cocktail party making small talk. Inevitably, the question of people’s livelihood will come up. “[Someone might say,] ‘I’m a nuclear physicist,’ or, ‘I’m a CEO of something,’ and the teachers just kind of look at the ground and go, ‘Well, I’m just a teacher,’” he said.

“In the eyes of society, the role of a teacher is really minimized, and it’s reflected in the salaries that teachers are paid.

“For anyone who wants to teach, it’s a great read, but it’s also a great read for anyone who’s had a teacher that changed their life,” Fillerup continued. “Jim was that kind of teacher.”

“It never could have been written without one person who can write really well and one person who has a story,” David said. “I just feel really lucky that we were able to get here. Michael and I spent seven years trying to get this thing together and do it right, and we are really happy with what we did because this little book is meant to make this world a better place to live. That’s important to both of us.”

SPOTLIGHT

GARY NELSON

What advice do you have for first-time homebuyers?

Start early with a local mortgage lender (not a bank) to get pre-qualified and repair any credit problems you may have. Then find an experienced local Realtor who is tech-savvy, knows the market and is great at communicating with you. Know your budget guidelines and share that with your Realtor so they can prepare and present available properties that fall within your budget. Work with a trusted, local and experienced Realtor.

Arizona Association of REALTORS®

‌Just to start, tell us a bit about yourself.

What drew you to a career in real estate?

I’m a lifelong resident of Flagstaff and in 1994, my wife Tammy and I were deciding whether we were going to stay in the Flagstaff area and start a family or relocate. After touring a large part of the western U.S., we decided to stay in Flagstaff. That meant I needed to look for a career change that would allow me to be rewarded for my own work ethic and also give me a schedule so that I could continue to enjoy what northern Arizona has to offer. That is when I became a Realtor.

What does your upcoming role as president of Arizona Association of REALTORS® encompass?

The Arizona REALTORS® focuses on four main subjects for its 54,000 members: professional development, ethics and arbitration, legislative concerns and business services. The Arizona Realtors are very proactive on improving new and existing programs and technologies for our members that ultimately benefit the consumer.

Currently, we are trying to work with our state legislature to try to balance laws effecting both landlords and tenants related to the COVID-19 pandemic. We also are very involved with fair housing, private property rights and housing opportunity on behalf of our clients and customers. I have been deeply involved with each of those aspects as a volunteer for the Association for many years. My role as president will be to continue to serve our members by chairing meetings, working with our phenomenal staff on a daily basis, speaking on behalf of the Association and trying to improve com-

As a personal touch, you’ve donated a portion of every home sale to a local charity in your clients’ names. How did this practice come about?

munication to the membership.

How have you seen the housing market shift throughout your time as a Realtor?

Since I started in 1994, I have seen huge shifts in the real estate markets here in northern Arizona, statewide and nationally. When I started, Buyers Representation was just really taking off in Arizona.

Prior to that, Realtors strictly represented the Seller, so Buyers representation was a game changer in the industry. It is common today of course, but at the time I was one of very few agents in the market actively representing Buyers in a transaction. In addition, there were rapid changes in technology at that time as well. In the mid-2000’s the real estate market was crazy with speculation, sub-prime loans and people overextending themselves. That led to the market crash from 2007 to 2010. Since 2011, we have seen tremendous growth in homeownership opportunities, low interest rates and much stricter lending policies. Currently, we are addressing the challenges of keeping Realtors and their clients safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. And of course there is huge Buyer demand as mortgage interest rates are the lowest we have seen since 1971.

The current market is about as hot as I have ever seen.

I started volunteering for local charities early on in my real estate career and saw how they struggle for donations, resources and volunteers. Giving back to the community you grew up in is a very easy thing to do, especially when you know the kind of impact that will have. Currently, Realty Executives of Flagstaff is very connected with Habitat for Humanity and in school and youth groups. A portion of our commissions from each sale goes toward those endeavors. I also am very involved with Flagstaff Toys for Tots and the Route 66 Chili Festival which benefits Big Brothers Big Sisters. A portion of my commission includes my company’s commitments but I also support The Arizona Trail, Flagstaff Family Food Center, Friends of Camp Colton and various other community and school groups.

What activities do you enjoy in your spare time?

Currently, a big part of my time is dedicated to the groups that I mention above.

However, when time permits, I love to play hooky on a winter morning and ski up at the Arizona Snowbowl. My wife, Tammy, is a principal at one of our local middle schools, so during warmer months and when her time permits, our favorite thing is spending time with our young-adult kids, camping with our dogs and also hiking the Arizona Trail. We are currently section-hiking the Arizona Trail and are 365 miles in on an 810mile goal!

Spring 2021 namlm.com

35

Keeping

Northern Arizona healthy.

Schedule a telehealth or in-person appointment today!

Keeping you healthy to do the things you love to do.

36 Northern Arizona’s Mountain Living Magazine

northcountryhealthcare.org