Images Arizona January 2021

j anuary 2021

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WRITING WITHOUT WORDS Writer Amanda Christmann Photography by Bryan Black

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COMMUNITY EVENTS Writer Joseph J. Airdo

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A LIGHT PURSE Writer Joseph J. Airdo Photography by Carl Schultz

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ICY STREAMS Writer Joseph J. Airdo

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Photography by Steven Ebright

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BORN BY THE FIRES OF FATE Writer Joseph J. Airdo Photography Courtesy of Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting

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ROASTED LEMON CRINKLE COOKIES Writer and photographer Kyndra Kelly

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HAPPY NEW YEAR! FROM THE COULTER NISSAN FAMILY

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PUBLISHER Shelly Spence

MANAGING EDITOR Joseph J. Airdo

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Meaghan Hanie

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Joseph J. Airdo Lynette Carrington Amanda Christmann Kyndra Kelly Shannon Severson

PHOTOGRAPHERS Bryan Black Brandon Dunham Kyndra Kelly Loralei Lazurek Carl Schultz

ADVERTISING SALES Cooper Langston 480-544-8721 cooper@imagesaz.com

Images Arizona P.O. Box 1416 Carefree, AZ. 85377 623-341-8221 imagesarizona.com

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Well, we made it. We officially survived one of the most globally challenging years that most of us have ever experienced. There has been heartache and discomfort, but we demonstrated with unbridled conviction to 2020 that our strength lies within our resilience as a community.

Now, as we officially begin a brand new year, there is a universal and robust hope for a healthier and happier 2021. As most people are, I am excited for what lies ahead — especially because, more so than in years past, we will be seeing the world with not only fresh vision but renewed clarity.

So many of our holidays, festivities and day-to-day routines were muted last year as we did what was necessary to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe. Events were canceled, gatherings were reduced in size and hugs and handshakes disappeared from our lives. As a result, our appreciation for those things has ballooned in magnitude.

It is exciting to think about all of the amazing activities, incredible connections and serendipitous possibilities that await us over the next 12 months. It is akin to standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon and breathing in the fresh air, visually observing its impressive vastness and feeling a sense of overwhelming optimism wash over you.

As we finally embark on a new chapter, I am eager to take full advantage of every opportunity that lies before me. I plan to embrace my children and tell them how much I love them every chance I get. I intend to meet as many of my interesting neighbors as possible and ask them how I can make their lives more enjoyable and businesses more successful.

Submission of news for community section should be in to shelly@imagesaz.com by the 5th of the month prior to publication.

Images Arizona is published by ImagesAZ Inc. Copyright Š 2020 by ImagesAZ, Inc. All rights reserved.

I aspire to make each and every one of the 365 sunrises of 2021 beautiful for not only myself but the entire community.

Reproduction, in whole or part, without permission is prohibited.

The publisher is not responsible for the return of unsolicited material.

Cheers!

Local First A R I Z O NA 6

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Shelly Spence Publisher, Images Arizona magazine shelly@imagesaz.com 623-341-8221

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F R O M

A

D AY

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T H E

L I N K S

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T O

A

N I G H T

O U T

CONTEMPORARY JEWELRY + ART

All the FOPE collections share an incredible attention to detail and high quality, while the original designs represent an ever-evolving interpretation of Italian style. The Flex’it collections in particular have become a trademark of this brand, with flexible bracelets entirely made of gold thanks to dozens of tiny gold springs.

Grace Renee Gallery 7212 E. Ho Hum Rd. # 7 | Carefree, AZ 85377 Open Daily 10 a.m.–5 p.m. and Open Late Thur.–Sat.until 7 p.m.

480.575.8080

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GraceReneeGallery.com

Flex’it Bracelet with Diamonds 18 karat gold and diamond j anuary 2021

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"The Gift," 27 by 19 inches, Watercolor

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Writer Amanda Christmann Photography Submitted by Cathy Hegman

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Brushes, palette knives and stories left untold beckon Cathy Hegman into her studio.

Holding a paint-splattered palette and a wash brush, she stands before a blank canvas, listening to its whispers as blended layers of pigments begin to fill the space. Her studio becomes a creative kitchen of sorts as she experiments with wax, gels and other binders, adding depth and detail to complicate the plot.

As the hours go by, a woman emerges from a muted scene.

She is shrouded in a haze and her featureless face leaves a Mona Lisa-like mystery surrounding her expression.

Hegman is in no rush. She leaves the woman from time to time to think about who she wants to become, then returns to listen and fulfill her requests.

To refer to Hegman as a painter is a misnomer. She is better defined as a writer who uses hues and texture as her language. Through her work, she is colorfully narrating a memoir with muted landscapes and ambiguous figures in starring roles, employing contrast and harmony as ongoing themes.

For 33 years, Hegman has made creating contemporary figurative art her full-time vocation. As an internationally recognized artist and a teacher, she approaches her work with a nearly palpable sense of serenity that becomes the foundation for surreal landscapes and figures.

“Events in my life are often the basis of my paintings,” Hegman says. “Almost everything I’ve ever painted is tranquil. I want my work to illuminate a feeling of peace and balance.”

TO ENNOBLE BEAUTY

Hegman’s perspective draws unmistakable parallels to the work of American writer and painter Susan Fenimore Cooper. Though more than a century has passed since Fenimore Cooper penned beautiful compositions about the natural world around her, the two share a timeless and intimate love of nature, solitude and quietude.

Where Fenimore Cooper wrote volumes and only occasionally expressed herself with art, Hegman has followed the opposite pattern, painting nearly constantly, but pausing to

write every now and again. Still, the essence of their language is the same, and both manage to break through shackles of time and place with illimitable narratives.

In 1850, in “Rural Hours,” Fenimore Cooper wrote, “Never forget the difference between things of importance and trifles; yet remember that trifles have also their value.”

Whether depicted as an interaction with a bluebird in her painting, “The Gift,” or a quiet moment in the garden portrayed in “Zinnia,” Hegman echoes this sentiment in her work just as gracefully and poetically.

While Fenimore Cooper wrote about her then-untamed homelands in upstate New York, Hegman’s muse is the wilds of Mississippi; its piney woodlands, magnificent wildlife, and unpredictable rivers weave their way into her visual tales. Her subject is nearly always the fundamental relationship between herself and the delicately balanced ecosystem around her.

She paints not to preach or compel, but to ennoble beauty.

For this reason, she prefers to leave her characters, often women, anonymous in form so that the storyline is left open to interpretation.

“If you give them an entire face, you’re making them something singular. It becomes easier to enter the painting when they remain anonymous,” Hegman says. “It’s always so interesting to know what others see in my work. I’d much rather hear what they think before I tell them my intent.

“I enjoy leaving out parts that aren’t necessary in my work. To me, the figure is used as an integral part of the design of the piece as well as playing a part in the narrative of the painting.”

Hegman’s oeuvre hasn’t always been so unique. In her early artistic years, she tried her hand at painting portraits.

“I wouldn’t do that now for love or money,” she says with a laugh. “I think everybody evolves. In the beginning of my painting journey, the more realistic I could make my paintings, the better I thought they were. Now I find it’s more about emoting feeling rather than replicating in my art that compels me.”

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“

"Zinnia," 20 by 16 inches, Oil on Canvas

"Isolate," 30 by 22 inches, Acrylic on Paper

Events in my life are often the basis of my paintings. Almost everything I’ve ever painted is tranquil. I want my work to illuminate a feeling of peace and balance.

Cathy Hegman

"Red Flags," 48 by 48 inches, Acrylic on Wood

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Cathy Hegman

PURPOSEFULLY ENIGMATIC

It’s difficult to characterize Hegman by her medium; she’s not simply a watercolor, oil or acrylic painter, or even a mixed media artist. She dabbles in a little bit of everything, and she enjoys the process of learning just as much as she revels in putting the finishing touches on a piece.

“I work in all mediums,” she says. “For a long time, I used to do pure watercolor. I started adding other mediums because I couldn’t get the textures I wanted. Now, I work in oil, acrylics, watercolor, cold wax, mixed media ... I’ve just never found one medium that I loved more than the others. They all have inherent qualities that I’ve grown to love.”

Hegman concerns herself with value, or tonal variants, in her images. She checks her work by photographing it in black and white.

“I will always photograph my work as I am painting it in black and white to see the values more clearly,” she explains.

“If everything is in the same value, nothing is really important.

Black and white lets me know that my design is clear and that it’s cohesive.”

An apt illustration of her perfection of this is a painting called “Red Flags,” on display at Grace Renee Gallery in Carefree.

Figures of three women stand together in boldly striped dresses, their faces indistinct and their wild hair flowing like billowing clouds.

In white-gloved hands, each is holding a red flag that is somehow, remarkably, the most unnoticeable element of the picture. The contrast between the darker and lighter elements is so vivid that even a color as bold as red is nearly muted.

Another signature component of Hegman’s paintings is the idea that people are part of, and not separate from nature.

They’re often indistinguishable in her work.

“For the last eight years, I have painted predominantly figures in landscapes, usually painting them as one, in order to show the codependency of the two,” she explains. “People are formed by their environment and the environment is shaped and changed by people. It’s all so intricately entwined.”

An example of this is another gorgeously compelling piece called “Isolate,” which leaves the boundaries between a woman and the surrounding scene to the imagination. Foreground becomes background and background becomes facade.

Like many of her other works, the only certainties in this piece are the pout of lips, the shadow of a nose and the spark of curiosity this purposefully enigmatic painting inspires. j anuary 2021

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"DragonflySummer," 30 by 20 inches, Acrylic on Paper

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"Yellow Fashionista I," 12 by 12 inches, Oil

"Yellow Fashionista II," 12 by 12 inches, Oil

"Yellow Fashionista III," 12 by 12 inches, Oil

"Yellow Fashionista IV," 12 by 12 inches, Oil

"Yellow Fashionista V," 12 by 12 inches, Oil

"Yellow Fashionista VI," 12 by 12 inches, Oil

Hegman’s studio provides her with a glimpse into the deepest corners of her mind, and she continues to explore and evolve as an artist.

“Lately, I’m starting to bring in more flowers,” she says. “I’m kind of doing an homage to them because they keep showing up in my work.

“When I first started painting, my mother always told me she wished I painted more with flowers. All these years, flowers have not interested me. But for some reason, I did a painting and worked flowers into it.

When I saw it, I thought, ‘Look at this!’ Now, flowers are finding their way into more of what I’m doing.”

What she is doing, whatever it may be, is resonating with people from around the globe. She has been featured in exhibitions and galleries in the UK and Brazil, as well as across the United States. Locally, a sizable collection, including several smaller works from her Yellow Fashionista series, is available at Grace Renee Gallery.

“I have to paint every day,” the artist says. “If I make something recognizable, that’s pretty cool. The most any of us can hope for is to find a job that you love and to do it most of your life. I’m fortunate because that’s exactly what I do.” gracereneegallery.com

EXPERIENCE

The Art of Cathy Hegman Grace Renee Gallery | 7212 E. Ho Hum Road #7, Carefree | 480-575-8080 | gracereneegallery.com

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COMMUNITY

2021 JANUARY

Writer Joseph J. Airdo

Dec. 17–March 18

SHERRY BLANCHARD STUART SOLO EXHIBITION In conjunction with the Mayo Clinic Center for Humanities in Medicine, Scottsdale artist Sherry Blanchard is being featured via a solo exhibition. Known for the richness of color that illuminates her work in both traditional and representational styles, the artist loves the American West as its history and tradition inspires and informs much of her work. Free. Mayo Clinic, Building 3 — Second Floor Hall, 5777 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix. sherryblanchardstuart.com

“Downhill Run”

by Sherry Blanchard Stuart

Jan. 7

Stroll, shop, dine and enjoy an

SURPRISE FINE ART AND WINE FESTIVAL

evening celebrating the arts in

Thunderbird Artists will host a

downtown Carefree while helping

festival that boasts original pieces of

to support local businesses and

fine art in a variety of mediums and

local creativity — which makes

subject matters — including stone

our Arizona culture a better place

sculptors Jerry and Marshall Locke.

the most up-to-date information

to live, work and visit. Begin at

More than 40 different domestic and

at press time, some events may be

any gallery, then continue on to

imported wines, as well as flavored

other participating galleries. Enjoy

spirits and local microbrews, will be

a diverse display of artistic styles

available for tasting for a $10 fee,

and mediums, meet the artists,

which includes an engraved souvenir

other factors associated with the

enjoy refreshments and engage

wine glass and six tickets. Additional

COVID-19 pandemic. Please use

in conversation about art and

tickets may be purchased for $1.

architecture. Free. 4–8 p.m. See

Food booths will also be on-site with

website for participating galleries.

a wide variety of delectable sweets,

visitcarefree.com

treats and more. $3. 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Keep in mind Although Images Arizona magazine has made every effort to publish

canceled or rescheduled to comply with social distancing measures and

the contact information provided to confirm dated details.

CAREFREE ART WALK

Jan. 8–10

Mark Coronado Park, 15960 N. Bullard Ave., Surprise. 480-837-5637; thunderbirdartists.com

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Jan. 9

GOLDEN REEF STAMP MILL DEMONSTRATION Arizona’s only fully operational tenstamp ore crushing mill will run several outdoor demonstrations at Cave Creek Museum. Watch history come alive as the ten 1,000-pound stamps slam down in synchronized precision and hear the pounding echo against the desert foothills — just as it did more than 140 years ago. Also on exhibit outdoors on the museum campus are various pieces of equipment from the early mining days of Arizona and many agricultural tools used at local farms and ranches. See website for times. Cave Creek Museum, 6140 E. Skyline Drive, Cave Creek. 480488-2764; cavecreekmuseum.org

Jan. 9

MUSICAL THEATRE OF ANTHEM AUDITIONS Musical Theatre of Anthem will audition potential cast members for its upcoming productions of “13: The Musical,” “Aladdin Kids” and “Godspell.”

Auditionees should prepare a musical theater song. Optional 90-minute audition preparation workshops are available for a $35 fee. $325; sibling discounts and scholarships available.

See website for times. RSVP. Musical Theatre of Anthem, 42201 N. 41st Drive, Anthem. 623-336-6001; musicaltheatreofanthem.org

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Jan. 15–March 28

ARIZONA FINE ART EXPO Organizers will transform North Scottsdale into Arizona’s premier venue for collecting fine art during the 10-week Arizona Fine Art Expo. The event will feature 124 patron-friendly artist studios in a 44,000-square-foot space, where guests have a rare chance to meet the artists, see them in action and learn about their journey, inspiration and techniques. $10 season passes; senior, military and youth discounts available. 10 a.m.–6 p.m. 26540 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. 480-837-7163; arizonafineartexpo.com

Jan. 13–Feb. 17

MUSICAL THEATRE OF ANTHEM FILM STUDY

ceramic potter Hong Rubinstein. A

family and love. $25. See website for

vast array of domestic and imported

times. The Holland Center, 34250 N.

wines as well as ice-cold microbrews

60th St., Scottsdale. 480-488-1981;

and flavored spirits will be available

dftheater.org

for tasting for a $10 fee, which

Musical Theatre of Anthem will host

includes an engraved souvenir wine

a film analysis class during which

glass and six tickets. Additional

students aged 13–17 will watch and

tickets may be purchased for $1.

analyze classic films as well as learn

AfterGlow, specializing in high-energy

the history of cinematography and

contemporary jazz and funk tunes,

THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE

film. $100; sibling discounts available.

will provide the entertainment. $3. 10

Starlight Community Theater will

6 p.m. Wednesdays. RSVP. Musical

a.m.–5 p.m. Downtown Carefree, 101

present its production of “The

Theatre of Anthem, 42201 N. 41st

Easy Street, Carefree. 480-837-5637;

25th Annual Putnam County

Drive, Anthem. 623-336-6001;

thunderbirdartists.com

Spelling Bee,” in which an eclectic

musicaltheatreofanthem.org

Jan 15–17

CAREFREE FINE ART AND WINE FESTIVAL

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group of mid-pubescents vie for

Jan. 15–24

ONCE ON THIS ISLAND

the spelling championship of a lifetime. See website for price and times. Starlight Community Theater, 1611 W. Whispering

Desert Foothills Theater will present

Wind Drive, Suite 9, Phoenix.

its production of “Once on This

starlightcommunitytheater.com

Thunderbird Artists will host a

Island,” an exciting Broadway

festival that boasts 150 meticulously

musical inspired by Hans Christian

juried fine artists exhibiting a wide

Andersen’s “The Little Mermaid”

range of mediums — including

with themes of social classes, dreams,

i m a g e s a r i z o n a . c o m january 2 02 1

Jan. 15–31

Jan. 18–March 1

MUSICAL THEATRE OF ANTHEM WINTER IMPROV SQUADS Musical Theatre of Anthem will organize troupes that will learn the art of improvisation, comedic timing, character creation and physical comedy.

Students aged 8–17 will rehearse original comedy sketches and do performance improvisation for an audience. $175.

See website for rehearsal days and times.

Musical Theatre of Anthem, 42201 N. 41st Drive, Anthem. 623-336-6001; musicaltheatreofanthem.org

Jan. 19

CELEBRATING BEETHOVEN Acclaimed pianist Jeffrey Siegel will commemorate the 250th birthday of composer Ludwig van Beethoven during which the audience will learn about and listen to the beloved “Moonlight Sonata” and Sonata op. 110, written after deafness engulfed the legendary composer. $25+. 7:30 p.m. Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. Second St., Scottsdale. 480-499-8587; scottsdaleperformingarts.org

Jan. 19–28

T.A. BURROWS IN CONCERT Herberger Theater Center will present

INJURY SCREENING

vocalist T.A. Burrows in a concert that includes some of his favorite pop hits and standards. Between the tunes, Burrows will share hilarious anecdotes reflecting his amazing career as a professional entertainer. $7. 12:10 p.m. Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix. 602-252-8497; herbergertheater.org

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Feb. 5 and 6

AARON HENRY JEWELRY Grace Renee Gallery will welcome the designer of Aaron Henry Jewelry during an event that showcases the brand's brilliant pieces — each of which is handcrafted, bringing classical Old World quality to modern design. The hallmarks of Aaron Henry Jewelry's lines are design integrity, gemstone quality, fine craftsmanship and attention to detail. Free. 10 a.m.–7 p.m. Grace Renee Gallery, 7212 E. Ho Hum Road, Suite 7, Carefree. 480-575-8080; gracereneegallery.com

Jan. 21–Feb. 25

songs of Johnny Cash. The show

arts, education and community in

will feature Scott Moreau, who

the area. Free. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. The

starred as Cash in the national tour

Holland Community Center, 34250

of the Broadway hit “Million Dollar

N. 60th St., Scottsdale. 480-488-

Daisy Mountain Fire and Medical

Quartet.” See website for price and

1090; azfcf.org

will host a class that will allow

times. Arizona Broadway Theatre,

community members to experience

7701 W. Paradise Lane, Peoria. 623-

firefighter training first-hand.

776-8400; azbroadway.org

MUSICAL THEATRE OF ANTHEM HOSTS ACTING CLASSES

Jan. 30

Musical Theatre of Anthem is hosting

CITIZEN FIRE ACADEMY

Registrants will learn about Daisy Mountain Fire District, how calls are dispatched, visit a fire station, try

weekly acting classes for youth aged

more. $35. Daisy Mountain Fire and

ARIZONA SAGE ART MARKET

Medical, 41018 N. Daisy Mountain

The Holland Center will host its

Drive, Anthem. 623-465-7400;

Theatre of Anthem, 42201 N. 41st

6th annual event during which

daisymountainfire.org

Drive, Anthem. 623-336-6001;

attendees will be able to purchase

musicaltheatreofanthem.org

equipment, participate in drills and

works of art from a variety of

Jan. 29–Feb. 21

WALKIN’ THE LINE

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mediums — including painting, jewelry, glass art and more. Thirty juried artists will participate in the

Arizona Broadway Theatre will

event, which shares proceeds with

present a tribute show during which

the Holland Center — a nonprofit

audiences can relive the amazing

organization committed to enhancing

i m a g e s a r i z o n a . c o m january 2 02 1

7–14. $10 per class or $75 for 10 classes. 5:45 p.m. Tuesdays. Musical

EXPERIENCE

M A T T E R S

S E L L I N G A N T H E M S I N C E 1 9 9 9 • Over 700 homes sold in Anthem since 1999 • Sold Anthem “new build” homes for Del Webb (1999 to 2004) • Licensed with REMAX since 2004 ar! Wishing Happy New Ye Happiness!

You Health and

PROFESSIONALS

Each office independently owned and operated.

• Anthem resident since 2000

MIKE HIGGINS

623.640.7502 | MikeSellsAnthem.com

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From left, Debi Quinn, Diane Steenman and Jill Hieb prepare for Anthem Giving Circle's Purses for a Purpose event, during which stunningly gorgeous designer handbags are auctioned off as a fundraiser for the group’s various charitable efforts throughout the year.

Writer Joseph J. Airdo

i mby a g eCarl s a r iSchultz zona.com Photography 22

january 2 02 1

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Upon joining Anthem Giving Circle in 2015, Diane Steenman was surprised to discover the amount of need that exists in Anthem.

“Everybody thinks of Anthem as a well-off community,” she says. “But the amount of need in this area is astounding. Quite honestly, you would never know that there is that need here. It is hidden. But it is important to make people aware of it because you cannot fix what you do not know.”

Promoting that awareness is only one goal of Anthem Giving Circle. The other is to actually do something to lessen those needs or at least make them a bit more manageable.

“We can make a dent in this,” says Steenman, who chairs Anthem Giving Circle. “It is a small dent — and we know that it is a small dent — but it is a dent that is very meaningful.”

Anthem Giving Circle was founded in 2007 when a group of 10 women decided to collectively pool their time, talents and monetary resources to impact specific causes and needs within Anthem and its surrounding communities. They believed that their efforts would not only allow them to give back to the community they loved but also develop deep friendships.

The nonprofit organization held its first annual Purses for a Purpose event in 2010, during which stunningly gorgeous designer handbags are auctioned off as a fundraiser for the group’s various charitable efforts throughout the year. What started off as a relatively small event featuring 25 lovely purses has grown to a massive celebration at Ironwood Country Club’s ballroom, where attendees mix and mingle while bidding on 150 new and gently used handbags.

“Purses have kind of become our brand,” says Steenman, noting that the handbags are all donated to Anthem Giving Circle by generous members of the community. “Purses and women giving to charity sort of just fit together.”

Last year’s event, which saw more than 225 people in attendance, raised $32,000 for Anthem Giving Circle. Unfortunately, due to health and safety restrictions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, the nonprofit organization has had to scale down this year’s event from the usual gala to a virtual fundraiser.

However, the group’s steadfastness and the event’s mission remain the same.

“First of all, 99% of the money goes to the communities of Anthem, Desert Hills and Tramonto,” Steenman says. “It is used to help people with medical

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From left, Debi Quinn, Diane Steenman and Jill Hieb are grateful to have an avenue like Anthem Giving Circle and its annual Purses for a Purpose fundraiser to strengthen the community — all of it, especially those in need.

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bills, rent and [utilities] payments, home and automotive repairs and other things like that when someone is unemployed or has had an accident and has no money.”

Anthem Giving Circle members — of which there are currently 22 — vote on all expenditures while the St. Vincent de Paul Society at St. Rose Philippine Duchesne Catholic Parish vets all requests to ensure that assistance is going to those who truly need it the most.

BEYOND HANDBAGS

The nonprofit organization also teams up with the community’s seven elementary schools and two high schools to provide for student needs. Each school has an Anthem Giving Circle member as a liaison to gather information and provide support for students. A total of $300 in gift cards are supplied to each school’s administration in both the fall and the spring semesters to be used at their discretion.

“We also usually give three scholarships — two to Boulder Creek High School and one to Great Hearts Anthem Preparatory Academy,” adds Steenman, noting that recipients are B-students who are very active in the community. “But because we cannot earn the kind of money that we normally earn, we have had to cut back on what we did and felt that this was something we needed to cut this year.”

Each August, Anthem Giving Circle collects new and gently used bras to support St. Vincent de Paul’s program for women in need.

“People never think of it but one of the largest needs here in Arizona is undergarments for women,” Steenman says. “Over the past four years, we have collected more than 1,200 bras and donated more than $600 for that cause.”

Each holiday season, Anthem Giving Circle kicks its efforts into high-gear, creating Thanksgiving and Christmas meal bags for families in need to go along with a turkey from local food banks. The nonprofit organization also adopts a few families through Foothills Food Bank and Resource Center’s annual program that helps struggling families have a happy holiday. Last month, they donated $1,000 in $50 gift cards and more than 45 board games to the program.

However, all of Anthem Giving Circle’s efforts would be difficult if not absolutely impossible to accomplish without its Purses for a Purpose fundraising event.

So the nonprofit organization is pulling out all of the stops to ensure that it is a successful fundraiser despite this year’s inherent challenges.

Bidders simply create an account on Anthem Giving Circle’s website and buy a virtual “paddle” for $25. They can then browse the selection and bid on the purses of their desire via a system with a setup similar to that of eBay. Additionally, everyone is welcome to enter a raffle for a designer handbag valued at $1000 with the best offering of 15 tickets for $50 — which would be the cost of an entry ticket for Anthem Giving Circle’s usual live event.

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“

What is great about our Purses for a Purpose event is that people learn how important giving in the Anthem community really is. We are increasing the number of people who actually understand the need in this community and are therefore willing to give more.

Diane Steenman

QUIETLY GENEROUS

After participating in Anthem Giving Circle’s efforts for more than five years now, Steenman has realized just how quietly generous the people within the Anthem community are.

“We have a number of donors who wish to remain anonymous,” she explains.

“One of the purses this year is a real Gucci purse with a Gucci shawl. It was given to one of our members anonymously. That was a $1,500 gift. People do not need to have their names touted to be generous in this community and that is really unique.”

Steenman is grateful to have an avenue like Anthem Giving Circle to strengthen the community — all of it, especially those in need.

“This is a way for us to help the community in a very meaningful way,” she explains. “What is great about our Purses for a Purpose event is that people learn how important giving in the Anthem community really is. We are increasing the number of people who actually understand the need in this community and are therefore willing to give more.

“Anthem is lucky to have quite a few charities. This is a just fun event where people make new friends and come to understand what the needs are in this community. And that is very helpful.” anthemgivingcircle.com

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JANUARY 2021

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2020 was full of surprises most of us did not see coming.

But 2020 was also an amazing year for many people.

While we are sensitive to the challenges many people are facing as a result of economic uncertainty, we are also watching other people prosper in new ways as they adapt and reinvent their work lives.

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In 2020, our agents learned how to help people navigate a fast-moving real estate market where prices were rising, inventory was falling, and interest rates dropped to near record lows.

We learned how to help people experience and evaluate homes virtually while respecting work-at-home orders and homeowner requests.

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Travis Ringe and Tyler Ringe of ProSkill Services (second and third from right, respectively) accept Anthem Area Chamber of Commercer’s Business Person of the Year award from retiring board member Scott Zychowski (far left) with fellow nominees Manny Chazan of Work Hard Play Hard Marketing (second from left) and Eric Twohey of Times Media Group (far right).

W

Writer Joseph J. Airdo // Photography Courtesy of Mike Spinelli Photography

When Travis and Tyler Ringe were in fifth grade, the brothers embarked on their first business venture together — selling odd knickknacks that they had gotten from Oriental Trading Company to their classmates.

“Our father taught us to be entrepreneurs at a very young age,” Tyler says. “He instilled that in both of us and I cannot be any more thankful to him for it.”

It is through that love for entrepreneurship that the duo has

not only built a successful business with ProSkill Services but have also now been named Anthem Area Chamber of Commerce’s Business People of the Year.

Travis and Tyler were among several business leaders in the community who were honored during Anthem Area Chamber of Commerce’s 17th Annual Business Awards ceremony last month. The winter gala, held at Anthem Golf and Country Club’s Ironwood Clubhouse, was a black-tie optional event with all the trappings of a Hollywood awards night. j anuary 2021

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From left, Krista Solomon and Many Chazan of Rotary Club of Anthem accept Anthem Area Chamber of Commerce’s Nonprofit of the Year award from board president Eric Twohey and retiring board member Sam Crump.

Christopher Gonzalez with All Western Mortgage received Anthem Area Chamber of Commerce’s Top Gun award.

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Palmcroft Church Anthem (center) accepts Anthem Area Chamber of Commerce’s Commercial Design award from board member Sawana Grimmett (far left) and board president Eric Twohey (far right).

“

I think that everyone in this room and on the livestream really deserves an award of their own for Business Person of the Year just for surviving and making it through this year. It says a lot and that is a strong testament to the Anthem community.

Travis Ringe

Attendees enjoyed a cocktail hour featuring champagne and hors d’oeuvres followed by a three-course dinner. After all of the award winners were announced, guests danced the night away. The awards ceremony itself was also livestreamed via Anthem Area Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook page, granting the event an even greater audience than in years past.

Anthem Area Chamber of Commerce’s Business Person of the Year award recognizes successful business leadership and outstanding involvement among Anthem area businesses. The Business Person of the Year exemplifies innovation, integrity, business accomplishments and chamber involvement.

“We live in an exceptional community,” Tyler said during his acceptance speech at the event. “All of you here make this community exceptional. The business owners who are here with us today continue to set the bar for my brother and I to try to compare ourselves to every single day and grow. It has been an amazing opportunity for us to be amongst all of you.”

In addition to his fellow business people in the community, Tyler also credited his parents, his brother and their wives for all of their support over the years — especially since starting ProSkill Services in 2009.

“We have been able to grow a team that I am truly in awe of,” Tyler said. “Every single day that I get up, I am blessed to go to work with one of the best plumbing and air conditioning teams in Arizona — and I truly appreciate them.”

Meanwhile, Travis recognized Eric Twohey of Times Media Group and Manny Chazan of Work Hard Play Hard Marketing — who were also nominated for the award, noting that they had both been great supporters and helped he and his brother market their business. He also took a moment to commend all of his fellow business people in Anthem for traversing such an unprecedentedly difficult year in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I think that everyone in this room and on the livestream really deserves an award of

their own for Business Person of the Year just for surviving and making it through this year,” Travis said. “It says a lot and that is a strong testament to the Anthem community.”

Eric Twohey, the president of Anthem Area Chamber of Commerce’s board of directors, echoed Travis’s sentiments, noting that the Business Awards ceremony’s significance was perhaps even stronger this year than in any other.

“We really wanted a win and this night serves as a win of recognizing people,” Twohey said. “In any year, it is amazing to receive an award. But because of what a lot of people have been through this very unique year, these award winners are extra special.”

Several other individuals and businesses were honored during the ceremony — including Matt Word with Country Financial, who was named Anthem Area Chamber of Commerce’s Ambassador of the Year; Christopher Gonzalez with All Western Mortgage, who received the organization’s Top Gun award; and Keith and Jeanine Walashek of Amped Coffee Co., who received its Community Impact award for their active community involvement and volunteerism.

Meanwhile, Honor Health received the organization’s Economic Impact award for the significant contribution that it has made to the economic vitality of the Anthem area through community investment, job creation, industry growth and business leadership, and Palmcroft Church Anthem received its Commercial Design award for its excellence in transforming an Anthem area commercial space and enhancing the client experience.

New River Group’s Barbara Chatzkel received the Leadership in Action award, recognizing her demonstrated leadership in action among Anthem Area Leadership Academy — a 12-month leadership development program that empowers aspiring leaders with the tools, experiences and networks necessary to address local and regional challenges. The program also helps business leaders make a sustainable impact on social, community and economic development. j anuary 2021

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Jeanine and Keith Walashek of Amped Coffee Co. (center) accept Anthem Area Chamber of Commerce’s Community Impact award from board member Sawana Grimmett (far left) and board president Eric Twohey (far right).

Bonnie Smith of First American Title (center) receives Anthem Area Chamber of Commerce’s Living Legacy award from Eric Kilstrom (left) and board president Eric Twohey (right).

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New River Group’s Barbara Chatzkel received Anthem Area Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership in Action award.

I love this town.

Thanks, Anthem. I love being here to help in a community where people are making a difference every day. Thank you for all you do.

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nanettemiller.com Fry’s Shopping Center: Next to Verizon and Tru Burger Paul Schickel of Daisy Mountain Fire and Medical received Anthem Area Chamber of Commerce’s Public Servant of the Year award.

Anthem Area Chamber of Commerce also named Rotary Club of Anthem its Nonprofit of the Year, for the valuable mission-driven contributions that it has made to the community through service and leadership, and Paul Schickel of Daisy Mountain Fire and Medical its Public Servant of the Year, for his contributions and selfless service to the community that have made a significant and lasting impact.

Finally, Twohey presented Bonnie Smith of First American Title with Anthem Area Chamber of Commerce’s Living Legacy Award, which recognizes deserving members who have demonstrated such vision, commitment, sacrifice and made such a significant community impact that their legacies will continue to live on in the lives of those they have touched along the way.

Twohey said that Smith had just such an impact on everyone who has ever felt her warmth and grace as a true ambassador of the Anthem community.

“We would not be in as good a place as we have been as a business community and just as people without [her] in our lives,” he explained. “She is a shining light — even in this year when some people have faced the darkest times and real struggle. Anytime I have had any interaction with her, she has been that shining light, that pillar of hope, that amazing strength and that source of positivity.” anthemareachamber.org

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Writer Joseph J. Airdo | Photography by Steven Ebright

A

Arizona transplants often balk at natives who bundle up with jackets, scarves and gloves this time of the year.

It is the same sort of thing that happens when people who have lived in the Valley their entire lives express panic at even the lightest rainfall, rushing from their cars to store entrances with umbrellas overhead. One’s attire in the winter is a fairly good indication of where they are from.

For those who have lived in other states that exhibit more traditional characteristics of the season, Arizona winters are mild. Phoenix and its surrounding communities rarely see snow and low temperatures tend to hover in the 40s.

Nonetheless, cold is cold and everyone’s perception is perfectly valid. More importantly, our temperatures this time of the year are cherished when you take our state’s scorching summers into consideration — especially our most recent one.

If you want to experience the more traditional characteristics of winter, there are plenty of

opportunities to do so in the northern parts of our state. Gilbert resident Steven Ebright especially enjoys the White Mountains and Mogollon Rim areas, where he captures on camera some of the most sublime snowy settings that you will ever see.

A particularly prepossessing sight can be found in the forests, where icy streams flow betwixt snowy hillsides.

Upon bravely dipping the tip of your toe into the water, you might wonder how such an ice-cold current continues to rush along without freezing.

Regardless of where you are from, Arizona’s winters are aesthetic triumphs. They truly offer some of the most gorgeous sights imaginable, as evidenced by Ebright’s beautiful work featured in Images Arizona’s photo essay this month.

As with all things, winter is but a temporary state.

Soon, the snow will melt, the water will warm and our temperatures will increase — quite significantly, might I add — exchanging this beauty for another. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance to appreciate it before it vanishes for yet another year.

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Arizona has so many opportunities outside of the desert Phoenix metro area to get out into nature. We as Arizonans are really blessed with a wide variety of different climates throughout the year.

Steven Ebright

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I have a four-wheel-drive Jeep that I use a lot off-road to get to the places that I need to shoot. There are some dangers with that in the winter. One time, I was stuck for four hours in the snow. But that is just part of the process.

Steven Ebright

Fall and winter are my favorite times to be out and winter is my favorite time to shoot. There is something special about being in the mountains and acquiring images in the snowy time — especially if it actually is snowing while I am shooting — that is really fulfilling.

Steven Ebright

PHOTOGRAPHIC EXPLORATION Steven Ebright approaches his work as an artist differently than most Arizona photographers.

“I am not interested in the desert scene as much as I am the smaller, more intimate images of the landscape where I am not getting a vast expanse all at once,” Ebright says.

Having explored the world through photography for more than 20 years, Ebright usually has an idea of what he is looking for when he shoots — with preplanning and pre-visualization being important parts of his process. However, he admits that not everything may come to fruition. He is perfectly OK with that, though, as he knows that he is merely an observer.

“For me, it has always been about photographic exploration,” he explains. “It is about continuing to develop the look and the eye that I have. That is something that I continue to think through even when I am not out as I prepare for the next trip.”

Acknowledging that art is a critical lifestyle endeavor for each individual’s pursuit of creative speech, Ebright has developed his own working philosophy regarding the focus and use of his nature photography.

“As someone who believes in and who follows the God described in the Bible, I want to illustrate His reality and truth as the Creator through my images of His creation,” Ebright says. My main goal is to credit God for the beauty of His creation — and I hope people will be drawn to that.” j anuary 2021

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ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER Twenty-five years ago, Steven Ebright purchased his first point-and-shoot camera out of a desire to photographically document his hiking trips. He was immediately drawn to the quest of image composition.

As he developed his own style of seeing the Arizona landscape, Ebright — who was born in California but grew up in Mesa — moved up to an SLR camera and began to learn photography through trial and error and by reading books on the subject.

“In those days, I was shooting Fujifilm Velia 50 slide film and several different black and white negative films,” the photographer says. “There was a certain nostalgia to my regiment of purchasing film and the subsequent processing at Tempe Camera. These were formative years that I will always remember with fondness.”

Over the years, Ebright fine-tuned his technique and his vision. However, a key factor remained consistent as the photographer found places in the Arizona landscape to practice his craft — many of which have become cherished places that he returns to year after year.

“I always look back at the year prior to see the dates I was at a place to anticipate that, hopefully, the weather is going to be similar,” he explains. “It is usually very close in terms of storms that come in so I can hit the places I was at the year prior and see what new images I can get from those same locations.”

Today, Ebright lives in Gilbert with his wife and son. When he is not working at a small construction company, he is enjoying hobbies like woodworking, electronics and mountain biking. However, photography remains the main thrust of his artistic expression.

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For me, there are two main places for winter photography. The first is the White Mountains past Pinetop-Lakeside. The other is the Mogollon Rim area, which includes places like Christopher Creek, Kohls Ranch and Horton Creek. They are easy to access and, when the snow comes in, they are beautiful locations.

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A Private Utopia Conveniently Situated on the 12th Fairway Enjoy the peace and serenity of the Anthem Country Club in this 4-bedroom, 4.5-bath home, conveniently situated on the 12th fairway with a host of special features to make your day-to-day life as relaxing as possible. Let all of your troubles melt away as you settle into what will become your own private utopia.

A heated pool and spa await your presence, welcoming you with the true tranquility of a golf course lot in the Anthem Country Club with majestic mountain views. A covered patio, complete with a misting system and built-in barbecue, helps to make outdoor entertaining an absolute breeze — even during Arizona’s hot summer months.

A rare separate casita — which can be used as a guest residence, custom office or private hideaway — accentuates the exterior amenities of this harmonious home, which boasts a beautiful professional landscape, lovely pavers, handy rain gutters and a convenient courtyard entry.

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That peace-of-mind will allow you to focus on the things that really matter — making memories with the people you love in the home of your dreams.

Other interior amenities include beautiful granite countertops, hickory cabinets, stainless steel appliances with a gas cooktop and a wine chiller, a stacked stone fireplace, a surround sound stereo system, plantation shutters and remotecontrolled window screens — all of the things that you need for a life of luxury.

Best of all, this delightfully restful home is perfectly located near a biking/ walking path, a children's playground, community tennis courts, a workout facility and — of course — Anthem Country Club’s gorgeous golf course.

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i m a g Severson esarizona.com Writer Shannon 44

january 2 02 1

Y

You might presume that a wine country vacation must entail a pricey, crowded flight to Napa or the South of France. Or perhaps an arduous 10-hour car journey through California traffic to Paso Robles, where the iconic movie “Sideways” was set.

You’ll be pleasantly surprised to learn that none of that strain or exorbitant expense is necessary — not when Arizona has its own beautiful and nationally-recognized wine-growing region just up the road in the Verde Valley.

Sounds pretty good, right?

It gets even better because Leon “Jay” Morton’s exclusive AZ Wine Crawler daily shuttle will relieve you of driving duties — either on a VIP Crawler Experience from the Phoenix area or in town with his one-day, hop-on/hopoff option, which has a route that originates and ends at various spots in Cottonwood and Sedona and loops back to each stop every 50 minutes throughout the day.

“We are the ultimate wine tour alternative in the area,” Morton says. “Standard, three-hour tours can run anywhere from $95 to $150 and only take visitors to the three wineries in the Page Springs Canyon. People miss out on the majority of what the area has to offer — the wine, the tasting rooms, Old Town Cottonwood and historic Clarkdale.

“I’m proud to offer a service that really meets the need for a fun, safe and reliable way to fully enjoy this beautiful area and the award-winning wines that are being produced here. Not to mention, our daily pass is about one-third of the cost of the set tours and gives you a full day to go where you please.”

This region is on the cusp of being designated Arizona’s third American Viticulture Area, which marks it as a specified grapegrowing region. It’s part of the state’s rise in winemaking prominence. The talent and incredible wine is abundant here.

“I love that the Verde Valley has really become a destination, whether you’re from in or out of state,” says Christina Barrueta, who writes the award-winning Write On Rubee Blog and recently authored “Arizona Wine: A History of Perseverance and Passion.” “It’s one of the prettiest regions in all of Arizona with so many things to do. It’s ideal for a weekend getaway.

“People want to support local, so I believe that if you’re going to the farmers markets and craft breweries, you should support local wineries the same way. It’s really something people should seek out. The explosion of wine

“

I’m proud to offer a service that really meets the need for a fun, safe and reliable way to fully enjoy this beautiful area and the award-winning wines that are being produced here.

Leon “Jay” Morton

tourism has revitalized this area that is steeped in culture and offers a really convenient cluster of fantastic wineries.”

If you’re looking to support local and make a mini-vacation of your trip, Morton’s rustic-chic bed-and-breakfast, Acoustic Cellars Lodge, is located just off Page Springs Road near the wine canyon in Cornville. It’s the perfect spot to rest after a “rough” day of wine tasting and perhaps enjoy a private Historical Musical Showcase concert in the evening.

Morton and his partners, Alexandra Milet and Becky Romine, have painstakingly renovated each room and even a vintage 1974 camper — all nestled among the rolling hills and situated on two acres of beautiful woods, dotted with majestic cottonwood trees.

A modern-day Renaissance man, Morton is an extremely accomplished blues musician and music historian having been inducted into The Blues Hall of Fame by the National Heritage Foundation in 2011. He’s also the host of the AZ Wine Guru podcast and has studied the science of winemaking himself in the Enology program at Yavapai College’s esteemed Southwest Wine Center. He even had a hand in producing some of the wine you’ll taste at Arizona Stronghold.

SIP AND STAY

I was invited to experience the in-town VIP “sip and stay” experience first-hand when Morton and his team hosted me for an overnight visit.

We began the morning at Acoustic Cellars Lodge and were greeted by a tail-wagging black pup named Dallas — the sweetest “lodge dog” ever. The sun was shining brightly and there was a crispness to the fresh air at this off-the-beaten-path inn.

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Leon “Jay” Morton Photo Courtesy Tony Mandarich

Morton had mimosas and Bloody Mary deviled eggs at the ready for a bit of sustenance before we had our temperatures taken, masked up and boarded the AZ Wine Crawler Shuttle driven by our affable guide, Wil. “Our drivers are so knowledgeable,” Morton says. “And for both the VIP crawl or on our daily route, they act as a sort of concierge, calling ahead to let wineries know that a group is coming. They know the history of the area and can make recommendations for wineries and restaurants. Our personalized services add to an already excellent value and really enhance the entire experience.”

It’s important to note that social distancing, mask and sanitizing protocols were easy to follow — both on the shuttle and at all of the spots that we visited.

The AZ Wine Crawler makes stops at eight vineyards and wineries, seven award-winning tasting rooms, two new brewpubs and more than 10 foodie destinations with nine hourly stops. What I was able to experience was just a sampling. Visitors and VIP tour participants can create their own adventure with the flexibility of the service.

JAVELINA LEAP WINERY, CORNVILLE

At our first stop, third-generation winemaker Lucas Reed welcomed us into the barrel room and told us about his unique secondary fermentation process and his recent awards for Arizona’s Best in Class petite syrah and Double Gold Award for riesling.

At just 38 years old, Reed’s goal is to be recognized as the youngest, top-rated winemaker. Javelina Leap produces 16 wines — 12 of which are pure varietals.

We were treated to a taste of a pink rosé with a hint of tropical flavors made from 80% sauvignon blanc and 20% estate zinfandel grapes, which Reed mixed for us on the spot. We then enjoyed a flight in the friendly wine tasting room where Javelina Leap — like most spots on our tour — offered discounts on flights and bottles for AZ Wine Crawler guests.

CHATEAU TUMBLEWEED, CLARKDALE

The cheeky wine labels by artist/owner Chris Pothier hint at the personality of this hip, irreverent little winery (which keeps its awards in the bathroom) in Clarkdale. We enjoyed a flight of small production reds on their sunny patio, accompanied by a charcuterie board and fresh fruit.

I decided to purchase a bottle of their 2018 Cimarron Vineyard mourvèdre — a grape that was completely new to me but is popping up on wine lists all over the region and was originally cultivated in the Valencia and Jumilla regions of Spain as well as the Rhône and Provence regions of France. Coincidentally, according to Wine Traveler, it was first brought to Europe by Phoenicians in the 1st century.

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OLD TOWN COTTONWOOD

The AZ Wine Crawler took us to Cottonwood’s quaint Main Street for a tasting of wine that Morton helped to make at Arizona Stronghold, accompanied by their weird, wild and delicious brûlée cheesecake — made with torched cheesecake beneath a layer of brie and blue cheeses, topped with apple-pear, figs and prosciutto.

As we sipped vintages from their Red Flight Z, Morton guided us through the history of Arizona Stronghold wines and the winemakers who he has interviewed on his podcast and worked with personally. It was exciting to get his behind-the-scenes perspective and knowledge.

Next, we set off for lunch at Colt Grill before returning to the shuttle for a trip to two of the wineries in the famed Page Springs Wine Canyon.

PAGE SPRINGS WINE CANYON

Our first stop was Page Springs Cellars, where the Cottonwood trees were turning a brilliant yellow as the sun began to set, casting a golden light on the expansive grounds.

We tasted a chilled 2018 New Mexico ugni blanc while sitting on a deck overlooking Oak Creek as it rippled past. Ugni — a grape variety originating in Italy under the name Trebbiano — is the most commonly cultivated white grape in France. This glass had crisp notes of persimmon, Meyer lemon and shortbread.

Next, we had the privilege of visiting DA Ranch Vineyards, where one of five artesian springs on the property runs alongside the picturesque log cabinstyle lodge and tasting room. Morton and the Acoustic Cellars Lodge team have a special relationship with this operation. He regularly provides musical

EXPERIENCE

entertainment on their cozy porch, and Milet and Romine work in the tasting room and assist with events at DA Ranch.

We sat by a roaring fire as Becky expertly walked us through the wines and the fascinating history of DA Ranch and its pioneering female founder, Gertrude Edna Lewis Gates — who operated it as a 350-acre cattle ranch from 1910 to 1922. Now, an 18 month-aged syrah bears her name. The other wines produced by DA Ranch Vineyards also pay homage to the historical property.

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A GRACIOUS CONCLUSION

As the stars twinkled in the dark sky above, we returned to Acoustic Cellars Lodge for a delicious dinner and conversation, tasting the newly awarded Best White Wine of Arizona — a crisp and delicious sauvignon blanc by Morton’s mentor, Michael Pierce, who was recently recognized by Wine Enthusiast Magazine as a leading winemaker in their “Who’s Who, Forty Under Forty” feature.

Then, we gathered around the fireplace as Morton took out his solid brass Tricone National Resonator guitar to entertain us. We enjoyed hearing about his musical roots and heard the history behind the songs he played by blues legends Muddy Waters, Robert Johnson, J.J. Cale and John Prine. The stories and Morton’s fantastic talent brought each song to life there in that cozy lodge.

After a great night’s sleep in one of the most comfortable beds I’ve ever experienced and breakfast at Crema in Old Town Cottonwood, it was time to return to reality in Phoenix. But I vowed to return as soon as I could, feeling fortunate to live so close to a beautiful region that is a viticultural treasure.

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Writer Joseph J. Airdo

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When you look at all of the dates and details, it is almost as though Chuck Montgomery and the Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting were destined for one another.

“This entire museum started four days after I was born almost 60 years ago,” Montgomery says. “Through a weird coincidence of nature, I moved to Arizona from the Midwest around the same time these folks moved to Arizona from the Midwest. Then, 60 years later, we find each other.”

The Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting hired Montgomery, who lives in Anthem with his wife Holly, as its new executive director last January. The former Glendale fireman of 37 years is exceptionally passionate about the museum and all of the unique historical treasures it contains.

COINCIDENCE OR DESTINY?

The story of their meeting begins way back in 1955, when Olive Atwater Getz gave a 1924 American LaFrance fire engine to her husband, George F. Getz, Jr., as a Christmas present.

“That pumper accumulated what became an incredible obsession of collecting fire trucks, fire apparatus, fire memorabilia and fire everything,” Montgomery says.

“Within five years of being entranced by the history of the fire service, [George F. Getz, Jr.] had enough items to start the first Hall of Flame in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin — which is a very wealthy area outside of Chicago that is kind of the equivalent of our Sedona.”

On Dec. 23, 1961, Montgomery was born in a small town outside of Cincinnati, Ohio called Lawrenceburg, Indiana — roughly 350 miles away from the Getz’s summer home.

A few days later — on Dec. 27, 1961 — George F. Getz, Jr. founded the Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting He also organized the nonprofit National Historical Fire Foundation to promote the museum’s programs.

“[George F. Getz, Jr.] continued to expand the museum and eventually relocated it in 1974 to its current residence across from the Phoenix Zoo,” Montgomery says. “Over time, the viewership diminished and it became an unknown, taken-for-granted type of place.”

Meanwhile, Montgomery embarked on his firefighting career. He visited the museum multiple times with his children, who are now grown, as well as during retirement functions, so he had at least some sort of familiarity with it throughout every level of his career — from firefighter to fire captain to battalion chief.

“I always had a reason to swing by and have some momentary involvement in the museum, but I never really dove into what was there,” Montgomery says. “I had always had an interest in fire service history. But once I retired, sat down and actually looked at what the museum was about and how it had come together, it really spurred my interest and passion in how fire services work worldwide.”

ALMOST SACRILEGIOUS

Upon his retirement in 2019, Montgomery began a conversation with the Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting’s board and was eventually named the museum’s executive director. He aspired to increase its viewership and strengthen its notoriety.

“We have more than 100 pieces and span 300 years of time with literally millions upon millions of dollars spent on the restoration of each piece,” says Montgomery, noting that the museum’s artifacts have all come from barns, old firehouses and other wreckage and were painstakingly restored to their current grandeur. “This is the largest firefighting museum in the world. And it is right here in the Valley. For it to be virtually unknown is almost sacrilegious.”

A few years later, the Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting moved to Kenosha, Wisconsin, where it remained until 1970 when the Getz family moved — with the museum and all of its artifacts — to Scottsdale, Arizona.

Montgomery went right to work, increasing the Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting’s social media presence and fueling its website with educational resources. He also reinforced the museum’s presence in the community, hosting a blood drive and lending a 1957 fire truck to the Phoenix Zoo’s holiday ZooLights event.

Montgomery, who had never heard of the museum at the time, coincidentally moved to Arizona shortly thereafter.

Since his hiring, the Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting’s website has seen an exponential increase

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The Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting hired Chuck Montgomery (right) as its new executive director last January.

A former Glendale fireman of 37 years, Chuck Montgomery is exceptionally passionate about the Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting and all of the unique historical treasures it contains.

in page views, suggesting that people are finally beginning to take notice of it again.

And for good reason. The 70,000-square-foot museum features five exhibit galleries (totaling 35,000 square-feet) that contain more than 130 wheeled pieces and thousands of smaller artifacts.

FIREFIGHTING ARTIFACTS

As one strolls through the first gallery, they come face-to-face with more than 30 manual and horsedrawn pieces of apparatus dating from 1725 to 1890. A wide variety of engines, ladder wagons, parade carriages, hose wagons, chemical wagons, a fire sled, an aerial ladder wagon and steam-powered engines are on exhibit.

The second gallery contains more than 20 motorized pieces dating from 1897 to 1930. Among the rarest pieces are a Champion water tower that was motorized with a Christie tractor, a Waterous gasolinepowered pumper, a Brockway chemical car and a pair of elegant American La France Type 400 senior fire engines.

The second gallery also houses a children’s play area as well as a fully functional 1952 American La France Model 700 fire engine from Miami, Arizona — which visitors may actually board.

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When you can actually put your hands on a piece of equipment that is 300 years old and, if given a water supply, could still pump out fires today, it is kind of shocking and somewhat humbling.

The Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting affords executive director Chuck Montgomery much more than just a seemingly serendipitous way for him to continue in the fire service without delivering emergency services.

A rotating exhibit of restored motorized pieces comprises the third gallery. But on permanent display are a 1951 Mack Model A fire engine, a 1955 American La France aerial truck, a 1955 Seagrave Quad Anniversary Model engine and a 1967 ERF/ HCB-Angus “pump/escape” fire engine from the Nottinghamshire Fire Brigade.

The fourth gallery contains three aerial trucks made by American La France, Seagrave and Pirsch, as well as a fully restored 1930 AhrensFox Quad fire engine that is driven annually in the Fiesta Bowl Parade. A fully restored 1935 Ford/Pirsch flathead V-8 fire engine from Slinger, Wisconsin is also on exhibit.

Chuck Montgomery More than 4,000 arm patches from fire departments all around the world also make up the fourth gallery’s collection, as does a large fire safety learning area consisting of a mini-theater, a two-room safety house and a large practical application area.

The museum is also home to the National Firefighting Hall of Heroes, a 3,000-foot gallery that addresses the human element of firefighting. Having opened in 1998, the gallery honors American firefighters who have received a national award for heroism as well as those who have died in the line of duty.

and wildland firefighters. A special display honors the firefighters, police officers and Port Authority officers who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001, at the World Trade Center.

SHOCKING AND SOMEWHAT HUMBLING

The Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting affords Montgomery much more than just a seemingly serendipitous way for him to continue in the fire service without actually delivering emergency services.

“I have a complete and utter appreciation for this place that keeps expanding my knowledge,” Montgomery says. “I graduated from Columbia Southern University with a degree in fire science but I had no idea how much I did not know until I worked at this museum.

“Our most original piece is from 1725 — 51 years before we became a country. When you can actually put your hands on a piece of equipment that is 300 years old and, if given a water supply, could still pump out fires today, it is kind of shocking and somewhat humbling.”

Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting 6101 E. Van Buren St., Phoenix 602-275-3473 hallofflame.org

The National Firefighting Hall of Heroes also contains exhibits that describe the history of the volunteer and paid structural firefighters

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Roasted Lemon Crinkle Cookies Roasting lemons beforehand gives these cookies a great depth of flavor. Rolling the dough in sugar before powdered sugar helps to create the “crinkle” effect.

Prep time: 20 minutes Rest time: 2 hours Cook time: 12 minutes

Ingredients: 2 teaspoons olive oil 1 tablespoon honey 2 lemons 2 cups flour 2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup granulated sugar 2 large eggs 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1 tablespoon lemon zest 1 teaspoon lemon extract Yellow gel food coloring (optional) 10 tablespoons butter (room temperature) Powdered sugar and sugar (for rolling)

Directions: Zest lemons and set zest aside. Cut lemons in half, removing all seeds.

In a skillet, heat olive oil and honey until bubbling. Place lemons, face-down, in skillet and let roast for 2–3 minutes, until golden brown. Let cool.

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.

In a mixer with a paddle attachment, cream butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, scraping down the bowl after each one.

Juice roasted lemons. Then add the juice, zest and food coloring (if desired) to the bowl, mixing just until blended.

With mixer on low, add the dry ingredients and mix just until combined.

Cover with plastic wrap and chill for 2 hours. (This prevents the dough from being too sticky when rolling.)

When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350 degrees and line two baking sheets with parchment.

Writer and Photographer Kyndra Kelly

kyndraclaire.com

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Pour 1/2–1 cup of powdered sugar into a bowl or plate and 1/2–1 cup of sugar into a separate bowl or plate. Using a 1-3/4-inch cookie scoop, begin to scoop out dough and roll into a ball. Roll each ball in sugar then roll again in powdered sugar.

Place on baking sheet, leaving room for spreading. Bake for 10–13 minutes. Remove from pan and cool on a cooling rack before serving.

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Salmon Cakes and Greens This light, healthy dinner leaves you feeling full and satisfied.

Plus, it is a great way to use up any canned salmon that you may have in your pantry.

Makes: 8 cakes Serves: 4–6

Ingredients: 2 7-ounce cans wild-caught salmon 1/2 cup sweet potato (cooked and mashed) 3 strips bacon (cooked and crumbled) 2 tablespoon finely minced green onion 1/2 teaspoon dried or fresh dill 1⁄4-1/2 teaspoon cayenne (depending on preference) 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon dijon mustard 2 tablespoon almond flour 1/4 cup chopped cilantro or parsley 1 egg (lightly beaten) 1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs (regular or gluten-free)

Directions: Drain the salmon and discard any bones/skin. Crumble into a medium bowl.

Add to the bowl the sweet potato, bacon, green onion, dill, cayenne, salt, pepper, lemon juice, dijon mustard, almond flour and cilantro/parsley.

Mix lightly then add beaten egg and mix again, until incorporated.

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a 1–2 tablespoons of butter, olive oil or ghee.

Spead bread crumbs onto a plate. Using a large cookie scoop (about 1/4 cup), shape mixture into patties and coat both sides in the bread crumbs.

Place a few patties into prepared skillet/griddle and fry on both sides until lightly golden. Repeat until all are done, adding more oil to pan as necessary.

Writer and Photographer Kyndra Kelly

kyndraclaire.com

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Serve over lightly dressed greens, or on their own.

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