Images Arizona January 2022

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ROC229454

“It’s what you’re doing and who you’re with that creates the memory.”

At L’Entrata, we’re here to make sure everyone has a great experience and doesn’t feel intimidated by the wine selections. Let us find where your tastes lie, and we’ll steer you in the right direction. We are of the motto, drink what you like. There is no wrong answer. We also have wines for the discerning palate and we’re happy to

explore those with you as well. We even have local brews for when you bring a friend who hasn’t necessarily “found” wine yet.

This is a place for everyone to come and enjoy each other’s company, talk learn about wine, have a bite to eatand have fun!

NEW! Don’t miss Executive Chef, Josh Bracher’s rotating small-plate menu!

Welcome to the L’Entrata Family! Never a bad day with wine!

lentratawine.com

41111 Daisy Mountain Drive, Anthem, Arizona

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SANDERSON LINCOLN SANDERSON LINCOLN

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What's Inside?

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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MAURA ALLEN LAYERS OF TIME

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LIGHTENING LOADS AND BRIGHTENING LIVES

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MAKING AN ENTRANCE WELCOME TO L’ENTRATA

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COMMUNITY

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THERE'S SNOW PLACE LIKE ARIZONA

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RECIPE

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From the Publisher Publisher Shelly Spence

Managing Editor Joseph J. Airdo

Graphic Designer

Meaghan Mitchell

Contributing Writers

Joseph J. Airdo Amanda Christmann Francine Coles Shannon Severson

Photographers Bryan Black Francine Coles Loralei Lazurek Carl Schultz

Advertising Sales

Alex Orozco 602-524-4912 alex@imagesaz.com

Images Arizona P.O. Box 1416 Carefree, AZ. 85377 623-341-8221 imagesarizona.com Submission of news for community section should be in to shelly@imagesaz.com by the 5th of the month prior to publication.

W

Welcome to winter in Arizona! This month’s issue is designed to remind you of all the wonderfully wintery things that our spectacular state has to offer.

Starting with a stunning photo essay featuring snowy scenes taken by various members of the 90-year-old Phoenix Camera Club and extending through the numerous events, activities and adventures that are available for you to enjoy with your friends and family, these pages are jam-packed with seasonal fun and flair!

If you are like me, you are likely at least a little bit sad that the hustle and bustle of the holidays is over. However, as I look through the many amazing things happening in our community this month, as reflected throughout the stories in this month’s issue, a sense of joy and pride for this incredible place we call home washes over me. Our community is constantly celebrating year-round and we are so fortunate to reap the benefits of that.

Of course, we are also starting a brand new year, which means that we can look ahead with hope and optimism. The opportunities are quite literally endless and I am confident that 2022 will be filled with fantastic things for each and every one of us. There are certain to be bumps in the road — there always are — but what matters most is how we navigate them. And, especially over the last two years, we have all demonstrated the resilience and persistence needed to succeed.

So, it is with much enthusiasm that I say... Happy New Year! May 2022 bring you remarkable relationships, more joyful moments than you can possibly count and astonishing prosperity in all areas of your life. For now, get out and enjoy the chilly weather and all of the love and laughter that comes with it.

Cheers!

Images Arizona is published by ImagesAZ Inc. Copyright © 2022 by ImagesAZ, Inc. All rights reserved.

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

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

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

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Writer Amanda Christmann // Photography Courtesy of Maura Allen

For artist Maura Allen, time is a muse. Looking at her bold silhouettes, its role may not be obvious, but look a little deeper and time forms the backdrop of amaranthine scenes of the iconic American West.

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It has been said that time is an illusion created by our minds. Minutes, hours and days drop one by one like sands in an hourglass, piling one on top of another in our collective consciousness, forming memories, defining lifetimes and shaping versions of history real or imagined.

Time passes in layers, providing context for how we see the world. Each moment builds upon the last to categorize and organize what was, what is and what will be. We pick and choose the junctures that will define ourselves and our lives, as well as those that will not.

For artist Maura Allen, time is also a muse. Looking at her bold silhouettes, its role may not be obvious, but look a little deeper and time forms the backdrop of amaranthine scenes of the iconic American West.

From layers of acrylic on wood panels to glass and metal, she has become adventurous with her materials. No matter the medium, Allen tells time-filled, yet timeless stories that dance between categories of pop art, neoDadaist or postmodernist art.

Working forward from the back, she subtly but beautifully portrays the continuing arc of time by incorporating textures and elements of the past into striking perennial silhouettes of the people, livestock, horses and landscapes of working ranches, wide-open spaces and one-stoplight towns.

Century-old postcards, old wallpaper patterns and historic records make cameo appearances in Allen’s storylines, fading into patinas as time marches forward.

Like opening a forgotten trunk full of memories in an old attic, each of Allen’s works is full of intimate surprises.

At times, these elements are obscured by newer layers.

Still they remain. Just as a whiff of a childhood scent can bring our minds back to a feeling or a memory, their presence can be sensed.

“I do different things to bring back time,” she explains. “I might bring in the original patent for the cowboy hat or make my own wallpaper pattern to remind you of when you went to your grandmother's house. It’s like peeling off wallpaper or painting over layers in an old house.

There’s living history there, and they shift the story.

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“

I do different things to bring back time. It’s like peeling off wallpaper or painting over layers in an old house. There’s living history there, and they shift the story.” Maura Allen

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From laxyers of acrylic on wood panels to glass and metal, Maura Allen has become adventurous with her materials. No matter the medium, she tells time-filled, yet timeless stories that refuse to be pigeon-holed into pop art, neo-Dadaist or postmodernist art.

“I want each piece to have staying power. I want it to endure. Every time you pass it in your home, I want you to see something different. I like to put little treasures in there to show people that you can bring history forward.”

Allen beautifully engages in poetic license to document the American West, drawing upon the continuum of its past and present. Her work has been featured internationally in collections and galleries.

Carefree art curator Shelly Spence, owner of Grace Renee Gallery, discovered her work at Desert Caballeros Western Museum’s “Cowgirl Up” exhibition and recognized its appeal.

“Lots of the artists were traditional cowboy or Old West artists,” Allen says. “I see the West in a different way, and my work reflects that. It has a different conversation.

“The images I paint are from both the past and the present. This is the West. It’s about neighbors helping neighbors and working sun up until sundown. It’s about being a steward of animals and doing the right thing, even if it’s the hard thing.

“This is what the West is now, and what it has always been.”

ART IMITATES LIFE Allen’s own journey to discover that conversation has its own interesting layers, and like her work, some are obscured but still part of her fabric.

She grew up in northern California and had fallen in love with capturing life from behind the lens of a camera by the time she was 15. A trip to Jackson Hole, Wyoming in the early 90s left an indelible mark — a desire to know more about the culture, history and people of the American West.

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Maura Allen beautifully incorporates poetic license to document the American West, drawing upon the continuum of its past and present. Her work has been featured in collections and galleries nationwide.

She studied Latin classics at Stanford which, at first glance, would seem to be a wild tangent from the dusty path of cowboys and cattle drives. However, her education gave her perspective; she recognized that romanticized stories, songs, politics, religion, literature and our ever-evolving media are symbiotic and perpetual layers that define — and are defined by — Western culture.

She realized that, while society sometimes insists upon categorizing the West into “Old West” and “present-day American West,” they are one and the same, bound by the arc of time.

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And so came a desire to portray that message through art. It seemed only natural to focus on creating intertwined layers.

“I developed my technique over time,” she explains. “I’ve done a lot of reading about what other artists have done. I adapt parts I like and discard others.

“I start on location at ranches, rodeos and small towns of the West and always begin by looking directly into the sun. I’m really looking for a strong silhouette. I want energy. I want that iconic feeling, whether it’s the hat or a rope or some other element that anchors us to that place and says, ‘Yes, we’re in the West.’”

Maura Allen Thursday, Jan. 20 | 4–7 p.m. | Grace Renee Gallery | Historic Spanish Village | 7212 E. Ho Hum Road, #7, Carefree January 20 22 Free | 480-575-8080 | gracereneegallery.com

Snapping hundreds of photos on her camera, Allen aims to capture images that tell stories. Sometimes she’s got a song in her head or a line from a poem to inspire a narrative, but other times the subject has its own tale to tell. With ideas galloping through her mind, she makes the trek back to her home studio and gets to work.

“When I’m home in Prescott, I take those images and decide what stories I want to tell,” she explains.

“Once I find what I want, I reduce the photo to black and white, it’s most elemental form — positive and negative space.”

Her next step is deciding how large she wants her story to become. She’s currently working on a piece that measures 96 inches wide, but much of her work is more compact.

Once the foundation is established, the fun begins. Allen’s work isn’t bound by the color palette of life; sometimes she delves into pop art-inspired oranges, pinks and turquoises. Other stories may be told in warmer shades. In either case, it’s often the unexpected complexity that leaves the most vivid impression.

Inspired by Andy Warhol and Robert Rauschenberg, Allen uses screens instead of paintbrushes.

“I work from the back forward, from history to the present,” she says. “As I go, I reveal as much as I want and make some things disappear.

ELEMENTAL DIFFERENCES Just as Allen’s work is not confined by time, she also enjoys exploring new ways to tell her stories.

“Though I’m a photographer, a printmaker and a painter, I also work in glass,” she says. “I don’t see silos in art disciplines. Glass informs photography and photography informs glass.”

Though it still reflects her signature style, glass brings an additional element of light into Allen’s work that dances through the compressed images. Her glass pieces, reminiscent of Edward Curtis’ famed glass plate negatives, evoke the feeling of watching the shadow of a cloud pass through a vibrantly sunny field on a summer day.

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“Working with glass is a similar process,” Allen says. “I take images and layer them on different pieces of glass, then fuse them together and watch the surprise happen. Sometimes there is a chemical reaction, or maybe the distance between layers in the glass creates an illusion of space. I never know what it’s going to decide to do. That’s part of the fun.”

From wall-mounted stories to 1-inch dioramas, Allen loves the challenge of working with glass.

“My interest is, ‘Can I portray how I see the world in a different medium?’” she says.

No matter the medium, through Allen’s layers of time, the stories of the enduring spirit of the West will continue to be told and cherished. It is these stories that form a thread between who we were, who we are and who we want to be and that connect us to history in the most beautiful of ways. gracereneegallery.com

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COMMUNITY January 2022

Writer Joseph J. Airdo

Jan. 5–30

THE HELLO GIRLS The Phoenix Theatre Company will present its production of “The Hello Girls,” a jazzy new musical about the unsung heroines of World War I — bilingual telephone operators who, after volunteering for the front lines to help turn the tide, returned home to fight a decades-long battle for equality and recognition. See website for price and times. The Phoenix Theatre Company, 1825 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. 602-2542151; phoenixtheatre.com

Jan. 7

CHRIS MANN CELEBRATES THE TONY BENNETT SONGBOOK Top-selling recording artist, singer, songwriter and actor Chris Mann will take the stage as part of Arizona Musicfest to celebrate the legendary music of Tony Bennett with songs from the Great American Songbook, Broadway and the biggest pop hits of Bennett’s most famous collaborators. $49+. 7:30 p.m. Highlands Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale. azmusicfest.org

Jan. 7–9

SURPRISE FINE ART AND WINE FESTIVAL

Jan. 8 and 9

CINDERELLA KIDS AUDTIONS

Photo by Michele Celentano Musical Theatre of Anthem will audition potential cast members for its upcoming production of “Cinderella,” a stage adaptation of Disney’s treasured animated film. Auditionees aged 6–10 should prepare a musical theater song. Audition preparation workshops are available for an extra charge. $325; sibling discounts available. 10:30 a.m. RSVP. Musical Theatre of Anthem, 42201 N. 41st Drive, Anthem. 623-336-6001; musicaltheatreofanthem.org

Thunderbird Artists will host its 10th annual event during which guests can view fine art selected through a comprehensive jury process, sample fine wines and spirits, snack on festival food and listen to live music — all while enjoying the sunshine and meeting fellow art lovers. Watercolor and gouache artist Ken Ferguson has been selected as the event’s featured artist while participating wineries will include Cellar 433, Schlossadler, King Frosch and Mediterranean Table, as well as Desert Diamond Distillery for whiskey, vodka and rum. $3.

10 a.m.–5 p.m. Downtown Surprise, 15930 N. Bullard Ave., Surprise. thunderbirdartists.com

Jan. 8 and 9

CELEBRATE HIP HOP Musical Instrument Museum will break into the new year with a weekend-long event featuring dance workshops and musical performances. $20; youth discounts available. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Blvd. Phoenix. 480-478-6000; mim.org

Jan. 8 and 9

SEUSSICAL AUDITIONS Musical Theatre of Anthem will audition potential cast members for its upcoming production of “Seussical,” a

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musical caper in which Dr. Seuss' best-loved characters collide and cavort. Auditionees aged 11–19 should prepare a musical theater song. Audition preparation workshops are available for an extra charge. $325; sibling discounts available. 2:30 p.m. RSVP. Musical Theatre of Anthem, 42201 N. 41st Drive, Anthem. 623-336-6001; musicaltheatreofanthem.org

Jan. 10

JOHN LLOYD YOUNG: BROADWAY’S JERSEY BOY John Lloyd Young will take the stage as part of Arizona Musicfest to celebrate classic hits from the 50s and 60s rock ‘n’ roll, doowop and rhythm and blues. $49+. 7:30 p.m. Highlands Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale. azmusicfest.org

Jan. 14–16

WINTER CAREFREE FINE ART AND WINE FESTIVAL Thunderbird Artists will host its 29th annual event that will bring together more than 150 juried fine artists, musicians, wineries, distilleries and more. Ceramicist Sumati Colpitts has been selected as the featured artist for the event while musicians will include violinist Teresa Joy, Chapman Stick player Bob Culbertson, guitarist Chuck Hall and flutists Henry Molder and Vibhas Kendzia. $3. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Downtown Carefree, 101 Easy Street, Carefree. thunderbirdartists.com

Jan. 14–23

DISNEY’S MY SON PINICCHIO, JR. Starlight Community Theater will present its production of “Disney’s Pinocchio,” based on the classic animated feature film. See website for price and times. Starlight Community Theater, 1611 W. Whispering Wind Dr., Suite 9, Phoenix. starlightcommunitytheater.com

Jan. 15–April 9

RADICAL HAPPINESS The Gallery at Chandler Center for the Arts will host an exhibition from Tucson-based artist Lex Gjurasic, featuring a collection of mixed media works that incorporate a wide breadth of unconventional materials — such as sample house paint, mortar and Styrofoam. The artist developed the series while quarantining at home during the pandemic to relieve the anxieties and uncertainties of living in a country ravaged

by COVID-19. Free. The Gallery at Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler. visiongallery.org

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COMMUNITY January 2022

Writer Joseph J. Airdo

Jan. 21–Feb. 20 GYPSY

Arizona Broadway Theatre will present its production of “Gypsy,” a musical that tells the story of the dreams and efforts of one hungry, powerhouse of a woman to get her two daughters into show business. See website for price and times. Arizona Broadway Theatre, 7701 W. Paradise Lane, Peoria. 623-776-8400; azbroadway.org

Jan. 27–29

ME, MYSELF AND SHIRLEY Laverne and Shirley star Cindy Williams will share memories of her career and hilarious backstage tales from her lifetime in entertainment during a one-woman show that chronicles the stories, the secrets, the embarrassing moments and the highs and lows of her life in Hollywood. $30+. See website for times. Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix. memyselfandshirley.com

Jan. 28

BERNADETTE PETERS CONCERT Celebrated star of stage and screen Bernadette Peters will take the stage as part of Arizona Musicfest to perform an evening of songs from the Broadway shows for which she has received accolades as well as from her Grammy Award-winning and nominated albums. $49+. 7:30 p.m. Highlands Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale. azmusicfest.org

Jan. 28–30

ARIZONA BALLOON CLASSIC

Jan. 20

MAURA ALLEN Meet artist Maura Allen and discover her remarkably beautiful documentations of the American West that draw upon the continuum of its past and present. Like opening a forgotten trunk full of memories in an old attic, each of Allen’s works is full of intimate surprises.

Extra inventory will be on-hand, including special oneof-a-kind pieces. Free. 4–7 p.m. Grace Renee Gallery, Historic Spanish Village, 7212 E. Ho Hum Road, #7, Carefree. 480-575-8080; gracereneegallery.com

Arizona Events Group will host its 11th annual Arizona Balloon Classic. $18+; youth, active-duty military, first responder, veteran and senior discounts available. Friday 4–8 p.m.; Saturday 7 a.m.–8 p.m.; Sunday 7–10 a.m. Goodyear Ballpark, 1933 S. Ballpark Way, Goodyear. abcfest.com

Jan. 28–Feb. 13 GREASE

Fountain Hills Theater will present its production of “Grease,” based on the classic film about two lovers who, after a whirlwind summer romance, are unexpectedly reunited. See website for price and times. Fountain Hills Theater, 11445 N. Saguaro Blvd., Fountain Hills. 480-837-9661; fhtaz.org

Jan. 31

SERGIO MENDES CONCERT Legendary Brazilian bandleader Sergio Mendes will take the stage as part of Arizona Musicfest. $49+. 7:30 p.m. Highlands

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Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale. azmusicfest.org

Feb. 2–April 3

SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN The Phoenix Theatre Company will present its production of “Singin’ in the Rain,” a stage adaptation of one of the most popular movie musicals of all time. See website for price and times. The Phoenix Theatre Company, 1825 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. 602-254-2151; phoenixtheatre.com

Feb. 4–20

A SOLDIER’S PLAY Black Theatre Troupe will present its production of “A Soldier’s Play,” a Pulitzer Prize-winning drama that examines and evaluates the causes of oppression of African Americans and the obstacles to their advancement by realistically describing the complex social issues and systemic racism in the U.S. Army during World War II. See website for price and times. Helen K. Mason Performing Arts Center, 1333 E. Washington St., Phoenix. blacktheatretroupe.org

Feb. 5

LUCY LOVES DESI Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts will welcome L.A. Theatre Works for its unique radio-style production of “Lucy Loves Desi: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Sitcom,” which tells the tale of how the pioneering TV sitcom came to be with as much heart and humor as an episode of “I Love Lucy” itself. See website for price.

8 p.m. Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. Second St., Scottsdale. 480-499-8587; scottsdaleperformingarts.org

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COMMUNITY January 2022

Writer Joseph J. Airdo

Feb. 7

A STAR IS BORN: THE CONCERT A trio of the best voices from Broadway and cabaret will take the stage as part of Arizona Musicfest to celebrate the music from all three film versions of “A Star is Born” while also paying tribute to other classic films about emerging stars. $35+. 7:30 p.m. Highlands Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale. azmusicfest.org

Feb. 12

NVSO BLACK AND WHITE BALL North Valley Symphony Orchestra will host an event celebrating its 10th anniversary, featuring cocktails, dinner, a silent auction, music and dancing. $100. 5:30 p.m. Sheraton Crescent, 2620 W. Dunlap Ave., Phoenix. 623-980-4628; northvalleysymphony.org

Feb. 12 and 13

LOVE FROM SEA TO SEA Arizona Masterworks Chorale will perform a concert filled with romantic and dreamy selections to experience with your loved ones. $15+. Saturday 7:30 p.m. at All Saints’ Episcopal Church, 6300 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. Sunday 3 p.m. at Ascension Lutheran Church, 7100 N. Mockingbird Lane, Paradise Valley. arizonamasterworks.com

Feb. 14

MUSIC CITY HIT-MAKERS CONCERT

Feb. 4

STEVE TYRELL CONCERT Grammy Award-winning vocalist Steve Tyrell will take the stage as part of Arizona Musicfest for a concert of reinvented and repopularized classic standards for a modern audience. $49+. 7:30 p.m. Highlands Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale. azmusicfest.org

Several Grammy and American Country Music awardwinning songwriters who have composed hit tunes for Nashville’s biggest stars will take the stage as part of Arizona Musicfest to perform a concert of classic and contemporary country favorites while telling entertaining, personal stories of the music-making and personalities of Nashville’s famed Music Row. $35+. 7:30 p.m. Highlands Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale. azmusicfest.org

March 19

MUSICAL CHAMPAGNE SALON ProMusica Arizona will host its 4th annual event that brings together music lovers for an elegant evening in a spectacular private home in the Anthem Country Club. Guests will be treated to musical performances by ProMusica Arizona chorale and instrumental soloists and small ensembles in a lovely and comfortable setting. Heavy hors d'oeuvres, decadent desserts, champagne, wine and other beverages will be served and a silent auction will be available. $100. 6 p.m.

Location to be announced. 623-326-5172; pmaz.org

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ART MUSEUM ANNOUNCES AWARDS Phoenix Art Museum recently named Sama Alshaibi as the recipient of the 2021 Arlene and Morton Scult Artist Award.

The museum also named Gloria Martinez-Granados, Chris Vena, Sam Frésquez and Merryn Omotayo Alaka as the recipients of the inaugural Sally and Richard Lehmann Emerging Artist Awards.

Each artist will receive funding to support the creation of new work, which will premiere in solo and group exhibitions at Phoenix Art Museum this fall. phxart.org

CHORALE AND ORCHESTRA HOLDS AUDITIONS ProMusica Arizona Chorale and Orchestra this month is holding auditions for its spring semester.

All instruments and voice parts are welcome to audition — especially strings, double reeds, horns and tenor and bass voices. Playing level must be advanced intermediate and above for the orchestra. Standard orchestral excerpts will be required for the audition. Music reading ability is required for the chorale at intermediate level and above. By appointment only. 602-570-4458; pgraetz@pmaz.org

MUSEUM ACQUIRES RASHID JOHNSON DRAWING Phoenix Art Museum has acquired “Untitled Anxious Bruise Drawing” by critically acclaimed New York-based artist Rashid Johnson.

The work is the latest purchased by the museum with funds from the Dawn and David Lenhardt Contemporary Art Initiative and furthers its mission to diversify its

contemporary art holdings. Johnson is internationally renowned for his abstract and evocative installations, two- and three-dimensional objects, videos and performances that explore themes of social history, art history, philosophy and his own autobiography. $23; youth, student and senior discounts available.

Phoenix Art Museum, 1625 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. phxart.org

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MUSICAL THEATER OFFERS NEW CLASSES Musical Theatre of Anthem recently announced its winter/ spring schedule with a large variety of new and returning classes and workshops. Classes include homeschool theatre, improv games, improv troupe, fairytale theatre, puppetry and more. $10 per class or $90 for 10-week session. Musical Theatre of Anthem, 42201 N. 41st Drive, Anthem. 623-336-6001; musicaltheatreofanthem.org

YOUTH FOR TROOPS RECEIVES RECOGNITION The Ocotillo Chapter of the Arizona State Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution this month presented a community service award to Youth for Troops in recognition of the nonprofit organization’s outstanding contributions to the Anthem and North Phoenix communities.

Youth for Troops’ mission is to inspire patriotism in fellow youth and across generations by volunteering on behalf of military and veterans through community service, advocacy and education. youthfortroops.org

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Orchestrating Opportunities

A Decade of North Valley Symphony Orchestra

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Writer Joseph J. Airdo Photography by Mike Benedetto

Kevin Kozacek firmly believes that the arts are an essential part of both every community and every child’s education.

perform exceptional orchestral music while fostering music appreciation and engagement among members of the North Valley community.

“If you go clear back to the Greeks, they believed that the arts were foundational,” he explains. “They were part of the core of education. Our society has moved away from that and the arts are now elective.”

“We [at North Valley Symphony Orchestra] strongly believe that the arts should be core to what we learn,” Kozacek says. “After all, you learn so much through the arts as far as extended education of history, social interaction, math and science. There is an awful lot that is encompassed in the arts.”

Therefore when, in 2012, Kozacek was invited to serve as the founding music director for North Valley Symphony Orchestra, he jumped at the opportunity. The nonprofit performing arts organization was created with the intention to provide skilled and aspiring musicians of all ages the opportunity to learn, rehearse and

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Celebrating its 10th anniversary season this year, North Valley Symphony Orchestra’s mission was essentially two-fold.

ProSkill Now Offers “North Valley Symphony Orchestra had a vision of being very community-based — having very low ticket prices and building community through concerts that were very attractive to a broader audience base,” Kozacek says.

Determined to not let ticket prices be a barrier for those who wanted to attend its concerts, the nonprofit performing arts organization set them at a mere $5 — a tradition that continues to this day.

“That was very foundational to us,” Kozacek says. “What that requires is a different philosophy of how we raise money. Therefore our donor and sponsor base is extremely important to us — as are grants — because that is where we get the money for us to be able to succeed.”

And succeed it has over the past decade, especially in the way of the other half of its mission.

“We wanted to offer a youth orchestra as a subordinate member of North Valley Symphony Orchestra,” Kozacek explains. “And over the past 10 years, that vision of having just one youth orchestra has grown into three youth orchestras.”

North Valley Symphony Orchestra has beginner, intermediate and advanced youth ensembles called North Valley Youth Orchestra, North Valley Youth Strings and North Valley Symphonettes, respectively.

“It is very exciting to be able to offer not only concerts with the adults performing for the community but also opportunities for the youth to have three very quality orchestras

here in the North Valley,” Kozacek says.

Insulation

Those youth components help with concert attendance as students and their families are always eager to enjoy performances. They also make the North Valley Symphony Orchestra very attractive to granting agencies, as do the nonprofit performing arts organization’s low ticket prices.

“Whether they are corporate, city or state agencies, I think that they feel that their money is going toward a really great cause and broad vision of bringing music to everyone and increasing the accessibility of the arts in our community,” Kozacek explains.

North Valley Symphony Orchestra is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a full season of spectacular concerts, including one in March that features music composed by women and one in May for which Arizona State University’s professor emeritus of composition James DeMars wrote a special piece titled “River Run.” The nonprofit performing arts organization will also hold its annual black and white ball Feb. 12 at Sheraton Crescent in Phoenix, during which it will officially commemorate its first 10 years entertaining Arizona audiences. The fundraising gala will include cocktails, dinner, dancing and a silent auction.

“The event is typically for donors and sponsors but this year we are really trying to get more of our own musicians our audience members to attend, as well,” says Kozacek, noting that one of the items featured in the silent auction is a hand-crafted

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Photo by Mike Benedetto

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North Valley Symphony Orchestra had a vision of being very community-based — having very low ticket prices and building community through concerts that were very attractive to a broader audience base. Kevin Kozacek

violin made by local luthier Jody Summerford. “A number of our students have been awarded one of his violins through competitions and they absolutely love them. Professionals love them, as well.”

Looking ahead, North Valley Symphony Orchestra hopes to expand North Valley Symphonettes — which is currently completely comprised of strings — into a full orchestra with winds, brass and percussion.

“Another goal is to continue with our wonderful outreach program,” Kozacek adds. “We usually have quartets and quintets that perform in the community. Now that [the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided], we are able to go back out into retirement homes and businesses celebrating grand openings and anniversaries and provide music for them.”

“I think that our growth into a fully symphonic orchestra is commendable for a community group,” the music director explains. “As is the fact that we attract adults of all ages — up to 80 years old — and even have some students who are good enough to play with us.

That is a wonderful thing to see such a variety of ages in our adult orchestra.

“Growing from one youth ensemble when we first started to now being able to offer students throughout the North Valley three levels of youth orchestras is also very commendable, especially in only 10 years.” northvalleysymphony.org Facebook: @northvalleysymphonyorchestra Instagram: @northvalleysymphony

Overall, Kozacek is exceptionally proud of what North Valley Symphony Orchestra has accomplished over the past decade.

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North Valley Symphony Orchestra Black and White Ball Saturday, Feb. 12 | 5:30 p.m. | Sheraton Crescent | 2620 W. Dunlap Ave., Phoenix | $100 | 623-980-4628 January 20 22 northvalleysymphony.org

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Lightening Loads and Brightening Lives Jean Renn (shown on right with food pantry director Linda Handlon) is the local conference president of St. Vincent de Paul Society in Anthem, which operates out of a standalone building on the grounds of St. Rose Philippine Duchesne Catholic Parish.

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Writer Joseph J. Airdo Photographer Carl Schultz

Jean Renn recalls the blessing that she and her family received from the St. Vincent de Paul when she was just a child growing up in San Fransisco. Having had experienced the nonprofit organization’s assistance firsthand, it was always a dream of hers to give back and be able to lighten the loads and brighten the lives of those who need a helping hand.

And that is precisely what she and her neighbors do as part of the St. Vincent de Paul Society in Anthem, which operates out of a standalone building on the grounds of St. Rose Philippine Duchesne Catholic Parish.

The reasons that people need the St. Vincent de Paul

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Society’s assistance are diverse. Some have lost their jobs, others have had their hours reduced and some simply do not make enough money to support themselves or their families — especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, of which the effects are still lingering.

“People are going back to work but there are also people who cannot find work,” explains Renn, the local conference’s president. “We have many people who have looked for jobs but they are either overqualified or underqualified.”

Sometimes, the St. Vincent de Paul Society is able to successfully refer such people to local businesses where

they get hired and are able to begin their journey back to independence. But there are still many others who count on the nonprofit organization’s help in order to survive.

“I think that people outside of the Anthem area have this perception that it is a very middle-class community,” Renn says. “But there are people living paycheck to paycheck in Anthem just like everywhere else. It is expensive to live and the opportunity for jobs is minimal.

There are many reasons why [people find themselves in need of our help] and none of them are through any fault of their own.”

The St. Vincent de Paul Society has had a presence in

the Anthem community since 1998, starting as a small food pantry in the back of St. Rose Philippine Duchesne Catholic Parish. As the need for its services grew, the nonprofit organization — a local conference of a worldwide organization founded way back in 1833 — eventually needed its own space.

In 2010, plans were introduced to move the St. Vincent de Paul Society into a double-wide trailer on the property, but it was decided that a new standalone building would better serve the community. The nonprofit organization spent the next few years securing all of the necessary plans and funding for the project and officially moved into its own building in 2015.

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Under the supervision of caring individuals like local conference president Jean Renn (on right) and food pantry director Linda Handlon (on left) and through various donations and with the help of those organizations within the Network of Anthem Area Assistance Providers, the St. Vincent de Paul Society was able to offer a total of $174,697 in financial help to 1,304 people in need last year.

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We feel that we are helping one person at a time and we see that as a blessing. Just knowing that we have relieved the stress of financial and food issues is a reward for us. Jean Renn

“Our area covers as far north as Black Canyon City and as far south as Tramonto,” Renn says. “We help with not just food but also utilities, rent, medical bills, car payments — you name it.”

The St. Vincent de Paul Society also partners with other nonprofit organizations — including Anthem Cares Through Service, Anthem Giving Circle, the Daisy Mountain Firefighters Charities Association, Daisy Mountain Veterans, Foothills Food Bank and Resource Center and the Salvation Army.

Through various donations and with the help of those organizations within the Network of Anthem Area Assistance Providers, the St. Vincent de Paul Society was able to offer a total of $174,697 in financial help to 1,304 people in need last year.

That figure is in addition 1,006 bags of food, which are filled with canned goods, frozen meats and pizzas, among other things. The nonprofit organization even supplies toiletries — essential items that are not typically covered by the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

“We often tell people to come as often as they want,” says Renn, noting that the St. Vincent de Paul Society’s food pantry, run by Linda Handlon, is open Noon–2 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

“Because they can take that money that they would have spent on food and use it on bills, instead.”

Those in need of the St. Vincent de Paul Society’s assistance may call 623-465-9694 — even outside of the food pantry’s hours. Renn also strongly encourages donations to the nonprofit organization from community members who are fortunate enough to be able to do so.

After all, the more funding it has, the more people it can help.

“We feel that we are helping one person at a time and we see that as a blessing,” Renn says. “Just knowing that we have relieved the stress of financial and food issues is a reward for us.”

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The Fabric of Anthem Anthem Area Chamber of Commerce named Anthem Law and Sam’s Frozen Yogurt owner Sam Crump (second from right) its 2021 Business Person of the Year. (Also pictured, from left, previous Business Person of the Year Award winner Tyler Ringe; fellow nominees Work Hard Play Hard Marketing owner Manny Chazan, The Salt Spa owner Sawana Grimmett and Loan Depot load consultant Chris Gonzalez; and previous Business Person of the Year Award winner Travis Ringe.)

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Writer Joseph J. Airdo // Photography by Mike Spinelli Photography

Sam Crump takes tremendous pride in being both a resident of and business owner in Anthem — a community that he says is exceptionally special for a number of reasons.

“Anthem is a community that we have built from the desert floor,” he explains. “Unlike most towns that have a long history, we are in the unique position of creating the history of our founding years. All of us are building the foundations that will support future generations of Anthem residents. Our schools, churches and nonprofit organizations supporting youth, seniors, veterans, animals and more are the fabric of Anthem.”

Crump adds that at the center of it all is Anthem Area Chamber of Commerce, which last month named him

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its 2021 Business Person of the Year.

“I derive energy from engaging with my fellow passengers on this journey,” says Crump, who owns both Anthem Law and Sam’s Frozen Yogurt. “And I am honored to be recognized for it.”

A number of those other individuals, businesses and organizations of which Crump speaks — that truly are the fabric of Anthem — were also recognized during last month’s award ceremony.

Fuego Hot Yoga and Wellness was recognized for its commercial design while Sunset Cyclery and North Valley Custom Hauling received the chamber’s Economic Impact

and Community Impact awards, respectively. North Valley Custom Hauling’s Dustin Holm also took home the chamber’s Congressional Recognition Award while Uncorked Media Group’s Mary Ellen Twohey was named the recipient of its Leadership in Action Award.

Retired community leader and volunteer Bill Black of the Rotary Club of Anthem was honored to receive not just one but two awards, being named both Anthem Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2021 Public Servant of the Year and its 2021 Ambassador of the Year.

“Being a member of Anthem Rotary provided me the opportunities, with their many events and projects, to participate and give back to the community,” Black says.

Anthem Area Chamber of Commerce also named Musical Theatre of Anthem as its 2021 Nonprofit of the Year — an honor for which the theater’s producing artistic director Jackie Hammond could not be more grateful.

Like all nonprofit organizations — as well as businesses and individuals for that matter — Musical Theatre of Anthem faced unprecedented challenges over the past two years as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The theater remained steadfast in its commitment to serve the community by introducing new programming such as homeschool theater classes, performer-led workshops such as its first-ever haunted house and livestreaming events for those who cannot attend shows in person.

“Musical Theatre of Anthem would like to thank the wonderful Anthem community for participating in our

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Anthem Area Chamber of Commerce named retired community leader and volunteer Bill Black (right) its 2021 Public Servant of the Year and 2021 Ambassador of the Year.

(Also pictured, Anthem Area Chamber of Commerce president-elect Matt Word.)

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Musical Theatre of Anthem grant writer and office coordinator Karen Gallagher (center) accepts an award, on behalf of the organization, for Anthem Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2021 Nonprofit of the Year. (Also pictured, Desert Foothills Land Trust’s Vicki Preston and Rotary Club of Anthem’s John Salem.)

All of us are building the foundations that will support future generations of Anthem residents.

Sam Crump

programs when it is more important than ever for kids to be together and learn and grow as artists, patrons and leaders in their community,” Hammond says. “We would not be successful without this amazing community of participants, audience members, dedicated donors, board members and resilient staff members.”

Anthem Area Chamber of Commerce’s departing executive director Heather Maxwell was also

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Anthem Area Chamber of Commerce’s departing executive director Heather Maxwell (center) received the chamber’s 2021 Living Legacy Award. (Also pictured, previous Living Legacy Award winners Eric Kilstrom and Bonnie Smith.)

honored during the ceremony, receiving its 2021 Living Legacy Award.

“It has been so rewarding to work alongside our local business owners and help support their goals and be a part of the story of our amazing community,” Maxwell says. anthemareachamber.org

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Handbags and Heartstrings 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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Writer Joseph J. Airdo // Photography by Carl Schultz

Like so many other cherished community events, Anthem Giving Circle’s annual Purses for a Purpose fundraiser last year pivoted to a virtual format as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Eating, drinking, socializing and celebrating made way for an online bidding process and livestreamed program.

In spite of that, the event was a stellar success for the nonprofit organization that, since 2007, has been helping people throughout the communities of Anthem, Desert Hills and Tramonto with medical bills, rent and utilities payments, home and automotive repairs and emergency expenses.

“We got to reach out to people all over the United States,” says Diane Steenman, who chairs the nonprofit

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organization. “From a fundraising point of view, we made 95% of what we made the year before; so that was fantastic. Everybody was in such a giving way.”

Steenman believes that generosity was due, in part, to the fact that the world at large is a very challenging place right now.

“I think because the world is so challenging, people really see just how blessed they are and are then willing to open up their pocketbooks to help others — especially when we tell them some of the stories of what is happening here in the Anthem area,” she explains. “They are shocked when they hear that there are children in need here in Anthem as well as in Tramonto and Desert Hills,

which are all typically considered to be very affluent areas.”

Because of the community’s generosity last year, Anthem Giving Circle was able to expand its service area to Black Canyon City.

“That is pretty significant for us because there is a lot of real serious need up there,” Steenman says.

The nonprofit organization is counting on the community’s continued support in order to address that need throughout 2022.

The Anthem Giving Circle team is, therefore, grateful to be returning to an in-person format for this year’s Purses for a Purpose fundraiser, with the hope it can match or exceed the 2019 event’s total of $32,000.

This year’s event, scheduled for Feb. 1 in Anthem Country Club’s Ironwood Ballroom, will carry a western theme and feature 150 silent-auction purses, five live-auction purses and a raffle purse valued at $1,000.

“This year’s raffle is for a beautiful Burberry purse with Burberry wallet,” says Steenman, noting that the winner may choose to either keep the purse and wallet or return them to Nordstrom for store credit.

Event tickets are $50 and include a drink and hors d'oeuvres. Raffle tickets — which cost $20 for five or $50 for 15 — can be purchased online in advance of the event on the nonprofit organization’s website.

Another successful fundraiser will help Anthem Giving Circle continue its various charitable efforts, which include providing area schools with gift cards that they can give to students in need and donating items to the St. Vincent de Paul Society and Foothills Food Bank and Resource Center. The nonprofit organization also collects new and gently used bras for St. Vincent de Paul’s undergarment drive.

“We were able to support them — no pun intended — with 750 bras and $500 in donations last year,” says Steenman, noting that the cause is one of the most underserved efforts with some of the greatest need. “That is close to a 30% year-over-year growth.”

Steenman is incredibly grateful to the community for its support of Anthem Giving Circle over the past 15 years and hopes it will continue to help the nonprofit organization achieve its goal to improve lives and lessen needs — or at least make them more manageable.

“We are a small charity,” Steenman acknowledges. “We call ourselves ‘small but mighty.’ Everything that we do is for our community.”

Steenman also encourages the community to personally join Anthem Giving Circle.

“You will get to meet new friends and really feel the impact that you are making in the community,” she says. anthemgivingcircle.com

Experience

Purses for a Purpose: Double Deuces Tuesday, Feb. 1 | 5–8 p.m. | Anthem Country Club’s Ironwood Ballroom 41551 N. Anthem Hills Drive, Anthem $50 | anthemgivingcircle.com

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Writer Joseph J. Airdo // Photography Courtesy of Phoenix Camera Club

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For this month’s photo essay, Images Arizona invited members of Phoenix Camera Club — a collective of photography enthusiasts that has been in existence since 1932 — to share some of their favorite photographs that unequivocally illustrate that there is no place like Arizona in winter.

Charles Ophardt, one of Phoenix Camera Club’s members, says that the fluffy flurries that fall from the sky and blanket portions of our Arizona landscape in white each winter pose a very unique challenge for photographers.

“Snow is a hard subject to master,” Ophardt says. “The camera wants to turn it gray unless you use a little bit of positive exposure compensation.”

Nonetheless, with the proper adjustments, one reaps the rewards of a winter wonderland that is unlike any other in the world. Phoenix Camera Club president Mark Laverman says that there really is nothing quite as dramatic as a fresh blanket of snow on the red rock layers of the Grand Canyon.

“Arizona snows only seem to last for a fleeting moment,” Laverman adds. “The best time to photograph a snowy landscape is the morning after it snows so you really have to be driving up in the snowstorm to get the best shots.”

For those like Phoenix Camera Club member Tom Foley, who has always lived in warmer climates where snow is scarce, its miraculousness is quite obvious.

“Snow has always been special and fun for me — whether it involves a snowball fight, downhill skiing or photography,” Foley says. “The purity of fresh snow contrasts with the red rocks of Arizona in a beautiful and magical manner, thus my favorite locations for capturing snow are Monument Valley, Grand Canyon and Sedona.”

Tom Foley

Without a doubt, Arizonans appreciate snow more than those who live in regions where it is more common. For example, Phoenix Camera Club member David Williams grew up in Utah and always saw snow as “just a part of life.” But, as they say, absence makes the heart grow fonder — and even they change their opinion about snow upon seeing it against our gorgeous landscape.

“When I moved to Arizona six years ago, I missed the snow and instantly began frequenting the high mountain deserts,” Williams says. “It was only then that I began to understand the true beauty of the desert. Whether it is a light dusting of snow or a heavy storm, the place to be when a snowstorm breaks is in the Arizona desert.” imagesar izona.c om

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Capturing lots of snow in Prescott — especially at Watson Lake and the Prescott courthouse — is sometimes a rare opportunity. But when it happens, it is magical! Kay Cross

Charles Ophardt

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Cliff Cross

Kay Cross 20 22

Lou Romain

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While iconic Arizona landmarks are beautiful year-round, the winter snow brings the landscape to another level.

There is nothing quite like a blanket of fresh, pristine snow on red rocks to make for stunning views.

Jim Warthman

Charles Ophardt

David Williams

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“

A cold, snowy day at the beautiful Grand Canyon is quite an inspiration to capture all of the different views.

I really enjoyed spending time trying to photograph the memories I was feeling.

Cliff Cross Jim Warthman

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Mark Laverman

Tom Foley

About the Photographers Rusty Childress aspires for his work to celebrate and emphasize the aesthetic value of nature. He hopes that his images leave people touched, moved and inspired in a way that empowers them to take ownership and provide stewardship of the natural world.

Cliff Cross enjoys photographing nature and landscapes to share his passion with his family and friends.

Participating in camera clubs provide him with another venue to learn and share his work. His wife Kay Cross enjoys the art of capturing fleeting moments of any and all subjects to create fond memories.

Tom Foley is a retired math and computer science professor whose research involved computer-aided 3D geometric modeling, which has a major impact on his photography. He views landscapes, cityscapes and astrophotography as 3D geometry problems that seek a balance of shapes, locations and light.

Mark Laverman photographs widely in the Southwest as well as in many international locations. He specializes in nature, travel and adventure photography and is the president of Phoenix Camera Club.

Charles Ophardt is a lifelong photographer with varied interests in subject matter and attempts to master developing techniques for realistic rendering. His philosophy is to take memorable photos mostly for his own enjoyment to remember the sights and his feelings of places visited as he reviews them at later dates.

Lou Romain simply enjoys capturing the many beautiful sights of the world in which we live through travel — especially of Northern Arizona. Sharing his images with others allows him to reap a double inner pleasure.

Jim Warthman enjoys photographing Arizona’s diversity. Sharing his images, he aspires to enlighten others to the great variety that the state has to offer.

David Williams believes that life is a beautiful friction; we are surrounded with natural beauty surpassing the imagination, yet juxtaposed against our hectic and busy lives. Through his imagery, he hopes to inspire others to see the beauty that was meant to inspire, motivate and heal us. phoenixcameraclub.org Facebook: @phoenixcameraclub Instagram: @phoenixcameraclub imagesar izona.c om

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Writer Shannon Severson

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by Dillon Johnson 44

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“L’Entrata” means “the entrance” in Italian and Anthem’s new wine bar of the same name has definitely made an impressive entrance into the community with wines from around the world as well as top tapas, panini and charcuterie boards by chef Josh Bracher.

Owners Jay and Maria Toupin welcome guests into L’Entrata Tasting Room’s inviting indoor/outdoor space that is a personal representation of their own hospitality style. The Toupins originally hale from Washington state and those origins can be seen in the extensive offerings from the Pacific Northwest amidst the hundreds of bottles that fill the wine display along a wall of the charming shop and restaurant.

Moreover, L’Entrata Tasting Room is a family affair. The Toupins’ grown children are often waiting tables, recommending vintages, polishing glasses or hauling in cases of wine through the back door. Maria’s nephew, Taylor, developed the logo and branding. Jay’s parents, Bill and Mary, also help out and Mary uses her background in the floral industry to create beautiful gift baskets for patrons to purchase as tasteful gifts.

“We’ve had lots of family members who have followed us to Arizona since we were married in 2010,” Jay says. “In fact, we spend our anniversary putting on our grand opening in October of 2021.”

The wine list — by the glass, bottle or even case to take home — features wines from around the world, including less common varietals from Greece, Portugal and Spain and from small, boutique wineries with which the Toupins have fostered relationships. Soon, L’Entrata Tasting Room will introduce Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc under its own label from Washington winemaker Aaron Morrell.

L’Entrata’s servers are happy to make recommendations — whether you are in the mood for a glass of wine, a mug of suds or even a beverage of the non-alcoholic variety.

“I try to bring people outside their comfort zone,” Jay says. “I encourage them to try something a little to the left or right of what they usually drink. I encourage branching out.”

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Jay and Maria, who are quite the entrepreneurial pair, took what was a relatively small, dark space in a Daisy Mountain Drive strip mall and transformed it into an open, bright environment that transports guests to another place — except for those gorgeous Arizona sunset views, of course, which are key to the L’Entrada experience.

Maria says that she and Jay aspired to leverage our state’s absolutely beautiful weather.

“If you’re sitting on the patio or outside bar, that sunset is to die for,” she explains.

Fresh air and sunlight — or starlight — steam into the high-ceilinged space through a retractable glass wall that divides the convivial, double-sided bar and a long patio where outdoor seating ranges from tables and chairs to couches and coffee tables, all tastefully appointed with fresh flowers and greenery from local florist Natalie Gilliland’s shop, Poppies.

“We wanted the environment to be elevated but not stuffy,” Maria says.

“We are really happy to bring a business like this to the community.

We’ve lived in Anthem and felt like it really needed a local place where people could gather and enjoy great wine and delicious food.”

The original plan for the L’Entrata menu centered upon charcuterie boards — a rotating selection of meats, cheeses, olives, nuts and interesting condiments served on handcrafted tasting boards by Mark Larson of MDesignAZ. Those are still on the menu, but now there is also so much more.

“Through our culinary consultant, Brian Driscoll of Driscoll’s Cuisine and Cocktails, we met chef Josh Bracher and jumped at the chance to bring him in as our executive chef,” Maria says. “We told Josh to take it in whatever direction he wanted to.

He works out of our micro-kitchen and produces incredible food. He knows our brand and was proud to be a part of L’Entrata. We are thrilled to have him.”

Bracher creates delectable small plates for lunch, dinner and brunch on Sundays. Along with weekly specials that utilize the freshest ingredients, the menu features creamy burrata with heirloom tomatoes and wild mushroom flatbread with white truffle oil drizzle. Brunch favorites include eggs benedict, croque madame and an enticing croissant board.

Everything is made from scratch and nothing is wasted, which means Bracher can take supply chain challenges and turn them into culinary triumphs.

“Josh is so creative,” Maria says.

“There is always something new on the menu.”

The Toupins are blown away by the positive response to L’Entrata Tasting Room from customers and the support from the community as a whole. The couple says that Tennessee Grill owner Chris Bosn sent a congratulatory bouquet to them and even loaned them the services of his manager on L’Entrata’s opening night.

“The community has been so amazing,” Maria says. “I can’t tell you how many times each day that

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Jay and Maria Toupin welcome guests into L’Entrata Tasting Room’s inviting indoor/outdoor space that is a personal representation of their own hospitality style.

“

I try to bring people outside their comfort zone.

I encourage them to try something a little to the left or right of what they usually drink. I encourage branching out. Jay Toupin

people say, ‘We needed this so badly. We are so glad you’re here.’ It’s been so positive.”

Jay also credits friends Bryan and Nancy Franks, who own Brix Wines in Carefree, for helping him with research and advice.

“They filled a niche that Cave Creek and Carefree needed and we knew it was something we wanted to do,” Jay explains. “Bryan and Nancy stay in touch and they check in on us. I give them a lot of credit for our success because it wouldn’t have morphed into what it is without them.”

Locals have been enthusiastic about the biweekly free wine tastings at L’Entrata and live music on Thursday and Saturday evenings and on Sunday afternoons.

Private events like birthday parties, graduations and

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even a wedding reception have also been popular.

Always innovating, the Toupins are planning to host wine dinners with featured winemakers and, when Valentine’s Day approaches, floral arrangement lessons with Poppies Flower Shop. They’re truly aiming to make L’Entrata a spot where there’s always a reason to gather.

“I think my favorite customer response is from folks who have just moved into the area,” Jay notes. “They say, ‘We didn’t realize Anthem had something like this.’ I give credit to word-of-mouth advertising and our ‘repeat offenders,’ as I call them. That’s what will sustain us — being part of the community and people telling their friends.” lentratawine.com Instagram: @lentratawine

Arizona Musicfest

THE STARS RETURN TO MUSICFEST ON STAGE IN NORTH SCOTTSDALE

TONY BENNETT TRIBUTE 1/ 7

JOHN LLOYD YOUNG 1/ 10

SERGIO MENDES

STEVE TYRELL

A STAR IS BORN

MUSIC CITY HIT-MAKERS 2/14

FESTIVAL SINFONIA 2/20

SARAH CHANG 2/22

THE CONCERT 2/7

SIBLING RIVALRY IRON BARNATAN 2/24 THE CALLAWAY THE FESTIVAL ORCHESTRA SISTERS 3/7

THE McCARTNEY YEARS 4/4

EMANUEL AX 4/21 IN RECITAL

1/ 31

2/ 4

THE FESTIVAL ORCHESTRA

PAUL ANKA 3/14 & 16 50 YEARS OF ANKA SINGS SINATRA ROCK & ROLL 3/28

BERNADETTE PETERS 4/23

THE OFFICIAL BLUES BROTHERS REVUE 4/29

480.422.8449 • AZMUSICFEST.ORG imagesar izona.c om

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RECIPE Spicy Pomegranate Ginger Paloma Serves: 6

Ingredients: Spicy Ginger Syrup: 1 inch fresh ginger, sliced 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper 8 leaves mint Spicy Sweet Sugar: 1 tablespoon coarse sugar 1 tablespoon granulated sugar Cayenne, to taste Lime wedge, to run around rim of cup

Writer and Photographer Francine Coles thefancypantskitchen.com

Start the new year right with this perfect cocktail.

By combining grapefruit, pomegranate and lime juices with a spicy ginger simple syrup and tequila, you get this decadent absolutely delicious drink. Let’s toast to a terrific 2022!

Paloma: 1/2 cup pomegranate juice 1/2 cup grapefruit juice, freshly squeezed Juice from a lime 4 tablespoon spicy ginger syrup 4 ounces tequila Ginger beer, for topping

Directions: To make the spicy ginger syrup, mix 1/2 cup water with the honey, ginger and cayenne in a saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce to simmer for 1–2 minutes then remove from heat. Add the mint, cover and let sit for 10 minutes. Strain out ginger and mint. Store in a glass jar in the fridge for up to two weeks.

To make the spicy sweet sugar, mix the coarse sugar, granulated sugar and a pinch of cayenne on a small plate.

Run a lime wedge around the rim of two glasses and dip into the sugar mix.

To make the paloma, combine the pomegranate juice, grapefruit juice, lime juice, spicy ginger syrup and tequila in a small pitcher. Fill the two sugar-rimmed glasses with ice. Pour paloma over ice, top with ginger beer and enjoy.

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