Images Arizona February 2021

f ebruary 2021

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f ebruary 2021

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CAPTURING MOMENTS Writer Amanda Christmann Photography by Jonas Jungblut

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COMMUNITY EVENTS Writer Joseph J. Airdo

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ISABELLA MARTIN Writer Shannon Severson Photography Courtesy of Nonni Lee Photography

36 ANIMAL ATTRACTION Writer Joseph J. Airdo

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Photography by Lisa A. Langell

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OFRENDA Writer Shannon Severson Photography Courtesy of Alexi Rose Productions

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STRAWBERRY SPRING SALAD Writer and photographer Kyndra Kelly

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PUBLISHER Shelly Spence

MANAGING EDITOR Joseph J. Airdo

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Meaghan Hanie

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Joseph J. Airdo 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 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 © 2020 by ImagesAZ, Inc. All rights reserved.

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

I

It seems as though with each and every issue of Images Arizona that I have published for the past 20-plus years, I find more and more things to love about our incredible community. From the tremendously talented artists and performers to the hugely generous organizations and businesses and everything in between, I have come to value finding new reasons to cherish our unique little corner of the world each month. And it truly is an honor to spread that love to our readers.

What is even more inspiring, though, is how the concept of love permeates every nook and cranny of our community. As I look through the pages of this month’s issue, I see innumerable interpretations and variations of how love strengthens, enhances and benefits our lives.

This month’s photo essay showcases love — in all of its forms, from romantic to familial — in Arizona’s animal kingdom. Not only does it offer insight into the many ways we can emulate the magnanimous, unconditional love of our desert coinhabitants in our own relationships but it also illustrates the unparalleled passion that photographer Lisa A. Langell has for nature as well as for her craft.

In fact, love for one’s craft happens to be an overarching theme throughout this month’s issue. Artist R. Nelson Parrish, artist Katalin Ehling, architect Nick Mancusi and singer Isabella Martin each exhibit an exorbitant amount of appreciation for the talents and skills that they have worked so hard to perfect. They love what they do and that shows through the unrivaled excellence of their individual gifts.

Meanwhile, Michael Stone and Carlos Marquez demonstrate love through their friendship. They also do so through their determination to deliver a unique dining venue to the community — a quality that is also displayed by the various restaurant and business owners whose voices and stories are represented in this month’s issue as they express their gratitude for their customers.

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

Love is quite evidently all around us in everyone we meet, everywhere we go and everything we do. And love begets love so that makes me love our community all the more.

Local First A R I Z O NA 6

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Cheers!

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

f ebruary 2021

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F R O M

A

D AY

O N

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 Hours Tue.–Wed. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. and Thur.–Sat.10 a.m.–7 p.m.

By appointment Sun. and Mon. 480.575.8080 8

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GraceReneeGallery.com

Flex’it Bracelet with Diamonds 18 karat gold and diamond f ebruary 2021

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Artist R. Nelson Parrish began his career as a photographer more than 20 years ago — not to observe the world through a lens, as many photographers aim to do, but to record emotions, time and experiences.

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Amanda Christmann | Photography by Jonas Jungblut

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When a sawyer creates wooden beams for use in homebuilding or other construction projects, they begin with a raw and natural log. Through a process called hewing, the rounded edges are sliced off, turning the log’s beautiful, flawed and unique natural surface into a flat, standardized plane that can be cut into unremarkable pieces of lumber.

The discarded edges of this process, which contain the tree’s individuality, are called “flitch.” They’re considered to be scrap, though some would argue this idea from a philosophical perspective.

Whether or not contemporary artist R. Nelson Parrish intended to make a profound statement about trees, create a metaphor about discarded beauty or simply evoke discussions, thoughts and feelings, he’s achieved his goal in his new Narrative Artifacts series.

By incorporating flitches, cairns, bio-resin and striking color, he has created visceral and tangible narratives that reflect very real aspects of our lives.

The Alaskan artist’s Narrative Artifacts series may seem, at first glance, to be a divergence from his earlier work, but look a little closer, and the common threads are there. Beyond striking use of color — or strategic lack of color — and expert technique, Parrish has a knack for depicting the intangible and borderless construct of time in everything he does.

“A lot of my work deals with the expansion and contraction of time,” Parrish says. “Narrative Artifacts is about making time tangible. The crux of my entire practice has always been the marriage of concept and

craft. I like to take an idea and I like to execute that idea really, really well.”

Vivid, time-lapsed stripes of color define his Sunset Strip Motion Studies series. A profoundly allegorical study of the American flag’s meanings throughout our country’s history are represented in his 21 Flags series. Stark black-and-white snapshots of signs show us who we are in his This Great Land series.

Through these creations, Parrish gives us glimpses into moments. What is different about this latest series is that it’s an exploration meant to be touched as much as it is meant to be viewed.

THE PERFECT SLICE OF A MOMENT

Parrish talks about his newest installation at Carefree’s Grace Renee Gallery from behind a screen on FaceTime — another sign of the times, as it were.

With untamed curly, brown hair, a casual plaid shirt and well-worn jeans, he looks as approachable as his art. He speaks with candor and intelligence.

“Narrative Artifacts is really about finding visceral moments in our lives that we cannot explain or verbalize using traditional verbiage or words, and expressing those moments in color and form,” he says.

“Art is often seen as a ‘hands behind your back, only look, can’t touch’ kind of thing. Narrative Artifacts gives the viewer license to touch them.

“For example, cairns are stacks of rocks that mark trailheads or paths. Inevitably, they fall and they get rearranged over time. I wanted to take that idea of

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By incorporating flitches, cairns, bio-resin and striking color, contemporary artist R. Nelson Parrish has created visceral and tangible narratives that reflect very real aspects of our lives in his latest series — which is now on exhibit at Carefree’s Grace Renee Gallery.

R. Nelson Parrish says that his Narrative Artifacts series is really about finding visceral moments in our lives that we cannot explain or verbalize using traditional verbiage or words, and expressing those moments in color and form.

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using the metaphor of the trail as life’s journey. Most of our memories have pivotal moments, represented by the cairns, that shape our paths. When we go back and reflect on those moments, it’s often in a non-linear fashion.

“Those memories, like cairns, are connected; they belong to each other, but they can be rearranged and viewed in a way that relates and is relevant to our lives right now.”

Flitches is a unique element for artwork; but to Parrish, it makes perfect sense.

“Almost like a photograph, a flitch represents the perfect slice of a moment,” he says. “It’s the combination of the manmade and the natural and organic versus synthetic. I like that marriage. All of the flitches I use are reclaimed from mills. I see them as these absolutely beautiful moments. Instead of taking a photograph of the moment, I put the experience into the flitches.

“Flitches represent a kind of suspension of time. They quite literally hang from the ceiling, suspended in space. They allow the viewer to experience a small slice of that moment, and it opens up a much larger engagement.”

BEYOND SPOKEN WORDS

Like his art, Parrish is better described through actions than in words. He began his career as a photographer more than 20 years ago — not to observe the world through a lens, as many photographers aim to do, but to record emotions, time and experiences.

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As an avid fan of auto racing, skiing and surfing, R. Nelson Parrish has an obsession with speed — not so much for competition, but because of the sensation of adrenaline running through his veins. He’s drawn upon that feeling many times in his work as an artist.

“

Life on this planet isn't very long. If I can make things that continually inspire people after I’m gone, regardless of race, creed, socioeconomic background, or any other category we divide each other into, then I’m doing my job.

R. Nelson Parrish

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As an avid fan of auto racing, skiing and surfing, he has an obsession with speed — not so much for competition, but because of the sensation of adrenaline running through his veins. He’s drawn upon that feeling many times in his work.

Parrish once served as an intern in the United States Senate. He also once swam 19 miles across the Santa Barbara Channel to experience and understand the color blue. He’s a free but critical thinker, and is one of those fascinating people who can discuss politics and policy as keenly as he can talk about art or music.

“If you want to understand something, you have to dive right on in and get to know it,” he says. “A lot of our experiences go beyond spoken words — in fact, there are no words for them.

“That’s why I call these ‘artifacts,’” he says of his latest series. “They are the launchpad for what I consider to be art dialogue between art and the viewer. Really what I’m trying to make is those moments.”

As such, his art is more of an undeniable calling than a career.

“Life on this planet isn't very long,” he says.

“If I can make things that continually inspire people after I’m gone, regardless of race, creed, socioeconomic background, or any other category we divide each other into, then I’m doing my job.

“At the end of the day, it’s not about me; it’s about the work and how it connects to people.

“That’s art.”

EXPERIENCE

The Art of R. Nelson Parrish f ebruary 2021 imagesar iz ona .c om Grace Renee Gallery | Historic Spanish Village | 7212 E. Ho Road, Carefree | 480-575-8080 | gracereneegallery.com

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COMMUNITY

2021 FEBRUARY

Writer Joseph J. Airdo

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 patronfriendly 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. 480837-7163; arizonafineartexpo.com

Jan. 13–Feb. 17

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

MUSICAL THEATRE OF ANTHEM FILM STUDY

for rehearsal days and times. Musical Theatre of Anthem, 42201 N. 41st

analyze classic films as well as learn

Drive, Anthem. 623-336-6001;

the history of cinematography and

musicaltheatreofanthem.org

canceled or rescheduled to comply

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

other factors associated with the

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and do performance improvisation

students aged 13–17 will watch and

6–7 p.m. Wednesdays. RSVP. Musical

to confirm dated details.

rehearse original comedy sketches for an audience. $175. See website

at press time, some events may be

the contact information provided

comedy. Students aged 8–17 will

a film analysis class during which

film. $100; sibling discounts available.

COVID-19 pandemic. Please use

character creation and physical

Musical Theatre of Anthem will host

the most up-to-date information

with social distancing measures and

art of improvisation, comedic timing,

Jan. 21–Feb. 25 CITIZEN FIRE ACADEMY

Daisy Mountain Fire and Medical will

Jan. 18–March 1

MUSICAL THEATRE OF ANTHEM WINTER IMPROV SQUADS

host a class that will allow community members to experience firefighter training first hand. Registrants will learn about Daisy Mountain Fire District, how calls are dispatched,

Musical Theatre of Anthem will

visit a fire station, try equipment,

organize troupes that will learn the

participate in drills and more. $35.

Daisy Mountain Fire and Medical, 41018 N. Daisy Mountain Drive, Anthem. 623-4657400; daisymountainfire.org

Feb. 5 and 6

AARON HENRY JEWELRY Grace Renee Gallery will welcome the

Jan. 22–Feb. 14

designer of Aaron Henry Jewelry during an event that showcases the brand's brilliant

THE ODD COUPLE

pieces — each of which is hand-crafted,

Desert Stages Theatre will present its

bringing classical Old World quality to

production of Neil Simon’s classic comedy

modern design. The hallmarks of Aaron

“The Odd Couple.” See website for times

Henry Jewelry's lines are design integrity,

and price. Desert Stages Theatre, 7014 E.

gemstone quality, fine craftsmanship and

Camelback Road, Suite 0586, Scottsdale.

attention to detail. Free. Grace Renee Gallery,

480-483-1664; desertstages.org

7212 E. Ho Hum Road, Suite 7, Carefree.

Air Conditioning • Plumbing • Water Treatment

The best time to buy is now...

480-575-8080; gracereneegallery.com

Jan. 29–Feb. 21

WALKIN’ THE LINE

Feb. 6

relive the amazing songs of Johnny Cash.

VISION KIDS: IMAGINATIVE PORTRAITS

The show will feature Scott Moreau, who

Chandler's Vision Gallery will host a class

starred as Cash in the national tour of the

during which Clayton Swenson will encourage

Broadway hit “Million Dollar Quartet.”

youth aged 6–16 to practice their drawing

See website for price and times. Arizona

skills with a series of fun portrait prompts.

Broadway Theatre, 7701 W. Paradise Lane,

Students will learn life drawing techniques as

Peoria. 623-776-8400; azbroadway.org

they engage their imagination to illustrate how

Arizona Broadway Theatre will present a tribute show during which audiences can

in case you were wondering.

Up to $1350 off

or

they would like to be seen. The workshop,

Feb. 1

GEOLOGY ROCKS WEBINAR

which will be offered virtually on Zoom, is designed to inspire children's creativity and

72 Months

give students the opportunity to develop important avenues for self-expression. Free.

The Holland Center will welcome guest

10 a.m. and 1 p.m. RSVP. visiongallery.org/

speaker Chad Kwiatkowski for a webinar

vision-kids

about the geology of the Cave Creek area. $10. 6:30 p.m. RSVP. hollandcenter.org

Feb. 13

CAREFREE ART WALK

DESERT FOOTHILLS LIBRARY’S VIRTUAL CELEBRATION

Stroll, shop, dine and enjoy an evening

Desert Foothills Library will host a creative

celebrating the arts in downtown Carefree

re-imagining of its annual gala, which is part

while helping to support local businesses

of a month-long celebration of the library’s

and local creativity — which makes our

past, present and future. Participants will

Arizona culture a better place to live,

receive an artisanal charcuterie sampler, a

work and visit. Begin at any gallery, then

bottle of champagne, a floral centerpiece, a

continue on to other participating galleries.

commemorative library memento, a special “I

Enjoy a diverse display of artistic styles

Love My Library Month” video and access to

and mediums, meet the artists, enjoy

a silent auction and raffle. $125+. dfla.org

Feb. 4

refreshments and engage in conversation about art and architecture. Free. 4–8 p.m.

See website for participating galleries.

Schedule for your Furnace Safety Inspection

Membership Price:

$79.00 Normally

Call or Text

623.552.2474 to Schedule your Appointment!

visitcarefree.com f ebruary 2021

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Feb. 14

VALENTINE’S DAY DINNER Chef Marcellino Verzino will create a special menu for Valentine’s Day that will feature a diverse selection of favorite dishes from which guests may choose.

Delectable entrees will include Santa Lucia, filet mignon and Zuppa di Pesce Royale. Guests can pair their meal with imported Italian wines and beers or enjoy a special cocktail from the chef’s personalized mixology list. The memorable evening will also feature music by Monte Procopio. Additionally, the chef will be preparing his special panna cotta dessert throughout the weekend. Marcellino Ristorante will also offer beautiful “Baskets of Amore” to-go for those who prefer a romantic evening at home. Marcellino Ristorante, 7114 E. Stetson Drive, Scottsdale. 480-9909500; marcellinoristorante.com

Feb. 13

GOLDEN REEF STAMP MILL DEMONSTRATION

Feb. 17

HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CARE WEBINAR

from the worlds of jewelry, watches and antiques to host a two-dayonly buying and appraisal event.

Free, fair and honest valuations will be available as will no-pressure,

Arizona’s only fully operational

Hospice of the Valley will sponsor

on-the-spot cash offers to buy. Free.

ten-stamp ore crushing mill will run

an online talk through the Holland

American Federal Rare Coin and

several outdoor demonstrations at

Center to inform participants

Bullion, 500 Easy St., Carefree. 800-

Cave Creek Museum. Watch history

how hospice supports patients

221-7694; americanfederal.com

come alive as the ten 1,000-pound

and families in their homes, when

stamps slam down in synchronized

hospice is appropriate and how

precision and hear the pounding

Medicare and insurance companies

echo against the desert foothills —

cover the cost. $10. 11 a.m. RSVP.

just as it did more than 140 years

hollandcenter.org

ago. Also on exhibit outdoors on the museum campus are various pieces of equipment from the early

Feb. 19 and 20

Feb. 20

THE NIGHT THE GRANDFATHERS DANCED Artist Katalin Ehling will participate in Desert Foothills Library’s month-

agricultural tools used at local

BUYING AND APPRAISAL EVENT

farms and ranches. See website for

With a reputation for offering expert

Night the Grandfathers Danced,” a

times. Cave Creek Museum, 6140 E.

advice to people looking to buy, sell,

book in which her artwork was used.

Skyline Drive, Cave Creek. 480-488-

trade or consign coin collections and

During the virtual program, Ehling

2764; cavecreekmuseum.org

precious metals since 1980, American

will encourage children to create

Federal Rare Coin and Bullion will

their own art inspired by the story

partner with renowned appraisers

and share with them what it is like to

mining days of Arizona and many

long Love Your Library celebration with a virtual reading from “The

be an artist. Free. 11 a.m. dfla.org

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Feb. 20

VISION KIDS: NOTSO-EMPTY BOWLS Inspired by the Empty Bowls Project, Chandler's Vision Gallery will host a class during which Sylvia FugmannBrongo will teach youth aged 6–16 to create imaginative bowls out of air-dry clay representing the things in their lives that nourish them. Families are encouraged to bring a canned food donation for a local food bank when they pick up supplies for the workshop which, offered virtually on Zoom, is designed to inspire children's creativity and give students the opportunity to develop important avenues for selfexpression. Free. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

RSVP. visiongallery.org/vision-kids

Feb. 20–28

STAR STARS: THE FRANCHISE AWAKENS Starlight Community Theater will present its production of “Star Stars: The Franchise Awakens,” a loving, loopy parody of fandom and a certain space adventure. See website for price and times. Starlight Community Theater, 1611 W. Whispering Wind Drive, Suite 9, Phoenix. starlightcommunitytheater.com

Feb. 25–28

13 AUDITIONS

INJURY SCREENING

Desert Foothills Theater will audition potential cast members aged 12–15 for its upcoming production of “13.” RSVP. See website for times. The Holland Center, 34250 N. 60th St., Scottsdale.

480-488-1981; dftheater.org

f ebruary 2021

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Photo Courtesy of Michele Celentano

March 25–28

ALADDIN KIDS Musical Theatre of Anthem will present its production of “Aladdin Kids,” a stage adaptation of Disney’s animated adventure about a street urchin who vies for the attention of a beautiful princess, using a genie’s magic power to become a prince in order to marry her. $13+. See website for times. Musical Theatre of Anthem, 42201 N. 41st Drive, Anthem. 623-336-6001; musicaltheatreofanthem.org

Feb. 26–March 21

Feb. 27

March 2–April 20

Arizona Broadway Theatre fan-

VISION KIDS: POP-UP ACCORDION BOOKS

favorite Kurtis Overby will perform

Chandler's Vision Gallery will host

Musical Theatre of Anthem will

a musical spectacular that will

a class during which Jennaway

host a minis class during which

transport audiences back to the days

Peterson will teach youth aged 6–16

students aged 3–5 will focus on vocal

when Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers

some fun bookmaking skills with a

technique, dance skills, showmanship

danced across the silver screen to

zig-zagging accordion design. When

and basic theater terminology. Skills

classic Gershwin hits. The toe-tapping

the book is created, students will

will culminate in a performance for

production will feature favorite tunes

add the content of their choosing

friends and family. $100. See website

such as “I’ve Got Rhythm,” “A Foggy

and a surprise pop-up element. The

for rehearsal days and times. Musical

Day,” “Let’s Call The Whole Thing

workshop, which will be offered

Theatre of Anthem, 42201 N. 41st

Off” and “S’Wonderful,” coupled

virtually on Zoom, is designed to

Drive, Anthem. 623-336-6001;

with musical mashups and more.

inspire children's creativity and

musicaltheatreofanthem.org

See website for price and times.

give students the opportunity to

Arizona Broadway Theatre, 7701 W.

develop important avenues for self-

Paradise Lane, Peoria. 623-776-8400;

expression. Free. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

azbroadway.org

RSVP. visiongallery.org/vision-kids

CRAZY FOR GERSHWIN

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MUSICAL THEATRE OF ANTHEM SPRING MINIS

KIWANIS HOSTS ‘MISTY EVENT’ The Kiwanis Club of Carefree recently hosted a “Misty Event” at the Sanderson Ford Pavilion in Carefree. Chaired by the organization’s president Kimberly Marie Jack, the program featured a patriotic song and story by Ted Dimon followed by a presentation to Desert Foothills Library of a $50,000 donation to support its teen room. Donnie Veal then provided novel insight into his career as an aspiring professional baseball player and a major league baseball scout. kiwaniscarefree.org

KIWANIS RECAPS CHRISTMAS EVENT During the Kiwanis Club of Carefree’s regular December meeting, Eric’s House grief specialist Greg Eckerman shared a presentation of the possible depression of parents, relatives and friends who have lost children to suicide, and the need to recognize and support these people during the holiday season. The presentation was followed by a gift-wrapping session during which more than a dozen volunteers prepared more than 100 presents that, in addition to hundreds of presents wrapped earlier in the week, were given to recipients of the nonprofit organization’s Adopt a Family program. The Upscale Singers provided festive entertainment throughout the event. kiwaniscarefree.org

MUSICAL THEATRE OF ANTHEM HOSTS ACTING CLASSES Musical Theatre of Anthem is hosting weekly acting classes for youth aged 7–14. $10 per class or $75 for 10 classes. 5:45–6:45 p.m. Tuesdays. Musical Theatre of Anthem, 42201 N. 41st Drive, Anthem. 623-336-6001; musicaltheatreofanthem.org

SEDONA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL POSTPONED Sedona International Film Festival organizers have postponed the 27th annual event, originally scheduled for Feb. 20–28, to June 12–20 due to the surging COVID-19 pandemic. New offerings will include outdoor screenings of films and events at venues throughout Sedona. Modifications at screening venues will ensure appropriate social distancing and masks will be required for films scheduled at Mary D. Fisher Theater, Sedona Performing Arts Center and the two largest auditoriums at Harkins Sedona 6. A virtual component for online screening of films will also be part of this year’s event. sedonafilmfestival.com

f ebruary 2021

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New River teen Isabella Martin has released her first two singles — “By Your Side” and “Dream Big” — and is preparing to release a third.

Writer Shannon Severson Joseph J. Airdo

i mCourtesy a g eCarl s a r iSchultz zof o nNonni a . c o mLeefePhotography b r uary 2 02 1 Photography by 22

M

Musical talent runs deep in the DNA of 15-year-old Isabella Martin. The New River teen’s Ireland-born father, Damian, has been a professional musician since the age of 16 and comes from a long line of musicallyadept family members.

It seems apt that Isabella’s professional career would also kick-off before she can even drive a car. She has released her first two singles — “By Your Side” and “Dream Big” — and is preparing to release a third.

“I’ve always had a love for music and singing,” she says. “I wanted to take my career seriously from about the age of nine. I’ve always loved performing, too.”

Isabella’s mom, Andrea, and dad have always supported her talent and ambition, no matter where they are in the world.

“A music career is something most parents don’t indulge with their children,” says Andrea, “but we know she has talent and has always been drawn to performing. She has a great ear like her dad; she can sing something the same exact way, again and again.

“We want to nurture what she naturally has and help that along. Wherever it takes her, our job as parents is to make sure she has the opportunity to go where

she can if she wants to. She’s driving it and we are following her lead.”

CLOSER TO THE HEART OF THE MUSIC INDUSTRY

Because her father, now an American citizen, served in the U.S. Army for most of her upbringing, Isabella has already benefited from broad life experiences and has enjoyed soaking up international culture, traveling all over Europe. She’s even lived in North Pole, Alaska.

“My first voice teacher, Susan Frick, was our pastor’s wife when we lived in Belgium,” Isabella says. “That’s also where my parents bought me my first guitar.

My current teacher, Susan Strick, is someone I began learning from when we lived in Redmond, Washington.

She gave me so many performance opportunities and I was able to learn from watching other students perform. We have a really great relationship and I still take classes from her over Zoom.”

The training paid off when Isabella auditioned at a performing arts convention in Seattle and earned herself an audition for producers and casting directors at an iPop convention in Las Vegas. She and her mother treated it as a girls’ trip and were thrilled when Isabella was signed to a contract with Los Angeles producer Manny Mijares of Upscale Records.

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Isabella Martin’s music can be found on Spotify, iTunes, YouTube Music and Google Play.

The New River teen also posts musical snippets on her Instagram account @isabella_martiniii.

Isabella Martin gets music and career inspiration from Christian artists Mandisa, Danny Gokey and Toby Mac, pop artists Alessia Cara and the late Whitney Houston as well as those with a theatrical background like Bette Midler and Kristin Chenoweth.

By this time, the family was living in Arizona — much closer to the heart of the music industry.

Andrea was instrumental in the family’s move. The Martins live as a multigenerational family that includes Andrea’s parents, Dean and Carol Torkko, and Isabella’s younger brother, Anthony. Andrea, who is interested in setting up an animal rescue, was drawn to sunny Arizona so that her parents could get out of the cold and rain of Washington.

The fact that Arizona is a lot closer to Los Angeles was also a huge factor for the family.

Isabella admits it was a bit of a shock to learn she was moving.

“I was crushed,” she recalls. “I had friends in my neighborhood and at school and church who I was really connected to. But I came to Arizona and I absolutely love it.”

BIG DREAMS

As it turns out, the sunny state has been a good luck charm for her. Before the COVID-19 pandemic shut down travel, Isabella was able to work with Mijares, composer Bill Miller and songwriter Sam Shrieve to write and record her singles.

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“

I’ve grown so much since I started and I want to keep learning and performing.

I’d love to record a full album and go on tour someday, to be a role model and an influencer for good.

Isabella Martin

“It was a dream come true,” Isabella says. “We went to L.A., I went into the studio and it was so cool. I had amazing people helping me. I learned so many tips from Sam and even got to listen to the finished product a few times. I was like, ‘This is amazing!’”

“By Your Side,” which Isabella released last July, is inspired by the deadly 2018 Camp Fire that ravaged the town of Paradise, California. The Martins lived there for a time with Andrea’s parents, who lost their own home in the fires.

“I wanted to pour out that emotion of losing our things and the property into a song,” explains Isabella, noting that she sent her thoughts to Mijares and Shrieve, who converted them into song lyrics. “I wanted to express that to the friends I have there.”

Her second single, “Dream Big,” was released last month and expresses the positive message that Isabella wants to be the hallmark of her music — one that encourages kindness, selfconfidence and hope.

“My motto has always been that I can do anything if I work hard,” she says.

“The song talks about how I have big dreams — and I do. I see myself as ambitious and I’m going to do my best to shoot for my dreams.”

Isabella has used her artistic talents to shoot her own lyric video for “By Your Side,” and has even designed her own line of merchandise, which includes an overlay drawing of her first album.

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She is also taking songwriting classes with Miller to enhance her ability to express her feelings through song. She loves filming around the family’s fiveacre property, which houses not only the family but also a small menagerie of pets — her Belgian-born, Frenchspeaking cat, Tiggy; her grandparents’ cat, Ashley; a trio of lovebirds; a pair of pigs; and a dozen chickens.

A INFLUENCER FOR GOOD

As she anticipates the release of her third single and considers her dreams for the future, Isabella gets music and career inspiration from Christian artists Mandisa, Danny Gokey and Toby Mac, pop artists Alessia Cara and the late Whitney Houston as well as those with a theatrical background like Bette Midler and Kristin Chenoweth.

Isabella — whose music can be found on Spotify, iTunes, YouTube Music and Google Play — says that her personal style is a mix of pop and musical theater. She also posts musical snippets on her Instagram account @isabella_martiniii.

“I’ve grown so much since I started and I want to keep learning and performing,” says Isabella, noting that she sings at church and school and has plans to perform at local coffee shops in Anthem and Cave Creek. “I’d love to record a full album and go on tour someday, to be a role model and an influencer for good.”

FEBRUARY 2021

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Our feature home this month is a meticulously maintained, 3-Bedroom, Den, 3.5-Bathroom home on a cul-de-sac lot with desert wash views inside the gates of Anthem Country Club. This exceptional 2,981sf home features built-in shelves with stained glass around the family room fireplace to accommodate the home bar and media setup. The Chef's kitchen includes a new electric cooktop, black appliances, raised panel cherry cabinets, granite counters, and an island breakfast bar. The refrigerator, washer & dryer are included.

The master bath includes a glass block walk-in shower, soaking tub, dual vanities, and a spacious walk-in closet. Distant mountain views from this grassy backyard with extensive paver sitting areas and a built-in BBQ island. 3 car garage with an upgraded door, epoxy floor, and built-in storage cabinets and upper racks. Also includes plantation shutters, a new water heater, water softener, and a reverse osmosis drinking water system!

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From left, Lyndsie Clymer, Tiffany Fox, Sara Muchnij and Mikayla Skogen.

Photo Courtesy of Patty Kaufman and ItsUphoto.

Writer Joseph J. Airdo Photography Courtesy of Dynamic Motion Dance Academy

M

More than two decades ago, Tiffany Fox had aspirations of becoming a professional dancer. Today, she is a successful business owner who has shined a positive light on the lives of countless children, helping them to become happy, healthy adults thereby making Anthem — and the world — a better place.

Center off Seventh Street and Carefree Highway. After working there for a year, the owner announced to Fox that she would be moving and asked if she would be interested in purchasing the studio.

And it all happened because of her belief that everything happens for a reason as she accepted a serendipitous opportunity 20 years ago.

Fox agreed, taking over operations of the 800-squarefoot facility under the new name Dynamic Motion Dance Academy. She remained at the location for roughly 18 months before moving to a 3,000-square-foot facility in Anthem.

After graduating with a bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University in 1998, Fox got a job at All That Jazz Dance

Three years ago, Dynamic Motion Dance Academy moved again, this time to an 8,000 square-foot facility that Fox

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From left, Sara Muchnij, Lyndsie Clymer, Tiffany Fox and Mikayla Skogen.

Photo Courtesy of Patty Kaufman and ItsUphoto.

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“

Kids need art; they need movement for stress relief and therapy. So for us to be able to provide a safe, happy, healthy environment for exploration and growth as dancers — not only technically and physically but also mentally as human beings — is very important.

Tiffany Fox

says she feels exceptionally blessed to be in.

However, she admits that it took a long time and a lot of hard work — complete with blood, sweat and tears — to get to the point at which she and the studio are at now.

“It is about perseverance, drive and not giving up when things go bad,” she says.

“I hope that is something that I model for my students. The teachers who work for me now have seen all of the bumps in the road — including me trying to get a new building built, which took a year and a half and five different companies to complete. And they have seen how I have never given up.”

As owner and director of Dynamic Motion Dance Academy, Fox has made it a point to always remain positive — at least in front of her students and teachers.

“Everybody has their breakdowns,” Fox admits. “But I have tried to show everybody that you just cannot give up. No matter what it is, you just cannot quit. It can be as simple as a kid trying to learn a turn in class. It might take you a year to get it, but that is OK. You just have to keep trying and never give up.”

ACCLIMATING AND ADVANCING

Fox looks back at the last 20 years in absolute amazement — not only at what she and her studio have accomplished but also at the immense growth of the community.

“When I was at my first building in Anthem, there was nothing else there,” Fox explains.

“There were no houses, no outlet mall or anything. It has grown tremendously — which is amazing because it has given me an opportunity to meet even more families and affect even more children with my love of dance.”

Fox adds that the physical landscape is not the only thing that has changed over the last two decades. The learning landscape has changed as well.

kids want things a lot faster. I have also had to acclimate to advancing technology — especially this year with Zoom.”

Fox acknowledges that acclimation is part of the business and of life, though. In order to be successful, one needs to learn how to roll with the punches as well as take advantage of opportunities when they come along — even if they are not “part of the plan.” “[Owning a dance studio] was something that I had thought about starting but that was really not my main goal,” Fox says. “I wanted to dance professionally and was auditioning for different companies in California. But I believe that everything happens for a reason and when this opportunity came up, I needed to take it. You do not let opportunities pass.”

One must also be appreciative for what they have and find the positive in a situation at all times — including last year. Fox firmly believes that it is during our most trying times that we become driven to do better.

“That is why I have gone back to school at 46 years old to get my Masters in Fine Arts from Arizona State University,” says Fox, noting that she has aspirations of becoming a professor. “I feel like I can never know enough for the kids. The more I learn, the better I can help them thrive.”

After all, that is why Fox does what she does — to make a difference in the lives of her students and to be a positive light for them.

She adds that her role at Dynamic Motion Dance Academy is about so much more than just teaching children the art of dance.

“A few months ago, a student came back to thank me,” says Fox, with obvious emotion in her voice as she began to tear up. “She is 26 now and has three kids. She did not thank me for teaching her a pirouette or any other technique. She thanked me for providing her with a place for memories and support.

“A long time ago, kids would take their time learning things,” she explains. “Now

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“These girls come to me for so many other things than just dance. When they have issues at school or issues with their boyfriends when they are teenagers, they come into the studio crying and I support them. That is what they remember. And that makes me so happy to do what I do.”

WITNESSING GROWTH

In addition to welcoming multiple generations of students into Dynamic Motion Dance Academy, two decades in the community have also afforded Fox an opportunity to watch the children whose lives she has affected grow up before her very eyes.

“Watching them grow up year after year is my favorite part of the job,” says Fox, noting that it is not unusual for a child to remain her student from 3 years old through high school graduation. “I get to watch these kids grow up and it is just so wonderful.

And I still get to see them after they leave when they are adults who start having their own kids that they then bring to me as students.”

In some cases, Fox’s students have even gone on to become teachers at Dynamic Motion Dance Academy.

Lyndsie Clymer was 3 years old when her parents entered her into a ballet and tap combo class at the studio.

“I was super shy,” Clymer says. “My parents had hoped that putting me in a dance class would help get me out of my shell. Little did they know that 20 years later I would be making a career out of it.”

Clymer, who now works at Dynamic Motion Dance Academy as an instructor, recalls feeling extremely welcomed and loved during her very first day of class at the studio.

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She is grateful to Fox and all of the other brilliant, loving and passionate teachers who gave her plenty of opportunities to perform and compete in the community.

She is especially grateful for Dynamic Motion Dance Academy’s extremely supportive environment that promote’s children's creativity and physical activity.

“The information that I learned as a performer and competitor helps me guide my students who want to compete and perform just like I did,” Clymer explains. “I teach six days a week, countless hours each day and I could not be happier. I am so grateful to now work for a company that I started dancing with at 3 years old. I love my job an insane amount and I could not ask for a more loving and inspirational boss/mentor.”

Fox says that supportive environment is a key characteristic of her approach, which diverts development-inhibiting stereotypes.

Fox could not be more proud of Clymer, who she says is an amazing choreographer and teacher and a bright light at the studio. She adds that her instructors are what make Dynamic Motion Dance Academy such a special place.

“They are all so driven,” Fox says.

“They love kids, they love teaching dance and they are all amazing, trained and certified women. I feel so blessed that my staff is top-notch and that we have such a wonderful, family environment that promotes individuality and uniqueness.”

COMMUNITY COMMITMENT

Tami Jewell, whose daughters spent 12 years dancing at Fox’s studio, agrees that Dynamic Motion Dance Academy is a special place.

“When you look at the Anthem business community, Dynamic Motion Dance Academy stands out as one of the originals that has stood the test of time,” she says. “It takes a strong sense of community commitment combined with great values and goals to do so.”

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Fox believes that children need the expressive arts — such as dance — now more than ever due to the many unprecedented challenges that our world has faced over the past year.

“Kids need art; they need movement for stress relief and therapy,” she explains. “The arts are so good for the brain and I feel like kids are not getting enough of that right now. And I think that is affecting them negatively.

“So for us to be able to provide a safe, happy, healthy environment for exploration and growth as dancers — not only technically and physically but also mentally as human beings — is very important. We need to spread love and positivity in the community There needs to be some kind of connection; something to look forward to.

Otherwise what are we all here for?”

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Writer Joseph J. Airdo | Photography by Lisa A. Langell

L

Love is in the air.

Couples all around the world this month will enjoy expensive, candle-lit dinners and exchange candy, flowers, jewelry and teddy bears to show their affection for one another. Pet names will be used, expressions of adoration will be spoken and romance will rain down.

Valentine’s Day offers all of us the perfect excuse to make our significant others aware of just how much they light up our lives.

Yet many view it as an inconvenient obligation instead.

Even more resort to very unloving behavior the other 364 days of the year. Both are qualities that are unique to humans as you will never find examples of such in the animal world.

Lisa A. Langell knows this better than most people as she has been observing and photographing animals for nearly her entire life. From that wealth of experience, she firmly believes that animals experience a range of love and other emotions.

“Love has many definitions but one of the simplest is ‘feeling deep affection for someone,’” Langell says. “I find it impossible to watch animal behavior without noticing an apparent deep, strong affection and connection with their young, their mates and many times even their relatives and members of their social circles.”

The photographer also believes that we can learn a lot from animals — especially with respect to relationships.

Whether it is a sandhill crane dancing to express frustration, a black vulture’s lifelong loyalty to its mate or a cliff chipmunk’s adoption of co-denning behavior, animals can teach us some pretty powerful lessons when it comes to love.

Images Arizona hopes that this month’s photo essay featuring the various types of love — from romantic to familial — as expressed by those more emotionally evolved than we humans will relay those lessons thereby making us all better equipped at showing appreciation to those who light up our lives not just on Valentine’s Day but all year round.

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LOVE BIRDS

Lisa A. Langell has long held a special affinity for all animals but birds have been a particular fascination for her since she was just 8 years old.

“At first, I loved them for their color and species diversity,” Langell says. “It was a challenge to improve my ability to identify the various species by sight and — as I learned more — by song.

“Today, I still love birds for those reasons, but also because science indicates that they have evolved from theropods — a type of carnivorous dinosaur — more than 150 million years ago. It is fascinating to me to watch these little, beautiful ‘dinosaurs’ flit and fly about.”

However, the thing that draws Langell to birds the most is their unique courting behaviors. The moment she sees a bird engaging in such rituals, she feels compelled to stop whatever it is that she may be doing and observe them.

“What birds go through to attract a mate is absolutely fascinating,” Langell explains. “They sport phenomenal colors, give visually spectacular aerial displays that would compete with the best of the Blue Angels, dance like Baryshnikov, sing like Pavarotti, elaborately decorate their surroundings and seduce and charm the female — all while fighting off contenders for the hope of earning her love and affection.”

Moreover, many birds migrate thousands of miles to do so.

“If it is true that partners get from a relationship as much as what they put into it, imagine how much we could gain from that kind of determination, dedication and love,” Langell says.

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While humans tend to lash out, shout, fight, argue or become silent when frustrated, sandhill cranes simply dance. Imagine how much better — and funny — it could be if every time we got upset with our spouse or partner, we just danced around the living room instead.

Lisa A. Langell

DELIGHTFUL SURPRISES

Lisa A. Langell believes that one of the best assets a photographer like herself can have when capturing animals on camera is a firm understanding of their behavior because it helps one anticipate the types of movement an animal will engage in thereby facilitating “the perfect shot.”

She says that watching an animal's behavior often offers delightful surprises — none more so than when said behavior mimics that of humans.

“I have photographed cliff chipmunks engaging in nosing — a type of social greeting that looks a lot like they give one another a kiss,” Langell explains.

“I have also observed male cardinals giving food to their mate and a wild mare gently encouraging its foal to tread into the water with her.

“Many times, I have witnessed shorebirds sheltering their young under their wings. I was utterly awestruck a few years ago when I came upon a pair of red foxes engaged in a ceremonious grieving ritual because their young were killed by a predator just moments before.”

Langell adds that evidence animals experience a range of love and other emotions is especially obvious when they have lost a loved one.

Cliff chipmunks can teach those of us in loving relationships that being stuck in your ways is not always the best way to behave. Historically, cliff chipmunks den alone. But new research in Arizona has discovered some of these creatures have adopted co-denning behavior — even outside of breeding season. This could assist them socially and in survival. We could all benefit from taking a page from the evolving rules of cliff chipmunks.

Lisa A. Langell

“For example, elephants notoriously mourn the loss of their children and family members, exhibiting complex physical signs of sadness and engaging in grieving rituals that can last for years,” she explains.

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I find it impossible to watch animal behavior without noticing an apparent deep, strong affection and connection with their young, their mates and many times even their relatives and members of their social circles.

Lisa A. Langell

NO STRINGS ATTACHED The lessons about love that animals can teach us are not exclusive to just romantic relationships. Photographer Lisa A. Langell believes that our interpretations of familial love are also often outdone by our four-legged or feathered friends out in nature.

“We see protection and caring of offspring to be a consistent theme among most animals,” Langell says. “For example, killdeer and ducks commonly feign broken wings to lure predators away from the nest. American avocets, normally docile, will become extremely aggressive on breeding and nesting grounds, dive-bombing and loudly protesting intruders — all for the sake of protecting young.”

Langell adds that animals lovingly raise their young with one goal in mind — to be independent, healthy and skilled so that

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they can survive well as adults in a challenging world.

“There are simply no additional ‘strings’ or expectations in return,” Langell says. “Their children are free to do this in whatever manner they choose. With humans, the concept of giving without expectations — or ‘strings’ — in return can really strengthen the bonds and love within families. Doing so removes the tallykeeping’ that many of us incorporate into our relationships.”

Langell notes that tally-keeping and “strings” have manipulative origins and that relationships are rarely ever strengthened through manipulative means.

“This is a powerful lesson for us all,” she says.

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ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER Lisa Langell meets every challenge she confronts.

And she has intentionally confronted a number of different challenges across a wide array of areas.

Over the years, Langell has worked as a master floral designer, a licensed psychologist, an instructor at a university, an international consultant in K–12 education, the chief business development officer of an education technology company, a researcher, a writer and an artist.

However, through all of those challenges, photography has remained a strong calling.

Camera in-hand, bird-watching ignited Langell’s lifelong love of nature when she was just a child. In 2010, she turned her passion for photography into a business. Five years later, she left the corporate and consulting world behind and transitioned to photography full-time, applying the vast knowledge that she had gained from each of her experiences to her art.

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Today, Langell is a full-time, award-winning photographer whose work has appeared in several prestigious publications, galleries and more. An ambassador for Tamron and FotoPro, she also currently sits on the board of directors for the North American Nature Photography Association.

Passionate about instruction as well, Langell thrives on creating innovative learning experiences that enrich, invigorate and expand photographers’ minds emotionally, creatively and intellectually. She places a high value on honesty, integrity, care and concern for everything she delivers to her clients and to the photographic community.

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“Great photography shouldn't just document what you saw or even how you experienced it,” Langell says. “It should capture how you want your audience to experience that moment.” langellphotography.com

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Enhanced with Interior Upgrades and the In-Demand Outdoor Lifestyle Experience Boasting a highly sought-after location that offers both privacy and scenic mountain preserve views, this 5-bedroom, 4.5-bath Anthem Country Club home is absolutely perfect for the discriminating buyer in search of modern and LUXE design. Elevated by extensive interior upgrades and a host of outdoor lifestyle amenities, this dream home offers remarkable splendor around each and every corner.

Outside, a rare four-car garage and custom wrought iron entry door greet and draw you into the riches within this marvelous home, which features a highly desired split-master living space.

New hardware, soft close hinges, crown molding and custom backsplashes complement neutral, light and bright kitchen cabinet doors and drawers. New interior paint and designer lighting reinforce the fresh and welcoming feeling of this home, which also boasts exquisite custom closets and a master bath remodel.

Additional remodeled interior upgrades provide a convenient spare bathroom, attractive custom-tiled showers, lavish custom walls, a cozy family room gas fireplace and beautiful built-in cabinets.

As if the incredible interior amenities were not enough to entice you into this gorgeous home, the exterior amenities raise it to an entirely new level, enhancing it with the in-demand outdoor lifestyle experience that is unique and exclusive to Arizona. A paved patio and a private putting green are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to this home’s open-air opulence.

A heated pool/spa features waterfalls and a swim-up bar, besting even the most luxurious Arizona resort. A gas barbecue ensures the success of every summer grilling season while an outdoor fireplace allows you to enjoy alfresco entertaining year-round — keeping you and your guests warm and toasty on even the chilliest winter night.

Between its private and picturesque location, interior upgrades and exterior extravagances, this home is undoubtedly in a league of its own. Call Linda to schedule your private showing today and witness the remarkable splendor for yourself!

Please call Linda for your private showing.

Linda Rehwalt RE/MAX Professionals 602-402-1136 lindarehwalt@azrealty.com

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Writer Joseph J. Airdo Photography Courtesy of Booth Communications, Inc.

“

I did not plan to do this for 18 years. Nor did I plan on the growth that we have experienced ... The thing that gives me the most pleasure is the fact that I know how many people we have helped through the years.

Pam DiPietro

L

Looking back at her past 18 years as executive director of Foothills Food Bank and Resource Center, Pam DiPietro believes that she has learned an awful lot just by being around other people.

“Learning about other people helps you to move in a direction that you may not have thought of,” she explains.

“I did not plan to do this for 18 years. Nor did I plan on the growth that we have experienced. When I started, we were in a 400-square-foot room. We now have two facilities totaling about 11,0000-square-feet.

“One of the things that I feel very strongly about is that God always points you in the right direction. So I just kind of let that happen. I go with whatever comes along. And I have been very fortunate. God has been good to me and I have been very grateful because it has given me so many good experiences through the years and I have really learned a lot.”

In November, DiPietro departed the nonprofit organization that she has worked for since 2002.

“I was 62 years old when I started this job,” DiPietro says.

“My husband and I had been here for three years and I

decided to find a part-time job. I applied and two hours later they called me and said, ‘You're hired.’ I loved what I was doing and was proud of what we were accomplishing here so I just kept going until suddenly I realized that it had been 18 years.”

Upon moving to Arizona from Illinois, DiPietro had originally planned to travel with her husband. However, what started out as a 20-hour-per-week part-time job grew exponentially, leaving little time for DiPietro to do so.

DiPietro admits that she has never been one who sits still — especially when there are people out there in need of assistance. Prior to arriving in Arizona, she worked as a business manager for a Catholic church in Illinois for 20 years — a job with substantial responsibilities that, similar to her position at Foothills Food Bank and Resource Center, she more or less fell into.

But she does not regret even a moment of either role.

“The thing that gives me the most pleasure is the fact that I know how many people we have helped through the years,” DiPietro says. “I have seen many people come to us and within five or six months say, ‘Thank you for your help. I am good to go.’ I always feel good when they share their story with us and they are able to walk away with a smile and say, ‘Thank you. You just saved us.’”

A COMMUNITY’S COMPASSION

DiPietro’s departure has made way for Foothills Food Bank and Resource Center’s new executive director Leigh Zydonik, who has been enormously impressed with the level of compassion exhibited by people in the community.

“It is very heartwarming,” Zydonik says. “I am blown away by the generosity of the community and the passion for the work that the volunteers and staff have.”

Zydonik adds that it is also very humbling to see firsthand the extraordinary need that is out there in the community.

Having moved to the Valley when her husband took a position here, Zydonik received a Bachelor of Science from Bowling Green State University and a Master of Science from the University of Dayton. She previously held positions with the Northwest Ohio flood mitigation and arts partnerships and Marathon Petroleum Company.

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Looking back at her past 18 years as executive director of Foothills Food Bank and Resource Center, Pam DiPietro believes that she has learned an awful lot just by being around other people.

Additionally, Zydonik taught business classes at the University of Findlay in Ohio, where she also held a position as the director of the Center for Civic Engagement — an organization that supports a network of community partners that seek collaborative solutions to complex social problems that affect residents across the region.

“That was the backbone support for our eight community coalitions that dealt with food security, housing, mental health, literacy and workforce development,” Zydonik explains. “So basically all of the ills that every community deals with. We provided resources and collective impact to address some of those social issues, making sure that all of the different community organizations, nonprofits and agencies worked together effectively and efficiently.”

Upon researching Foothills Food Bank and Resource Center, Zydonik was especially impressed with the nonprofit organization’s well-rounded and far-reaching community support.

“It seemed like such a strong and vibrant organization,” she says. “It addresses so much more than just food security and that is what I had been doing in Ohio with those wraparound services to make sure that people were well taken care of.”

Zydonik adds that when people find themselves in a position of need, it is rarely just one area or cause that put them there.

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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.

“Those wraparound services of the resource center are what attracted me here,” says Zydonik, noting that Foothills Food Bank and Resource Center had a number of great programs that needed to be placed on pause as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. “I am looking forward to building those back up once we are not as restricted.

Nanette McClelland-Miller, Agent

623-742-6866

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“The need is obviously even greater during the COVID-19 pandemic with job losses and such. We will soon see an increase in evictions. The longer this goes on, the further behind people will get. So we are trying to stay on top of that while also understanding that many of our volunteers are not able to do so at this time due to health concerns.”

Zydonik adds that the COVID-19 pandemic has produced a challenging balancing act but one that she is confident she will be able to master thanks to Foothills Food Bank and Resource Center’s many amazing staff members and volunteers.

“We love our volunteers,” she says. “They are our greatest resource. We are so appreciative of the work that they do and we are always looking for more. And there is also always a great need for not only food but monetary donations as well to continue the good work.”

ROOM FOR GROWTH AND NEW IDEAS

DiPietro has faith that Zydonik is going to be an excellent addition to Foothills Food Bank and Resource Center and the community.

“Leigh is lovely,” she says. “She is going to fit right in and be very good for this food bank. She will probably point it in another direction but that is good because there is always room for growth and new ideas.”

In addition to enjoying a very different type of being outdoors that does not involve shoveling snow, Zydonik is excited to make a difference in people’s lives in Arizona just as she did in Ohio.

“I am eager to meet, collaborate and work with our clients, volunteers, donors and community partners,” she says.

“Together, we will continue to improve the quality of life

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“

Together, we will continue to improve the quality of life for individuals and families in need in numerous desert foothills communities.

Leigh Zydonik

Foothills Food Bank and Resource Center’s new executive director Leigh Zydonik was attracted to the nonprofit organization for its well-rounded and far-reaching community support.

for individuals and families in need in numerous desert foothills communities.”

Zydonik is also appreciative of DiPietro, who she says has done amazing things for the community.

“What she, her staff and the board have built in the past 18 years — from what was a very small organization to what it is today — speaks volumes to her dedication and passion,” Zydonik says. “Our community is very fortunate to have had someone lead that drive.”

True to character, DiPietro admits that she is still unlikely to sit still for long and has even discussed lending a hand to the St. Vincent de Paul Society at Our Lady of Joy Roman Catholic Church.

However, before doing anything else, DiPietro will first fulfill a promise that she made to her husband to finally spend at least a year traveling and doing other things with one another. She also plans to start reading again.

“I cannot remember the last time I read a book,” DiPietro says. “So I am going to take time to just sit back, relax and read some books. I have a whole stack of them that I would like to read.”

Foothills Food Bank 6038 E. Hidden Valley Drive, Cave Creek 480-488-1145 foothillsfoodbank.com

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Writer Shannon Severson Photography Courtesy of Alexi Rose Productions

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When you walk through the doors of Ofrenda, you’re walking into our home. Everything on the menu is filled with heart and inspiration.

Carlos Marquez

C

Carlos Marquez and Michael Stone know that when we gather around the table, we share more than just a meal.

We also share memories.

The pair built their new Cave Creek restaurant Ofrenda with that concept in mind, serving Pan-Latin cuisine in an environment that evokes artisanship, exquisite attention to detail and the connective roots we all share.

As “ofrenda” translates to “offering” in English, the restaurant’s decor features a colorful Day of the Deadstyle altar, paying homage to family and heritage. The space itself is alive with vibrant hues and artwork — an atmosphere that welcomes with open arms.

Owners Marquez and Stone may not share a last name, but they say their friendship is akin to being family. At the end of 2019, as Marquez was reimagining a new future for his restaurant, previously known as Indigo Crow, he and Stone began to lay the groundwork for a new joint venture.

“Our friendship comes first,” Stone says. “We are completely different human beings, but we’re like a family.

Ofrenda is an offshoot of that friendship. The concept and brand is derived from the connection we have with each other and with our friends and family. With Carlos’ engineering vision and knowledge of food and restaurant operations and my experience in restaurant development, we knew we had the bones of something that could be terrific.”

The building blocks of that “something terrific” aren’t just found in the steel beams that hold up the roof of this airy eatery. Marquez sanded and polished every single raw-edged rosewood table by hand. Rounded stone plates and bowls both hold the heat of the dishes and serve as a neutral canvas for the bright colors and flavors of each culinary delight.

Overhead, the lighting blooms in bright yellow and orange, the work of a skilled glassblower in Mexico. The bar is lined in barrel staves taken from tequila barrels. The restaurant’s distinctive Marigold logo is repeated in art and custom-made medallions on the walls. The medallions were created from cattle hide by Stone’s friend — worldrenowned luxury designer Kyle Bunting.

“Kyle also did the medallion art piece on our second floor,” Stone says. “He’s a dear friend of mine and very gracious with his art and craft. What Carlos has done with his handcrafted tables and meticulous nature with which he went about it … our customers notice and see the difference. Everything in the restaurant has been picked for a reason.”

Marquez, who is also Ofrenda’s executive chef, cannot recall a time when he wasn’t working in a kitchen. His mother is a native of Chihuahua, Mexico and emigrated to El Paso, Texas at 6 years old when her chemist father was hired at an American company. He has always enjoyed visiting most of his family across the border and recalls a time when the family could walk across to get all the best ingredients for making Mexican food at home.

“I’ve been in the kitchen since I could walk,” says Marquez.

“Food is such a huge part of my heritage. The kitchen is always the heart of the home. The most important talks about life happen around the kitchen table. I grew up with that and I love the warmth and love of family and friends.

And the tequila wasn’t bad, either.”

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Speaking of tequila, most of Ofrenda’s 600-plus bottles of tequila are housed in the stunning Agave Library, in a rounded turret on the second floor. The restaurant hosts special tastings and pairing menu events that educate and delight their customers and has a newsletter with information about agave and recipe tips. There is also a little trove of cigars in a specially built, walk-in humidor on the first floor.

With so many areas of the restaurant that can easily be utilized for private events, both indoors and outdoors, Ofrenda lives up to its mission of gathering people to enjoy a meal, a sip and a special occasion — and do it with aplomb.

When Marquez attended culinary school and in his first job as a corporate executive chef, he learned the intricacies of the restaurant business that aren’t taught in the classroom. He and Stone have traveled and researched to bring the finest in decor and ingredients.

“It’s fun being able to research and mix cultures,” Stone says. “I’m German-Irish and I have a love for Mexico.

Mexican culture is part of who we are in the Southwest. Our commonality is much deeper than anything.”

That cultural mix keeps diners coming back for more of the specialties from the wood-fired oven and grill and deliciously crafted cocktails from the bar — like the signature Marigold made with gin, strawberry, guava, Aperol, lime and Xtabentun, an anise liqueur from Mexico’s Yucatán region.

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“When you walk through the doors of Ofrenda, you’re walking into our home,” Marquez says.

“Everything on the menu is filled with heart and inspiration. Our whole-tail lobster tacos are something you don’t see anywhere. We have a lot of unexpected things that have been very popular. Our fideo gnocchi is made from native mesquite flour, and we serve nopales (cactus) as well as trout, pasta, salmon and an incredibly juicy tomahawk steak.”

Chef de cuisine Daniel Masferrer worked hard to create an inventive menu of elevated classics and new selections unique to Ofrenda. His grandmother’s traditional Salvadoran style tamales share the stage with a living mole made with apples for a lighter flavor perfect for accompanying fish.

“When Carlos and Michael teamed up, I knew cool changes were coming,” Masferrer says. “I was excited to join the Ofrenda team and to have the chance to put my heart and soul into developing the recipes. It’s nice to use as many local ingredients as possible. I’m into foraging and I harvest prickly pears, cacti and mesquite pods. We will eventually source all the nopales on the menu ourselves. It makes the menu more personal.”

And personal is exactly the goal of Ofrenda.

The kitchen team happily accommodates a range of diets and dietary restrictions with many items being naturally gluten-free. The sauces are generally served on the side and the emphasis is on flavor, not overwhelming spice.

It’s a gathering of flavors and people that will please most any palate.

“Ofrenda is something that stays true to what we want in a restaurant experience,” Stone says.

“When we say, ‘It’s a privilege to serve you,’ we mean it. We truly feel that what we bring to the table, day after day, is something special.”

Ofrenda 7100 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek 480-488-2187 theofrenda.com

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Strawberry Spring Salad This colorful salad is just perfect for Valentine’s Day — or to begin welcoming springtime. Plus, it can be easily customized to your taste. The strawberry vinaigrette can be made ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to serve. You may not need all of the strawberry vinaigrette so remember to refrigerate any leftovers for a convenient dressing the next day.

Serves: 5–6

Ingredients: For the Strawberry Vinaigrette: 1/2 cup strawberries (sliced) 4 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons rice or white wine vinegar Dash of coconut aminos 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard Salt and pepper For the Salad: 1 tub arugula and baby spinach or other mixed greens 1 pint strawberries (sliced) 1/2 cup candied pecans or other candied nuts 1/3 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta Black sesame seeds Mixed sprouts

Directions: Blend strawberry vinaigrette ingredients together in a food processor or blender. Set aside.

Place mixed arugula and baby spinach in a large salad bowl.

Add sliced strawberries, pecans and goat cheese to the bowl.

Lightly dress the salad with the strawberry vinaigrette and toss.

Sprinkle with black sesame seeds and mixed sprouts before serving.

Writer and Photographer Kyndra Kelly

kyndraclaire.com

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