Images Arizona (April 2025)

What's Inside?TABLE

From the Publisher A

Publisher Shelly Spence

Managing Editor

Joseph J. Airdo

Graphic Designer

Meaghan Mitchell

Contributing Writers

Joseph J. Airdo

Francine Coles

Shannon Severson

Photographers

Francine Coles

Loralei Lazurek

Advertising Sales

Cindi Calcinari

860-966-3271 cindi@imagesaz.com

Images Arizona P.O. Box 1416

Carefree, AZ. 85377 623-341-8221 shelly@imagesaz.com imagesarizona.com

As spring takes full bloom across our desert landscape, April invites us to look closer at the extraordinary that exists within the ordinary. This month’s issue of Images Arizona celebrates the richness of detail and craftsmanship that make our community so vibrant.

Coffee enthusiasts will delight in our opening story, “Liquid Artistry,” which takes you on a flavorful journey through the North Valley’s most innovative coffee destinations. These signature creations are more than just beverages — they’re carefully composed expressions of artistry that reflect the passion and creativity of the establishments that serve them.

Our cover story, “Community Catalyst,” introduces you to Scott Yath, the new president of the Anthem Area Chamber of Commerce. His vision for balancing small-town charm with economic growth reflects the evolving spirit of our community. Yath’s approach to “co-opetition” rather than competition reminds us that when we help each other, everyone wins — a timely message as our region continues to grow.

In celebration of Earth Day, our photo essay, “The Hidden Universe,” showcases the breathtaking macro photography of Paul Gill. Through his lens, we witness the intricate architecture of native insects, the jewel-like quality of morning dew and the abstract patterns hidden within desert flora — all reminders of the complexity and fragility of ecosystems that depend on our protection.

As you explore these pages, I hope you’ll be inspired to look closer at the world around you, appreciating both the grand vistas and minute details that make Arizona such a magical place to call home.

Cheers,

Shelly Spence Publisher, Images Arizona

Photography by Loralei Lazurek

Brian Lensink

WOODTURNING ARTIST

Step into a world where exotic woods transform into mesmerizing works of art at Grace Renee Gallery’s exhibition featuring master woodturner Brian Lensink, who will be present to discuss his techniques and inspiration. From intricate “basket illusion” pieces inspired by Native American pottery to innovative segmented turnings showcasing dozens of exotic wood varieties, Lensink’s creations captivate with their technical precision and artistic vision.

ARTIST RECEPTION

Thursday, April 17

Wine & appetizers 4–7 p.m.

Grace Renee Gallery

Historic Spanish Village | 7212 E. Ho Hum Rd. # 7 | Carefree, AZ

Hours: Tue.–Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. By appointment Sun. and Mon.

GraceReneeGallery.com | 480.575.8080

Wenge and Maple Wood Vase

Painted with India ink

4.75” Diameter x 12” Tall

Writer Joseph J. Airdo

IIn the hands of the North Valley’s most innovative coffee artisans, the humble coffee bean transforms into spectacular liquid canvases. These signature creations — meticulously crafted, boldly imagined and thoughtfully presented — reveal as much about the establishments that serve them as any mission statement ever could.

Behind each distinctive beverage lies a philosophy: one cafe’s commitment to community development expressed through locally sourced ingredients; another’s dedication to scientific precision manifested in the perfect balance of flavors; a third’s reverence for tradition reimagined through contemporary techniques.

This spring, Images Arizona invites you to experience these liquid masterpieces firsthand — each one offering a sip of the passion, creativity and craftsmanship that define our region’s most sophisticated coffee destinations. These aren’t merely drinks but rather carefully composed expressions of artistry that happen to come in a cup.

These aren’t merely drinks but rather carefully composed expressions of artistry that happen to come in a cup.

Masters of the Craft

Amped Coffee Co.

3434 W. Anthem Way, Suite 102 // Anthem // ampedcoffeeco.com

Carefree Coffee Roastery

7171 E. Cave Creek Road, Suite T Carefree // carefreecoffeeroastery.com

Cartel Roasting Co.

10625 N. Tatum Blvd., Suite 104 21001 N. Tatum Blvd., Suite 20 Phoenix // cartelroasting.co

Elevate Coffee Co.

2530 W. Happy Valley Road, Suite 1273 Phoenix // elevatecoffee.com

Infusion Coffee & Tea

13212 N. Cave Creek Road Phoenix // infusioncoffeetea.com

Nephews Coffee

20049 N. 24th Way Phoenix // nephewscoffee.com

The Village Coffee & Creperie

7100 E. Cave Creek Road, Suite 138 Cave Creek // thevillagecoffeshop.com

French Toast Latte — Amped Coffee Co.

At Anthem’s beloved Amped Coffee Co., the signature French Toast Latte stands as a testament to creative coffee craftsmanship. This decadent creation infuses espresso with a harmonious blend of brown sugar, cinnamon, maple and vanilla syrup, transforming a beloved breakfast classic into a sophisticated beverage experience.

The French Toast Latte is just one star in a trio of signature offerings that showcase Amped’s range. Its health-conscious Protein Powerhouse Latte delivers 30 grams of protein in vanilla or chocolate variations, while its staple Amped Caramel Macchiato offers a perfectly balanced everyday indulgence.

This thoughtful approach to beverage creation mirrors Amped’s overall philosophy — offering experiences that range from indulgent to practical, all executed with artisanal care. The warm industrial atmosphere, featuring numerous repurposed design elements, provides a fitting backdrop for enjoying these crafted beverages.

What truly distinguishes Amped, however, is how its signature drinks embody its community values.

“Supporting small-business owners and local suppliers is one of our core values, which is why we source the majority of our supplies from these establishments,” explains owner Jeanine Furse.

This commitment extends to its innovative First Responder Gift Card program, where community donations are matched dollar for dollar, providing complimentary beverages to those who serve.

The result is more than just exceptional coffee — it’s a gathering place where the signature beverages serve as the centerpiece for connection, whether in the community hub where people gather with friends, the meeting spaces for colleagues, or the dedicated work/study loft that offers a quiet area perfect for concentration.

Aztec Latte — Carefree Coffee Roastery

The interplay of chocolate, honey, cayenne and superfood spices creates the exceptional Aztec Latte at Carefree Coffee Roastery, a signature beverage that exemplifies its approach to coffee as both sensory art and culinary craft.

“Just a perfect hint of heat makes this espresso-based drink a craving for your palate,” owner Lars Hesse describes.

What elevates this remarkable creation beyond its enticing flavor profile is the meticulously sourced foundation beneath it. Since 2015, Carefree Coffee Roastery has built its reputation on an uncompromising approach to specialty coffee bean selection and preparation.

“Carefree Coffee Roastery purchases, roasts and brews only the finest specialty coffees from small farms throughout the world’s most prestigious growing regions,” Hesse explains. “We strive to deliver consistently high quality in a warm, welcoming, locally oriented environment.”

The Aztec Latte’s distinctive character comes not just from its innovative flavor combination but from the roastery’s proprietary approach to coffee preparation, which includes house-crafted syrups and sauces that enhance rather than mask the coffee’s inherent qualities.

“At Carefree Coffee Roastery, we drum-micro roast all our premium green beans to develop their fullest flavor profile,” Hesse shares. “This precise process reduces the natural acidity found in coffee beans by carefully controlling both the roasting temperature and duration. The result? A perfect cup with rich, complex flavors and an enticing aroma that captivates our customers from the first sip.”

This signature beverage represents not just a drink but the roastery’s broader mission of community engagement. While serving exceptional coffee creations, Carefree Coffee Roastery actively supports local nonprofits through programs like the FMW Farms egg donation initiative, regularly contributes gift baskets to charity events, and donates coffee to veterans gatherings and church events throughout the area.

Espresso Tonic — Cartel Roasting Co.

The Espresso Tonic at Cartel Roasting Co. represents a bold departure from conventional coffee expectations — a crystalclear expression of its commitment to showcasing coffee’s natural complexity without masking it behind syrups or milk.

“We combine our carefully crafted espresso with grapefruit tonic water, even pulling the espresso shot over a dried lime to further accentuate the citrus notes,” explains Jesse Pangburn, president and COO. “With no milk or syrup in the drink, it’s a light, refreshing coffee option that we enjoy sipping year-round.”

This transparent approach to beverage creation mirrors Cartel’s broader philosophy of clarity and authenticity. Since its founding by Jason and Amy Silberschlag in 2008, Cartel has expanded from a single Tempe location to 13 cafes — including two in North Phoenix — while maintaining an unwavering dedication to its core values.

“From day one, our mission has been to foster community through coffee,” Pangburn says. “As we grow and evolve as a business, our top priorities remain consistent: coffee quality, sourcing transparency and supporting our team of passionate people.”

The Espresso Tonic’s unobscured presentation perfectly reflects Cartel’s commitment to transparency throughout its supply chain.

“Traceability, quality and sustainability serve as the three pillars of our coffee buying and roasting process,” Pangburn notes. “For every single-origin coffee we offer, we provide detailed information including the farm name, bean varietal, processing method and elevation where it was grown.”

Beyond exceptional beverages, Cartel’s Give Back Program showcases its community commitment. Each quarter, it partners with a local organization, featuring its name on special coffee labels and donating 10% of sales directly to the cause.

Caramel Macchiato — Elevate Coffee Co.

The signature Caramel Macchiato at Elevate Coffee Co. in North Phoenix achieves coffee’s elusive perfect balance — a harmonious quartet of rich espresso, velvety milk, sweet caramel and smooth vanilla that creates an experience greater than the sum of its parts.

This meticulously crafted beverage serves as the cornerstone of Elevate’s menu, embodying its philosophy that exceptional coffee requires both precision and artistry. While the Caramel Macchiato provides a consistent foundation, the cafe’s creative spirit shines through its rotating seasonal offerings.

“Beyond this staple, we take particular pride in our rotating seasonal offerings — from our warming fall flavors collection to festive holiday drinks that capture the spirit of the season,” notes Michael Sawyer, marketing manager. “Summer brings our popular Barista Faves series, showcasing creative, handcrafted beverages designed by our talented team members.”

The signature Caramel Macchiato and these seasonal creations represent more than just beverages — they reflect Elevate’s broader mission of creating connections through quality experiences.

“Beyond our menu, Elevate Coffee Co. is fundamentally about community and craftsmanship,” Sawyer shares. “We’re passionate about creating a welcoming space where people can genuinely connect — whether they’re meeting friends for a casual conversation or seeking a quiet moment of inspiration.”

This focus on craftsmanship extends to its roasting process, which serves as the foundation for its signature beverages.

“We take particular pride in roasting all our coffee beans in-house, which allows us to ensure exceptional quality and freshness in every cup we serve,” Sawyer adds.

This in-house roasting practice ensures that its signature Caramel Macchiato and seasonal specialties begin with a superior foundation — an approach that elevates every aspect of the coffee experience from bean to cup.

Bee’s Knees & The Sol — Infusion Coffee & Tea

At Infusion Coffee & Tea, the Bee’s Knees and The Sol signature beverages represent a creative approach to flavor composition that transforms coffee into extraordinary sensory experiences.

The Bee’s Knees offers a refreshing, effervescent profile with espresso shaken vigorously with honey and lemon, then crowned with sparkling water. Its counterpart, The Sol, takes a more nuanced approach with a double shot of espresso cascading over honey and housemade orange blossom syrup, finished with a splash of orange juice that brightens the composition.

“If the notes of the coffee are just one step toward finding something you’ll love, we also have signature flavor pairings within our classic staples and seasonal menus,” explains Ramsey Tucker, public relations coordinator.

“What sets Infusion apart is our unique offerings, from our expertly crafted flavor combinations to the exceptional coffee that defines our signature drinks. With over 15 coffee varieties, many of which are sourced through direct trade, we highlight these flavors through our slow bar brewing process.”

Its innovative approach extends to its barrel series, where it ferments green coffee in barrels from local breweries before roasting, exposing rich flavor notes without any alcohol. This commitment to experimentation is matched by its ethical sourcing practices, including relationships with producers like former oncologist and radiologist Mauricio Sattah, who applies his scientific expertise to producing competition-level beans.

The Bee's Knees and The Sol serve as liquid ambassadors for Infusion’s decade-long presence in the community, with locations in Tempe, Queen Creek and North Phoenix.

Gibru & Benju — Nephews Coffee

The drive-thru window at Nephews Coffee in North Phoenix reveals something unexpected — signature beverages that rival any sit-down cafe in their creativity and craftsmanship. The Gibru and Benju stand as liquid proof that convenience need not compromise quality.

The Gibru transforms the beloved cinnamon roll into liquid form — a white mocha infused with warm cinnamon notes and finished with a perfect dusting of the spice. Its companion creation, the Benju, offers a more complex sensory experience with toasted marshmallow and almond flavors, crowned with a house-made toasted marshmallow soft top and garnished with freshly toasted marshmallows.

These distinctive beverages represent Nephews’ philosophy that exceptional coffee should be both accessible and artisanal. Its drive-thru model democratizes specialty coffee without sacrificing quality.

“We truly care about the quality of our drinks and source only the best ingredients for our coffee,” explains cofounder Juan Urias. “We wanted to create a delicious alternative in the area that features 100% Arabica beans, organic cold brew, and the most natural flavored syrups available.”

The signature beverages reflect Nephews’ commitment to local sourcing and community support. It sources chai from Maya Chai in Tucson, uses locally roasted coffee beans and serves empanadas homemade in Mesa. This locally focused approach extends to its community engagement, where it participates in raffles and donates coffee to nonprofit events.

“The local community means everything to us,” Urias emphasizes. “Our goal has always been to serve the community both through quality offerings and meaningful participation in local causes.”

Toasted Marshmallow Latte — The Village Coffee & Creperie

At The Village Coffee & Creperie in Cave Creek, the Toasted Marshmallow Latte offers a playful yet sophisticated take on coffee indulgence — a signature beverage that captures the establishment’s blend of whimsy and craftsmanship.

This distinctive creation features toasted marshmallow syrup, topped with mini marshmallows and homemade whipped cream, creating a beverage that’s both visually striking and delightfully indulgent. The coffee’s natural richness provides the perfect foundation for the sweet, toasty notes of the marshmallow elements.

“All our coffee is made with fresh, organic, locally roasted espresso beans from Roastery of Cave Creek,” explains owner Marina Matatov. “We take pride and joy in creating all our handcrafted beverages, adding a little bit of love into everything we serve.”

This commitment to quality ingredients extends throughout its coffee program, which features everything from meticulously crafted Americanos and cappuccinos to chai macchiatos. Each beverage serves as the perfect companion to its extensive crepe menu, which has made the establishment a beloved community fixture since it opened in 2010.

“It’s all been a true blessing, with the most incredible customers and local support making our journey possible,” reflects Matatov, who was born in Russia and came to the United States in 1995 before establishing what has become a Cave Creek institution.

The warm, welcoming atmosphere and attention to detail in both its signature beverages and crepe offerings have kept loyal customers returning for 15 years, making The Village Coffee & Creperie an essential part of many morning routines.

COMMUNITY April 2025

Writer Joseph J. Airdo

Through April 30

‘BUBBLE PLANET’

This immersive art experience features 10 themed environments celebrating bubbles and imagination. Visitors journey through LED-lit spaces, infinity rooms, virtual reality stations and interactive installations including a bubble bath pit and giant bubble chamber. The hour-long experience includes hands-on activities and photo opportunities. $22.90; children 4–16 $17.90; 3 and under free. See website for times. Arizona Mills Mall, 5000 S. Arizona Mills Circle, Tempe. bubble-planet.com

Through April 6

‘DISNEY’S THE LITTLE MERMAID JR.’

Musical Theatre of Anthem presents this adaptation of the Broadway production and Disney film, featuring a cast of performers ages 6–18. The show follows Ariel’s journey as she dreams of life above the sea. $25. See website for showtimes. Musical Theatre of Anthem, 42201 N. 41st Drive, Suite B100, Anthem. musicaltheatreofanthem.org

Through April 6

PHOENIX FILM FESTIVAL

The festival celebrates its 25th anniversary with more than 250 films from around the globe. Events include the Party Pavilion, Industry Night, Film Prom and Kids Day. See website for film schedule and ticket prices. Harkins Scottsdale 101, 7000 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix. 480-5133195; phoenixfilmfestival.com

Through April 13

‘CHURCHILL’

The Phoenix Theatre Company presents this one-man show set in 1963, as Winston Churchill reflects on his life following his honorary U.S. citizenship. The statesman shares memories of war, leadership and the influential women in his life, from wife Clementine to Queen Elizabeth II. $59+. See website for showtimes. Judith Hardes Theatre at The Phoenix Theatre Company, 1825 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. phoenixtheatre.com

April 1

ARIZONA GIVES DAY

This annual 24-hour online giving campaign unites more than 1,000 nonprofits across the state to raise funds and awareness for vital community causes. Since 2013, the event has raised over $47 million supporting Arizona’s nonprofit sector. See website for participating organizations and to donate. azgives.org

April 3

BIG IDEAS FORUM

Big Ideas Forum examines “The ‘Enough’ Philosophy,” exploring alternatives to perpetual growth and discussing qualitative improvements in wellness, happiness and environmental harmony. Free. 4:30–6 p.m. Anthem Civic Building, 3701 W. Anthem Way, Anthem. 305-302-7536; bigideasforum.info

April 4

BOB HAOZOUS EXHIBITION OPENING

The Heard Museum presents the opening of “Bob Haozous — A Retrospective View,” showcasing six decades of work by the Warm Springs Chiricahua Apache artist. The comprehensive exhibition features sculpture,

painting, prints and jewelry, highlighting Haozous’ significant contribution to contemporary Indigenous art. Free. 5–9 p.m. Heard Museum, 2301 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. 602-252-8840; heard.org

April 4–6

MIM’S 15TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

The world’s largest musical instrument museum marks its milestone with three days of special activities and performances. Features demonstrations of the Robjohn pipe organ and octobasse, an anniversary scavenger hunt, and at least 15 different activities daily showcasing local and debut musicians. $10+; children 3 and under free. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. The Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix. 480-478-6000; mim.org

April 4–13

‘GOOSEBUMPS THE MUSICAL’

Starlight Community Theater presents this family-friendly musical based on R.L. Stine’s popular book series. The show follows a group of students as they navigate spooky adventures and learn valuable lessons. See website for ticket prices and showtimes. Starlight Community Theater, 1611 W. Whispering Wind Drive, Suite 9, Phoenix. starlightcommunitytheater.com

April 4–13

MARICOPA COUNTY FAIR

This annual springtime tradition showcases agricultural exhibits, livestock competitions, carnival rides, games, concerts, fair food and more. The seven-day event, closed Monday through Wednesday, features competitive exhibits in categories ranging from fine arts to culinary arts, plus 4-H and FFA youth exhibitions. Visitors can experience animal exhibits, entertainment and various daily specials throughout the fair’s run. See website for admission prices and hours. Arizona State Fairgrounds, 1826 W. McDowell Road, Phoenix. 602-252-0717; maricopacountyfair.org

April 5

HOPE AND HEALTH FAIR

Foothills Food Bank and Resource Center presents this free community event featuring health screenings, haircuts, giveaways and access to local resources. Daisy Mountain Fire & Medical provides fire extinguisher demonstrations, while organizations including Nation’s Finest, Catholic Charities and Yavapai County Community Health Services offer information and services. Free. 9 a.m.–noon. Foothills Food Bank — Black Canyon City, 34550 Old Black Canyon Highway, Black Canyon City. foothillsfoodbank.com

COMMUNITY April 2025

Writer Joseph J. Airdo

April 11

THE PARTY IN THE GARDEN

Photo by Airi Katsuta

Phoenix Art Museum presents its annual gala, featuring a night of “rock ‘n’ roll romance” inspired by the Phoenix premiere of “The World of Anna Sui.” The exhibition showcases about 100 ensembles from the award-winning fashion designer’s archive. The evening includes a cocktail hour and elegant dinner under the stars in the Dorrance Sculpture Garden, followed by The afterpARTy with dancing and desserts in a surprise museum location. $165+. 7 p.m. Phoenix Art Museum, 1625 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. 602-257-2101; phxart.org/party-in-the-garden

April 5

WATER AWARENESS MONTH FESTIVAL

Arizona Department of Water Resources celebrates the kickoff of Water Awareness Month with its third annual festival. This family-friendly event features interactive displays, educational activities and demonstrations highlighting water conservation efforts across Arizona. Meet experts from a variety of governmental entities, schools and private organizations and learn about sustainable water practices. Free. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Wesley Bolin Plaza, 1700 W. Washington St., Phoenix. azwater.gov

April 5

TOUCH-A-TRUCK

The Anthem Community Council presents this family-friendly event where children can explore, climb aboard and learn about a variety of vehicles, including fire trucks, construction equipment, police cars and specialty vehicles. Kids can meet the operators who drive these machines, honk horns and discover how different vehicles serve the community. Free. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Anthem Community Park, 41703 N. Gavilan Peak Parkway, Anthem. 623-742-6050; anthemcouncil.com

April 5–6

PHOENIX BONSAI SOCIETY ANNUAL SHOW

The Phoenix Bonsai Society presents its annual exhibition featuring artistic miniature trees cultivated by local enthusiasts. The event includes demonstrations, critiques and expert guidance about this ancient Japanese art form. Visitors can explore diverse bonsai varieties while learning about cultivation techniques and the cultural significance of these living sculptures. Free. Saturday 9 a.m.–4 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Valley Garden Center, 1809 N. 15th Ave., Phoenix. phoenixbonsai.com

April 10–20

’VENARDOS CIRCUS: DECADE OF DREAMS’

This Broadway-style circus celebrates its 10th anniversary under a custom Italian-made big top tent. The animal-free show features traditional circus artistry with aerialists, acrobats and performers who also serve as the traveling crew. The reimagined production includes new acts and higher viewing angles for aerial performances. $27.95; children $16.95. See website for showtimes. Outlets North Phoenix, 4250 W. Anthem Way, Phoenix. venardoscircus.com

April 11

BIRD WALK AT BLACK CANYON HERITAGE PARK

Prescott Audubon Society and Black Canyon Heritage Park host a guided bird walk exploring the park’s diverse avian population. Registration required. 8–11 a.m. Black Canyon Heritage Park, 33955 Old Black Canyon Highway, Black Canyon City. bit.ly/bird_walk_april_11

April 12

SUMMIT CHURCH SPRING CARNIVAL

Summit Church presents this free family event featuring games, prizes, food trucks and activities for all ages. The communityfocused celebration brings together local businesses and church members to provide a morning of springtime fun for neighborhood families. Enjoy carnival-style games, entertainment, refreshments and more in a festive atmosphere. Free. 10 a.m.-noon. Summit Church, 4235 W. Opportunity Way, Suite 108 , Anthem. 623-522-8582; summitchurchaz.com

April 12–13

‘AIDA’

Arizona Opera presents Verdi’s grand opera about forbidden love amid political intrigue in ancient Egypt. This visually arresting, projection-based concert production marks the opera’s return to Arizona Opera after more than a decade. See website for ticket prices.

Saturday 7:30 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m. Symphony Hall, 75 N. Second St., Phoenix. 602-266-7464; azopera.org

April 17

BRIAN LENSINK WOODTURNING SHOWCASE

Step into a world where exotic woods transform into mesmerizing works of art at Grace Renee Gallery’s exhibition featuring master woodturner Brian Lensink, who will be present to discuss his techniques and inspiration. From intricate “basket illusion” pieces inspired by Native American pottery to innovative segmented turnings showcasing dozens of exotic wood varieties, Lensink’s creations captivate with their technical precision and artistic vision. Free. 4–7 p.m. Grace Renee Gallery, Historic Spanish Village, 7212 E. Ho Hum Road, Carefree. 480-575-8080; gracereneegallery.com

April 18

‘MISSION: IMPROVABLE’ COMEDY FUNDRAISER

The Outcasters Improv troupe presents a night of unscripted comedy in the style of “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” The Scottsdale-based performers create scenes, characters and scenarios based entirely on audience suggestions, ensuring a unique, one-time-only experience. Proceeds benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. $20, includes light refreshments. 7–8:30 p.m. Anthem Civic Building, 3701 W. Anthem Way, Anthem. theoutcasters.com

April 19

EARTH DAY WORK DAY

Join Black Canyon Heritage Park’s community effort to maintain and improve park grounds during this Earth Day celebration. Registration required. 8 a.m.-noon.

Black Canyon Heritage Park, 33955 Old Black Canyon Highway, Black Canyon City. bit.ly/april_19_work_day

COMMUNITY April 2025

Writer Joseph J. Airdo

April 25–27

SEDONA VISUAL ARTISTS’ COALITION

OPEN STUDIOS TOUR

This self-guided tour features 55 artists across the Verde Valley working in various media including glass, ceramics, sculpture, jewelry and painting. Visitors can meet artists in their studios, watch demonstrations and purchase artwork directly from creators. Enter to win a $250 gift certificate. Free. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Various locations throughout Sedona and the Verde Valley. 503789-4437; sedonaartistscoalition.org

April 19

‘LAMB OF GOD’ SACRED CONCERT

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints presents Rob Gardner’s acclaimed oratorio portraying the final days of Jesus Christ’s life. The musical work shares the perspective of Christ’s disciples and followers who witnessed the events of Holy Week, from his triumphal entry into Jerusalem through the crucifixion and resurrection. Free. 6–7:30 p.m. Rose Garden Chapel, 2939 W. Rose Garden Lane, Phoenix. robgardnermusic.com/lamb

April 19

VALLEYPALOOZA

This community festival celebrates North Phoenix with local vendors, food trucks and live entertainment. The family-friendly event includes mini golf, face painting, a foam party and activities with the Arizona Rattlers. Benefits Put On The Cape Foundation. Free admission and parking. 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Paradise Valley Community College, 18401 N. 32nd St., Phoenix. valleypalooza.com

April 22–May 4

SELF-GUIDED BIRD DISCOVERY WALK

Black Canyon Heritage Park and Black Canyon City Community Library present this interactive birding experience. Visitors receive a complimentary birding journal and can scan QR codes along the nature path to learn about different species and hear their songs. Earn a commemorative sticker upon completion. Daily during park hours. Black Canyon Heritage Park, 33955 S. Old Black Canyon Highway, Black Canyon City.

April 25–27

‘SCOTLAND ROAD’

Starlight Community Theater presents this intriguing mystery play by Jeffrey Hatcher. The story revolves around a woman found floating on an iceberg in the Atlantic who claims to be a Titanic survivor. See website for ticket prices and showtimes. Starlight Community Theater, 1611 W. Whispering Wind Drive, Suite 9, Phoenix. starlightcommunitytheater.com

April 26

ANTHEM CARS AND COFFEE

Classic and modern vehicles fill this monthly car show, complemented by coffee, food vendors and community fellowship. Free. 8–11 a.m. Outlets North Phoenix, 4250 W. Anthem Way, Phoenix. anthemcarsandcoffee.com

April 26

MARTIN AUTO MUSEUM CAR SHOW

The Martin Auto Museum hosts a car show featuring hundreds of vehicles alongside the museum’s collection of

COMMUNITY April 2025

Writer Joseph J. Airdo

April 27

HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE DAY COMMEMORATION

Phoenix Holocaust Association presents its annual Yom HaShoah observance marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and the liberation of Holocaust survivors. The ceremony includes a procession of local survivors, a candlelighting remembering the 6 million Jews murdered, a keynote address, survivor testimony, and musical performances including works by composers persecuted by the Nazis. The event follows The Phoenix Symphony’s 2 p.m. performance of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony conducted by Tito Muñoz. Free; concert tickets not required for commemoration. 5 p.m. Symphony Hall, 75 N. Second St., Phoenix. phxha.com/remember

170+ classic cars and automotive memorabilia. The event includes live music and vendors. Free show admission; museum entry $15, seniors $12, children $5. 7 a.m.–1 p.m. Martin Auto Museum, 4320 W. Thunderbird Road, Phoenix. martinautomuseum.org

April 26

ROSIE’S HOUSE OVATION GALA

This annual fundraiser supports one of the country’s largest free music education programs, serving youth from financially disadvantaged families. The evening features performances by Rosie’s House students, silent and live auctions, and celebration with more than 300 supporters. The formal event raises funds to provide high-quality music education to more than 650 youth annually. See website for price and time. The Camby, Autograph Collection, 2401 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix. rosieshouse.org/ovationgala

April 26–27

‘CAROUSEL, A CONCERT’

Arizona Musicfest celebrates the beloved musical’s 80th anniversary with Broadway stars Erica Spyres and James Snyder. The 45-piece Musicfest Pops Ensemble performs Rodgers & Hammerstein’s original orchestrations of favorites including “If I Loved You” and “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” $69+. Saturday 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m. Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix. 602-252-8497; herbergertheater.org

April 27

DÍA DEL NIÑO: ESCULTURA

The Heard Museum and Cultural Coalition celebrate Children’s Day with this special event highlighting Latine art, music and dance alongside sculptures by Chiricahua Apache and Diné artist Bob Haozous. The family-friendly celebration features hands-on activities and performances. Museum admission: $20; seniors $17; students $9; children 6–17 $7.50; members and children under 6 free. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Heard Museum, 2301 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. 602-252-8840; heard.org

April 27

HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE DAY COMMEMORATION

Photo by Kevin Crosse of Arizona Imaging Phoenix Holocaust Association presents its annual Yom HaShoah observance marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and the liberation of Holocaust survivors. The ceremony includes a procession of local survivors, a candle-lighting remembering the 6 million Jews murdered, a keynote address, survivor testimony, and musical performances including works by composers persecuted by the Nazis. The event follows The Phoenix

Symphony’s 2 p.m. performance of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony conducted by Tito Muñoz. Free; concert tickets not required for commemoration. 5 p.m. Symphony Hall, 75 N. Second St., Phoenix. phxha.com/remember

May 1

BIG IDEAS FORUM

Big Ideas Forum’s “TechSlam” invites participants to share solutions for technology, climate change, energy and other future challenges. Free. 4:30–6 p.m. Anthem Civic Building, 3701 W. Anthem Way, Anthem. 305-302-7536; bigideasforum.info

May 1–4

‘ALL BALANCHINE’

Ballet Arizona presents three ballets by George Balanchine: “Walpurgisnacht,” “Scotch Symphony” and “Western Symphony.” The Phoenix Symphony provides live music for this celebration of the father of American ballet. See website for ticket prices and showtimes. Symphony Hall, 75 N. Second St., Phoenix. 602-381-1096; balletaz.org

May 2–4

ARIZONA WINE COUNTRY ARTISTS VILLAGE

This curated art and fine-craft fair showcases premier state and regional artists in the heart of Old Town Cottonwood. Located within the Verde Valley American Viticultural Area, the event complements the area’s thriving wine culture with booths situated just steps from numerous tasting rooms, restaurants and galleries. Organized by Jerome-based artists John and Lauri Maeder, the quarterly event features artists selected through a rigorous process to ensure high-quality, original work across various mediums. Free admission. Friday–Saturday 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Old Town Activity Park, 187 E. Pima St., Cottonwood. artists-village.com

May 3–4

‘AMERICAN VOICES: PULITZER PRIZEWINNING COMPOSERS’

Phoenix Chorale presents a program showcasing works by Pulitzer Prize-winning American composers from the past 80 years, including George Gershwin, Aaron Copland, William Schuman, Duke Ellington, Rhiannon Giddens and Caroline Shaw. This concert serves as a preview of the Chorale’s upcoming recording project celebrating American musical excellence. $20+. Saturday 3 p.m., Camelback Bible Church, 3900 E. Stanford Drive, Paradise Valley; Sunday 3 p.m., All Saints Episcopal Church, 6300 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. 602-253-2224; phoenixchorale.org

AA lathe spins at a dizzying pace and wood shavings fly as artist Brian Lensink leans in with a gouge tool, his steady hands refining what will eventually emerge as a stunning work of art. In his Phoenix studio, Lensink’s awardwinning work is the visually inventive, handhewn manifestation of his lifetime of creativity, building and problem-solving.

While he began his woodturning journey by creating items most associated with the craft — bowls and open vessels rich in the natural beauty of wood grain, sapwood and bark, smooth and luminous, cracks filled with turquoise and copper or carved and brightly painted — Lensink’s current iterations are imbued with form, shape and pattern that feel ancient, innovative, and timeless all at once.

It’s hard to believe he has developed this awardwinning level of talent within just over a decade and has continued to innovate, now teaching and inspiring others as past president and active member of the Arizona Woodturners Association.

The artisan within him was always there, but sometimes the pressure of career and time constraints have to fall away before an artist’s true calling can emerge.

“Working with my hands is something I’ve always enjoyed,” Lensink notes. “I doublemajored in industrial arts education and special education at the University of Minnesota and planned to become a shop teacher.”

Writer Shannon Severson // Photography by Loralei Lazurek

Phoenix-based artist Brian Lensink creates award-winning wood-turned artwork that showcases both technical mastery and artistic vision.

I’ve always been a problem solver and a builder, whether it was developing creative approaches to working with people with disabilities or woodturning; I’ve always been interested in creating — whether it be systems of care or works of art.

Brian Lensink

A pre-senior year summer internship with one of his professors at a sheltered workshop for individuals with developmental disabilities significantly altered his career path. He soon found himself pioneering a similar program at the University of Nebraska and later helped to overhaul the centralized intellectual developmental disabilities institution systems of multiple states in favor of establishing a network of small, community-based support networks and regional centers.

Eventually, this professional sphere brought him and his wife, Barbara, to Arizona, where she still works in developmental disability services through employment with the University of Arizona.

His rewarding and crucial work enhanced the lives and futures of hundreds of thousands of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families but left little room for serious artistic pursuits.

“Throughout my career, I was always interested in artistic things but didn’t have a lot of time,” Lensink observes. “My avocation was making mobiles, and I sold them in galleries. I was fascinated by the work of American sculptor Alexander Calder. During this period, the mobiles were all made from aluminum and wire.”

Lensink’s true artistic calling and ability to dedicate himself to its development remained unfulfilled until his retirement in 2012, when a chance invitation by a fellow pickleball player to participate in the recreation center’s wood shop would ignite his passion for woodturning.

“I fell in love with the lathe,” he recalls. “I had never done woodturning until that year. It became a real interest and fascination for me. It takes time to learn, but there’s always something new you can do if you push yourself.

“You can turn a wooden bowl, but then you can go so much further. You can love the natural wood but get into wood carving and then add color — airbrush, painting and dyeing wood. Each time it expands your ability.”

After retiring in 2012, Brian Lensink discovered his passion for woodturning and quickly established himself as a master of the craft.

Lensink’s innate talent for the art form began to grow as he amassed tools and set up his own wood shop in his threecar garage.

“As you’re learning, you learn about wood, the heartwood at the center, the sapwood — whose width varies with the speed of the tree’s growth — and the bark on the outside,” he explains.

One of his favorite woods to work with found in Arizona is African sumac, but these trees are few and far between, and the process to dry and process any wood from a harvested fallen tree to a finished piece is long and sometimes unpredictable. A log for a large salad bowl can weigh hundreds of pounds, only for most of that precious natural beauty to fall to the floor in rough piles of shavings.

Among his favorite woods are African wenge and yellowheart, which don’t exist in Arizona but can be procured from specialty purveyors. Cream-colored spalted tamarind from Southeast Asia and Africa is another exotic material with a distinct appearance that Lensink uses to great effect; when a tree falls, bugs create tiny holes in the sapwood and bacteria proliferate, creating dark grain markings — almost like the effect in an aged blue cheese. Once the wood is cut and dried, the effect is halted but the spalting remains.

Lensink discovered that by creating segmented turnings made from lumber — woodturning projects constructed from multiple pieces of wood glued together — he could purchase a broad array of wood ready to be shaped into whatever his skill and imagination could create.

He cuts the boards into angled segments, lays them out with the wood grain all running in the same direction, numbers each piece and glues them into rings. Connecting several rings at a time, they are fastened to the lathe, and he begins to shape a smooth, even form inside and out, allowing the finished piece to be hollow and lighter in weight.

“If you don’t create a pleasing design or form, it will not look good even if your turning technique is excellent. There is no substitute for good form,” he notes.

But imprecision isn’t in Lensink’s lexicon.

He adds rings as he goes, then shapes the bottom half before bringing the two halves together.

“I can vary the wood within each segment,” Lensink notes. “The method expands your design capabilities dramatically;

you can use more than one kind of wood in a single finished piece and alternate in any way you want — the colors can vary in a ring, in colors between rings, or colors between rings. It’s how you put them together.”

For a “basket illusion” piece — a design first inspired by Native American pottery and baskets but now also inspired by his own imagination — he cuts a bead into the smoothed form for a precise rippled effect. This becomes a canvas for mesmerizing color and pattern. He painstakingly burns vertical lines into the piece, bead by bead with a 1/8-inch or 3/16-inch concave tip, then burns it horizontally on the lathe. Line by line, the effect appears to be individual beads — thousands of little squares ready for color.

Lensink uses Adobe Illustrator to create a grid and plot out his intricate designs, then uses an India ink pen to color each bead. The ink is archival, waterproof and lightfast — resistant to fading in sunlight, which is of great importance to collectors here in the desert.

He finishes each work of art by applying five to six coats of clear lacquer to the exterior. For other pieces, he uses petroleum-free and food-safe Osmo, which contains natural oils and waxes.

“People say, ‘That looks time-consuming,’ and I say, ‘Yes, it is!’” he says with a soft laugh. “Burning line by line takes a lot of time, then working out my design and coloring in thousands of beads. It can take weeks.”

Lensink is constantly inspired by items he sees in museums, art books, magazines and encounters on his travels. In addition to basket illusion pieces, Lensink has created Japanese flower baskets, which are normally fashioned from reeds, and has used a small dental drill to create pieces that are pierced in patterns between airbrushed images that stand out in relief from the piercings. Ultimately, his goal is to create his own ideas and interpretations that are unique to him.

“I’m trying to create works that are my creations, not anyone else’s,” he says with a smile.

Despite the labor- and time-intensive nature of his art, Lensink has been prolific in his work and all its forms. Choosing a favorite piece is tough, but he says his favorite is usually whatever he had most recently completed.

“I always try to do something new and different,” he says. “It may be in shape or form, different wood combinations or in the size of the piece.”

As he constantly stretches his own limits, the 78-year-old pushes himself to innovate and master each technique that intrigues him. When he looks to the future of woodturning, he believes there is plenty more on the horizon.

“I think there will be new techniques that evolve that we don’t really know about right now,” he observes. “I think that a combination of techniques will be used more, including piercing, segmenting, carving and coloring. I’m thinking about that for myself.”

Every museum visit, page turned through a wood-sourcing catalog or afternoon in the shop is a chance to deepen his knowledge, technique and artistic expression.

Brian Lensink's work will be showcased at Grace Renee Gallery in Carefree beginning April 17, featuring his distinctive segmented and basket-illusion pieces.

“I’ve always been a problem solver and a builder, whether it was developing creative approaches to working with people with disabilities or this [woodturning]; I’ve always been interested in creating — whether it be systems of care or works of art,” he says.

The depth of Lensink’s artistic vision and technical mastery will be on full display during a special showcase Thursday, April 17, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Grace Renee Gallery in Carefree’s Historic Spanish Village. Collectors and art enthusiasts will have the opportunity to meet Lensink and gain insight into his creative process while experiencing his remarkable works in person while enjoying wine and appetizers.

“The brilliant hues of intricate patterns on Brian’s pieces reflect the mosaic of desert beauty that surrounds us,” says Shelly Spence, owner and curator of Grace Renee Gallery.

“The unparalleled artistry and rich detail make each work a dramatic statement in itself. We are thrilled to feature art

Experience

of this caliber, and our patrons will certainly feel the same excitement when they see it in person.”

For Lensink, this upcoming exhibition represents not just a showcase of his current mastery but a milestone in an artistic journey that continues to evolve.

As his hands transform exotic woods into objects of beauty and wonder, his innovative spirit ensures that each new creation will surpass the last — a testament to the power of discovering one’s true calling, even if that discovery comes later in life. His singular works, born from a lifetime of problem solving and creativity, now find their rightful place in the collections of those who recognize exceptional artistry when they see it. gracereneegallery.com

Past president of the Arizona Woodturners Association Brian Lensink continues to push the boundaries of his craft while inspiring fellow artists.

A delicate sego lily (Calochortus nuttallii) graces the Barnhardt Trail in the Mazatzal Mountains. Though better known as Utah’s state flower, this elegant native perennial makes surprising appearances in Arizona’s higher elevations, its pristine white petals and distinctive purple heart creating moments of unexpected beauty along rugged desert trails.

Writer Joseph J. Airdo // Photography by Paul Gill

IIn the sprawling Sonoran Desert, where towering saguaros command attention and dramatic mountain ranges pierce the horizon, photographer Paul Gill has spent decades discovering universes that exist in spaces smaller than a penny. Through his macro lens, a single dewdrop becomes a crystalline sphere reflecting entire worlds, while the delicate stamens of a spring wildflower transform into an abstract sculpture of color and light.

“With all the noise that we are constantly confronted with daily, I find serenity by slowing down and noticing the small things that surround me in nature,” says Gill, his words carrying special weight as Earth Day 2025 approaches.

These images serve as intimate reminders that environmental conservation starts with understanding — and appreciating — life at its most fundamental level. Each photograph represents hours of patient observation and technical precision.

“Setting up a macro image can take hours,” Gill explains. “After finding my subject and locating a spot to sit on the desert floor without getting poked, stung or bitten, I set up my camera on a tripod and compose my shot.”

This methodical approach involves carefully diffusing harsh sunlight and reflecting it back onto subjects that most hikers pass without a second glance. The results are nothing short of revelatory — especially as we consider our role as stewards of the natural world.

Through Gill’s lens, we witness the intricate architecture of native insects, the jewel-like quality of morning dew and the abstract patterns hidden within desert flora. Each image serves as both art and advocacy, highlighting the complexity and fragility of ecosystems that depend on our protection.

A wild onion’s delicate bloom emerges alongside the flat pad of an Engelmann’s prickly pear along the Barnhardt Trail in the Mazatzal Mountains. This unlikely pairing — the soft, spherical flower beside the armed, succulent surface — illustrates the remarkable diversity of survival strategies that allow plants to thrive in Arizona’s challenging mountain ecosystems.

A Santa Rita prickly pear (Opuntia gosseliniana) displays its emerging flower bud alongside a young pad at Boyce Thompson Arboretum. Unlike its cousins, this distinctive native species features pads with a purplepink hue — a natural adaptation that helps protect it from intense desert sun while adding a splash of color to Arizona’s arid landscape.

With all the noise that we are constantly confronted with daily, I find serenity by slowing down and noticing the small things that surround me in nature. Paul Gill “

Vibrant purple owl clover creates a striking contrast against the bleached skeleton of a prickly pear cactus in the Mazatzal Mountains. This poignant juxtaposition — life blooming alongside the graceful remains of a desert sentinel — captures the continuous cycle of renewal that defines Arizona’s high desert landscape, a place where human history and natural rhythms have been intertwined for millennia.

The strawberry hedgehog cactus (Echinocereus engelmannii) displays its spectacular magenta blooms in perfect spring timing. These vibrant flowers, with their distinctive dark green stigmas, transform the desert into a canvas of color each April and May. Growing in clustered communities of up to 20 stems, these native cacti create miniature ecosystems that support a variety of desert wildlife with their eventual spiny fruits.

“The way I create on a small scale is with the ‘art of subtraction’ — taking all the things in view and removing elements until I concentrate on just one thing or group of things that have a noticeable aesthetic quality. Paul Gill

Morning dew transforms a Mexican golden poppy into a gallery of miniature worlds west of Bartlett Lake, with each droplet refracting the image of a nearby saguaro cactus. This magical intersection of Arizona’s iconic flora, captured through macro photography, reveals how the grand and minute elements of the Sonoran Desert exist in perfect harmony.

A Mojave prickly poppy (Argemone corymbosa), commonly known as the “cowboy fried egg” flower, displays its distinctive four white petals and vibrant orange center along the Spur Cross Trail. This perennial native to the southwestern United States thrives in sandy soils and on dry slopes throughout Arizona’s desert landscape.

A chance encounter between a banana yucca and nodding thistle bloom creates a spectacular botanical embrace on Black Mesa in the Mazatzal Mountains. The yucca, bent from the weight of its own flowering stalk, and the thistle, reaching skyward to its potential 6-foot height, demonstrate how wildly different desert species can intertwine in unexpected moments of natural harmony.

“Taking a closer look goes beyond capturing ordinary pictures; it reveals the extraordinary details that often are overlooked due to their size. Paul Gill

Raindrops cling to a saguaro bloom at sunrise in Box O’ Wash near Price, each tiny sphere refracting images of the distant sun and surrounding desert. This ephemeral moment—where water, light, and Arizona’s iconic cactus converge — illustrates how macro photography can reveal entire landscapes within spaces smaller than a fingertip.

About the Photographer

For Paul Gill, Arizona’s landscape isn’t just a subject — it’s home. Born in the Valley of the Sun in the 1950s, Gill’s connection to the Sonoran Desert was forged during childhood adventures that would later inform his artistic vision.

“I grew up in the Sonoran Desert, where I was first inspired by the desert light and local nature, which remain the prime subjects of most of my work,” Gill reflects.

After earning his BFA in graphic design and painting from Arizona State University, Gill spent 17 years as an art director, including a notable tenure at the Scottsdale Center for the Arts. There, he designed and produced exhibitions including Frank Lloyd Wright’s “In the Realm of Ideas” and an international art show addressing world hunger.

Today, Gill’s work appears regularly in Arizona Highways magazine and calendars, while his photographs grace the walls of the Arizona State Capitol, State Farm Stadium and the Smithsonian’s permanent collection. He co-authored the awardwinning book “Wild in Arizona: Photographing Arizona’s Wildflowers, A Guide to When, Where, and How,” and his images have been featured in National Geographic and Nature’s Best

Yet despite these accolades, Gill remains devoted to his primary mission: revealing the extraordinary in the ordinary. Through workshops and presentations at venues like the Desert Botanical Garden and the Nature Conservancy, he shares not just his technical expertise but his philosophy of mindful observation — a reminder that nature’s greatest mysteries often exist right at our feet. paulgillphoto.com wildinarizona.com

A delicate morning dewdrop clings to the stamen of a desert golden poppy, creating a natural lens that refracts the image of a nearby cosmos flower. This moment of ephemeral beauty, captured in the early dawn light, reveals how even the smallest elements of nature can contain reflections of the larger world around them.

The fishhook cactus reveals its intricate defense system of curved, barbed spines that give this small desert dweller its descriptive name. Though often confused with its larger cousin, the fishhook barrel cactus, these diminutive plants (reaching only 6-7 inches high) from the Mammillaria, Echinomastus or Sclerocactus genera demonstrate how macro photography can transform intimidating protection mechanisms into objects of geometric wonder.

Scott Yath, 2025 president of the Anthem Area Chamber of Commerce, brings his background in real estate and small-business management to his new leadership role.

Writer Shannon Severson // Photography by Loralei Lazurek

We couldn’t be more honored to have the opportunity to serve our community. It’s been very rewarding. God has given us a lot of blessings, and we are called to do our part. Scott Yath

FFrom its beginnings as a master-planned community to a dynamic economic hub at the edge of a thriving international semiconductor industry, Anthem has successfully navigated plenty of change since the first home was completed in 2001.

As Phoenix cements its spot in the top 10 most preferred markets for investors, according to a 2023 CBRE survey, the Anthem Area Chamber of Commerce faces both opportunity and challenge. These include retaining the charm and appealing small-town feel of the community, supporting small businesses and maximizing the many pathways to prosperity as connections are built and sustained with the public and wider business community.

Scott Yath — pronounced “Yoth” — takes office as president of the Anthem Area Chamber of Commerce at this crucial moment. He and the board are energized and ready to execute their strategic vision and new initiatives to take this growing suburb forward while preserving its unique character.

“As current chamber president, I don’t want to just reset year after year,” Yath emphasizes. “I want to make a lasting imprint. We put together a five-year vision for what it will look like as the area grows. Anthem has a really cool charm to it. We don’t want to lose that charm; at the same time, the facts are that we are going to be absorbed by the rest of Phoenix eventually. How do we make that blend successful?”

The answer, Yath says, is found in collaboration with the Anthem Community Council, the local community and

the city of Phoenix. Getting involved in the conversation about Phoenix’s future — whose population grew by 200,000 residents from 2020 to 2023 — will give Anthem a seat at the table and potentially a voice in the planning process.

A five-year plan that balances preservation and innovation is shared by the leadership team of the Anthem Area Chamber of Commerce. It’s influenced by Yath’s extensive background in small business and real estate and his own family’s economic and personal stake in the success of Anthem.

He and his wife, Dr. Thuy Yath, own Better Vision Eyecare in Anthem — a modern, full-service optometry practice. There, they take pride in educating the community about the importance of eye health and eye care and offering specialized treatments to preserve vision. The practice provides comprehensive eye exams, treatment for eye diseases and a curated selection of designer frames.

“I knew right away when we bought the practice that we wanted to get involved,” Yath says of the community where he and his wife have settled with their three children. “I grew up in a small-business family. I saw where they struggled and where they succeeded. The chamber has been warm and welcoming; many have become our personal friends. The business-to-business relationships we’ve built were some of our first clients and helped us build our practice. I didn’t go in thinking I would be president, but it happened that way.”

As practice manager at Better Vision Eyecare and chamber president, Scott Yath balances healthcare expertise with community leadership to advance Anthem’s economic future.

Yath’s own path began in a hardworking, multigenerational family that owned and operated doughnut shops; he went on to coach ice hockey with the Anaheim Ducks organization for 14 years.

Here in Arizona, he shifted to practicing residential real estate but maintains his involvement in coaching youth sports. He coaches ice hockey at Pinnacle High School, where all four teams made state championships for the first time in program history, with three of the four winning top honors. Not confined to the ice, he also coaches middle school golf and girls’ volleyball at Anthem Preparatory Academy.

Both Scott and Thuy have a heart for service — volunteering at their children’s school, at church and in their own professional spheres. Thuy was elected to the Arizona Optometric Association’s Board of Directors, and Scott is a board member of the Arizona High School Hockey Association.

“We couldn’t be more honored to have the opportunity to serve our community,” he says. “It’s been very rewarding. God has given us a lot of blessings and we are called to do our part.”

As the Yath family established relationships in the community and with fellow local business owners, the small-town nature of Anthem that attracted them has stayed at the forefront of the plan Yath and chamber leadership have for the community.

“I don’t want the chamber to be just another networking group,” he asserts. “We want to facilitate local businesses to be part of engaging the community and create more exposure for residents to find their favorite local businesses right here in Anthem.”

Part of local collaboration will involve improving the working relationship with the Anthem Community Council as well as with the city of Phoenix.

“We want to reach out and get involved,” Yath says. “We need to determine what economy can be sustained and what is coming our way, whether we like it or not.”

and Dr.

Anthem Area Chamber of Commerce’s Key Initiatives for 2025

• Strategic Partnerships: Strengthening collaborations with Anthem Community Council and city of Phoenix

• Pay It Forward Model: Creating programs that encourage residents to patronize local businesses

• Community Engagement: Establishing two signature annual events that connect businesses with Anthem residents

• Digital Innovation: Developing technology platforms to increase visibility for chamber members and enhance public engagement

• Youth Entrepreneurship: Launching scholarships and business expo opportunities for young entrepreneurs

• Small Business Support: Providing physical and digital resources, business collaboration networks and targeted grants for local enterprises

Yath’s real estate career has given him insight into helping distressed owners, investors and the economic landscape of the area. One of the chamber’s goals will be to create grants for small businesses, growing the footprint and impact of the organization.

An example of that expanding influence will be evident to the public in two major events the chamber plans to hold in coordination with the Anthem Community Council.

The chamber already has a presence at the two big community events during the year: Anthem Days and Trunk ‘n’ Treat. Now, Yath has a vision for two entirely new events that are both beneficial for business-to-business relationships and engage the public.

“We want staple events that both businesses and the community can look forward to, in addition to the popular Anthem Days and Trunk ‘n’ Treat,” he notes.

Economic development goals include maximizing the chamber’s foothold in the digital space — placing resources directly into the hands of potential patrons.

“The Yellow Pages used to stay in households all year long,” Yath observes. “We want to find a platform with the same information that is digital, like apps where an ad might pop up to get eyes on the chamber, its events and its members. We have all sorts of great programs, but people need to know the chamber exists and what we do.”

That community outreach extends to investment plans, which Yath says he is especially passionate about. The chamber is creating scholarships for young entrepreneurs and would like to have a business expo at local schools.

“I envision a challenge for middle and high school entrepreneurs,” he says with palpable excitement in his voice. “It could be similar to ‘Shark Tank’ in some ways.

Scott

Thuy Yath blend professional expertise with community service as owners of Better Vision Eyecare in Anthem, where their shared commitment to family and philanthropy extends beyond their practice into leadership roles with the chamber of commerce and Arizona Optometric Association.

Those winners could win a scholarship or grant given by the Anthem Area Chamber of Commerce or sponsored by chamber members. I still see lemonade stands out there, and I love it! I want to promote that mentality. It would be great to be able to say that a business started in Anthem and was supported from the start.”

To empower local businesses, the chamber wants to be a digital and physical resource center for the public and nonmembers to engage with current members to publicize both the benefits of membership and how businesses can connect and help each other.

“In my own small business, I like to say I don’t look at anyone as competition, more as ‘co-opetition,’” he says. “You’re not really competing because so many potential customers are here — Anthem has more than 25,000 residents. We aren’t looking for the same dollar. Everyone has different needs and is serving different categories.”

He’d like the chamber and chamber website to stand as a user-friendly resource, whether to find a business, start a business or for business services.

With a dedicated leadership team, Yath is looking forward to charting a positive future for Anthem’s small businesses and to using the leadership skills he has developed throughout his career.

“I watched the work ethic of my parents, and my leadership style also stems from coaching,” Yath says. “When I step into leadership, I try to get the best out of everybody with motivation, encouragement and constructive criticism. We also have our kids helping out at Better Vision with small tasks.

“One thing I’ve learned from coaching for so many years is that I can’t get an 8-year-old to do what an athlete getting $10 million will do, so I learned to talk to both personalities and mentalities and show respect to each. ‘How can I help you do it better?’ When we help each other, everybody wins.”

bettervisionaz.com anthemareachamber.com

DVUSD Career Fair

April 12th

IIn the sweltering jungles of Vietnam and the scorching deserts of Saudi Arabia, Col. Pat Little-Upah forged a 30year military career that spanned two major wars and witnessed the evolving role of women in the armed forces. Her journey from a young nurse in Vietnam to a decorated colonel offers a compelling glimpse into the courage, compassion and resilience of women in military service.

Inspired by her World War II veteran mother, who served as an Army nurse, Little-Upah was in nursing school when she answered the call for registered nurses to serve in the U.S. Army in 1965 as the Vietnam War escalated.

“My mom was like the majority of women during the World War II era,” Little-Upah recounts. “They agreed to serve, following the examples of women since the Revolution who have stepped up to care for the sick and injured.”

Writer Shannon Severson // Photography Courtesy of Pat Little-Upah

Drawing from three decades of military medical experience, Col. Pat LittleUpah delivers keynote addresses on women in the armed forces and the critical importance of supporting veterans' mental health initiatives.

We were all women, and we did what women do best: We got the job done. Col. Pat Little-Upah

Women’s primary role in the military during the Vietnam War — and prior — was as nurses, serving bravely with compassion and medical expertise. Little-Upah and a friend signed up through a “buddy program,” but her friend was unable to pass the nursing exam. Little-Upah attended basic training alone, and by the time her friend passed, she was married and pregnant, disqualifying her from service.

Unlike their male counterparts, women did not face a military draft during the Vietnam War era. Instead, LittleUpah and her fellow nurses — most in their early 20s — volunteered to serve. When Little-Upah deployed in 1968, she made the grueling journey to Vietnam dressed in the required Class A uniform, complete with nylons and heels. She and a fellow nurse named Chris were the only women on the flight and, though they were separated for their first assignments on the ground, would eventually reconnect and remain lifelong friends.

“By the time you landed, your feet were so swollen you could barely get your heels back on,” Little-Upah recalls with a wry laugh. As the plane crossed into Vietnamese airspace, the mood turned somber as the gravity of their mission set in. They were warned of the dangers they could face, and it all became chillingly real.

Little-Upah’s first assignment was at the 400-bed 93rd Evacuation Hospital in Long Bien, the largest of its kind. For a few quiet weeks, the young nurses settled in, until the Lunar New Year arrived and the notorious Tet Offensive erupted.

“I was asleep in my bed when I woke to sounds I’ll never forget — they’d hit an ammunition dump,” Little-Upah recounts. “It was the first time I thought, ‘I’m going to die,’ but not the last.”

As the casualties poured in over the next 30 days, Little-Upah and her all-female team of nurses sprang into action, working 12- to 14-hour shifts to stabilize the severely wounded. Between surgeries, they even volunteered to accompany

patients on harrowing helicopter evacuations. Their tireless efforts earned the unit a citation, though the trauma of that year would leave an indelible mark.

“I don’t think anyone was prepared for that,” Little-Upah says solemnly. “We were all women, and we did what women do best: We got the job done.”

When the Tet Offensive subsided, Little-Upah was called to help build the 95th Evacuation Hospital in Da Nang — a facility later immortalized in the TV series “China Beach.” But the reality was far from Hollywood glamour. Reunited with her friend Chris, Little-Upah worked grueling 12-hour night shifts in the tent hospital, living in a spartan tent with no bed or shower. As the initial 100 beds quickly expanded to 400, the nurses found themselves in another crucible.

“That time was so intense,” Little-Upah recalls. “It was like jumping from one frying pan into another. The need was overwhelming, and we were constantly harassed by the Viet Cong. They owned the night.”

During nightly attacks, the hospital would go on red alert. Little-Upah and her comrades would don flak jackets and helmets, wrapping glass IV bottles to prevent shattering, and frantically relocate patients to the ground floor, covering them with cots and mattresses for protection. All of this played out in total darkness so as not to reveal their location.

“The guys were terrified,” Little-Upah remembers. “We had no weapons — nurses couldn’t carry them. We had to rely on the corpsmen to get their M-16s. We were lucky the Marine base was nearby, or we might not have made it.”

Just as her tour was ending, Little-Upah learned her younger brother David had been drafted and was somewhere in the jungles of Vietnam.

“I knew he was just a private, out there in the thick of it,” she says. “I didn’t know if he would come back.”

Army nurse Lt. Pat Little-Upah treated countless wounded soldiers in Vietnam field hospitals, working with limited resources in an environment where “the Viet Cong owned the night” and attacks could come at any time.

Delaying her orders to return home, she found David and spent precious days with him before leaving Vietnam. Though he survived the war, David would later succumb to three Agent Orange-related conditions.

“He was my hero,” Little-Upah says, her voice thick with emotion. “We lost him too soon, like so many other Vietnam War veterans.”

After leaving the Army, Little-Upah rejoined the Reserves a decade later. She was now living in Phoenix with her husband and daughter Lisa, who has Down syndrome. When Desert Storm erupted, her 403rd Combat Support Hospital unit was activated. With just two days’ notice, she had to quickly get her affairs in order and say goodbye to Lisa, who didn’t understand her mother might not return for a long time.

“She knew I’d go away for a few weeks each year, but this time she didn’t know if I was coming back,” Little-Upah recalls of her then-teenage daughter, now 52.

Unlike Vietnam, Little-Upah would now serve alongside her familiar unit — a boon for efficiency and camaraderie. Many were mothers like her, leaving behind young children.

“We had women in their 30s and 40s, some with infants or multiple young children, having to entrust their families to others,” she remembers. “Psychologically, it was very different. No computers or easy communication — maybe just a phone call or two.”

As they trained stateside, the specter of chemical warfare loomed. At Fort Ord, Little-Upah and her team practiced donning Mission Oriented Protective Posture (MOPP) suits and decontamination procedures. In the Saudi desert, the sound of incoming rockets would send them scrambling to don the stifling gear, sheltering and praying it was a false alarm.

“It was terrifying, psychologically,” she admits. “You were never without that gear — even going to the bathroom.”

Once again, Little-Upah helped construct a hospital from scratch, this time in the punishing desert. Though more advanced than Vietnam, the makeshift facility was still vulnerable to the elements.

“It was one small step above what we had in Vietnam,” she observes.

Mercifully, the Gulf War was brief, with few American casualties. But Little-Upah’s team still treated many prisoners of war, some brainwashed to believe they would be killed or operated on without anesthesia.

“The only ones I feared were the Republican Guard,” she says. “If they got a weapon, they would use it.”

During the 1968 Tet Offensive, Army nurse Lt. Pat Little-Upah and her all-female nursing team worked 12- to 14-hour shifts at the 93rd Evacuation Hospital in Long

Resolute and compassionate, Little-Upah has dedicated her life to caring for the vulnerable. Returning to civilian nursing, she gravitated toward

Binh, Vietnam, earning a unit citation for providing critical care under enemy fire.

behavioral health, perhaps unconsciously drawn by her own and her family’s struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder.

“I was a totally different person when I came back,” she reflects. “My brother and so many others were dealing with the mental health fallout of Vietnam and Desert Storm. Moral injury wasn’t even recognized then.”

Little-Upah’s selfless service was honored in 2009 with the Legion of Merit. Though she retired from nursing in 2012, she remains busier than ever, volunteering at the Phoenix Veterans Affairs Medical Center and serving in leadership roles for veteran-focused organizations. As president of the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Society and a board member of Friends of Fisher House Phoenix, she works tirelessly to support her fellow veterans.

The Fisher House initiative will provide affordable housing for families of veterans hospitalized at the VA in close proximity to the facility.

“Families who stay at Fisher Houses bond through the most trying times,” she says.

It’s a sentiment that is echoed in her own life — the unwavering support of her military brothers and sisters.

Today, women make up approximately 17% of the U.S. military’s activeduty force, with roles spanning from combat positions to high-ranking leadership. Little-Upah’s pioneering service paved the way for this progress, though she believes there’s still work to be done.

“We bring unique skills and can be a true asset,” she asserts. “If you meet the standards, every job should be open to women. I’d encourage them to serve — it enriched my life immeasurably and helped me become who I am.”

Even in retirement, Little-Upah remains dedicated to serving and honoring veterans and their advocates, organizing the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Society’s annual Patriotic Awards Luncheon that will be held this May. She also promotes the In Memory Foundation, which commemorates those who,like her brother, David, were lost to Agent Orange and PTSD. Her lifelong commitment to service and healing is a testament to her indomitable spirit and that of the many brave women who serve in our military every day.

avhof.org

Experience

equipped with military gear for deployment,

Col. Pat Little-Upah, Vietnam and Desert Storm veteran, serves as president of the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Society and advocates for veterans through multiple organizations throughout the Valley.

Fully

Lt. Pat Little-Upah was among the 11,000 American women who volunteered to serve in Vietnam, where she would face both the horrors of war and the challenges of pioneering medical care under fire.

IIn an era when smartphones become obsolete within months, a wooden fire pump at Phoenix’s Hall of Flame Museum offers a humbling perspective on longevity. Built in 1725 — seven years before George Washington’s birth — the Newsham Hand Pumper stands as a testament to enduring craftsmanship and the timeless mission of firefighting.

“This is typically the first exhibit our visitors encounter, and it’s where we kick off most of our guided tours,” says Mark Moorhead, curator of education at the Hall of Flame Museum. “Given that it’s her 300th birthday this year, we’re celebrating every day. We’ve even adorned her with a festive fire helmet and birthday balloon to mark the occasion.”

The Fifth Size Newsham pumper, crafted in London by Richard Newsham’s firm, represents the cutting edge of 18thcentury firefighting technology. Requiring a crew of 20 to operate its pump handles and foot treadles, the machine could deliver 60 gallons of water per minute through its copper branch pipe — an engineering marvel of its time.

Writer Joseph J. Airdo // Photography Courtesy of the Hall of Flame Museum

Newsham 1725 Hand Pump

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

Chuck Montgomery

“When you can actually put your hands on a piece of equipment that is 300 years old and, if given a water supply, could still pump out fires today, it is kind of shocking and somewhat humbling,” says Chuck Montgomery, the museum’s executive director.

The museum has expanded beyond its historic pieces to embrace modern firefighting technology. Moorhead points to recent additions that bridge centuries of innovation.

“We’ve significantly expanded our exhibits on firefighter breathing apparatus, including a rare Morgan Hood smoke mask from the early 1900s,” he says. “More recently, we’ve introduced interactive experiences with thermal imaging cameras, showcasing how modern technology revolutionizes firefighting tactics.”

Hand Pump Pawtucket Rhode Island

Beaver Tail Hand Pump

HOF Steamer

Hartford Wisconsin Kissel

Baldwin NY 1966 Mack Model C

The museum’s educational mission extends beyond equipment to potentially lifesaving information.

“We’ve recently incorporated the Underwriters Laboratories’ ‘Close Before You Doze’ message into our educational programs,” Moorhead explains. “It’s a simple action that can make a big differenceclosing your door can potentially give you up to 17 extra minutes to escape if a fire breaks out.”

Looking ahead, the museum is planning innovative ways to engage visitors with its historic collection.

“We’re reaching out to the local LEGO community with an exciting project,” Moorhead says. “We’re hoping to collaborate on building a replica of our Newsham hand pumper using LEGO bricks. Once completed, this unique model would offer visitors a fun and interactive way to appreciate this historic piece of firefighting equipment.”

The museum continues to draw families with special events, including its upcoming Easter “Eggs-truckordinary” event, scheduled for Saturday, April 19, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“Kids 12 and under can collect candy for their Easter baskets while exploring our fire trucks,” Moorhead says. “It’s always a hit with families.”

As the world’s largest firefighting museum celebrates this remarkable milestone, the Newsham Hand Pumper serves as a bridge between centuries of firefighting innovation. Its presence reminds visitors that while technology evolves, the core mission of firefighting — protecting lives and property — remains unchanged across three centuries and counting.

hallofflame.org

1870 Hotchkiss Parade Wagon Derby Connecticut

1937 Kenosha Pirsch

Hall of Flame Willys Jeep

Decadent Easter Egg Chocolate Loaf

Writer and Photographer Francine Coles

Spring’s arrival heralds not only the emergence of daffodils but also the perfect occasion for this sophisticated Easter egg chocolate loaf. This visually stunning dessert transforms the holiday table with its artful presentation and rich, indulgent flavor profile. While elegant enough for discerning guests, this celebratory creation also offers an engaging culinary project to share with younger family members.

1 loaf cake (serves 12)

Ingredients:

For the Chocolate Loaf Cake:

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar 1/2 cup butter, softened 3/4 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon baking powder

2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 3 large eggs

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 3/4 cup milk

For the Buttercream:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature

1 cup powdered sugar 1/2 tablespoon heavy cream or milk

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract Purple and pink food coloring

8–10 ounces mini eggs, for decoration 4 disposable pastry bags

2D closed-star piping tip

Directions:

For the chocolate loaf cake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a 9-by-5-by-3-inch loaf pan or spray with a baking spray that includes flour.

In a stand mixer, beat sugar and butter together until well blended. With the mixer on low speed, add the salt, vanilla extract, baking soda, baking powder and cocoa powder. Mix until blended. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Add about 1/3 of the flour and 1/2 of the milk and mix on low speed until combined. Add another 1/3 of the flour and the remaining milk and mix thoroughly. Add the remaining flour and combine all ingredients, being careful not to overbeat the batter. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.

Bake for 60 to 65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the loaf comes out clean. Cool in the pan on a rack for about 10 minutes.

Carefully remove the cake from the pan and cool completely on a rack.

For the buttercream: Beat the butter on its own for a few minutes to loosen and make it smooth. Add in the powdered sugar and beat again. If necessary, add 1 tablespoon at a time of cream or milk so that it is smooth and workable. Don’t let the buttercream become too runny by adding too much cream. Add the vanilla and beat again.

Equally divide the buttercream into three bowls. To one bowl, add a drop of pink gel color to create a pastel pink buttercream. To the second bowl, add a drop of purple gel color to create a pastel purple buttercream. Leave the third bowl uncolored for a classic white buttercream.

Fit one disposable pastry bag with the piping tip. Fill the other three with the different colors of buttercream. Once filled, cut a 1/2-inch opening in the bottom of each bag. Take all three buttercream bags and evenly place them inside of the fourth bag that is fitted with the tip. With even pressure, start piping inch-wide back-and-forth squiggles. Continue until the top of the cake is covered. Add mini eggs to the top.

Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to three days.

& Stacey D.