ImagesAZ Magazine Desert Mountain, Carefree and Cave Creek

Desert Mountain

Desert Mountain :: Carefree :: Cave Creek

Carefree

Cave Creek

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contents Take a peek ...

jerri

shelly@imagesaz.com

Meet the Red Truck Family

16

Community

writer writer writer writer writer writer writer writer writer writer

30

5 Minutes with.... Valerie

34

Carefree Days

36

Cave Creek Trail Run

38

Chihuly in the Garden

42

Extreme Home Makeover

50

Sketches from Europe

54

Dinner with Wolves

60

Putting it in Print

photographer photographer photographer photographer photographer

64

Right to the Heart

70

Dining Guide

72

Professional Services and Marketplace

78

Local Index

Meaghan’s Dream :: graphic artist

82

Recipe

Amanda Christmann Larson :: editor/contributing Stephanie Maher Palenque :: contributing Paula Theotocatos :: contributing Donna Kublin :: contributing Tom Scanlon :: contributing Lynsi Freitag :: contributing Jenn Korducki Krenn :: contributing Jim McAllister :: contributing Barb Evans :: contributing Peni Long :: contributing

Ima g e s A Z . c o m A pril 2 0 1 4

Table of Contents 08

Bryan Black of Blackswan Photographers Loralei Photography Karen Sophia Photography Jamie Pogue Photography Jerri Parness Photography

4

jenn

623-341-8221

donna

stephanie

jim Shelly Spence

tom

amanda

meaghan

paula

barb

Shelly Spence :: owner/publisher shelly@imagesaz.com :: 623-341-8221

Advertising

bryan

jamie

loralei

lynsi

Contributors

:: :: :: :: ::

When experience count s

The Agents You Use & Refer

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Up-to-Date Laws, finance strategy, tools and resources, market trends and so much more change almost daily in Arizona real estate. Jean and Tom stay on top of current industry information and education and hold numerous certifications such as Associate Broker License, ABR and ePro Certification.

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welcome Editorial

As I write this, the wildflowers on our beautiful surrounding mountains are beginning to bloom, and the desert floor is full of green growth from early March rains. The sun is beginning its slow reign over the upcoming summer months, and soon it will begin to dry the flowers’ scattered seeds and create next year’s promise of bloom. For today, though, it’s time to live in the moment and enjoy all of what is on display at this great time of the year.

Whether you are a full-time resident, a snowbird or visitor, April marks the month to take in as much as what nature has to offer before the summer months and searing heat dry up the local events and festivals. On April 11 to 13 those in Carefree and the surrounding areas will be able to enjoy the inaugural Carefree Days, held at the Carefree Desert Gardens and Sundial Circle and Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion. The event will encapsulate the Carefree spirit, displaying the town’s love of art, food, music, entertainment and culture. This family-friendly event is sure to draw a crowd and is just one of the numerous opportunities to enjoy our unique Southwest.

April is also a time to look at our homes and decide whether this is the summer to turn the renovation “wish list” into reality. With many of us finding summer escapes, the coming months can be the perfect time to remodel and have everything set for the fall. This month’s “Extreme Makeover” article is an extraordinary example of what is possible; so do not be limited in your imagination as you set about making your dream home.

Thank you for making us part of your home also!

Cheers!

Shelly Spence Publisher, ImagesAZ Magazine shelly@imagesaz.com 623-341-8221

Sketches From Europe Pictured: Roberta Kritzia and Henry Dalgart Photographer Bryan Black Writer Donna Kublin P. 50

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ImagesAZ magazine is proud to be a member of:

Local First A R I Z O NA

Submission of news for Community News section should be in to shelly@imagesaz.com by the 10th of the month prior to publication. ImagesAZ is published by ImagesAZ Inc. Copyright © 2014 by ImagesAZ, Inc. All rights reserved.

Ima g e s A Z . c oReproduction, m A pril 2in0whole 1 4 or part, without permission is prohibited. The publisher is not responsible for the return of unsolicited material.

ELIZABETH ROSENSTEEL DESIGN STUDIO, LLC 4350 E Camelback Rd. Suite G-250, Phoenix, AZ 85018 P: 602-522-0989 F: 602-522-0983 www.rosensteeldesign.com Ap r il 2014

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family Meet the Red Truck Family If you know a family you would like to nominate, please email

Writer Jenn Korducki Krenn Photos by Jamie Pogue

shelly@imagesaz.com.

N

Everything Is Off The Red Truck

ext time you’re cruising in downtown Cave Creek, keep an eye out for the ‘55 Chevy flatbed parked at the business complex southeast of Schoolhouse Road. If

the fire engine red truck’s vintage charm doesn’t pique your curiosity, the family behind it undoubtedly will.

In the metaphorical driver’s seat is Louann Robertson, whose vision fueled the founding of Red Truck Trading Company, the consignment shop she co-runs with her husband, Mike Seitts.

“Mike came up with Red Truck, and I came up with Trading Company,” Louann explains. “I love that the name gives us the freedom to sell whatever we want and change things up when we need to based on what’s popular in the marketplace.”

The main storefront features an eclectic mix of furnishings, art and accessories. It’s also just the tip of the iceberg in terms of what Louann and her family offer their customers.

Farther back in the complex you’ll encounter Red Truck Trading Company’s second venture, The Grotto Café, a coffee shop serving breakfast, lunch and – bonus – an assortment of beers, wines and cocktails thanks to a full liquor license. The café’s spacious interior is airy and edgy, with rock-and-roll memorabilia adorning the walls.

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Outside, you’ll find an oasis of shaded tables surrounded by desert greenery and a bubbling waterfall, whose sound is muted only by animated conversations and the constant clinking of glasses. It’s here at the heart of customer activity that you’ll meet Louann’s son, Curtis, who is the café’s half owner and overseer of daily operations.

Behind the counter you’ll meet Lexi, Louann’s youngest daughter, who works as a barista while studying to become a nurse. And out on the patio you’ll be treated to a performance from Lexi’s older sister, Lauren, a classically trained vocalist who sings at the Grotto when weather and scheduling permits. Lauren has performed with the Phoenix Symphony, sung the National Anthem at Phoenix Suns games and is currently working on her debut country rock album under the stage name Lauren Riley (listen at LaurenRileyMusic.com). She is also a colorist and hair stylist at Signature Salon by AE in Carefree. Oh, and in their spare time, both Lauren and Lexi help sell and consign furniture for Red Truck Trading Company.

As if there isn’t enough evidence that this is a family full of ambition, adjacent to the café sits their latest undertaking, a real estate company under The Virtual Realty Group called the Red Truck Team, which specializes in Cave Creek and Carefree real estate as both buyers’ and sellers’ agents. The business marks the return of a familiar friend for Louann and Mike, who thrived in real estate before the housing crisis – except that this time, it will be an extension of an already booming business. This time, it will be under the Red Truck hood.

“Everything we do is off the red truck, and the fact that it’s become a family-run business is very special,” Louann says. “We’ve had our hiccups, but overall it’s worked out well, especially considering a family business was not what we had in mind when we started.”

For Louann and her three children, the journey began in 1990, when the family moved to Arizona from Connecticut. Over the next 12 years Louann ran a successful software business, serving clients across the United States. It was during this period that she met Mike, coincidentally at another Cave Creek staple: Harold’s Corral. The two married in 2002 and subsequently entered the real estate business, which soared right up until the market crash, at which point Louann and Mike decided to reinvent themselves once more.

“It was partly out of necessity,” Mike admits. “We saw it coming, but it was still scary wondering what was going to happen and what we were going to do.”

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They didn’t have to worry for long. A lifetime of

them more space. Formerly used as a ceramics shop, the

entrepreneurial experience kicked in for Louann, who

additional storefront is accurately described by Louann as

recognized she had a passion – and an eye – for design.

“wildly cool,” with a kaleidoscope of wall colors and funky tile and glass accents throughout.

“I used to stage my real estate listings and always enjoyed filling the space,” she explains. “I’m not a licensed designer,

“We call it Red Truck Alley to differentiate it from the

but I am self-taught having moved so many times.”

main store,” she explains. “This is where people can drop off and pick up, and where we hold merchandise until

Louann visited other consignment stores in the area and

we know we can or can’t sell it. It’s not meant to be a

determined that the best way to differentiate was by

showroom, but customers can still shop around.”

taking a cue from her home staging days. With that in mind, she created a showroom where customers could

Inventory that doesn’t sell still finds a good home. Louann

visualize what an entire room of furnishings would look

consistently donates merchandise to the American Legion,

like in their home, and Red Truck Trading Company

which benefits disabled veterans. The contributions have

officially opened its doors in October 2009. There was

been so significant that the organization recognized Red

just one problem: within three weeks, Louann and Mike

Truck with an award for its efforts.

had already run out of space.

“We try our best to help in any way we can,” Louann “That was the first clue that we had no idea what we

says. “I give every piece of merchandise my best shot,

were doing,” Louann says with a laugh. “I decided to

but if it can’t find a home with one of our customers, it’s

open a retail store, even though I had never worked in

going to a great cause.”

retail in my life.”

Much of what Red Truck Trading Company sells falls

12

The showroom’s street presence proved to be a major

under the desert Southwestern style. But Louann makes

asset, however, and combined with growing interest from

a point to have something for everyone, which is why it’s

locals, Louann and Mike convinced the landlord to lease

also not surprising to see items such as a contemporary

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dining table, or a gilded floor-to-ceiling mirror acquired

more about the retail business, having spent 12 years

from the New Orleans French Quarter. The majority of

working in the restaurant industry for Islands Restaurants.

inventory is sourced from consigners, but Red Truck also sells work from local artists and pieces from a local

“We started closing Islands locations because their leases

jewelry maker.

were up, so I had to decide whether to move out to California or do something different,” Curtis says. “My mom

“I think the big draw is that it’s a lot more interesting

and I have always been extremely close, so we came to

than going into a furniture store,” Louann says. “We have

the conclusion that we could work something out.”

cool accessories, cool art. It’s a lot more fun to browse.

Our consigners collect things from all over the world that

At the same time, the existing coffee shop next door had

you can’t find anywhere else. Plus we have varying price

decided to close its doors for good.

points, so whether you’re a customer who wants to spend $200 or $2,000, you can shop here.”

“I always thought that spot was great,” Louann says.

“When the space became available we knew something

As the consignment business gathered steam, Curtis

had to be done. With Curtis having so much experience, it

talked with Louann and Mike about the potential to join

felt like a natural fit.”

the Red Truck team. It began as a way for him to learn

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Ima g e s A Z . c o m A pril 2 0 1 4

Instead of coming on to help with the consignment store as planned, in November 2011 Curtis gained half ownership of The Grotto Café, and has since established a sizeable group of regulars.

“I never in my wildest imagination thought it would become this big,” he says. “It’s nice to see familiar faces and to have a constant flow of people every day. Our goal is to create great experiences that will bring guests back, and I think we’re achieving that.”

But the desire to develop skills in new industries is still there.

Curtis is currently getting his real estate license while also working to install a manager for day-to-day operations at the café so that he’ll be better able to help Louann grow the newest venture.

In addition, he recently entered into one of the most challenging roles of his life: fatherhood. His son, Luke, is now four months old.

“The family keeps getting bigger,” Louann says. “Maybe I can recruit him in a few years!”

Future hiring prospects aside, it’s clear the old red truck is a lot more than the mascot of the business. It’s a symbol of the success that can be realized from hard work and strong family ties.

“We’ve created a destination for people,” Louann says. “You get your coffee and breakfast, then pop into the shop. Our inventory changes all the time, which makes it fun. That’s what I love most about what we do. I wake up every day not knowing what will happen. It’s always fresh and fun – and that has been working really well for us. Plus, we have a wonderful team around us who supports our vision. Our employees are a big reason why we’ve been successful.”

“The town of Cave Creek has rallied around us and embraces what we’re doing,” adds Mike. “It helps that my wife is amazing at what she does.”

Whether hauling furniture, food or for sale signs, everything the Red Truck family creates fits squarely into the back of their ‘55 flatbed – and there’s plenty of room for more.

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community

Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s Support Groups Available Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease can often leave otherwise strong

If you are interested in submitting

people and their caregivers or loved ones feeling overwhelmed, angry or

community events, please email to

alone. Support groups provide a forum to share feelings, concerns and

shelly@imagesaz.com by the 10th of the month prior to publication.

information and as a way of supporting and encouraging each other.

A Parkinson’s support group meets the first Thursday of each month at 10:30 a.m. until noon at Desert Mission United Methodist Church, 7373 E. Dixileta Dr. at the southeast corner of Dixileta and Scottsdale Road. At each meeting, a guest speaker gives a presentation followed by a time of questions and answers.

In addition, an Alzheimer’s support group held its first meeting March 12 at the church and will meet every second and fourth Wednesday of the month from 10:30 a.m. to noon. This support group is sponsored by the Desert Southwest Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.

Both these meetings are open to everyone. No registration is required and there is no cost to attend.

480-595-1814 www.desertmissionumc.org

Preschool Enrollment at Our Lady of Joy Our Lady of Joy Catholic Preschool, located at the intersection of Pima and Cave Creek Roads, is enrolling for fall 2014. The preschool teaches top-notch academics in a faith-filled environment. Small class sizes, an award-winning religious program and a positive parent community are what make the only Catholic preschool north of the 101 a perfect choice for your family. www.oloj.org

Salon Chella Celebrates Fifth Anniversary Salon Chella at 6201 E. Cave Creek Road in Cave Creek is celebrating its fifth anniversary of business this year. They offer hair coloring and styling as well as Great Lengths hair extensions, hair restoration and gel and acrylic nail services. The family-owned and operated salon will also be expanding their services to include flawless airbrush tanning, eyelash extensions and tape hair extensions. “We would like to extend our thanks to our clients and supporters,” says Michelle Underhill. “We could not have done so well without them. We strive to make each experience at our salon a fun and relaxing time.”

480-595-6969

Upscale Singers Award 11 Youth Vocal Scholarships The Upscale Singers are proud to announce the results from their seventh annual vocal scholarship auditions. Kaylie Stone, a junior at Boulder Creek High School, took first place in the senior high Division, winning a $500 scholarship which is paid directly to the voice teacher of her choice. Ava Tyson, an eighth grader at Anthem Prep Academy, won the junior high division and a $400 vocal scholarship.

Both young women will sing solos in the Upscale

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Singers’ 10th annual spring show, “Back to Broadway” April 4 at Desert Mountain, and April 11 and 13 at the Cave Creek Smokehouse.

In addition to the winners, nine more students placed in the auditions, with another $1,900 of scholarship money distributed for vocal lessons. These young singers now have the right to call themselves Upscale Scholars, a

www.dentistryatwestland.com 480-585-5215

term that fits more easily on their work and college applications.

Senior High Upscale Scholars 1st

Kaylie Stone, $500 (Boulder Creek junior)

2nd Jaylin Erath, $400 (Boulder Creek freshman) 3rd Alexandra Lane, $300 (Boulder Creek freshman) 4th

Daphne Seitz, $200 (Boulder Creek senior)

5th

Julia Davis, $150 (Boulder Creek junior)

Honorable Mention: James McKeag, $100 (Boulder Creek senior) Mason Reeves, $100 (Pinnacle sophomore) Dr. Richard Calabrese

Junior High Scholars

Michele Slezak, Dental Hygienist

1st Ava Tyson, $400 (Anthem Prep Academy, 8th grade) 2nd Chance McLaughlin, $300 (Sonoran Trails, 8th grade) 3rd Jack Torseth, $200 4th Kaitlyn Hall, $150

(Diamond Canyon, 8th grade) (Diamond Canyon, 7th grade)

Foothills Academy Sixth Grader Earns Top Chess Slot Foothills Preparatory Carson

Academy sixth

Brechner,

College

grade

student

11,

recently

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States Chess Federation informing him that he broke into the top 100 nationally ranked players for latest triumph was at the Unity Open February 8 in Scottsdale a mixture of adults and kids, and took second place.

Carson started playing chess competitively a little over a year ago and has won top awards at several

N W+E S

N. SCOTTSDALE RD.

the February 2014 list. Carson’s

where he played against 16 people,

Boulders

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WESTLAND

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received a notice from the United

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tournaments in recent months. He also maintains a 4.0 GPA and is interested in sports. Last year he was the only sixth grader on the middle school flag football team, and his teachers call him a “well-rounded kid who achieves what he puts his mind to.”

Congratulations to Carson and his teachers, parents and mentors who have helped him achieve success. www.foothillsacademy.com

Richard Calabrese, DDS 480-585-5215

33725 N. Scottsdale Rd., Suite 101 Scottsdale, AZ 85266 Visit our website for more information www.dentistryatwestland.com Ap r il 2014

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community If you are interested in submitting community events, please email to shelly@imagesaz.com by the 10th of the month prior to publication.

April 2 4th Annual Desert Foothills Community Spelling Bee Grab two of your zaniest and brainiest friends! It’s time once again to compete in FCF/Partners in Education (PIE) Fourth Annual Desert Foothills Community Spelling Bee. The BEE 2014 is scheduled for April 2 at the Cactus Shadows Fine Arts Center, 33606 N. 60th St. in Scottsdale from 6 to 8 p.m.

This highly anticipated, community-wide event showcases the spelling talents of contestants from all walks of life, ages 16 to 96. Teams of three with crazy names and outlandish costumes check their egos and dignity at the door to compete for bragging rights, prizes and the chance to have their names engraved on the shiny and tall “Buzz” Schilling trophy all to help raise funds to support local students and teachers through teacher vision grants and Save One Student (SOS) scholarships.

Cost to participate is $100 per person/$300 per team.

Sponsorship opportunities are available.

480-488-1090 www.azfcf.org

April 3 Helping with Horsepower Ride and Drive Join

the

Team

Diva

motorcycle

Helping

with Horsepower Ride and Drive April 3. Enjoy a great ride into the desert, fun stops, and the Tune Up tent. Money raised on this ride will help fund vocational programs for Phoenix kids utilizing the Helping with Horsepower curriculum, which teaches life’s lessons while working hands-on building motorcycling projects.

818-519-7842 www.helpingwithhorsepower.com

April 3–5 Spring Cave Creek Classic Car Auction The Cave Creek Auction Company will hold its largest auction of the year, the Spring Cave Creek Classic Car Auction, April 3-5 in historic Cave Creek. The event will showcase hundreds of classic, rod, muscle, collector and exotic vehicles at beautiful Stagecoach Village, 7100 E. Cave Creek Rd., and will feature a Western theme to tie into Arizona’s top Western destination town. Car owners and visitors who attend are encouraged to don their Western wear for the three-day event.

April 3, the Spring Classic Car Auction will feature a preview day and a classic cruise to show off the classic cars. April 4 and 5, the vehicles will be auctioned 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Well-known high energy Cave Creek Auction owner and auctioneer, Johnny B, will auction the vehicles.

The annual venue attracts car enthusiasts, collectors and the public at-large every year. Individuals who want to sell vehicles in the auction can take advantage of the company’s 100/5 deal by registering their ride for auction for only $100. If the car sells, a commission fee of only 5 percent is charged.

480-525-1136 www.cavecreekauction.com

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April 4 Putt for the Putt Putt The

Foothills

Caring

Corps is hosting an 18-Hole golf putting tournament April 4.

Putt

for

the

Putt

Putt

will take place at the Tonto Verde Golf Club, 18401 E. El Circulo Dr. in Rio Verde, and will support fundraising efforts for elderly transportation programs.

Golf enthusiasts are encouraged to use their putters for a good cause and join in the fun, where there will be the opportunity to win $5000. The event is limited to 72 players and costs $75 per person. Those who do not have a foursome group may sign up as a single, twosome, or threesome.

Attendees will play on an 18-hole putting green with registration beginning at 1:30 p.m., and a shotgun start at 2:15 p.m. For those who would like to receive a lunch before the event, the cost is an additional $20. There will be an evening reception following the event.

Please register by phone. Sponsorship opportunities are also still available.

480-488-1105 www.foothillscaringcorps.com

April 4 Pinnacle Concert Series: Trumpet Invasion April shower trumpet “Trumpet

4 of

brings piano

a and

favorites

at

Invasion,�

with

Gershwin, Joplin, Piazolla, Heifitz,

Bernstein,

and

Rossini by pianist Rich Ridenour and his son Brandon Ridenour at the first of two April Pinnacle Concert Series presentations at Pinnacle Presbyterian Church, 25150 N. Pima Rd. in Scottsdale.

Brandon is a sensational trumpeter who spent seven years performing and recording with the highly esteemed Canadian Brass. Rich is a versatile performer who has built a formidable career performing great piano favorites from classical masterworks to American ragtime, jazz and rock and roll.

Ticket prices range from $12 to $45. Student tickets are free.

480-303-2474 www.pinnacleconcerts.org

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community If you are interested in submitting

April 5 Carefree Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast You are invited to the Carefree Kiwanis Pancake

community events, please email to

Breakfast April 5 from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Sanderson

shelly@imagesaz.com by the 10th of

Lincoln Pavilion, 101 Easy St. in Carefree for the

the month prior to publication.

biggest breakfast in town! Enjoy humongous (and very tasty) pancakes, awesome gourmet sausage, great coffee and fresh OJ, while Building the Future for Kids.

The award-winning Cactus Shadows Jazz Ensemble will be performing from 8:45 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., and again from 9:45 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Desert Foothills Key Club members from Cactus Shadows High School, Foothills Academy and Notre Dame Prep will assist the Carefree Kiwanis in setting up, serving food and cleaning up. Special thanks go to Tonto Bar and Grill and The Roastery of Cave Creek for their support.

Tickets are $8 for adults and $4 for children ages 14 and under.

Tickets can be purchased from Carefree Kiwanis members or at the event.

All proceeds will go directly to Carefree Kiwanis Building the Future for Kids local youth programs.

480-488-8400 www.kiwaniscarefree.org

April 5 Art in the Garden Cave Creek Unified School District presents Art in the Garden April 5 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Town of Carefree’s Carefree

Desert

Gardens

in

the

Town

Center at 101 Easy St. in Carefree. The event is a showcase of all the wonderful art experiences, arts non-profits and community service

organizations

like

Arizona

Musicfest,

Sonoran Arts League, Desert Foothills Library, Carefree Kiwanis, Foothills Community Foundation and others bring to local schools.

During “Art in the Garden,” there will be art activities for young children and storytelling by CCUSD administrators and principals. The CCUSD faculty, staff and alumni will be exhibiting their artwork, and there will be fine art available for sale. eadrian@ccusd93.org

April 5 Sonoran Arts League Art Stuff Sale The non-profit Sonoran Arts League will hold its Art Stuff Sale in the Town of Carefree Town Center on April 5 from 8 to 11 a.m. Proceeds from the Art Stuff Sale will benefit the Sonoran Arts League YouthArt Incentive Bag Award Program.

Enjoy the Kiwanis pancake breakfast before or after you peruse and purchase art supplies and other items of interest. Proceeds from the sales of a variety of art-related supplies and an eclectic array of donated

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ART STUFF SALE

Ima g e s A Z . c o m A pril 2 0 1 4

items will benefit the Sonoran Arts League YouthArt Incentive Bag Award Program. Don’t miss the art activities that will be presented by Education Community Services, a branch of the Cave Creek Unified School District.

APRIL 5 (Saturday) 8 - 11 am

April 7 The Very Large Array Christopher Groppi, Ph.D., an experimental astrophysicist at Arizona State University, will discuss The Very Large Array, the National Radio Astronomy Observatory in eastern New Mexico which links radio antennas to simulate the capabilities of a single dish 17 miles in diameter.

The presentation will be held at Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. Schoolhouse Rd. in Cave Creek April 7 from 1 to 2 p.m. Seating is limited, please register by phone.

480-488-2286 www.dfla.org

April 9 Carefree Cave Creek Chamber Evening Mixer Everyone is welcome at the Carefree Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce evening mixer April 9, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the English Rose Tea Room, 201 Easy St. in Carefree. It is the “proper” evening mixer in the heart of Carefree. Meet with other business men and women of our community for networking and fun, and see what the chamber has to offer. Cost is $5 for members, $10 for non-members.

480-488-3363 www.carefreecavecreek.org

April 9 Archaeological Society Presents Dr. Sophia Kelly The Arizona Archaeological Society – Desert Foothills Chapter (AAS-DFC) will host Dr. Sophia Kelly, Ph.D. April 9 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Good Shepard of the Hills Episcopal Church’s Maitland Hall, 6502 Cave Creek Rd. in Cave Creek.

Kelly will present a lecture covering two topics, Men and Women in the Hohokam Economy, a discussion about the evolution of the Hohokams’ economy and society, and the Arizona Site Steward Program, which is among the nation’s oldest and most venerated archaeological stewardship initiatives.

The general public may attend an Arizona Archaeology Society – Desert Foothills Chapter meeting at no charge, except for the holiday party in December. The AASDFC meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month, September through May. Refreshments are available. www.azarchsoc.org/desertfoothills

April 11–13 Celebrate Carefree Days Carefree will celebrate spring during the first ever Carefree Days Festival hosted by Magic Bird Festivals.

The three-day art and crafts, entertainment, and food event takes place one week before Easter at the Carefree

The

DOCUMENT HOUSE custom printing & design

“Yes, We do tHAt!” Flyers • Banners • postcards • posters Large-Format color • Fine Art cards Brochures • catalogues • Business cards programs • invitations • calendars Logos • Advertising • Branding direct mail • Letterhead & envelopes Blueprints • presentations real estate magazines event materials • Books special projects

Desert Gardens Sundial Circle and Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion,

Burger’s waiting to greet you!

101 Easy St. in Carefree April 11 through April 13, from 10 a.m.

mon-Fri: 8 Am to 5 pm • sAt: 9 Am to 1 pm

to 5 p.m.

This free festival features artisans and entertainers from throughout the region, and includes a CD launch for local musician, Francesca Evans, noted Navajo jeweler

480.437.1196

info@thedochouse.com 6217 E. CAVE CREEK RD • CAVE CREEK, AZ 85331 Ap r il 2014

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community events If you are interested in submitting

community events, please email to shelly@imagesaz.com by the 10th of the month prior to publication.

Fernando Benally, and local Carefree artist, Victoria Orrico, as well as a great variety of local musical and dance talent, food trucks, craft beers, juggling performances, and even a special appearance by the Easter Bunny April 13 from noon to 3 p.m.

480-488-2014 www.magicbirdfestivals.com

April 12 Relay for Life, Bark for Life North Scottsdale residents are invited to walk against cancer at the American Cancer Society Relay for Life and Bark for Life events April 12 at Desert Canyon Middle School. The Relay for Life event will be from 1

to 10 p.m. and the Bark for Life event will be from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

These unique fundraising events bring together communities. During the Bark for Life event, our canine best friends help further the American Cancer Society’s efforts to save lives by helping people stay well, get well, find cures and fight back.

480-862-4211 www.relayforlife.org/nscottsdaleaz

April 12 Celebrate America Craft Program Cave Creek Museum is also hosting a “Celebrate America” craft program April 12 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at the museum, 6140 Skyline Dr. in Cave Creek.

Guests will learn how to make a heart-shaped pin in the Victorian style using red, white and blue buttons, charms and other items to show pride in America. The pin is perfect for wearing on upcoming holidays such as Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day and Veterans Day. All supplies and refreshments are included in the $25 registration fee. Registration is required. Participants must be at least 16 years old.

480-488-2764 www.cavecreekmuseum.org

April 13 Cave Creek Museum Spaghetti Dinner Cave Creek Museum will host a spaghetti dinner at Harold’s Cave Creek Corral, 6895 E. Cave Creek Rd. in Cave Creek April 13 from 4 to 7 p.m. The event will include a raffle and silent auction. Tickets are available at the museum or at the door and cost $15 for adults; $7 for children

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ages 5-11 and free for children less than five years.

480-488-2764 www.cavecreekmuseum.org

April 14 Carefree Cave Creek Chamber Golf Tournament Carefree Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce invites the community to participate in its annual golf tournament April 14 at Tatum Ranch Golf Club, 29888 N. Tatum Dr. in Cave Creek.

The outing is limited to 144 golfers and is $110 per player. The all-day event includes 18 holes of golf,

Simple & Elegant Wealth Management For Widows and Their Families.

a complimentary foursome photo, lunch and a raffle/ award presentation. Golf registration begins at 11:30 a.m. followed by a putting contest at noon. The tournament will be a “best ball” format with a shotgun start at 1 p.m.

All par three holes will have hole-in-one contest opportunities during the round. Relax at the clubhouse afterwards where exclusive raffle prizes will be drawn including hotel stays, restaurant gift certificates, and rounds of golf.

The Carefree Cave Creek Chamber is a 501(c) nonprofit organization. The chamber is thankful for its local sponsors, City Sun Times, ImagesAZ and Sanderson Lincoln, which helped make this golf tournament possible.

480-488-3363 www.carefreecavecreek.org

April 15 Carefree Cave Creek Chamber POWER Lunch

The question, “Will I have enough?” at one time or another perplexes us all. It can be an especially hard question for a widow to answer. We believe it is our purpose to empower widows to regain control of their life. This is done by helping them build confidence in their future through a consultative process and the creation of a simple and elegant financial plan.

Summit Wealth Management is a FeeOnly registered investment advisor. We only work with those for whom we can have a significant impact. When the time is appropriate, call us to schedule a complimentary discovery meeting.

Join the Carefree Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce April 15 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. for its monthly POWER lunch - Profitable Opportunities with Empowering Results, a hands-on lunch and learn seminar to help grow your business. Lunch is provided, and the event will take place at Venues Café, 34 Easy St. in Carefree. RSVP is a must.

To schedule a complimentary discovery meeting, contact Bryan Wisda, CFP® at

480.596.9222

Cost is $20 per person.

480-488-3363 www.carefreecavecreek.org

April 19 5th Annual Cave Creek Trail Run The Town of Cave Creek,

7202 E. Carefree Dr. Building 3, Suite 1D PO Box 5543 Carefree, AZ 85377

www.summit-arizona.com

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community

Parks, presents its 5th Annual Cave Creek Trail Run April 19 at Spur Cross Conservation area as part of its monumental effort to preserve 4,

If you are interested in submitting

000 acres of pristine Sonoran Desert lands surrounding Cave Creek. All

community events, please email to

of the proceeds will go towards the purchase of this open space land.

shelly@imagesaz.com by the 10th of

The trail run includes the 2K Kids’ Desert Awareness Fun Run, 5K

the month prior to publication.

run/walk and a 10K run. The 10K run starts at 7 a.m., 2K Kids’ Desert Awareness Fun Run starts at 7:05 a.m. and 5K run/walk starts at 7:15 a.m.

Primitive trails wind through sandy washes, up over hills and down the other side, over loose rock and stiff ones too. One egg will be hidden along each route. Whoever brings it back to the finish line will receive a special prize.

Route and race sign-up and volunteer information/sign-up is available online. www.cavecreektrailrun.com

April 22 A Broken Badge Healed? The FBI, a Special Agent, and the Cancer within Both Visit the Desert Foothills Library from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. April 22 for an interesting and provocative presentation as former FBI Special Agent Frederic Donner traces the FBI’s history and provides a thoughtful commentary on its structure and operations, drawing parallels from his own battle with cancer.

As a 20-year veteran, Donner has worked primarily in undercover capacities, combating narcotics and terrorism in cities around the United States and the world. This experience has allowed him to closely observe the transformation of the bureau from a predominantly crime-fighting group to one that combats terrorism domestically and abroad.

Signed books will be available for purchase. Seating is limited, please register by phone.

480-488-2286 www.dfla.org

April 24 Carefree Cave Creek Chamber Business Breakfast Come hear the latest from the Paradise Valley Community College at the Carefree Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce Business Breakfast April 24, from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at Harold’s Corral, 6895 E. Cave Creek Rd. in Cave Creek. Learn about their expansion of the Black Mountain Campus with the addition of the Science Labs and network with the dynamic members of the chamber. Buffet breakfast included. The cost is $6 for members, $10 for non-members.

480-488-3381 www.carefreecavecreek.org

April 25 Jazz under the Stars Jazz under the Stars with Cinco de Moio is an intoxicating blend of Cuban and Brazilian music, and it’s coming to Pinnacle Presbyterian Church, 25150 N. Pima Rd. in Scottsdale as the second of two April presentations and the last show of the season in the much-loved Pinnacle Concert Series.

Bandleader Dom Moio, who has performed and recorded with jazz

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Ima g e s A Z . c o m A pril 2 0 1 4

greats on both East and West Coasts, is on drums. Brother Bill Moio,

who played with legendary soul band Tower of Power, is on guitar. They are joined by Todd Johnson, bass; Joe Garcia, percussion; and Jerry Donato, sax. What a great way to wrap up the 2013-2014 Season at Pinnacle Concert Series!

Ticket prices range from $12 to $45. Student tickets are free.

480-303-2474

Carefree Manor

ASSISTED LIVING

www.pinnacleconcerts.org

April 25 Coolwater Uncorked on the Piazza Have you ever dreamed of sitting in a piazza in Italy enjoying a glass of vino? Here’s your chance! For just $25 per person, you can enjoy an evening of wine tasting and appetizers at the Coolwater Piazza, known on most days as Coolwater Christian Church, at 28181 N. 56th Street in north Scottsdale April 25 at 6:30 p.m. to benefit Streetlight USA, a transitional home for young victims of sex trafficking.

At the fundraiser will be Coolwater’s very own sommelier, Lori Coleman, who will present various samplings of five delicious Italian wines, each accompanied by a light Italian appetizer. Live music by David Sheehy and his acoustic guitar will add to the festive ambiance of this Italian evening, and raffle prizes and a silent auction will include Italian-themed items.

All are welcome to attend this fun, festive and educational Italian evening. Space is limited, so please reserve by phone.

480-510-8203

Making our residents’ lives as comfortable and enriched as possible while promoting independence and dignity in a loving home environment.

Services & Features include: • 24 hour care with certified caregivers • Providing supervisory, personal, and directed levels of care • Private furnished bedrooms with private bathrooms • Home-cooked meals tailored to fit individual needs • Medication monitoring & administration • Barber / Beauty salon on site • Laundry service, housekeeping and linens included • Perfect for individuals or couples • Telephone & Cable in every room. Internet also available • A large array of activities • Holiday & Birthday parties

April 26 Carefree Resort & Conference Center Expands Spa Services The Spa at Carefree, located at Carefree Resort & Conference Center debuts an entirely new look, an expanded line of services, and the launch of the latest luxury beauty products, at an Open House event, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, April 26. The public is invited to tour the recently redesigned facility, located at 37220 N. Mule Train Road in Carefree. Attendees will receive free product samples, savings on future visits, and have a chance to enter to win drawings for facials and massages. Mini facials will be available for $25 at the event. Light hors d’oeuvres and beverages will be served.

For more information or to tour our beautiful home, contact us today!

Phone: 480.595.5800 or Email us at: info@carefreemanor.net

CarefreeManor.net

7886 E Breathless Dr. • PO Box 910 • Carefree AZ, 85377

480-595-3850 www.carefree-resort.com

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April 26 Cave Creek/Carefree Relay for Life You are invited to join the fourth annual Cave Creek and Carefree’s 2014 Relay for Life event at Cactus Shadows High School, 5802 E. Dove Valley Rd. in Cave Creek where teams will take turns walking, jogging or running laps on the track from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. This is a fun-filled event with live entertainment, games and food that is open to the public from 4 p.m. until midnight.

The night honors every person who has fought cancer, including those no longer with us. All cancer survivors are invited to participate in the Survivor Lap, which starts the event off each year, recognizing and honoring their courage and strength in fighting this disease. Survivors, caregivers and their families are all encouraged to stay and participate in the Luminary Ceremony where hundreds of messages to loved ones glow through the luminaries that surround the track. www.relayforlife.org/cavecreekaz relay4lifeinfo@gmail.com

April 26 AZ Musicfest Putting Tournament and Big Apple Raffle The

Arizona

Musicfest

Putting

Tournament for Scholarships, which raises funds for Arizona Musicfest Scholarships, will be held April 26 on the 18-hole putting course at the beautiful Tonto Verde Golf Club, 18402 El Circulo Dr. in Rio Verde. Registration is at 2:30 p.m. with a shotgun start at 3:30 p.m. A clubhouse party will immediately follow the tournament, with complimentary wine, appetizers and - new this year - a light dinner buffet.

And don’t miss the drawing for the fabulous Arizona Musicfest Big Apple Raffle! This year’s grand prize is a New York entertainment package valued at $4,000. Second prize is two premium season passes to Arizona Musicfest 2015, a total value of $1,300. Third Prize is an Enchantment Resort package in Sedona with a total value of $1,200. Tickets for the raffle are available at the tournament or at the Arizona Musicfest office.

Registration is $100 per person for golf and the party or $50 for the party only. Registration fee includes two mulligans plus entry into the Hole in One Challenge, with the winner splitting a $1,000 pot with Arizona Musicfest ($500 goes to the winner, $500 goes to Arizona Musicfest). Bring your putter and have a blast!

Please register for the tournament by April 20.

480-488-0806

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April 26 Sonoran Stars at Los Cedros Join Annual

the Sonoran

19th Stars

event to benefit Desert Foothills Land Trust April 26 at Los Cedros USA equestrian facility at 8700 E. Black Mountain Rd. in north Scottsdale.

The event will begin at 5 p.m. with a cocktail hour and silent auction, as well as an open bar and appetizers.

Guests will then enjoy the horse show and a lovely dinner.

Auctioneer Letitia Fry will conduct a high-energy live auction that will include a number of unique items and experiences.

Throughout the evening, guests can stroll among Los Cedros’ tranquil landscaping and explore the horse stables, home to magnificent horses from a number of breeds.

Tickets to Sonoran Stars are $250 per person and are available online. Sponsor tables for 10 guests and premium sponsor packages are available. Guests are encouraged to dress in casual or Western attire and to anticipate cool evening temperatures. Valet parking will be available onsite.

480-488-6131 www.dflt.org/sonoran_stars.php

April 26 Kiwanis Club of Carefree Flea Market & Marketplace Loads

and

loads

furnishings,

electronics,

equipment,

housewares,

of

exercise clothing,

accessories and collectibles are waiting to be scooped up at the Carefree Kiwanis Flea Market April 26 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Dave Anderson Memorial Building, 7177 E. Ed Everett Way in Carefree on the southwest corner of Tom Darlington and Cave Creek Roads.

Quality clothing, accessories, jewelry, artwork, collectibles and unique pieces of furniture can be found at the Carefree Kiwanis Marketplace, across the parking lot from the flea market. The marketplace is open each Wednesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Cash, credit cards and checks (with I.D.) will be accepted.

All proceeds benefit the Building the Future for Kids youth programs in Carefree. To schedule a donation pick-up or to volunteer at the flea market warehouse, please call the Kiwanis Club of Carefree.

480-488-8400 www.kiwaniscarefree.org

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community If you are interested in submitting

April 27 Rejuvenation: No Boundaries, No Borders Kenda Newbury’s AZDance Group presents their 2014 season finale, an

community events, please email to

all-new concert, “Rejuvenation: No Boundaries, No Borders” April 27 at 2 p.m. at

shelly@imagesaz.com by the 10th of

Paradise Valley CC Center for the Performing Arts, 18401 N. 32nd St. in Phoenix.

the month prior to publication.

Featuring guest artist Jeffrey Polston, AZDance’s MEM, children’s and apprentice companies and AZDance Group’s professional dancers from around the globe, this concert will be like no other – with new, insightful and challenging works.

The audience of all ages will certainly be entertained and inspired.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors/students. Free admission for children 10 and under. www.azdance.org

April 28 Golf-Fore-Charity The Knights of Columbus from Our Lady of Joy Parish in Carefree will hold the 2014 Golf-Fore-Charity event April 28. Last year’s event netted $170,000 distributed to St. Vincent de Paul, Foothills Food Bank, St. Charles Mission School (Apache Reservation), Hospice of the Valley, Maggie’s Place, Make-A-Wish Foundation of Arizona, Camelot Therapeutic Horsemanship and the Phoenix Children’s Hospital Foundation.

This year’s event begins with an 11:30 a.m. scramble tournament on two of north Scottsdale’s premier private courses with a hole-in-one competition for $10,000, hole-in-one for a car, a putting contest and other fun events. Non-golfers and golfers’ guests are invited to attend an afternoon program featuring wine tasting and cooking demonstrations.

Well over 100 silent auction items will be up for bid in the afternoon, and the final silent auction table will close at 6 p.m. followed by dinner, golf awards and live auction featuring 10 or more highly sought-after items and vacation packages. The program concludes about 7:30 p.m. with the awarding of trophies, the $5,000 raffle drawing and checkout. www.golf-fore-charity.org For sponsorship information: John 480-563-8875 Auction Donations: Bob 480-502-9520 Golf Reservations: Mike 419-340-2750

April 29 Savvy Social Security Planning for Women An educational workshop and tea, titled “Savvy Social Security Planning for Women,” is slated for 10 to 11:30 a.m., Tuesday, April 29, at the English Rose Tea Room in Carefree. Hosted by Bryan Wisda, of Summit Wealth Management, the limited seating event is free and open to the public. Attendees will learn how to maximize their benefits by better understanding little-known rules about Social Security. Included in the workshop is a 50-minute presentation, followed by a question and answer session. Breakfast tea, and scones with cream and jam, will be served.

Wisda encourages women to get informed and involved with their Social Security options. “On average a woman outlives her spouse by 15 years.

Learning how to structure social security benefit options before a spouse passes, can greatly affect the survivor in later years.”

The English Rose Tea Room is located at 201 Easy Street, in Carefree. Seating is limited and reservations are required.

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480-596-9222 Ima g e s A Z . c o m A pril 2 0 1 4

bwisda@summit-email.com

April 30 At Home in the Desert “At Home in the Desert,” an Arizona Centennial Legacy Project one-act play written by Phyllis Strupp, seeks to help elementary school students sort out their difficulties by connecting with the natural world around them, the desert. The play promotes diversity and communication and is perceived to have potential, statewide, as a tool for reducing bullying.

Fifth and sixth graders play the elementary-age characters of “At Home in the Desert.”

Additionally, there are dozens of non-speaking parts, including roles suitable for certain learning-challenged students. Dance and movement are a big part of the production.

The play will be performed on April 30 at 6:30 p.m. at the Cactus Shadows Fine Arts Center at 33606 N. 60th St., Scottsdale. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for ages 12 and under.

480-488-1090, 480-575-2039

May 2 Homeless to Heroes Fetch Foundation Benefit The Arizona Chapter of the National Concierge Association is proud to present their 4th Annual Homeless to Heroes benefit for the Fetch Foundation May 2 at Donovan’s Steak & Chop House, 3101 E. Camelback Rd. in Phoenix from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

A silent auction, a balloon pop and a Chinese auction of autographed sports memorabilia, hotel stays, spa treatments, jewelry, rounds of golf, dining certificates, desert excursions, passes to local attractions and many other fabulous items will all be part of the festivities.

Admission of $5 per person includes one free Chinese auction ticket and goes directly to the Fetch Foundation to support their programs. Light appetizers and cash bar will be available, and valet parking is complimentary. Additional proceeds will benefit education of NCA-Az Chapter Members. The Fetch Foundation will gladly accept any physical donations during the event of any type of animal necessities, including gift cards. www.thefetchfoundation.com, www.facebook.com/pages/NCA-Arizona-Chapter 480-636-0500

May 3 13th Annual Hooves & Heroes Camelot Therapeutic Horsemanship, 6250 E. Jomax Rd. in Scottsdale, will open its gates to the public May 3 to celebrate the Kentucky Derby at its 13th Annual Hooves & Heroes family event from 2 to 7 p.m. Admission is free and derby hats are encouraged!

Meet Coughdrop, Paladin and the rest of the Camelot therapy horses and enjoy fun activities, including face painting for the kids, a live Kentucky Derby broadcast, line dancing and two-step instruction, live horseback riding performance by Camelot students and instructors and a silent auction and raffle.

Derby dinner will be offered by Bruce Brown Catering at a cost of $10 per adult, $5 per child. Beer, wine and dessert will also be available for purchase.

Camelot Therapeutic Horsemanship is a nonprofit organization that teaches horsemanship to children and adults who have physical disabilities. Camelot has been offering all services at no cost to students since 1983 and is located in North Scottsdale.

480-515-1542 www.camelotaz.org

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personality

Q A

Five Minutes with...

Valerie Watters Writer Tom Scanlon

A middle-aged man was nervously pacing at Valerie’s Furniture and Accents, anxiously awaiting a call from his wife to approve his purchase of a sofa.

Ponder that for a moment.

Yes, this isn’t your average furniture store. And it’s not just that men tend to like the masculine, cowboy accents of the furnishings. What makes this place unique is the energetic blonde who bounces around the shop.

You don’t have to, but it helps to have a sense of humor if your name is “Watters” and you live in the desert. Valerie Watters of Cave Creek is indeed quite a fun-loving prankster, so those who know her are not surprised she is celebrating 25 years of Valerie’s Furniture and Accents – on April Fool’s Day. Her love of the Wild West is no joke. Valerie watched cowboy flicks as a girl and dreamed of leaving Michigan to live on a ranch. She didn’t grow up to be a cowgirl, but she rides tall with “cowboy chic,” selling desert furnishings, Native American textiles and rustic antiques at a shop she launched in Scottsdale. She later wagon-trained up and moved north to Cave Creek.

Valerie’s Furniture & Accents 6070 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek 480-483-3327 www.valeriesfurniture.com

Valerie’s Furniture and Accents was named “Best Furniture Store in the Valley” by Phoenix magazine in 2004 and 2012. In 2009, Watters herself was named one of the nation’s “Top 50 Retail Stars” by Home Accents Today, a leading furniture trade publication.

She lives on a sprawling Cave Creek ranch filled with a mini-Noah’s Ark of rescued animals.

ImagesAZ caught up with Watters, a board member for the North American Home Furnishings Association, which represents more than a thousand stores across the country, and tossed a few questions at the witty free spirit.

ImagesAZ: Congratulations on 25 years in business! In your line of work, is Valerie Watters: In context of a single woman surviving this long with

that like 200 years? a specialty store I

believe it is! Personally I enjoy the industry so much it doesn’t seem possible I’ve hit the big 2-5!

IAZ:

What’s the secret to making it in a place where many merchants say “the season” goes

by in the blink of an eye, and summer is … well, not quite a ghost town, but close!?

VW:

Back in the day, Scottsdale would die in the summer also. Any town seems to have

seasons, the key is to buy accordingly. I stock up with more accessories for the summer months and make sure my payables are low. It’s very important to keep your message out there, keep advertising ... find your niche and market to your specific customers.

The slower summer months are ideal to do inventory, re-paint walls, educate the staff and

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Ima g e s A Z . c o m A pril 2 0 1 4

IAZ:

What are some of the funny and/or weird comments you

hear from visitors?

VW:

One is the many funny ways tourists try to pronounce

“saguaro.” They ask “Are there really rattlesnakes here?” And, “Can you really cook an egg on the sidewalk in the summer?”

IAZ:

I hear you have quite a posse at home. What are some of

the animals you have there?

VW:

I’ve had the love of animals bug my whole life! Through the

years I have had llamas, a pot belly pig, Jimmy Dean, who lived to be almost 20. I rescued a sheep, Roger. Many goats, currently four.

I have a donkey, a mule, four mixed breed dogs, two cats and a bunch of hens, plus Elvis the pesky rooster.

IAZ: What was your favorite Western when you were a girl?

VW: Anything with John Wayne of course, probably “Rio Grande.”

And don’t laugh, but “Calamity Jane” with Doris Day! I wanted to wear buckskin and ride around singing. But my big love was reading the Western paperbacks. I swear I read one a night. Zane Grey, Louis L’Amour, Max Brand – oh, how I dreamed of moving out West and marrying a cowboy and having a big ranch! Alas, I made it out West, but married my business and I do have a ranch. It’s called “Big Ranch Wannabe.”

IAZ: VW:

Why is made-in-the-USA important to you and your business?

I grew up in Michigan with the belief of “buy American.” It’s

always been important to me. When I opened my business, I wanted to support local and regional artisans and craftsmen. The concept of carrying goods made locally and supporting USA factories was born from my patriotism and the fact so many furniture stores import. I believe the best quality is found right here at home.

IAZ:

Are you seriously celebrating your 25 year anniversary on

April 1? Should I fact-check your business?!

VW: Yep!

Being a true prankster my whole life, it just seemed

appropriate to open on one of my favorite days of the year! And boy, do we have fun. I love to laugh, I love to make other people laugh, and it just works to have a showroom full of surprises to keep customers on their toes. We have fake spilled wine or glue on fine furniture, melted ice cream on a sofa, maybe a pile of (fake) dog pooh ….

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Sonoran Stars Celebrates

Desert Foothills Land Trust

Writer Jim McAllister

The 19th Annual Sonoran Stars fundraiser to benefit

Los Cedros USA is located at 8700 E. Black Mountain

the non-profit Desert Foothills Land Trust (DFLT) will

Rd. in north Scottsdale, at the northwest corner of Black

take place at Los Cedros USA April 26 from 5 p.m. to

Mountain and Pima just south of Stagecoach Pass. If you

9:30 p.m. Last year’s event was also held at Los Cedros

have never been to Los Cedros USA you are in for a

USA and was a sellout, which should indicate that it

treat. It is a beautiful facility with lush gardens, a beautiful

would be a good idea to get your tickets early for this

courtyard and immaculate stables.

year’s important event. You will have a great time while simultaneously supporting an organization that works

Sonoran Stars will begin with a cocktail hour and a

tirelessly to maintain the beauty of the Sonoran Desert.

silent auction with an open bar and appetizers available.

Guests will then be served a gourmet dinner served by

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Ima g e s A Z . c o m A pril 2 0 1 4

Chef Tony Rea of Creations in Cuisine. There will be a horse show and music by the Bill Ganz Western Band, along with a live auction conducted by Letitia Fry. Also, as is the custom with the event, a rehabilitated owl from the Wild at Heart organization will be released.

Your attendance will support DFLT, an important organization that provides a great service by protecting the natural desert areas near Carefree, Cave Creek, north Scottsdale, north Phoenix, Anthem, Desert Hills and New River. That area includes 680 acres and 22 preserves with many of them open to the public while others are available through guided tours performed by volunteers working for the land trust.

The objectives of DFLT are important since conservation is a subject that has been lost in some areas – but not in the realm of the trust. It plays a vital role in protecting the Sonoran Desert landscape that supports the community and businesses within it. However, performing that goal comes at a cost. Sonia Perillo, DFLT executive director, explains, “We simply cannot accomplish our important mission without the generous support of the Sonoran Stars sponsors, guests, and other donors.”

Tickets to Sonoran Stars are $250 each and would be a bargain at twice the price. Sponsor tables for 10 and premium packages can also be purchased. Valet parking will be available and casual or Western attire is suggested.

Reservations can be made online or by phone. www.dflt.org/sonoran_stars.php 480-488-6131

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Those Magic Bird folks are at it again. Roberta Toombs-Rechlin and Lester Rechlin, the Cave Creek producers behind Magic Bird Festivals such as the

Carefree

Days

Carefree Christmas Festival, the Carefree Indian Market & Cultural Festival, and the Carefree Festival of Fine Chocolate & Fine Art have another trick up their sleeves: Carefree Days.

The music, arts and crafts and food-filled event debuts April 11 through April 13. This pre-Easter celebration of spring takes place at the Carefree Desert Gardens Sundial Circle and Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion, 101 Easy St. in Carefree. Admission is free, with the art-music-food festival running each day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The anchor of the festival is singer Francesca Evans’ concert, to debut her “Right to the Heart” album. Evans performs on Saturday from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Among a batch of artists and crafters will be Navajo jeweler Fernando Benally, who will display dazzling pieces using sets of colorful stones. “Jewelry is not

Writer Tom Scanlon Top photo by Thomas Baker

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something I produce,” he says. “It’s something that produces a change both in me and my clients.” Indeed, his jewelry looks fit for royalty.

If you are attracted to the unique, you will be fascinated by Victoria Orrico, a self-taught Carefree artist who makes paper sculptures – using cactus. Her process: “I create molds for my bowls, masks and other shapes from clay, wire armatures and tin foil. I add dried pieces of cactus, seed pods, leaves and flowers that I find in the Sonoran Desert to the paper pulp. I use my hands and fingers to apply the pulp to my molds and ‘sculpt’ the final forms. Once air-dried, the pieces are pulled from the molds and I then complete the construction of each design.” In addition to her riveting paper art, she also does gourd art.

The musical lineup at the Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion includes old-school rock and country singer Dakota Kid, Cave Creek singer-songwriter Stephanie Chacon, talented balladeer Lauren Riley, and Kenda Newbury’s AZ Dance Group.

Food trucks will feed the thousands expected to attend Carefree Days, and there will be craft beer selections and wine tastings by AZ Wines.

This is a kid-friendly event, as Chase Archer Reynolds will entertain youngsters with his juggling skills. And for the youngsters who just can’t wait, the Easter Bunny will hand out Easter eggs from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday.

Magic Bird Festivals hopes to bring more than 10,000 attendees to the first-ever Carefree Days, which could become another tradition.

480-488-2014 www.magicbirdfestivals.com Ap r il 2014

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As most residents and visitors will attest, Cave Creek is both unique and special. A place where horses are frequently used for transportation, not just recreation, and where artists find inspiration and a home, Cave Creek also has some of the most popular trails for runners, mountain bikers, hikers and equestrians. Cave Creek’s open space is a combination of rugged and beautiful with strong supporters throughout the north Phoenix area.

Korina Riggin is one of those supporters. She moved to the Town of Cave Creek in 2008, the same year that the town completed three annexations of Arizona state land encompassing approximately 9.75 square miles. The culmination of those annexations was that the Town of Cave Creek was allowed to rezone over 4,000 acres of land as open space. It was given 20 years to purchase that land, an opportunity the town embraced.

A committee was quickly formed and Riggin eagerly volunteered.

She was a new resident, inspired to support the initiative. “I love being outdoors and trail running and really wanted to help preserve all this amazing land,” says Riggin of why she became involved. “When the committee met, we realized the need for fundraising efforts since the town doesn’t have other revenue streams to support the purchase.”

Riggin helped create the Cave Creek Trail Run. It is the only fundraising event that contributes all of its proceeds to purchase open space land. Now in its fifth year, the Cave Creek Trail Run showcases a 5K, 10K, and a 2K kids’ fun run.

“These trails are absolutely phenomenal,” says Riggin of the race courses. “The race is a portion of the exact land that we will purchase. So it’s really nice to be on the land and know that the fundraising dollars will ensure it stays exactly the same.”

Riggin says that both trails are extremely challenging, but that

Taking to the Trail for Open Space Writer Lynsi Freitag

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runners of all levels are encouraged to participate and none should be intimidated.

“The scenery is amazing,” she says. “The route takes runners through some of the most pristine Sonoran Desert found in

Arizona. The primitive trails include sandy washes, hills, loose rock and stiff ones too. The scenery is so beautiful you’ll almost forget you’re working hard. You will be in the middle of a tremendous amount of flora and fauna; a perfect setting for a trail run, and a perfect place to save from future development.”

If you’re not ready to pin on a bib number and race the hills, there are plenty of other ways to get involved.

Visit the race website for opportunities to volunteer or donate directly to the Open Space Fund.

“It is an amazing event to participate in as the sun rises over the desert in a gorgeous setting,” adds Riggin.

“Open space is part of what makes the town so special.” www.cavecreektrailrun.com

5th Annual Cave Creek Trail Run

April 11 - April 13, 2014 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

April 19, 2014

At Carefree Desert Gardens 101 Easy Street, Carefree, AZ

2K Kid’s Desert Awareness Fun Run, 5K Run/Walk, 10k Run 10K Run starts at 7:00 a.m.

2K Kid’s Fun Run starts at 7:05 a.m.

5K Run/Walk starts at 7:15 a.m.

North of Cave Creek by Spur Cross Conservation Ranch

FREE ADMISSION SPONSORED BY:

Festival Highlights Include: - Vetted Arts and Crafts - Unique Handmade Gifts - Food Court with Delicious Fare - Craft Beer and Wine Tasting - Food Demonstrations - Live Music and Entertainment at The Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion

magicbirdfestivals.com | 480-488-2014 Ap r il 2014

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Chihuly in the Garden Writer Donna Kublin

Thousands of hand-blown glass elements glittering brilliantly with a rainbow of colors from scarlet red to sapphire blue, dazzling in sculptural pieces that reach to the sky, snuggling among cactus along the trails of Desert Botanical Gardens; “Chihuly in the Garden” is a stunning exhibition showcasing Dale Chihuly’s extraordinary works of art. Now in its final days, the exhibition is available for viewing only until May 18.

Featuring 21 installations designed specifically for the Desert Botanical Garden, the presentation includes new and early works representing the breadth and scope of the artist’s vision over the last four decades. Chihuly, who first exhibited at the 55-acre garden in 2008 said, “I am pleased to be returning and to have an opportunity to present my work in a new and different way.”

Last October Chihuly Studio shipped six 53-foot containers from Tacoma, Washington to Phoenix, Arizona and 12 team members from the studio installed the artwork over a period of two weeks. The result is a spectacular exhibition of his extraordinary and vibrant works of art.

Welcoming visitors to the garden are three citron green towers, titled “Desert Towers,” which were installed as the entry point to the first exhibition back in 2008, and subsequently purchased by the garden as a legacy piece. The work titled “Summer Sun” amasses color together with many pieces in a single installation, consisting of 2000 red, yellow and orange hand-blown glass elements.

Anchoring the exhibition in the Ottosen Entry Garden, “Sapphire Star” is a dynamic composition of 720 blue to clear spires which glisten by day and when dramatically lit, shine brightly by night.

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Internationally known, Chihuly is credited with revolutionizing the Studio Glass movement and elevating the perception of the glass medium from the realm of craft to fine art. He is renowned for his ambitious architectural installations around the world, in historic cities, museums and gardens. His work is included in more than 200 museum collections worldwide including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the Corning Museum of Glass. Major exhibitions include Chihuly Over Venice (1995-96), Chihuly in the Light of Jerusalem (1999), Garden Cycle (2001–12), de Young Museum in San Francisco (2008), the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (2011) and Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond (2012). Chihuly Garden and Glass opened at Seattle Center in 2012.

A “Phoenix Point of Pride,” the Desert Botanical Garden is one of only a few botanical gardens accredited by the American Association of Museums.

It is a privately funded, non-profit organization and depends on revenues from admissions and gift shop sales, as well as contributions from individuals and businesses to fund its programs of environmental education, plant conservation and research.

“Chihuly in the Garden” tickets: Adults $22, seniors $20, students $12, children $10. Children under three years are admitted free. Advanced reservations recommended. Audio tours are available for rent.

“Chihuly After Dark” runs from 8 p.m. to midnight with a live DJ, a cash bar and a small bites menu each Saturday from March 1 to April 19.

Desert Botanical Gardens 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix www.dbg.org 480-941-1225

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Extreme Home Makeover:

Traditional to Contemporary Southwest Writer Jenn Korducki Krenn Photographer Bryan Black

It began, as many love stories do, with a chance encounter – and mixed first impressions.

The year was 2011, and the Arizona real estate market

bring back across the pond was the key to a home

was near rock bottom. It was a buyer’s paradise full

more than 5,200 miles away.

of short sales, foreclosures and properties priced

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too low to pass up. Yet when Kelli Caster and

“We had rented a house in Desert Mountain and

her husband, Greg, decided to leave behind the

were looking forward to warm weather and plenty of

overcast skies of London to spend Christmas in

golf,” Kelli says. “On a whim, we decided to look at

sunny Scottsdale, the last thing they expected to

homes in the neighborhood.”

Ima g e s A Z . c o m A pril 2 0 1 4

The couple toured five properties, but only one had

talking about the house and its ‘great bones,’ even

a personality compelling enough to capture their

after we’d left.”

attention. With a floor-to-ceiling adobe brick interior and colorful turquoise accents throughout, the house was

They continued their holiday with the house fresh in

an authentic representation of desert Southwest style.

Greg’s mind, forgotten in Kelli’s. It wasn’t until they were leaving for the airport, suitcases packed, that

For Greg, it was love at first sight. For Kelli, it was…

Greg announced he wanted to visit the sales office

you’ve got to be kidding me.

and put in an offer.

“All I could see was mud walls,” she says. “Personally,

“Again, we lived in London,” Kelli stresses. “So of

it wasn’t a style I liked. Meanwhile, Greg couldn’t stop

course, my first question was, ‘Why?’”

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BEFORE Greg explained that he thought it would be a good

BEFORE Cue John Nicholson.

investment and that, with a little vision, they could transform the house into something they both would love.

“I had no idea who he was or what he did for a living,” Kelli

Kelli remained unconvinced, but reluctantly agreed to stop

says of meeting Nicholson at one of the tours. “I started

by the office. They were almost back to their rental car

talking to him about the new house, explaining that I didn’t

when the realtor came running out.

have a plan yet for what to do with it, but that I wanted something done as soon as possible. That’s when he said,

“He told us we might want to cancel our flight because the

‘Funny enough, I’m a builder and would love to take a look

seller was going to entertain our offer,” she says. “Long

at it.’ I asked him how soon he could come, and he said,

story short, we stayed, filled out the paperwork, negotiated

‘How about tomorrow?’ It was as easy as that.”

and went under contract.” It was a brief courtship, to be sure, but Greg’s proposal had been accepted.

Nicholson began his career in 1996 as a land developer and realtor in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. He sold spec

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For Kelli, the makeover couldn’t begin soon enough. She began

homes there for several years before coming to Arizona

attending more Desert Mountain home tours, searching for a

in the early 2000s to build custom homes in north

builder who could help her achieve a more modern look.

Scottsdale, Cave Creek, Carefree, Troon and Rio Verde.

Ima g e s A Z . c o m A pril 2 0 1 4

Through these experiences, he developed a passion for interior design and the creative process, which is why when the recession hit, it was a no-brainer for Nicholson Custom Homes to branch out into remodeling, and for Nicholson to become a licensed general contractor.

From his first visit, Nicholson knew the Caster house would be unlike any he had tackled before.

“Kelli wanted it to be contemporary, which meant the adobe brick would be one of the first things to go,” Nicholson says. “Typically I can visualize pretty easily, but I was stumped. Her dream versus what I was staring at …

I thought, how are we going to pull this off?”

He didn’t let the initial challenge deter him for long though, and soon Nicholson was meeting with Kelli and her interior designer, Jamie Wilke, to brainstorm how to turn vision into reality.

“We did our homework and interviewed other builders, but John was open to all of our ideas from the beginning,” Kelli says. “That was the big attraction.”

Kelli also credits Nicholson’s flexibility and willingness to work without clear instruction as key factors in selecting him for the remodel. Traditionally, a homeowner and interior designer collaborate to create a detailed plan for the contractor to work from, complete with elevations and sourced materials.

In the Casters’ case, there was no defined process for what each room was going to look like and no list of materials.

Nicholson would be starting from scratch.

“I couldn’t fully commit to anything because I couldn’t see past what was there already,” Kelli says. “John was patient and willing to do things like demo a whole room to give us a clean slate to brainstorm from. Not every builder is willing to work under those circumstances. Once I had a blank canvas, things came together relatively quickly.”

Much of Kelli’s contemporary inspiration came from websites such as Houzz.com, and a lot of the materials were ordered Ap r il 2014

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BEFORE

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from online retailers such as Amazon and Overstock. It became a running joke for Nicholson to ask if she had received anything in the mail that day.

“Online shopping is becoming more and more popular in remodeling,” he explains.

“While I like to see homeowners buy local because they have an instant way to fix any problems, all in all we were really lucky that almost everything Kelli wanted was in stock and arrived unbroken.”

Work on the house began in December 2012,

once

Kelli

and

Greg

had

finalized their relocation from London to Scottsdale. Even though she had a hand in much of the sourcing and dayto-day design decisions, Kelli remained confident that they would ultimately sell.

“Greg always believed we would stay, while I kept thinking we’d fix it up as best as we could for someone else to live in,” she says.

But as the plan continued to adapt to accommodate their big ideas, the house became more and more personalized with “Kelli touches,” and Nicholson knew she was growing attached.

“John realized before I did,” Kelli admits.

“Once he pointed out how excited I was getting over tiny details, I realized I had done what I’d never set out to do and fallen in love with this house.”

“It’s easy to see why,” Nicholson adds.

“I’d be willing to bet that in 10 years, I will never see a home go from what it was, to what it is today. It’s an amazing transformation.”

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The remodel was completed in June 2013. Immediately upon receiving the grand tour, it’s evident that together they’ve succeeded in crafting a contemporary masterpiece.

Late afternoon sunlight streams into the main living area, casting yellow-orange shadows that complement the focal point of the room: a large, backlit slab of black onyx that evokes the breathtaking sensation of staring down into the crater of an active volcano.

The kitchen gives off an industrial vibe with its stainless steel shelving and gleaming toe kicks. To complete the look, the gas fireplace in the corner has been given a coat of aluminum paint.

In an upstairs hallway the Casters’ dog, Hugo, can be spotted happily slurping from a cascading waterfall. Downstairs, metal racks full of wine bottles adorn the walls of a tasting room just waiting for guests to come and imbibe.

Though

much

of

the

modernity

inside

the

Caster

home

was sourced from pre-existing concepts, the hard work and untraditional technique of the remodel is what makes it stand out. For Nicholson, success can be measured not only by the quality of his work, but also in the positive relationship he’s maintained with the Casters since the project was complete.

“It means I did a good job at a professional level,” he says. “It’s a beautiful thing to have a client who wants to show off and is proud of our finished product, but for me it’s equally rewarding if we can still call each other friends when all is said and done.”

“You’re always going to have moments of disagreement, but in the end if you still want to have each other over for dinner, it speaks volumes about who you’re working with,” Kelli says.

The notion of getting back what you put in certainly applies here – and then some. Through doubts and uncertainties came a happily ever after and, for the Casters, a home sweet home.

Nicholson Custom Homes 480-694-1442 www.nchomesaz.com

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Most artists crave new visual experiences and are drawn to trips that involve sketching or painting on-location with a master teacher in a beautiful setting and the convenience of pre-arranged food and lodging. These experiences are amazing for the artist but there is often a tinge of regret because they literally or figuratively leave behind their companions or spouses. Fortunately, Personalized Travel crafts experiences for the artists and non-artists simultaneously so everyone can enjoy a unique journey to a special part of the world.

For the past 29 years, Cave Creek residents Roberta Kritzia and Henry Dalgart of Personalized Travel have designed and conducted an annual small group trip to Europe that specializes in providing for a shared experience. Artists sketch with international art instructor Glenn Vilppu, while companions enjoy special shopping forays and adventures to unique places that few tourists have had an opportunity to experience.

And then, there are dinners and tours that are shared together. Over the years, they have taken groups to Italy (including Sicily) Spain, Denmark, Sweden, Czech Republic, Hungary and Austria.

S k etc he s from Europe Writer Donna Kublin Photographer Bryan Black

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This year’s trip to Italy May 26 to June 6 will be a visit to the walled city of Urbino, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which retains much of its picturesque medieval aspect, as well as Rome with its amazing architecture, historic sites and artwork. During the 12-day trip, the group stays in only two four-star hotels, minimizing the packing and unpacking and allowing participants to feel as

though they are living in Italy and

Roman Forum, Sistine Chapel and

not just streaming through. Foodies

more,” said Henry. Pre-reservations

will love the first-class restaurants

to the monuments and museums

that are carefully selected and

will be made, thereby saving long

tested at least three times by

waits in lines, and professional city

Roberta and Henry before the group

guides at some special sites will be

arrives.

arranged in advance.

The theme this year is the

International art instructor Glenn

Renaissance and includes an

Vilppu has a daily morning

excursion in the region of Le

workshop before the tour begins

Marche to explore the imposing

each day and will also do

castle of Gradara with its sweeping

watercolor and sketching demos

panoramas of lush countryside

during the itinerary. He will work

from the ramparts. The tiny town

independently with each artist to

that leads up to the castle will

help them with their sketches and

offer shopping and local crafts

paintings done on location.

along with a good selection of charming gourmet restaurants.

Vilppu is considered one of today’s foremost draftsman and instructors

Roberta, an accomplished artist

in drawing and painting.

and instructor herself, masterfully arranges unique art experiences,

Few contemporary artists have

often finding scenic spots that

thoroughly absorbed the lessons of

combine art, food and wine. “One

the great masters of the past and

day on this tour we will take our

in addition, few have his ability to

cameras and art supplies to a local

communicate and inspire students with

producing vineyard, set into an

such knowledge and understanding.

idyllic landscape, for some serious wine tasting while munching on local

Bob Gildea, a non-artist participant

cheeses, breads and sliced meats

in 12 prior tours who plans to go

served at the winery,” she explained.

again this year has, because of the personalized service, come to think

During the days in Rome, the

of each trip as a tour designed

group will explore Imperial,

just for him. He has always felt

Renaissance, Baroque and 21st

comfortable and accepted by the

century Rome. “This ancient city

artists and others in the group.

will provide an array of artistic and

“During a typical day the artists

photographic stimulation combined

often sit in a few scenic places as

with experiencing Rome’s best

they sketch and paint. Meanwhile,

restaurants, cafes, museums, as well

I’m free to wander off exploring and

as the Pantheon, Fountain of Trevi,

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sights farther afield. I’m free to be unattached, only needing

Roberta and Henry combine their unique skills to run

to remember to be at the next designated meeting place

Personalized Travel. Henry, a native of Copenhagen, Denmark,

at the right time. Other times we all eagerly go together to

is fluent in seven languages and has a “Victor Borge”

visit some special site,” he said, explaining, “This approach

sense of humor. His organizational skills make the tours

is at the heart of what I enjoy so much about the tours: it

run smoothly and his attention to every detail, including

has the right mix of organization and freedom.”

participants’ individual choices of foods, is well appreciated.

He also appreciates the care and choices that are taken

Roberta, a classically trained professional artist who is

by Roberta and Henry. “Every travel detail that could

fluent in Italian, has been teaching painting and sketching

frustrate, worry or cause apprehension is taken care of

for many years and is currently conducting her Art of

in advance or fixed quickly. The accommodations are

Music classes at the Musical Instrument Museum in

wonderful and the pre-planned dining events are always

Scottsdale. She does not teach on the tour, but her

at interesting restaurants with great food selections.

knowledge of the area’s art ensures that participants get

Transportation by small but ample buses allows convenient

to see those special pieces of artwork and places.

access to day destinations.”

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“There may be a few spaces left for the 2014 tour in Italy. The cost is $4,995 for double occupancy with airfare not included, and a single supplement of $995,” said Roberta. “We welcome everyone to join us on these amazing adventures.”

The 2015 trip will be to London and Dublin with side trips to Stonehenge, Cotswolds, and Cliffs of Moher. One of the 2015 itinerary themes will be an exploration of the British artists who worked in approximately 1850 and are referred to as the PreRaphaelites, inspired by Italian art of the 14th and 15th centuries. Their movement lasted not quite five years, but its influence on painting in Britain, and ultimately on the decorative arts and interior design, was profound.

After the Italy trip, Roberta and Henry will fly to London and Dublin to scope out the best hotels offering the best breakfasts, the best restaurants for dinner, the best shopping, and the best art experiences for this amazing shared adventure. “After all the years of doing this we have it down to a science,” said Henry cheerily. “When in London we will rent a cabbie for the morning and go from hotel to hotel on our list of possibles, checking out the entrance, lobby and breakfast. If they don’t pass that test, we scratch them. Those who do pass get a second visit to check out the rooms.”

Roberta enthused, “Restaurants, high-tea, and even gelato get sampled three times before they are considered. This kind of attention to detail helps to ensure everyone has a wonderful trip and of course, we don’t mind doing the research,” she added with a tilt of her head and a smile. “Not at all.”

Roberta Kritzia and Henry Dalgart Personalized Travel www.artistravel.com 480-907-7436 Ap r il 2014

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There are few topics that divide those who staunchly defend any side of environmental protectionist ideology like that of wolves.

Officially added to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services’ endangered species list in 1976, Mexican gray wolves are the smallest, most southernmost and most genetically distinct wolf subspecies, and they are also the most threatened. Fewer than 85 are alive in the wild today, and the majority of them are in Arizona – and most in large part due to a reintroduction program that has been hotly debated for nearly 40 years.

Many hunters and ranchers balk at the wolf reintroduction program mandated by the federal government and implemented through federal, state and tribal partnerships in 1998, saying the Mexican gray wolves released into the Blue Range Wolf Recovery Area in eastern Arizona kill ranchers’ livestock and raid elk and deer herds popular with hunters.

Proponents of wolf repopulation say programs like that in Arizona aim to recreate the necessary natural balance in the predator/prey ecosystem, and that wolves often remove the sickest and weakest, creating healthier large mammal herds. In addition, they cite the extensive

Dinner with Wolves Writer Amanda Christmann Larson

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scoping, planning, biological studies, public meetings, and environmental impact statement developed by wildlife experts for nearly 20 years before the program was implemented that proved both its urgency and potential efficacy.

In any case, Arizona’s Mexican gray wolf program is struggling. Only 75 wolves remain alive in the recovery area, while 300

Mexican gray wolves remain in captive breeding centers throughout the U.S. and Mexico. The future of the project looks grim, not because of disease or failure to adapt, but primarily because of human factors, says Arizona Game and Fish Department.

According to the department, “The Mexican wolf is an endangered-species rarity. Its major recovery needs are not habitat management and restoration. Rather, reintroduced wolves show very clearly what is needed to achieve recovery, which is primarily education and tolerance.”

Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center in Scottsdale is one of the few centers focused on Mexican gray wolves’ survival. A 501(c)(3) organization solely funded through donations, the center feeds, shelters and provides veterinary care for wolves and more with no help from state or federal governments. Down a quiet dirt road in the shadow of the McDowell Mountains, the center harbors just over a dozen of the regal creatures, and they have made education and awareness of the animals’ plight part of their daily mission.

Education, they say, is perhaps needed most. Often the wolves are mistaken for coyotes and shot, but killing is not always accidental. Misinformation, fear and an occasional report of livestock deaths, are also culprits of many negative attitudes about the wolves, leading to rogue hunting and illegal killing. Defenders of Wildlife, a national organization committed to conservation of biodiversity of wildlife, has established a fund to compensate ranchers up to market value for documented livestock killings by the wolves, but still the shooting and anti-wolf propaganda continues.

In addition, Arizona Game and Fish has complained that they have not been allocated resources needed to investigate wolf deaths more effectively and to pursue legal actions against those who intentionally and unlawfully kill the animals.

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Much to gray wolf proponents’ dismay, funding for state and national recovery and management is now on the chopping block. “Continuing funding is needed to conduct wolf research, monitoring activities, public outreach, prevention of and response to depredation incidents, field surveys to monitor presence of wild wolves, and to evaluate potential reintroduction sites for habitat capabilities, prey base and potential conflicts,” Game and Fish officials explained.

Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center and Defenders of Wildlife have decided to champion the wolves’ cause with emboldened passion.

They have launched a campaign and fundraiser called Dinner with Wolves to spread awareness and to raise money for critically needed conservation efforts.

Only 88 seats are available for the intimate dinner – à propos due to the nearly identical number of Mexican gray wolves alive in the wild today. The evening begins and ends April 6 at Montelucia Resort at 4949 E. Lincoln Drive in Scottsdale, where a private bus will cart guests to and from Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center, beginning at 4 p.m.

Upon arrival and during cocktail hour, guests can tour the center and see the many would-be wild animals who have taken residence as a last resort for survival. From behind chain-link fences, wolves in a small compound constructed with care to resemble their natural environment as much as possible can be seen and experienced by guests. Here, they are surrounded by bears, mountain lions, leopards, javalina, coyotes and other animals, each with their own compelling survival story.

A silent auction, sit-down dinner and presentation by Defenders of Wildlife president and CEO Jamie Rappaport Clark will complete the evening events.

Individual tickets for Dinner with Wolves are $275, and unique sponsorship opportunities are also available. For those who are unable to attend the dinner, a social media campaign with informational and educational articles and videos has also been established so that

www.dinnerwithwolves.com www.southwestwildlife.org www.defenders.org www.azgfd.gov/w_c/wolf/faq.shtml

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anyone can advocate for their cause with the click of a mouse.

For wolf advocates, this and other endeavors are a very sobering 11thhour effort to protect a dying species. For Mexican gray wolves, there soon may be no chances left.

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P. 480-488-2400 Ap r il 2014

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Upscale Singers Celebrate Tenth Season Writer Mary Beth Coonan

Margaret Watson with the Upscale men in their outfits from the medley “Chicago” in the 2010 show.

The Upscale Singers’ finale of “Masquerade” from “Phantom of the Opera” and the 2009 spring revue.

The Upscale Singers’ anniversary show presents medleys and highlights from their previous nine programs.

You’ve come a long way, baby. The jingle once used

Singers presented their first show at Terravita Country

with Virginia Slims and the promotion of women’s tennis

Club called “Broadway Mama.” In addition to the 16

almost fits Director Margaret Watson. While Margaret

adult singers, Margaret introduced the Upscale Kids, a

never smoked, she was a top tennis player in high

changing group of youngsters who have performed at

school with shelves of trophies to display. Still, when

every show since the inaugural season.

she enrolled at the University of Southern California, she chose music over sports.

In 2006, the Singers added dinner and moved their show to the Satisfied Frog. Since then, the restaurant has changed

Margaret loved singing with choral groups, from her

names three times, from the Frog to the Silver Spur Saloon

school days to her career as a touring professional, but

to the Cave Creek Smokehouse. Still, every April you could

developing singers and sharing the joy of music - this

count on Margaret Watson’s troupe to present their annual

was her passion.

revue of popular songs and Broadway medleys.

So in 2004 when the Desert Foothills Choral Foundation

The Upscale Singers added Desert Mountain Country

needed a new director, board members Bob Colonna,

Club as a venue in 2009 with a show open to the

Beate Darius and Cheryl Siebs recommended Margaret.

public. This gave patrons a choice – a casual night at the Frontier Town stage in Cave Creek, or an elegant

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By 2005 the group had a stage name to go along with

evening with cocktails and dinner in the Cochise/

their vision of entertaining audiences, and the Upscale

Geronimo club house at Desert Mountain.

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Regardless of the setting, the Upscale Singers always presented their musical magic. The group got used to hearing the refrain: “This was your best show ever!”

Through the years, the Singers adopted Margaret’s mission of helping young singers develop their talent. In 2007, they established an annual vocal scholarship audition for junior and senior high students. They’ve also sponsored campers at the Arizona Magic of Music and Dance, a summer program for children with special needs; and since 2010, they’ve offered grants of $400 to the choir teachers in CCUSD and Anthem public junior and senior high schools.

Going from 16 to 30 singers and from one to three shows every spring at two different venues, with an annual Christmas concert every year and a threepronged outreach program that has donated over $35,000, the phrase “You’ve come a long way, baby” applies not only to director Margaret Watson, but to the entire company of dedicated and hardworking singers.

Colonna and Siebs are still with Margaret, serving as president and vice president of the Upscale Singers. Treasurer Beate Darius has been on board since the beginning, while Barb Kerner serves as the ticket chairman and cheerful voice who answers the phone and any questions patrons may have.

The rest of the Upscale Singers all work as a team, contributing to an organization that loves to spread the joy of music.

For tickets to this year’s show “Back to Broadway” on April 4 at Desert Mountain, or April 11 and 13 at Cave Creek Smokehouse, visit Upscale Singers online or call. www.upscalesingers.com 480-575-0188

Encore, Encore!

That’s theme of the Upscale Singers 10th Anniversary Show, “Back to Broadway.”

Director Margaret Watson and the Upscale board listened to their loyal fans then selected the bestloved favorites, including medleys from “Phantom of the Opera,” “Les Miserables,” “Mama Mia,” “Lion King” and “Annie.” It will be a melodic trip down memory lane for the singers and anyone who has attended their shows since 2005.

Tickets for the full-service dinner at Desert Mountain April 4 are $65. Tickets for the Cave Creek Smokehouse dinner/show April 11 and April 13 are $40 for adults, and $20 for children under 12.

Both venues offer a social hour starting at 5:30 p.m. with a no-host bar, dinner at 6:30 p.m. and the show following dinner.

April 4, the Upscale Singers offer a raffle, and on April 11 and 13, a silent auction.

Proceeds

from these fundraisers support Upscale scholars, campers and grants. These programs of community outreach are why the Upscale Singers rightfully claim to be the neighborhood choral group that “does so much more than sing.”

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Cactus Shadows Press volunteer/mentor Robert Adamson advising editor Scott Warren

Putting it in Print Writer Tom Scanlon Photographer Jamie Pogue

After another long week of school days, Saturday has

“It’s not like anyone can get fired,” Warren said with

arrived. Other high school students are sleeping in, or

a laugh. Some students are better than others about

maybe luxuriously Facebooking in bed, going on hikes,

delivering work in time to meet the student newspaper’s

doing yoga and other fun things, finally able to enjoy

deadline. And Warren demands not just any work, but

a relaxing day with no commitments. Yet, at 9 a.m. on

high-quality stories and photos. The editor inherited

a glorious Saturday, Scott Warren is in Classroom 609.

the reins of a highly-respected student newspaper

And not just sitting and listening, but working, figuring

that has racked up an impressive number of national

things out, giving advice and making decisions.

awards, including Columbia University Scholastic Press Association’s Gold Crown Award and the National

Like many high school kids trying to earn some spending

Scholastic Press Association’s Pacemaker Award.

money, Scott Warren, a senior at Cactus Shadows High School, works part time at a local store. Unlike the vast

It’s a pressure-packed job, as Warren knows he doesn’t

majority of his peers, he has another job that he doesn’t

just have the eyes of students and teachers on the

get paid for, though it does carry a fancy title: editor-

newspaper, but also the critical gaze of competition

in-chief. Being atop the masthead of the award-winning

judges around the country. “We write for the students, but

Cactus Shadows Press is a demanding, rather tricky

we want to continue winning awards,” Warren said, adding

position that requires diligence and creative leadership.

that when it’s time to push fellow students to turn in

Most of the newspaper work is done here in the

high-quality work on time, “the other editors turn to me.”

classroom by fellow students.

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And he has led others on the controversial stories the CSP covered, notably the brief suspension of drama teacher Andrew Cupo, following a complaint over a production of Edward Albee’s “The Goat.” “Being so controversial, it was hard for students (on the newspaper staff) to know what we can and cannot say,” Warren reflected, a few months after the suspension was resolved. “A lot of times, they turned to me.”

Scott Warren’s leadership skills have paid off, first metaphorically in his growth, now literally: He was recently awarded a University of Montana Leadership Achievement and Success Scholarship, worth $20,000. “It was incredible,” the exuberant Warren said. “The fact that I got a $20,000 scholarship from someone recognizing I’ve been a leader – it’s good to see all of my hard work has paid off.”

The leader also praised his leaders, namely instructor Lori Hart and dedicated volunteer/mentor Robert Adamson. “I’ve learned so much from them,” Warren said. “They taught me about being a leader and someone people will look up to. And they’ve taught me about how to conduct interviews, write leads … Mr. Adamson taught me how to design pages.

Overall, they’ve given me a really solid foundation of journalism, and I’m excited to continue putting it to use.”

Warren’s mentors are proud of the hard work he has done to become a go-to

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Editor Scott Warren looks over a recent Cactus Shadows Press edition.

presence. “It has been so great to see Scott grow over

computers, and a table filled with cookies, potato chips

the past three years,” said Hart, who teaches English

and remnants of sandwiches.

and journalism. “He has always been enthusiastic, but he has gained confidence and leadership skills along

Adamson, a retired teacher and dedicated volunteer with

the way. Scott has great enthusiasm for the newspaper

Cactus Shadows Press, was there as usual on production

and journalism in general, and his attitude is infectious.

day, elbow-to-elbow with the high school kids. “When

As editor in chief, I think his greatest strength is getting

Scott came to the CSP he, like everyone else, had much

other students to be excited about the paper as well.”

to learn,” Adamson recalled. “Unlike many though, he has consistently made it a point to learn and grow and

She was hardly shocked at the young journalist making

to take control and responsibility. And he has done this

the news. “It doesn’t surprise me that Scott has received

with an easy going sense of humor.

this scholarship,” his teacher said. “He is deserving of it.”

“I have almost never feared that when push and shove On that Saturday in February, Warren was leading the

came together, he wouldn’t be there pushing and

way on production day as a group of student editors

shoving. He does not disappoint and has become a real

gathered to put the monthly newspaper together. The

‘go-to guy’ and I need not worry about his getting his

editor-in-chief was wearing shorts, tennis shoes, a

job done well and on time, mostly.”

T-shirt and backward baseball cap, rarely sitting at one

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computer long before moving to another one. “Scott,

Warren’s non-journalism character traits also have

can you help me again?” was followed by “Scott, come

impressed. “He is thoughtful and well-mannered, for what

help me with this headline.” Classroom 609 was looking

that is worth these days,” Adamson said. “… eventually

very much like a mini-version of a city newspaper room,

those qualities could lead to a confidence to take on

with young journalists working away designing pages on

difficult challenges.”

Ima g e s A Z . c o m A pril 2 0 1 4

In addition to leading others and being the one responsible to get the monthly newspaper out on time, Warren also reports on and writes stories himself.

In his sophomore year, Warren took Hart’s class, “and fell in love with journalism.” He started contributing to the newspaper, then became news editor his junior year. The big step came when he was named editor-inchief for his senior year. “I’ve had to earn the respect over the last year. It was a big step up – everyone on the staff looks to you. It’s tough, we’re young, at times we’re stupid,” he said with a laugh. “And other times I’m shocked by the quality of work we’re doing.”

The rest of his senior year, Warren will try to juggle being a leader and his other classes. “It’s kind of hard to balance, with work and trying to have a social life.” While he has maintained a solid 3.3 grade point average, “The bottom line is the newspaper is where my heart is. So that takes precedence.”

He credits older sister Kea (he also has a younger sister, Sarah) for encouraging him to explore journalism. In addition to the honors that CSP has won and his scholarship, Scott Warren had another adrenaline-pumping experience in his senior year: Being nominated as homecoming king.

He described the experience: “I was excited when I made top 10, and shocked when I saw my name on the ballot, meaning I had made top five. Then, that final night came. Dressed in a collared shirt and tie, I made my way to the football field. Then at halftime, we walked across the field and lined up in front of my peers, (my) armpits sweating and hands shaking. The former queen walked in my direction, crown in hand, and placed the gold and gem-covered piece of plastic on my head. I was ecstatic. I jumped up and down, shook my hands and waved to my mom and dad and the hundreds of onlookers.”

While he was only king for a night, it looks like he will be a leader for quite some time.

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Writer Tom Scanlon

Right to the Heart How to stay young? If you’re thinking miracle creams or

Emmylou Harris, Alison Krause and even John Denver.

injections, good luck with that. The Fountain of Youth

“I’ve always felt an affinity to it. I think it’s a true way

is a terrific idea – if you can find it. One safe, exciting,

of singing about life and people’s problems.”

satisfaction-guaranteed way to stay young is to start a new life every decade or two, à la Francesca Evans,

It’s slightly humorous to see her performing at her usual

actress-turned-mom-turned-interior-designer-turned

spot, Venues Café in Carefree. She introduces songs

charity worker – and now, in her latest life, singer.

with that clipped, proper British accent, then sings like Emmylou. “Time is a-waitin’/slippin’ away,” she sings. Or,

If you didn’t know a thing about Francesca, and only

“There’s no pickup out front/where’s that old Ford?”

heard her sing the likes of “Love is a Long Lonely Road” and “He Don’t Live Here No More,” there

Though Francesca can sing light, easy-on-the-ears

are two things about this soulful singer that would

songs, her best work has a haunting heaviness,

surprise (if not shock) you. To begin, she’s English

dark clouds approaching. At Venues, she introduced

– as in the Queen’s own; and second, despite her

“Fourth of July,” one of her new songs: “I wrote this

penchant for broken-hearted country songs, she’s

about a girl who never finds peace. She’s always

been happily married for 30-some years.

running off to different parts of the world, but it never works out for her.”

She performs woeful ballads and tunes – “with an

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American accent,” she adds with a giggle. Her native

The weighty gloom of some of the songs is certainly

London has for decades dominated rock music, but

nothing new to the country music landscape, yet

is hardly known for this type of music; yet Francesa

seems quite a contrast to the airy, gorgeous sunsets

Evans has always been drawn to the likes of

she and her longtime husband Mark watch from

Ima g e s A Z . c o m A pril 2 0 1 4

their west-facing Desert Mountain home. The two have launched a pair of talented daughters onto the world, film actress Lauren Maddox (“Another Happy Day,” “Filth”) and South Carolina resident and painter Carina Evans. At Venues, Francesca dedicated the gentle song “I’ll Be There” to her two daughters.

Mike and Francesca Evans lived in Saudi Arabia and London before coming to Arizona, and they now split time between here and England. Francesca has had quite a career as a London stage actress and interior designer … sounds like a magical life, right? So what’s there to sing sad songs about?

“I think we all have that kind of sadness in us, don’t we?” Francesca says, with an English accent and perhaps an English attitude. “It’s not all happiness.

I’ve had my challenges. I have some very, very lovely friends, I would say. But life can be challenging.”

Evans sings mainly of deeply personal, interior struggles, but also explores striking, big-picture terrors.

“I just come back from Burma, and looking at the orphanages there …” The sentence trails off, as she shakes her head sadly. The horrible conditions she saw inspired her to write the song “Sapphires in the Sky,” with sparkling gems representing the children: “Wanting them to still shine bright in the sky.”

Evans has for years worked to help children in peril. She spent seven years as chair of Save the Children in London, and also in London founded a group that campaigned for heart and lung transplant machines for sick children.

If you haven’t guessed by now, Francesca Evans has had an interesting life – or two. Maybe three. Smiling and nodding her head, she agrees she has had “a few different lives.”

Tall, slender, fashionably yet casually dressed and with an air of natural grace, Francesca recently squeezed an interview between a four-hour rehearsal and dinner at Soul Café. (She says the fish and chips there are as Ap r il 2014

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good as back home.) She is decidedly modest, but reveals the layers of her artistic life when asked questions such as her favorite stage acting work. “I think my favorite role was in a play called ‘Amy’s View,’ by David Hare,” she says, flashing her bright-beam smile. “I was the lead role in that – on stage for 140 pages of script! Toured all over with that.” She enjoyed high-charged comic roles in “a lot of farce, good old English farce,” such as the madcap door-slammer “Noises Off.” The recent singing plunge has its roots a few decades ago, when Evans sang in folk clubs around Europe. “But mainly I was acting,” she says. “That really took over.”

Speaking of taking over, Francesca Robertson was 21 years old, engaged to be married and about to go on a little sailing excursion with a friend along the River Thames. A young man came along to keep Francesca’s friend company. The young man became smitten not with the available friend but with the engaged Francesca, and the sparks flew both ways.

“We got on very, very well,” Francesca says, her tanned face revealing a bit of a blush. “I just knew.” Soon after that day on the river, Francesca broke off her engagement (“He was in the Special

Live life!

Live it twice!

Three times!

Service, and away a lot anyway”) and let her heart sail away with Mike Evans. “I told him I’d only marry him if we lived abroad. I love travel.” So Mike picked up the Sunday paper and found a job in his financial field in Saudi Arabia. “We lived right on the Red Sea, on the beach, and I did a lot of acting there,” Francesca recalls.

After a few years in Saudi Arabia, she and Mike decided to start a family, and moved back to London, where they raised their girls.

Characteristically, while raising them, Francesca decided to study interior design. Francesca isn’t a “dabbler,” she’s a “plunger”; diligent, not dilettante. She plunged herself into interior design, started a business and ended up having her work featured in such magazines as House and Garden, Phoenix Home and Garden, and Beautiful Homes.

Likewise, when she picked up the guitar that had been sitting around for years and decided to explore music, she didn’t dabble, she plunged. She recruited a band, practiced diligently and released a CD titled “Well … This is Me, Francesca.”

It was a double disc, with a staggering 34 songs – three times as long as most albums. The album featured only one original, “Loose

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Ends,” which was inspired by her father. For her new album, she decided to again challenge herself, this time taking up songwriting. She wrote or co-wrote 14 of the 16 songs on “Right to the Heart.” The new recording, available on iTunes and Amazon.com, could also have been titled “Write from the Heart.”

Creating songs from scratch turned out to be an enjoyable challenge. “It wasn’t frightening. I enjoy it very much, the writing process,” she says, in her deceptively soothing voice. “I got a lot of things off my chest. I had a lot to say, I felt. I was very pleased I got that down in the lyrics.”

One wonders what this path of songwriting taught her.

“What did I learn about myself? I learned I could do it.

It was daunting to begin with. I co-wrote most of (the songs) with a chap in London, Cameron Messer, and recorded them in his studio.”

Francesca will officially unveil her album April 12 at Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion, performing as part of Carefree Days. Though she is a veteran performer who has done hundreds of shows, she will be feeling that little knife to the stomach as showtime for the big concert approaches. “I think I am nervous, whether acting or singing. I think a bit more nervous singing,” Francesca says. “I’m so used to playing someone else, but when I’m singing it’s me up there on stage and doing introductions.”

And what are Francesca Evans’ music goals? “I had to get a band together, that was the first goal, and I finally did. Then the goal was to do some local shows, and hopefully next year maybe I’ll do the MIM (Musical Instrument Museum), and expand a bit.”

Ah yes, the ever-expanding Francesca Evans. Live life!

Live it twice! Three times! www.francescasmusic.com

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The Desert Foothills Chapter of the Arizona Archaeology Society in Cave Creek has announced they will be hosting Dr. Sophia Kelly, Ph.D as the speaker for their April 9 meeting. Dr. Kelly will present a lecture covering two topics: Men and Women in the Hohokam Economy and the Arizona Site Steward Program.

Dr. Kelly received her bachelor’s degree from Cornell University in New York and her master’s and Ph.D. from Arizona State University. She has been an archaeologist in Arizona since 2003 and currently works as the cultural resource manager and site stewardship coordinator for Arizona State Parks. Dr. Kelly has also been employed as a consultant for the Gila River Indian Community

Hohokam History and Preservation with Dr. Sophia Kelly Writer Jim McAllister

and has served on the board for the Arizona Archaeological Council. Her interests include the Phoenix Basin Hohokam people and their reliance on products like the pottery of specialized craft producers.

Part of Dr. Kelly’s lecture will explore changes to men and women who participated in the Hohokam economy during the PreClassic to Classic period transition (ca. A.D. 1100). In a matter of years, the Hohokam economy transformed from a system reliant on the concentrated production and widespread distribution of specialist-produced pottery to a series of bounded economic spheres centered on irrigation communities. At the same time, Hohokam domestic arrangements changed from open layouts of groups in pithouse courtyards to more restricted occupied walled compounds.

According to an ASU analysis of over 600 years, Hohokam households relied almost entirely on specialists to supply them with the pottery they used to cook, serve and store food. By the mid eleventh century AD, pottery producers in one

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geographic area manufactured almost all of the decorated containers used by more than 20,000 people across this vast region.

A second portion of Dr. Kelly’s lecture discusses the history of the Arizona Site Steward Program and how it compares to archaeological site stewardship programs in other states. The talk presents recent updates to the program and new directions. Currently, it is among the nation’s oldest programs and includes over 800 volunteers monitoring more than 1,500 sites across the state.

The volunteers donate thousands of hours of time as the extra eyes and ears for public land management agencies.

The general public may attend an Arizona Archaeology Society – Desert Foothills Chapter meeting at no charge, except for the holiday party in December.

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The AAS-DFC meetings are

held on the second Wednesday of each month, September through May. There are refreshments available at 7 p.m. and the meeting begins at 7:30 p.m., usually ending prior to 9 p.m. The meetings are held in the community room (Maitland Hall) at Good Shepherd of the Hills Episcopal Church, 6502 Cave Creek Rd. in Cave Creek.

(Note: Prehistoric vessel photos courtesy of the Anthropology Collections,

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at Arizona State University in Tempe.)

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dining Summit Diner 32531 N. Scottsdale Rd, Ste 101 480-575-6562 www.summitdineraz.com

Summit Diner Summit Diner, conveniently located in the beautiful Summit at Scottsdale shopping center, is quickly becoming a hotspot among the locals. The restaurant boasts floor-to-ceiling windows delivering a light and airy atmosphere, along with a comfortable, dog-friendly patio to enjoy the best of Arizona weather.

Summit Diner offers a delightful menu that is sure to please the whole gang. From chicken parmesan to fresh-grilled salmon salad, and breakfast served all day, Summit Diner offers daily specials and delicious favorites that keep their loyal customers coming back day after day. Soon, they will be offering a tasty selection of family meals, and patrons will enjoy their homemade favorites to go.

Whether it’s a cup of organic coffee, a drink with friends, or a night out with the family, join their thousands of VIP members and enjoy fresh food, friendly service and great promotions. At Summit Diner, you always get the best!

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professional ser vices “Our business mantra is ‘Country Doctor Service for your Technology,’” says owner Steve Woods. “This is to remind us what country doctors believed: that having love for and a relationship with our neighbors is our first priority. While technology problems aren’t typically life or death situations, they are uniquely personal and emotionally stressful. Our first and foremost desire is to be of service to you in the four main technical areas of life – Business, Home, Personal and Community.”

Tech 4 Life Computers The Carefree/Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce recently hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new offices of Tech 4 Life Computers, located at 748 Easy Street in Carefree. The technicians at Tech 4 Life Computers repair, train, consult and assist with every type of computing device, whether Apple or PC, telephone, television or tablet, wireless or wired. They are also experts in web design, web hosting and search engine

The company also provides free training at the Desert Foothills Library almost every week and their community partners program provides free consulting and 20 percent discounts to non-profit organizations.

480-488-0773 www.techfourlife.com helpme@techfourlife.com

optimization.

4SisterShop Have you stopped by our eclectic and one-of-a-kind shop in Cave Creek yet? You’ll find a wonderful assortment of treasures at 4SisterShop! We have everything from rustic, vintage and industrial styles, to repurposed home décor and furniture, as well as fun jewelry and great gifts. Vintage and brand new, we’ve got it all. Unique items 4 your home, 4 yourself, 4 others!

We are getting ready to go to market (our semi-annual “treasure hunt”), so we need to clear some space. We’ve discounted many one-of-a-kind vintage items by 30 percent, including large wooden bowls from India, wine bottles and wicker wine bottles from Europe, wooden trays from Shanghai, enamelware from Europe, along with select furniture pieces.

Our inventory is always changing, so be sure to stop by often.

Come see us; we’d love to visit! We’re located at 6738 E. Cave Creek Road, next to The Horny Toad Restaurant.

602-330-6042 6738 E. Cave Creek Rd., Cave Creek Hours: Tuesday – Thursday 11 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Friday – Saturday 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Sunday 12 – 4 p.m., Closed Monday www.4sistershop.com

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One-of-akind, Rustic, Industrial, Repurposed, Vintage, & New Home Decor, Furniture, Jewelry & Gifts he Next to Toad T y Horn ant Restaur

6738 E. Cave Creek Rd. in Cave Creek

602-330-6042 4SisterShop.com

Tue.-Sat. 11AM-5:30PM, Sun. NOON-4:00PM, Closed Mon.

480.596.9222

www.summit-arizona.com 7202 E. Carefree Dr. • Bldg 3, Suite 1 • Carefree, AZ 85377 Ap r il 2014

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marketplace

Desert Treasures Desert Treasures is celebrating its 40th anniversary as a

EcoBlu Pools Launches My Pool Gal EcoBlu Pools recently launched an exciting transformation of the service side of their business, dubbed My Pool Gal. As the name suggests, My Pool Gal is a women-owned business that performs weekly pool service by a staff of trained and knowledgeable female technicians.

“We found that women have a greater attention to detail and a genuine interest in the condition of our customers’ pools,” explains owner Kevin Hahn. “The reaction from our customers has been extremely positive. We continually receive unsolicited accolades from clients who tell us their pools have never looked better.”

“My Pool Gal technicians are supported by a full-time staff of professional repair technicians who handle equipment and plumbing issues,” adds Hahn. “We work hard as a team to meet the expectations of each and every customer and look forward to our continued growth in the Carefree, Cave Creek and north Scottsdale areas.”

EcoBlu 36889 N. Tom Darlington Dr., Carefree 480-626-8200

Carefree business! Now owned by Barbara Vander Leest Ph.D., the daughter of its founders, our business opened Oct. 6, 1973. Customers include many faithful second- and third-generation patrons, as well as crowds of Arizona visitors who flock to Desert Treasures for our excellent selection of quality minerals, fossils, jewelry and gifts at fair and affordable prices.

Visiting Desert Treasures, you will find an eclectic mix of “treasures.” The foundation of the store continues to be the excellent collection of minerals and fossils in the Rock Room, including petrified wood, amethyst, geodes and desert roses, as well as hundreds of other specimens. We also carry many stands for displaying minerals to decorate your home or office.

The Southwest Room features our excellent selection of gemstone jewelry in turquoise, amethyst, amber and other semi-precious stones set in sterling silver, as well as Massa of Santa Fe’s one-of-a-kind gemstone necklaces. Other Arizona gifts include t-shirts and ladies’ tops, books for children and adults, and carved ironwood sculptures.

To better serve our customers, we are open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Carefree’s Spanish Village.

Desert Treasures 480-488-3782 #11 Spanish Village, Carefree www.deserttreasuresaz.com

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marketplace

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contact Local Index ImagesAZ Magazine 623-341-8221 www.imagesaz.com

For Advertising Information Shelly Spence :: 623-341-8221 shelly@imagesaz.com

Absentee Homeowner Services Carefree Property Services 480-575-6600 www.carefreepropertyservices.com Desert Lifestyle Management 480-907-4662 www.desertlifestylemgt.com AIR CONDITIONING/HEATING Priceless Plumbing Heating & Air 480-595-5330 www.pricelessplumbing.com Antiques Arizona Territorial Antiques and Rustic Decor 480-595-9110 Architect Elizabeth Rosensteel Design Studio 602-522-0989 www.rosensteeldesign.com Artificial plants, flowers and succulent Arizona Silk Flower 480-991-0285 23425 N. Scottsdale Rd. Ste A-107 Attorney Hundman Law Offices 480-625-3134 www.hundmanlaw.com John W. Stevens, Attorney 480-488-2591 Carefree Area Automotive Sales Luxury Motorsports 855-497-3675 www.luxuryms.com Sanderson Lincoln 602-375-7500 www.sandersonlincoln.com Automotive Repair C&R Tire 623-551-6255 www.candrtire.com Barber Shop Sam’s Barber Shop 480-488-3929 www.samsbarbershops.com Beauty Salon Beyond Your Roots Salon 480-488-7095 www.beyondyourroots.com Donna Jean’s Salon 480-488-2244 7171 E. Cave Creek Rd. Suite B

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Sonoran Beauty Salon 480-595-1700 www.sonoranbeautysalon.com Studio C Salon 480-664-0602 www.studiocsalonsaz.com

St. Vincent de Paul Society 602-254-3338 COMMUNITY organizations American Legion Post No. 34 & Auxiliary 480-488-2669

Bike SHop Flat Tire Bike Shop 6149 E. Cave Creek Road 480-488-5261 www.flattirebikes.com

Arizona Archaeological Society 480-595-9255

Boutique Anne’s Boutique 29850 N. Tatum Blvd. Suite 110 480-515-6199 www.annesclosetaz.com

Cave Creek Museum 480-488-2764

Bags & Rags Ladies Fine Apparel 480-575-3114 16 Easy Street, Carefree www.bagsandragsaz.com Stefan Mann 34505 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite G10 480-488-3371 www.stefanmann.com Bridal and Formal Wear The Quintessential Bride and Formal Wear 18291 N. Pima Rd. A125 480-419-7755 www.qbrideandformals.com Business Services The Document House 480-437-1196 6217 E. Cave Creek Rd. Buy and Sell Gold American Federal 480-553-5282 www.americanfederal.com

Arizona Musicfest 480-488-0806

Desert Awareness Committee 480-488-1090 Desert Foothills Community Association 480-488-4043 Desert Foothills Community Education 480-575-2440 Desert Foothills Land Trust 480-488-6131 Desert Foothills Theater 480-488-1981 Foothills Community Foundation 480-488-1090 Kiwanis Club of Carefree 480-488-8400 Newcomers Club of Scottsdale 480-990-1976 www.newcomersclubofscottsdale.com New River Senior Center 623-465-0367

College Paradise Valley Community College 602-493-2600 my.maricopa.edu

Rotary Club 480-585-9157

COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE Foothills Animal Rescue 480-488-9890

Soroptimist International 480-522-6692

Foothills Caring Corps 480-488-1105 Foothills Food Bank 480-488-1145 Salvation Army 480-488-3590

Sonoran Arts League 480-575-6624

YMCA 480-596-9622 Cosmetics Merle Norman 480-488-3208 37417 Tom Darlington Dr.

Dentist Carefree Dentists 480-488-9735 www.carefreedentists.com Dentistry at Westland 480-585-5215 33725 N. Scottsdale Rd. Suite 101 www.dentistryatwestland.com Smile Design Specialists 480-488-9655 www.drdevi.com Financial Planning Investments Edward Jones Natasha Hundman 480-488-2821 Edward Jones - Noah Kendrick 480-595-2041 37555 Hum Rd Ste 205 Farm Bureau Financial Services Leslie Jensen 480-575-0710 6554 E. Cave Creek Road, Suite 4 www.agentlesliejensen.com Morgan Advisors Kurt Morgan 480-257-1806 www.morganadvisors.net Morgan Stanley Smith Barney Pope Scanlon Team Glee Pope - 480-502-6072 Owen Scanlon - 480-922-7909 Summit Wealth Management 7202 E. Carefree Drive, Building 3, Suite 1 480-596-9222 www.summit-arizona.com FIRE Fire Service 480-627-6900 Flooring Carefree Floors 480-515-9999 www.carefreefloors.com Government/business Town of Carefree 480-488-3686 Town of Cave Creek 480-488-1400 Cave Creek Merchants and Events Association 480-437-1110 Carefree/Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce 480-488-3381 Handyman Desert Foothills Handyman Service 602-540-9794 www.1handyman4you.com

Hauling/Rubbish Removal Rubbish Works Local Junk Removal & Recycling 480-545-1220 Ext. 711 800-501-9324 www.rubbishworks.com/phoenix Health care Cierra Medical Walk-In Care 480-575-0131 Desert Foothills Medical Center 480-488-9220 John C. Lincoln Deer Valley 623-879-6100 Mayo Clinic 480-515-6296 Mayo Hospital 480-585-6296 Paradise Valley Hospital 602-923-5000 Scottsdale Healthcare 480-324-7000 7400 E. Thompson Peak Pkwy.

480-323-3000 90th St. & Shea Blvd.

Home COntractor & Design New Legacy Building & Design 480-363-6713 www.newlagacybuilding.com Nicholson Custom Homes 480-694-1442 www.nchomesaz.com Home Decor Big Bronco Furniture Barn 480-575-1357 General Store 480-575-7025 www.bigbroncocavecreek.com Home Services Carefree Property Services 480-575-6600 www.carefreepropertyservices.com Desert Lifestyle Management 480-907-4662 www.desertlifestylemgt.com Horse Riding Twisted Tree Farm 480-860-8215 www.twistedtreefarm.com House Cleaning The Maids Scottsdale 602-923-4000 www.themaidsscottsdale.com Hotel Tumbleweed Hotel 480-488-3668 www.tumbleweedhotel.com

Insurance Farm Bureau Financial Services Leslie Jensen 480-575-0710 6554 E. Cave Creek Road, Suite 4 www.agentlesliejensen.com Morgan Advisors Kurt Morgan 480-257-1806 www.morganadvisors.net Landscape Design and Maintenance A Couple of Green Thumbs 6061 E. Cave Creek Road 480-488-2155 www.acoupleofgreenthumbs.com Azul-Verde Design Group, Inc. 480-595-0611 www.azulverde.com Earth Care AZ 480-488-2915 www.earthcareaz.com Iddings & Sons Landscaping, Inc. 623-465-2546 623-297-7584 www.iddingsandsonslandscaping.com Library Desert Broom Library 602-262-4636 Desert Foothills Library 480-488-2286 Low Voltage Lighting Earth Care AZ 480-488-2915 www.earthcareaz.com Let There be Light, LLC 480-575-3204 www.lettherebelightllc.com Outdoor Furniture Carefree Outdoor Living 480-575-3091 www.carefreeoutdoor.com Outdoor Lighting Earth Care AZ 480-488-2915 www.earthcareaz.com Let There be Light, LLC 480-575-3204 www.lettherebelightllc.com Parks Cave Creek Regional Park 623-465-0431 Gateway Desert Awareness 480-488-1400 Spur Cross Ranch 480-488-6601 Cave Creek Ranger 480-595-3300

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contact Local Index ImagesAZ Magazine 623-341-8221 www.imagesaz.com

For Advertising Information Shelly Spence :: 623-341-8221 shelly@imagesaz.com

PET Supplies Pinnacle Horse & Pet 480-575-1242 6015 E. Cave Creek Road www.pinnaclehorseandpet.com Photography Loralei Photography 602-795-0555 www.loraleiphotography.com Pogue Photography 480-748-9100 www.poguephoto.com Plumbing Priceless Plumbing Heating & Air 480-595-5330 www.pricelessplumbing.com Podiatry Westland Family Foot and Ankle Specialist 480-361-2500 www.westlandffas.com Pool Design/construction Azul-Verde Design Group, Inc. 480-595-0611 www.azulverde.com Eco Blu Pools 480-626-8200 36889 N. Tom Darlington Pool maintenance Carefree Crystal Clear Pool & Spa 480-488-2636 7202 E. Cave Creek Rd. 7A My Pool Gal 480-626-2604 36889 N. Tom Darlington Post office Carefree 480-488-3781 Cave Creek 480-488-1218 Realtor Jean Ransdell Russ Lyon Sotheby’s 480-294-3257 www.arizonaluxuryrealty.com Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty 34305 N. Scottsdale Rd. 480-488-2400 Tom Scappaticci Russ Lyon Sotheby’s 602-430-4081 www.arizonaluxuryrealty.com

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Restaurants English Rose Tea Room 480-488-4812 201 Easy St. Carefree, AZ www.carefreetea.com Summit Diner 480-575-6562 www.summitdineraz.com The Grotto 480-499-0140 6501 E. Cave Creek Rd. The Village Coffee Shop 480-488-3835 7100 E. Cave Creek Rd. #134 B Restorative Exercise Melissa’s Certified Movement Systems 480-220-8987 bientos7@aol.com Retirement Community Carefree Manor 480-595-5800 www.carefreemanor.net The Heritage at Carefree 480-488-1622 www.heritagecarefree.com SCHOOL Annunciation Catholic School 480-361-8234 Bella Vista Private School 480-575-6001 Black Mountain Elementary School 480-575-2100 Cactus Shadows High School Main Line 480-575-2400 Attendance 480-575-2431 Career Success School 480-575-0075 Cave Creek Montessori School 480-563-2929 www.cavecreekmontessori.com Cave Creek Unified School District 480-575-2000 Community Education Preschool 480-575-2072 Desert Foothills Lutheran Preschool 480-585-8007 Desert Sun Academy 480-575-2900

Desert Willow Elementary School 480-575-2800 Foothills Academy 480-488-5583 Goddard School 480-437-1000 Horseshoe Trails Elementary School 480-272-8500 Lone Mountain Elementary School 480-437-3000 Montessori School 480-563-2929 Our Lady of Joy Preschool 480-595-6409 Paradise Valley Community College at Black Mountain 602-493-2600 Quality Interactive Montessori School 480-575-5269 www.qimontessori.com Scottsdale Christian Academy 602-992-5100 www.scarizona.org Sonoran Trails Middle School Main Line 480-272-8600 Attendance: 480-272-8604 Ventana Academic School 480-488-9362 Security Doors and Screens Steel Shield Security Doors 623-581-DOOR www.steelshieldsecurity.com Sheriff Sheriff’s Posse 602-876-1895 Shopping 4SisterShop 602-330-6042 www.4sistershop.com Arizona Territorial Antiques and Rustic Decor 480-595-9110 Cave Creek Candle & Gifts 6245 E. Cave Creek Road 480-488-7799 www.cavecreekcandles.com Finders Creekers 602-739-3494 6554 E. Cave Creek Road

contact Local Index ImagesAZ Magazine 623-341-8221 www.imagesaz.com

For Advertising Information Shelly Spence :: 623-341-8221 shelly@imagesaz.com

Las Tiendas 6140 E. Cave Creek Rd. www.lastiendascavecreek.com

Cave Creek Adventist Fellowship 602-663-1268 www.cavecreekchurch.com

Lone Mountain Fellowship Church 480-818-5653 www.lonemountainfellowship.org

Suzanne’s Hot Stuff In Frontier Town 480-488-1277

Cave Creek Bible Church 480-818-5653 www.cavecreekbiblechurch.org

North Scottsdale Christian 480-367-8182 www.northscottsdalechristian.com

Christ Anglican Episcopal Church 480-488-0525 www.christchurchaz.org

North Ridge Community Church 480-515-4673 www.northridge.org

Christ the Lord Lutheran 480-488-2081 www.ctlcarefree.org

North Valley Church of Christ 480-473-7611 www.nvcoc.net

Church of Jesus Christ of LDS 480-488-3035 www.lds.org

Our Lady of Joy Catholic Church 480-488-2229 www.oloj.org

Community Bible Church of Cave Creek 33501 N. Cave Creek Road 480-488-2958 www.communitybiblechurchaz.com

Pinnacle Presbyterian Church 480-585-9448 www.pinnaclepres.org

The Red Truck Trading Co. 480-575-0100 www.redtrucktrading.com Stefan Mann 34505 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite G10 480-488-3371 www.stefanmann.com Technology Support Tech 4 Life 748 Easy Street #5 480-553-9171 www.techfourlife.com Tire Repair C&R Tire 623-551-6255 www.candrtire.com Water Softener & Filtration Priceless Plumbing Heating & Air 480-595-5330 www.pricelessplumbing.com Rayne of the North Valley 623-234-9047 www.raynewater.com Weed Control Arizona Weed Guard 623-465-9051 www.azweedguard.com window treatments Carefree Coverings 602-617-2920 34522 N. Scottsdale Rd. Suite 100B Worship Black Mountain Baptist Church 480-488-1975 www.bmbcaz.com

Coolwater Christian Church 480-585-5554 www.coolwaterchurch.org Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church 623-465-9461 Desert Foothills Lutheran Church 480-585-8007 www.dflc.org Desert Hills Presbyterian Church 480-488-3384 www.deserthills.org Desert Mission United Methodist Church 480-595-1814 www.desertmissionumc.org Desert Valley Baptist Church 623-465-9461 First Baptist Church of Cave Creek 480-488-2958

Black Mountain United Church of Christ 480-575-1801 www.bmucc.com

First Church of Christ Scientist 480-488-2665 www.csarizona.com/carefreecavecreek.1st

Canyon Church of Christ 623-889-3388 www.canyonchurch.org

Good Shepherd of the Hills Episcopal Church 480-488-3283 www.goodshepherdaz.org

Carefree Highway Community Church 480-488-5565 www.carefreechurch.us

Redeemer Lutheran Church 480-585-7002 redeemer.vze.com Son Rise Community Church 480-502-2834 www.sonrisescottsdale.org Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center 480-488-5218 www.spiritinthedesert.org St. Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Church 480-595-0883 www.stgacc.org Via de Cristo United Methodist Fellowship 480-515-4490 www.viadecristo.com Yoga Yoga Breeze 480-595-2855 www.yogabreeze.com Beyond Your Roots Salon & Boutique in beautiful, downtown Cave Creek is looking for stylists for booth rentals‌. great intro rates. Professional, drama-free, and fun team.

Contact Debbie at 480-695-9342.

Light of the Desert Lutheran Church 480-563-5500 www.lightofthedesert.org Ap r il 2014

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recipe Parmesan Cherry Tomatoes Writer Jenn Korducki Krenn Photographer Monica Longenbaker

Spring is an optimal time of year for enjoying local produce in the Valley, and tomatoes are no exception.

Depending on the variety, these juicy fruits rich in antioxidants can be planted as early as February and ripen

by April or May, before temperatures heat up to the triple digits.

Cherry tomatoes vary in size and range in taste from sweet to sour.

They are among the easiest types of tomatoes to grow because of their ability to resist disease and endure greater climate extremes. Whether you have a green thumb or prefer to shop the farmers’ markets or grocery aisles, this straightforward recipe can be savored as a bite-sized snack or meal accompaniment.

Recipe from Swiss Woods Bed and Breakfast Inn

Ingredients (serves six): 4 cups cherry tomatoes, red and yellow 1/2 cup Panko bread crumbs 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, coarsely grated 1/4 cup chopped herbs, such as basil, parsley and chives Kosher salt and black pepper to taste 2 tablespoons olive oil

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Directions: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Cut cherry tomatoes in half lengthwise. In a large bowl, toss tomatoes with bread crumbs, cheese, herbs, salt and pepper. Set aside at room temperature for 5-10 minutes.

Divide tomato mixture into 6 ramekins. Drizzle evenly with oil.

Bake at 375°F until tomatoes and cheese are slightly browned, about 15 minutes. Serve hot.

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