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Cave Creek
When experience count s
The Agents You Use & Refer
A well-earned North Valley reputation for strong work ethic and valuable networking connections makes Jean Ransdell and Tom Scappaticci the smart choice for your next purchase or sale. The Extra Mile In today’s market, nothing less gets the job done. Whether buying or selling, an experienced real estate agent who is quick to see solutions and not shy about testing limits to pursue your best interests is what you need and what you get with Jean and Tom. Winning Negotiation Style Well-seasoned in the art of negotiation, Jean and Tom are a valuable asset with the diplomacy of an ambassador and the perseverance of a bulldog.
www.ArizonaLuxuryRealty.com
Tom Scappaticci
Jean Ransdell
602.430.4081
480.294.3257
tom@tomscappaticci.com Realtor®, Associate Broker
jean@jransdell.com Realtor®, ABR, e-PRO, Relocation Specialist, 2015-2016 Pinnacle Peak RMS Co-Director
You want them on your team, and it doesn’t take long to see why! 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. Luxury Homes & Lots With 50+ years of combined experience in AZ luxury real estate and hundreds of transactions under their belts, you benefit from this powerhouse team’s in-depth experience in luxury home and luxury lot sales. Land and lots are, especially, a unique sale or buy with very different considerations to be mastered. Tom prides himself in being that expert. Check out www.ArizonaLuxuryRealty.com
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Trust Jean Ransdell and Tom Scappaticci for Results! They are the Team You Will Proudly Use and Refer! 2
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Contents
Publisher Shelly Spence
Editor/contributing writer Jenn Korducki Krenn
Contributing writers Donna Kublin Amanda Christmann Larson Tom Scanlon Monica Longenbaker Rebecca Zaner Barb Evans Lara Piu Stephanie Maher Palenque Paula Theotocatos Lauren Strait Peni Long Suzanne Wright Nigel Spence
Photographers Bryan Black Loralei Lazurek Keri Meyers Mike Harvey Michele Celentano Karen Hamilton Monica Longenbaker
Graphic artist Sam Paul
Advertising Consultant Brian Bluvas
Images Arizona P.O. Box 1416 Carefree, AZ. 85377 623-341-8221 // imagesaz.com Submission of news for Community News section should be in to shelly@imagesaz.com by the 10th of the month prior to publication.
Swinging Fore Kids Cancer
Chrisie Funari with Arizona Cancer Foundation for Children Photographer Keri Meyers Writer Amanda Christmann Larson P. 44
Images Arizona is published by ImagesAZ Inc. Copyright Š 2014 by ImagesAZ, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction, in whole or part, without permission is prohibited. The publisher is not responsible for the return of unsolicited material.
Local First A R I Z O NA 4
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Welcome
W
Within these pages exists an intentional balance between the fun-filled, feel-good stories about people and organizations doing great things for our community and those stories that, while often equally full of warmth and kindness, are a little bit harder to read about. In a perfect world, words like illness, pain, suffering or death would not be part of our vocabulary. But the reality is that we never know when bad news is headed our way, which makes writing stories that paint authentic pictures of the human experience — both the highs and the lows — that much more important, if only so we know we’re not alone. There’s no way of sugarcoating, for example, what parents like Chrisie and Nick Funari went through when their 5-year-old daughter, Ava, lost her fight with childhood cancer (“Swinging Fore Kids Cancer,” pg. 44). But despite overwhelming grief, the family still has hope; hope that through their organization, the Arizona Cancer Foundation for Children, and fundraising events like Swing Fore Kids Cancer, there may one day be a cure.
Ryan House Writer Rebecca Zaner P. 26
Harol’ds Turns 80
This month, the highs and lows strike an even deeper personal chord. My daughter, Amanda, has been in the hospital due to an abnormally low number of white blood cells, a condition called febrile neutropenia. As we await an official diagnosis — of which there could be many possibilities — I find myself stunned by how quickly our lives have turned upside down. But on the other end of the spectrum, I am amazed by how immediate and all encompassing the support has been for Amanda and our family during this uncertain time.
Prince Trampoline
P. 38
P. 34
I’d like to especially thank the incredible staff of doctors and nurses at HonorHealth, as well as my faithful team at Images Arizona, for working tirelessly on our behalf this month and beyond. It makes me all the more grateful for the people and groups that exist to help families in difficult situations — and all the more eager to tell their stories. Sincerely, Shelly Spence Publisher, Images Arizona magazine shelly@imagesaz.com 623-341-8221
Music City Calls :: Lauren Riley Answers
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P. 56
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FUNCTIONALITY
V Norma Rae - Egg Layer Elvis - Chief Alarm Clock
Bios at www.ValeriesFurniture.com
isit Valerie’s showroom in historic Cave Creek for classic western, industrial chic, and handmade rustic elegance, in furniture, rugs and accessories. We will help you find the perfect functional piece for your bedroom, dining room, chicken coop, whatever! Seriously, it’s yours! Buy American!
Brenda, laying eggs in locally made, custom copper and alder cabinet.
6070 E. Cave Creek Rd., Cave Creek, AZ www.ValeriesFurniture.com
Tues - Sat 10am to 5pm Sun 11am to 4pm ( Closed Mondays )
480.483.3327
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Meet the
Brian & Rebecca If you know a family you would like to nominate, please email shelly@imagesaz.com.
Jones-Cookfamily
Writer Paula Theotocatos Photographer Keri Meyers
Brian Jones is a man any mother would love as a match for her daughter. Shortly after he and Dr. Rebecca Cook met in March of 1991, Rebecca became ill and Brian visited her with homemade chicken soup and a pint of Ben and Jerry’s Cherry Garcia ice cream. Yes, you read that right; he made the chicken soup and is a mean cook and master of the grill to this day. When they met, Brian and Rebecca had just finished taking midterm exams at the University of Arizona and were out with their friends. The two groups danced with each other and had fun as only carefree students can. Brian and Rebecca hit it off and exchanged phone numbers, and that was the beginning of what was to become their lifelong partnership. They are members of that rare breed, native Arizonans. Brian’s parents moved to Arizona in 1958 and he was raised in Tucson. Rebecca’s mother moved here in 1959 from Chicago and she was raised in Phoenix. Brian and Rebecca have two children. Samantha, 15, is entering her sophomore year at Cactus Shadows High School. This teenager’s interests include music; she plays the clarinet and saxophone and has just started banjo lessons.
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“She is in the marching band, just like her mom, along with the Key Club and DECA,” Brian says. And, when she’s not involved with all her activities, Samantha spends a lot of her time hanging out with friends. Jeremy, 12, is beginning seventh grade at Sonoran Trails Middle School. Like Samantha, Jeremy also enjoys music and plays violin and trombone. He is also an accomplished dancer in ballet, tap and lyrical. The company he dances with, Diverse Elements Dance Studio, just returned from California, where they received four first-place awards in separate dance categories. Jeremy is only 12 years old, but is 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighs 175 pounds. “I see other sports in his future,” Brian proudly shares. “Perhaps baseball and soccer.” Brian operates two businesses. The first, Common Sense Financial Strategies, focuses on investing and financial advising. He uses a simplistic approach to educate his clients by teaching them investing basics using the Greek letters alpha, beta, gamma, delta and epsilon. Each letter corresponds to an investing principle or component of financial planning. Brian’s other business is Black Mountain Medical Consultants. He and his partner, Bradley Hensley, help physicians transition their primary care practice to one of concierge medicine, a new trend in the medical field that is sometimes called “boutique medicine.” Instead of paying doctor’s fees per visit and getting reimbursed by an insurance company, patients pay
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the physician a retainer fee, either monthly or annually,
in nature. Bradley and I have an inside view of what a
to get immediate and personal access to the doctor on a
physician wants, using consultants in the medical, billing,
24/7 basis. The emphasis is on preventative health care,
legal, medical office and financial fields. The physician gets
using specialists as needed for specific conditions.
a holistic business plan that encompasses all these areas.”
“Most doctors say they’ve heard about and like the idea
Rebecca is a board-certified internal medicine and geriatric
of concierge medicine, they just lack the knowledge of
physician. She works as a hospitalist, making house calls
how to go about it,” says Brian. “That is where we come
at several different senior communities to provide care to
in. I had put the business plan together for Rebecca, so
patients residing there. She is also a medical director for
our business planning is not just theoretical, it’s practical
a hospice and palliative care company in Phoenix. She
Ima g e s A Z . c o m Sept em ber 2 0 1 5
looks at patients holistically and helps them to either get better or realistically “prepare for a good death.” Rebecca is partnered with Jason Buckwald in a medical company called BC Medical Group. The company offers medical consulting to fledgling hospices, palliative care companies and physicians who need a mentor as they open up a new practice. “My philosophy in medicine is that the physician’s only job is to care for the patient and nothing else should enter into the care,” Rebecca states. “Not reimbursement from the insurance company, not the new healthcare reform act, not Medicare, not the government. Physicians need to concentrate only on doing their jobs.” Brian and Rebecca’s individual careers have shared and combined interests. In addition to their current business pursuits, they have both worked with the Area Agency on Aging, Rebecca focusing on elder physical abuse and Brian on elder financial abuse. Brian, Rebecca and their family enjoy traveling in their off time and particularly enjoy outside activities. During the summer months, the family can be found at their “very rustic, you-need-to-use-the-outhouse” cabin in the White Mountains. Needless to say, the couple is very active in their children’s lives, driving them to and from their activities. The occasional concert, theater and movie date is also enjoyed. “We love animals and with a dog, two ferrets and a desert tortoise, we keep entertained watching them, too,” says Rebecca. “Our life philosophy is to always take care of our patients and clients the best we can,” this very dynamic couple shares. “But we realize work is just a tool, and we do not define ourselves by the work we do but by who we are. We like to enjoy life and are teaching our children the same. When there is work to do you do it; afterward, you can play and have fun. God and family come first, but we always make time for friends. We play as hard as we work. We help others every chance we get.” Sep tember 2015
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community arts // Culture // announcements Writer Barb Evans
Sept. 18-27 Arizona Restaurant Week Discerning diners can try new restaurants and cuisine throughout the Valley during this 10-day dining tour produced by the Arizona Restaurant Association. Check website for participating restaurants and menus. arizonarestaurantweek.com. Photographer Grace Stufkosky. Pork Osso Bucco from Liberty Market.
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Sept. 2, 9, 16, 23 Pop Up Wednesdays Pop in to The Gallery at el Pedregal with some friends and a beverage of your choice for an evening of beautiful art and fun conversations. Each week features special artists or guests. 4-6 p.m. The Gallery at El Pedregal, 34505 N. Scottsdale Rd., 480-575-6624, sonoranartsleague.org.
Sept. 5-Feb. 28 Exhibit: Masterworks of Spanish Colonial Art This landmark exhibition features a selection of 18th-century Spanish colonial paintings recently acquired by the Phoenix Art Museum from the estate of Gerry S. Culpepper and the Diane and Bruce Halle Foundation. Phoenix Art Museum, 1625 N. Central Ave., phxart.org.
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community calendar arts // Culture // announcements Grand Canyon, Arizona’s natural wonder, including the surrounding uranium mines, the Tusayan and Escalade developments, the operation of Glen Canyon Dam, forest
Sept. 5, 6
management issues and more.
MIM Event: Experience India
Library, 38443 N. Schoolhouse
1:30 p.m. Desert Foothills Rd., 480-488-2286,
Join the Musical Instrument
desertfoothillslibrary.org.
Museum for its third annual celebration of East Indian music and culture featuring vibrant musical and dance performances and hands-on
National Honey Month at Butterfly Wonderland
activities. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
September is National Honey Month and to celebrate, Butterfly
Included with paid museum
Wonderland will host a number of special events throughout the
admission. Musical Instrument
month, including a Celebration of Honey event, a visit from the
Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Blvd.,
2015 Honey Princess, honey samplings and more. Check website
480-478-6000, mim.org.
for complete list of event dates and times. Butterfly Wonderland,
Sept. 6 Hawaiian Luau and Pig Roast Experience the ultimate Hawaiian luau complete with traditional Hawaiian dancers, two pig roasting buffet stations, face painting, lei making, a live reggae band and more. Purchase tickets online or in store. Harold’s Corral, 6895 E. Cave Creek Rd., 480-488-1906, haroldscorral.com.
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Sept. 3-29
9500 E. Via De Ventura, 480-800-3000, butterflywonderland.com
Sept. 9
DFC-AAS Lecture: Goat Camp Ruins
“Long May She Reign” Celebration Tea
Special guest speaker J. Scott Wood presents a report on
Celebrate the day that Queen
recent activities at Payson’s
Elizabeth II will become the
Goat Camp Ruins and
longest serving monarch ever with a lot of royal ephemera, souvenirs, live music, a special menu and a chance to win a $100 gift card. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The English Rose Tea Room, 201 Easy St., 480-488-4812, carefreetea.com.
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Sept. 9
discusses future plans for the
Sept. 9 Saving the Grand Canyon Director of the Grand Canyon chapter of the Sierra Club, Sandy Bahr, discusses issues pertaining to the
site. Hosted by the Arizona Archaeology Society’s Desert Foothills Chapter. Free. 7:30 p.m. Good Shepherd of the Hills Episcopal Church, 6502 E. Cave Creek Rd., azarchsoc.org/desertfoothills.
Sept. 10-20 Desert Foothills Theater Presents “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare” Three actors use comedy and improvisation to perform shortened forms of all the plays written by Shakespeare. Adults, $26-$32.50; youth, $16-$21. Check website for dates, times and to purchase tickets. Foothills Community Foundation– Holland Community Center, 34250 N. 60th St., 480-488-1981, dftheater.org.
Sept. 13-Dec. 19 MIM Fall Concert Series Enjoy more than 40 concerts ranging from Colombian folk group Cimarrón (Oct. 1) and South Pacific fusion band Te Vaka (Oct. 25) to 13-year-old pianist and composer Emily Bear (Oct. 3) and singer/ songwriter Bruce Cockburn (Nov. 9). Check website for complete list of performers, times and ticket prices. Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., 480-478-6000, mim.org.
Sept. 17 Cave Creek Elementary School Reunion Former students of Cave Creek Elementary School, which closed in 1992, are invited to reunite and reminisce about their school days. $20, includes appetizers and commemorative shirt. 5 p.m. Harold’s Corral, 6895 E. Cave Creek Rd., 480-488-1906, haroldscorral.com.
Sept. 18 World War II Film Series: “Hitler’s Children” Presented in partnership with Paradise Valley Community College, this documentary about the descendants of the Nazi hierarchy is the first in a series of films that explores little known stories from World War II. 3 p.m. Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. Schoolhouse Rd., 480-488-2286, desertfoothillslibrary.org. Sep tember 2015
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community calendar arts // Culture // announcements student Tom Baker. Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. Schoolhouse Rd., 480-4882286, desertfoothillslibrary.org.
Sept. 18 Pedro Guerrero: A Photographers Journey PBS series “American Masters”
Oct. 3
covers the remarkable life and work of Pedro E. Guerrero, a Mexican-American photographer who was born and raised in segregated Mesa. 9 p.m. PBS, check local listings for channels.
Hope for Horses Gala Support Triple R Horse Rescue’s efforts to rescue, rehabilitate and re-home horses and burros with this third annual gala featuring live music by Mesa based singer/songwriter Mary Hoffman and band, a formal dinner, exciting programming and live and silent auctions. $75 per ticket. 5-9 p.m. Carefree Resort and Conference Center, 37220 Mule Train Rd., triplerhorserescueaz.com.
Sept. 19Oct. 31 Exhibit: Roberta Kritzia Fine Art View a collection of framed paintings and sketches from Cave Creek artist Roberta Kritzia and her students. Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. Schoolhouse Rd., 480-4882286, desertfoothillslibrary.org, personalizedtraveler.blogspot.com.
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Sept. 20 Bee Lecture and Tea with Emily the Bee Keeper Discover the secret life of bees and get a taste of fresh honey with Arizona’s queen bee, professional beekeeper Emily Brown. Call for reservations. $30. 3-5 p.m. The English Rose Tea Room, 201 Easy St., 480488-4812, carefreetea.com.
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Sept. 21Oct. 5 Exhibit: Willis Peterson, Jerry Sieve and Tom Baker Landscape Photography See the exquisite work of three generations of landscape photography from Arizona Highways contributors Willis Peterson and Jerry Sieve, and
Sept. 22 An Evening with Author J.A. Jance Join New York Times bestselling author and Bisbee native J.A. Jance as she discusses her more than 50 novels, including the Joanna Brady series; the J. P. Beaumont series; the Ali Reynolds series; the Diana Walker thrillers and her poems/memoir, “After the Fire.” Registration required. $10. 6:30 p.m. Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. Schoolhouse Rd., 480-488-2286, desertfoothillslibrary.org.
community calendar arts // Culture // announcements Americans, miners, ranchers and pioneers. Museum hours are Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, 1-4:30 p.m. and Friday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Entrance fees are $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and $2 for students. Children
Sept. 26
12 and under are free. The
Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day
public can preview exhibits for
Magazine Museum Day, 1-4:30
Carefree’s Town Council unanimously approved a $45 million luxury
p.m., followed by a special
Museum’s new exhibits and programs, including a special saddle display, a renovated archaeology wing and a historic stamp mill,
condominium project to be located downtown. “Easy Street,” by Street and will be designed in keeping with Carefree’s unique
before the official season
lifestyle and image. Reservations for the project will begin this fall, with available occupancy planned for fall 2017. For more
Cave Creek Museum, 6140
information, visit easystreetcarefree.com.
E. Skyline Dr., 480-488-2764, cavecreekmuseum.org.
Oct. 13
Sept. 26, 27
S Club members from Cactus Shadows High School serve
Celebrate 80 years of Harold’s
up a delicious spaghetti
food and fun all weekend
dinner and give away great
long with live music, kid’s
prizes with a live auction and
activities, guest appearances
raffle. 5-8:30 p.m. $7-$15.
by celebrities who have visited
also be available. Free. 8:30
and more. Check website
Creek Rd., 480-488-1906,
a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Desert Hills Presbyterian Church, 34605 N.
Harold’s Corral, 6895 E. Cave Creek Rd., 480-221-8623, sisaguarofoothills.org.
Scottsdale Rd., 480-488-1105,
from 4:30-7 p.m. For more information, call 480-488-2764 or visit cavecreekmuseum.org.
Desert Foothills Theater Announces 2015-16 Season released its list of shows for their 41st season, offering an entertaining array of musicals, comedies, dramas and plays. Productions for 2015-16 include “Sooner or Later,” August 16; “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged,” September 10-20; “TBA Cabaret,” September 27; Disney’s “The Jungle Book Kids,” October 2-10; Seth Rudetsky’s “Big Fat Broadway,”
foothillscaringcorps.com.
haroldscorral.com.
preseason member’s reception
Desert Foothills Theater
Soroptimist Spaghetti Dinner
Harold’s Corral 80th Birthday Bash
Harold’s Corral, 6895 E. Cave
the free national Smithsonian
developer Ed Lewis, will include 49 luxury residences along Easy
opening. Free. 1-4:30 p.m.
for more birthday activities.
free on September 26 during
Town of Carefree Approves Luxury Downtown Condo Development
Preview Cave Creek
October 25; “The Drowsy Chaperone,” November 13-
Sept. 30
Oct. 4
22; “Youth Musical Comedy,”
Fall Prevention Expo
Hands on History Family Workshop
of Broadway Holiday: The
Learn how to prevent trips, slips and falls leading to
Learn about desert animals,
injury at this Fall Prevention
where they live, what they
Expo that includes balance
eat and how to identify
screenings, yoga, tai chi and qigong demonstrations, a panel discussion, equipment and resource displays and interactive information.
their tracks with hands-on activities for the whole family. Reservations requested. 1:30-3 p.m. Cave Creek Museum, 6140 E. Skyline Dr., 480-488-2764,
Immunizations for flu, pneumonia and shingles will
cavecreekmuseum.org.
TBA in November; “Soul
Cave Creek Museum Reopens for Season Oct. 1 The Cave Creek Museum will reopen for the season October 1. Located at 6140 E. Skyline Dr., the museum features an extensive collection of prehistoric
Return,” December 20-21; “The Children’s Hour,” February 19-28; “Smokey Joe’s Café,” April 1-17 and “Alice in Wonderland,” May 13-22. For more information, including venues, times and ticket prices, visit dftheater.org or call
and historic artifacts that
480-488-1981.
describe the lives of Native Sep tember 2015
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community calendar arts // Culture // announcements
OdySea in the Desert Unveils Vision for Retail Center OdySea in the Desert, a 35-acre, $200 million entertainment destination, recently unveiled its vision for a retail center, slated to open July 2016. The Shops at OdySea in the Desert will feature an
Arizona Musicfest Announces Festival Lineup Arizona Musicfest announced
open-air marketplace comprised of 78,000 square feet of innovative themed restaurants and individual retail offerings centered in a bustling European-styled courtyard with 360-degree visibility from surrounding attractions, including Butterfly Wonderland, OdySea Mirror Maze, the OdySea Aquarium, Fliteshop (indoor sky diving
its list of performances for
facility), the AZ Skywheel and Aquatic Oasis, a flagship water
2016, its 25th anniversary year.
destination. For more information including retail opportunities, call
Superstar violinist Joshua Bell
480-951-2100, ext. 202, or visit odyseainthedesert.com.
will headline the six-week long event, which opens January 29 and runs through March 11, 2016, and acclaimed jazz singer Al Jarreau will be a featured artist. Some other performers include the Peter and Will Anderson Quartet, Run Boy Run, Esteban and the Dukes of Dixieland. Check azmusicfest.org for a list of performances, show times, locations and ticket prices.
North Valley Jewish Community Association Celebrates High Holidays The North Valley Jewish Community Association will celebrate High Holidays with the following services led by Rabbi Janet Bieber: Rosh Hashanah, Erev Rosh Hashanah, September 13, 6:30 p.m.; Rosh Hashanah, morning service, September 14, 9 a.m.; Yom Kippur, Erev Yom Kippur,
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NVSO Announces New Concertmaster North Valley Symphony Orchestra (NVSO) announced Craig Triplett as its new concertmaster for the upcoming 2015-16 season. Triplett began playing the violin at 9 years old in St. Louis, Missouri, and
Kol Nidre, September 22, 6:30
studied violin and viola at
p.m.; and Yom Kippur, morning
Southern Illinois University for
and Yiskor service, September
two years before transferring
23, 9:30 a.m. A traditional
to Northern Arizona University
Break-the-Fast dinner follows
(NAU) on scholarship. He
at an additional charge. Annual
received his bachelor’s of music
membership, which includes
performance degree on the
the High Holiday Services,
viola from NAU in 2002, and
is $70 per person. For more
served as principal violist for
information and/or membership
NVSO before accepting the
application, contact Fran
position of concertmaster this
Kesselman at 623-322-0957,
year. For more information, visit
fkesselman@cox.net or visit
northvalleysymphony.org.
nvjca.org.
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Courtesy Carefree Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce
This month, the Carefree Cave Creek Chamber of
internship program that provides member businesses with
Commerce kicks off their 50-50 raffle drawing to fund
skilled high school seniors who are eager to gain work
their seventh annual scholarship award for an outstanding
experience in business management and administration,
college-bound student from the Career and Technical
hospitality and tourism, information technology, marketing
Education (CTE) program at Cactus Shadows High School.
sales and service, arts, audio-visual technology, communications and other areas of expertise.
Raffle drawing tickets are $10 each and available from the Chamber of Commerce by calling 480-488-3381. The
Programs like these uniquely connect outstanding Cactus
scholarship will be awarded in May 2016 to a student
Shadows High School students to the community for
nominated by their advisors and chosen by the Chamber
mentoring, workplace development and college financial
board of directors.
assistance.
The scholarship is one of two programs that connect local
“The Chamber understands the value of creating a win-win
businesses with outstanding students. Another is a work
situation by partnering our business leaders of today with
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Ima g e s A Z . c o m Sept em ber 2 0 1 5
the students who are to become our business leaders of tomorrow,” says Patrick Jones, Chamber president. Jones encourages local businesses
Trust Your Finances to a Certified Financial Planner™
to contact the Chamber to support the scholarship or to inquire about internships, and says students are eager to work. “Career-driven high school seniors can be a cost-effective way to bring
Learn how our professionals can help you reach your important financial goals.
Noah S. Kendrick, CFP,®AAMS®
new perspective, find new entry-level team members, help ease a heavy workload or complete a special project,” he says. “Students from the CTE program are generally technical savvy, too. In turn, the business can provide the student with mentorship, on the job experience, network building and an opportunity to save
36600 N. Pima Rd. Suite 104, Carefree, AZ 85377 • 480.887.8888 Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC
money for college expenses.” Cactus Shadows graduate Kyle Kuo
KendrickWM.com
is one of those outstanding students. Kuo, now a student at the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University, was a recipient of the 2014 scholarship. “The scholarship program really made my efforts in the Cactus Shadows CTE department feel recognized,” he says. “It adds a great motivator for students to take business classes at Cactus Shadows as well as get involved in the multiple organizations on campus (such as DECA and Skills USA). Not only do the students in the CTE program have a higher graduation rate, but they also leave high school with some general business and career knowledge to help them with their higher education goals.” carefreecavecreek.org
Sep tember 2015
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M
Writer Barb Evans Photographer Jack McAward
Many individuals were lucky to be touched by the
With the mortgage paid, the food bank was free to
kindness of the Rev. Herbert Hauck. The gentle-hearted
concentrate on their mission to support those getting
priest, known affectionately as “Father Herb,” was a
back on their feet, especially those who were hit hard
consummate figure in his roles as priest, teacher and
by the most recent recession. Father Herb continued his
administrator, serving for 40 years in the Catholic diocese
support, helping with food drives and making his own
of St. Louis and spending his last 10 years as associate
donations. But sadly, his time of service came to an
pastor at Our Lady of Joy Catholic Church in Carefree.
end when he died of cancer last May. In lieu of flowers, he requested donations be made to the food bank and
One day in 2014, he was contacted by one of those
another charity.
individuals, a successful businessman in St. Louis. The man said, “Father, I’ve done very well in business. I would
After notifying the benefactor of Father Herb’s passing,
like to help your favorite charity.”
the food bank received another donation for $50,000.
Three weeks later, the Foothills Food Bank and Resource
Growing Demands
Center received a check for $300,000, the exact amount
Established in 1988, the Foothills Food Bank and
to pay off the mortgage on their building, purchased in
Resource Center provides a variety of social services for
2012 and located at 6038 E. Hidden Valley Dr. in Cave
needy individuals and families in the North Valley areas
Creek.
of Anthem, Black Canyon City, Carefree, Cave Creek, Desert Hills and New River. A staff of two full-time and
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Ima g e s A Z . c o m Sept em ber 2 0 1 5
three part-time employees, along with roughly 400 volunteers, handle the workload. Despite the economy’s turn for the better in recent years, the need for assistance with such basic needs as food, shelter and clothing still remains for many. For them, places like the Foothills Food Bank are a blessing. Just like Father Herb. “Our client base is growing,” says executive director Pam DiPietro. “We see about 435 families a month and about 25 of them are new clients. We’re
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also providing more services like help with applying for food stamps and utility assistance. Those services need more privacy and space.” Last spring, the food bank’s board of directors approved a 2,300-squarefoot expansion, with hopes that the added space will serve the organization for the next five years. The building addition will include two more offices, a larger reception area and additional space for food refrigeration and storage. “We’re going to push out the front of the building,” explains DiPietro.
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“Parking will be in the lot across the street.” To accommodate for the costs of construction, the organization is launching a capital campaign to raise $350,000. Armed with the $50,000 donation from Father Herb’s donor (who wishes to remain anonymous) and another $40,000 from a previous donor, the food bank is hoping to break ground on the addition October 1. “We’ve applied for a grant requesting $150,000,” says DiPietro, “and the bank will give us a mortgage if not enough money is raised. But we are hoping to raise enough funds to not carry a debt, like we did before.” And Father Herb will still be part of it all. “The addition is going up in memory of Father Herb because we feel he was so instrumental in us getting our jump start and moving us forward,” says DiPietro. “If we had had a mortgage before, we wouldn’t even be considering an addition. Because we were mortgage free, our board felt we could get the monies needed to do this.” Monetary donations can be sent to: Foothills Food Bank, P.O. Box 715, Carefree, AZ, 85377. Please designate that the donation is for the building addition. Contact Pam DiPietro, 480-488-1145, for questions. foothillsfoodbank.com Sep tember 2015
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Writer Rebecca Zaner Photographer Keri Meyers
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Ima g e s A Z . c o m Sept em ber 2 0 1 5
I
“It’s rare to hear people speak about joy in a place that
much of it to die. Doctors said she wouldn’t live past the
deals with such heavy issues. Ryan House is something
first two weeks, let alone delivery. I was told to pick a day
beyond what you can ever really describe.”
to end the pregnancy. That was very difficult. Most women, upon hearing such news, eventually choose to terminate
For over five years, Ryan House has served the Phoenix
the pregnancy. I just couldn’t do it. I chose to ride it out. I
community as a unique care provider for children with
thought it could be the greatest two weeks of my life with
life-limiting or terminal conditions. One of only two
her. I am so blessed to say that now we’ve spent eight
organizations of its kind in the United States, Ryan House
wonderful, miraculous years with her!”
provides critical care to children and their families at no
cost in a warm and loving environment. Relying fully on
Fatima’s older brother Jaad spoke so highly of his sister.
the kindness and support of donors and sponsors, families
He is 16 and they are best of friends. “She has a very
of children with critical needs have one less burden when
limited vocabulary, but my name was one of the first
it comes to providing the best care possible for their
words she said. I teach her how to make noises and sing.
babies.
She’ll bob her head to rhythms. She loves to blow kisses. Being the only man in the house, I had to step up and
Ryan House offers various types of care, including
mature faster than many of my friends. Fatima is the most
pediatric respite, palliative, therapeutic and end-of-
caring kid you’ll ever come across, even though she can’t
life services. Ryan House is focused on enhancing the
express it the same way you and I do.”
children’s quality of life, relieving suffering and fears,
as well as providing grief and bereavement support to
Because Fatima requires around-the-clock assistance,
families.
Michelle was introduced to Ryan House as a means of easing her responsibilities as Fatima’s constant caretaker.
While Ryan House has cared for hundreds of children over
the years, they can only serve a maximum of nine children
“At Ryan House, the staff enjoys her like we enjoy her.
at a time. The number of impacted families seems large,
She is not a burden,” Michelle shared. “It is truly a
but there are still hundreds more who are not fortunate
magical place. My daughter loves being there. It’s like a
enough to receive Ryan House care, and there is always
vacation for her and a much needed break for me, as a
an extensive waitlist for the facility.
single mom. Ryan House is like gold. Everything is taken care of.”
Fatima Faye is among the few currently being cared for
by Ryan House. She has cerebral palsy. Born with a rare
Ryan House is like a disguised hospital for children. There
brain abnormality, half of her brain was removed when she
are registered nurses and caretakers at the facility and all
was only a day old.
required medical needs are provided, while at the same time, the facility looks like a home. Every wall is painted
“She has a neural tube disorder and is mostly paralyzed
with bright colors and patterns to depict a children’s
from the neck down. She’s visually impaired and requires
camp. Each child’s bedroom is named as a camp cabin:
special assistance for everything in life,” says Fatima’s
Camp Fire Cabin, Once Upon A Time Cabin, and more.
mother, Michelle Dumay. “I knew during my pregnancy
There’s a spacious family room and family-style kitchen,
that she would have many special needs if carried to full
an outdoor playground, and a special bathtub to offer a
term. There was an opening in the back of her skull that
spa-like experience.
allowed a huge portion of her brain to develop on the
outside of the skull. When forming, the plates didn’t close
Ryan House believes it is important to provide a fun
and the brain became exposed to amniotic fluids, causing
atmosphere so that each child can still enjoy being
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Fatima Faye’s family
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Ima g e s A Z . c o m Sept em ber 2 0 1 5
a child and not just a patient. There are many rooms, including an arts and crafts room, music room, sensory room and a specially designed indoor swimming pool. There is also a multimedia memory-making room with a green screen and video camera for children to make films of themselves and document their own individual journeys. These videos are then given to families as special mementos after their child has passed. Ryan House is a beautiful place for children to enjoy during challenging times, but the reality of the organization is that it exists for a very sad purpose. “Sadly, it’s not uncommon to talk about the death of a child here,” Michelle said with tears in her eyes. “I am fortunate to still have time with Fatima, but you can always tell when a child here is ready to leave us. There is a silence, a calm, and a peace. I once watched a father holding his lifeless baby in his arms walk down the hallway for his last time. That must have been the hardest walk of his life. But even during those most unbearable moments, Ryan House was walking right behind them, supporting them every step of the way.” Steve and Jacque Wagner experienced a similar journey when their daughter Katie was at Ryan House. Katie was diagnosed with stage four rhabdomyosarcoma cancer. She battled the disease for two years and passed away in September 2013 at age 17. The last few weeks of her life were spent at the Ryan House. “Initially, I didn’t want to hear anything of the Ryan House. The idea simply felt ugly and cold. After 11 days of me caring for Katie around the clock, administering meds every half hour, listening to her struggle to breathe, and never sleeping, I knew we needed help. I couldn’t do it anymore,” Jacque recalled of her last weeks with Katie. “When we were told by our hospice nurse that it was time to transition to Ryan House, we couldn’t breathe. We were terrified. The hardest thing we have ever done was drive out of our driveway knowing that she would never again return home with us. That night we began
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The Wagner Family
Photograph by Jamie Pogue
30
an 11-day stay at a place we called home for a little
warm. It felt safe. Katie’s favorite thing to do in her last
while before Katie closed her eyes here on earth and
two years was to soak in the bathtub with bubbles. At
opened them in heaven.”
Ryan House, we would dim the lights, put on music, and
of course add bubbles. Even if Katie only stayed for five
Ryan House has a beautiful outdoor garden for families
minutes, she treasured this bath. It was where she felt
to sit and pray, reflect or simply cry for a while. Many
normal.
memorial services are held in the tranquility of the
garden. There is also a very powerful tribute to all the
“We have many priceless memories there. We loved that
children who have passed away at the house, each one
our entire family and close friends could join us anytime.
represented by a hand-painted ceramic tile with their name
Ryan House welcomed everyone. We ate as a family. We
on it. Each tile is glued together in a long stretch of art
sat on the patio in rockers and cried together. The kids
winding around the garden wall. Katie has a place on this
would form wheelchair chains and race down the halls.
wall in the form of a ladybug.
The staff would laugh with us, cry with us and offer us
whatever assistance they could possibly provide. We like
After dreading the transition, the Wagners came to realize
to call them our family. The idea that we didn’t have to
it was the best thing they could have done for Katie at
navigate the most difficult part of our journey alone was
the end of her life.
extremely comforting. We were terrified of what the end
would look like. The graciousness and compassion of
“We could not tell you everything we loved about Ryan
these people is like none we have ever experienced. They
House. There was nothing ‘facility’-looking about this place.
touched our lives deeply.”
Everything is carefully disguised to make it cozy and
Ima g e s A Z . c o m Sept em ber 2 0 1 5
In order for Ryan House to continue touching the
Dentistry at Westland
lives of more deserving families, they need support and donations from loving hearts throughout the
General, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry
community. There are many ways to get involved with the organization. You can individually donate money directly as a tax-deductible, charitable gift, or start
www.dentistryatwestland.com | 480-585-5215
a company drive or sponsorship; volunteer as inhouse care volunteers, community volunteers, public speakers, administration, and corporate volunteers; or as a teen volunteer with the Teen Bureau. All areas
Latest Technology-Relaxing Environment
One Convenient Location
help spread the Ryan House message and rally funds for the children. Ryan House also has many fundraisers, including the Grandparents Guild and Kids for Ryan House, which
Our experienced team provides crowns, veneers, implants, root canals, and most other dental services
allows children of all ages to volunteer and help raise money for children who are less fortunate. There are annual fundraisers, including the Run for Ryan House taking place in March, and the White Christmas event happening in December. There are also wish lists and drives to donate items. Giving gift cards also helps the team purchase necessary items. Be sure to visit the official website for more information on all the ways to support Ryan House. Every little thing counts toward helping a child in need.
E. CAREFREE HWY.
the people there,” Jacque says. “I am certain that, because of them, our journey at the end was made
never pay back what they have given to us. So from forward. There simply are not enough words to say about how we feel about Ryan House. “At first, it was a terrible place that felt cold in my thoughts. It wasn’t the place I was dreading; it was the journey of losing my daughter. Ryan House is now a safe place that feels like home. I don’t feel sad when I go there; I feel inspired. Inspired to step out and do something for someone else.” ryanhouse.org
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a little lighter and a little brighter. We were recipients
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“We are forever connected to Ryan House and to
Dentistry at Westland
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Chad Fine, DDS 480-585-5215 33725 N. Scottsdale Rd., Suite 101 Scottsdale, AZ 85266 Visit our website for more information www.dentistryatwestland.com We accept most major dental insurance plans Sep tember 2015
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Writer Lauren Strait
A stranger saved a little boy’s life after the boy had fallen
“All of the sudden, I noticed that the puppy was in the
into a pool. Thirty-four years later, the families reunited in
house,” she says. But she knew she had locked the dog
a most unique way.
out. She turned toward the back of the kitchen and saw that the patio door was open, and Ryan was nowhere to be
Andy and Louise Tobias grew up in Central Phoenix. Louise
found.
often spent time at her mother’s home a mile away, and this day was no different. The two of them got to talking
It was a mother’s worst nightmare. Louise walked into the
in the backyard while Louise’s 22-month-old son, Ryan, was
backyard and found her son face down in the pool.
playing catch with the new family puppy. “I scooped him up so quickly and gave him mouth to “My mom and I decided to head inside so I could help
mouth,” she says.
her get ready to go to the beauty salon,” says Louise. She grabbed her son and locked the puppy outdoors. Eventually,
When he wasn’t responding, she ran across the street with
Louise kissed her mom goodbye and started cleaning things
Ryan in her arms to find help at a neighbor’s house. When
up in the kitchen.
the neighbors didn’t answer, she darted back into her mother’s front yard and tried mouth to mouth again. At this
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point, she panicked and ran into the house to call 911.
“Nancy told me she was planning Dennis’ retirement party and felt that one of the best gifts to give her husband
Out of nowhere, a man in an IBM truck whipped around the
was to invite us to the event,” says Andy. She explained to
corner, saw what was going on and administered CPR on
Andy that her husband talked about “that little boy” often
Ryan.
and wondered about him and how he grew up after all these years.
“He told me to stay in the house on the phone with 911 until the paramedics arrived while he continued to
“It was an amazing feeling to hear that both of our families
resuscitate him,” Louise says.
felt so connected to each other after 34 years,” says Andy. He told Nancy they would be honored to join them for the
Before she knew it, Ryan was off to the hospital and the
event and quickly went to work to get Ryan and his wife,
stranger had disappeared.
Jenny, out to Arizona from their home in Portland.
“From that point on, everything was a blur,” she says. Ryan
Nancy wanted to keep their attendance a secret so she
spent a few days in the hospital and, thankfully, made a
could surprise her husband.
miraculous full recovery. “When we arrived at the party, they had someone waiting After the trauma of the incident had receded, Louise
for us outside,” says Andy. The Tobias’ were kept out
continued to think about the man who helped save Ryan’s
of view for a while, mingling discreetly with guests and
life. She didn’t know his name, but did know he worked at
enjoying the appetizers as people went around sharing their
IBM and decided to write a letter to the company, thanking
stories about Dennis.
the man who saved her son’s life. Nancy made her way to the center of the gathering and Over the years, Andy and Louise have talked about how
immediately started telling the story of the day Dennis was
lucky they are to have been able to raise Ryan into the
driving around the corner in his work vehicle and came
young man he has become. They’ve gotten to see him
upon a tragic scene of a little boy not breathing and his
graduate high school and college, and recently get married
mom calling for help.
to the love of his life. “Everybody was tearing up at that point,” says Andy. One day, Andy received a mysterious email out of the blue from a woman named Nancy. She explained that she had
Nancy turned around and said to her husband, “Ryan is
found a letter in her husband Dennis’ box of work papers;
here.” At that moment, the family walked out. The first thing
he had recently brought his things home from his office in
Dennis said to Ryan was, “I remember kissing those lips.”
preparation for retirement. The letter was written by Louise to thank an IBM worker for helping to save her son’s life.
Everybody laughed.
Nancy had never seen this letter before, but it reminded her of the award her husband had won that year from IBM.
The most touching part of the event for Andy was hearing
They had given him a Humanitarian of the Year award for
his son thank Dennis for his life.
his help in saving a little boy’s life. “Ryan told me when I called him about coming to this party Nancy immediately wanted to reach out to the Tobias
that he was so incredibly grateful for all the things he has
family, as she had a great idea. She searched the Internet
done in his life, and he wanted to thank Dennis for that,”
and found Tobias Automotive on the Better Business
he says.
Bureau website, along with an email address, and decided to write to them. It wasn’t 10 minutes before Nancy and
The families hugged and promised one another they’d stay
Andy were on the phone together.
in touch.
Sep tember 2015
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Writer Tom Scanlon Photographer Ben Feria of FeriaGrafi
There are three words, three little words, which surge to
the beginning,” she says. “Now I know he’s in control and
the lips of just about every parent when his or her child
knows what he’s doing.”
discovers the magical trampoline for the first time. At the beginning of the year, Jace’s trampoline coach “Not ... so ... high!”
pulled him aside and told him he had a shot to make the national team if he practiced hard and improved.
So it was with Cave Creek’s Susan Williams, when her son Jace fell in love with the bounce maker. It was only natural,
“Ever since then, he became a lot more focused,” his
she says with a sigh.
mother says.
“When he was really little he was always jumping on the
Bouncing, flipping and twisting through four-hour practices
couch, jumping on the bed — constantly flipping,” she says.
several times a week, Jace worked and worked on his form.
He put the energy toward gymnastics and then, logically
“Staying tight,” he calls it.
enough, turned his focus to the circular, stretchy thing. This summer, the national trampoline gymnastic teams were His mother’s initial reaction, in a word: Ugh.
selected, and word swept through the Valley’s gymnastic circles that little Jace had made it.
“It was nerve-wracking — it’s given me more gray hair — at
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Ima g e s A Z . c o m Sept em ber 2 0 1 5
“We are so excited to share that Jace has qualified for the World Age Group trampoline competition in Odense, Denmark,” reads an announcement on his gofundme.com page. “He will be one of the youngest members of the team to represent the USA.” If the “Send Jace to Worlds!” fundraising drive raises the needed $7,500, at the end of November Jace will travel to Denmark and compete against fellow jumpers from around the world. It sounds like a fun sport, and it is, but there are hundreds of hours of practice for kids at this level. Though practices involve the same moves, over and over again, Jace says he never gets bored. “It’s fun,” he says. What’s it like to soar high on the trampoline? “It feels like floating.” What does the young bouncer think he needs to improve on most? “My full outs,” he says. “I need to be tighter.” To which his mother can only groan. “The full out, that’s what he’s learning now,” she says. “That makes me nervous. It’s a double flip with a half twist. There are some times I have to look away. When he was at nationals, I had to go farther away and just peek at what he was doing. It’s nerve-wracking! One thing wrong, he’s off the tramp.”
CAREFREE
Landing those complex routines as “tightly” as possible comes from the amount of practice that some kids his age spend playing video games. “He’s at the gym about 18 hours a week, lots of weekends of travel and camps, but he loves it,” says Susan. “There aren’t many days he doesn’t want to go. And whenever you’re watching him, you can tell he really enjoys it.” At North Valley Gymnastics, Jace trains with some of the best young talent in the Southwest with his coach, Chelsea Rainer, who is also one of the coaches of the national team. Training mates who have been selected for national teams include Daniel Muller, Shaye Hayden, Blaise Wagner, Andi Holmes, Brianna Feddersen and Josie Bain. Jace is a former student of Quality Interactive Montessori who now attends North Scottsdale’s El Dorado Private School. The whiz kid from Cave Creek spent part of his summer at the USA Gymnastics Trampoline and Tumbling
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training camp in Michigan. “I feel like I got much better while I was there,” he says, upon returning home. The highlight was training alongside Steve Gluckstein, the 2015 Pan American Sep tember 2015
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Games trampoline silver medalist and five-time United States trampoline champion. Could the kid from Cave Creek be the next Gluckstein? According to the young jumper’s coach, “Jace is a very talented young athlete. He has a very high skill level for his age and his love of all things extreme has really helped to propel him in the sport.” The trampoline isn’t just a fun backyard activity anymore. These days, it’s an Olympic sport. Now Jace has set his sights even higher: he wants to represent the United States — and Cave Creek — at the 2020 Olympic Games. Such high goals are enough to make a parent cringe. For Susan and her husband, John, all they can do is shrug their shoulders in wonder. “We never thought he would go so far in his first year; he just turned 11,” his mother says. “He’s pretty amazing.” Rainer, his coach, thinks Jace has a shot to go for the gold. “We’re hoping he can continue to gain international experience over the next few years,” she says, “and train for an Olympics one day.” Those are pretty lofty goals, both for the coach and the young athlete, but then again, that’s what a trampoline is for: to help you reach great heights.
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Current Harold’s Corral co-owners Danny and Meri Piacquadio and Marie and Bill Vale.
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Writer Barb Evans
I
It’s the place of legends and lore, where tigers were an attraction and cowboys bumped elbows with movie stars over a mug of A-1 beer. But these days, you’re just as likely to see a BMW parked in the dirt parking lot as you are a horse or Harley, with everyone inside having a good time. Over the years, Harold’s Corral has been the epicenter of life in Cave Creek, and as the Western saloon and steakhouse marks its 80th year in business this month, there’s going to be one heck of a party. A Storied Past If it happens in Cave Creek, it happens at Harold’s. That’s what everyone’s been saying since 1935, when the iconic meeting place started its life as a tiny tavern built by a man named Johnny Walker. Then known as The Corral, workers from Bartlett Dam, and later Horseshoe Dam, would congregate at the bar to relax after a hard day’s work. In 1950, Harold Gavagan and his wife, Ruth, purchased the place and renamed it Harold’s Cave Creek Corral. A colorful character, Harold was known to tell a story or two, and his fun-loving personality ensured there was never a dull moment. To entice patrons from the big city of Phoenix, Harold would devise all kinds of crazy ideas, like gunfight shows and having tigers outside behind the restaurant. Such movies as “Rafferty and the Gold Dust Twins” and “Little Fauss and Big Halsy” were filmed here in the 1970s, and it wasn’t strange to see Dick Van Dyke inside talking with Harold after shooting “The New Dick Van Dyke Show” at nearby Carefree’s Southwestern Studio. By the late 1980s, Harold had had his fill of bar keeping and was looking to sell. Regular patron Daniel Piacquadio heard about the sale and became interested, despite living in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. After sharing a few beers with Harold, the restaurateur went back home and told his 18-yearold son, Danny, to pack his bags; he was buying a bar in Arizona. Within six months, they moved to Cave Creek, with the elder Piacquadio taking over the saloon’s reins and the younger Piacquadio starting college at Arizona State University. “I remember him showing me the place for the first time,” says Danny. “It took forever to get there from ASU. It was rundown and in the middle of nowhere. I thought he was crazy!” Danny helped his dad at the grand re-opening celebration, held during Fiesta Days weekend in 1987. Sep tember 2015
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“We had horses come into the bar,” he laughs. “It was pretty wild.” New Life Today, Danny; his wife, Meri; and Bill and Marie Vale own the restaurant and bar together. They purchased it in 2003, when Danny’s dad moved back to Pittsburgh. The current owners are respectful of Harold’s storied past, deciding to keep the old photographs, mementos and even the notorious naked lady picture intact, bullet holes and all. In fact, the original A-frame building and bar still stand, along with the bunkhouse, which now serves as their office. A few new amenities, like a second bar, a large stage, dance floor and patio, were added over the years to allow a crowd of about 600 revelers inside. But when the party gets really big, accommodations can be made to hold more outside. Harold’s is still known as one of Cave Creek’s favorite hangouts. On any given day, there’s something going on, whether it’s country line dancing, karaoke, live music, a fundraiser or fireworks. All one has to do is check the large wooden sign in the front parking lot to see what’s coming up. Also dominating the front of the building is a large banner stating that this is Steelers country. During football season, Harold’s is the official home of Heinz Field West, recognized and affiliated with the Pittsburgh Steelers and frequented by hundreds of displaced fans looking to enjoy a few pitchers of Iron City Beer while rooting for the black and gold. When the Steelers were in the Super Bowl in 2006 and 2009, there were nearly 4,000 fans. Bill Vale loves to give new visitors a tour of the restaurant and share some of the lore. A master at networking, he often connects like-minded people who come in as strangers, but leave as friends. On a few occasions, he’s played cupid; some of the couples he introduced actually fell in love and got married. “There’s something about Harold’s that brings people together,” he says.
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The days of stray bullets and tigers, however, are
Celebrate 80 Year’s with Harold’s!
hopefully in the past. These days, the Piacquadios and
After serving Cave Creek for 80 years, good old Harold’s
Vales concentrate more on perfecting their menu offerings
is ready to party! But when you’re the oldest standing
and supporting the Cave Creek community than they do
business in town, one little party won’t do. As co-owner
on marketing gimmicks aimed at the city folk down there
Bill Vale says, “In true Harold’s fashion, we’re pulling out
in Phoenix.
all the stops to make this anniversary month one to remember!”
“It’s a little community,” says Danny. “People come here for a coffee and breakfast in the morning, a beer in the
Help Harold’s celebrate all month long with these planned
afternoon, dinner with the family in the evening, and to let
events and specials:
off some steam at the end of the day. If you don’t see them in awhile, you get worried.”
Sept. 9 Harold’s Employee Reunion
As Cave Creek mayor Vincent Francia is rumored to
Anyone who has ever worked at Harold’s is encouraged
have once said: “We all end up at Harold’s at some
to come back and reconnect at this party featuring
point. Sedona may have its vortexes, but Cave Creek has
bartenders from the past; karaoke with DJ Nick; a chance
Harold’s.”
to dunk Danny, Bill or Marie; reverse happy hour and delicious appetizers.
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Sept. 12 Love Corral Night Couples who met at Harold’s are invited to relive the magic and share their love stories, even if they’re no longer together. The romantic evening will feature live music starting at 9 p.m. Sept. 15 Cave Creek History Dinner Arizona’s official state balladeer Dolan Ellis will serve as emcee for an evening where Cave Creek’s oldest residents share their memories, the town’s history and more. Tickets are $50-$55 and include dinner. Happy hour starts at 4:30 p.m. Proceeds benefit Cave Creek Museum. Sept. 17 Cave Creek Elementary School Reunion Starting at 5 p.m., students who attended Cave Creek Elementary School before it closed in 1992 can reunite and reminisce about their school days with this party for $20. Price includes appetizers and a commemorative shirt. Sept. 20 Pittsburgh Steeler’s Fan Club 20th Anniversary Reunion Celebrate 20 years of black-and-gold pride with Arizona’s largest Steelers fan club. Starting at 10 a.m., enjoy game day food specials, new merchandise and pitchers of Iron City Beer while watching the Steelers take on the 49ers. Sept. 26-27 Harold’s 80th Birthday Bash It’s a weekend filled with celebrity guest appearances, live music, kids activities, fireworks and more as Harold’s celebrates 80 years of serving Cave Creek’s finest characters. Enter to win a gift certificate for $19.35! Winners will be drawn daily. Diners 80 years old or older can dine for free on September 14, 21 and 28. haroldscorral.com 480-488-1906 Sep tember 2015
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Writer Donna Kublin
N
Nature provides us with magnificent gifts: majestic
journal to create the narrative in words for each painting.
scenery that is wide, deep and stunning; close-up details only revealed by slanted sunlight; cloud formations full
“Knowing the story behind the creative process makes a
of mystery. Perhaps it’s a colorful flower petal singular
piece even more memorable and special,” say Don and
in its vibrancy, a slender branch twisting just so or a
Linda Kesner, who are also collectors. “Each artist’s view
leaf exquisite in its shape. Such glimpses appear and
of the world is unique and it isn’t often that collectors
disappear in the blink of an eye, but for a split second,
get to know the inspiration and insight behind each
time stands still, breathing stops, the beauty and spirit of
piece.”
life intensifies and we feel awe. Dickens did not start out to be an oil painter. At age 19, So it is with the artwork of award-winning oil painter Lucy
she married her high school sweetheart, Richard, and they
Dickens. Her realism is not about reproducing a scene,
began a family and birthed a business. She worked full
but rather capturing magical moments. In this regard,
time and while she dabbled in sketching, had a full and
she has a gift. She is able to reveal spirit and enable
busy life with no time for creative outlets.
viewers to be part of the experience as she makes a special connection with her subject matter and honors its
About 10 years ago, while her daughters were in high
essence — and people respond.
school and her business commitments lessened, she was able to focus on her interest in art. It all started with her
“When I look at Lucy’s paintings, I’m inspired,” says Bob
desire to try and create a mural for her new home. Her
Reitdorf, an art collector. “From an artistic viewpoint, they
husband brought home sheetrock and she began painting.
are phenomenal. But it is not the artistic value that draws my attention; it is how they make me feel.”
Once she put brush to canvas, she knew this was what she was supposed to do. She stepped out of the family
Dickens is also a fine art storyteller.
business to concentrate on her art full time and be with her daughters.
“I’m drawn to scenes that take my breath away,” she explains. “It’s those moments of beauty that cause me to
Dickens worked to “be the sponge” in any way she could
feel, to reflect and to give thanks. A scene that has a
learn, including attending workshops at the Scottsdale
power, placidity and intensity that draws me in, I strive to
Artists’ School and other venues; reading books and
capture. There is a story in these segments of time and
viewing videos; working with artists she admired; studying
therefore, a story in each painting.”
great works of art; going to museums and galleries; and so on.
She creates narrative scenes of her travels as well as of Arizona in both paint and words, as she aims to take
“I would consider my education self-directed study, with
people along on the journey with her. Her approach
countless hours in the studio and outdoors exploring,
evolved from keeping a travel journal, which, along with
pushing the envelope and trying new things,” she says. “I
her photographs, enabled her to reconnect with her
switched to oil about seven years ago and never looked
feelings at the moment she was there. She uses the
back. I love it and know there is still so much more to Sep tember 2015
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“The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” - Pablo Picasso
learn. I think we never stop growing, or never should.”
an important step in taking her work to the next level.
Her faith has had a profound effect on her life and her
Dickens wants to share her art and sees it as part of her
work. It guided her to find her calling, to successfully
life’s purpose.
navigate the life changes it required and to find her voice. She discovered that she had a talent for seeing, capturing
“I believe that when I create an original, it is for one
and painting magical moments. Many of the scenes in
special person,” she says. “I don’t know who that person
Arizona came from where she and her husband hiked,
is, but they make a connection to my painting and it
biked off-road and camped. As she traveled, she also
warms my heart when that happens. But beyond that, I
found scenes that she wanted to share. She is currently
want to reach others who are really moved by my art and
working on her Spain series and also has series from trips
my story. I feel strongly that I must, in some quality way,
to Turkey, Greece, Italy, and the eastern United States.
make my art available beyond those who can purchase an original. That is why I offer prints and gift items.”
She creates her paintings at her spacious, well-appointed
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studio, a would-be game room that to her surprise, her
She also believes that brushstrokes are the footprints of
husband converted to a studio while they were on a
an artist’s emotions. In this regard, her steps are made
recreational vehicle trip. The ultimate “while you were out”
with clear intention, each full of conscious choice and
project, coordinated by her husband and mother, became
action, and the effect of her art is visceral.
Ima g e s A Z . c o m Sept em ber 2 0 1 5
“Lucy’s work brings beauty into our homes,” says Colette Kallock, an avid collector. “They bring a sense of peace when we look at them and make us feel good.” Dickens’ painting “Joyful” was selected to appear on the directory cover of the Sonoran Arts League’s 2015 Hidden in the Hills Studio Tour being held November 20-22 and 27-29. During the tour, she will be at Quail Run Studio, Studio 32, located at 8679 E. Preserve Way in Scottsdale. “Joyful” captures the beauty of a prickly pear cactus that to the surprise of many, actually blooms red. Dickens explains how the painting got its title, which is taken from her story that accompanies it: “Upon completing the painting, I wasn’t sure what to title it, then decided on how I felt while painting. There are times when painting everything seems to fall in line, joy fills my heart and continues to expand. I feel like I am painting in the spirit and everything else just washes away but the painting evolving before me. It is such an incredible feeling and one so hard to describe. This is why I paint, what draws me so and the drive and desire to share these moments. It doesn’t happen all the time, yet I am thankful when it does and hope for this more often as I progress as a painter and storyteller.” She and her husband have broken ground for a new home in Carefree, which she hopes at a future point will be one of the studios on the tour. Her work can be seen by appointment at her studio/ gallery in Glendale, at Xanadu Gallery online and at a juried group show at Desert Foothills Library in Cave Creek until October 3. In addition, she will have two coastal paintings in the Arizona Art Alliance Juried Exhibit at the Holland Gallery of Fine Art from September 26 through October 29, with a reception on October 10 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. She will also have a holiday open studio and gallery on December 12 at her gallery in Glendale. lucydickensfineart.com
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Writer Lauryn Halver
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Although she began writing in March 1982, Judith Ann Jance didn’t become a published writer until 1985. Now known more familiarly as J.A. Jance, she is a published author of 53 books. Growing up, Jance was an avid reader due to the large age gap between her and her siblings. During her childhood, she was inspired by L. Frank Baum’s book, “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.” Even as a second grader, she was not “as impressed by the wizard ... as (she) was by discovering Frank Baum behind the words.” That was when she realized her dream of becoming a writer. She was the first in her family to attend a four-year college, receiving her bachelor’s in 1966 with a degree in English and secondary education. She then continued her education, graduating in 1970 with a master’s degree in library science. It was in college that she was told by a professor at the University of Arizona that young women should not aspire to become writers, but rather “teachers or nurses.” Fortunately for Jance, this later became inspiration. “It’s no accident that the crazed killer in one of my books turns out to be a former professor of creative writing,” she says. Today, Jance is a New York Times bestselling author with more than 20 million books in print. Her new book, “Dance of the Bones,” will be out on September 8. Following the release of her book, Jance’s book tour will come to the Desert Foothills Library on September 22. David Hunenberg, events manager of the Poisoned Pen Bookstore in Scottsdale, describes her talks as “engaging ... she is a shining example of how one can beat the odds.” Hunenberg also recalls the talk Jance gave at the bookstore for her book “Second Watch,” which is based on her high school friend who was killed in the Vietnam War. During her talks about the book, Jance brought along the man’s fiancée, and Hunenberg describes the event as “heartwarming and brought tears to many.” During her upcoming tour stop, she will be discussing “Dance of the Bones” for her fans as well as doing a question-and-answer segment with the audience. Afterward, books for purchase and a book signing will be available through the Poisoned Pen Bookstore. “Dance of the Bones” is the fifth book in the Walker series and the 24th book in the Beaumont series. The Walker series features the Arizona sheriff, Brandon Walker. jajance.com desertfoothillslibrary.org
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Writer Amanda Christmann Larson Photographer Keri Meyers
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I
It is easy to feel overwhelmed by stories about illness or
nights, the helplessness and the vulnerability they all
disease, particularly when children are involved. Beyond
share. Shutting bright purple doors behind them, they
the fact that no one wants to face the possibility that
step into exam rooms and the very scary world of
they, too, could find themselves in a fight for their own
poisonous chemotherapy drips, lumbar punctures and
lives, or for the lives of their children, many people
platelet transfusions.
simply feel powerless when a neighbor, friend, coworker or family member is living with a life-threatening
These are the poker faces of cancer. While their children
condition.
fight for their lives, these parents and siblings take one step at a time down a path they never thought they’d be
What do we say? What do we do? Do we talk about
walking, wearing brave expressions when all they want to
the illness? What if our own emotions betray our fear or
do is fall apart. They are strong, not because they have
sadness? What if we say or do the wrong thing?
a choice, but because it’s their only option.
For one local family, not only have they walked the
Too many local families have walked this path. Every day
horrible path that began with a diagnosis of childhood
in Arizona, one child is diagnosed with pediatric cancer.
cancer, but they’ve also faced the desperate fight for
That day marks an end to life as those families have
treatment and, ultimately, the indescribable pain of losing
known it and the beginning of some very, very difficult
a child to cancer.
times.
Chrisie and Nick Funari became part of a club they
On one day in 2009, that child was 18-month-old Ava
never asked to join — the community of “cancer
Holder.
families” whose journeys have far too many similarities and far too much heartbreak.
“When your child is diagnosed with cancer, it is shocking, but it also life-changing in more ways than you can even
Now, three years after their 5-year-old daughter, Ava,
imagine,” explains Chrisie. “Your world has been rocked
lost her fight with cancer, Chrisie carries on through the
and will never be the same. Ever.”
organization she started, the Arizona Cancer Foundation for Children. Her goal is to help families with travel
Isolation is one of the biggest challenges.
expenses and also to advocate for and fund desperately needed research so that one day, cancer will not carry a
“You and your husband become passing ships in the
death sentence for children.
night, taking turns sleeping at the hospital,” Chrisie says. “When you are home, you are tired and trying to catch
Chrisie is carrying the torch, but each of us can do
up on everything to keep your life as normal as possible
something. We all have the power to brighten the day
for the rest of your family. Without the support of family
for someone and we even have the power to contribute
and friends, I have no idea how we would have done it.”
to bigger movements that are pushing for legislation, research dollars and, hopefully, cures and prevention
Still, friends, family members and neighbors sometimes
for childhood cancers and other diseases. It is through
don’t know what to say or do, so parents and siblings of
Chrisie and others who have walked through the fire that
children with cancer can begin to feel like outsiders in
we can learn how we can connect and help each other
their own lives.
along the way. “Hospitals can make people very uncomfortable,” Moving down the fluorescent-lit hallway of the pediatric
says Chrisie. “I learned that people are even more
oncology lab, blank faces of families pass by as they
uncomfortable talking about death — especially the death
shuffle little ones and teenagers into treatment rooms.
of a child. I truly try not to fault people because I know
No words are needed; an ocean of emotions passes
they don’t know what to say. What they need to realize
between silent gazes. Everyone here knows the sleepless
is that sometimes there are no words but just being Sep tember 2015
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51
there, sending a hello text, thinking of you message or card,
to pediatric cancer research. As a result, in the past 20
can make someone’s day. A little is better than none.”
years, there have only been two new drugs developed specifically for pediatric cancer.
“We traveled extensively for three and a half years with Ava. You don’t have time for everything else. I remember
Children’s cancers are most often treated with the same
sitting in the hospital room and not wanting people to
protocols as cancers in adults, yet their little bodies can
stop by and see us, but when they did just show up I
react very differently. One of the most devastating results
was so happy to see them. It can be hard to let people
is that successful treatment of childhood cancers often
in. And then there is the flip side. People do not know
results in secondary, often more deadly cancers. That’s
what to do or how to react.”
why support for research is so very important, and that’s why Chrisie’s interrelated support for families and for
For Chrisie, reaching out to families living with childhood
research is providing a sense of optimism that couldn’t
cancer has become a passion. The Arizona Cancer
exist otherwise.
Foundation for Children has donated thousands to further research and pay for Arizona families to travel across the
Last year, the foundation raised $50,000 to fight
country, when needed, for clinical trials and new treatment
childhood cancer through its Swing Fore Kids Cancer
options.
event at Grayhawk Golf Course. This year, they hope to double those earnings at the Second Annual Swing Fore
She’s also fighting to fund cancer research.
Kids Cancer event on October 25. Co-chaired again this year by Jennifer and Jim “Bones” Mackay (Phil Mickelson’s
52
Most people are shocked to realize that the National
famed, long-time caddy) and Paul and Amy Goldschmidt,
Institute of Health, which funds most cancer research,
the fantastic event is once again a celebration of the
designates less than 4 percent of their annual budget
spirit of the children fighting cancer.
Ima g e s A Z . c o m Sept em ber 2 0 1 5
The event may be a drop in the bucket for the fight
Every situation and every person is different — and
against childhood cancer, but those drops are beginning
each person may have an entirely different set of
to add up. For the families on the battlefront, being
needs depending on the day — but here are some
surrounded by a community of fighters and supporters
guidelines that will help:
means the world.
1 2
Don’t be afraid to reach out. Your support is needed!
As for Chrisie and her family, they will keep swinging, and keep fighting. They’re doing it in Ava’s memory, for families like theirs and for the researchers and doctors who are pushing tirelessly for a cure.
Families of children with cancer sometimes talk about the mass exodus of friends and neighbors from their lives. Don’t let your own fear get in the way. Don’t wait to be asked. “Let me know if you need anything,”
Because we all have that power. We can all make a difference.
is a common response, but if it were you, would you really feel comfortable reaching out? Instead, have a few ideas. Make dinner to give to the family. Volunteer to care for
azcancerfoundation.org
other children in the family, care for family pets, weed their
480-350-7055
garden, do some grocery shopping, pick up prescriptions, do laundry, help with cleaning, take out the trash or whatever it
When a child you know is diagnosed with cancer,
is that you think you can contribute. If you aren’t sure how
you may feel helpless, but there is actually a lot
you can help, ask. At the same time ...
you can do. Besides helping organizations like the Arizona Cancer Foundation for Children that are directly and indirectly helping families like Chrisie’s, you can be a beacon of hope.
3
Ask permission. Don’t stop by the house or show up at the hospital without first checking to make sure it’s all right. If it’s not, it’s not personal. Sep tember 2015
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4
Don’t offer unsolicited advice. Families dealing with cancer
to-minute. Let them take the wheel when it comes to
and other illnesses are often bombarded with information,
conversation and be open and genuinely interested in
and chances are excellent that they’ve made the care
hearing whatever may come out. Take cues from them as
choices they have based on advice from their team of
to what to talk about and never try to change the subject
medical professionals and from their own extensive and
when uncomfortable feelings come out. Instead, listen
exhaustive research. If you do have something you think
supportively.
they might benefit from, ask if they would like to hear it. Make it clear — to them and to yourself — that they may say no, and that’s fine.
5 6 7
know that when they are ready, you are available to listen.
Be flexible. Understand that plans often change, both because of the child’s needs and because they may not be up for interaction physically or emotionally.
Check in by phone or text. Let friends or family members know you are thinking about them and also let them know that it’s OK not to answer the phone when you call
Look forward. Talk about the future and what you’d like to do together when a phase of treatment is over or when their child is well again. This gives them something to look forward to and helps to instill hope.
or return texts. Offer to go for a walk, schedule a take-out and movie night (or go to the movies if your friend wants to get out of the house), get your nails done together or do
Don’t be afraid to be cheerful. There are times when family members will not feel in the mood for a smile, but most of the time, humor or normal conversation is a welcome respite. Treat them the way you always have whenever possible.
8
Allow for anger or sadness — or any feelings at all. Families dealing with cancer are on a roller coaster of emotions that can change day-to-day or even minute-
54
9 10 11 12
Know they won’t always feel like talking and let them
Ima g e s A Z . c o m Sept em ber 2 0 1 5
anything else normal. Create fun video messages for either the child or family members — or both. Even if they can’t or don’t feel like being social, you can still brighten their day.
Swing Fore Kids Cancer 2nd Annual Hole-In-One Golf Challenge benefitting Arizona Cancer Foundation for Children When: Saturday, October 25, 2015 from 2-5 p.m. Where: Grayhawk Golf Club — Raptor Driving Range, 8620 E. Thompson Peak Pkwy., Scottsdale Honorary Co-Chairs: Jen and Jim “Bones” Mackay; Paul and Amy Goldschmidt Cost: $100 for adults, children attend for free. Donation includes admission to event, participation in hole-in-one challenge and food and beverages. Pre-Registration Raffle: Pre-register online before September 15 for a chance to be entered into an exclusive raffle for a two-night stay for two at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas. Additional Activities: Putting contest, magician and balloon twisters for kids, prize raffle, red carpet, exotic cars and much more! Sponsorship Opportunities: Please contact Nick Funari, director of corporate partnerships, at nfunari@azcancerfoundation.org. 100 percent of the proceeds from the event support Arizona children with cancer. Register online at azcancerfoundation.org/events/swing-fore-kidscancer.
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Writer Tom Scanlon
If you can make it here in music, you can make it
Few will reach the heights of Taylor Swift, but many are
anywhere — and no, we’re not talking about Frank
following in her footsteps.
Sinatra’s New York. “I decided to move to Nashville when I was about Lauren Riley, late summer 2014: “Eventually, down the
10 years old,” the massively popular Swift told Time
road, I have to move to Nashville.”
magazine last year. “I was obsessed with watching biography TV shows about Faith Hill and Shania Twain,
Lauren Riley, late summer 2015: “I love it in Nashville!”
and I noticed that both of them went to Nashville to start their careers. From that point on, I began
To those who have an urge to chase their dreams, who
relentlessly nagging, begging and pleading with my
have been pondering whether to make a life-changing
parents to take me on a trip there ... We took more
move, who have their feet in the present but their minds
and more trips to Nashville as time went by, and when
in the future, Riley has three simple words: go for it.
at 13, I was offered a development deal by a major record label, my parents gave in and we moved from
The Cave Creek pop/country singer went for it about
Pennsylvania.”
six months ago, taking a few deep breaths, loading up and moving to the heart of country music. As fans of
If you go to one of the showcase bars around Nashville,
the television show “Nashville” can tell you, this is the
you may be stunned by the brilliant voices of skilled and
powerful magnet pulling singers from all over the country,
seasoned singers all trying to stand out from the crowd.
all with the idea of coming to the city where careers are made.
“The talent out here is incredible,” Riley says, with a knowing sigh.
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Rather than putting herself out on stage as often as possible, she has been focusing on behind-the-scenes work, writing new songs and recording them. “I haven’t been performing much,” she says. But then the singer with a passion for live audiences had to clarify: “When I got to town, I started singing at Tootsies (a legendary open mic spot). Then I decided I didn’t want to do more covers and since then I’ve been writing. I just finished my first demo and have four more demos soon.” Riley is also an in-demand hair stylist, and returns to Arizona once a month or so to work on her clients’ hair. You can take her out of Arizona, but you can’t take Arizona out of Lauren Riley. “I miss the sunsets and the never-ending sunshine,” she says. “I also miss singing with the Herndon Brothers, the house band at Handlebar J’s in Scottsdale.” In addition to “the best band I have ever worked with,” she misses her family, “but I get to see them more than most of my friends get to see their families, so I consider myself lucky.” While missing the Arizona desert, she is also inspired by the green trees of Tennessee. “It is so beautiful,” she says. “Seasons are something I didn’t grow up with and I love the change in season and the lushness of the scenery.” Writers often divide the present by the past, and so it is with Riley’s new work. “I typically don’t channel Arizona when writing, but I do have one song I wrote called ‘By Heart,’ and it’s about home and knowing your way back, because every detail about my small town is engrained in my heart and getting on and off the path is something we all experience in life,” she explains. “But that familiarity of those back roads and the details of the small town that raised me will always be a part of me and my path.” Sep tember 2015
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She also has a new song called “Chase the Night” that her stepfather, Mike, helped her title while they were dining at a Carefree restaurant during one of her trips back home. Back in Tennessee, she
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was working on the transformation of the song from her brain to reality through a recording studio. “We are almost done with the track and it sounds so cool,” she says. “Motown influences and lots of soul.” Putting a Motown accent to a country song is just one of the ways Riley feels she is a little off Nashville’s beaten path. There is also her bob-haired look and a musical style influenced by her music theater roots.
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“My friend from Cave Creek who is in the music industry told me, ‘You need to keep your hair short — you literally don’t look like anyone in Nashville,’” Riley says. “And I’ve been told many times that I don’t sound like anyone in Nashville.” The hometown fans from around the North Valley are not surprised that the little titan from Cave Creek is out in Music City, and many expect her to be discovered by a big-time producer or record label. As for the red-haired spitfire, she is passionately committed to her art. Riley is single and, she says with a laugh, “definitely married to music. No boyfriend as of now. I have been told not to date musicians, but I can’t help it — talent makes me melt!” Her fans say the same thing. Sep tember 2015
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The Maids of Scottsdale When it comes to your home’s appearance, you have high expectations. After all, your home is a reflection of yourself. And although there are countless maid services, there are very few that live up to the quality and experience provided by The Maids of Scottsdale.
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Absentee Homeowner Services Carefree Property Services 480-575-6600 carefreepropertyservices.com AIR CONDITIONING/HEATING Canyon State AC and Plumbing 602-996-1818 canyonstateac.com Attorney Hundman Law Offices, PLLC 480-625-3134 hundmanlaw.com John W. Stevens, Attorney 480-488-2591 Carefree Area Auction House J. Levines 480-223-1307 reception@jlevines.com Beauty Salon Michael Anthony 312-343-9206 312-636-8673 michaelanthonyhair.com Studio C Salon 480-664-0602 studiocsalonsaz.com Theresa DuGosh Studio TLD 602-738-8082 Wendy Gross WKG Design 480-294-1476 Bike SHop Flat Tire Bike Shop 6033 E. Cave Creek Road 480-488-5261 flattirebikes.com Boutique 4Sister Shop 602-330-6042 4sistershop.com Bags & Rags Ladies Fine Apparel 480-575-3114 16 Easy Street, Carefree bagsandragsaz.com
Stefan Mann 34505 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite G10 480-488-3371 stefanmann.com College Paradise Valley Community College 602-493-2600 my.maricopa.edu COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE Foothills Animal Rescue 480-488-9890 Foothills Caring Corps 480-488-1105 Foothills Food Bank 480-488-1145 Salvation Army 480-488-3590
Ima g e s A Z . c o m Sept em ber 2 0 1 5
Newcomers Club of Scottsdale 480-990-1976 newcomersclubofscottsdale.com New River Senior Center 623-465-0367 Rotary Club 623-581-1163 Sonoran Arts League 480-575-6624 Soroptimist International 480-510-8203 YMCA 480-596-9622
St. Vincent de Paul Society 602-254-3338
COMputers Affordable Computer Help 480-720-0233 affordable-help.com
COMMUNITY organizations American Legion Post No. 34 & Auxiliary 480-488-2669
Cosmetics Merle Norman 480-488-3208 37417 Tom Darlington Dr.
Arizona Archaeological Society 480-595-9255 Arizona Musicfest 480-488-0806 Cave Creek Museum 480-488-2764 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
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Kiwanis Club of Carefree 480-488-8400
Dentist Alba Dental 480-471-3432 albadentalcare.com Carefree Dentists 480-488-9735 carefreedentists.com Carefree Smile 480-488-7010 carefreesmile.com Dentistry at Westland 480-585-5215 33725 N. Scottsdale Rd. Suite 101 dentistryatwestland.com Smile Design Specialists 480-488-9655 drdevi.com Esthetician Skincare by Stephanie 602-326-0928 Desert Foothills Medical Center 36889 Tom Darlington Dr.
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Equestrian Huss Performance Horses 708-752-2193 hussperformacehorses.com Financial Planning Investments Kendrick Wealth Management Noah Kendrick 480-887-8888 kendrickwm.com FIRE Fire Service 480-627-6900 Garage Door AYS Garage Door Repair 602-375-3667 Free Estimates ROC#272744 $20 off on any repair aysdoorrepair.com Garden Desert Foothils Gardens Nursery 480-488-9455 33840 N. Cave Creek Rd. 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 Granite and Cabinets Granite Transformations 602-714-3964 Done in a Day. Beautiful for Life. Habilitation, REspite & Attendant care Arion 623-238-4349 sdykhuizen@arioncaresolutions.com arioncaresolutions.com Handyman Desert Foothills Handyman Service 602-540-9794 1handyman4you.com
Health care Arizona Vein & Laser Institute 602-298-8346 arizonaveinandlaser.com Cierra Medical Walk-In Care 480-575-0131 Desert Foothills Medical Center 480-488-9220 John C. Lincoln Deer Valley 623-879-6100 North Valley Medical Center 480-473-4583 nvmedicalcenter.com Paradise Valley Hospital 602-923-5000 Scottsdale Healthcare 480-324-7000 7400 E. Thompson Peak Pkwy. 480-323-3000 90th St. & Shea Blvd. Home furnishings Big Bronco Furniture Barn 480-575-1357 General Store 480-575-7025 bigbroncocavecreek.com Valerie’s Furniture & Accents 480-483-3327 valeriesfurniture.com Home Improvements Granite Transformations 602-714-3964 Done in a Day. Beautiful for Life. House Cleaning AZ View Cleaning Services 602-486-8557 arizona-view.com The Maids Scottsdale 602-923-4000 themaidsscottsdale.com Insurance Senior health plan specialist Generations Consulting Group 623-866-3222 keith@gcgagent.com
Landscape Design and Maintenance A Couple of Green Thumbs 6061 E. Cave Creek Road 480-488-2155 acoupleofgreenthumbs.com Azul-Verde Design Group, Inc. 480-595-0611 azulverde.com Desert Foothills Gardens Nursery 480-488-9455 33840 N. Cave Creek Rd. Desert Foothills Landscape 480-488-0128 36815 N. Cave Creek Rd. Iddings & Sons Landscaping, Inc. 623-465-2546 623-297-7584 iddingsandsonslandscaping.com Library Desert Broom Library 602-262-4636 Desert Foothills Library 480-488-2286 Medspa Arizona Vein & Laser Institute 602-298-8346 arizonaveinandlaser.com Nursery Desert Foothills Gardens Nursery 480-488-9455 33840 N. Cave Creek Rd. Outdoor Furniture Carefree Outdoor Living 480-575-3091 carefreeoutdoor.com Outdoor Lighting Let There be Light 480-575-3204 lettherebelightllc.com Parks Cave Creek Regional Park 623-465-0431 Gateway Desert Awareness 480-488-1400 Spur Cross Ranch 480-488-6601 Sep tember 2015
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Cave Creek Ranger 480-595-3300 Photography Blackswan Photographers 480-282-8646 blackswanphotographers.com Keri Meyers Photography kerimeyersphotography.com Loralei Photography 602-795-0555 loraleiphotography.com
Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty 34305 N. Scottsdale Rd. 480-488-2400 Tom Scappaticci Russ Lyon Sotheby’s 602-430-4081 arizonaluxuryrealty.com Restaurants Cartwright’s Sonoran Ranch House 6710 E. Cave Creek Rd. 480-488-8031
Plumbing Canyon State AC and Plumbing 602-996-1818 canyonstateac.com
English Rose Tea Room 480-488-4812 201 Easy St. Carefree, AZ carefreetea.com
Podiatry Westland Family Foot and Ankle Specialist 480-361-2500 westlandffas.com
Local Jonny’s 6033 E. Cave Creek Rd. 480-488-7473 localjonnys.com
Pool Design/construction Azul-Verde Design Group, Inc. 480-595-0611 azulverde.com Pool maintenance My Pool Gal Service 480-626-2604 Repair 480-626-8200 Crystal Clear Pool & Spa 480-488-2636 crystalclearpools.biz Post office Carefree 480-488-3781 Cave Creek 480-488-1218 Realtor Jean Ransdell Russ Lyon Sotheby’s 480-294-3257 arizonaluxuryrealty.com Rancho Manana Russ Lyon Sotheby’s 5734 E Rancho Manana Blvd. 480-489-1811
Tom’s Thumb 480-513-8186 9393 E. Bell Road The Village Coffee Shop 480-488-3835 7100 E. Cave Creek Rd. #134 B Retirement Community The Heritage at Carefree 480-488-1622 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 cavecreekmontessori.com Cave Creek Unified School District 480-575-2000
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Child’s Play Preschool – CCUSD cavecreekpreschools.com 480-575-2062 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 qimontessori.com Sonoran Trails Middle School Main Line 480-272-8600 Attendance: 480-272-8604 Ventana Academic School 480-488-9362 Sheriff Sheriff’s Posse 602-876-1895 Shopping Cave Creek Candle & Gifts 6245 E. Cave Creek Road 480-488-7799 cavecreekcandles.com Las Tiendas 6140 E. Cave Creek Rd. lastiendascavecreek.com
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Suzanne’s Hot Stuff In Frontier Town 480-488-1277
Church of Jesus Christ of LDS 480-488-3035 lds.org
North Ridge Community Church 480-515-4673 northridge.org
Stefan Mann 34505 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite G10 480-488-3371 stefanmann.com
Community Bible Church of Cave Creek 33501 N. Cave Creek Road 480-488-2958 communitybiblechurchaz.com
North Valley Church of Christ 480-473-7611 nvcoc.net
Veterinarian Arizona Animal Hospital 480-686-8083 arizonaanimalhospital.com Water Softener & Filtration Rayne of the North Valley 623-234-9047 raynewater.com Websites Tech 4 Life 748 Easy Street #5 480-553-9171 techfourlife.com window treatments Carefree Coverings 602-617-2920 34522 N. Scottsdale Rd. Suite 100B Worship Black Mountain Baptist Church 480-488-1975 bmbcaz.com Black Mountain United Church of Christ 480-575-1801 bmucc.com Carefree Highway Community Church 480-488-5565 carefreechurch.us Cave Creek Adventist Fellowship 602-663-1268 cavecreekchurch.com
Coolwater Christian Church 480-585-5554 coolwaterchurch.org Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church 623-465-9461 Desert Foothills Lutheran Church 480-585-8007 dflc.org Desert Hills Presbyterian Church 480-488-3384 deserthills.org Desert Mission United Methodist Church 480-595-1814 desertmissionumc.org Desert Valley Baptist Church 623-465-9461 First Baptist Church of Cave Creek 480-488-2958
Our Lady of Joy Catholic Church 480-488-2229 oloj.org Pinnacle Presbyterian Church 480-585-9448 pinnaclepres.org Redeemer Lutheran Church 480-585-7002 redeemer.vze.com Son Rise Community Church 480-502-2834 sonrisescottsdale.org Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center 480-488-5218 spiritinthedesert.org St. Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Church 480-595-0883 stgacc.org Via de Cristo United Methodist Fellowship 480-515-4490 viadecristo.com
First Church of Christ Scientist 480-488-2665 csarizona.com/carefreecavecreek.1st Good Shepherd of the Hills Episcopal Church 480-488-3283 goodshepherdaz.org
Cave Creek Bible Church 480-818-5653 cavecreekbiblechurch.org
Light of the Desert Lutheran Church 480-488-2716 lightofthedesert.org
Christ Anglican Church 480-488-0525 christchurchaz.org
Lone Mountain Fellowship Church 480-818-5653 lonemountainfellowship.org
Christ the Lord Lutheran 480-488-2081 ctlcarefree.org
North Scottsdale Christian 480-367-8182 northscottsdalechristian.com Sep tember 2015
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Recipe
Seared Polenta with Cherry Tomato Ragu Writer and photographer Monica Longenbaker
Take a break from pasta and potatoes and embrace this rustic, yet elegant alternative. Popular in Northern Italy, polenta is a luscious porridge made by simmering yellow cornmeal until smooth and creamy. Once the polenta sets, it solidifies and becomes the perfect candidate for grilling or searing. For a special touch, top the seared polenta with a bold cherry tomato ragu. The cherry tomatoes have a robust sweetness that intensifies when stewed and lends some attitude to this otherwise simple comfort dish.
Seared Polenta with Cherry Tomato Ragu Yield: 4 servings
Directions: In a large pot, bring water or chicken broth to a boil. Add the polenta and whisk to combine. Reduce heat to low and cover the pot with a lid. Continue to stir every few
5 cups water or chicken broth 1 cup polenta or yellow cornmeal 2 tablespoons butter (optional) salt and pepper to taste 1 tablespoon olive oil cherry tomato ragu (see recipe) Cherry Tomato Ragu Yield: 4 servings
minutes until the polenta is smooth and creamy, about 25-30 minutes. Remove the polenta from the heat and season with salt and pepper. Stir in butter, if desired. Pour the polenta into an oiled 13x9-inch baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap and chill until set. Once set, cut the polenta into squares. Heat olive oil in a nonstick pan over medium heat. Sear the polenta squares on both sides until golden brown and crispy. Place the seared polenta onto a serving dish and top with the cherry tomato ragu. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the garlic, hot pepper flakes and
1 tablespoon olive oil 4 cloves garlic, minced 1 pinch hot pepper flakes ½ teaspoon dried oregano 4 cups cherry tomatoes
oregano and stir until fragrant, about 45 seconds. Add the cherry tomatoes and stir. Cover the pot with a lid, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes begin to burst, about 3-4 minutes. Using a wooden spoon, carefully press on the cherry tomatoes once they’ve split open, allowing their juices to release. Continue to simmer the tomatoes for 10-15 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat and reserve.
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North Scottsdale-Carefree Office 34305 N. Scottsdale Road Scottsdale, AZ 85266
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$699,000 Lock & Leave, gated in Carefree! Modern contemporary with abundant daylight, & zero steps. North patios enjoy views of mountain ranges, plus wonderful Sunsets. Open Great room with 2 Master Suites, plus a Study. 2nd Master includes sitting room & kitchenette. A large bonus room is sunny & bright... ideal Artist, Game room or Man-Cave. Premium runway location of small, private airport.
Debbie Omundson
Debbie Omundson
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480-375-1522
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Compliments of the Boulder Sales Team $745,000 Unobstructed 180 degree views! 3,400 sq. ft., appx. 1 acre lot. MLS 5319429 Donna Taylor 480-980-7508
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480-488-7550