Thinking Outside the Cubicle Know& APRIL/MAY 2009 · $3.99
Tell More Than You Wanted
to Know
~
: Listening For Those Without
• Muniz Exclusive
One on One
Frankie
2 VANCOUVER VIEW MARCH | APRIL 2009 www.northvalleymagazine.com
Someone’s
— Design:
a Voice Eco˘Friendly
What It
Spring
Flings
Means
To Be
Green
MARCH | APRIL 2009 VANCOUVER VIEW
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l Thanks to one and al - Val for spurring me on!
Contents APRIL - MAY 2009 [ IN EVERY ISSUE ]
13 PUBLISHERS’ NOTE 14 CONTRIBUTORS 16 CONNECT WITH US
44
Office Trends
Instead of accepting the stereotypical drab office, opt for the dramatic and see how a change of scenery can boost work morale.
19
Frankie Muniz
by Dale R. Gordon
From actor to racecar driver, Frankie Muniz ditches Hollywood in favor of the track— and LA in favor of Scottsdale. By Cassaundra Brooks
58
Mother’s Day Gift Guide
Check out our Mother’s Day gifting suggestions, and remember that not all great gifts come in small boxes— or any boxes. By Alana Stroud
p.44
THINKING OUTSIDE THE CUBICLE
TELL MORE THAN YOU WANTED
TO KNOW
U
SOMEONE§S
LISTENING FOR THOSE WITHOUT
X MUNIZ
¤ DESIGN
A VOICE ECO°FRIENDLY
Exclusive
p.19
One on One
FRANKIE
p.32
p.28
WHAT IT
SPRING
FLINGS
MEANS
TO BE
¤
KNOW& APRIL/MAY 2009 · $3.99
p.60
GREEN
p.62
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On the cover Frankie Muniz Photo by Eric Fairchild
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North Valley APRIL | MAY 2009
C7H9> r 7FH?B (&&/ VANCOUVER VIEW 2
[ NV PEOPLE / PLACES / THINGS ]
}
31 LOCAL PROFILE: Martin L. Schultz // 32 GIVING BACK: Someone to Watch Over Them: Hacienda HealthCare Has Its Own Team of Angels // 34 AZ FUN FACTS: Tombstone’s Bird Cage Theater // 36 CHARITY SPOTLIGHT: Someone’s Listening // 37 MUSIC: An Arizona "Idol" Making His Mark // 38 ASK THE TECHNO // 40 ART & CULTURE // 42 HIGHLIGHT: When Shopping Plain Wears You Out… // 42 HIGHLIGHT: Scottsdale Jean Company: Wearing Well!
APRIL | MAY 2009 North Valley
9
Contents
76
[ STYLE ]
28 DESIGN SENSE: Eco-Friendly Design: What It Means to Be Green
62
[ ENTERTAINING ]
76 FLAVOR: Spring Awakening 76 FLAVOR HOTSPOTS: Noodle Joints
77 DINING GUIDE 78 RESTAURANT REVIEW:
28
English Rose Tea Room
[ HEALTH ]
48 HEALTH SPOTLIGHT:
Dealing with Alzheimer’s Disease: Actor Hector Elizondo’s True Character Reaches Out to Families
70
50 HEALTH & FITNESS:
Ask a Dentist: A Whiter, Brighter Smile
72
[ PAMPERED PETS ]
72 ASK THE VET: CSI Dr.
Doolittle: DNA Testing Is Not for Humans Alone
74 ADOPT-A-PET: Good Friends Who Need Great Homes!
66 [ PEOPLE & PLACES ]
48
26 Celebrity Casino Night:
CASA of Arizona, The Wrigley Mansion, 2501 E. Telewa Trail, Phoenix
41 NBA JAM Session: NBA All-Star 2009, Phoenix Convention Center
56 Adidas Event: NBA All-Star 2009, Phoenix Convention Center
{
[ BUZZ ]
46 TECHNOLOGY: It’s 2009, and Television Is on a Diet // 52 ENTERTAINMENT SPOTLIGHT: The Cougar Comes to TV Land // 54 AUTO TRENDS: Not Coming to
page 46
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North Valley APRIL | MAY 2009
}
a Luxury Dealer Near You: The 2009 Toyota Venza Crosses Luxury and Practicality // 60 KNOW + TELL // 62 HOT LIST: Spring Flings // 64 DAY TRIPPERS & WEEKENDERS: Spring Adventure: Not For the Timid // 66 WEDDING GIVEAWAY: Our Winning Couple Ties the Knot! // 68 EVENT CALENDAR // 70 RELATIONSHIPS & DATING: Dot-com Dumping: Smart Technology, Dumb Behavior // 81 HOROSCOPES
APRIL | MAY 2009 North Valley
11
Volume 4 / Issue 3 PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER Adam Toren adam@northvalleymagazine.com Matthew Toren matthew@northvalleymagazine.com EDITORIAL Managing Editor Crystal Huckabay crystal@northvalleymagazine.com Editorial Assistant Cassaundra Brooks cbrooks@northvalleymagazine.com Copy Editor Kate Karp kate@northvalleymagazine.com Food Editor Samantha Turner Editorial Interns Alana Stroud, Bill Raznik, Rachael Blume CONTRIBUTORS Diana Bocco, Gerald Calamia, Dr. Cliff Faver, Lea Friese-Haben, Laura Henry, Jon Kenton, Kevin Madness, Diane Maier, Alison Malone, Ben Miles, Lee Nelson, Greg Rubenstein, Tyson Qualls, Brian Sodoma, Marshall Trimble, Michael van den Bos, Shannon Willoby PHOTOGRAPHERS Director of Photography Eric Fairchild Photographers Michelle Brodsky, Mark Susan, Caroline Gutierrez, Larry Rubino
Coming Next Issue
The
Home and Garden Issue
ADVERTISING sales@northvalleymagazine.com 602.828.0313 Sr. Account Executive Eric Twohey Art Director/PRODUCTION PAUL BIELICKY CIRCULATION Distribution Manager Mark Lokeli
Proud member of:
NORTH VALLEY MAGAZINE is published six times a year for distribution aimed at higher-income households in such areas as Anthem, Carefree, Cave Creek, Tramonto, North Scottsdale, Desert Ridge, DC Ranch, Grayhawk, Estancia, Desert Hills, Troon North, Desert Mountain, McDowell Mountain Ranch, and Arrowhead Ranch. You can also pick up North Valley Magazine at many businesses, including specialty shops, salons, spas, auto dealerships, libraries, children’s and women’s specialty shops, boutiques, restaurants, health clubs, hotels, medical offices, and many rack locations. Statements, opinions, and points of view expressed by the writers and advertisers are their own, and do not necessarily represent those of the publishers, editors or North Valley Magazine staff. Although North Valley Magazine has made every effort to authenticate all claims and guarantee offers by advertisers in the magazine, we cannot assume liability for any products or services advertised herein. No part of North Valley Magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the expressed written consent of the publisher. Publisher reserves the right to accept or reject any editorial or advertising matter at any time. Periodicals postage rate is paid at the Phoenix, Arizona and other post offices. Postmaster: Please return all undeliverable copies to North Valley Magazine, 711 E. Carefree Hwy. Suite 205, Phoenix, AZ 85085. Yearly subscriptions available; six issues mailed directly to your mailbox for $19.95 per year (within the U.S.). All rights reserved. ®2009 North Valley Magazine. Printed in the USA.
FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION Call: (602) 828-0313 • E-mail: sales@northvalleymagazine.com 12
North Valley APRIL | MAY 2009
Publisher's Letter
In the Spotlight!
Matthew Toren Publisher
It’s springtime in the desert again, and we ourselves have experienced a renewal. We’re sporting a fresh new design! It’s time for our annual Entertainment issue: Actor-turned-professional racecar driver Frankie Muniz graces our cover and sits down with us to discuss his burgeoning career, what his future holds for acting, and his favorite things about living in the North Valley. Also out of Hollywood, a man with one of the most recognizable faces in the industry stopped in Phoenix to team up with a local neurosurgeon in an effort to educate Phoenicians on Alzheimer’s. Obie-awardwinner Hector Elizondo gives a personal account of his family’s history with the disease in our Health Spotlight. Meanwhile, in our Entertainment Spotlight, we have the scoop on a new primetime TV Land reality series called The Cougar, which stars one of our own Scottsdale beauties—mother of four and successful Realtor Stacey Anderson. It hits the air on April 15, just after the annual and increasing-
ly popular Phoenix Film Festival wraps up in the Valley. In our Art & Culture section, we highlight two local filmmakers who are not only showcasing several great shorts during the festival but are also gaining fame doing it. Another Arizonan making a name for himself is American Idol season seven’s David Hernandez, the soulful singer who sang his way into the Top 12. He gives us a look into his whirlwind post-Idol year. Flip to our Giving Back and Charity Spotlight articles to learn about two deserving nonprofits making a definite difference here in the North Valley, and don’t miss Arizona State Historian Marshall Trimble’s AZ Fun Facts column for his always-entertaining look at our state’s history. The winners of last year’s exciting Wedding Giveaway recently tied the knot, and we have some photos to show you along with inside information about the beautiful ceremony. Congratulations once again to Dan and Nicole! For some ecofriendly design tips for your
home or some ideas on how to spruce up your mundane workspace, look into Design Sense and our Office Trends feature, respectively. Check out some photos from the 2009 NBA All-Star JAM session in People & Places. And peruse our Mother’s Day Gift Guide before shopping for Mom. We are very grateful for our supporters in this, another great issue. Even in the current economic climate, our advertisers and supporters seem to be receiving a great response. Turn to page 82 to hear A New Leaf’s encouraging testimonial and consider the ways advertising in these times can help you come out ahead of the competition. We’ll see you again in June, when we introduce our new Home & Garden issue. Until then, enjoy some of the Valley’s best temperatures. Cheers!
Adam Toren Publisher
APRIL | MAY 2009 North Valley
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Contributors
PHOTOGRAPHY
Eric Fairchild, a commercial photographer with fifteen years experience, owns and operates Phoenix-based Fairchild Photography, a complete digital and traditional film photography studio. Specialties include advertising, people, editorial, architecture, and automotive photography. photos@northvalleymagazine.com
Techno
Jon Kenton is principal consultant and owner of JRDR Marketing. Originally from London, he has been living in Arizona with his family for the last eight years. Jon has worked in computing and communications for over 20 years. If it connects to a TV, camera, network, or computer, Jon has probably used it. techno@northvalleymagazine.com
DESIGN SENSE
Diane Maier is an accomplished interior designer and the owner of Casa Paloma Home Interiors & Design, located in the North Scottsdale Marketplace at Scottsdale Road and Lone Mountain. Diane is an expert in green interior design, abundant living, and feng shui concepts, all of which will be covered in her forthcoming book, Create Your Best Life, By Design! designsense@northvalleymagazine.com
OFFICE TRENDS
Dale Gardon is the principal of Dale Gardon Design, an architectural and planning design firm located adjacent to Market Street in DC Ranch in Scottsdale. The firm specializes in designing unique residential, commercial, and recreational buildings as well as urban environments.
Auto Trends
Greg Rubenstein is a freelance automotive journalist and deputy editor for iZoom.com, an auto enthusiast Web site. He has been writing about and racing cars for twenty-five years. autotrends@northvalleymagazine.com
North Valley APRIL | MAY 2009
He has been called a cowboy singer, a humorist, and a storyteller, and is Arizona’s official state historian, but Marshall Trimble’s most treasured title is teacher. He hopes people will realize the importance and fun involved in Arizona history and culture. marshall@northvalleymagazine.com
Adopt-a-pet
Michelle Brodsky is a Phoenix native whose passion for animals began at a very young age. Her talent for photography was not discovered until later on. When not tending to her small zoo at home, she helps educate the minds of high school kids as an assistant teacher of photography. michelle@northvalleymagazine.com
horoscopes
Laura Henry has been studying astrology and metaphysics for over 25 years and is available for readings via phone or in person. She uses astrology to assist people wishing to discover their strengths, challenges, and gifts in this lifetime, as well as examining future trends for clients to maximize opportunities for personal growth. Readings are taped and completely confidential. laura@northvalleymagazine.com
ART & CULTURE, MUSIC, CHARITY SPOTLIGHT
Kevin Madness began his writing career by forging excused absence forms in elementary school and later honed his skills as a journalist at Michigan State University. He then moved into a motor home and now travels far and wide writing and performing music. kevin@northvalleymagazine.com
ASK THE VET
Dr. Cliff Faver, a 1987 graduate of Colorado State University, is the founder, director, and chief veterinarian of Animal Health Services of Cave Creek, a state-of-theart veterinary hospital. Dr. Faver is a permanent resident of the Cave Creek area and a true lover of all animals. He has a special affection for boxers, having raised several of his own. He resides with his wife Koni and two children, Ross and Nikole. askthevet@northvalleymagazine.com
14
Arizona Fun facts
relationships
Lea Friese-Haben is Arizona’s number-one dating expert. She is happily married to Cpt. Greg Haben of Southwest Airlines and has three children. Lea is a certified holistic practitioner and is a regular guest on channels 3, 10, 12, and 15. relationships@northvalleymagazine.com
Flavor
Alison Malone has lived in Australia and has traveled to such destinations as Fiji, England, Thailand, Spain, Nepal, the Cook Islands, Portugal, New Zealand and France. When not at her laptop, she can be found strolling on the beach, carving up the slopes, and poring over travel guides, cookbooks, and interior design magazines at local bookstores. flavor@northvalleymagazine.com
GIVING BACK
Lee Nelson has been a professional writer for more than 27 years and has had stories published in Reader’s Digest, Emmy, On Earth, Home Business Journal, and many more. She spent 20 years as an award-winning daily newspaper reporter in Iowa. givingback@northvalleymagazine.com
480 266-0240
15 APRIL | MAY 2009 North Valley
Connect with
North Valley Magazine To get in touch: North Valley Magazine
711 E. Carefree Highway, Suite 205, Phoenix, AZ 85085 Telephone: (602) 828-0313 • Fax: (623) 587-4818 Web site: NorthValleyMagazine.com General e-mail: info@northvalleymagazine.com. For submissions and suggestions: LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Letters may be e-mailed to
letters@northvalleymagazine.com. They may also be sent via mail or fax to Letters to the Editor at our address. Letters may be edited for space and clarity. EVENTS CALENDAR: Submit press releases or event
descriptions in writing to Cassaundra Brooks at events@ northvalleymagazine.com. Be sure to include event title, date, time, place, details, cost (if any), and contact number or Web site. The deadline for June/July 2009 consideration is May 1.
PRESS RELEASES: Submit press releases via e-mail to
Cassaundra at cbrooks@northvalleymagazine.com.
Coming Next Issue
The
Home and Garden Issue
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North Valley Magazine has racks in prime locations across our distribution area. For the rack location nearest you, e-mail info@northvalleymagazine.com. We also mail magazines to various neighborhoods. If you would like to ensure that your place of business receives several copies, or would like to submit your place of business for a future rack location, please send a request via e-mail or regular mail to Mark Lokeli at mark@northvalleymagazine.com. Follow us on Twitter at Twitter.com/NorthValley. FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION Call: (602) 828-0313 • E-mail: sales@northvalleymagazine.com 16
North Valley APRIL | MAY 2009
Announcing an Extraordinary Alliance. Maravilla Scottsdale and its neighbors, the Fairmont Scottsdale and Scottsdale Healthcare, are partnering to bring world-class retirement living to Arizona.
Adjacent to the five-diamond Fairmont Scottsdale and moments from Scottsdale Healthcare Thompson Peak, Maravilla’s prime location is what makes this unique partnership so perfect. Now, future residents can enjoy an expanded menu of lavish amenities and services including preferred tee times at the TPC Scottsdale, tennis at the Fairmont tennis club, special rates at the Fairmont’s award-winning restaurants and
RESORT
comprehensive on-site health and well-being services provided by Scottsdale’s premier name in healthcare. Retirement living at Maravilla Scottsdale just got even more irresistible. To learn more about this exceptional new community and its alliance partners, we invite you to visit the Sales and Information Center or call 480.538.5600. Coming 2011. Now accepting priority reservations.
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17
North Valley APRIL | MAY 2009
APRIL | MAY 2009 North Valley
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North Valley APRIL | MAY 2009
Frankie Muniz
+ Feature Cover
}
No Longer Middle }
Malcolm’s Frankie Muniz in the Driver’s Seat By Cassaundra Brooks
Photos by Eric Fairchild
ine th
APRIL | MAY 2009 North Valley
19
Frankie Muniz
+ Feature Cover
You likely know him as Frankie Muniz, actor. However, the young talent who opened his beautiful home to us for an
afternoon is also Frankie Muniz, racecar driver—a title he has been working tirelessly for over three years to make stick. Though the Malcolm in the Middle and Agent Cody Banks star has not completely abandoned the art of acting, he has shelved it in favor of his new love, and his obvious talent for racing has sped into the foreground at full throttle. After a successful seven-year run as TV’s memorable Malcolm, Muniz took to the cockpit of an open-wheel racecar for Formula BMW USA in 2006 before advancing to Champ Car Atlantics, which has now merged with the Indy Racing League (IRL) to form the Atlantic Championships—short for the “Cooper Tires Presents the Atlantic Championship Powered by Mazda” series—which Muniz refers to as “the minor leagues” of racing. It’s Muniz’s fourth year of professional racing, and the young driver is excited about the new series, his new team, and racing alongside professional partner Swiss driver Simona De Silvestro, to whom Muniz refers as “one of the top drivers ever.” This year, he’ll hurtle down the track in lucky number 77, maintaining his sharp focus as he continues his quest for one day leading the pack, always learning as he goes. North Valley Magazine: Your racing career more or less began with the Toyota Pro Celebrity Race, which you won in 2005. What was your journey from this race to racing professionally? Frankie Muniz: Well, after I won the pro celebrity race, I was so hooked on racing. I think every young guy’s dream job is to be a professional racecar driver, you know? I thought, what’s the next step, or how do I make it to where I can do this all the time? A friend of mine was buying into a NASCAR team and was wondering if I wanted to be part of owning [it]. So, I went in and I was meeting with him about it, and he actually in the first meeting was like, “I have a friend who owns a Formula BMW Atlantic team with Jensen Motor Sports and I’m pretty sure I can get you a test in a practice session.” I flew down to Houston and drove the racecar for four days, and he ended up signing me for a two-year deal to race Formula BMWs in 2006 and then Atlantics in 2007. Here I am now, four years later, racing for Team Stargate Worlds, which is gonna be definitely one of the top teams in the series—now it’s my job, and I’m making a living doing it. NVM: You also took up racing after a successful turn in acting. You’ve obviously proven your racing worth on the track, but do you hear things like, “Oh, you’re just another actor trying to be something else?” FM: That was definitely the reaction I got in the beginning: “Uh oh, he’s gonna hurt himself,” or, “He’ll do it for a year and then it’ll be over.” But once I started beating people, slowly I started building more and more respect from the other drivers. [Sometimes] people will say, “Why are you racing? You haven’t done well.” But I’ve done really well if you knew what I was doing. But people just don’t fully understand it. So, people in the racing world for sure know that I’m for real and know that I can keep coming, and eventually—maybe even this year—win races. That’s in a sense why I would want to go the path of the IRL. You know Danica Patrick, you know Helio Castroneves—I want people to 20
North Valley APRIL | MAY 2009
see me racing up there in the Indy 500 and be like, “Oh my God, like woah, that Malcolm kid actually can drive!” NVM: Do you feel your background in acting has helped you in your racing, by way of discipline, focus, or other learned skills? FM: Yeah—racing is a very professional sport. You have to be professional all the time and you have to be very focused all the time, so having worked in a professional business since I was 8 years old, I’m used to being around people and meeting sponsors and meeting fans and all [that] kind of stuff. There’s really no similarity as far as the actual work, (laughs) but definitely, there are things you can take from the acting world; and also the fact that people do know me from the TV show’s helped me bring a fan base to the racing world, which helps with sponsors. This year, I’m signed to Team Stargate Worlds, which has a video game coming out this summer based off the Stargate MGM movie and the Stargate SG1 TV show. I’m [also] now the Brand Ambassador for Cheyenne Mountain [Games] and Stargate Worlds. NVM: How often and in what ways do you train for racing open-wheel cars? FM: I’m in the racecar only six days in the off-season. They have a limit of the amount of days you can drive the car, because it costs so much. But the best way is to go karting, because physically, it’s the only way to really use the muscles—and your brain. I’m at the gym every day. I train with a trainer three times a week. And then, I’ve been training with my doctor. He’s doing all these stress tests and all this stuff. Having your heart rate at 160 [bps] to 180 [bps] for one hour isn’t really healthy unless you’re in really good shape. That’s literally a racecar driver’s life outside of the car—training. [Also], I broke my foot. I actually get the MRI results today. I waited seven weeks to get it checked, but now that I have a week before I’m in a racecar, I figured, hey, maybe I should go now that I can’t do anything about it! (laughs) NVM: Explain to us the difference between road courses, street courses, and oval courses, and which, if any, you prefer. FM: Road courses are permanent road-racing courses—two- to threemile tracks built in the middle of nowhere. A street track is literally like the downtown streets of Long Beach and Toronto. It’s a little bit slower and the cars don’t go as fast, but I think they’re a lot more fun for the fan because there’s a lot more that can go on. I actually prefer street courses the most, although the road courses are fun because they’re a lot faster. You can get to 175 mph and to pull 4 Gs in a corner is a crazy-cool feeling. I don’t do the ovals yet. That’s what the IRL does, or the NASCAR, for example. I don’t do those right now, mostly because I’m not sure that
Photography by Eric Fairchild
APRIL | MAY 2009 North Valley
21
Frankie Muniz
+ Feature Cover
that’s the career path I want to go. My dream was to race Champ Car, which races on just road courses and street courses. Now they’ve merged with the IRL. An oval is very dangerous because its speeds are so much higher. The average speed at Indianapolis, for example, is 220 mph, so when you’re going 220 into an oval and you lose control, you hit the wall at 220. Not only that—then you bounce off the wall and come back down where everyone else is going 220 and they hit you. I don’t really have a fear of dying or getting hurt—but my girlfriend does. (laughs)
’m in the & Iracecar only
six days in the off-season. They have a limit of the amount of days you can drive the car, because it costs so much. But the best way is to go karting, because physically, it’s the only way to really use the muscles— and your brain.
NVM: Your goal last year was to break top ten in overall points, and you landed in a very respectable eleventh place. What are your goals for 2009? FM: Well, my goals actually at the beginning of last year were to finish in the top half of the field. Then during the season, I started having decent success. I said, “Okay, my goal is tenth.” And I was in tenth until the last race, and I missed it by one point. Still, I think I exceeded a lot of people’s expectations for only my third year as a racecar driver. I’m racing against people who have been racing since they were 5 years old, so they have tons of racing experience. I think I proved that I belong in racing at that level. So, my goal this year is to finish fifth in the championship. If I do better, great! My new engineer Gerald Tyler is one of the best engineers ever in Atlantic history, so the car should be really good.
NVM: What is your long-term goal for racing, or are you simply taking it a day at a time? Do you hope to one day race in the Indy 500? FM: It’s definitely something that goes year to year, because there’s no more Champ Car. I really like the American Le Mans Series (ALMS), but then I also want to drive in the Indy 500. I want to be one of the people who get to do that. I think I have a real shot at being able to do it next year. NVM: If Elycia will let you race at 220 mph. FM: Yeah, exactly! (laughs) But it also has so much to do with the sponsor. Because unfortunately, with where the economy is and what racing has sadly become, 95 percent of the time the drivers that are in the race are there because they dropped a ton of money. It used to be where a driver was getting paid and the team would go and find the sponsors. But now, it’s kind of switched around to where the driver has the responsibility to go and find the money to be able to ride. Fortunately, with Team Stargate Worlds, they’re looking to run for a bunch of years, move up the ladder. It also kind of depends on my results this year, so I’m really going to have to do well in order to get to the next level. NVM: What, for you, is the best part of racing? FM: I just like that, depending on how much effort and time and focus I put into it, you’ll see the difference in the results. And with the team 22
North Valley APRIL | MAY 2009
working together, you see the results based on how hard or how well you perform. As an actor, it’s unfortunately become [that] how big a celebrity you are [indicates] how far you’ll make it, or how much money you’ll make, or if you’re respected. It’s so sad. It’s not about the work anymore. It’s annoying to me as an actor who actually wanted to do good work, and I’d like to be known for the work I did, not some scandal. But with the racing—if I’m not performing, people aren’t going to care. If I’m not up in the front, people are going to forget that I’m even there. And the people who everyone knows and likes make the most money, do well, [and] are the people who are winning.
NVM: You once owned the Volkswagen Jetta driven by Jessie in the movie The Fast and the Furious. What is your ultimate dream car that you own or would like to one day own? FM: Well, the Jetta is sitting in the garage right there. It’s one of the few cars I kept when I moved here. Right now, I have the Jetta, which I don’t drive at all; I have the Smart car, which is my everyday car; and I have an E63 Mercedes. But I don’t have anything supercool like a sports car. For a racecar driver, I should be driving something really fun, but there’s not even really any car that you could say is my dream car. Anything that I looked at I either don’t want to drive because I don’t want to be “the guy who’s driving that car” or it isn’t fast enough. NVM: With Malcolm in the Middle wrapped up and a few more grown-up roles under your acting belt, what do you hope to get out of acting in the future? FM: I don’t know. I just want to be respected as an actor, which is a tough thing to do. You know, Malcolm was, I think, an amazing show— won tons of awards, critically acclaimed. So I’d like to be remembered as being on a great, great TV show that people loved and an actor that people enjoy watching. But I don’t know what the future has in store for me as an actor. I did an episode of Criminal Minds that aired last year, and that was one of the first things as an actor I felt amazing about. It was the first thing that was kind of different for me, too. I played a murderer. So, I’d like to continue, if I do act again, [to do] roles like that, that really make me feel good. Unfortunately, with the acting world, it’s not like I can be, well, this is what I’m going to do for the rest of my career and this is how it’s going to play out, because it really just depends on who wants you when and for what. It’s kind of a luck thing as well, to tell you the truth. So it’s hard for me to say where I’ll be, especially because my focus is racing. When I look ten years into the future, I still see myself in a racecar or at least owning a race team and that being my world, my life. I love it more than anything. I love getting to travel around the world doing it. It feels good when you have a good result when you do well. I don’t think there’s any role that could come to me or any amount of money that could persuade me to get out of the racecar right now.
Photograph by Steve Happel
APRIL | MAY 2009 North Valley
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Frankie Muniz
+ Feature Cover 24
North Valley APRIL | MAY 2009
NVM: You race all around America and some in Canada, but open-wheel racing is big in Europe. Where has your racing taken you internationally, and do you have a favorite? FM: I did a six-hour endurance karting race in Monaco in November. Me and Simona—my teammate for this year—we finished third of forty-eight teams, which was really cool. We had a really good time in Monaco. I love Australia—Sydney is probably one of my favorite places in the whole world. But I love racing in the U.S. as well, so, right now I’m staying here. NVM: We hear you’re a big Clippers fan. What are some of your other interests? FM: I love playing golf, which is great here. Golf, and racing, and basketball. We’re huge Cardinals fans. I’ve always somehow been a fan of really bad teams so I was happy to actually be able to cheer and make it far with a team. NVM: What inspired the move to Arizona, and what are some of your favorite things about living in the Valley of the Sun? FM: It’s funny, because basically for the past five years I’ve been saying I wanted to get out of LA. But I just didn’t know where I wanted to be. You know, I tried buying apartments in New York and I’d be in escrow and be like, ah, I don’t want to live in New York. My family’s in New Jersey, but [I] really wouldn’t want to move back to New Jersey. And then I met Elycia at the gym. We were living together in LA. We were getting stuff done in the house that I had there, trying to get it perfect, and we were spending all this money on it. And finally I looked at her—we were literally putting our credit card down for [a] barbecue—and I was like, “Would you ever want to move to Scottsdale?” Because she actually grew up here, and her family’s here. And she’s like, “Yeah!” Literally the next day we drove out here, found this house, bought it eight days later and moved in three weeks later—and haven’t been back since. I literally say that it saved my life, moving here. Because I feel so much better. In LA, I kind of just went where I needed to be, and everything was a hassle—you know with the traffic and always surrounded by a billion people. Where here, it’s so much more relaxed. Anything you can do in LA, minus the beach, which I didn’t do in the ten years that I lived there, you have here, and it’s nicer and better. Amazing restaurants. Amazing everything. NVM: You’ve turned your recently uncovered talent for racing into something great. What advice do you have for people pursuing their dreams? FM: Just to never give up. Of course, it’s so cliché to say, but realistically, especially in the acting world, there are millions of people who would love to be an actor. You have to really go out and push and try and work at it. You know, I say when I’m done racing, I’m either going to own a team [or]—my new thing is—I’m going to join the PGA Tour. So I’ve been golfing a lot. Or, I’m going to join a band and be a drummer. So that’s kind of where I’m at right now. (laughs) Elycia: He’s dead serious. FM: (grinning) That’s where I’m at. That’s where I’m at. There are eleven more races in the 2009 season, beginning in May. For schedule information and more, soon to include live video, visit frankiemunizracing.com or atlanticchampionship.com. APRIL | MAY 2009 North Valley
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people
& >
places
{
Celebrity Casino Night CASA of Arizona, The Wrigley Mansion, 2501 E. Telewa Trail, Phoenix Photography by Eric Fairchild
} CASA of Arizona is an organization dedicated to raising awareness and funds for the prevention and reduced impact of abuse and violence, particularly among women and children. The organization put on a casino-inspired fund-raising event filled with fun-based gambling, a silent auction, dancing, and tasty appetizers. casacares.org
26
North Valley APRIL | MAY 2009
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North Valley APRIL | MAY 2009
Eco-Friendly Design:
What It Means to Be Green
[By Diane Maier]
Ecofriendly interior design is not only good for the environment but is also good for you and your family. It’s all about designing, lighting, and decorating your home in ways that are friendly to the environment and nontoxic to people. Air quality is very important to green design. If someone in your family suffers from allergies or headaches, your home may not be as healthy as you think. You can reduce your potential exposure to gases, dust, and other pollutants by emphasizing a green interior design approach. So, what does it really mean to be green? Using low-VOC (volatile organic compound) products is an important first step. VOCs are gaseous chemicals from paint, carpeting, and furniture. These chemicals play a big part in indoor air pollution. Most traditional paints are heavy in VOCs. Look for nontoxic, natural paints or paints with a low VOC classification. Fabrics made of natural fibers that are renewable and biodegradable are greener
alternatives to synthetic materials when it comes to custom bedding, decorative pillows, upholstery, and draperies. Good choices include silk, wool, linen, and cotton without synthetic dyes. Furnishings made from reclaimed materials add interest and preserve resources. Reclaimed wood from historic buildings and bridges is being used by furniture manufacturers to create new treasures for your home.
Interior design is intuitive in many ways. Follow your instincts. Choose what looks good and makes you feel good.
Do You Have? Your choice of flooring will also have a big impact on the healthiness of your home. Wall-to-wall carpeting traps dust and allergens and can be high in VOC emissions. Wood floors in ecofriendly materials such as bamboo, which is actually a grass but is installed by wood flooring contractors, are beautiful and easy to care for. Reclaimed wood and cork are also good options. Use all-natural area rugs made from wool, hemp, or organic cotton to add color, softness, and warmth. Area rugs are also easier to clean than wall-to-wall carpeting. Consider concrete flooring. Concrete is an easy-to-maintain sustainable material that supports a healthy interior environment. Concrete floors can be finished in a variety of decorative treatments that add character and depth to a space. They can also be stained and finished to look like wood planks. Decorating with plants livens up your interior space and keeps indoor air clean at the same time. Incorporating natural elements into your home dĂŠcor is key to creating a beautiful, healthy space. Add natural touches to your dĂŠcor with interesting rocks or stones and fresh flowers. You can also find a number of ecofriendly
decorative objects. Candles are a good example: Soy candles with cotton wicks are made with all-natural materials and burn cleaner than their metalwicked antecedents. The clean-burning Low Country Luxe line of 100 percent soy botanical candles is an Oprah. com favorite. The manufacturer donates a percentage of its sales to benefit charities and environmental causes. Interior design is intuitive in many ways. Follow your instincts. Choose what looks good and makes you feel good. And remember, you can have rich, abundant style and still be ecofriendly. Green does not have to be lean!
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Local Profile
Utility Executive Martin Schultz: Civically Engaging [ B y B rian S o d o ma ]
On the surface, he’s a longtime name associated with the workings of a large Arizona utility. But to his community, Martin Shultz is an agent for change. Shultz, who recently accepted Valley Leadership’s 2008 Man of the Year honor, arrived in Phoenix from Cleveland in 1953, when the city wasn’t even a one-basketball town yet. As a thirty-year veteran of Arizona Public Service (APS) and now vice president of government affairs for Pinnacle West Capital Corp., whose wholly-owned subsidiaries include APS, Shultz’s extensive experience in
public affairs and government relations has transferred well to his civic contributions. In total, he has been or is currently involved in more than sixty professional and civic organizations. Currently, Shultz, 64, is a commissioner of the National Surface Transportation Infrastructure Financing Commission, a group charged with analyzing future highway and transit needs as well as the Highway Trust Fund. He is also chairman of the Arizona Governor’s Transportation Vision 21 Task Force, a member of the Arizona School
District Redistricting Commission, and a past member of Arizona Business Leaders for Education and the Phoenix Commission on Excellence in Education. In 1984, Schultz helped form the Phoenix Community Alliance, whose focus is on facilitating downtown redevelopment efforts, and recently took over the chair position of the organization after longtime chair Jerry Colangelo stepped down last year. Schultz took over the chair position of the Phoenix Community Association when Jerry Colangelo stepped down after serving many years. Schultz had helped form the organization in 1984. “We actually knew we had to organize our community leaders and work as a partner with government to do a better job of determining what we really wanted to be,” Shultz says. “So we went to cities like Boston, Milwaukee, and Denver, which were all doing exceptional development at that time, and we took a page out of their books and created the PCA.” Through his many years on the board of the organization, Shultz has helped usher in downtown’s transformation. For those who have lived in the city since the 1980s, they recognize the changes that have occurred: light rail, Copper Square, and major league sports stadiums, to name just a few. Shultz’s civic involvement has garnered other awards. Some of them include the Distinguished Achievement Award from the League of Cities and Towns for his work on Proposition 104, the Tree of Life Award from the Jewish National Fund, and the ASU College of Architecture and Environmental Design’s Distinguished Achievement Award for his decades of involvement in downtown Phoenix development. “It’s just the way I want to use my energy in life,” he says of the many community hats he wears. “I feel communities don’t move forward unless people are willing to assume leadership. It isn’t just sitting on the sidelines pontificating.” I enjoy the game and I’m active in it.” Shultz will likely eye retirement soon and says that his civic focus would still continue to center on transportation, education, and the PCA. “I don’t see myself, in the near term, slowing down,” he says. “I still see it as a personal commitment. Nobody’s telling me to do this. It’s not something where my job is dependent on it.” APRIL | MAY 2009 North Valley
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Giving Back
Someone toWatch Over Them: Hacienda HealthCare Has Its Own Team of Angels [ B y L e e N e lson ]
He laughs. He plays. Bryson acts like any 5-year-old boy with energy and a magnetic smile. But this little boy will always require 24-hour medical care because of a birth disease called lymphangioma cystic hygroma. At 3 months old, Bryson came to Hacienda HealthCare suffering from this genetic disease. Cysts continue to grow on his soft tissue, usually around the neck or face. These often compress Bryson’s airway, so a tracheotomy has helped him to breathe. He has already undergone a series of surgeries and will need many more to control the disease. Bryson is just one of the many infants, children, and young adults for whom the staff at Hacienda cares. Children like Bryson need a lot of extra care, equipment, and attention. The Children’s Angel Foundation allows Hacienda to deliver excellent service for a better quality of life to those young people in need of a little something extra. 32
North Valley APRIL | MAY 2009
The foundation is the fund-raising and public-awareness arm of the nonprofit Hacienda HealthCare, Arizona’s leading provider of specialized health care and social services for infants through young adults. More than 2,000 individuals are helped by Hacienda’s services and programs each year, which include 24-hour nursing, therapy programs, educational services, and social and dietary assistance. Hacienda Intermediate Care Facility for the Mentally Retarded, founded in 1967, is the state’s leading provider of long- and short-term care for the medically fragile and developmentally disabled children. The Hacienda Skilled Nursing Facility caters to skilled nursing services for young people. Other programs include Los Niños Children’s Hospital, five group homes, and a day-treatment center. Hacienda is also opening a supervised group home for autistic young men. They
More than 2,000 individuals are helped by Hacienda’s services and programs each year, which include 24-hour nursing, therapy programs, educational services, and social and dietary assistance. will go through vocational training and work at paying jobs at one of the Hacienda sites. There are a number of ways to get involved in helping Hacienda patients. Volunteers come at all times to rock babies and cuddle the children. Some read to the children or just sit and talk with them. The Thrift & Boutique Shop is always in need of people to donate items, volunteer, or shop. Others may consider making a cash gift or a gift of life insurance, stocks, or a legacy donation through a will. The Children’s Angel Foundation also holds two annual fund-raising events, like the upcoming fifteenth annual
Nights of Angels on May 1 at the Arizona Broadway Theatre. The foundation also sponsors the Angels on the Greens Celebrity Golf Tournament. Donations to the foundation go toward purchasing specialized equipment and personalized items not covered by insurance. Past funds have gone toward obtaining toys, games, and clothes for patients; paying for excursions for patients of low-income families; and buying capital items, such as vans, for the facilities. Little 17-month-old Mashayla will always eat through a tube in her stomach. She is unable to communicate—the results of encephalopathy due to meningitis, a condition that causes a lack of oxygen delivered to the brain. But she smiles when you hug her. Getting involved with this nonprofit could give many other children something to smile about.
Photography by Brenda Warner
Visit haciendahealthcare.org or childrensangel foundation.org for more information.
APRIL | MAY 2009 North Valley
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AZ Fun Facts
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602-867-8644 www.cvcheart.com 34
North Valley APRIL | MAY 2009
Tombstone’s Bird Cage Theater
[ B y M a r shall T r imble , A r i z o n a S tate H isto r ia n ]
Western mining towns were popular with traveling acting troupes because, despite the uncultured nature of the patrons, money flowed freely and the citizens were desperate for entertainment of any kind. The towns took a great deal of civic pride in being able to attract well-known actors to their community. Shakespearean plays were always popular, even though most weren’t sophisticated enough to understand the dialogue. Tombstone’s fabulous Bird Cage Theater opened on December 23, 1881 to a raucous crowd of territorial Arizonans. Dusty cowboys, day-labor miners, drifters, droolers, reprobates, and local nabobs filled the smoky room of Arizona’s newest boomtown. The stage was filled with winking showgirls showing lots of leg. Gas-fired jets bathed the stage in light. One night during the play Uncle Tom’s Cabin, a drunken cowboy got caught up in the drama when Simon Legree’s dogs were pursuing Eliza across the river. He stood up, drew his pistol, and shot one of the dogs. The angry crowd pounced on him and held
him down until the marshal could cart him off to jail. The next day the sober, repentant cowboy apologized for his bad behavior and offered his horse as recompense for the dog. Lucky for him it was a real dog and not an actor in a dog costume. Another popular act was Mrs. DeGranville, the Lady with the Iron Jaw. She could pick up money thrown up on the stage and stuff it in her stockings without missing a step. An act known as the Human Fly was performed with daredevil women defying gravity by walking upside down on the ceiling. The act played the Bird Cage in 1889,
as big as your fist, sending the hair and apple splattering against the opposite wall of the then-tiny stage. It’s not surprising that acting troupes viewed their performances in towns like Tombstone with trepidation. A visiting stock company was stranded in Tombstone when it ran out of money. While the group was on stage one night, the sheriff legally attached the performers’ trunks for their unpaid board bill. The unfortunate girls had to go about the town for several days with nothing but their tights to cover
ending suddenly when the clamps on one woman’s shoes slipped from holes that had been bored into the ceiling to suspend her above the stage and she fell to her death. Pat Holland, town coroner, was standing in the wings one evening as a sharpshooter prepared to shoot an apple off the head of his beautiful assistant. Pat thought the shooter was taking too much time, so he grabbed what he thought was a shotgun loaded with paper wadding. He didn’t know that a stagehand had taken the gun out rabbit hunting that afternoon and had not removed the shell. Pat aimed and shot the apple all to pieces, along with a wad of hair
them before sympathetic locals took pity and provided them with a change of clothes. In 1886, Joe Bignon and his wife, Maulda Branscomb, took over the theater. He billed her as Big Minnie—she stood over six-feet-tall and weighed 230 pounds. Big Minnie boasted she was loveliness in pink tights. She was no mere dainty either, as she was also the bouncer for the theater. One night, a rowdy pulled his pistol and fired a shot into the ceiling. Big Minnie wrapped her muscular arms around him and lifted him overhead, walked out to the sidewalk, and threw him halfway across Allen Street. An enduring story tells of an evening when a female performer in a melodrama became ill and a popular local prostitute was asked to fill in. All she had to do was walk onstage, be shot by her lover, and collapse on the floor. She performed it well and, as her lover stood over her in deep remorse, he said, “Oh what have I done? What have I done?” “I’ll tell you what you done,” said a voice from the audience. “You done killed the best whore in Tombstone.”
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APRIL | MAY 2009 North Valley
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Charity Spotlight
Someone’s Listening [ B y K evin M adness ]
Deep within cities or in distant reaches of the wilderness, there is unvoiced agony from vulnerable individuals—children neglected, abused, and orphaned; and wild animals starving, displaced, and poached. Although their cries may be unheard, someone out there is listening. For Those Without a Voice (FTWAV) is a Valley-based nonprofit organization that provides immediate assistance for children and wildlife in perilous situations. By fundraising year-round, they are prepared to respond swiftly and effectively to end suffering. When the organization is alerted to children or animals in need, funds and strategies are provided to specified charities or programs, allowing those entities to take direct action and alleviate the problem. FTWAV’s mission is unique in its dual focus on children and wildlife, but it makes sense when seen in the broader sense of helping those who are innocent and defenseless. “We focus on animals and children because they do not always have a representative voice,” says Petrice “T.C.” Schuttler, founder of FTWAV. “We wanted to give a proper voice to children and animals that are unable to speak of their difficult plights.” Before founding FTWAV in 2003, Schuttler was involved in other causes like preserving elephant populations and fighting poaching and water relocation in Africa. 36
North Valley APRIL | MAY 2009
However, she felt that her efforts lacked focus, and so decided to implement them where she lives. Though it has only a small staff of family and close friends, FTWAV is gaining a great deal of recognition and awareness. “The word is quickly spreading about FTWAV through the Valley,” says Shari Miller, the foundation’s community relations specialist. “People call us all the time: it’s our friends, it’s our families, it’s everybody calling, saying, ‘Hey, I heard about this situation. Can you provide 25 meals for homeless children? They are living in the bottom of a river and they need help.’” Animal advocacy is essential in central Arizona; the area boasts a unique mix of mountain lions, black bears, coyotes, javelinas, and bobcats that is not found in much of the country. Threatened by urban expansion
and habitat loss, these animals need a little support from their two-legged neighbors just to subsist. When a mother bear unexpectedly died a few years ago, her ten cubs were left alone and defenseless in the wild. Though the Southwest Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Foundation rescued the cubs, they were still left without a proper habitat. When notified of the orphaned cubs, FTWAV helped raise enough money to fund the construction of a large enclosure. “We rely upon [FTWAV],” says Loriann Busse, education administrator for Southwest Wildlife. “They have been invaluable in getting the word out about who we are, what we do and, most importantly, helping us out with our fund-raising.” The rehabilitation was a success. The cubs were integrated with nonreleasable female bears in order to be raised without human imprinting and were released last fall. FTWAV’s outreach to children is equally touching. When a 9-year-old boy with brain cancer and a dream of meeting his favorite baseball team, the New York Yankees, was placed on a waiting list by a wish-granting foundation, FTWAV stepped in to make his wish come true. They flew him from California to Phoenix to see the Yankees play the Arizona Diamondbacks. The young fan was invited into the dugout where superstars like Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, and Jason Giambi spent time with him and showered him with autographs and memorabilia. “The boy was bald from chemotherapy, and Joe Torre took off his own baseball cap and gave it to the young man to cover his head,” says Schuttler, who accompanied him. “The boy looked up to me and said, ‘I’m the luckiest boy in the whole world.’” The network of organizations affiliated with FTWAV has gradually broadened over the years. Raising and allocating funds for specialized charities has expanded the organization’s reach and impact in the community and helped them serve their purpose of improving the health and welfare of endangered lives in Arizona. While there will always be unprotected individuals downtrodden by the dominating forces of society, there is a great assurance in knowing that there are people out there working hard to give them voice. Visit ftwav.org to learn more about For Those Without a Voice.
Music
An Arizona Idol Making His Mark [ B y K evin M adness ]
David Hernandez began his singing career at the age of 6, running around his mom’s apartment imitating the classic R&B voices blasting from the box: Stevie Wonder, Luther Vandross, Gerald Levert. The music made a strong impression on Hernandez and helped shape the voice that eventually would be heard by millions of Americans. We know David Hernandez from his successful run on American Idol’s season seven, where he wowed the judges and TV audience with his soulful rendition of “Papa Was a Rolling Stone” and landed a coveted spot in the Top 12. The Valley native’s Idol experience may be over, but the whirlwind life it created for him is not. Hernandez’s post-Idol adventures have included performing with other Idol alums during a 21-city tour, an appearance on Ellen, and opening for John Legend at the recent presidential inauguration. He can sometimes be found headlining a live band at Barcelona in Scottsdale, but he also relishes opportunities to travel overseas to sing. When he isn’t singing, he enjoys dabbling in acting. “This has really been the ride of a lifetime,” Hernandez says. “My only wish is to be able to enjoy the moments more. It’s always the journey that’s the most remarkable part.” Hernandez’s incredible ride has taken him to Los Angeles, the nexus of the entertainment industry, where he is adjusting nicely to
LA life and is poised to release his first album. First order of duty: get signed. “Most people don’t understand, but getting signed is not easy,” Hernandez says. “There are a million and one people trying to get signed right now. It takes time. Things are gradually moving in a great direction right now, though.” While Hernandez’s unwavering voice and smooth personal style alone might be enough to bag a record contract, he can also write his own songs, and entertains the dream of someday writing for other artists as well. “I have a couple of grit and grimy songs I recently recorded—more mainstream,” Hernandez says. “It really just depends on where I am at in my life, [but] at the end of the day, my R&B roots always shine through.” Capturing inspiration in verse is elemental in songwriting. For Hernandez, that inspiration largely comes from his childhood and the influence of growing up with a divorced single mother. Hernandez feels that he can turn any hardship or struggle into lyrical inspiration and, in turn, pass that inspiration on through song. “When people say, ‘David, your voice touched me’ or ‘your song moved me,’ that’s where I get excited about what I do,” Hernandez says. “To know that music can move mountains the way it does just blows my mind.” And if performing can be a metaphor for life, Hernandez offers some heavy counsel. “Trust yourself. Follow through. The audience can spot a fraud from a mile away, so just be you.”
EACH HOME, A HANDCRAFTED WORK OF ART 8DCI68I DJG H6A:H I:6B/
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Ask the Techno
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North Valley APRIL | MAY 2009
Ask the Techno [ B y J o n K e n to n ]
Q
I have been reading your column for a long time, and it’s always very useful and informative. My question for you is what to do when I have a realtime problem with my computer. It could be something simple like not printing or a major problem (e.g., not working at all). Where would you suggest I go for help with these types of issues?
A
Thanks for asking this question. It’s probably the most frequent one I am asked in person. You do have a number of options. Let’s first cover major problems, which are usually hardware- or operating system-related. Common examples are frequent crashes and hard drive or memory issues. First, you should consider how old your system is and whether it may still be under warranty or covered by a maintenance contract. If it is, this should be your first line of defense. More commonly, systems start to exhibit issues when these have run out! You now have a couple of alternatives. Most big-box electronics stores have computerrepair services. These guys are usually okay, but their expertise can be variable, with prices on the high end. Your other option, which would be my recommendation, is to locate a local specialist computer-support company. These companies employ trained technicians who stay abreast of all the latest issues and technologies—it’s their job. There are various companies here in the Valley, but one I have used and found to be very reliable is Computer Troubleshooters in Scottsdale. Check them out at ctscottsdale.com. What about all those annoying problems that just seem to happen all the time? Something won’t print the way you want to, or your digital photos won’t download! Many people “phone a friend,” search the Internet, or try to find help on manufacturers’ Web sites, but these options often don’t get things resolved. If you are the type of person who could really use friendly advice and help at a moment’s notice, then check out My Computer Works
at mycomputerworks.com. They offer a variety of services for a monthly or annual fee. The best bit is that they are always there to help, and there is no such thing as a “stupid question.� Once you have signed up, you can call as often as you like. If you call them, mention “Ask the Technofile� for an introductory discount.
Q A
We just got a new TV and I’m confused by all the video connections. Which ones are best?
There are six primary connection types found on most TVs. Here is a brief description in ascending quality. Coaxial/RF This is the most basic connection, typically used to connect to an antenna or cable outlet. Composite This is the “yellow� connector, which is found on virtually every TV, VCR, or cable box.
S-Video For a long time (preHD), S-Video was the best quality option. This connector is typically black, and if you look inside, it will have four small pins. Component This is the highest form of “analog� connection. Cables have three plugs—green, blue, and red—labeled Y, Pb, and Pr respectively, just to confuse you, so follow the colors. This is the minimum required for an HDTV connection. DVI The Digital Video Interface connector looks similar to one that might connect your computer monitor. This has largely been replaced by HDMI. HDMI This is currently the highest-quality connection type. HDMI can also carry audio at the same time. You will find at least one of these on most HD capable devices. Often, TVs don’t have more than one, so you may need to use the other connections to add all your video sources.
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APRIL | MAY 2009 North Valley
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Double Feature: Starring
Two Local Festival Filmmakers [ B y K evin M adness ]
Like a wide-angle lens, the geographical scope of the Phoenix Film Festival is broad. Actors, producers, and directors from all over the United States and beyond are coming to the Valley this April to showcase their work. In the spirit of community pride, we’d like to introduce you to two of the best from our own neighborhood. JOEL CRANSON
Joel Cranson cleaned up at this year’s IFP Beat-the-Clock Challenge, winning first prizes in the 48-, 36-, and 24-hour categories of the accelerated filmmaking competition. The actor/director’s impressive “three-peat” qualified his shorts Appetite for Justice, The Guilty, and Following Suit for the festival. Cranson, 28, is an experienced actor, coming up in Mesa Community College’s Theatre Outback and later receiving a BA in theater from Grand Canyon University. He has also acted in a slew of independent movies, including Brian Loves You, which featured iconic-barfly George Wendt. Considering his recent successes in competition, Cranson may be most potent as a director. It’s with a director’s perspective that Cranson views Arizona. “If you really think about it, the entire state is like a large film studio,” says the Tempe resident. “You can go from one end of the state and have dry desert to the other end, which can be covered with snow. The Phoenix area is also covered with great architecture and unique backgrounds. I never worry about where I’m going to shoot something because I always end up discovering something perfect.” 40
North Valley APRIL | MAY 2009
Cranson’s most intriguing festival offering is Probed, an alien encounter story tailored in the spirit of the X-Files. The short film tells the story of Carter Fox, a UFO-obsessed high school slouch, who brings his biology tutor to investigate strange lights hovering over downtown Phoenix. With four short films featured in this year’s festival, Joel Cranson will be a busy man, but it won’t be hard to spot him and his crew, as they will all be wearing shirts that say “Got Probed?” PAUL DENIGRIS
To Paul DeNigris, the appeal of a festival is the opportunity to show your film to a packed house of movie lovers, to reach out to them, to see how they react. “Oh, and the possibility of winning an award is always nice, too!” he quips. It wouldn’t be the first time. Two years ago, DeNigris came home from the Phoenix Film Festival with the Arizona Filmmaker of the Year award. He was involved
with five films being screened, including two that he directed: The Long Shot and Stabbing Stupidity. “Winning that award was a career high point not soon to be surpassed,” says DeNigris. While promoting his critically acclaimed feature, The Falls in 2004, DeNigris attended festivals in Los Angeles and New York, but maintains there is something special about Phoenix. “It truly is a filmmaker’s film festival,” he says. “I look forward to the Film Festival every year, whether I have a film in it or not. But when I do have a film being shown, the experience is that much sweeter because no film festival I have ever been to shows as much support, respect, and care for its filmmakers as Phoenix does.” When he’s not on the set, DeNigris is a Professor of Digital Video at the University of Advancing Technology in Tempe. He is considered to have pioneered the school’s thriving film program. DeNigris’s anticipated contribution this year is Cowboy Dreams, a comedy Western about a reformed gunslinger haunted by nightmares of his past transgressions. The short film stars comedian Bill Engvall and omnipresent tough guy Danny Trejo. Working with famous actors was a dream come true for DeNigris. “Even though both men have worked on multimillion dollar projects with huge, experienced crews, Bill and Danny both had high praise for the professionalism and skill of our crew—all the more meaningful to me because a significant portion of our crew that day were my UAT students and alumni,” he says. Check out these great films and more at the Phoenix Film Festival, which runs April 2–9 at the Harkins Theater at Scottsdale Road and Loop 101. Visit phoenixfilmfestival.org for schedule information, tickets, featured films, awards, educational seminars, events, and more.
Photo of Paul DeNigris by TJ Dziedzinski, Cowboy Dreams poster designed by Brande Crandall Photography and poster design by Webb Pickersgill
Art & Culture
people
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places
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Dwight Howard Doublemint Gum and NBA Cares Team to Help Prevent Child Abuse America NBA All-Star 2009, Phoenix Convention Center Photography by Eric Fairchild
Orlando Magic’s Dwight Howard, the leading All-Star votegetter, hosted the media-only 2009 Doublemint Double-Double Challenge. Howard shot hoops with local youth and gathered dunk tips from them, and gave exclusive interviews to media personnel.
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NBA JAM Session NBA All-Star 2009, Phoenix Convention Center Photography by Eric Fairchild
As the 2009 NBA All-Star Game approached, the Phoenix Convention Center became home to a bundle of fun activities that afforded the public an opportunity to mix with their favorite NBA superstars and shoot a few hoops themselves. Kids’ activities, a hall of fame, and center court recreation were just a few of the prominent events.
APRIL | MAY 2009 North Valley
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Highlight
When Shopping Plain Wears You Out…
➜
B y C a s s au n d r a B ro o k s
You already knew you could shop, dine, socialize, catch the latest flicks, and satisfy your sweet tooth at The Shops at Norterra. Now, add pampering to the list. The newly opened Norterra Salon & Spa features tempting treatments like the Chocolate Spa Pedicure and resort-style amenities like a special massage room outfitted for two. Treat your skin to microdermabrasion, give some much-needed attention to your cuticles, or boost your confidence with a sizzling haircut from the salon’s experienced stylists. While there, grab a bottle of your favorite hair care product from brands like PureOlogy and Eufora. The atmosphere is an upscale, soothing blend of neutral tones and natural elements, and the goal is always to cater to individual style. Grand opening specials are available on Norterra Salon & Spa’s Web site at norterrasalonaz.com.
➜
Scottsdale Jean Company: Wearing Well!
B y A l a n a St ro u d Photos courtesy of Scottsdale Jean Company
At first glance, Scottsdale Jean Company may seem like one of those places that’s always been around, with its spacious facility and wild success. A rapidly growing following spurred the opening of a second store in Peoria, and SJC’s online presence has grown to include international shipping as well. How did owner Steven Koeppel do it? In fact, SJC’s original store didn’t open until November 2005, after Koeppel moved his family here from New York. Fashion was a new industry to him, as he had previously owned a chain of car dealerships, but he found that of all the ventures he was interested in, fashion would go the furthest. Despite Scottsdale Jean Company’s name, the stores offer much more than just designer denim duds. Men, women, and children have a selection of casual dresses, tops, sweats, shorts, and shoes, with roughly 100 brands to choose from. Also on tap at both locations is the full line of Kiehl’s skin, hair, and body-care products. Grab a new summer wardrobe by shopping online at scottsdalejc.co, or stop in at either location: 14747 N. Northsight Blvd. #106 in Scottsdale, or 9824 W. Northern Ave. #1800 in Peoria. 42
North Valley APRIL | MAY 2009
➜ Sprint’s eSystems: The Office is Everywhere! B y C a s s au n d r a B ro o k s
Everyone has heard of Sprint, one of the country’s most prominent mobile phone service providers. While you may not know eSystems Management, it is the largest Sprint solutions provider in Arizona, and the force behind some of the company’s best services. ESystems Management is a wireless resource company that assists other companies with all their wireless needs, from air cards, smart phones, and PDAs to fully imbedded location-based software programs and vehicle diagnostics. It realizes the dependence on mobile communication in the business world and helps companies to establish the most effective role for mobile communication within their individual businesses. In its partnership with Sprint, eSystems ensures that each Sprint solution meets the present and future needs of customers through a system of learning, designing, and building, while saving companies money along the way. A local pool-chipping company decreased its payroll by 12 percent and added an annual $24,000 to its bottom line without laying off any of its workforce when they implemented an eSystems-designed cellular-based productivity solution. Sprint phones equipped with locationbased software eliminated one hour of down time per day for four service teams, who now could clock in and out via phone instead of at a stationary location. Each team could be deployed more efficiently each day. Next time you pick up your cell phone, consider the creativity and invention that takes place behind the scenes, and think of how you might utilize this great technology to benefit your own business.
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APRIL | MAY 2009 North Valley
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Office Trends
Thinking Outside the Cubicle [ B y Da l e R . G a rd o n ]
Who said that going to the office every day means being sentenced to architectural or aesthetic hell? I’m astonished when I consider how many people drag themselves into a vanilla-colored-wall environment, complete with standard-issue lay-in ceiling tiles and inoperable windows, and become acclimated to this environment for eight to ten hours a day—every day. Someone once decided that this is the way an office should be: sealed from the natural environment with work spaces neatly lined up like warrens housing prairie dogs bobbing up and down to see what’s happening across the sea of cubicles. Imagine a place where you don’t have your nose prints smudging the glass. Imagine an office with operable windows and doors that allow you to hear the birds, smell the flowers, and feel the breeze. Imagine a space with interesting interior volume, natural daylight, and interior 44
North Valley APRIL | MAY 2009
This office lobby exhibits the warmth and charm of a residence, demonstrating sustainable design principals that utilize a broad shaded overhang, recycled materials like the glass chips in the terrazzo floor, the use of Structural Insulated Panels (SIP) for the roof, and the exposure of the Oriented Strand Board (OSB), stained in a warm, light cherry tone.
Photography by Dino Tonn
materials composed thoughtfully in an array of soothing hues and warmth, giving you a feeling of the comforts of home. What if there were a place where informal meetings were held in a room or space with comfortable chairs instead of at a conference table over which you crouch and hover? A more relaxed setting may allow for flow and freedom of thought. Is all this really possible in an office environment? I’m less concerned with office trends than sharing a personal crusade to change the places in which the majority of the workforce toils away. Anyone working in a home office knows the great appeal that lies beyond the ability to sit around in your underwear while engaging in a Web meeting. The mere thought of a more relaxed and pleasant environment gives awareness to how workers can focus better: being in the office seems more comfortable and enjoyable because the place in which we are conducting our business was designed creatively. Of course, not all offices are as unpleasant as I’ve described, but after visiting and taking note of the majority of office environments, I suggest that if some of us have to spend most of our daylight hours in a place called “the office,” then maybe we deserve to have at least some of the comforts of home. The office’s kitchen should be the social heart of the office and a place to gather and socialize with coworkers, not just a wet-bar counter with a water cooler and a coffeemaker that all serve as a good behavior escape from your sentence. Beyond the exterior walls of my own office building lie multiple courtyards to explore and a fountain for audio and microenvironment comfort. We are also fortunate in
Above: The outdoor environment welcomes the user or visitor to the office complex in an inviting way that celebrates the landscaped environment—so contradictory from offices that experience garage parking, waiting for elevators, and wandering down endless non-daylit hallways to find the office entry door you are hunting for. Right: The main office studio space exhibits the natural integrally colored concrete floor, the OSB ceilings, and the structural trusses exposed for the artful composition seen in the volume space. The daylight adds benefits from clerestory windows, operable windows, and sliding glass doors.
Imagine an office with operable windows and doors that allow you to hear the birds, smell the flowers, and feel the breeze.
having chosen to build our office building in a community where the Path and Trail system lie right outside our door so that health and wellness can be enhanced by taking walks or riding bikes during a lunch hour or immediately before or after work. The bathroom has a shower available for freshening up after a long walk. It is also uncommon to find office sites where you can actually walk—yes, I said walk—to a restaurant or shopping environment without firing up all those cylinders in the car just to get a bite to eat. Consider, too, utilizing more green and sustainable materials. We have a natural integrally colored concrete floor in most of the office, a cork floor in the conference room, and recyclable rubber flooring made from recycled tire scraps for the mail/print room, as well as TimberStrand steps, Paralam
steps and posts, and Oriented Strand Board (OSB) for ceilings and flooring, all made from excess wood chips. All of this contributes to the dematerializing of the material composition of our building—basically, the core structural and mechanical products left exposed and dressed up with stain or a clear sealer in the case of the remanufactured wood products. This means less carpet, drywall, or other ceiling products. If we can be aware of the visual, inspirational, and emotional benefits that this type of office design can provide for workers, the building owners and developers, and the environment, and if the public at large is more demanding of them, then maybe we can make a significant change for the next generation of worker bees, who would then continue to pollinate these ideas to nourish future generations. APRIL | MAY 2009 North Valley
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Technology to access a variety of Yahoo features. View digital photos at Flickr; check on the stock market, news, or weather at Yahoo!Finance Yahoo!News, and Yahoo!Weather, respectively. There will also be supported content from third parties such as USA TODAY, YouTube, eBay and Showtime Networks, with many more sources due to be added as the service grows and develops. Among the major manufacturers to announce products supporting TV Widgets and other Internet access features are LG, Samsung, Sony, Toshiba, and VIZIO.
Now you can watch TV, listen to music, and surf the Web all from the comfort of your armchair...
It’s 2009, and Television Is on a Diet [ B y J on K enton ]
With this being the Entertainment issue of North Valley Magazine, here is a rundown of the latest entertainment products that were announced at the beginning of the year. Most will be available for you to purchase soon. Check out your local electronics store or the relevant manufacturer’s Web site for the latest details. 2008 saw televisions getting bigger and bigger, but not much has changed since we reported from CES (the Consumer Electronics Show) last year with Panasonic’s 150-inch plasma and Sharp’s 108-inch LCD continuing to rule the roost. This year, the trend seems to be televisions heading for the gym, and slim coming in as the new big. Multimedia and Internet connectivity is the other commonality across many of the newly introduced televisions. Now you can watch TV, listen to music, and surf the Web all from the comfort of your armchair, with only a few button presses of your TV’s remote for exercise. I think it’s us, and not the TV, who need to consider a visit to the gym! 46
North Valley APRIL | MAY 2009
New for 2009, the Z1 series was added to Panasonic’s VIERA range of plasma screens. Sporting a slimmed-down panel only one inch thick, the Z1 will support full 1080 resolution and is THX certified. There is a slot for SD memory cards, and the VIERA Image Viewer can display digital photos and videos. For music connectivity, Panasonic now has added an iPod dock to four of their X1 series LCD TVs. Simply plug in your player and control your music library from your remote. Samsung is also going for ultraslim models with three of their LCD series (6000, 7000, and 8000). With their own new slimline wall mount that allows you attach their TVs just over half an inch from the wall, the combined TV and mount will be less than two inches. With TVs and mounts getting thinner and thinner, it really is just like hanging a picture on the wall. Internet-connected TVs are being introduced by many of the major manufacturers. Utilizing Yahoo’s “TV Widgets” technology, these new TVs will provide the capability
If you don’t feel like upgrading your existing HDTV but do like the idea of broader Internet access, there are now even more options. If you haven’t moved up to Blu-ray yet and can wait another few months, LG has two players that also have networking features. The LG BD370 and BD390 support 1080p native with the ability to upscale existing DVDs to 1080p. The audio side is equally matched with advanced audio format decoding of Dolby TrueHD, Digital Plus, and DTS-HD. Both feature Internet connectivity with the ability to stream online video from Netflix, YouTube, and CinemaNow. The BD370 needs an Ethernet cable, while its big brother, the BD390, has built-in wireless connectivity. Netgear continues to bridge the worlds of TV and networking. The Digital Entertainer Elite (EVA9150) is the latest in a line of all-powerful media players. Bringing together all things digital, it connects to your television and can pull content from your home network as well as the Internet. If you just want to be able to get Internet TV direct to your new slimmed-down HDTV, check out the Netgear ITV2000. There is plenty of streamed media to choose from, with sources such as BBC. com, CNN.com, ESPN.com, and EuroSport.com, to name but a few. With the television continuing to maintain its status as the center point of home entertainment, don’t forget to get out of your chair once in a while to stretch your legs!
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Day Trippers & Weekenders
Spring Not Adventure For the Timid
[ B y C assau ndra B rooks ]
Dude Ranches
Horse lovers and city folk alike can enjoy a few relaxing days at a dude ranch, and nearby Wickenburg is one of the best places to find one. Check out the Flying E Ranch, Ranchos de Los Caballeros, or Kay El Bar Guest Ranch for some Western fun before the heat sets in. Horseback riding, hayrides, line and square dancing, cozy accommodations, and great meals are just some of the activities and amenities offered. The height of dude ranch season is nearly up, and most close in the first week or two of May for the scorching summer, so book a reservation soon! flyingeranch.com, sunc.com or kayelbar.com Barringer Meteorite Crater
White Water Rafting
Go rafting through the Grand Canyon on the Colorado River for an adventurous getaway. Take a motor- or an oar-powered trip down the beautiful snaking river with the Arizona River Runners. Make it a family adventure
or an unforgettable experience with friends. Trips of varying lengths are available, and the food and fun are something to savor. There are trips that accommodate children as young as 8 and for those with disabilities as well. (800) 477-7238 or raftarizona.com Superstition Mountains
Take a little excursion out to the Superstition Mountains, where you can hike, explore, and visit the Superstition Mountain Museum. Check out the legend of the Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine and visit the Lost Dutchman State Park, study formations like Weaver’s Needle, hike popular trails like the Peralta Trailhead or up to Miner’s Needle, and sleep in luxury at the base of Superstition Mountain or in other accommodations throughout Apache Junction. superstitionmountain museum.org or azstateparks.com
Photos courtesy of TV Land
At almost one mile wide and 570 feet deep, the Barringer Meteorite Crater is one gaping pit you may want to check out. With a rim
containing some boulders the size of small houses and a rich history of identification and research, the crater makes for an interesting field trip. Take the Meteor Crater Rim Tour, check out the Interactive Learning Center, view the Collisions and Impacts movie, and participate in many other different activities. Open daily. Located off Interstate 40, 35 miles east of Flagstaff and 20 miles west of Winslow. Call (928) 289-2362 or visit meterocrater.com for more information, or barringercrater.com to learn about the crater’s history.
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North Valley APRIL | MAY 2009
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Colorado River
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APRIL | MAY 2009 North Valley
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Health & Fitness
R
“Relax and enjoy yourself in the utterly civilized pleasure of taking time for tea.”
Situated in the heart of beautiful Carefree Arizona, the English Rose Tea Room has developed a reputation for providing exquisite English cuisine in a truly unique and authentic Victorian atmosphere. Attention to detail is apparent in our furnishings and decor, and extends to our outside dining patio, which offers a lovely English garden setting.
Ask a Dentist A Whiter, Brighter Smile [ B y D r . W i l s o n K wo n g ]
I’m considering bleaching my teeth to whiten them for my daughter’s wedding this summer. What are the newest techniques? Tooth whitening is a multimillion-dollar industry in North America, and it continues to grow. Stains from the foods and drinks we consume over a lifetime fill the micropores in our teeth, causing discoloration. Baby boomers, unhappy at seeing their teeth turn yellow with age, are fueling the demand for bleaching in their quest for the whiter, healthier-looking teeth of their youth. Tooth “bleach” is actually hydrogen peroxide, which was originally used in gum surgery to help with disinfecting fresh surgical sites. What the surgeon found was that not only did the gums looked great after a week or so but
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North Valley APRIL | MAY 2009
also that the teeth looked brighter! You may find over-the-counter whiteners will lighten your teeth, but you will have to bleach more often, as the chemistry is much weaker than dentist-prescribed methods. They work best for people whose teeth are already fairly white and who are looking for a little brightening. Expect to pay about $50 to $80 for a week’s worth of strips or trays and that the whitening will last for a few months. If you’re like the majority of people over 40 who drink coffee, tea, or red wine, then you’ll likely need something stronger, as the stains in your teeth have been there longer. Your dentist can prescribe in-chair bleaching or a take-home kit, either of which can provide the whitening you desire and results that can last up to one year.
Contrary to popular belief, repeated bleaching does not cause your teeth to weaken, although abuse or incorrect use can cause severe pain to the gums and hypersensitivity to the teeth, so it’s important to follow the recommended instructions.
With the in-chair service, a hydrogen peroxide solution is carefully applied to your teeth after isolating your gums and soft tissue from the active ingredient. A bright light, sometimes ultraviolet, is used to activate the chemicals. The UV light is very safe but may not be suitable for some people who are under certain medications. The light and heat emitted accelerate the bleaching process, resulting in teeth up to ten shades lighter after only one hour. Your dentist will probably provide a custom-made silicone tray with some bleach material so you can continue lightening your teeth at home. The take-home system is probably the most popular technique, as it is the easiest way to whiten your teeth. During the day or at night, you simply place the bleach material into a custom-made silicone tray and wear it, making sure the material does not overflow and irritate the gums. After ten applications, you will notice a dramatic improvement in the brightness of your teeth. The side effects of bleaching are usually sensitivity of teeth to cold and “zingers,” which some patients describe as spontaneous electrical zaps. Although these are annoying and sometimes painful, taking ibuprofen or filling the trays with desensitizing toothpaste usually keeps the sensitivity under control. Contrary to popular belief, repeated bleaching does not cause your teeth to weaken, although abuse or incorrect use can cause severe pain to the gums and hypersensitivity to the teeth, so it’s important to follow the recommended instructions. During the bleaching phase, the teeth become more vulnerable to staining as the particles of stain are dissolved, opening the micropores within the teeth. It’s best to avoid food and drink such as red wine or yellow curry at this time. The costs for in-chair bleaching can range from $600 to $1,200, while takehome bleaching kits run from $250 to $600. If you’re in need of whiter teeth by this weekend, you may want to consider the in-chair technique, but if you have more time, then the take-home system may be more suitable. Bleaching is a wonderful and safe way to get a brighter and more youthfullooking smile. Make sure you talk to your dentist about the different options available. Smile while you’re talking!
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azbackyardcustom@cox.net www.arizonabackyardcustom.com APRIL | MAY 2009 North Valley
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Entertainment Spotlight
On the
Prowl for a New Favorite Show? The Cougar Comes to TV Land.
If Demi Moore can do it and make it work, who says others can’t—or shouldn’t— do the same? Sure, she’s a stunning, talented actress; but women like Scottsdale’s own Stacey Anderson, star of TV Land PRIME’s upcoming show The Cougar, are equally equipped for the task—the task of finding true love with a younger man. The beautiful 40-year-old mother of four will sift through a pool of twenty-something men during an eight-episode elimination series executive produced by Mike Fleiss (The Bachelor) and hosted by the vivacious Vivica A. Fox (Kill Bill: Vol I, Curb Your Enthusiasm), set to premier April 15 at 10 p.m. ET/PT. After a life riddled with tragedies and tribulations, but enriched by family relationships and community service, Stacey Anderson craves a companion with “spontaneity and zest for life,” qualities she has found many men her age and older lack. She plans to find someone who complements her optimism and active lifestyle on the show while helping to further break down the double standard placed by society on women dating younger men. The successful Scottsdale Realtor spent the first part of her childhood in Long Island, New York before moving to Arizona with her tightly knit family. Her life would suffer a more dramatic alteration when she unexpectedly lost her mother to a brain aneurysm when she was just 12. Four years later, a marriage to her high school sweetheart and the birth of her first child, daughter Leah, drastically changed the course of her life once again. Not only would she assume the roles of wife and mother but she would also soon take on the role of lobbyist as she fought the state legislature to implement a new law to cover her daughter and other Arizona transplant 52
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Photos courtesy of TV Land
[ B y C a s s au n d r a B ro o k s ]
Ignore the hype. T r u s t yo u r I N S T I N C T .
recipients. The now 23-year-old Leah had been diagnosed with biliary atresia, an illness that had taken the life of Stacey’s infant sister and threatened to repeat itself. Thanks to the legislation Anderson helped to enact, other families with children in similar situations can find medical insurance. Her own daughter received a liver transplant at the age of 9 after having already lived nearly nine years longer than doctors had anticipated. Although Anderson found love a second time after she and her husband separated, she was dealt another blow on her wedding day when her father passed away. New life would soon make her own make a turn for the better, however, as she and her husband soon welcomed her other three children: Graham, 15, Delaney, 13, and Tatym, 10. These days, Anderson, influenced by her Italian family, spends her time enjoying food, wine, and conversation in addition to staying active with tennis, golf, hiking, and swimming. Divorced from her second husband, she now uses her business expertise to aid those in need by helping to acquire affordable land for the nonprofit organization Habitat for Humanity. Her business expertise has also helped her become one of the country’s top-ranked Realtors. TV Land president Larry W. Jones praises the beautiful blonde’s personality and heart, dubbing her the “perfect choice” for the show and predicting it will break stereotypes about cougars—women seeking romance with much younger men. The Cougar will be produced through Fleiss’s NEXT Entertainment production company in association with Warner Horizon Television and will air on primetime TV Land, whose target audience falls within Anderson’s own age range. An animated host, a relatable star, and the ever-increasing interest in the topic at hand should help this newest reality series attract an audience, and perhaps affect a change in dating stereotypes.
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APRIL | MAY 2009 North Valley
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Auto Trends
Not Coming to a Luxury Dealer Near Y ou: The 2009 Toyota Venza Crosses Luxury and Practicality
[ B y G reg Rube n stei n ]
Comfortably stationed behind the wheel of the all-new 2009 Venza, it’s easy to imagine you are driving something that came off a Lexus dealer’s lot instead of a Toyotabranded SUV. From the supple leather seats and steering wheel to the wood-trimmed dash featuring virtually flawless fit and finish with silkysmooth and nicely weighted switch gear, the only hint that this is in fact a Toyota (besides the obvious logos) is the slightly elevated din coming from those giant but oh-so-gorgeous 20-inch wheels and tires. Add a bit of extra soundproofing and jack up the Venza’s price, oh, say another $15,000, change the badges, and poof—instant Lexus. Given the Venza’s lineage, all this praise should come as no surprise. It’s a crossover vehicle—an SUV built on the underpinnings of a car—created from the same platform that spawned the RX350 as well as Lexus’s ES350 sedan (and Toyota’s Camry and Avalon sedans, Sienna minivan, and Highlander SUV). The Venza is on sale now and is offered with either a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine that returns 21 mpg city and 29 mpg highway, or a stout 268-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 that’s rated for 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. Our front-wheel-drive V6 turned in just over 23 mpg in mixed driving. The tour included 54
North Valley APRIL | MAY 2009
a jaunt to Tucson and back, where we saw 25 mpg while cruising at 80 mph. Regardless of the engine, the Venza comes with a six-speed sequential-shift electronically controlled automatic transmission with uphill/downhill shift control that chooses just the right gear for the conditions while providing for as-needed engine braking while driving down long hills. Both engines are available in either front-wheel or all-wheel drive configuration, with the latter system utilizing active torque control to optimize power going to the front or rear wheels for stable acceleration and smooth cornering. The four-cylinder FWD Venza has a base price of $25,975, while the AWD V6 model starts out at $29,250. Our V6 FWD test vehicle in golden umber mica came with just about every option and had a base of $27,800. Fully optioned, it was just over $37,000, a solid value for such luxury and utility. Inside, the Venza blends carlike handling with SUV utility, providing comfortable seating for five adults, while all the luggage fits easily behind the rear passenger seats. An optional power up-and-down rear hatch makes loading this crossover a breeze, and the multifunction DVD navigation and entertainment system with rear-seat display is ideal
for keeping the young ones happy on a long interstate cruise. The Venza comes with a long list of standard equipment and stand-alone or package options, many of them more typically found in premium luxury vehicles. These include high intensity discharge headlamps with an automatic high beam feature that detects oncoming vehicles and automatically switches the headlamps from high- to low-beam, panoramic roof with power tilt/slide function, and a separate fixed glass panel over the rear seats. Also available are multilanguage voice navigation, 19- or 20-inch wheels (depending on engine selection), dual zone automatic climate control, and a 3.5-inch multifunction display that includes clock, outside temperature, and cruise information. The Venza is the first Toyota passenger car to offer Star Safety as standard equipment for all models, and its safety features are impressive. There are driver and frontpassenger advanced airbags, driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags, front and rear seat side-curtain airbags, driver’s knee airbag, stability control with traction control, antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, and automatic locking retractors on all passenger seatbelts and pretensioners with force limiters for the front seat belts. Where the Venza truly shines is a fresh new design that has a hint of Toyota’s current “look” but is distinctly all its own. The shapely silhouette begins up front, as the grille, headlights, and fog lamps flow into an aggressive, aerodynamic shape with continuous lines that run all the way to the D-pillar. Piloting the Venza is a treat, as it accelerates briskly, stops quickly, and responds in an agile manner to steering inputs. Where the Lexus RX350 is close to SUV perfected, the Venza is crossover-perfect. It’s not every day someone driving a MercedesBenz asks a Toyota driver what kind of car he’s driving, but it happened during my week in the Venza!
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people
& >
places
{
Adidas Event NBA All-Star 2009, Phoenix Convention Center Photography by Eric Fairchild
} Adidas TECHFIT is a customizable undergarment system that addresses every player’s individual needs. These undergarments are a combination of padding and flexibility, boosting power to key muscle groups for more efficient movement, increasing acceleration. This all will improve endurance and reduce fatigue. The TECHFIT PowerWeb has been proven to increase speed by 1.1 percent, improve vertical leap by 4 percent, increase power output by 5.3 percent, and increase overall endurance levels. TECHFIT has recently become the official compression undergarment of the NBA. adidas.com
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APRIL | MAY 2009 North Valley
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Mother’s Day Gift Guide
Mother’s Day Gift Guide
[ B y A la n a S tro u d ]
She Always Said That She Has Only Two Hands
A Cuppa with Mum
Take the Grande Dame out for some quality time together over a spot of tea. Chitchat, snack, and catch up on each other’s lives during a leisurely afternoon while sipping your favorite tea at your favorite teahouse. Check out English Rose Tea Room in Carefree for a quaint traditional English afternoon tea or try Mandala Tearoom for organic, contemporary delights.
In a society that’s always on the go, you might as well find your way more easily with a navigation system. Help Mom get there faster while she avoids traffic making hands-free calls using the TomTom GO 720. Other features include an extra-wide 4.3-inch touch-screen QuickGPS Fix for the best navigation, the ability to record your own voice directions, and access to the best maps with TomTom Mapshare. Get it all for only $399.95 through tomtom.com. Time for a Grownup Trip!
Lifelong Learning
Does Mom have a passion that she’s always wanted to pursue? Sign her up for a class at your local community college. She could learn something new (art?), brush up on an old hobby (playing piano?), or stimulate her brain (psychology 101?). You’re never too old for education! 58
North Valley APRIL | MAY 2009
Surprise Mom with a spontaneous road trip or a quick airline flight to somewhere near, but not here. Las Vegas, San Francisco, and Rocky Point, Mexico are all great ideas for quick getaways for spending some time
with Mom without having to travel too far. Let your best-always friend have a day at the beach, hit the craps tables, or enjoy a sight-seeing trip without any worries of time, cooking, or chores. No Kiddy Matinee Today
If she loves the performing arts, check out the Gammage Auditorium, Phoenix Symphony Hall, or the Herberger Theatre to see what productions are coming to town so that you can take Mom for a thrilling experience of opera, ballet, or symphony. Don’t forget that you can also browse our event calendar for further ideas! balletaz.org, phoenixsymphony.org, asugammage.com Look! My Kid’s a Success!
Some moms like to look good and drive fast. Treat yours to a day in a supercar—a Lamborghini, Ferrari, or Maserati—and take a day to cruise around the city in style with your hair blowing in the wind. Go shopping, take in a movie, go out to eat—go anywhere so Mom can show off! statustoyrentals.com She Took Care of You All Those Years
Every woman should know how to protect herself in the event of a dangerous
occurrence. Women fall prey to victimization more often than men, and it would show how much you care if you signed Mom up for some self-defense or personal protection courses. These are offered at gyms, karate studios, or even the Scottsdale Gun Club. You can hook her up with a
class or a personal instructor for a one-onone experience. Consider signing the two of you up for an extra shot of fun and bonding. For All Those Times You Just Plain Tuckered Her Out
A day at the spa may sound cliché, but it’s used often because it’s effective! And the Golden Door Spa at the Boulders, which drew its inspiration from the ancient Honjin inns of Japan, is one of the best we have. With a new spa service designed especially for Mother’s Day, the Golden Door Spa offers their special Apricot Facial Treatment and Body Exfoliation and much more to help rejuvenate her. Organic teas, tasty bite-sized snacks, desserts, and champagne are also available. (866) 397-6520 or TheBoulders.com. APRIL | MAY 2009 North Valley
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Know+Tell More Than You Wanted to Know [ B y A l a n a S t ro u d ]
It cost $7 million to build the Titanic and $200 million to make the 1997 film about it. Kate Winslet’s salary was $2 million, while Leonardo DiCaprio’s was $2.5 million. The Titanic’s Captain Edward John Smith’s “handsome” salary was merely $6,250 a year.
Laughing lowers stress
hormone levels and strengthens the immune system. Six-yearolds laugh an average of 300 times a day. Adults only laugh 15 to 100 times a day.
The first Harley Davidson
motorcycle was built in 1903. It used a tomato can as a carburetor.
In most watch advertisements, the time displayed on the watch is 10:10 because the arms frame the brand of the watch and make it look as if it is smiling.
“I just hate the image
that we give to our kids that if you’re beautiful, you’re beautiful and you don’t have to be smart.” –West Virginia state lawmaker Jeff Eldridge, who has proposed a bill that would ban sales of Barbie in the state, just days before the doll’s 50th birthday.
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North Valley APRIL | MAY 2009
As of May 2008, 13 percent of the 100 top-grossing films of all time were made by either Steven Spielberg or George Lucas. —The Week Magazine, 5/2/08
APRIL | MAY 2009 North Valley
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Hot List
Ten thousand villages
North Valley Magazine Ten Thousand Villages Glendale
Contact: Juanita Fox, 717-859-8120 2.431″ x 9.75″ Runs: April/May 2009
One Serene standing bird statue © Ten Thousand Villages Permission to use this resource as it appears. ANY ALTERATIONS OR USE OF GRAPHIC ELEMENTS apart from this design MUST BE APPROVED by Ten Thousand Villages Art Director, (717) 859-8100.
Spring Flings Life Harmonious. Keeping the world and you in balance. Grace your garden with this artfully textured, recycled metal bird sculpture (21″ H). India, $58
[ B y A l a n a S t ro u d ]
Gift Basket With Easter right around the corner, check out Gift Basket Occasions’ wide assortment of
specialty baskets, featuring everything from fluffy bunnies to cuddly duckies and stuffed with goodies like jelly beans, chocolate, and cookies. Also, don’t forget about Mom this Mother’s Day! Gift Basket Occasions has something unique for every holiday. (480) 473-3975 or giftbasket-occasions.com Social Media Don’t like to talk on the phone and never have enough time to sit down and write a letter?
Thanks to social media Web sites like Twitter, Facebook, and Tip’d, all you need to do is join, find your friends and family, and stay involved in their lives the easy way. Sites like these are great for personal and professional use. You can now follow North Valley Magazine at twitter.com/NorthValley. Neon According to what the models sported at the spring fashion shows, neon is going to make
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a huge statement this season. You can find hints of your favorite bright color in everything from shoes and clothing to watches and makeup. Not only is neon a bold fashion statement, it’s sure to spread some cheer wherever you go. Remodeling Spring is here—along with tax returns—so why not take some of that hard-earned
money and whip your house into better shape? Have rich wood floors installed or spruce up your existing ones, upgrade the kitchen cabinetry, or tackle that mangy backyard and shape it up for some fun barbecues. You could repaint the walls, reupholster your living room set, or simply move furniture around. Small changes like new light fixtures or hardware can also make a big difference.
Water Parks Get wet and make a splash when the
MIDWEST GLASS
water parks open Memorial Day weekend. There are water parks for young and old on all sides of the Valley: Mesa’s Golfland Sunsplash, Tempe’s Big Surf, the Arizona Grand Resort in South Phoenix, and Waterworld Safari on the West Side. Don’t forget that Anthem has a great little water park called Big Splash, and Salt River tubing is always fun for the adults. Memorial Day Concert
Monday, May 25 from 4–9 p.m. at Tempe Town Lake Park The Memorial Day Celebration is an
annual event recognizing the memory of our war heroes through a spectrum of family events including food, games, entertainment, auctions, and raffles. The Academy Drum and Bugle Corps will debut their 2009 show music. (480) 734-7879 or arizonaacademy.org
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APRIL | MAY 2009 North Valley
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Health Spotlight
Dealing with Alzheimer’s Disease Actor Hector Elizondo’s True Character Reaches Out to Families [ B y C assaundra B rooks ]
It’s a stealthy disease whose beginning-stage symptoms often go overlooked because so many people associate memory loss with senility. Alzheimer’s Disease, however, is a destructive condition for both its victims and their families. Award-winning actor Hector Elizondo may treat Tony Shalhoub's severe OCD on USA Network’s everpopular series Monk, but in the real world he has for the past year been teaming up with real doctors—in this case, Dr. Patricio Reyes, a neurologist at the Barrow Neurological Institute at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix—to travel the country and educate people on the widespread effects of Alzheimer’s. He knows the effects all too well—his mother fell victim to the disease in the late sixties and early seventies, and several other family members have succumbed to it since that time. As his family struggled to contend with a disease they knew nothing about and the doctors could not properly diagnose, he learned the hard way the importance of being well informed. “Caregivers are experiencing incredible stress,” Elizondo says, “and the emotional and physical toll among the family group is incalculable.” Alzheimer’s patients eventually 64
North Valley APRIL | MAY 2009
require round-the-clock care; in part because of his Latin culture, Elizondo’s father took full responsibility for the caregiving. As is too common, his father’s own health deteriorated and he passed on first. Elizondo’s goal is to help people “not let one tragedy become two tragedies.” Both he and Dr. Reyes strongly emphasize early diagnosis as the best means to this end and discussed some of the signs to look for. Dr. Reyes says that, while the most common sign of Alzheimer’s is memory loss, becoming depressed without reason, getting lost, experiencing difficulty completing everyday tasks like balancing a checkbook, and sudden bursts of car accidents despite previous impeccable records are some other possible indicators. Seeking early professional help is the best way to battle the disease, and since other conditions can mimic symptoms of Alzheimer’s, it’s essential. Where Elizondo’s family could not avail itself of today’s resources, we can, and we should. Web sites such as caringforalz.org are great places to start, and there are educational programs available for caregivers and health care professionals. Elizondo likes to turn a well-known real estate phrase: “Information,
information, information!” Familiarizing yourself with the disease and discarding any stigmas and mythology surrounding it are key to coping, he says, as is knowing when to say, “Time-out. I’m tired. I’m burnt out.” Have a plan in place that rotates caregiving schedules, and remember that even in the late stages, Alzheimer’s patients still have feelings. Misdiagnoses—and missed diagnoses— damaging treatments, and misunderstanding and impatience on behalf of family and friends often complicate matters. Not only was Hector Elizondo’s mother misdiagnosed, she was institutionalized by an ignorant medical community. Before, she would have difficulty exiting a room and literally forgot how to eat. Within a few days of entering the state mental facility, she lost her speech completely. Dr. Reyes emphasizes that there are some complications with Alzheimer’s-specialized facilities, too, because of the mixing of patients at different stages of the disease, which can negatively affect those in the mild stages. A number of genes have been linked to Alzheimer’s, but Dr. Reyes eases some of the concerns of family members by noting that most of these are not inherited or predisposed to the development of the disease. For Elizondo, prevention is vital. “Keep yourself healthy,” he stresses. “Exercise. Eat well. Keep yourself mentally engaged. Don’t isolate yourself socially.” To help prevention on a larger scale, visit sites like caringforalz.org for ways you can get involved with awareness, education, research, and prevention. As for Elizondo’s newest role in Hollywood of raising awareness for and educating others about Alzheimer’s, a role other recognizable members of his industry (notably David Hyde Pierce of Frasier acclaim) have also accepted, he sees no downside. “I think it would be a privilege to be in a position where you might be able to help the collective good,” he says. Dr. Reyes agrees, saying, “Hector’s role here is extremely vital.” This is because of not only Elizondo’s standing in the film and television industry but also his position within the Latino community. With Elizondo nodding his agreement, the doctor also stresses the importance of reaching out to the various ethnic communities because of the differences in culture and the still-existing disparity in health care. “If you’re going to rise,” he says, “you cannot leave people behind.”
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Wedding Giveaway
Our Wedding Giveaway Winning Couple Ties the Knot!
and More!
Celebrating a special occasion? We are sure to have a gift
basket that will be the perfect finishing touch!
We specialize in Holiday, Corporate, Baby, Gourmet, Special Events and much more. We design beautiful
custom baskets filled with delicious gourmet treats and fine gifts.
You’re invited to visit us at www.giftbasket-occasions.com or call us at 480-515-2758. 66
North Valley APRIL | MAY 2009
and red roses surrounded the open-air ceremony garden. Nicole and Dan took their vows and their very first kiss ever before 100 family members and friends. As the reception began, guests were greeted by centerpieces shaped as wrapped Christmas gift boxes with bows atop made completely of flowers. Luxurious linens in deep reds and greens draped the tables. The setting was perfect as the newlyweds took their first dance together—only after making a point to grab the microphone to thank friends, family, and even the wedding professionals. As the reception came to a close, guests were invited to take home a tree ornament made custom for the occasion. Now every year, as each family decorates their tree, they will remember the special day they shared with Dan and Nicole at their wedding. North Valley Magazine would like to once again thank the wedding professionals who made this incredible wedding giveaway possible: A Day to Cherish Weddings adaytocherishweddings.com FireSky Resort fireskyresort.com
Some of the Valley’s best wedding experts came together to make this celebration a dream for the happy couple. Once their December date was chosen, an elegant Christmas theme was developed. Invitations and programs were custom printed with an elegant snowflake motif. Nicole found the perfect dress. Everything was in place as the sun shone through the trees, and evergreen
Eyes 2 See Photography eyes2see.com The Invitation Lady theinvitationlady.com Bing’s Floral bingsfloral.com Brides by Demetrios demetriosbride.com Tri-Rentals, Deborah Beggs trirentals.com Creative Touch Entertainment creativetouchentertainment.com
Photography by Eyes 2 See Photography
Gift Basket Occasions
It couldn’t have been a more beautiful Arizona winter day on the afternoon of December 30, 2008 when Nicole Bennett wed Daniel Johnson at FireSky Resort & Spa. North Valley Magazine partnered with wedding planner Aleasha Shelton for an unprecedented wedding giveaway last spring, and Dan and Nicole were selected from scores of applicants because of their extraordinary community involvement and volunteerism. For two people who give so much of their time, energy, and talents, it was only fitting that they would in turn be given a wedding of a lifetime.
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Events Calendar >April 2–19
>April 1–30
University of North Texas Ceramics Reunion Exhibition With a projected attendance of more than 5,000 people interested in ceramics as a fine art, Practical Art is honored to host over 30 fabulous local and wellregarded out-of-state American ceramic artists during April. On exhibit will be the work of graduates from the University of North Texas College of Visual Arts and Design, which has one of the premier programs in the United States. Come meet the artists at the April 10 reception! Free admission. (602) 264-1414 or Practical-art.com >April 1–May 31
Medievalism: Fashion’s Romance with the Middle Ages Romantic ideas of chivalry and courtly magnificence from the Middle Ages have inspired the use of medieval silhouettes and details in modern fashion design, literature, architecture, and art. Featuring over 40 ensembles, accessories, and rare books, this exhibition at the Phoenix Art Museum will showcase medieval influences on fashion designs of the early nineteenth century through current collections. (602) 257-1880 or phxart.org
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Somebody/Nobody So you think you want to be famous? In this hilarious world-premiere comedy about Hollywood, fame, and TMZ, renowned playwright Jane Martin takes dead aim at our culture of celebrity. Somebody/ Nobody is a laugh-out-loud look at modern life and our unending quest for fifteen minutes of fame. Tickets range from $26 to $59. At the Herberger Theater. (602) 256-6995 or aztheatreco.org >April 9
Augie"s Quest Celebrity Golf Classic Help raise money and awareness for ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) research in this golf classic honoring Life Fitness co-founder Augie Nieto, to feature Conor Jackson, Matt Leinart, and other notable celebrities. Available sponsorship opportunities range from $5,000 to $25,000, depending upon additional provisions of the sponsorship, and include a round of golf, lunch, a cocktail awards reception, tee prizes, and a commemorative photo. The tournament will be held at Shea Homes Trilogy Golf Club at Vistancia. Donate or learn more at augiesquest.org.
cooking demonstrations by some of the top chefs in the country, festival of beers, silent auction, and a one-of-a-kind James Beard out-of-the-house dinner. At the Center for the Performing Arts in Scottsdale. (480) 945-7193 or scottsdaleculinaryfestival.org >April 17–May 22
Third Annual Jazz on the Promenade Every Friday from 7–9 p.m. at the Promenade Shopping Center in North Scottsdale, enjoy free entertainment by artists such as Khani Cole and Marion Meadows, Delphine Cortez and Jazz Alive, and The Charles Lewis Quintet. Sponsored in part by North Valley Magazine. Also sample desserts by Promenade restaurants and selections of wine by Uncorked. (480) 385-2820 or promenade shop pingcentre.ca/calendar
(DOAR). Grab a bike and ride solo or as part of a team, and bring help and hope to more than 17,000 people who benefit each year from Beatitudes Center DOAR’s free services. All participants receive a goody bag, Tour de Paradise T-shirt, SAG Support Stops, and lunch. Free beer for riders 21 and over. Entry fee is $40. (602) 274-5022 or tourdeparadise.org >April 24 Phoenix Zoo’s Annual ZooBrew Event ZooBrew is one of the largest fund-raisers for the Phoenix Zoo and continues to be a favorite event for 3,000 Valley residents each year. This unique 21-and-over event features live music from the original Go-Go’s, specialty food, beverage sampling, and a variety of fun event activities. GA tickets include beverage sampling from more than thirty beverage purveyors, souvenir sampling beer mug, and liquor-sampling punch card. Tickets $65 for members (up to four) and $75 for nonmembers. (602) 273-1341 or phoenixzoo.org
>April 18 >April 14–19
The Thirty-first Annual Scottsdale Culinary Festival The Scottsdale Culinary Festival draws more than 40,000 visitors looking to enjoy fabulous food, fun, and festivities. This year’s festival will feature a host of events:
Seventh Annual Tour de Paradise Join fellow Phoenicians at Moon Valley Park for an 8-, 32-, or 60-mile charity bike ride through the greater Phoenix area. The event supports the Beatitudes Center Developing Older Adults Resources
>April 25–26
The Eleventh Annual NAPA Auto Parts Monster Truck National and Lakefest Head out to Firebird International Raceway for a diverse
package of racing fun! The event features something for everyone, including Monster Trucks, blazing jet cars, and Hot Boats that reach breathtaking speeds on Firebird Lake. You can test-drive brand-new trucks on an off-road course, shop vendor booths, and check out the truck show with the expected 200 entrants. $25 general admission at the gate; $35–$45 reserved seats; and kids 12 and under free. (602) 268-0200 or firebirdraceway.com >April 26
Annual Ride for the Children: Benefiting The Real Gift Foundation This 65-, 25-, or 10-mile bicycle ride starting from Horizon High School gives participants of all abilities the opportunity to make a direct, positive, and meaningful impact on the more than 12,000 homeless children who attend schools in Maricopa County. The event includes a great post-ride breakfast. Funds raised help provide everything from new playgrounds, school supplies, backpacks, and books to socks, underwear, and hygiene items, as well as holiday meals and toys. Registration fee is $50 for adults and $25 for children 12 and under. (480) 315-0600 or rideforthechildren.com >May 1
The North Phoenix Chamber of Commerce THIRD Annual NPCC Golf Classic Enjoy 18 holes of Golf at the Orange Tree Golf Resort in Scottsdale, followed by dinner and a silent auction. Registration for the golf tournament begins at 12:30 p.m. and the Shotgun Tee-off at 1:00pm. Dinner and silent auction begin at 5:30 pm. The cost is $150 per person, $275 per twosome, and $500 for a foursome, dinner included.
Please email Jean if you have a silent auction item to donate! (602) 482-3344 or jean@north phoenixchamber.com >May 2 Cinco de Mayo Festival at el Pedregal The Cinco de Mayo Salsa Festival promises plenty of Mexican flair and more than a little culinary heat at the third annual event at El Pedregal. Mariachi bands and festive dancers will perform, and tastings of tequilas and salsas will be available. Admission is free. (480) 488-1072 or elpedegral.com
>May 16
>May 8–10
Mother’s Day Celebration Come to Symphony Hall for an energetic combination of ballets chosen by artistic director Ib Andersen and works by various choreographers, all of which will delight the senses. (602) 381-1096 or balletaz.org
The Great American Soundscape At the turn of the twentieth century, American music was rich and provocative, just as Ernest L. Blumenschein’s canvases were. A string quartet comprised of members of The Phoenix Symphony evokes the essence of the American landscape with musical works contemporary to the artist’s creative period. Admission is free. At the Phoenix Art Museum. (602) 257-1222 or phxart.org/events
>May 10
Mother’s Day Concert & Lunch with Estéban Bring Mom and the family to the Desert Botanical Garden to celebrate Mother’s Day with the unbelievable musical talents of Estéban in concert. The 11 a.m.–1 p.m. show will feature a delightful buffet lunch prepared by Fabulous Food Fine Catering & Events (table seating only); the 4–6 p.m. show will feature Estéban in concert with no lunch served (auditoriumstyle seating only). Tickets $50–$85. (480) 941-1225 or dbg.org >May 7–24
Beethoven, As I Knew Him Hershey Felder completes his musical trilogy known as The Composer Sonata with his brand new production, Beethoven, as I Knew Him. Based on a true story, the play about the headstrong German genius Ludwig van Beethoven is brought stirringly to life through the eyes of his last surviving friend as well as through performances of some of the most eternally powerful musical masterpieces ever composed. Tickets are $31–$64. At the Herberger Theater. (602) 256-6995 or aztheatreco.org
APRIL | MAY 2009 North Valley
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Hello, fabulous singles! This particular column is a result of the following e-mail: Dear Coach Lea, I am so depressed right now. My boyfriend of three years just dumped me on Twitter, and I feel as if everyone in the world knows about my situation. My devastation from the breakup has now been coupled with the fact that my friends, coworkers, and entire social network know my personal business. I feel as if I am the topic of conversation and the butt of personal jokes. It is painful for me to go through e-mails and even go to work. I haven’t even looked at any of my personal networking sites either as a result. OMG I am so embarrassed! What can I do?
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Signed, Horrified
Dear Horrified, This unfortunately is one of the ramifications that are coming out as a result of reality TV and a huge misuse of all the new technology that is currently available. I will say, Miss Horrified, that this does not make you look bad. It does, however, make him look like trailer trash. Ms. H—hold your head high and remember that in a few days, this will be yesterday’s news. Take time for yourself and reconnect with friends and family who love you most. I would love to tell you that your situation is uncommon, but unfortunately, it is not. I felt compelled to publish your letter and address this issue. You are not alone, and I personally want to thank you for sharing your story. Please keep me posted. Coach Lea
Technology is dramatically changing our personal relationships. We are losing important social skills as a result. What started out as text messaging versus phone calls morphed into texting others while on dates. The latest craze is public dumping. We all watched The Bachelor’s Melissa get dumped on national television, and it was just a few months ago that John Mayer allegedly dumped Jennifer Aniston on Twitter. Hollywood seems to set the trends when it comes to bad social behavior. Facebook and Twitter are the new venues that are used to not only end relationships but to humiliate the other party. In the last six months, I have consoled several clients who have had to endure this type of public mortification. Breakups are difficult under the best of circumstances, but airing this dirty laundry is just plain rude and hurtful. Here are a few rules for breakup etiquette: (1) End the relationship face to face— be kind, but swift. (2) Don’t falter or give false hope to other party. (3) Do not flaunt new relationships publicly or virally. (4) Keep the circumstances of the breakup off the Internet.
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CSI Dr. Doolittle: DNA Testing Is Not for Humans Alone [ B y D R . C L I F F FAV E R ]
Have you ever looked at your mixed-breed dog and wondered what varieties are present in the lovingly dubbed “Heinz 57”? Often, one of the first questions many new mixed-breed dog owners ask their veterinarian is “What breeds do you think are in him?” With the advances in veterinary technology, the guessing is finally over. By submitting a small blood sample to the breed-testing company, we can find out a detailed analysis of the varieties detected in your dog. The customized report can profile a historical background, physical traits, breed-associated behaviors, and the various bloodlines that make up the singular dog that he or she is. For example, a family pet that tends to herd the children may prove to be part border collie, or a particularly vocal pet may have beagle in his or her background. In some cases, the profile may offer insights about a dog’s unique personality and appearance. Medically speaking, by learning about your dog’s genetic makeup, it may give some insight that allows the
veterinarian to develop a specifically tailored plan for the pet. This can be valuable information for owners who want to care for their dogs in the best ways possible. The test uses advanced genetic science to detect more than 130 American Kennel Club (AKC)-recognized breeds in mixedbreed dogs. The test performs a complex genetic analysis to detect breeds in your dog’s family history—it examines over 300 sites along your pet’s DNA and then compares them to a proprietary genetic database. The test is the result of over a decade’s research into the complexities of canine genetics. Every mixed-breed dog is unique, but now you can know what the breeds are that affect not only your dog’s appearance but also his or her behavior and well-being. By understanding your pet’s genetic makeup, you can build a happier and healthier relationship. If you are interested in genetic testing for your pet, call Animal Health Services to schedule a test.
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Adopt-A-Pet where she can be petted and given treats. Her adoption fee is $35.
scarring, which requires her to get drops in both eyes twice daily. We expect that she will need them for the remainder of her life. Although she does okay taking her medicine, we understand that this can be a strain on some households. Angela is always eager for human attention and loves other cats (her condition is not contagious). She is looking for someone to commit to her, as she would love to commit all her love to a special someone. She is just a cuddle bug waiting for the right home full of love with a few drops of kindness with the medication. Her adoption fee is $50.
Oscar could definitely be classified as a gentle giant. At 81 pounds, he is extremely affectionate and sweet natured. He is a bit of a leaner when receiving love and pets. This 2-year-old pit bull terrier mix is a pretty smart guy. He is good with kids of all ages. His adoption fee is $50. Five-year-old Peoria may be a bit on the large side—72 pounds—but in her head, she’s just a little petite lady who loves to curl up in your lap! This chow chow/ German shepherd mix gets along really well with other active dogs. She loves it when they chase her around the yard! She is good with kids of all ages as well as other dogs. Her adoption fee is $50. Camden is an English foxhound mix and, true to breeding, lets his nose be his guide. He likes taking long walks and would love to visit the dog park so he could jump and wrestle around with all the other dogs there. The 1-year-old 59-pound pup likes to cuddle because he loves to curl up close to his people! He always wears a big smile. He is good with kids of all ages and other dogs. His adoption fee is $50.
Penelope is not as shy as she first was when she arrived at the AAWL. She just needed to get used to the place. The 3-yearold domestic medium hair girl recently discovered that the staff gives really great tasty cat treats when she comes out of her hiding place. She is looking for a calm forever home
These pets may already be adopted. Please visit aawl.org for a current listing of pets available for adoption at the Arizona Animal Welfare League. All dogs and cats have been spayed or neutered, are updated on their shots, and will go home with a microchip inserted. The Arizona Animal Welfare League is open from 11 a.m.–7 p.m. Tuesday–Friday, and 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. AAWL is located at 30 North 40th Place in Phoenix. For more information, call (602) 273-6852.
Good Friends Who Need Great Homes *Note: All adoption fees include spay/neuter, vaccinations, and microchip. Cats
March is a 2-year-old domestic short hair who loves to hang out by the bird feeder and chatter away to the birds that lurk just beyond her grasp. Because she’s so avidly interested in the activity outside, it may not be a surprise that March is quite active herself. A playful lass, March doesn’t like to be interrupted from playtime and will sometimes give gentle nips as a reminder of that fact. She also enjoys affection and being brushed. Her adoption fee is $35. One-year-old Angela is a short hair tabico that has chronic corneal 74
North Valley APRIL | MAY 2009
Photography by Michelle Brodsky
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➜
Flavor Flavor Hotspots
Noodle Joints
Spring Awakening Rich Sablefish Meets Tart Rhubarb in This Vibrant, Foodie-Friendly Dish [ B y A l ison M a l on e ]
Spring signals a time of renewal and, inevitably, a fresh take on food. In this recipe, sablefish (or black cod, as it is also known) is paired beautifully with a tangy sauce that sings thanks to tart rhubarb, bright citrus notes, and aromatic undertones of ginger and cinnamon. Native to the Pacific Ocean, sablefish contains beneficial omega-3 fatty acids and boasts a rich flavor. Rhubarb, meanwhile, originates from northern Asia and is traditionally a medicinal and ornamental plant whose stalks range in color from green to mauve. While this perennial plant is traditionally used in desserts, it also pairs well with meat and fish. Rhubarb keeps for short periods of time in a cool, dry place, or in the freezer for long-term storage. Whether picking rhubarb from your garden or buying it from the market, look for firm, fleshy, and crisp stalks.
Black Cod with a Rhubarb Glaze
Recipe developed by Hilary Malone Serves 4 Ingredients 3 oranges 3 tbsp. olive oil 1 tbsp. butter 1 onion, sliced thinly 2 cups rhubarb, cut into 1-inch pieces 2 tbsp. honey 1 ½ tsp. salt 1 ½ tsp. grated fresh ginger ¼ tsp. cinnamon 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes and juice ½ tsp. pepper 4 (8-ounce) black cod or red snapper pieces (1-inch thick) ¼ cup fresh mint Preparation Preheat oven to 375° Fahrenheit. Peel the oranges with a paring knife. Working over a bowl, cut the orange segments away from the membrane. Squeeze remaining juice into the
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bowl and drain into a measuring cup. This should make around 2/3 cup. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil with the butter in a heavy-bottomed skillet until melted. Cook the onion over moderate heat until soft and golden brown, about 20 minutes. While the onion is caramelizing, cook the rhubarb, honey, 1/3 cup of orange juice and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a saucepan over medium heat until rhubarb is very tender, about 15 minutes. Over a bowl, push the soft rhubarb through a mediummesh sieve and discard the solids. Add the ginger, cinnamon and remaining orange juice to onions and boil until thickened, about 2 minutes. Stir in the rhubarb purée, tomatoes, pepper and ½ teaspoon salt and simmer until the sauce has thickened, about 5–10 minutes. While the sauce thickens, use the remaining oil to grease an ovenproof dish. Pat the fish dry and sprinkle with the remaining salt. Bake the fillets, skin side down, until they are opaque throughout, about 15 minutes. Stir the reserved orange segments into the sauce and heat through. Serve the sauce over the fish and garnish with fresh mint.
Cherry Blossom Noodle Café 914 E. Camelback Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85014 Phone: (602) 218-9090 cherryblossom-az.com With a comfortable atmosphere and an eclectic menu of noodle dishes and drinks, this European-style restaurant serves up its signature ingredient cold, in soups, or mixed into your favorite dish—Pad Thai, anyone? Also, don’t pass up the opportunity to try their popular blueberry-banana bread drink.
Nothing but Noodles 8190 W. Union Hills Dr. Glendale, AZ 85308 Phone: (623) 537-0400 nothingbutnoodles.com Fast food meets casual dining in Nothing but Noodles as each savory dish is made to order within 15 minutes. Wok-seared bowls of noodles, soup, and garden-fresh salads served in heavy ceramic china bowls are cooked Italian-, American-, or Asianstyle. For families and customers with a sweet tooth, the restaurant also offers great kids’ and dessert menus.
Noodles Ranch 2765 N. Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85257 Phone: (480) 945-3182 noodlesranch.com Forget steam tables and holding pans— every dish at Noodles Ranch is prepared when you order it. With tasty noodle dishes that sway toward traditional Vietnamese, friendly service, and a welcoming décor, Noodles Ranch is a nice spot for a relaxing lunch. While you’re there, check out the chef’s book of recipes, which he sells in the restaurant.
>
If you would like to have your restaurant listed please call 602-828-0313
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ADVERTISE HERE Make the connection in North Valley Dining Guide! North Valley Magazine 711 E. Carefree Hwy, Suite 205 Phoenix, Arizona 85085 Tel: (602) 828-0313 www.NorthValleyMagazine.com
English Rose Tea Room 201 Easy Street # 103 • Carefree, Arizona 85377 (480) 488-4812 • www.CarefreeTea.com Situated in the heart of beautiful Carefree, Arizona, the English Rose Tea Room has been described as the finest tea room in the Southwest. Observing the English tradition of afternoon tea is our trademark. We offer an extensive menu of authentic English foods served with loose-leaf teas. From a simple scone with Devonshire cream to the Duchess of Bedford’s Formal Afternoon Tea, from a traditional medium- or full-bodied black tea to an herbal tisane, there is something for every discerning tea lover’s palate.
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As Scottsdale’s premier destination for elegant dining, Barcelona offers the best in cocktails and live entertainment to go along with its award-winning wine list and delicious Mediterranean cuisine. Choose among ribeye steak, swordfish steak, prime filet, or salmon filet. Whether you fancy steaks, seafood, or other specialties, Chef Bryan Williams delivers Barcelona’s “New World” food with great “Old World” charm! Each selection is an excellent combination of flavor, freshness, and eye-pleasing presentation.
Ketzal Mexican Grill 2815 W Carefree Hwy, Suite 101 • Phoenix, AZ 85085 (623) 879-1175 • www.ketzalmexicangrill.com
Reserve a place in the dining guide for your restaurant by calling our sales department. (602) 828-0313 ext. 1 e-mail: sales@northvalleymagazine.com.
Inspired by the traditions and great flavors of northern Mexico, Ketzal Mexican Grill is home to innovative, fresh, and delectable fare. In Ketzal Mexican Grill’s authentic menu, you will find mouthwatering carne asada, chicken, fish, and shrimp dishes. Our authentic tortillas are handcrafted using traditional flour imported from northern Mexico. We offer an extensive bar menu, including many imported and domestic beers, wines, tequilas, and amazing margaritas!
APRIL | MAY 2009 NORTH VALLEY
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Restaurant
Review
>
My Cup of Tea: Afternoonses at the English Rose
[ B y A l a n a S tro u d ]
Joann Gimmell believes that there are some folks who are best suited for a slice of cake and a cup of tea. With this at heart, Gimmell brings English culture to the desert where ladies (and men!) can dress up, don their favorite hats, and have afternoon tea served from vintage bone china tea sets at English Rose Tea Room. The menu she created has dishes that appeal to everyone and includes traditional English favorites like beans on toast. When you first step into English Rose, you get a warm, familiar feeling—like grandma’s house. The décor is whimsical and quaint, with lots of flowers and a cozy atmosphere. Tables are closely arranged to provide a very intimate and relaxed experience. You’ll see ladies giggling over the box of hats provided for the customers to wear during their tea, and will be absolutely intoxicated by the delicious smells emanating from the kitchen. To start, we were brought a pot of Paris, their best-selling black tea, and cream. I found the tea to be strong but subdued by the cream, pleasant, and in no need of sugar. Shortly thereafter, our Afternoon Tea, the most popular menu item at English Rose was delivered. Afternoon Tea was a gorgeous three-tiered cake stand that you devour by starting at the bottom and finishing at the top. The lower tier is filled with yummy crustless triangleshaped finger sandwiches: chicken with nutmeg and tarragon, cucumber with orange-mint butter, and smoked salmon and cream cheese with lemon. The bread was fresh, the salmon (my favorite!) creamy and not at all fishy, and the cucumbers were delightfully cool and crisp. On the middle tier sit large homemade scones, dusted with powdered sugar and served with real Devon cream and strawberry preserves. We slathered on a thick helping of cream and jam, and the result was absolutely delicious. The top tier is jam-packed with mouthwatering mini cakes, pastries, and petit fours: giant chocolate covered strawberries, delectable fruit tarts, and real lavender cookies. After that, we were brought out cottage pie and smoked salmon quiche (Gimmell’s favorite to serve). The cottage pie was very hearty, with a nice layering of mashed potatoes on top. The meat, fresh veggies, and rich gravy inside were at the perfect temp to dig right in. The salmon quiche was a pleasant surprise—the salmon wasn’t overwhelming at all, leaving a taste more like an omelet with cheese on a homemade pastry crust. Both dishes are served with salads and syrupy-sweet raspberry vinaigrette dressing. The dill bread is 78
North Valley APRIL | MAY 2009
homemade and perfect either unadorned or spread with a touch of butter. The gift shop next door is brimming with all sorts of Victorian trinkets, vintage clothing, assorted teas, and authentic tea sets stamped “Made in England”— perfect for having your own afternoon tea! Overall, my experience at English Rose was unique and unlike any other dining outing I’ve had. All of the dishes I sampled were firsts for me, and absolutely amazing. The service and staff are exemplary. English Rose Tea Room will be seeing me again, and soon. "Reservations are strongly recommended. Call (480) 488-4812 for reservations, or visit carefreetea.com." Photography by Mark Susan
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Email me at luizlord111@yahoo.com IF INTERESTED.
Obedience available in your home. 42 years of dog training and obedience - references available 602-717-7909 Christine Filler
COW DREAMZ PHOTOGRAPHY
COW DREAMZ PHOTOGRAPHY
Did you know your pet ages ten times faster than you do? There are still memories yet to capture.
Did you know your pet ages ten times faster than you do? There are still memories yet to capture.
www.cowdreamz.com Pet photography by Michelle Brodsky 602-510-1929.
www.cowdreamz.com Pet photography by Michelle Brodsky 602-510-1929.
JRDR Marketing We are a marketing and business consulting firm providing strategic management and marketing services.
• Strategy and Business Planning • Business and Competitive Intelligence • Marketing and Promotional Plans • Writing Services • Product Photography
Visit us at: www.jrdrmarketing.com or call 602.288.8393 and schedule a no obligation initial consultation. We sculpt businesses for success
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APRIL | MAY 2009 North Valley
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A r i z o n a’s F i r s t D o m e s t i c V i o l e n c e S h e l t e r
Providing Hope, Safe Haven and New Beginnings To Domestic Violence Survivors and Their Children Join Us in Providing for Their Future
Give from Your Heart at www.FaithHouseArizona.com 80 480.226.8172 North Valley APRIL | MAY 2009
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Horoscopes
[ B y l au r a h e n ry ]
George Clooney May 6, 1961 Taurus
Michelle Pfeiffer April 29, 1958 Taurus
Aries (Mar 21–Apr 19) April brings you out of your shell—it’s time to think more about you. This is the month to decide how you’re going to “show up” to the world and for yourself. It looks pretty good! In May, you’re focusing on personal finances and have opportunities to make more money. You’re looking at your value system; is it time to do your own thing or to squirrel away some money in the bank? Taurus (Apr 20–May 20) April puts the focus on your career. You could get a raise or promotion—or if you’re looking for a new job, it’s time to pull out all the stops! In May, there’s tension between what you want to do and demands in the workplace. Gemini (May 21–Jun 21) In April, you broaden your horizons via books, travel, or studying. Gemini is the most inquisitive sign of the zodiac. You’re right in your element, eating up information like a gasoline fire! May finds you reclusive and inwardly directed, searching for meaning, willing to help others, living your life from the point of the big picture. Yes, we are all in this together. Cancer (Jun 22–July 22) April finds you reclusive again, with your thoughts on the deeper meanings of life. This is an optimum time for deep therapy and being brave enough for a clear-eyed look at your real self and motivations. May is a friendly, social month for you—a nice time to get together with friends, socialize, and schmooze, if that’s your thing. This is a perfect time to make wish lists or wish boards (they really work!). Leo (July 23–Aug 22) April ushers in an urge to travel, to broaden your mind and your philosophy of life. (Where do all those religions come from, anyway?) Pick up a book and start wondering! In May, you shine in your career! Leo is the King or Queen—wear your mantle with dignity and not ostentation, and you’ll go far. Virgo (Aug 23–Sept 22) April brings attention to work, fitness, and service. Virgos are the helpers of the zodiac. You may volunteer or help others in some way. May features travel, philosophy, teaching, learning—stretching the barriers of your mind. Virgos love research and analysis—possibly you’ll find a new subject to obsess over! Libra (Sept 23–Oct 22) April brings a month of creativity, love affairs, and fun. Relations with children are a source of joy. This is a good time to take an art class or secretly buy paints and pencils from the art store. Let your creative juices flow. In May, you’re dealing with shared
George Lucas May 14, 1944 Taurus
Uma Thurman April 29, 1970 Taurus
resources, stocks, taxes. This is a month of probing, whether it’s going through old papers, thoughts, or ideas. It’s also an exceptional month for therapy—you have more natural access to your subconscious mind.
Scorpio (Oct 23–Nov 22) April brings your focus to home—possibly moving, an addition to the family, or redecorating. You have some great and inspired ideas. May is all about relationships for you. (Life is all about relationships for you!) Partners see each other clearly now, so it’s a good time for honest (and kind) communication. If single, you’re pretty shiny in this area of life, too. Sagittarius (Nov 23–Dec 21) April is more intellectually oriented. You’re curious and mentally busy, and may take a course or a trip. Either way, this is a good month for broadening your mind. The great daredevil Saggie is concerned with health, work, and service in May. You’re getting in shape to climb a mountain, or your optimism is working on saving the world. Capricorn (Dec 22–Jan 20) April brings in a huge amount of money luck. There’s one indicator that cautions you to read the fine print, but if you keep your eyes open, this can be a great month financially! Fun, romance, and children are your focus in May. You don’t have to be single if you don’t want to be! All of May and June are fantastic for money for you as well. Just make sure everything is what it says it is. If it’s too good to be true, it probably is. Aquarius (Jan 21–Feb 18) In April, super-smart Aquarians thrive! So much to learn, and so many books to choose from! A trip could be on the agenda, especially one geared toward learning about other customs or people. Home is where your heart is in May. You’re painting, redecorating, purging—doing things to make your place more livable and comfortable. Pisces (Feb 19–Mar 20) April brings a period of luck in finances. You’re also internally measuring what is important to you, letting go of what no longer serves you and focusing on and keeping what adds to your life. You’re the communicator in May! You may be taking short trips, enrolling in a class, or journaling with an eye to discovering who you really are. The urge to learn is prominent. Laura has been studying astrology and metaphysics for over twentyfive years. She is available for personal taped consultations by phone. Contact her at laura@northvalleymagazine.com. APRIL | MAY 2009 North Valley
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Kathy and Tom Bollinger at A New Leaf’s Camaraderie Gala Fundraiser
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As a non-profit 501c3, A New Leaf placed our first ad for Faith House Domestic Violence Shelter of Glendale in North Valley Magazine. Even during these tough economic times, your readers made it clear they still want to help others. By reaching out to our closest neighbors, Faith House immediately received calls for volunteers and donations. We humbly thank our caring neighbors for their efforts and the committed staff at North Valley Magazine for helping us bring hope and new beginnings to families in need.
”
Kathy Bollinger Faith House Advisory Council, Chair Banner Estrella Medical Center, CEO
Promote Your Business To advertise, call (602) 828-0313 or e-mail sales@northvalleymagazine.com 82
North Valley APRIL | MAY 2009
APRIL | MAY 2009 North Valley
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