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Escape the real-world hustle by booking an appointment with your favorite Scottsdale color expert and master stylist, Rodney Gentry. Kick back and relax in Rodney’s private salon suite while he works magic on your hair, taking the utmost care with your beauty and your health. Look gorgeous and feel fabulous this holiday season!

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Make Your Hair Color Sparkle for the New Year

with Color Specialist, Rodney Gentry

“This season, it’s all about blends and natural, warmer tones,” says Rodney Gentry, hair color expert and master stylist. “There is so much you can do with your hair to create just about any look you want.”

There’s no surprise that Ombré is extremely popular this fall. It’s a hair coloring trend that doesn’t seem to be wavering; only changing by the season. This fall, the Ombré style uses warmer tones are blended for a subtle, more natural look.

Another gorgeous blended color that’s hot this season is Mushroom Blonde. Mushroom Blonde is an ashy mix between blonde and brunette, creating an ashy, gray blonde with dark undertones—think of the color variety on the underside of a mushroom. “It’s excellent for weaving colored pieces around your face to create a subtle and natural change,” says Rodney. This color option is a great way for blondes to spend time on the darker side.

Conversely, there is Mushroom Brown for the brunettes who want to go a little lighter, while creating a multi-dimensional hair color. In this instance, the colors are subtle shades of brown and gray.

Copper tones are all the rage as more and more people desire a look of red without the commitment and hassle of keeping up with red hair. Additionally, rooted gold tones are a favorite this season. There’s also a variety of feminine chestnuts and browns. “These colors tend to not fade as much so it’s more low-maintenance,” Rodney explains.

For those pesky gray hairs, Rodney reveals that the key to gray coverage is to not cover it 100%. Instead, he prefers to use a neutral color on select pieces to make the grays look highlighted. This way, people don’t have to recolor as often. By doing this technique, it saves the condition of the hair since you’re not covering all of your roots as often.

For those of us who lived through the 80’s, you may see familiar-looking accessories making a comeback. Fun-colored bobby pins, bows, and scrunchies are back in style, along with toned-down versions of 80’s hair styles. “You get volume in the body of your hair, with tamer roots,” says Rodney.

Rodney takes into account a person’s features, skin tones, and routine when he artistically crafts a new hairstyle. “”The right color will make the right hair cut. Texture with color is the way to go,” he says.

BOOK TO EXPERIENCE HIS SERVICES TO UNDERSTAND WHY HE IS CONSIDERED ONE OF THE TOP HAIR COLORING EXPERTS IN SCOTTSDALE ARIZONA! Full-service

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Hello, 2023! It’s truly hard to believe that we’re in the new year. I’m not sure if it’s just me, but the holiday season always seems to just fly by and then we’re all of a sudden starting fresh. For many, January means embarking on a whole lot of new adventures and goals.

All of the changes may be a bit daunting, but there’s one event that will remain constant. It wouldn’t be January in Scottsdale without auto auction week and the BarrettJackson Scottsdale Auction. The event, in addition to auto enthusiast and Barrett-Jackson on-air contributor April Rose (who is our cover feature, page 44), will roll into town from Jan. 21 to 29.

And gearheads looking for even more engine-revving events should check out Concours d’Elegance (page 90) and Concours in the Hills (page 82). Or, if hoping to take up a new skill this year, flip to page 88 for some local classes teaching hobbies that you’ll have honed in no time.

New things for foodies to try in 2023: the recently opened Fire at Will restaurant (page 138), dishes loaded with earthy mushrooms (page 128), cocktails made with both wine and spirits (page 124) and the new Sfizio Modern Italian Kitchen (page 127). If looking to expand your horizons in the way of travel, head to Dolly Parton’s Dollywood for a unique experience (page 118) or Albuquerque, New Mexico (page 122), for an action-packed winter getaway.

Those putting pen to paper (Need something nice to write with? Turn to page 115) to come up with some resolutions may be brainstorming on how they can make the world a better place. Get a little inspiration from the five individuals we’re featuring this month (page 48) who are lending a helping hand to those in need.

Here’s to 2023 and all that it may bring – happiness, prosperity, health, and a whole lot of fun! All

Publisher Bill Richman

Vice President of Operations Stacey Richman

Editor-in-Chief Gabby Leighton Creative Director Lalo Reyes

Contributing Writers

Becky Antioco, Alison Bailin Batz, Melissa Hirschl, Mandy Holmes, Kaylor Jones, Jordan Moreno, Jim Prueter, Photographers

David Apeji, Jenelle Bonifield, Claudia Johnstone, Colleen Katz, Beverly Shumway

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UP CLOSE / BEAT / HIS STYLE / HER STYLE / NOTICED

BY BECKY ANTIOCCO / PHOTOS BY CLAUDIA JOHNSTONE

DISRUPTING THE SYSTEM

Indipop founder Melissa Blatt aims to improve healthcare nationwide

Melissa Blatt is the founder of indipop, a company that provides subscription-based, affordable health insurance to the ever-growing “independent population” of workers. With her model of curated, high-value healthcare solutions, Blatt is disrupting a $1 trillion industry. Rather than making a conscious decision

to change the way people think about and receive healthcare, Blatt says this venture chose her.

After working for more than two decades in the corporate world, three years ago, she decided to venture out on her own and become one of the approximately 57 million independent

contractors working in the United States. The company that she was leaving offered her a COBRA plan to continue her health insurance, which, as a newly self-employed person, was way out of her budget.

“So I went into the marketplace at healthcare.gov, thinking, ‘yay, finally I get to use this.’ And that’s when I had sticker shock. It was like a slap in the face,” Blatt says. “I could only afford the Bronze Plan, which was over $400 per month. But really it was the $8,000 deductibles and the limited networks that infuriated me.”

With a background in business development, Blatt’s goal had been to find companies who wanted to make an impact in the world and help them create strategic partnerships to extend their audience and provide more value to employees and customers. Instead, she ended up becoming an innovator in her own right.

“It was such a huge pain point. I was so frustrated and I just couldn’t let it go,” she says. “You shouldn’t have to worry that you’re going to go bankrupt for receiving care.”

Indipop’s plans work on a set price model, with a large network of providers, and a care team to help users navigate the system. It’s a system based on personal, affordable service.

“My large insurance company never knew me as a person. They knew me as an ID code or a claim number,” Blatt says.

Learning Resiliency

Blatt’s persistence in working to improve and disrupt the way Americans look at healthcare came from the lessons in resiliency and pursuing opportunity that she learned growing up.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Blatt and her family relocated four times before she turned 14, an experience that was difficult at the time, but laid the foundation for her future as an innovator who is quick to adapt and find ways to connect with people.

In moving to Virginia Beach, Cincinnati, Minneapolis and finally to film school at New York University, Blatt learned resiliency and developed the mindset to pursue opportunity, even if it meant risking comfort and stability to head into the unknown. She watched her parents, who worked in sales, be willing to take risks, to challenge themselves, and sometimes go against the norm to go after what was important.

“Moving in the middle of the year for a second grader, that’s hard,” says Blatt, noting it ultimately taught her how to adapt quickly to new situations. “It’s about making yourself uncomfortable. The more you do that, it’s like a muscle that you can flex. You’re not scared of these challenges, it’s growth. The most uncomfortable you can be is when you’re growing. That entrepreneurial mindset was in me from a very young age. The idea that this is going to be hard, but don’t back down of that.”

A series of opportunities, including a move back to Minnesota to help her father launch a new business, paved the path for Blatt to create indipop. She relocated to Arizona 13 years ago, and worked in the corporate jobs that would ultimately lead to where she is today. Although working in healthcare wasn’t on her radar, Blatt says she believes that every experience along her journey led to where she is today.

“The one thing I loved in film school was dramatic writing

and storytelling. And I think that carried me through all the different roles that I’ve had,” she says. “I’ve worked in nonprofits, and sharing people’s stories is something I can relate to. I think translating people’s horror stories — and good stories — is something that has helped in all of my roles.”

Looking Ahead

The next step for indipop is to branch out into mental health services. And although the company operates in 50 states, Blatt has made Arizona her home base, with her parents and her brother joining her in the Valley of the Sun. Here, she has found a thriving entrepreneurial community.

“The more that we feel connected, the power of people uniting can create change,” she says. “That’s what we have with indipop – a community of members that want to make a change in our healthcare system for the better.”

When she’s not working at disrupting the healthcare system, Blatt enjoys walking along the canals with her Italian greyhound, visiting Arizona’s many beautiful resorts, doing yoga and taking meetings at The Henry.

“I love Arizona. It’s a really great place to have roots. It has a great entrepreneurial community. I guess I’m a desert girl now,” she says.

Blatt’s advice for anyone looking to make a change? Go for it! “I’m now in my 50s. So, for anyone out there who says, ‘I guess I didn’t get to do whatever I wanted to do,’ I launched this at 49. Different things come at different times for different people,” she says. “All of our experience keeps adding up. It’s a journey.”

GREEN MACHINE

Blazing new trails is nothing new for Jason Pritchett.

When the longtime Valley attorney joined Radix Law, where he currently serves as president, it became the first multilawyer traditional law firm to be approved as an Alternative Business Structure (ABS) in the United States.

“The ABS designation allows our team to have non-lawyers as owners and leaders within our business,” Pritchett says. “Through this model, we have a diverse variety of legal minds, but can also offer more entrepreneurially minded partners who have overcome real-life business issues.”

Pritchett has served as general counsel to many local businesses, including the Phoenix Rising and Signing Day Sports, a virtual company he helped take public that utilizes videos to help college coaches analyze talent. He is also an active Thunderbird.

“Through the WM Phoenix Open, we have helped create literacy programs, fund domestic violence shelters, provide school clothes for low-income families, and even furnish safe places to live for recently homeless, veterans in need, and youth aging out of the foster care system,” says Pritchett, noting the organization’s total giving now exceeds $175 million. “We are blazing impactful trails that will support hundreds of thousands of members of our community for years to come.”

Beyond all this, Pritchett – in partnership with his brother, Japheth – launched GEST Carts in Scottsdale.

“GEST stands for Green Easy Safe Transportation,” Pritchett says. “It is a free, 100% electric alternative to rideshare, taxis or driving one’s own car.”

The open-air, temperature-controlled GEST Carts operate similar to Uber as riders can request a cart through the mobile app, downloadable through the Apple and Google Play stores. Rides are free thanks to advertisers that are marketing on the carts. Each cart is able to legally travel up 35 miles per hour and carry five passengers. Pritchett’s plan is to initially focus on Old Town Scottsdale’s Entertainment District as well as at major events like Spring Training and Super Bowl before expanding to Downtown Phoenix, Tempe and the WM Open.

“In addition to being safer and more comfortable than golf carts, GEST Carts are both cheaper and greener than rideshare, and we think they can lower the incidence of drunk driving, especially among those who incorrectly assume they ‘are fine’ to drive after a few beers,” Pritchett says.

BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ

Attorney Jason Pritchett is bringing a free, sustainable transportation alternative to Scottsdale

/ PHOTO BY CLAUDIA JOHNSTONE

LOCATION: W HOTEL SCOTTSDALE

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SOUL PROPRIETOR

BY

As a teen, Holly Hart felt a deep connection with what she calls “spirit.”

“More confusing than scary, at the time I just saw silhouettes and could sense gender versus being able to communicate,” Hart says.

Rather than focus on her gift straight away, upon graduating from Horizon High School in 1999, Hart pursued a degree in education at Arizona State University, with plans to study toward a career to work with children with special needs.

“I have a learning disability, so helping kids like me find their confidence was my sole focus for many years, before I found my soul focus,” she says.

Hart reignited her connection with the other side in 2019 while visiting with her husband’s family. Once she opened up about her gift, she was met with an outpouring of encouragement. So much so, an extended family member asked her for a reading.

“I explained that I did not know how, but she told me to just start expressing what I was seeing and feeling out loud,” Hart says. “I saw her grandfather and had my first experience in communicating.”

From there, she started practicing with a local group of mediums and gave free readings to friends.

“The readings resonated, and I kept hearing how heartfelt they were,” Hart says. “By 2020 when I gained the confidence to start my own business while continuing to teach, the name ‘Hartfelt Healings’ – an homage to my last name and first clients’ feedback – just felt right.”

At first, given COVID-19 and her busy life as a teacher, wife and mother of two, Hart did readings virtually, honing her communication until she was able to get a sense of each spirit’s personality and to more easily accept messages.

“Within a year, I had a groundswell of interest; one that allowed me to begin in-person sessions,” she says. “And then in 2022 I made my boldest move yet.”

In March 2022, Hart sat down with her husband – also an educator – and shared her desire to quit teaching to pursue being a medium full time.

“With his support, by May 2022 I made the move,” she says.

Today, she offers custom tarot card readings and medium sessions for individuals and groups. She also sages homes, provides reiki and continues to help children with anxiety and depression through energy work.

Holly Hart takes a leap of faith to launch Hartfelt Healings

ALISON BAILIN BATZ / PHOTO BY CLAUDIA JOHNSTONE

SIMPLY PROFESSIONAL

Jared Hirschl elevates basics with patterned pieces

BY MANDY HOLMES / PHOTO BY BEVERLY SHUMWAY

Thanks to advice he received in college, Jared Hirschl aims to style himself in a way that makes him memorable for being professional.

The Arizona native works at Resolute Commercial Services in the restructuring, business valuations, and forensic accounting sectors and spends most days in a blue suit with a white button-down shirt, a brown belt and nice shoes.

Besides his trusted signature look, he favors gingham print shirts and a reliable watch.

“A good watch can elevate almost any outfit. I love my apple watch, but sometimes a classic mechanical will get the job done,” he says.

Not one to jump on a bandwagon trend, Hirschl opts to invest in quality pieces. “Purchasing a pair of dress shoes that will last me 10 to 20 years with care beats buying something new every year,” he says.

Since his career involves meeting with clients and their lawyers in person, Hirschl makes sure his professional appearance reflects not only his work product, but also his style preferences. However, don’t expect to see him in muted styles forever as he has his eyes set on flashier looks ahead. “As I get older, I hope to one day have Jeff Goldblum’s fashion confidence,” he says.

What are your favorite brands? My go-to dress shirt is from Kamakura out of Japan. They are high quality and the sizing works for a shorter guy like myself. Give me an unlimited budget and my closet would be nothing but Etons, but I think my kids’ college funds would have something to say about it.

What is your favorite store? In person, you’ll find me at The Clotherie. The whole team is stellar and knows what to recommend for any budget. Online, I’m partial to Kamakura, they haven’t done me wrong yet. My oldest son (11 years old) keeps me informed on what’s trendy.

What is your most prized possession in your closet? My favorite watch, a Girard Perregaux worn by my late grandfather.

POLISHED TO PERFECTION

BY MANDY HOLMES / PHOTO BY BEVERLY SHUMWAY

As the director of aircraft sales at Paradise Jets, Jessica Holland incorporates English countryside elements into her chic, coastal-inspired style.

Holland’s signature look is a white custom-tailored Portofino blouse with dress slacks, high heels and a coordinating handbag. “I’ve taken a lot of my style inspiration from my travels, and from other business women in my life,” she says.

Working in a male-dominated industry, Holland always aims for an outfit that could command a boardroom but also feels approachable. “Private aviation has an air of luxury about it, as does the clientele. I try to bring that feeling of luxury into my outfits because, in my opinion, dressing well shows self-respect and in return, our clients can expect the same treatment,” she says.

Between juggling her career and travel schedule, Holland prefers to shop online with a glass of wine in hand. “I tend to gravitate toward navy blues, creams and gold accents. I loved the ‘coastal grandma’ trend that was going around this past fall. It really highlighted the Hamptons aesthetic,” she says.

How has your style evolved? My first corporate job sculpted my style into a very monochromatic look. It was a look that was far from what my style was, but at the time I was young and wanted to fit in. Flash forward and I no longer try to fit the mold. I’ve taken on a style that truly represents me and fashioned it into something stunning, yet appropriate.

What are your favorite brands? Karen Millen, Ralph Lauren Collection and Hermes. To me, Hermes represents a timeless style. With the unparalleled workmanship of the brand’s pieces, it’s worth investing in some staple items. Those accent pieces paired with classic brands really help elevate an outfit.

What is your most prized fashion possession? My Christian Louboutin passport holder. I told myself when I achieved my dream job in aviation and had a reason to carry my passport with me that I would invest in a passport holder.

Jessica Holland loves a look that feels finished

PHOENIX HEART BALL

American Heart Association’s annual gala took place at The Phoenician

BY DAVID APEJI

Heather Wagenhals

Victoria Admire and Katee Lauchner

Jennifer Moser and Lisa Geyser

Sandra McGann and Molly Stockley

Jordan Rose

Jen Yee and Lora Golke

WHITE CHRISTMAS GALA

Ryan House’s annual black tie soiree was held at Arizona Biltmore

BY COLLEEN KATZ

Cassie Littell

Tamera Compagno

Kirsten Pekar

Elle Fultz

Crystal Piao

Nicole Kielen

Broadcaster and auto enthusiast April Rose gears up for the annual Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction

BY KAYLOR JONES / PHOTOS BY BARRETT-JACKSON

As an on-air contributor for BarrettJackson, April Rose is one of the faces of The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions. Over the course of her career as a sports broadcaster, actor and model, Rose has worn many different hats, but one thing that’s stayed consistent is her love of all things automotive.

“A lot of people grew up working on cars with their dad, but that’s not me – I’ve just always been passionate about cars,” Rose says. “My older brother had a 1995 Camaro, and I just looked up to him so much. I thought it was the coolest rocket ship-looking piece of equipment.”

Rose was thrilled to be given her brother’s car as a hand-me-down when she turned 16, but receiving the object of her fascination was both a blessing and a curse.

“The Camaro looked so fast, and it had really dark tinted windows – I got pulled over all the time. Years later, when I got my EMT license, I had so many speeding tickets that I couldn’t get a job on an ambulance. The insurance company wouldn’t cover me!”

But what seemed like a roadblock at first led Rose to a fulfilling career in crisis counseling, where she worked directly with survivors of sexual assault in over a dozen emergency rooms across Chicago. And while her Camaro served her well as her

first car, it was later overtaken by another love – a 1967 El Camino that she affectionately named Mullet. The car brought her endless joy, and not just because it epitomized the phrase “business in the front, party in the back.”

“It was never a headache to sit in traffic in Mullet,” Rose says. “The great thing about classic cars is that when you leave work at 5 p.m., if you’re in a car that you love, sitting in traffic becomes enjoyable. You’re connected to the road in a different way.”

Today, Rose appreciates freedom in all its forms – from the freedom of the open road to the freedom afforded to her by her career. After her first foray into modeling with Maxim, she hosted MTV’s Guy Code and Girl Code, acted in Grown Ups 2, and was given her own series on Comcast SportsNet Network featuring players from the Chicago Blackhawks. Though she’d proved her talent time and time again, Rose says she was surprised that she kept getting hired to work in media, which felt like entering a completely different world.

“It was so much fun, and I was able to support myself 100%. I bought my first house when I was 25. To be able to do that completely on my own was liberating,” Rose says. “I want to empower girls to know that they don’t need anyone else, not a man, not family money. You can do it yourself. It’s right at your fingertips – if you put the hard work in, you can really accomplish anything.”

START YOUR ENGINES

Since joining the Barrett-Jackson team as an on-air contributor over 10 years ago, Rose’s passion for cars has increased tenfold. She’ll be on the grounds this month during the 52nd annual Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction, taking place Jan. 21 to 29 at WestWorld of Scottsdale. VIP and general admission tickets are available for advance purchase online.

In addition to crowd favorite food vendors, live music and luxury shopping opportunities, this year will see the first Future Car Collector Show (FCCS) on Sunday, Jan. 22. The concours-style event will round up hundreds of showstopping cars from

recent decades – the collector cars of tomorrow – to inspire discussion among the next generation of auto enthusiasts. Rose is especially excited to try and predict which modern cars will increase in value over the years – though Best in Show winners from the years before Barrett-Jackson added FCCS to its roster include a 1993 Mazda RX-7 and a 1998 Toyota Supra, Rose has recently had her eye on the 1987 Buick Grand National.

Following Barrett-Jackson’s most successful year to date, this year’s event is expected to break even more world auction records. Over 1,800 cars will cross the auction block, including standouts like a 2005 Porsche Carrera GT, one of only 644

sold in the U.S. during its production run, and the 1966 Shelby Group II Mustang originally built for famed British racecar driver Ken Miles.

In 2022, the Scottsdale Auction raised over $8.8 million for charity – with recipients including The Barrow Neurological Foundation, Operation Homefront and many more – and this month’s event hopes to add even more to the organization’s lifetime total of over $149 million raised for charity.

BETTER TOGETHER

After more than a decade with BarrettJackson, Rose looks forward to another record-breaking year of the Valley’s signature

automotive lifestyle event. While she’s proud to represent women in the classic car world, Rose says she feels there’s a fine line between acceptance and drawing too much attention to the matter at hand.

“I don’t talk about it a lot because I want it to be normal,” she says. “It’s fantastic to celebrate women and cars, but I also don’t want to make it a big deal – we’ve been here, we’ve always been here, and we’re going to continue to be here.”

For Rose, one of the best parts of the job is being surrounded by a community of people from different backgrounds who share the same love of cars. One highlight from her career – which happened to be her first experience working with BarrettJackson – was meeting Bob Varsha, the commentator often dubbed the “voice of Barrett-Jackson” at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca during a promotion for Maxim. It was at that event, riding in an Indy twoseater with renowned racecar driver Mario Andretti, that Rose knew it was time to bring her career into the automotive world, and she hasn’t regretted it for a second.

“It was always a hobby and a passion and it just fit naturally into my life,” Rose says. “It’s going to sound cheesy, but I love the people I work with. There’s a connection with other live broadcasters. To be on live TV you have to have a certain kind of nerve and wit, and an obsession with what you’re doing. We all have that, and it’s a commonality you don’t often find with a lot of people.”

Rose and her coworkers are certainly not alone in their obsession with cars –Barrett-Jackson provides the perfect opportunity for gearheads to gather from across the state and beyond to discuss the ins and outs of the one thing they all have in common.

“Barrett-Jackson is like this mini city – when you walk through the door, you’re joining a club of car aficionados, and you’re welcomed with open arms. Whether you’re new to motorsports or you’ve been there your whole life, you’re part of the club.”

Learn more and buy tickets for the upcoming auction at www.barrett-jackson. com.

HelpingHand A

For many, the new year evokes feelings of hope and change, both of which exemplify the founding principles of some of the Valley’s most impactful nonprofits. The leaders behind these organizations work tirelessly to inspire others, spark change in the community and lend support to those who need it most. Here we meet five founders of local nonprofits and learn what inspires them to fight the good fight.

Five founders of local nonprofits making big waves in the community

Diana Gazzano Gibson

Founder, The Diana Adapted Foundation

Since losing her dominant arm in an ATV accident in 2016, Diana Gazzano Gibson has made it her mission to support others with limb differences.

“It was hard to see in the moment but this has provided me with strength I never would’ve been able to attain with two arms,” Gibson says. “It seems like you’ve got an uphill battle but it’s also a secret weapon – the level of mental toughness that comes with losing a limb can’t be taught.”

Last November, Gibson founded The Diana Adapted Foundation (www.dianaadaptedfoundation.org). Its core programs, which focus on one’s mindset, independence and fitness, revolve around the information and resources that Gibson wished she had received following her accident.

“I want to provide inspiration for those with sudden limb differences so they can see the silver lining and know that it’s not a death sentence, and it’s not the end of the world. You can actually live an even better life than what you were going to live.”

For Gibson, the biggest blessing – and challenge – of her new life has been becoming a mom. “Up until that point, if I couldn’t do something – if I couldn’t do that push-up or put my hair up in a certain way – it only affected me. The realization that it would affect my baby if I couldn’t do something was soul-crushing, but I had amazing support from family and friends who said, ‘You’ve figured everything else out. What makes you think you can’t do this too?’”

Gibson is excited to pay that support forward and make a tangible impact on the lives of those with limb differences, all while leaving behind a legacy of perseverance for her children.

“I want my daughter and son to know that their mom was strong no matter what, mentally and physically,” she says. “Whatever challenges they come up against, they can over come no matter what because they saw me thrive in adversity.”

Stuart Crawford

Founding member, PCH 50

As one of the founding members of PCH 50, a nonprofit that raises money and builds awareness for Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Stuart Crawford is a firm believer in the power of community.

“We wanted to develop a group of community leaders who have a network and a passion, an armed force of a group that share the same vision and could grow our presence quickly,” Crawford says. “We’re much stronger together than we are by ourselves.”

The 50 members volunteer their time to raise critical funds for the hospital’s Hope Fund, which ensures its technology remains up to date, sponsors leading-edge research, and helps patients receive unmatched care. This year alone, PCH 50 (www. thepch50.com) raised $1 million in less than 20 minutes after tickets for its signature event, Off the Record, went live.

A veteran of the mortgage business, Crawford, who serves as the founder and CEO of Bison Ventures by day, says the funds help alleviate what he calls a three-headed monster – supply chain issues, inflation, and the high prices caused by constant advances in medical tech. By helping the hospital stay on the cutting edge, they help not only current patients, but future ones as the population of Maricopa County continues to grow at an exponential rate.

For Crawford, who fondly remembers being approached by another founding member with the opportunity to make a targeted impact on one of the Valley’s institutions, being a part of the PCH 50 since it was founded in 2016 has been an honor. Looking forward, he adds, the group has no shortage of creative ideas on how to continually improve their fundraising efforts.

“And even bigger than that, we want to inspire not only the current generation, but the generation coming behind us about how to do charity work. You can have a vision and put a few people into a room and that can grow into something you never thought possible.”

Anika Robinson

President, ASA Now

When Anika Robinson first became a foster parent over 15 years ago, it marked the beginning of a whirlwind journey.

“I had originally signed up to be a foster parent for one year, but I was still fostering nine years later,” Robinson says. “The number of children in CPS custody had grown from 13,000 to almost 20,000 kids in care – and at the time, there were only 3,000 licensed parents.”

Faced with the unimaginable trauma experienced by many foster children – a group that’s nearly twice as likely to suffer from PTSD as war veterans – Robinson often considered giving up her calling. But she knew quitting wouldn’t fix anything – she needed solutions.

In 2015, Robinson joined forces with two other foster moms to tirelessly lobby for what became known as Jacob’s Law, which speeds up access to behavioral health care for foster children. A month later, Robinson and her co-founders started ASA Now (www.asanow.org) out of her home and immediately began offering 24/7 aid, hosting family events and support groups and distributing emergency food boxes to burnt-out caregivers.

“Our hope was that if we could prevent one family from closing their license because they felt supported, loved and appreciated, that these children would have the opportunity to be raised in a loving home and not in a group home or child crisis center.”

ASA Now has since expanded to the 3-acre Jacob’s Mission Community Center. In addition to tutoring, equine therapy, and music, dance and cooking classes, the nonprofit distributed over $900,000 worth of aid, including emergency food and clothes boxes, in 2021 alone.

“To me, there is no greater purpose in my life than being a mother,” says Robinson, whose next project is building a trauma-informed school to equip struggling children with the skills they need to return to public school. “Not everyone is called to foster, but all of us have the ability to do something.”

Danielle Betterman Director, Better Piggies Rescue

Twelve years ago, Danielle Betterman received a gift that changed her life – a pig named Beezers.

“If you’ve never cuddled with a pig, you’re missing out,” says Betterman, who had always admired the animals but never had one of her own. “Pigs love to be loved, but they make you earn that love. Once you do, it’s life-changing.”

Betterman’s passion for animals is thanks in part to her father, who brought her and her sister on rescues with the Adobe Mountain Wildlife Center when they were young.

“I would rescue birds, lizards, snakes, anything in the desert that needed my help. Then as an adult, I’d volunteer at local shelters and make calls to sanctuaries for friends who found stray animals.”

After rescuing her second pig, Beyonce, and connecting with local sanctuaries that shared her newfound dedication to pigs, Betterman was inspired to start Better Piggies Rescue, a nonprofit that rescues, rehabilitates and adopts pot belly pigs at its sanctuary near Cave Creek while educating potential pig owners on common myths spread by breeders. In the past five years, the organization (www.betterpiggiesrescue.org) has saved over 400 pigs, each of them with a distinct personality.

“Pigs are smart – sometimes too smart! – and can be trained and therapy-certified just like dogs. They like mud to cool down in the summer, but otherwise stay clean and love to cuddle in a blanket or on their best friend’s lap,” Betterman says. “I’ve bonded with some amazing pigs over the years, and each connection is different. They’re such complex beings but so wonderful.”

At the end of the day, Betterman aims to not just care for and rehome pot belly pigs, but to change the public’s perception of the intelligent animals.

“Society has been wired to think that pigs are only good for one thing – food. But it’s time to change the narrative around pigs and get them the same protection as dogs and cats. They’re loving, kind, smart, loyal beings who make beautiful companions for the right people.”

Brian Yampolsky

Founder, The Giving Group AZ

When a friend of Brian Yampolsky’s started a nonprofit in Seattle called The Giving Group – in which 100 people make a quarterly donation of $100 to benefit a local charity – Yampolsky was struck with inspiration.

“All I needed to do was find 100 people to join me in making an amplified impact on our community,” Yampolsky says. “Why wouldn’t I want to do that?”

And thus, The Giving Group AZ (www.tggaz.org) was born. At their quarterly meeting, members bring the name of a worthy nonprofit to enter into a random drawing. Four organizations are selected, and after a pitch and Q&A session, members vote on the winning nonprofit, which receives a lump sum of $10,000. Past recipients include Foster Arizona Housing Project, Family Promise of Greater Phoenix, and other charities supporting families receiving cancer treatment, local theaters, and much more.

Since 2017, the group has donated over a quarter of a million dollars, with no signs of slowing down. Yampolsky, who also serves as the owner of Orion Mortgage Corporation, has seen firsthand just how excited people get to make a difference, often volunteering to go above and beyond.

“We once had a typical quarterly meeting that turned out to be anything but typical,” Yampolsky shares. “After we heard the pitches from the four nonprofits, the group voted on which one would receive the $10,000. After the winner was announced, a member of our group decided to donate $3,000 of his own money to each of the three runner-up nonprofits. It was an unbelievable moment of giving back.”

For Yampolsky, choosing to get involved in any way he can has never been a difficult decision. “There are so many negative things happening in the world – war, hunger, poverty, homelessness, abuse. When we take steps to make a positive change in our own communities, we can offset those negative things and make this a better world to live in – simple.”

There’s no doubt Valley businesses are booming and that the people behind them are innovative, intelligent and, above all, influential. As we delve into 2023, we’re eagerly looking ahead to those who are advancing their fields, growing local commerce, and forging the path to success – across all types of vocations. From what they’re doing now to the plans they have for the remainder of the year, take note on the people to watch this year.

Get Your Glow On

Nothing is more rejuvenating than a visit to an excellent medspa. You’ll find just that at Glo Medspa, one of Scottsdale’s largest and most accomplished medspas, which was founded by Charles Small, BSN, RN with the intention of helping everyone look good. “We deliver the highest level of care with patient safety as a top priority,” he says. “We strive to give our patients natural-looking results and enhance their natural beauty.”

Glo Medspa offers cutting-edge treatments and an unparalleled customer service experience which, like your treatment, is tailored specifically to you. “What sets Glo Medspa apart from all the rest is our eye for emerging trends in aesthetics,” Small says. “Glo Medspa provides natural results. I always tell people that you want to look like you... just a younger, more refreshed version of yourself.”

Cosmetic procedures require specialized education and training. Small

spent 15 years working as a nurse in the hospital before recognizing that his “true passion was in aesthetics.” His ample experience in the medical field helped him create Glo Medspa with a focus on providing top-notch treatments that help clients look and feel their best.

Given his background, Small understands that success relies heavily on keeping current with new techniques and technologies in the industry. “We are happy to announce that we are the first in Arizona to have a new device called the Endolift for tightening and contouring the face,” says Small, “as well as Aviclear, which is a machine to permanently get rid of acne.”

All of the best techniques and procedures are meaningless without skilled hands and a trained eye behind the treatment. Charles, in addition to his 15 years working in critical care at the hospital, has certifications including basic and advanced techniques of Botox and Juvederm injections. He is also an

active member of the Dermatology Nurse Association and the American Society of Plastic Surgical Nurses.

“I am one of the top injectors in all of Arizona and continue to think outside the box with new techniques and skills,” Small says. “I am the one who sets many of the trends in Arizona, and many of the other medspas tend to follow my lead.” Like many who enter this industry, Charles says what drives him is being able to make people happy and feel good about how they look.

After all, you have to work with the best if you want to look your best. Charles and his team create each treatment plan based on your individual goals and budget, so the service is totally tailored to you and what you want. It’s never been easier to look and feel great in Scottsdale, thanks to Charles Small and Glo Medspa.

To contact Charles Small at Glo Medspa, visit glomedspas.com or call 480.245.6881.

Charles Small provides award winning care at Glo Medspa

Wendy O Real Estate

Wendy Ortiz is client focused and performance driven

There's no industry where client service is more essential than it is in real estate. With customer service at the forefront of her business, Wendy Ortiz will guide you from start to finish through the entire real estate process. At Wendy O Real Estate, the experience is vastly different than other real estate firms and, as Wendy describes it, “service driven” and “relationship based.” “Clients start as strangers and then, in time, become friends and advocates,” Wendy says. “We make a concentrated effort to thank them endlessly for their trust.”

Wendy and her team’s focus on building a relationship with each client to individualize their approach to the real estate transaction is one of many things that sets them apart from others in their field. “There are many companies, agents, and teams to choose from. We want to work with clients that want to work with us because we consider them family and want them to be happy in the

end,” Wendy says. “We don’t put the commission first.”

Wendy’s clients receive unparalleled service working with her thanks to her service-focused approach, but it’s the results that secure her as a person to watch in 2023. Her face-to-face is fantastic, but her implementation of technology to drive results is what makes her the whole package in the real estate field.

“I believe technology must be married with traditional sales,” Wendy says. “It is important to keep up with this trend and stay ahead of what will sell the home in the best way possible in the shortest time.”

To succeed, Wendy utilizes proven strategies that maximize the impact of each campaign she launches. In 2023, this will involve more intensified search engine optimization, more creative marketing strategies, and more target marketing that creates the most relevant and influential content in the optimal time

and manner to generate more leads.

“A surprising percentage of buyers and sellers are looking on the Internet before they have even chosen their agent,” Wendy says. “It is very important to have the most impactful impact the moment the home hits the Internet.”

Recently, she has added her son and fellow real estate professional Joe Ortiz to the team, upping the ante for the coming year. “Adding Joe to my team will accentuate the business,” Wendy says. “He is very good at his craft– one of the best I have worked with.”

Whether working with Wendy, Joe, or any member of the Wendy O Real Estate team, you’re guaranteed excellent service, revolutionary implementation of technology, cutting-edge strategies, and, of course, sales. “We are passionate about helping our clients,” Wendy says. “The right home will come at the right time.”

To contact Wendy call 480.695.3709 or email wendyorealestate@gmail.com.

The Leading Voice In Her Field

CarolAnn Tutera is the president and CEO of SottoPelle® and Tutera Medical, the valley’s leading bioidentical pellet hormone therapy (BHRT) offices. The personalized, physician led approach provides the valley’s best age management health solution - fueled by sophisticated data, technology and metabolic science that the SottoPelle® Method is known for.

But, what benefits can one get from hormone replacement therapy? “As we age, our hormones and bodies don’t work quite the same as they used to. Bioidentical hormone treatment is a great option for those wanting improved energy and vitality, a decrease in bone loss, and increases in muscle mass,” CarolAnn says. Tutera Medical also offers other wellness services that patients say help them feel healthy.

Although she’s a leading voice in the field, CarolAnn has been a patient for the past 26 years. “Our staff keeps me actively involved and always leaves me

feeling excited about new products and procedures that we bring to both companies,” she says. She also believes strongly in giving patients the best treatment and care at affordable prices. Both locals and patients from around the world depend on the SottoPelle Method using customized bioidentical hormone pellets. The team of experts help people struggling with sleep management, low libido, poor energy levels, anxiety, and other common effects of hormone depletion. She is now excited to bring new products to market for your hair & skin called Bolster Beauty by SottoPelle.

CarolAnn, is the wife of the late Dr. Gino Tutera, and together they started the company in 1992. BHRT, using pellet therapy, was pioneered by Dr. Gino Tutera, who played a critical role in its development to bring pellets to the forefront, as a viable and successful medical method. He began using Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy - BHRT - in 1979 to prevent pregnancy loss. This

therapy

treatment was not without criticism, but it nevertheless helped a great many people.

Your comfort, your safety, and your satisfaction are incredibly important to CarolAnn, which is why her team has incorporated multiple safeguards into their treatment. As the gold standard in the field, SottoPelle’s reputation is world renown. “I am honored to be part of this company and continue to see it grow,” she says.

CarolAnn was listed by Vanity Fair’s Women to Watch and was the face of HRT in Phoenix Magazine for four consecutive years. With CarolAnn’s passion for peak wellness and vibrant good health, Tutera Medical was voted the best HRT office at Ranking Arizona for seven years in a row.

To contact Tutera Medical or SottoPelle call 480.874.1515 or visit www.tuteramedical.com, www.sottopelletherapy.com located at 8412 E Shea Blvd #101 Scottsdale, AZ 85260.

CarolAnn Tutera is proud to be the go-to resource for hormone

If you’re an avid Good Morning Arizona fan then you may already be acquainted with Dr. Jennifer Geoghegan, MD, FACS who appeared recently to discuss the revolutionary BodyTite procedure.

Dr. Geoghegan is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and one of the leading cosmetic and reconstructive surgeons in the Scottsdale and greater Arizona area. She boasts nearly 15 years of experience, making her one of the best in the biz. While Dr. Geoghegan excels in all aesthetic procedures of the breast, body and face, she chooses to specialize in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the breast and body. But it’s not just her skills that give her status in the community of cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, it’s also her background.

“In addition to being Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, I am a member of various organizations including the American Society for

Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and the Association of Women Surgeons,” Dr. Geoghegan says. “Prior to attending medical school, I was a registered nurse which has allowed me to connect with my patients and deliver an excellent patient experience, something that I pride myself on.”

Beyond her impressive resume, Dr. Geoghegan credits her ability to provide excellent service to her clients to her status as a woman and a mother. “Being a woman and mother allows me to better understand and relate to my female patients while working with them to reach their aesthetic goals. Additionally, I am one of only a few surgeons in Arizona who performs the BodyTite and Morpheus8 procedures”

The BodyTite procedure, which Dr. Geoghegan appeared on Good Morning Arizona to discuss, involves using radio frequency to tighten skin and dissolve fat, making it easier to remove via liposuction. These procedures, as well as a plethora

of other cutting-edge services, are offered at Gawley Plastic Surgery, where Dr. Geoghegan practices.

To Dr. Geoghegan, integrating the most current technology is paramount when it comes to recommending the best procedures for the patient. “I am always focused on learning more about the latest technology in the aesthetic field and am excited to continue to see great results with our patients,” Dr. Geoghegan shares.

You’re guaranteed the best service and top-tier technology integration at Gawley Plastic Surgery, especially when working with Dr. Geoghegan. Outside of the operating room, she works with nonprofit organizations such as Check for a Lump and Elevate Phoenix. “I enjoy working with local charities that help to support breast cancer patients as they complete their recoveries,” she says.

For more information or to book a consultation with Dr. Geoghegan, visit www.gawleyplasticsurgery.com, or call 480.696.6361.

Dr. Jennifer Geoghegan is dedicated to extraordinary transformations

Dr. Bryan Gawley

Amazing surgical outcomes meets personalized patient experience

You’ve got to work with the best to look your best when it comes to cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the breast, body, or face.

With over 20 years of education and experience, more than 10 years running as Phoenix Top Doctor, and founder and director of MDSkin clinics, Dr. Gawley is one of the premiere, “go to” plastic surgeons in Arizona and the country.

Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and active member of the American College of Surgeons, Dr. Gawley strives to set the standard for clinical excellence and client experience in surgical and non-surgical aesthetics. “My ultimate goal is not only to achieve amazing surgical results, but as important to create a personal, memorable experience for my patients, to develop a long-term relationship,” says Dr. Gawley.

Gawley Plastic Surgery is a comprehensive practice specializing in facial rejuvenation, breast enhancement and reconstruction, and body contouring.

As one of the leading Facelift and facial rejuvenation surgeons in the country, Dr. G. achieves his branded natural results using a combination of surgical and non-surgical techniques to lift sagging skin, restore volume, and refresh aged and sundamaged skin. “Our common approach to achieving natural refreshed outcomes is to create a personalized surgical and nonsurgical plan for each client. This often involves a facelift/necklift/eyelift, fat transfer to restore characteristic volume loss, and laser and skin treatments that address aged and sundamaged skin.”

Dr. G. is a seasoned and soughtafter breast and body surgeon as well. He specializes in natural breast enhancement and is an expert in both cosmetic and reconstructive breast surgery.

With a mission to elevate the skincare experience, Dr. G. founded and developed MDSkin—Modern Skincare clinics focused on expert skincare personalized for you. His vision was to

take the level of clinical expertise from his plastic surgery practice and combine it with a cool, chic, trendy patient experience. Testament to the concept’s success, they have three AZ locations and another in Utah, with more locations to come in 2023-24.

Giving back to the community is paramount at the Gawley Companies. Dr. Gawley and his wife Dr. Heather St. Peter started Unicorn Philanthropy in 2019 to help raise funds and awareness to several charities including Check for a Lump and Elevate Phoenix. “Giving back to the community and people that have given us so much is really the most rewarding part of our business,” says Dr. Gawley. Their annual Gawley Gala and annual Golf Tournament have raised over $500,000 for these local charities.

For more information or to book a consultation with Dr. Gawley, visit www.gawleyplasticsurgery.com, www.mdskinlounge.com, or call 480.696.6361.

Good vibes and great coffee

Set in the bustling Old Town Scottsdale district, you’ll find JOJO Coffeehouse Breakfast & Brunch, a coffee bar and restaurant offering upscale presentation and unique dishes to locals and tourists alike.

The coffeehouse-themed restaurant is the brainchild of experienced entrepreneur, owner, and founder Michael Melton, whose resume includes various successful ventures over the past 20 years. In fact, Melton was named Small Business Person of the Year for the state of Arizona in 2015 for his home security business.

While he boasts a proven track record in a number of fields, JOJO Coffeehouse Breakfast & Brunch is his first in the restaurant industry. “I had a burning passion to connect deeper with our community and with my customers face to face,” Melton says. “We opened JOJO Coffeehouse to the public in December of 2018. We have experienced year-over-year growth and we don't see that slowing down any time soon.”

JOJO Coffehouse’s success seems like an overnight success story, but it has been many years in the making, according to Melton. Most recently, the restaurant underwent major renovations to both the exterior and interior of the establishment. New marble tables and elevated restaurant booths and chairs supplement the sophisticated decor of exposed brick and thoughtful hanging light fixtures suspended from the exposed ceiling. “The JOJO brand has a timeless feel and charm that you don't see every day,” Melton shares.

The space looks the part, but it’s the food and the service that establish JOJO’s as the one-of-a-kind experience it offers the community. This is thanks to Melton’s passion for hospitality. “I had a vision to create an environment that makes it easy for people in the local area to connect with others and enjoy their time together,” Melton says. “There are so many things that can divide us as a society and I had it placed in my heart to build

something that brings people together.”

And what could be more unifying than fantastically flavorful food. Popular dishes at the restaurant include traditional staples like your standard Pancake Breakfast, culinary creations like Breakfast Tacos, and quaint quick bites like Avocado Toast. JOJO Coffeehouse Breakfast & Brunch also offers the perfect pairing in the form of craft coffee flights. Flights include chilled samples of the JOJO Cold Brew, Mocha, Latte, Caramel Macchiato, and White Mocha. It makes the perfect pick-me-up.

Melton believes 2023 will be a breakout year for the business. “I have a strong desire to help connect the people in our community and make a positive impact in their lives, even if it is simply through a good experience over breakfast with family or visiting a friend for brunch,” he says.

For more information visit jojocoffeehouse.com or follow them on social media @JOJO.Coffeehouse.

Michael Melton focuses on both at JOJO Coffeehouse Breakfast & Brunch

Redefining the Way Pilates Is Done

DEFINE Pilates is an exclusive boutique Pilates studio specializing in group classes utilizing the reformer, tower and chair. At the helm is Ashley Jahner, owner and instructor with over eight years of teaching experience under her belt.

Originally from Chicago, Ashley moved to Scottsdale to pursue her career in post-operative care in Plastic Surgery; working alongside some of the best in the Valley for over six years before turning in her scrubs. Ashley decided to get certified through Pilates Sports Center for its exceptional reputation, focus on innovative principles and anatomy/biomechanics. She knew she did not want to lose sight on the ability to help others yet desired a better work/life balance.

After five plus years managing over 20 instructors between three studios, building each studio from the ground up, Ashley took the experiences she gained and the skills she learned to take the leap of faith and start her own business.

Throughout the 8 years she has been teaching, Ashley felt Scottsdale desperately needed a studio that was welcoming yet stylish, provided talented experienced instructors that give the members effective workouts. "I worked at some exceptional places teaching, but knew I wanted more, more for my team, myself and most importantly, my clients. A studio that was pristine, inviting and produced results so that the clients never felt forgotten,” she says.

Focusing on form to ensure the small-twitch muscles are targeted ensure that participants are left feeling sore in all the right places. The intimate class sizes allow DEFINE instructors to achieve maximum functionality and create innovative classes to prevent boredom and ensure you leave feeling better than when you walked in.

Some may ask what sets DEFINE Pilates apart from all the other Pilates studios in the area, and the answer is simple. Ashley and her team provide an

array of workouts that tone, lengthen and strengthen your mind and body. “We pride ourselves in providing a luxurious studio where everyone can come for a challenging workout while cultivating friendships with those who share their same interests,” Ashley shares. “We work with you on your fitness goals so that your "why" is never forgotten.”

In 2023, Ashley is excited to be adding her certification in nutrition/coaching to elevate her members' experience and provide them with all the tools necessary to achieve their fitness goals and continue a healthier lifestyle for their futures.

DEFINE offers group classes seven days per week, Monday-Thursday 6am7:30pm with a break to cater to their private and semi-private clients from 12pm-3:30pm. Weekend hours include Saturday and Sunday 8am-12pm.

To contact Ashley at DEFINE Pilates call 480.307.9835 or visit www. definepilatesaz.com, 14148 N. 100th St. Suite C-105 Scottsdale, AZ 85260.

A Passion for People

Kelly Bowden specializes in the Scottsdale Luxury real estate market

The luxury real estate market is ripe with opportunity, but you’ll want the services of a seasoned professional to properly navigate it and clinch the best deals on the market. Working with Luxury Real Estate Agent Kelly Bowden of RE/MAX Fine Properties, The Van Dyke Group is exactly that. “I am passionate about helping people find the home of their dreams,” Bowden says. “I love seeing the journey through from the beginning to the end, but the more important part in my mind is educating clients on the process.”

Since moving to Scottsdale in 2013, Bowden has worked in real estate, including residential, commercial, and luxury markets, with her father and brothers. With her family, she has bought, sold, invested in, remodeled, and commissioned to build a significant number of properties in the area including the one-of-a-kind Dusk Scottsdale, a “net-zero energy luxury apartment building” which has redefined green living in the Scottsdale area.

According to Bowden, her success has largely been in part to her ability to create and execute a sound strategy for each scenario. “Our team uses a strategic plan for buyers and for sellers that is easy to understand and helps us walk through the process with our clients so they can know what to expect from start to finish and create a successful transaction,” she says. “We stand by our strategic plans because it takes the guesswork out of the process and is very easy for clients to understand what the next step is in the plan.”

With her proven track record, you’d think Kelly Bowden has lived and breathed real estate her whole life, but it’s only the tip of the iceberg. Prior to teaming up with her family in Arizona, Bowden was a hairstylist by trade, and she remains active in the field even today.

“I also own and operate a salon studio in Old Town Scottsdale, called Bella Vita Studio,” Bowden says, “and can still be found behind the chair a couple days a week, channeling my creativity and

connecting with clients who have become friends.”

Not all of Bowden’s time is allocated to clients, however. She also is passionate about giving back, volunteering with a number of organizations including Cancer Support Community Arizona and The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. “I was named Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Woman of the Year in 2020 in Arizona and have since served as Chair of the Leadership Team for the Student Visionaries of the Year Campaign, a 7-week fundraising campaign for High School Students,” she shares. “January [2023] is the start of the LLS Students of the Year campaign and we have got some amazing high school students that are participating.”

From luxury real estate to hair to charitable work, there’s nothing Kelly Bowden can’t do.

To contact Kelly Bowden visit www.kellybowden.com or e-mail kelly@kellybowden.com.

Passion, Knowledge, and Artistry

Lisa Williams is committed to cutting edge cosmetic dermatology

For state-of-the-art, age-defying skin treatments, valley residents turn to Scottsdale’s own Ultra Smooth Skin, owned and operated by ANP-C and Nurse Practitioner Lisa Williams. For Lisa, providing treatments is more than a job. It’s a calling.

“I enjoy making people look younger with a healthy appearance for years to come,” she says. Williams is a highly educated Scottsdale native, holding Bachelor’s Degrees in Nursing and Business as well as a Master’s in Nursing from Arizona State University. Her accomplished background led her to 19 years’ experience in providing cosmetic dermatology procedures.

“As a highly trained facial and body aesthetic expert, I have served as a mentor and trainer and have provided clinical preceptorships in Cosmetic Dermatology,” she says. “My passion, knowledge and artistry helps you defy your age and feel and look your best!”

Lisa’s unique and comprehensive background lends itself to Ultra Smooth

Skin being among the best locations to receive non-invasive and non-ablative cosmetic treatments like Botox and Juvéderm. Ultra Smooth Skin also holds the coveted “Black Diamond” distinction, which indicates they are in the Top 1% of all Botox and Juvéderm providers nationwide.

They boast a wide array of services including Botox, Dysport, Juvéderm, Restylane Kysse, Clear+Brilliant Laser Resurfacing, Fraxel, Thermage Skin Tightening, CoolSculpting, and CoolTone to name a few, as well as cutting-edge laser hair removal treatments like the Cynosure IQ. “You are not going to believe how fast [Cynosure IQ] is,” she says. “Your procedure time will be cut in half and the device is extremely safe and has a Skintel. Skintel Melanin Reader works to determine the melanin density of a patient’s skin and is inclusive for diverse skin tones.”

The combination of Williams’ academic background, professional experience, top-notch technology, and

dedicated staff show why Ultra Smooth Skin is one of the most impressive establishments to watch in 2023.

“My employees and I maintained a successful and busy practice, undertaking risks in an ever-changing COVID-stricken environment,” she says. “Our years of training and experience allow us to provide effective and compassionate and safe care.”

Williams is also very active in the community, providing charitable donations to organizations such as the Ryan House, American Nurses Association PAC, Junior Achievement of Arizona, and more.

Of course, it’s also crucial in business to have some innovative techniques that your competitors are unfamiliar with. Ultra Smooth Skin, for example, has been offering lip injections that are faster, more painless, and beautiful, according to Williams.

To contact Lisa Williams call 480.991.3038 or visit www.ultrasmoothskin.com.

The 480 Group Michelle Hodges - The Stoic Agent

Real estate is a competitive industry. You need a real deal phenomenon in your corner to capitalize on the best opportunities the market has to offer. That’s where seasoned real estate agent Michelle Hodges of The 480 Group with Russ Lyon, Sotheby's International Realty comes in, and she’s got the track record and mindset to prove she’s the real deal.

“I consistently sell millions in real estate every year, which requires me to have my finger on the pulse of real estate at any given time,” Hodges says. “With an ever-changing market, stoicism helps me stay ahead of the curve helping my clients target opportunities in every corner.”

“Stoicisms has gotten a bad rep,” Hodges says. “Stoics are not statuesque cold and cut off people. Stoics are selfcontrolled and deeply introspective, which honors themselves and others.”

Stoicism is a philosophy and behavior dating back to ancient Rome, advocating principles that guide our action and

inaction to be our most excellent selves. “In the face of many of life’s challenges, Stoicism can reveal opportunities,” Hodges asserts. “I educate clients to live in agreement with nature and be indifferent to it. The market expresses a nature and pattern of its own. Focus on what you can control, accept what you can’t as anything else would be futile. Take action and not let the world pass you by.”

Although Hodges has worked in the Arizona real estate market for seven years, it’s far from her first rodeo. She purchased her first investment properties at the young age of nineteen and sold real estate in San Diego. She studied philosophy at University California, Santa Barbara which created the “can do” mindset that helps her thrive today.

Hodges boasts an eclectic resume including positions promoting nightclubs in Hollywood and working with the United States Department of Defense. Working in a multitude of industries has helped hone her marketing prowess and given

her an edge over other agents. “Because I have worked in marketing for so long, I am skilled at both old school grassroot campaigns and contemporary digital marketing techniques,” she shares. “This gives both my buyers and sellers a leg up and I love helping people win.”

Hodges’ marketing techniques combined with her approachable, kind, and funny demeanor make her a key player in the valley real estate market.

In 2023, Hodges sees and welcomes a shift in the market. Buyers and sellers were "spoiled" by low interest rates over the past years, creating a buying frenzy and driving up home prices. Hodges plans to educate her clientele and acquaint them with the rhythms and norms of a “normal” market. “We are finally back to a healthy market where buyers and sellers are equals. It’s an exciting time. You want to be with a market savvy agent,” Hodges says.

To contact Michelle Hodges visit www.the480group.com/michelle-hodges.

Infini Cosmetic Associates

Diet and exercise do a number to contribute to a youthful, healthy appearance but, as age and other conditions deteriorate our trademark good looks, we may need a little help from a qualified professional.

Dr. William Hall is one of Scottsdale’s premier cosmetic surgeons. He also owns and operates Infini Phoenix Liposuction, which offers a variety of modern procedures that revolutionize liposuction and liposculpture techniques. Big changes in the methods of anesthesia and the instruments used in the procedure are all part of the positively remarkable change in Liposuction today. By injecting the fat cells with a local anesthesia to numb the treatment area, patients are fully alert during the procedure and completely comfortable.

“We are the experts in modern liposculpturing techniques, fat transfers, Brazilian butt lifts, breast augmentation with fat, Botox, facial fillers, lip enhancement, and a full aesthetics suite of

services, including facials, peels, lasers, and products,” says Dr. Hall. “The inner change and confidence that people get from achieving a new figure. That never gets old.”

What makes Dr. Hall and Infini Phoenix Liposuction one of the southwest's most unique and comprehensive liposuction practices is their focus on minimally invasive cosmetic procedures, including one of the latest and most advanced skin-tightening techniques called Renuvion J-Plasma. "This precision repair is unique because we can apply controlled heat to target specific areas for skin tightening," Dr. Hall says.

J-Plasma involves using radiofrequency waveform technology to target sagging skin that comes with aging while tightening to restore a youthful appearance. Patients receiving this innovative treatment could expect a more sculpted result with minimal invasiveness and very little downtime during recovery.

Dr. Hall has also kept current in

2022 by adding Morpheus 8, an FDAapproved method for sculpting fat under the skin, erasing scars, smoothing, and tightening for a more youthful appearance, to Infini Phoenix Liposuction’s list of services.

When he’s outside of the operating room, Dr. Hall works to educate his peers regarding the state-of-the-art treatments used at his practice. “I have taught and lectured physicians from all over the world on our special form of fat removal,” he says. This esteemed position as a leading authority in liposculpting has granted Dr. Hall prodigious credibility in the field of cosmetic surgery. He is one of the world’s leading experts because of this.

Headed into 2023, Dr. Hall remains present in the medical community to include cutting-edge treatments in technology in his practice’s services list as soon as they become available.

To contact Dr. Hall or Infini Phoenix Liposuction, call 480.405.3856 or visit www.phoenixliposuction.com.

Dr. William J. Hall, MD helps patients achieve the body of their dreams

Transforming Lives

Christy Whitman is more than just an energy healer. She’s a Law of Attraction coach, New York Times best-selling author of seven books, and the founder of the Quantum Success Coaching Academy that has certified more than 3,000 life coaches worldwide.

To say her work has been impactful in the field of personal development would be a gross understatement.

For over 20 years, helping others harness positive energy has been Whitman’s passion and mission. Her work has helped hundreds of thousands of people transform their lives.

“I teach people how to access the invisible realm of energy,” she says, “to deliberately choose the direction of their own thoughts; and to decide in advance of each interaction and situation who they want to be and how they want to feel –regardless of circumstance.”

It was Whitman’s discovery of energy that helped liberate her from the traditional corporate lifestyle. Whitman was

born and raised in Scottsdale and graduated Arizona State University in 1993 and immediately began a lucrative career in marketing, but something was not right.

“I had achieved all the external markers of success I’d been taught to strive for,” she says, “but was inwardly unfulfilled and felt disconnected from any sense of passion or purpose. This inner discontent led me on a spiritual path, and over the next several years I immersed myself in the study of metaphysical principles.”

From there, Whitman began writing, releasing her first book called Perfect Pictures in 2000, and became involved in coaching. By 2007, Whitman left the cushy corporate job and focused full-time on teaching others the fundamentals of energy.

“Everything is energy, and all energy carries a vibration. Some energy streams are good-feeling and high-flying,” says Whitman. “You simply have to attune your energy field with the presence of what you want, and stop dwelling on or

complaining about the absence of it.”

Whitman stays active by providing one-on-one personal healing and coaching sessions and group healing, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Recently, Whitman has launched a podcast called The Desire Factor which includes an exploration of spiritual principles as well as interviews with many of the world’s leading personal development experts. In addition to her own show, she is a regular guest on top podcasts such as Entrepreneur On Fire, Aww Shift, Your Superpowered Mind among many others.

Whitman will be a person to watch in 2023, as she plans to start off strong with two transformational events in February, “On February 25th from 9am-1pm, I am facilitating a live healing event at the Marriott in North Scottsdale that is open to all,” Whitman says. “I am also facilitating a four day Woman's Ascension & Manifestation Retreat in Sedona.”

To contact Christy Whitman visit www.christywhitman.com.

Christy Whitman teaches consciousness, energy, and light.

LushLife Health

There are many places to better your health in the Scottsdale area but what if, instead of venturing in search of the best treatments, the services came to you? That’s the exact line of thinking that inspired holistic healthcare entrepreneur Chris Pfund, Ph.D., MBA, BSN, RN, to create LushLife Health, a revolutionary business offering state-of-the-art treatments including IV Hydration, cosmetic injections, and hormone and weight loss services.

What separates LushLife from the pack? The fact that this comprehensive offering of services is brought to your home and administered under the supervision of nurses and nurse practitioners. Now you can get the treatments you desire on your time and without stepping foot out of the house.

“I am an entrepreneur with a holistic and concierge approach to healthcare,” says Pfund. “I am an out of box thinker and don’t believe in saying no until you try it.” It was this perspective combined

with sixteen years of business experience that helped create LushLife. As a lifelong learner, Pfund earned his Ph.D. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology, his MBA in Strategic Human Resource Management and Health Systems Management, and his Bachelor’s in Nursing, applying this unique expertise to conceive of a concierge mobile healthcare operation and distill complex problems to build sustainable health and achieve first-class results.

With treatments ranging from restorative to cosmetic, LushLife is your one-stop shop for wellness in the Valley, but what Pfund is most excited about is the groundbreaking weight loss treatment Semaglutide. Semaglutide assists in weight loss by decreasing appetite and cravings while improving blood glucose control. For Pfund, LushLife and its treatments are about giving people a better quality of life and helping reduce their healthcare burdens. In pursuit of this mission, Pfund seeks to recognize in others

what they don’t see in themselves to support their success.

Beyond semaglutide, LushLife offers tailormade IV Hydration. Hydration therapy has been shown to increase energy, reduce flu-like symptoms, promote weight loss, and improve athletic recovery making it perfect for preventative care. LushLife can also add medications to the bags to help combat a number of persnickety ailments. And don’t forget the injectables. Never hurts to reduce a few facial lines.

As LushLife heads into 2023, Pfund seeks to increase the selection of cuttingedge care and treatments and tailor its services to bring hydration and injectables to your next bachelorette and bachelor parties, team building, and private events of any size because what is life without friends, family, and group events.

To contact Chris Pfund and LushLife, call 602-726-2800, email contact@livelush.net, or visit www.livelush.net.

HomeSlice

Modern Americans are becoming increasingly investment savvy, and so vacation rental properties are enjoying a serious spike over the past few years. Identifying profitable properties to use as vacation rentals, however, is a process that not all investors are inherently informed about. That’s where experts like Ellie Paget, CEO of HomeSlice Stays, come in.

“There is a science to finding a profitable second home, sourcing the best management company, and experiential design,” Paget says. “It's a lot like a perfected recipe; you have to have all the ingredients in place and deliver at the right points in order to orchestrate the layers and sensations.”

Of course, Paget would use a culinary analogy because, despite her proven track record in regard to real estate and luxury property management, her background is in fine dining. Before HomeSlice Stays, Paget was an accomplished chef on a National Geographic cruise ship in Alaska.

Seeking a stable income, Paget acquired her real estate license and began purchasing and managing properties for a wealthy investor. “I managed 125 vacation homes in 15 different markets,” she says. “Started my own company in 2019 and haven't looked back.”

Since 2019, HomeSlice Stays offers clients an expert analysis of viable luxury vacation rental properties, as well as design and management that help clients generate profit from the investment. Backed by Paget’s unique background and knack for creative hospitality, HomeSlice Stays clients can expect their assets to perform under HomeSlice Stays management.

“Our ability to overperform annually with our inventory is because we turn a lot of business away to provide quality over quantity,” Paget says. “We are very much experts at being focused and selective in order to achieve our concept for the perfect experience. Hospitality takes years of practice to develop and that is

our real mastery.”

How else does HomeSlice Stays deliver on their promises? They offer a certain je ne sais quoi that competitors do not. For example, guests booking a luxury vacation rental under HomeSlice Stays’ management will have a Bentley, Lamborghini, or Rolls Royce at their disposal in addition to extras like private chefs or masseuses. “We offer higher tier concierge services to match our luxury homes,” Paget says. “We’ve launched our partnerships with the community to offer à la carte, on-demand vendors.”

The result is a vacation experience like no other for the guests and excellent returns for Paget’s clients. It’s a classic win-win.

In her spare time, Ellie is currently undergoing training for her private pilots license at Flightworks Aviation.

To contact Ellie e-mail Paget@homeslicestays.com, visit www.homeslicestays.com or check out @homeslicestays on Instagram.

Ellie Paget is an expert in Short Term Rentals and Hospitality Management

Developing Your Future

Building wealth requires more than simply setting aside a portion of each paycheck for a rainy day. You’ll need a well-crafted strategy and some market understanding to put your money to work for you and watch it grow reliably as the years go by.

It might sound easy on paper, but anyone who has tried their hand at navigating the twists and turns of the market often has more than a few colorful stories to share. It pays to work with an experienced wealth advisor who is able to assess your risk tolerance and create a plan that works for you.

Curtis Smith, Director and Wealth Advisor at Avior Wealth Management, brings that experience to the table, and then some. “Helping people make smart financial decisions is what I do; Inspiring them to live a life of Possibilities is who I am,” Smith shares. Working with industry giants like Morgan Stanley and Wells Fargo prepared him to set up his private practice at the ripe age of 31 and, as they

say, the rest is history.

“I was inspired about having a career where I could make a real positive impact with people and their families while providing a successful life for my own family,” says Smith. “We work as a collaborative team and create a comprehensive plan that addresses every important aspect of your wealth, giving clients a high level of confidence that they are creating the future they desire and aspire towards.”

Avior Wealth provides comprehensive financial planning, Investment Management, Insurance Strategies, and Tax Planning Services, and they’re looking to expand the selection in 2023 by including more Tax and Accounting services too.

Avior Wealth boasts the status as one of the top growing firms in the country, earning the prestigious Inc 5000 award in 2021. Smith facilitated the opening of the Scottsdale office in 2022 thanks to his team’s hard work and dedication. “Servant leadership is one of our core values and I am fortunate to work

with amazing partners and team members, who are constantly striving to improve the organization and results for our clients,” says Smith. “Having alignment within your team is the major key to success and fulfillment.”

Looking ahead, Smith is focused on Avior’s expansion into a national firm. His own ambition and achievements bring a unique perspective to his clients when it comes to wealth planning, and Smith does his best to inspire every client who sits down for a consultation. “I am a big proponent of personal development and learning, which I introduce to our clients, allowing them to think bigger about their life and living with purpose and intention toward things broader than just finance and money,” he says. “Their mind is the only limitation on what is really possible. If they learn to control that, the sky is the limit.”

To contact Curtis Smith call 480.582.1910, email curt.smith@aviorwealth.com, or visit www.aviorwealth.com.

Curtis Smith helps you plan with intention and live with purpose

Business Banking

Desirae Outcalt takes a client centered approach to commercial banking

Some business owners are so fixated on the big picture, they overlook a simple and effective method of growing wealth year after year. It all starts with a business bank account at an excellent commercial bank.

This is exactly what you’ll find at Bell Bank when you work with Desirae Outcalt, who boasts over twenty years’ experience in the commercial banking business. Outcalt specializes in complex deposits, as well as services that help businesses efficiently manage cash flow and financial operations. “I have held many positions in banking over the years, and that experience has given me the knowledge I need to help my clients quickly and effectively,” she says. “I love to successfully onboard large business relationships and help smaller ones grow.”

Desirae has assisted businesses of all kinds over the years, from pre-revenue start-ups to Fortune 500 companies, serving clients across industry sectors including medical, dental, legal, veterinarian and

professional service firms. Not only does she provide expert guidance to a multitude of businesses, but she helps them network to create mutually beneficial partnerships and working relationships. “I like to help my clients grow their businesses through introductions to others in their respective industries,” she says. “Those connections offer more unique ways to support these businesses any way I can.”

After all, Bell Bank, as Desirae describes it, is “a bank that’s in business to help people.” Assisting businesses with their banking needs is all good and fine, but it’s helping people that is Desirae’s true calling and passion. Helping clients reach their goals, both personal and professional, and live their dreams is what she finds truly fulfilling about her job. “If clients don’t have to worry about their banking, they can focus on growing their business,” she says.

Beyond her work as a commercial banker, Outcalt is always eager to give back to her community. She has served

on the association board for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona, assisted with events for Junior Achievement, and volunteered with Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels among other charitable works over the years. And she plans to continue this trend into 2023.

“I have recently been asked to assist with a new program supporting kids who have aged out of foster care,” Outcalt says. “I’m excited about the potential to help teach them basic life skills – how to write a resume, speak in public, be interviewed for a job – they probably did not have a chance to learn while they were in foster care.”

From commercial banking to charitable works, Desirae maintains a busy schedule but she always finds time to foster her love of cars. “I have a limited edition Lexus RCF – one of just 240 in the world!” she shares.

To contact Desirae Outcalt or Bell Bank, call 480.339.8563 or visit www.bell.bank.

Holistic Health

Behind every great man stands a great woman, as they say, but, in the case of Drs. Jack and Heather Wolfson, it’s debatable who stands front and center.

It all started when Dr. Jack Wolfson, a cardiologist following in his cardiologist father’s footsteps, met the woman of his dreams, Heather, married her, and began his transformation from garden variety cardiologist to Scottsdale’s first and only natural heart doctor. “I find the cause of sickness versus my cardiology colleagues who reach for pharma first,” says Dr. Jack. “Pharmaceuticals and surgical procedures are the last approach, not the first.”

That’s why Dr. Jack founded the aptly named Natural Heart Doctor practice, which endeavors to “prevent, treat, and reverse cardiovascular disease using natural strategies while reducing or eliminating the need for pharmaceuticals and surgical procedures.”

Of course, this holistic approach would never have been had Dr. Jack not fallen in love with his wife, Dr. Heather

Wolfson. Dr. Heather helped her husband realize his vision, but is accomplished in her own right as a practicing chiropractor and founder of the website WildMamas.com.

WildMamas.com is a website dedicated to providing life changing information, products, foods and services to return our health to where it once was when we were wild. “We are a community of people who understand the agenda of those who seek to control us,” says Dr. Heather. “We will not be controlled and we will inspire our community to resist those who seek to tame us.”

Dr. Heather began her pursuit of holistic remedies for everyday ailments from a young age, when she recognized that existing practices, in her opinion, were promoting sickness and lies. As she rejected the conventions, she developed a new approach to health and wellness based on how our ancestors lived.

“There are millions of us who are awakening to the truth and learning why humans are the sickest they have ever

been in the history of humankind,” Dr. Heather says. “But you were once wild, lived in harmony with nature, and never suffered from disease. Let me take you back to that place,” she says. Dr. Heather’s fervor, in turn, inspired Dr. Jack to pivot and create a one-of-a-kind cardiology practice centered around holistic approaches.

“We offer the most advanced laboratory testing in the world. We also use evidence-based supplements, IV nutrition and other ‘biohacking’ modalities…There is literally no other cardiologist who does what I do,” Dr. Jack shares.

Look out for Dr. Jack’s second book, which is set to release in Spring 2023, or catch his online summit, entitled Your Path to the 100 Year Heart. As for Dr. Heather, visit WildMamas.com which will offer everything from home mold tests to natural supplements.

To contact Dr. Jack and Dr. Heather call 480.535.6844 or visit www.NaturalHeartDoctor.com or www.WildMamas.com.

Dr. Jack Wolfson and Dr. Heather Wolfson look for the root cause of disease

Arizona Inspired Art

Beth Zink brings joy to others through her art

Art means different things to a great many people but, for Beth Zink and her husband Jon, it’s more than their livelihood or a way of life. For the Zinks, art is life, and it’s what’s kept them in the business of creating, selling, and teaching art to the greater community for decades.

Nestled in the quaint locale of Cave Creek, Jon and Beth built their Studio in 2007. Beth had become enamored with the unique landscape of the Arizona desert and had begun painting full-time. “I fell in love with the desert,” Beth says. “It’s unique cacti, flowers, and amazing skies captivated my imagination.” While she did not imagine a business being born from it, when they moved to the valley in 1986,, Jon encouraged Beth’s artistic growth. He encouraged her to translate her passion into a business.

Unlike many artists, Beth embraces the business side of things, developing her brand, and sees it as an opportunity to share her art with a wider audience,

including designers. Jon helped Beth with an aggressive marketing strategy. They’ve had an extensive website built, with an online gallery and retail store. Printed products include giclees, outdoor art, accent pillows, aprons, coasters and cards. Beth’s iconic style has developed over many years creating exceptional works of art. She has earned the distinction as Best Artist according to Phoenix Home & Garden, earning her a 2022 Reader’s Choice Award.

Her work has also been featured in the Desert Caballeros Western Museum, Mayo Clinic Scottsdale, Honor Healthcare Thompson Peak, and she is currently the featured artist at the Cave Creek Museum. Most recently, Beth was one of six winners of an online competition held by the City of Fountain Hills. The work will be installed in Fountain Hills Park in February 2023.

Although her resume includes various achievements, honors, and accolades, Beth says the best compliment

from clients is a simple acknowledgment that her art makes them feel happy!

The encouragement and support shown by her husband Jon has made the journey well worth it. Beth is the resident artist but, according to her, together they make up “Team Zink” and Jon regularly “adds his two cents” on projects.

Beyond this, Beth expects to continue her upward trajectory into 2023, creating commissions, teaching workshops, and painting simply out of love and passion. Despite being a grandmother, she shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. As she puts it, “Why would anyone ever stop doing what they love to do, as long as they are able?”

We expect to see lots more from Beth in the next several years, and we can’t wait to see what she comes up with next!

To contact Beth Zink call 480.980.3848, email beth@bethzinkart.com, or visit bethzinkart.com.

The Craftsman

The best chefs and restaurants understand that food is an experience. An inspired and intelligently plated dish does more than provide a great meal to the guest; it also evokes powerful positive emotions as well. That’s why you always want to go back to the places that served you an incredible meal.

The Craftsman Cocktails + Kitchen is just the place, thanks to Executive Chef Jesse Miller whose love and passion for cooking is conveyed by every dish on the menu. “I strive to create dishes that are flavor-forward in an unpretentious manner,” says Chef Jesse, “and the biggest compliment I get on my food is enraptured silence.” The Craftsman was so named in homage to the father of one of the primary owners; he was a dairy farmer and woodworker, and everything he produced was crafted by hand, and with precision and love.

Chef Jesse boasts more than twenty years’ experience in scratch-food cooking with a heavy focus on locally sourced, sustainable ingredients being amalgamated into

stunning and delectable courses to delight all the senses. The Craftsman Cocktails + Kitchen uses local ingredients from Scottsdale and other surrounding regions in the creation of its dishes, but that’s not all. What sets The Craftsman apart from other dining establishments is the in-house distillery, which produces high quality spirits including vodka, rum, gin, bourbon, coffee liqueur, amaro, and more. It doesn’t get any fresher or more local than that!

That’s one of the things that gives Chef Jesse pride to be working with The Craftsman to offer a true artisan-crafted dining and cocktail experience. Until recently, Chef Jesse had been working in other areas of the United States with James Beard- and Michelin Star-awarded chefs. He assisted in the opening of Mastro’s Steakhouse in Chicago, and worked under celebrity chef Michael DeMaria at M Culinary Concepts in Phoenix and Michael’s at the Citadel in Scottsdale.

The Arizona native moved on to work as Chef for San Francisco’s Roka Akor

before returning to the valley to work at The Craftsman. “It's good to be back home in Arizona,” says Chef Jesse, “and it’s a blessing to have found a home at The Craftsman, whose extremely high standards and goals align perfectly with mine.”

Thanks to Chef Jesse, the food and experience at The Craftsman is excellent, but the dog-friendly patios and sunset mountain views don’t hurt the guest experience either. Currently, The Craftsman Cocktails + Kitchen has locations in Scottsdale and Tempe, and a third is coming in 2023 set to open in Verrado, a master-planned community in Buckeye.

“The excitement of overseeing new concepts is a thrill and a privilege, and The Craftsman’s growth and expansion fulfills that beautifully!” says Chef Jesse. “My passion and drive for the culinary industry as a whole is unparalleled – I crave learning, experimentation, and mastery.”

To contact The Craftsman visit www.thecraftsmanaz.com.

Chef Jesse Miller’s Arizona roots inspire his cooking

Selling Scottsdale

Success doesn’t come easy in the Scottsdale real estate business.

A new real estate agent could spend years reading, studying, and practicing the wide array of skills required to make a name for themselves in the Valley of the Sun.

Or they could just ask Miranda Tate, Founder/Realtor of the MDT Luxury Group at Realty ONE Group. Tate has mentored dozens of agents over the years and considers herself a leading expert in the lucrative real estate market of Arizona. “I am a powerhouse of wisdom, creativity and authenticity,” she says. “I can be your best friend or the tough love you need when you feel stuck.”

According to Tate, it’s not just her certifications or designations, which enhance her ability to provide exceptional knowledge of the market, negotiations, marketing, staging and selling a home that establishes her as a reputable agent and credible mentor in the field. It’s not just her status as a Certified Short-Term

Rental Stager, Certified Interior Decorator, or Accredited Buyer’s Representative. It’s also her “Southern charm and hospitality,” which works wonders to build rapport with each client, and her “winner mentality, perseverance, and great work ethic,” which she learned during her time as a collegiate athlete at LeMoyne Owen College.

“I provide luxury services for those interested in residential, commercial, investments, land/lots for developments and relocation services, no matter the budget,” says Tate. “I go above and beyond until the end and even after.”

The life-long real estate enthusiast does her best to exceed client expectations in every transaction, often going the extra mile and then some to ensure her clients are on the right track. Helping families with their dreams of owning a home is one of the biggest incentives for Tate, but she is also impassioned by helping clients build wealth through real estate too.

Whether the client is a hopeful family or savvy real estate investor, Tate’s got what it takes to help them identify the best properties for their purposes, navigate the complex transaction process, and make sure they get the best deal on exactly what they want. Her dedication to the real estate field has not gone unnoticed in 2022, as she was nominated for the Diamond Vanguard Award for Most Influential Woman in Real Estate for 2022 and featured in the March 2022 edition of national magazine Top Agent Magazine.

Heading into 2023, Tate plans to grow and enhance her real estate business to ensure continued client experiences. One of the ways she plans to offer an excellent customer experience in a greater way is by expanding and acquiring licenses in other states and continuous training.

To contact Miranda Tate call 480.744.9210, email miranda@mirandadtate.com, or visit www.MirandaDTate.com.

Miranda Tate is known for her integrity, loyalty, and professionalism

Scottsdale Biological Dentistry

When most people think about their dentist’s office, their mind goes to the biannual visit where they’ll be poked and prodded with a bunch of scary tools. Teeth cleanings are an essential means to an end, but what if your dentist was doing more than just that? What if you could also receive holistic remedies to your modern-day problems and leave feeling cleansed and refreshed?

That’s the approach Dr. Jacquelyn Freeman, DDS is adopting at her practice, Scottsdale Laser & Biological Dentistry. “I’m a private practicing dentist specializing in biological and regenerative procedures,” says Dr. Freeman. “In addition to all general dental procedures, I evaluate all of my patients for underlying health issues that might be stemming from the oral environment.” The Arizona native recognizes that her patients are unique individuals who have placed a great deal of trust in her and the team at Scottsdale Biological Dentistry.

Your dental exam with Dr. Freeman includes more than fillings, crowns, and other garden variety dentistry that any other dentist could offer. In addition, Dr. Freeman examines the underlying reasons that create oral issues, and other medical conditions, in order to address and correct the problem from the source.

“I look for nutritional deficiencies, sleep disorders, and systemic diseases that may be causing a huge imbalance in the microbiome of their mouth,” she says. “I can then get a clear picture of how I want to restore the teeth using the least invasive and metal-free techniques.”

Dr. Freeman’s approach extends beyond just problems affecting the health of your teeth, “With services like oral microbiome balancing, non-invasive laser sleep apnea treatment, ozone and platelet-rich fibrin therapy, we are not only treating the teeth, but significantly improving the quality of life for our patients.”

Sleep apnea isn’t the only condition Dr. Freeman seeks to correct using the

revolutionary non-invasive laser treatment. It also “helps an array of conditions like TMD, tinnitus, scar tissue, tissue regeneration, and post-operative pain.”

With a range of services that far exceeds what most other dentists offer, Dr. Freeman is among the best and most comprehensive dentists in the Scottsdale area, and she will continue seeking modern day solutions to everyday problems using technology and holistic approaches in 2023.

“We are at such an exciting crossroads in dentistry and medicine, where advanced technologies are merging with ancient medical philosophies,” says Dr. Freeman. “Humans have an incredible capacity to heal from almost anything, as long as we are given the opportunity to do so.”

To contact Dr. Jacquelyn Freeman, DDS at Scottsdale Laser & Biological Dentistry, call 480.306.8510 or visit www.ScottsdaleBiologicalDentist.com or www.ScottsdaleLaserDentistry.com.

Dr. Jacquelyn Freeman, DDS knows skill and compassion go hand in hand

LOWDOWN / DO / CALENDAR / OUT / EVENT / CULTURE

BY GABBY LEIGHTON

Arizona’s longest-running art show, Celebration of Fine Art, will return for a 33rd year, from Jan. 14 through March 26. The 10-week-long event will allow guests to meet 100 renowned and emerging artists in the event’s signature 40,000-square-foot big white tents off of Hayden Road and Loop 101. Highlights of the interactive, juried art show include artist demonstrations, an outdoor sculpture garden featuring nearly 100 pieces, a cafe selling food and wine, and the popular Art Discovery Series. Taking place every Friday at 4 p.m., the series will feature panel discussions from a variety of talented artists. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Seasonal pass, $10; seniors and military, $8; children under 12, free. www.celebrateart.com.

SIP SAIL&

Looking to learn something new this year? UnderTow will host its first Tiki drink seminar of 2023 this month. Jason T. Smith will be the “captain” on this educational voyage, which will take place Jan. 14 from 12:30 to 2 p.m. at UnderTow’s Arcadia location. The class will take guests on a journey as they enjoy three of the themed bar’s beloved classic cocktails, all inspired by the ledgers of the “founding father” of Tiki culture, Don the Beachcomber. Tickets also include a bottle of Bacardi Superior Run and a recipe card for all three drinks sampled. $75. www. drinkundertow.com.

ALL ABOUT ART

Popular Denver-based fine art gallery, Relévant Galleries, recently opened its second location. Found in Downtown Scottsdale on Main Street, the new gallery joins its Colorado sister location in exclusively featuring the work of award-winning artist David Yarrow, who is best known for documenting the natural world form new perspectives with large archival pigment prints. Yarrow’s career spans over three decades, featuring collaborative work with an array of global icons such as Cindry Crawfod, Cara Delevingne, Russell Wilson, and more. The large interior space features an open-concept design with eye-catching and thought-provoking art on every wall. www.relevantgalleries.com.

REVOLUTIONARY RELAXATION

The founders of Drybar recently brought a fresh approach to the traditional massag experience with the opening of Squeeze. Late last month, the location opened across from Scottsdale Fashion Square, bringing a customizable, seamless experience. Customers can book on-demand on the mobile app, and set their preferences before arriving, including pressure levels, areas to avoid, music, lighting, and scent – with no added fees. Squeeze offers memberships, as well as single-massage pricing. The building is outfitted in the brand’s signature turquoise, and features beautiful and clever touches throughout. www.squeezemassage.com.

FROM TEXAS, WITH LOVE

This month, Federal American Grill will open its first Arizona location at the Scottsdale 101 shopping center. Guests can expect a relaxed atmosphere, scratch cooking and more than 500 whiskey selections. The restaurant will offer brunch, lunch and dinner, with menus paying tribute to classic American cuisine. Signature dishes include truffle stuffed chicken, Thai shrimp and grits, and the Federal burger. This is the fifth location of Federal American Grill, with the other four all located in Texas. www.thefederalgrill.com.

RARE FIND

The Scotch Library at Westin Kierland Resort & Spa is home to a special collection of whiskey, and it’s adding a new one to the list. The Dalmore 45 Year, by The Dalmore Highland Single Malt, is now available at the library, one of the select few venues in the U.S. that carries the rare variety. The library is offering an experience to go with it: Upon ordering The Dalmore 45 Years Masterpiece Experience, the server will present the exquisite bottle, branded kit, and customized Waterford crystal tableside. The guest will open the kit to reveal a Vosges Haut-Chocolat Gold Foiled Bombe, created only for this pairing, a glass pipette, a pewter water cup, and a brochure. The water and pipette are readied, the whisky poured, the bombe unwrapped. www. marriot.com/phxws.

LET’S DO LUNCH

JW Marriot Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa’s Tia Carmen has made quite the impression on locals and visitors alike. Now, diners can enjoy even more of celebrity chef and Top Chef alum Angelo Sosa’s cuisine with the restaurant’s lunch service launch, with a selection of uniquely flavored dishes that showcase locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Offered daily from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., the menu includes a beef cheek torta, a tribal land grass-fed burger, and pan dulce tres leches ice cream sandwich. Some dinner favorites, including the tuna and corn toastas, mushroom menudo, and Tia Carmen’s chicken guisado, can also be found on the lunch menu. www. tiacarmendesertridge.com.

GREAT UPCOMING EVENTS

BY JORDAN MORENO

Arizona Fine Art Expo

Jan. 13-March 26,

Arizona Fine Art EXPO

The Arizona Fine Art Expo is dedicated to the enhancement of art appreciation and education. Avid art collectors and those whose interest has just been piqued will enjoy the vast array of fine art genres exhibited at the 19th annual event. An incomparable art experience, the Expo 2023 will provide a rare opportunity to meet artists while they work in their studio. For the 10-week period, patrons are invited to browse stone, bronze, wood sculptures, impressionism, watercolor, mixed media and more seven days a week. The astounding 124 art studios will take place within a 44,000-square-foot tent, nestled on the southwest corner of Jomax and Scottsdale roads. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Season pass, $12. www.arizonafineartexpo.com.

Brainiac Bash

Jan

14., Omni Scottsdale Resort Montelucia

The Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona will hold its second annual evening of dancing and revelry to celebrate the infinite wonders of the brain. The soiree will feature ballroom routines from competitive dancers and prominent Arizonans. Chaired by Kathryn Pidgeon, esteemed individuals will be honored as the Man and Woman of Courage, Courageous Athlete, and Courageous Veteran as part of the celebration. This stylish event will showcase the importance of brain health, starting with the benefits of dancing! Dress code is cocktail chic to smart-casual. 5:30-10:30 p.m. Starting at $250. www.biaaz.org.

Carefree Fine Art & Wine Expo

Jan. 20-22, Downtown Carefree

The 30th annual festival will feature more than 155 juried fine artisans from every corner of the nation and abroad. Revel in paintings in oil, watercolor, pastel, acrylic, and ink; impressive small, medium and life-sized sculptures, sparkling handblown glass, clay, metal, stone, wood, bronze, one-of-kind handcrafted jewelry, beautiful photography, and much more. This award-winning weekend is organized by Thunderbird Artists, whose mission is to provide the festival forum for artists from across the Southwest to build connections with buyers and exhibit work on a world-class platform. The dynamite pairing of wine and art make this festival a can’t-miss event year after year. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $5 admission; $15 admission with wine tasting. www.thunderbirdsrtists.com.

The pARTy 2023

Jan.

28,

Phoenix Art Museum

The highly anticipated event is here. The Phoenix Art Museum will present the gala exhibition opening of MOVE: The Modern Cut of Geoffery Beene and The pARTy 2023. Geoffery Beene is one of America’s fashion design pioneers, blending comfort and luxury for men and women’s haute couture pieces. The pARTy 2023 is Phoenix Art Museums annual fundraising gala in the center of bustling Downtown Phoenix. The museum is known for comprehensive collections, immersive experiences and meaningful moments of connection for 60 years. 6:30-9:30 p.m. Prices vary. www.phxart.org.

Street Eats Food Truck Festival Jan. 28-29, Salt River Fields

Valley winters are synonymous with ideal weather and outdoor festivals. While the rest of the country huddles down for cold temps, the Street Eats Food Truck Festival is warm and bright. The event will tempt tastebuds of any preference with over 40 food trucks selling tastes from around the world, including $2 bites at each stop. The event will be complete with live music, lawn games, eating contests, a local vendor marketplace, and a kid’s zone. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. $12. www.streeteatsaz.com.

Concours in the Hills Feb.

4,

Fountain Park

Each year, car enthusiasts flock to Fountain Park in Fountain Hills for the greatest car show on grass; a day of fabulous cars, munch-worthy bites and great music to benefit Phoenix Children’s Foundation. Leading car clubs of Arizona representing Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, McLaren, Corvette, Viper, Ford GT, Audi, BMW, MercedesBenz, Mustang, Jaguar, Cadillac, Lotus, and others will be in attendance representing contemporary to classic and European luxury cars to military vehicles. Attendance is free, but donations are welcomed to support Phoenix Children’s innovative research, cutting-edge technology, recruitment of leading physicians, and child-friendly programs. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free, www.phoenixchildrensfoundation.org.

FLIGHTS 4 CHARITY

Feb. 4, Jojo

Coffeehouse

Calling all brunch lovers! Locally-owned breakfast and brunch spot invites the community to celebrate four years in business. The coffee house will donate $4 of every order of its signature coffee and mimosa flights to benefit Feed My Starving Children. Diners can also expect live music, raffle prices, and giveaways. 7 a.m.-3 p.m. www.jojocoffeehouse.com.

COMPILED BY GABBY LEIGHTON

showcase more than 200 vendors of Arizona’s top event experts, from venue representatives and photographers to honeymoon planners. Additional highlights include live music, fashion shows, and luxury lounges. There’s also an Ultimate Wedding Package up for grabs, valued at more than $10,000 with everything needed for the big day. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. $10. www.arizonaweddingshowjanuary.com.

Rip Woods: Creating Magic Jan. 9-March 30, Civic Center

Public Gallery

Roosevelt “Rip” Woods inspired other artists to further their explorations, and now he will be honored for all that he’s done through this new exhibition. Woods was wellknown during his long art career, and he was committed to creating exhibition opportunities for Black artists. His work, on display alongside pieces by some of his past students and friends, is mysterious and symbolic, often referring to historic African masks and rituals. He also taught graduate and undergraduate painting and drawing for 27 years at Arizona State University. www. scottsdalepublicart.org.

Disney on Ice Presents Road Trip Adventures

The Secret of Comedy Women Through Jan. 22, Herberger Theater Center

Get ready to laugh like crazy during this original comedy, an immersive theatrical triumph about the challenges of being a woman. The show, written and performed by Barbara Gehring and Linda Klein, is an adaptation of the two authors’ real-life childhood diaries. Expect a mix of sketch comedy, improvisation, audience participation and sidesplitting songs and videos that will take audience

members back to the very funny and charming similarities all women share growing up. Times vary. $45$65. www.playhouseinfo.com.

The Wizard of Oz Jan. 6-8, Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts

Click your heels together three times! Detour Company Theatre will lead audiences down the Yellow Brick Road with this classic production. Based on the classic motion picture, which is an adaptation of the 1900 novel by L. Frank

Baum, the timeless tale follows young Dorothy Gale, who travels from Kansas over the rainbow to the magical Land of Oz. Rejoice in the popular songs and see the heartwarming characters truly bring the story to live. Times vary. Free. www.scottsdaleperformingarts.org.

The Arizona Wedding Show

Jan. 7-8,

Phoenix Convention Center

Those planning a wedding should save the date for this show, featuring all things “I do.” The event will

Jan. 12-15,

Talking Stick Resort Arena

Enjoy a dazzling adventure that incorporates the magic of Disney with unexpected hijinks and exciting twists and turns. This icy show will take audience members on an interactive and momeory-rich trip to iconic Disney destinations. Familiar faces making an appearance include Mary Poppins and Jack, Moana, Simba and friends, and Aladdin. Expect spectatular stunts, magical moments, and sing-a-longs to new and familiar songs. Times and prices vary. www.talkingstickresortarena.com.

Gold Palette Artwalk Jan. 12, Old Town Scottsdale

Taking place primarily along Main Street and Marshall Way, this artistic endeavor will showcase works from the members of the Scottsdale Gallery Association, allowing guests to wander through the different styles of art at their own pace while enjoying the statues and fountains dotting the area. This month’s Gold Palette ArtWalk, themed “Demonstrate!” is one of the most popular of the year and will include special activities such as live artist demonstrations and live music. 6:30-9 p.m. Free. www. scottsdalegalleries.com.

CORKS AND CACTUS

Feb. 4-5, Desert Botanical Gardens

Celebrate the beautiful Arizona weather in the heart of Desert Botanical Garden while sampling, sipping and savoring your way through boutique wines. Attendees will enjoy samples from 40 different wines each day, revel in talented musical entertainment and purchase delicious fare. Mix and mingle with representatives from a variety of wineries or purchase your favorite blends by the bottle or by the case at the Garden’s Wine Retail Store. 1-4:30 p.m. Members, $60; general admission, $65. www.dbg.org.

Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona Marathon

Jan. 14-15, Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe

What better way to kick off a new year than with a little exercise? The streets of Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe will be taken over by the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon, featuring a marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K and a kid-friendly course. Live bands will be stationed throughout the course every other mile playing music alongside cheering spectators. There will also be a two-day health and wellness expo prior to the race that’s open to the public at the Phoenix Convention Center. Times and prices vary. www.runrocknroll.com.

Winter Art on the Boardwalk

Jan. 20-22, Arizona Boardwalk

Peruse art by talented local and regional artisans in the beautiful winter weather. The event will showcase fine arts, crafts, home decor, and specialty gift items. Additional highlights include live musical entertainment over the weekend and craft projects for children. In addition to a coloring contest, budding

artists from Salt River Elementary will display their masterpieces in the sudent art exhibit. Free. www. azboardwalk.com.

Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction

Jan. 21-29, WestWorld

The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auction returns to the Valley of the Sun this month. Of course, we’re talking about Barrett-Jackson! Car collectors and enthusiasts alike flock from all over the world to experience the auction’s unique and most sought-after vehicles as well as the automotive lifestyle events scheduled each day. Times and ticket prices vary based on the event. www.barrett-jackson.com.

Zoo Move & Groove 5K

Jan. 21, Phoenix Zoo

Nonprofit Phoenix Zoo’s annual 5K race will return this month, kicking off the new year with a little movement and a whole lot of giving back. Racers will receive a commemorative T-shirt, admission into ZooLights immediately following the race, Dinosaurs in the Desert, raffle tickets, kettle corn and cocoa,

and a glow necklace/bracelet. Cost of admission will go toward the Arizona Center for Nature Conservation and to care for the animals at the zoo. 6-10 p.m. $50. www.phoenixzoo.org.

Tacolandia

Jan. 25, Margaret T. Hance Park

It’s spicy. It’s tasty. It’s crunchy. It’s Tacolandia! This taco festival will feature the city’s best taquerias serving up authentic cuisine amid live entertainment, as well as the spectacular views that is Margaret T. Hance Park. Don’t miss your chance to taste true Mexican delicacies and to savor the delicious culture that is tacos. Cash bars will be available and awards will be given to local taquerias in various categories. 1-5 p.m. General admission, $30; VIP, $50. www. tacolandiaphx.com.

The Arizona Wine Festival

Jan 27-29, Heritage Square

Calling all wine connoisseurs — this one’s for you. The two-day Arizona Wine Festival will feature more than 25 local wineries pouring more than 200 different wine

samples for guest’s tasting pleasure. From robust reds to light and crisp whites and rosés, all varietals will be present. Food trucks will provide small bites for an additional charge. Don’t forget to explore the vintage village, a marketplace of vendors. Cheers to a delicious start to 2023. Times vary $30-$35. www.willcoxwinecountry.org.

6th Annual Doggie Street Festival

Jan.

28, Steele Indian School Park

The Doggie Street Festival is both a pet celebration — friendly dogs are welcome — and adopt-a-thon, meaning it’s the perfect event for pet owners and animal lovers alike! The festival is designed to be an informative experience that focuses on pet homelessness solutions. That said, there will be adoptable animals on site. Plus, music, yummy eats, vet tips, vendors selling pet products and services, auctions with pet-themed prizes, contests and much more. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. .www.doggiestreetfestival.org.

12th Annual Balloon Classic

Feb. 3-5, Goodyear Ballpark

Light the fires, fill ‘em up and let’s take off! The 2020 Arizona Balloon Classic is one of the Phoenix metropolitan area’s most must-see spectacular event. The sky will be filled with colorful hot air balloons as over 20,000 attendees look on in wonder. Attendees can walk on the field and see firsthand as the balloons inflate and lift off. Photo taking is invited. Desert Glows on Friday and Saturday evenings are the most popularly attended events. Times vary. $22. www.abcfest.com.

Hope Blooms Brunch

Feb. 25, Rita’s Cantina Patio

Local nonprofit Live & Learn will host a fundraiser to raise money for low-income single moms next month. With a deadline of Jan. 27 to RSVP, this is one to put on the calendar a little early. The heartwarming event, which will take place at JW Marriot Scottsdale Camelback Inn, will be emceed by Channel 3’s Arizona’s Family Meteorologist Ian Schwartz. Live & Learn offers women a two-year, individualized pathway out of poverty. Support focuses on education, career training, and employment while ensuring women receive the life skills, financial literacy, and access to healthcare required to thrive. 10 a.m.-noon. www.liveandlearnaz.org.

NEW YEAR, NEW SKILLS

Replace resolutions with the exploration of new skills

While resolutions may quickly fizzle, a newfound skill can be honed throughout the year to come. Longing to learn a new language, expand kitchen skills or explore the arts? Here are some interesting talents just waiting to be perfected.

BY JORDAN MORENO

Perfect Pairing

Did someone say Pinot? Oui! Learn to pair food and wine with private tastings, carefully curated grazing boards and an abundance of French wines at Moiselle at the Pemberton. While wine enthusiasts can stop by the Parisian street cafe for monthly pairing events with local makers, expert Kristin Humphreys travels to host private in-home pairing and wine education classes across Scottsdale. From bubbles and brie to gooseberries and Gamay, students will be connoisseurs by the last drop! www. moisellephx.com.

Throw Clay

Pip Coffee + Clay combines coffee, wine and beer, and ceramics for an out-of-the-box New Year’s resolution that includes throwing clay and creating art. Learn terms like “pinch pot”, “slab build” and “underglaze” to create funky planters, kitchen gadgets, plates, bowls, cups, and more. The studio offers the opportunity for small beginner classes to largescale workshops for the super pottery nerds. www.pipcoffeeclay.com.

Say Cheese

In the age of social sharing at lightning speed, photography skills have evolved and most images come from that little device in the palm of everyone’s hands. Selfie studios like Scottsdale Selfie Museum have popped up across the country, offering a unique photography studio full of interactive and immersive staged rooms, lighting, and backdrops designed specifically for superb selfies. Need a little extra help? Scottsdale Selfie offers a Selfie 101 class. www.scottsdale-selfie.com.

Speak a New Language

This is the year “speak a new language” will finally be crossed off the resolution list. Magnus Language Institute, located in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, specializes in providing Spanish language tutoring and group classes in a fun, inviting setting where students gather to accelerate their Spanish conversation skills. Outside of the classroom, Magnus offers online sessions and events, including Spanishspeaking-only dinners and immersion trips abroad to energize the learning experience. www.magnusspanishservices.com.

Learn to Cook

With 16 years in operation, Classic Cooking Academy has become one of the most popular cooking schools in the Valley with one motto: educate your appetite. Whether a knife-shy novice or looking to expand home cooking, the school’s group of professionally trained instructors will transform students into master chefs in a matter of weeks as they learn about nutrition, sustainability, food science, and current trends. www.ccacademy.edu.

Run Around

Sole Sports offers running clubs and group runs throughout the week, with runs ending at local pubs and eateries. Each Saturday, the Sole Sports running groups leave from their stores bright and early to snag a jolt of serotonin before breakfast. www.solesportsrunning. com.

Now EVENT A COLLECTOR’S PARADISE

Arizona Concours d’Elegance returns to celebrate the art of aerodynamics

BY JORDAN MORENO

IF YOU GO…

What: Arizona Concours d’Elegance

When: Jan. 22., 9 a.m.

Where: Scottsdale Civic Center

Tickets: $100

Information: www. arizonaconcours.com.

Arizona Concours d’Elegance and Scottsdale Arts have joined forces for the fifth annual Arizona Concours d’Elegance, taking place Jan. 22 at the newly renovated Scottsdale Civic Center. A curated and judged collection of the world’s finest collector cars, the event is a ceremony of world-class automotive design held during Arizona Car Week. This is not your everyday car show; the Concours is a beautiful blend of one-of-a-kind automobiles and highly trained judges from around the globe with 21 states and four countries represented on the Scottsdale Civic Center lawn. An anticipated 4,000 spectators will be fully immersed in the sights, sounds, and even smells of the Concours.

French for “a contest of elegance,” Concours d’Elegance 2023 celebrates the new Scottsdale Arts partnership with

an art of aerodynamics theme and 90 fully restored cars, curated through a rigorous selection process ensuring the cream of the crop. Cars are divided into 13 categories by era, ranging from pre-1900s brassera cars to the most recent and state-ofthe-art auto technology.

“I can promise you many guests will see cars so unusual they never knew the car existed,” says Chuck Stanford, Arizona Concours d’Elegance co-founder and director. “Cars are judged not only on their elegance, but their presentation, history, condition, authenticity and quality of the restoration.”

With many cars on the lawn that are one-of-a-kind for a particular buyer, or those brought straight from a museum, a set of highly trained judges is required and Concours d’Elegance lives up to the promise.

“The car selection is only half of the process,” says Ed Winkler, Concours d’Elegance co-founder. “Cars are judged by a group of elite men and women both younger and older who have a longstanding history of expertise so that the judging is accurate for those entering a multimillion-dollar car which they value and love.”

The nonprofit event, supporting Scottsdale Arts art education programs, is notably supported by Discount Tire, BMW and Griot’s Garage, with the Best in Show Trophy sponsored by Molina Jewelers. Remarkable attendees include former race car driver Lynn St. James and television personality Donald Osborne, as well as car aficionados from around the world. Tickets are also available to be on “Dawn Patrol” to watch each car come out of the cage and onto the grass for staging.

ROUND OF A-PAWS

Arizona Science Center’s annual Galaxy Gala introduces Dogs! A Science Tail

BY GABBY LEIGHTON

IF YOU GO…

What: Galaxy Gala

When: Feb. 4, 6 p.m. Where: Arizona Science Center

Tickets: $500 Information: www. azscience.org.

Each year, Arizona Science Center hosts its annual Galaxy Gala, an opportunity for guests to get an inside look at the museum’s featured exhibit. Next month, the gala will return – and it promises attendees a paw-sitively good time.

The signature fundraising gala – which follows the theme of its featured exhibit each year – will introduce the museum’s newest exhibit, Dogs! A Science Tail. Meant to inspire scientists and dog lovers alike, the exhibition will be an immersive journey into the power, the magic, and the history of the canine connection in our lives. As attendees wander the exhibit, they will learn where dogs came from, how dogs experience the world, what makes our bond with dogs so special, and how to care for our canine best friends.

The event, hosted by The Board of Trustees, will take place Feb. 4 beginning

at 6 p.m. and guests are invited to sport “best in show” attire. The evening will kick off with “yappy hour,” which will include cocktails and passed “treats” as attendees get the opportunity to peruse the new exhibition.

At 7:30 p.m., guests will be invited to take their seats in the main room for dinner. In additional to recognizing Mary K. Martuscelli, the Board of Trustees 20202022 chair, the event will also celebrate Galaxy Gala leadership. After dinner, guests are invited to move to the Dog House after party at 9:30 p.m.

Gala chairs include Dasher and Lisa Shover Kackley, vice chairs Gizmo and Daryl G. Weil, and board chairs Kona, Mocha and Anita Theisen.

“Galaxy Gala is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of Arizona Science

Center with its generous supporters and trustees,” says Theisen, Arizona Science Center’s Board of Trustees chair. “But more importantly, it invites us to acknowledge where our community needs to come together to expand opportunities so STEM learners everywhere are included in our priorities.”

Funds raised from the event will provide the critical funding that allows Arizona Science Center to be the STEM education provider to youth across Arizona. This year’s fundraising allows guests to support the center’s signature programs, including Focused Field Trips, Fund-a-Bus, Science on Wheels, Camp Innovation, STaR Science Teacher Residency, Women & Girls in stem, AzSEF Arizona Science & Engineerng Fair, and Teen Engagement Initiative.

ON A MISSION

Architectural photographer Andrew Pielage debuts Sacred Spaces at Taliesin West

BY MELISSA HIRSCHL / PHOTO BY JEFF CHABOT

Architectural and traveler photographer Andrew Pielage fell under the “Wright spell” while visiting Taliesin West in Scottsdale for the first time in 2011. Visiting the summer home and school of the trailblazing architect Frank Lloyd Wright, he was mesmerized by the symbiotic harmony between architecture and nature.

“The home seemed married to the environment,” he says. “I knew I had discovered something deeply spiritual.”

The sprawling desert home, created mainly of rocks, wood, cement, and desert sand, provided an epiphany for Pielage. He made it his mission to photograph all of Wright’s 432 remaining buildings. Currently, he’s photographed 115.

Until Jan. 29, visitors can view more than 30 large-scale photographs of Wright’s temples, churches, buildings, and homes taken by Pielage. Sacred Spaces x Andrew Pielage invites viewers to ponder provocative questions such as “What does sacred space mean to you?” and “Where does the building end and the landscape begin?” A sampling of buildings brought to life in the exhibit are: Fallingwater, the Unity Temple, the Guggenheim Museum, Romeo and Juliet Windmill Tower, the First Christian Church, and Taliesin.

Pielage’s connection to Wright goes beyond his photography. The two share common denominators of religion and a deep respect for the natural world. “I was going to church and camping before I could walk. We went hiking in many beautiful areas, and I’d take shots with my disposable camera.” Pielage says. “Wright was fond of saying ‘I believe in God, I just spell it Nature.’ I feel that same sentiment. When I walk to the edge of the Grand Canyon, it’s like walking into Notre Dame. I feel connected to something bigger than myself.”

Pielage’s photos accentuate the use of light to capture the essence of Wright’s philosophy.

“I want to shoot structures that personify the sacredness of the natural world through light more than architecture,” he says.

Like Wright, Pielage considers light the great beautifier of a building. One of his most memorable photographs is Temple Beth Sholom in Mill Run, Pennsylvania. “Wright wanted to make religion a more human experience,” he says. To imbue that feeling, the architect wrapped the seats around three sides to give a community feel. The “shallow bowl” shape of the floor is symbolic of worshipers rest their hands in God, and the ramps leading to the main sanctuary are suggestive of the ascent to Mount Sinai.

Sacred Spaces, which is curated by Sam Lubell, was organized by the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation in cooperation with Beth Sholom Preservation, Taliesin Preservation and the Western Pennsylvania Conservatory.

Lear more at www.apizm.com or www.franklloydwright.org.

Style

ALLURE / DWELL / SHOP / FASHION

BY GABBY LEIGHTON

Hit the slopes in style while wearing the LV Snow Mask in Fuchsia from Louis Vuitton. Bring luxury and elegance to the snow in the ski accessory, which is crafted from interchangeable anti-fog, anti-scratch UV-protected lenses that offer a wide field of vision and protection in varying light conditions. The front of the mask and the adjustable strap both feature the brand’s signature monogram pattern, with monogram flower aeration holes on top and bottom. The triple-layer foam will protect the face, and an additional lens is included as is a storage case with a pouch. $1,290 at Louis Vuitton, www.louisvuitton.com.

BY GABBY LEIGHTON

NOW TRENDING

This year’s top makeup must-haves

The trend: Eyebrow gel

Volumizing eyebrow gel, Benefit Cosmetics, $14-$38 at Nordstrom, www. nordstrom.com.

The trend: Smudged eyeliner Glide-on eye pencil, Urban Decay, $23 at Nordstrom.

The trend: Cream blush

Cream blush, Cle De Peau Beaute, $60 at Neiman Marcus, www. neimanmarcus.com.

The trend: Lip SPF Moisturizing lip serum SPF 15, Solara Suncarre, $16 at Citrine, www. citrinenaturalskin.com.

The trend: On-thego bronzer Bronzer stick, Jane Iredale, $38 at Citrine.

The trend: Tinted moisturizer

Tinted moisturizer SPF 30, Nars, $46 at Neiman Marcus.

Rachell Hall, AGE 64 PERMANENT MAKEUP

Rachell Hall’s

CLASSIC BEAUTY / PERMANENT MAKEUP

Creating wash and wear Beauty for over 30 years

With Rachell Hall’s signature permanent make-up techniques, she creates classic eyebrows and eyeliner with custom colors blended just for you. A soft powdered backdrop of shading to create the illusion of perfect natural brows that are the envy of every woman. Whether you are challenged with short, sparse, or thinning eyebrows, Rachell Hall’s thirty years of expertise in make up artistry, custom color blending, art and science will be your perfect solution.

1. EYEBROWS

Eyebrows frame the face like a beautiful frame brings a painted canvass to life. Make your eyebrows all they were meant to be. Because I custom blend my colors for each person even blonds can have permanent eyebrows that look soft and natural.

“Classic Beauty Nothing Trending. Remember that we can always add more.”

—RACHELL HALL

Experience Rachell Hall’s expertise, NO pain, NO hassle, NO worries, just CLASSIC BEAUTY.

As a thirty year expert in the field of permanent makeup, known as the master in the art of custom color blending, Rachell Hall now explains the reality, the myths and the magic of permanent makeup

Imagine never having to touch up your makeup. Never having to worry about your eyeliner running after a dip in the pool or watching a tear-jerker on TV. Never sweating your eyebrows off at the gym. Looking your best even when you’ve just rolled out of bed. It isn’t a fantasy: it’s the reality that Rachell Hall brings to her clients every day.

Renowned as the foremost expert in permanent makeup by an international

2. EYELINER

With permanent eyeliner, you wake up with lovely eyes enhanced by your wash and wear eyeliner. It is easy to be ready to go at a moments notice.

3. WASH & WEAR BEAUTY Save time, save money, save make-up

At the pool, in the shower, or enjoying the hot tub, with permanent makeup you are ready to go anywhere, any time of the day.

clientele, Hall’s artistry provides a naturally gorgeous look. Lash lines are lush, sexy, and subtly smoky. Brows are delicately arched to perfectly frame the eye. Lips are lusciously enhanced with a just-bitten blush. “My basic philosophy is classic beauty,” states Hall. “Nothing trendy: this is your go-to, doanything look.” Permanent cosmetics are the ideal solution for any woman who wants to look pretty and pulled together under every circumstance – without the hassle of applying and re-applying makeup. It can greatly simplify and take tons of time off of your daily routine.

Hall’s specialty is custom-blending her

own pigments to flatter any skin tone and eye color. She takes into account unique personalities and lifestyles, and works with clients to create an effortlessly beautiful look tailored just for them. Permanent makeup doesn’t run, smudge, or bleed into fine lines: it stays as fresh and polished as if it had just been applied. Again, Hall emphasizes natural beauty, nothing trendy. “I never want my clients to wake up Wednesday morning with their Saturday night makeup on,” she says. “Remember, you can always add more by using traditional cosmetics to enhance your daily look for evening and special occasions.”

Visit her websites:

BY GABBY LEIGHTON

VIVA MAGENTA!

Pantone’s color of 2023 is making a vivid statement in homes everywhere

Retro slim fridge, $3,295 at Big Chill, www.bigchill.com.

Scalloped place mat, $150 at Aerin, www.aerin.com.

Floral resin tray, 8 Oak Lane, $46 at Neiman Marcus, www. neimanmarcus.com.

Printed velvet pillow, $115 at Jonathan Adler, www. jonathanadler.com.

Wooden alarm clock, Cloudnola, $50 at Nordstrom, www.nordstrom.com.

Tufted velvet accent chair, $1,222 at Daniel House Club, www.danielhouse. club.

BY GABBY LEIGHTON

ELECTRIC WINTER

Bundle up in bright hues this season

Yellow high-rise belted pants, Philosophy, $795 at Neiman Marcus, www. neimanmarcus.com.

Purple rib-knit pompom hat, $12.99 at H&M, www. hm.com.

Green faux fur jacket, Apparis, $460 at Nordstrom, www. nordstrom.com.

Orange graphic mid-top sneakers, Golden Goose, $680 at Neiman Marcus.

Neon pink cashmere crewneck sweater, $128 at J.Crew, www.jcrew. com.

Neon pink fleece backpack, Ugg, $150 at Nordstrom.

BY GABBY LEIGHTON

BEAUTIFUL BOWS

Add a feminine touch to any outfit with this popular winter trend

Green rib-knit cardigan, $34.99 at H&M, www.hm.com.

Y-drop necklace, Oscar De La Renta, $840 at Neiman Marcus, www. neimanmarcus.com.

Red velvet tophandle bag, Jimmy Choo, $1,250 at Neiman Marcus.

Black pointed toe mule with crystals, Mach & Mach, $990 at Nordstrom, www. nordstrom.com.

Black velvet embellished barrette, Jennifer Behr, $288 at Shopbop, www. shopbop.com.

Red leather belt, Kate Spade New York, $58 at Nordstrom.

Casual. Classy. Contemporary.

DRESS: Yellow-green leopard sequined, ILTA, $450. From Wardrobe Apparel, www.wdrobeapparel.com. CAR: Lot #1367, 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Custom Convertible

Haute Wheels

PHOTOS BY CLAUDIA JOHNSTONE / HAIR BY LORI GREGORY, TWO BY TWO HAIR MAKEUP ARTISTRY; WWW.SALONTWOBYTWO.COM MAKEUP BY GABI VILLALTA; WWW.AZGLAMONDEMAND.COM / STYLING BY STACEY RICHMAN / MODEL: FORD/RBA ALL VEHICLES PROVIDED BY BARRETT-JACKSON, WWW.BARETT-JACKSON.COM.

EARRINGS: Gold hoops, Sivan Ayla x Luv Aj, $45. DRESS: Orange cowl-neck midi, ILTA, $415.

BRACELET: Gold octahedron, WXYZ, $195. All from Wardrobe Apparel, www.wdrobeapparel.com. CAR: Lot #1351, 1951 Hudson Wasp Custom Coupe

NECKLACE: Princess-cut double tennis necklace, Anisa Sojka, $280. DRESS: Black sequin fringed, ILTA, $450. Both from Wardrobe Apparel, www.wdrobeapparel.com. CAR: Lot #1405, 2005 Porsche Carrera GT

JACKET: Black cropped raincoat, Frame, $690. TOP: White ribbed shortsleeve T-shirt, Frame $149. BRACELET: Silver large link, Anisa Sojka, $115.

PANTS: Silver-coated jeans, Frame, $268. All from Wardrobe Apparel, www. wdrobeapparel.com.

CAR: Lot #1399, 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429

EARRINGS: Gold twisted hoops, Sivan Ayla x Luv Aj, $85. NECKLACE: Gold herringbone, Luv Aj, $85. TOP: Orange silk longsleeve, Frame, $398.

PANTS: Cropped coated boot-cut, Frame, $278.

HANDBAG: Black leather and suede slouchy pouch, Hill & Friends, $320. All from Wardrobe Apparel, www. wdrobeapparel.com.

CAR: 1970 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda

EARRINGS: Silver tube hoops, Luv Aj, $55. JACKET: Black and silver sequin cropped bolero, Greta Constantein, $695. SKIRT: Black pleated maxi, Frame, $398. HANDBAG: Black satin with sequins, Folklore, $405. All from Wardrobe Apparel, www.wdrobeapparel.com. CAR: Lot #1356, 1956 Lincoln Continental Custom Mark II

EARRINGS: Gold twisted hoops, Sivan Ayla x Luv Aj, $85.

JACKET: Red silk blazer, Zoff, $1,695.

SKIRT: Black tuxedo maxi, Todd Lynn, $1,250. HANDBAG: Red mini loop satin, Folklore, $340. All from Wardrobe Apparel, www.wdrobeapparel.com. CAR: Lot #1419, 2019 Ford GT Lightweight Carbon Series

DRESS: Magenta silk halter high-low midi, Frame, $698.

BRACELET: Crystal, $1,145. Both from Wardrobe Apparel, www.wdrobeapparel. com. CAR: Lot #1366, 2006 Ford GT

HOW DOES SMOKING CAUSE CANCER?

It may seem hard to believe, but in the earlyand mid-1900s, many Americans believed smoking cigarettes was just as safe as chewing gum. After all, tobacco companies sent millions of free cigarettes to American service personnel in during WWII, and tobacco companies used doctors to market their products One company boasted that “more doctors smoke” its brand than any other.

Thanks to plenty of continued research and a slew of public health awareness and educational efforts, we’ve come a long way in our understanding of the dangers of smoking. While cigarette smoking remains the leading cause of preventable disease and death in the United States— accounting for more than 1 in 5 deaths each year—the number of smokers has declined by two-thirds since 1964, when the U.S. Surgeon General first warned against its dangers. In fact, cigarette smoking among U.S. adults reached an all-time low of 13.7 percent in 2018.

Yet our understanding of why smoking causes cancer, especially in organs that are not located in the respiratory system, continues to evolve.

Cigarettes contain many toxic chemicals. Some of these, such as nicotine and cadmium, come from the tobacco plant itself. Others are created when cigarettes are cured and manufactured. Still others, including benzene and carbon monoxide, form when you burn tobacco (as in lighting a cigarette). In total, smoking a cigarette releases about 7,000 chemicals—70 or so of which are linked to cancer.

Inhaling cigarette smoke sucks these chemicals into the mouth or nose and down the windpipe. Scientists found the first evidence explaining why smoking increases cancer risk in the 1960s, when they discovered that these chemicals can bind to the DNA of cells they come in contact with, damaging the cells’ DNA and causing mutations. The more DNA is damaged, the greater the risk that one or more cell mutations will develop into cancer.

Chemicals in the tar residue left behind in the lungs after smoking may also damage the organs, encouraging tumor growth and making it harder for the lungs to expand and contract. Smoking damages the alveoli, the small balloons-like sacs in the lungs, where the oxygen-carbon dioxide exchange occurs. Over time, the damaged alveoli may be able to expand, but are unable to contract. Your alveoli should be like a new balloon, very difficult to blow up initially, but after blowing the balloon multiple times, the tension on the

balloon decreases, which makes it easier to blow.

Also, chemicals in smoke may damage the lining of the lung and cilia, which are fine hairs that clear the lungs by sweeping out mucus and fine dirt particles. The combination of an inability to contract the alveoli fully and the damage to the cilia prevents clearing of mucus, which may lead to a persistent “smokers cough.” Also, tar and other chemicals cannot be cleared out from the alveoli and airway, causing ongoing damage to the tissue.

The human body is designed to deal with some damage. We all have cells that have the potential to become cancer. The immune system is equipped to identify most of these threats and neutralize them. That’s why smoking-related cancer risk is directly linked to how much you smoke—and for how long.

“The immune system takes care of getting rid of foreign cells, recognizing that they’re not supposed to be there,” says Peter Baik, DO, FACOS, FACS, Thoracic Surgeon at CTCA in Phoenix and Chicago. “However, once those foreign cells are able to get away from the correctional efforts of the immune system and they start to grow uncontrollably. When that happens, it becomes invasive cancer. And that’s why chronic exposure to dangerous chemicals raises the risk that one of those cells will grow into cancer.”

Smoking is also the leading cause of cancer of the bladder, an organ far outside the respiratory system. According to the National Institutes of Health, more than half of all bladder cancers are caused by smoking. And smokers are twice as likely to develop bladder cancer than non-smokers. Chemicals in tobacco smoke eventually make their way into the bloodstream and urine, which is stored in the bladder.

Still, the chemicals in cigarette smoke aren’t the only way smoking increases cancer risk. Smoking also causes inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation is linked to several health problems, including heart disease, Alzheimer’s and COPD.

It also doesn’t help that nicotine, while not cancer-causing itself, is extremely addictive, releasing the powerful chemical dopamine into the body’s nervous system, which is why smokers have a hard time quitting.

CANCER RISK RELATED TO OTHER TYPES OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS

Pipe and cigar smoke is just as harmful as cigarette smoke, according to research, although the risk may be less because people who smoke pipes

and cigars tend to smoke less frequently—and inhale less deeply—than cigarette smokers.

Cigar smoke contains many of the same cancer-causing chemicals as cigarette smoke, but often in higher concentrations. Large cigars can take one to two hours to smoke, causing increased exposure to toxic chemicals. And even if you don’t inhale while smoking a cigar, your mouth, throat and lips are exposed to cancer-causing chemicals, as is your esophagus when you swallow the saliva that contains the chemicals.

While cigar smokers typically have lower rates of lung cancer compared to cigarette smokers, they have a higher risk than nonsmokers.

Vaping, or e-cigarettes, may not contain tobacco, but many contain nicotine, which comes from tobacco, as well as harmful chemicals, such as diacetyl, formaldehyde and other volatile, organic, cancer-causing compounds found in cigarette smoke. They’re just present in lower amounts. Yet when they’re heated, these chemicals are released into the body with the same potential to cause damage. Because there are no testing requirements for e-cigarettes, there’s no way to know how safe these products are and what chemicals they may contain. Note that the FDA hasn’t approved e-cigarettes as a smoking-cessation method because their long-term effects aren’t yet known. Also, many vape liquids contain additives that may not be regulated or known to users. Researchers haven’t yet been able to definitively say whether smoking marijuana raises the risk of lung cancer, but they note that people generally inhale marijuana smoke more deeply and hold it in longer than people do when smoking cigarettes. That extended exposure gives toxins a better chance to stick to the lungs.

“Cigar and marijuana smoking and vaping— these can all cause an increased risk of cancer because there’s an increased exposure to these cancer-causing chemicals,” Dr. Baik says. “One doesn’t necessarily cause a greater cancer risk than another. It depends on the amount of exposure and what’s in the ingredients.”

An important way to prevent lung and other types of cancer is to avoid all smoking, including marijuana and tobacco products like cigarettes, cigars, pipes and e-cigarettes.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT CANCERCENTER.COM. CALL 602.883.1463 TODAY TO SCHEDULE A SCREENING.

Luxe

WHEELS / WANT / HAUTE PROPERTY / PLACES

BY GABBY LEIGHTON

Putting pen to paper to plan the year? Consider writing goals or taking notes with the Meisterstuck Glaicer Solitaire Rollerball Pen by Montblanc. For 115 years, Montblanc has been synonymous with exquisite writing tools, and this model is no different. Showcasing the high-quality, traditional craftmanship and the classic style that the brand is known for, the blue German-made ballpoint pen features sleek resin construction. Though Montblanc is celebrated for its pens, the luxe accessories brand also carries high-end watches, jewelry, and leather goods. $1,530 at Nordstrom, www.nordstrom.com.

2023 INFINITI QX60 AUTOGRAPH

Check in for a first-class, luxurious ride

BY JIM PRUETER

Completely redesigned from the ground up and all new for the 2022 model year, the excellent and luxurious QX60 rolls into 2023 with dramatic styling and interior class swagger.

The QX60 is a mid-to-large luxury crossover with three-row, six- or seven-passenger seating and all-wheel-drive. Since it was brand new last year, there’s just a few changes for 2023, including a wireless charging pad, a frameless rearview mirror and glossy black exterior accents.

Though available in four trim levels, the topspec Autograph model, tested here, is loaded with luxury content like saddle brown leather-wrapped seats with diamond stitching and contrasting colored piping, and second-row captain’s chairs with embossed “Autograph” stitching on the headrests. It also comes with black open pore ash wood interior trim and chrome accents in the front cabin area, as well as relaxing ambient lighting and a massive panoramic sunroof that runs the entire length of the cabin.

The extremely comfortable “Zero Gravity”

front seats were designed at Yamakazi Laboratory at Keio University. The Autograph model tested here also includes extra luxurious niceties such as massaging, heated and ventilated front seats, a three-zone climate system with an air purifier, a power tilt-telescoping steering wheel, a motion-activated power liftgate, a 17-speaker Bose stereo system, and a 10.8-inch head-up display. The further attention to detail includes hidden air vents and haptic-touch controls, resulting in a clean and modern interior.

Power is delivered by a 295-horsepower, V-6 engine with a new nine-speed automatic transmission. On the road, acceleration for interstate entrances is excellent, however the ride errs a bit on the firm side. Transmission shifts are smooth and body motion is well controlled when cornering. The cabin is exceptionally quiet and visibility is excellent.

With gorgeous exterior styling and a posh, luxurious interior, the new QX60 is first-class luxury travel with upper-class swagger.

What Makes Us Elite?

Every single visit is with Dr. Suescun. At most hormone replacement centers, you will NEVER see a doctor. You also have direct access to Dr. Suescun via cell, text & email.

There are no weekly visits required as with most hormone replacement centers. All medication is taken at home.

We schedule your visits at your convenience including evenings and weekends.

Membership with Elite includes body composition monitoring to achieve your individual goals. We follow your progress by analyzing & tracking your body fat percentage, muscle mass, weight etc. to track tangible results. All plans are completely individualized and doses of medication carefully adjusted for patients to meet their specific goals based on hormone levels and biochemical markers.

We stress the importance of nutrition in reaching the ultimate level of fitness, strength, and health and therefore provide our clients with personalized nutritional advice along with exercise and fitness counseling. Our goal is to help you stay in the best shape of your life and to achieve optimum health.

ALL ABOARD!

Dolly Parton’s iconic tour bus transforms into a premium suite experience at Dollywood

BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ

For more than 15 years, Dolly Parton’s home away from home while on tour was not a private jet. Instead, Parton preferred her custom Prevost motorcoach. The outrageously outfitted bus also served as her office as Parton wrote both her Backwoods Barbie album and 9 to 5 The Musical as well as scripts for television shows and movies while on the road.

Now retired, the bus has found new life as the centerpiece of the Suite 1986 Tour Bus Experience at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

Guests of Suite 1986 will not only have the most interesting accommodations in Dollywood’s history, but will also get the opportunity to enjoy some special amenities. The suite features dedicated concierge service for the entire length of stay, the chance to sample one-of-a-kind food offerings created by the resort’s award-winning culinary team, and customized keepsakes to take home as souvenirs. The tour bus sleeps two guests, but each reservation also includes a room at DreamMore Resort, which can accommodate up to four additional guests.

How else is this bus different? Three of the bus’ six standard bunk beds were removed and replaced with a special closet that could accommodate Parton’s hundreds of glitter- and rhinestone-studded dresses. There is also a wig cabinet featuring some of Parton’s similarly retired hairstyles. And while guests may not need the wig closet, they will appreciate the custom bathtub, full-sized refrigerator, expansive kitchen where Parton prepared home-cooked meals nearly nightly, and gorgeous electric doors that were added to the vehicle to transform it into a luxury suite on wheels.

In addition to providing a unique glimpse into the icon’s life, the bus affords its guests beautiful views of the Smoky Mountains, where Parton grew up. It also provides easy access to Dollywood, the theme park she established in 1986 (hence, the bus’ new name) to provide both a source of employment for residents and a spark of joy and inspiration for the millions of visitors who are drawn to the region. In spring 2023, Dollywood – recently named the top theme park in the United States by Trip Advisor – will reveal Big Bear Mountain. Becoming the longest roller coaster at Dollywood when it debuts, Big Bear Mountain will take guests of all ages on an unforgettable expedition in search of Big Bear. Circling the park’s Wildwood Grove for nearly two minutes on 3,990 foot of track, the gigantic coaster is the first of its kind nationwide.

There is a two-night minimum stay for Suite 1986, and rates start at $10,000. The profits from each stay are donated to The Dollywood Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Parton’s enterprises; and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which gifts free books to children from birth to age 5 as part of an ongoing effort to instill in everyone a passion for reading. So far, more than 2 million children have benefitted from the program.

Learn more at www.dollywood.com/ Suite1986.

THE

IS MORE THAN JUST FITNESS

Our club is all about building relationships with our members. Are you looking for an adrenaline rush, join us for a whitewater rafting trip. If you love the winter time, we take a trip to Telluride for fresh powder rides. Are you one for a relaxing float out on the lake, join us on a kayaking trip. Socializing is part of what makes the Village different.

SPOTLIGHT: MODERN MOUNTAIN HOUSE

BY GABBY LEIGHTON

Ready to wake up to views of Echo Canyon and The Praying Monk? This type of 3,667-square-foot home, located behind the coveted guard gated community of Echo Canyon, is rarely available on the market.

Comprised of three bedrooms and 2 1/2 bathrooms, the remodeled home showcases a clean, modern design. From the outside, the sleek square-centric building features desert landscaping, with a curved stairway welcoming visitors to the front door.

Inside, find a stunning great room with soaring ceilings, which leads to a formal dining area with a spectacular bubble chandelier. The chef’s kitchen has a spacious island and seating for four, with a black Dekton Trilium counter top and contrasting wood cabinets. Modern touches can be seen throughout, from the cabinet handles to the oven hood to the frosted upper cabinets. There are also two built-in custom-designed Eurocave wine coolers, holding 500 bottles, and a Subzero wine fridge.

The front media room is outfitted with a custom entertainment center that also houses a Murphy bed. An additional highlight in that room also includes a statement fireplace.

Views of the Praying monk can be seen from the spacious owner’s suite, which has sliding doors leading out to the patio. The serene, spa-like owner’s bathroom can be accessed via a custom metal barn door. Once inside, dwellers will find a floating vanity with double glass sinks and Grohe fixtures, as well as a zero-grade shower with a hand-held wand and dual showerheads. The room also houses a large walk-in closet with built-in cabinets and drawers.

Out back, the patio features room to entertain and a custom garden bed, as well as a pool and a spa. The real star here, however, is the view.

Neighborhood residents also have access to private hiking trails, a community pool, a spa, and tennis courts.

5831 N. Echo Canyon Circle, Phoenix, AZ 85018. Listed for $3,550,000 with Allison Cahill, Esq. of The Agency, 215.262.7066 or allison.cahill@theagencyre.com.

Luxe PLACES

AMAZING ALBUQUERQUE

The 505 comes alive each winter

BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ / PHOTOS BY VISIT ALBUQUERQUE

Ready for a winter escape? Just over an hour plane ride away, Albuquerque, New Mexico, is one of the most culturally diverse and dynamic cities in the United States. Like the Valley, “The 505,” as it is often called, boasts 310-plus days of sunshine annually, making its light blanket of snow during the cooler months glisten like diamonds in all directions.

Accommodations

Speaking of diamonds, there is a new gem in the heart of the bustling city in Hotel Zazz, which opened in late 2022. The concept is the brainchild of Dr. Sharmin Dharas, a second-generation hotelier who grew up on the property as a child, back when it was a run of the mill motel along Route 66 run by her parents.

All these years later, Dharas jumped at the challenge and opportunity to re-imagine the space into something a little more elevated to fit the evolving region surrounding it. Nearly 50 artists, all from the Southwest and many people of color and/or mothers like Dharas, contributed to the revival of Hotel Zazz via sculptures, murals, bath products, art installations, and statues. In addition to the intricate design work, careful attention to detail was also spent redesigning the well-appointed 49 rooms and suites.

Today, each room tells a story through unique art and bold chromatic visuals while providing modern amenities. Across the property, the playground feel teased in the rooms continues to come alive via a life-sized chess board and bustling outdoor pool with regular evening entertainment including dive-in movies. There is also a daily banana popsicle hour, a hotline that delivers Champagne straight to guests’ doors upon request, and a speakeasy complete with curated cocktails and an evolving menu of small bites in place of the exact space Dharmas played as a child.

Entertainment

Hotel Zazz has excellent relationships with dozens of nearby attractions and activities, and its staff is happy to curate experiences based on guests’ preferences. Of course, with so much to see and do in all directions from the hotel, it is easy enough for visitors to plan their own custom itinerary.

A great way explore the area is to cycle, walk or run along the 50-Mile Activity Loop. Completed in 2021, the loop starts in Albuquerque’s historic downtown before crossing the Rio Grande river and heading north toward Petroglyph National Monument on the city’s west side. It passes through or offers views of the

plateaus on the West Mesa, historic farmland, Route 66, Sandia Mountains, the cottonwood-lined Bosque, Albuquerque’s Uptown, and Historic Nob Hill Neighborhoods.

Similarly new to the area in recent years and great way to get a literal taste of the city is the fast-growing network of craft breweries in the area. There is a seemingly endless number of options, many walking distance from each other, including Bosque Brewing Co. Public House, Tractor Brewing Company, Marble Brewing, Red Door, Rio Bravo Brewing Co., and Tractor Brewing.

Those looking for something a little more adventurous should opt for a hot air balloon ride at sunrise. Each peaceful ride allows guests to watch the sun’s first rays fall on the Sandia Mountains backdrop before dipping low over the Rio Grande, and then land for breakfast and a glass of wine.

Seeking arts, cultural or unique attractions? Consider The Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway, which gives riders the opportunity to ascend more than 10,000 feet into the air above Albuquerque for some of the most stunning views in the state; the AndersonAbruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum, the world’s premier facility dedicated to the art, culture, science, history, sport, and spectacle of hot air ballooning; the Electric Playhouse, a stateof-the-art space dedicated to immersive art installations, interactive gaming, live music and more; and American International Rattlesnake Museum, which features species of rattlesnakes from all over the world.

Also, do not miss the ABQ BioPark, which is multiple experiences – The ABQ BioPark Zoo, Botanic Garden, Aquarium and Tingley Beach – all in one location. The zoo is home to more than 900 animals from around the world, and the 32-acre Botanic Garden has dozens of exhibits as well as BUGarium, one of the most elaborate exhibits dedicated to bugs and arthropods in the country, while the aquarium features an eatery steps from a 285,000-gallon shark ocean tank. Tingley Beach is the chilliest of the BioPark adventures, boasting three fishing ponds and ample walking trails that offer a respite from the city.

Cuisine

Albuquerque’s vibrant food scene is a celebration of the Southwest’s abundant ingredients, including corn, beans, squash, and chiles and the perfect blend of Mexican, Native American and Spanish flavors. There are also flavors from around the world showcased. Campo at Los Poblanos, which is located in a historic inn with an organic farm, is of note as it features authentic Rio Grande Valley cuisine using ingredients sourced from its farm and the surrounding fields. Within the downtown area, do not miss Mary & Tito’s Cafe, a local favorite since the 1960s that earned the America’s Classics Award from the James Beard Foundation in 2010, or El Pinto Restaurant and Café, which Food Network featured among its five favorite spots for ribs in the United States. Other best bets include fine dining Restaurant Antiquity, Native American Pueblo Harvest Café, and Spanish-influenced Cellar. Learn more at www.visitalbuquerque.org.

OFF THE VINE

Wine down with vino-based cocktails

Can’t decide between wine or cocktails during happy hour? These creative concoctions showcase the best of both worlds, featuring wine and spirits in the same glass.

Setenta y Cinco

LON's Last Drop at The Hermosa Inn

Spanish for 75, Setena y Cinco is inspired by the classic French 75, which is a cocktail made from gin, Champagne, lemon juice, and sugar. This south of the border adaptation is a lively combination of Código 1530 Tequila Rosa Blanco and Campo Viejo Cava Brut Rosé. The spirits are paired with a hint of hibiscus and lemon. $15. www. hermosainn.com.

Garden Spritz

The Montauk

Simple to make but bold to the taste, this drink marries freshly squeezed grapefruit juice with the newly launched Chandon Garden Spritz, which is a blend of sparkling wine with a bitters recipe made using fresh oranges macerated with dry orange peels, herbs and spices. It is served over ice. $15. www.themontaukaz.com.

Sangin’ In The Rain

50

Shades of Rose

The base of this cocktail is a beautiful combination of Angeline Rosé, Peach Hartley Brandy, and Rishi blueberry hibiscus tea. It is blended with strawberries and lemon juice to give the tastebuds a sweet zing in every sip. $14. www. 50shadesofroseaz.com.

Housewife Behavior

Maple & Ash

This cocktail is well-balanced and boozy. It is made with fresh strawberry-lychee juice, Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto to add floral and botanical notes, and a Syrah float to add dimension. Expect dark berry flavors at first, but then a light, bright, fruity finish with a hint of lemongrass at the end. $19. www.mapleandash.com.

Purple People Eater

ZuZu

Refreshing and colorful, the Purple People Eater is made by combining Botanist Gin, which features 22 foraged botanicals, with housemade blueberry lavender syrup for a hint of sweetness, and lime juice for acidity. It is finished with whole blueberries and a fizzy prosecco float to add a bubbly effervescence as the glass approaches the nose. $16. www.hotelvalleyho.com.

La Sirena

The Mexicano

A fiesta in a glass, La Sirena starts with Corazon Blanco Tequila, Spanish sparkling cava and fresh lime juice. Coconut cream-infused Blue Curacao is then floated on top to add a hint of sweet citrus and gives the drink its bold blue hue. $13. www.themexicano.com.

Sangria Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse

This festive concoction begins with California Pinot Noir. The wine is mixed with a house hibiscus cordial, freshly squeezed lemon juice and mandarin orange juice before being shaken with ice and strained into a glass filled with seasonal fruits. $8 www.keelerssteakhouse.com.

Limoncello Spritz

The Sicilian Butcher

The Limoncello, which is an Italian lemon liqueur traditionally produced in southern Italy, is the classic drink counterpart of this spritz and is the star of this cocktail. Combined with a freshly made lemon sorbet, Italian prosecco, and bubbly soda water, it is then garnished with fresh mint. The bright, citrusy sorbet makes it an ideal palate cleanser at the end of any Italian meal. $13. www. thesicilianbutcher.com.

Taste

BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ / PHOTO BY JENELLE BONIFIELD

When chef Richard Rangel moved back to his native Arizona after a stint in Texas, he connected with colleague and sommelier Broc Chavez. After working together at a Fountain Hills bistro, the two opened Famiglia in 2021, where they aim to showcase locally sourced ingredients in elevated Italian dishes. Among Famiglia’s most popular dishes is Braised Lamb Cappelletti ($26). The dish was inspired by specialty lamb that Rangel procured from Jet-Fresh in Tempe. Rangel and his team hand-shred the lamb and combine it with Crow’s Dairy ricotta, mascarpone cheese, pepper, salt, and caramelized onions before tucking it into cappelletti pasta made using Blue Sky Organic Farms kale. The rustic dish is finished with caramelized onions and greens sauteed in braising liquid, garlic, Calabrian chiles, and candied lemons. Famiglia, 17025 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.366.4021; www.famigliascottsdale.com.

CHAMOMILE COCKTAIL

True Food Kitchen’s Tee Time offers intoxicatingly refreshing means to stimulate the senses

BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ / PHOTO BY JENELLE BONIFIELD

Since its founding in 2008 in Phoenix, True Food Kitchen’s menu has been focused on a singular philosophy: food should make people feel better, not worse, and that great tasting food and thoughtfully crafted beverages can serve as the foundation for a life well lived. “As much a lifestyle as a culinary concept, our team is a collection of chefs, restaurateurs and mixologists working hand-in-hand with renowned doctor of integrative medicine Dr. Andrew Weil on recipes that follow an anti-inflammatory food pyramid,” says Jon Augustin, vice president of food and beverage for True Food Kitchen. “This extends beyond just our food menu to our cocktails as well.”

Case in point: Tee Time ($14).

“While the base of the cocktail is Tomatin Dualchas, which is a scotch whiskey with a delicate flavor known for its candy sweetness peppered with hints of pine, lemon, and green apples, we infuse it in-house with aromatic chamomile, a critical aid in digestion and natural medicine that helps reduce anxiety and fight insomnia,” Augustin says.

The infused scotch is then combined with Barrow’s Intense, a liqueur made with fresh ginger versus extracts or artificial flavors. “Ginger fights inflammation and is high in antioxidant properties, which help ward off illness,” Augustin sys.

The spirits are paired with fresh lemon juice and house simple syrup, and shaken with ice before being strained into a bucket glass with ice. “We garnish Tee Time with half a lemon wheel as well as a touch of chamomile to add to the visual appeal, aromatics and, of course, boost the wellness properties even further,” Augustin says.

The result is refreshing and slightly herbal and sweet with notes of citrus and ginger.

True Food Kitchen, 15191 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.265.4500; www.truefoodkitchen.com.

CHEF CONVERSATIONS

In the kitchen with Rocco Pezzano of Sfizio Modern Italian Kitchen

BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ / PHOTO BY JENELLE BONIFIELD

Rocco Pezzano is the owner and executive chef of Sfizio Modern Italian Kitchen, which he opened in 2021 to showcase the bountiful ingredients, hearty flavors and decadent dishes inspired by his favorite memories from his childhood in his native Italy.

What inspired you to start cooking?

At its core, Sfizio is my savory tribute to my mother’s cooking more than anything. I was raised in the Calabria region of southwest Italy in a small town by the ocean. Our lives revolved around her table, where we delighted in freshly baked bread, hand-rolled pasta, sauces simmered for days, and sweet treats day and night.

Tell us about your culinary journey. At 16, I enrolled in a culinary program, knowing I belonged in the kitchen. By 17, I moved to Torino in northern Italy to work at a bakery and then a pizzeria. In my 20s, after serving in the military, I honed my craft across Italian kitchens before moving to Arizona in 1986 after visiting my brother (who already lived here).

What did you do before Sfizio?

I’ve consulted for as well as opened and operated restaurants Valleywide – Rocco’s Pizzeria, That’s Italiano and more – since making this my home in 1986, except for a 10-year break I took to be present in the lives of my children, Ariana and Marco, when they were young.

Tell us about the restaurant.

Sfizio means “treat” in Italian, so when guests visit us, we intend to treat them to something special. The menu is always changing, but we have a custom-built brick pizza oven and pasta maker so be sure to order both for the table. I also source dozens of ingredients from Italy, including flour, tomatoes, select meats and cheese, olive oil, herbs, and Calabrian chilis, which are native to my hometown.

What is your favorite culinary memory?

On Thanksgiving in 1996, I was newly dating my now-wife Zuri. While I cooked a traditional meal for 300 people at a nearby church, Zuri was cooking a similar meal at home until she dropped the turkey. She called me crying, and I had to laugh given I was staring at 40 cooking turkeys. Suffice it to stay, I took care of the turkey, and have ever since.

Sfizio Modern Italian Kitchen, 21050 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix; www.sfizioitaliano.com; 480.687.8107.

TASTE OF THE EARTH

Mushrooms bring magic to local dishes

BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ

Times may change, but humans’ love of mushrooms is forever. A staple in diets for more than 13,000 years, the meaty vegetable is loved for its umami flavor and rich nutrition, serving as an excellent source of fiber, protein and antioxidants. Here are some of the most impressive ways local chefs are showcasing the versatile vegetable across menus Valleywide.

Polenta Cremosa

Mora Italian

This signature dish, which was created by celebrity chef Scott Conant while he was in college to impress dates, starts with traditionally made cornmeal porridge as an homage to the farmers in northern Italy that originated the recipe. Seasonal seasoned and roasted mushrooms are added during the cooking process, releasing abundant flavor notes while retaining their signature texture. Additional mushrooms are laid atop the bowl, and it is finished with a generous portion of shaved truffles. $17. www.moraitalian.com.

Tempura Oyster Mushrooms

Hearth ‘61

A unique take on fried oyster mushrooms, the mushrooms here are paired with a succotash made from sauteed butternut squash, blanched leeks, and haricot vert, as well as a creamy celery root puree. The last element of the dish is a hazelnut salsa matcha, made with chipotle peppers, hazelnuts, dried guajillo, and pasilla chilies, which adds a beautiful smokiness and subtle spice. $16. www.mountainshadows.com.

Truffle Burger

Toca Madera

This decadent take on the classic burger starts with Santa Carota Beef, which has been grass-raised and finished with carrots. It is a double patty topped with sharp Tillamook white cheddar and a proprietary blend of shimeji, portobello, cremini, oyster, and maitake mushrooms, all cooked in white truffle oil. The fluffy brioche bun is toasted with truffle butter and brushed with a truffle sauce. Once constructed, it is finished with fresh Italian truffle slices and served alongside french fries with truffle hot sauce. $48. www.tocamadera.com.

Mushroom & Truffle Tagliatelle STK Steakhouse

Calling all pasta connoisseurs! Though this dish’s base is linguine, the real star is the sauce. It is made using baby spinach, alfredo sauce, and copious slow-braised mushrooms. Its finished with pecorino cheese and garnished with the perfect amount of shaved black truffles and chopped chives. $55. www.stksteakhouse.com.

Garlic Roasted Mushroom Taco CRUjiente Tacos

The modern taqueria does mushrooms so well that no one will miss the meat in this hearty and healthy vegetarian taco. Maitake, shiitake and portobello mushrooms are marinated and roasted with garlic then beautifully plated on top of an organic blue corn tortilla with jalapeno-lime aioli, cilantro and locally made herbed chevre goat cheese. $9. www.crutacos.com.

Cresto Di Gallo Norcina

The

Italian Daughter

This creamy pasta is a love letter to the Umbrian town of Norcia, which is famous for its pork and truffles. Here, each comes together in perfect harmony through the sauce, which is a combination of wild mushrooms, Norcia-style sausage, tomatoes, and truffle cream sauce.

Additional studded mushrooms and sausage are added on top for good measure. $25. www.theitaliandaughter.com.

Mushroom Menudo

Tia Carmen

A celebration of the restaurant’s relationships with farmers and foragers, this twist on menudo is vegan, and is made with cordyceps and cauliflower mushrooms. The cauliflower mushrooms take on a look and texture similar to tripe, an essential ingredient in traditional Menudo, and they pair beautifully with the hominy, herbs, spices, garlic, chiles, and rich broth meant to bring family and friends together for a feast. $32. www.tiacarmendesertridge.com.

Polenta E Funghi

Marcellino Ristorante

Crispy polenta squares are finished on the grill, giving them a slight smoky char. The nested polenta is topped with fresh, seasonal mushrooms that have been sauteed in Italian extra virgin olive oil, a splash of white wine, sea salt and a touch of butter. The dish is then drizzled with white truffle oil, further bringing out the mushroom flavors and adding a layer of decadence. $18. www.marcellinoristorante.com.

Korean Fried Mushrooms

The Clever Koi

A Clever Koi staple, the Korean Fried Mushrooms are the perfect way to kick off any meal. These tempura fried maitaki mushrooms are cooked to perfection. Each is served atop of a housemade red sriracha vinaigrette sauce and then garnished with bright green celery leaves and a dash of sesame seeds. Bonus: The dish is completely gluten-free. $12. www.thecleverkoi.com.

Ravioli Di Michelangelo Buonarroti

Tomaso’s

Both Porcini and wild mushrooms are showcased beautifully in every bite of this pillowy dish. The porcinis are paired with braised beef short rib and creamy ricotta before being tucked into fresh pasta by hand. Once cooked and plated, they are topped with a decadent wild mushroom demi glaze sauce on top to showcase the flavorful fungus in two totally different ways. $28. www.tomasos.com

Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burger

Pita Jungle

Pita Jungle knows how to let the portobello mushroom shine. To make this mouthwatering vegetarian burger, a grilled portobello mushroom is marinated in extra virgin oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and other natural spices. Once cooked to order, it is placed in a fresh, toasty bun and topped with roasted red bell peppers, baby arugula, a hothouse tomato slice, sprouts, onions that have been browned and caramelized, and a drizzle of pesto. $12.99. www.pitajungle.com.

Wild Mushroom Flatbread Dad’s Modern

Cocktails

& Eatery

The base of this dish is a warm, doughy flatbread with a crunchy crust and airy center. A blend of wild mushrooms are piled high on the crust, along with fresh garlic, creamy brie, and punchy gorgonzola before being cooked until the cheese is perfectly melted, resulting in a rustic shareable dish. $15. www.dadsmoderncocktailsandeatery.com.

Sitting

HOLIDAY PRELUDE

The Phoenix Youth Symphony Orchestras and The Phoenix Theatre Company Guild hosted their 34th annual festive fashion show and luncheon event at Camelback Inn Resort & Spa. In addition to a gourmet lunch and fashions by Ruby Farias Designs and Evans Furs, guests enjoyed prize drawings and bountiful holiday boutiques.

BY DAVID APEJI

Wendy Farrell

Brooke Allen and Kayla Allen

Michelle Brown and Marta Varni

Laura Munoz-Bottini

Ashley Allen

Stacey Parker and Katie Libling

Maria Gustilo

Grace

FESTIVAL OF TREES

Arizona Burn Foundation’s annual holiday gala whisked attendees away to a winter wonderland at Arizona Biltmore. The evening featured dinner, dancing and the infamous Christmas tree live auction, all supporting the the local burn survivor community.

BY DAVID APEJI

Chris Wilhelm and Shannon McCarty

Sandra Taylor and Devon McCluskey

Tess Robaina and Lindy Smith

Brian and Julie Moore

Alex and Heidi Smith

Will and Jackie Pfeiffer

Kristin Jacobson and Laura Seligson

Seen EVENTS

ACI HOLIDAY LUNCHEON

BY DAVID APEJI

Kim Lindsey and Julie Kroot

Katja Zizmond and Colleen Steinberg

Jan Krulick-Belin and Loretta Haugen

Phoenix Art Museum and Arizona Costume Institute (ACI) joined forces for a Champagne reception, a multicourse lunch and a luxury designer raffle, featuring special guest and designer Rubin Singer.

Mary Ellen McKee and Penny Gunning

Ela Hittner

Adrienne Schiffner and Lisa Pagel

Sheree Hartwell and Robin Steiner

ROCK THE ROOFTOP

Wet Deck at W Scottsdale set the scene for this concert, showcasing some of music’s rising stars. Proceeds from the performances by country and EDM artists benefitted Make-A-Wish Arizona and Riot Gives Back.

BY DAVID APEJI

Kristina Bowles and Dexter Ferreras

Samantha Smith and Nicole Latino

Nick Garthright and Ali Diegel

Carissa Rose and Erica Anderson

Kathy Pierson and Carla Wakeley

Mike and Bobbi Welsh

Michelle Leszkiewicz

Colleen Hood and Olivia Hood

Summer Christiansen and Michael Ward Billy and Kay Jacobs

Christiana Burt and Luke Bundren

Amanda Swanson and Terri Swanson

Spencer Scholes and Felicia Bureau

Brett and Lauren Gustafson

TASTEBUDS AT THE READY

Local restaurateur Dom Ruggiero debuts Fire at Will

BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ

It is fitting that Fire at Will opened on Veteran’s Day in late 2022.

The name, according to owner, executive chef, and veteran Dom Ruggiero, is an homage to a military term as well as a common phrase in professional kitchens that gives chefs the go-ahead to start cooking a dish. Fire at Will marks Ruggiero’s third concept in Scottsdale in recent years – he opened beer and bottle shop Vanilla Gorilla in 2021 and buzzy upscale yet laidback eatery Hush Public House in 2019.

The 2,700-square-foot restaurant marks Ruggiero’s largest locale to date. Dark by design, the moody color palate is complemented by exposed brick and offset by a lively open kitchen. There is also a massive concrete bar that serves as a centerpiece, and both communal and traditional tables scattered throughout.

The menu features shareable plates, entrees, and desserts as well as the

inclusion of the Hush Burger ($18) in all of its caramelized onion and umami aioli glory. Fire at Will has a distinctly global feel in its culinary offerings, with nods to ingredients and techniques from across the Middle East, Spain, and Italy. When it comes to the small plates, do not miss the French Onion Dip with potatoes from local vendor Frites Street ($18), and if feeling fancy add the optional caviar enhancement for $75; the Lamb Tartare with salsa verde, horseradish, egg yolk and local Noble bread ($18); or the Iberico Ham Croquettes with harissa aioli and manchego cheese ($16). As for the mains, while the burger is always a winner, consider the 28-ounce Cote de Boeuf with maitre d butter, French sea salt and roasted garlic (market price); and the Salt Spring Mussels with white wine, leeks, tarragon, and grilled Noble bread ($28).

The cocktail program is littered with love for local purveyors. The menu offers six to 10 Arizona beers and ciders, including Wren House, Tombstone Brewing Company, Cider Corps., Huss Brewing, and 1912 Brewing company, available on draft or by the can, as well as Los Milics exquisite rosé blend from Elgin. There are 10 signature cocktails on the menu at any given time, likely updated seasonally. Holly’s Negroni ($17), named for Ruggiero’s wife who is also his Fire at Will co-founder and business partner, stands out for its perfect balance of gin, mandarin liqueur, grapefruit, aperitivo and bitters. The Mr. Brownstone ($17), is another highlight, pairing brown butter washed bourbon with black walnut bitters and brown sugar.

Fire at Will is open Sunday through Thursday from 5 to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5 to 10 p.m. There are plans for the restaurant to open for lunch and to offer happy hour specials in coming months.

Fire at Will, 4912 E. Shea Blvd. #108, Scottsdale; 480.207.1879; www. eatfireatwill.com.