DC Ranch News - February 2023

The Grand Canyon, one of the world’s seven natural wonders

Kohl Community Council Executive Director

If the hustle and bustle of Scottsdale this time of year has you craving some solitude in nature, what better destination than the Grand Canyon. The canyon boasts epic hikes ranging from accessible to challenging, opportunities to learn about the canyon’s fascinating history, stunning sunsets, unique buildings including the Kolb brothers’ photography studio, and jaw dropping views. Learn more in our feature story on pages 10-11.

Last December, I took family visiting from across the world on the Grand Canyon Railroad out of Williams. The vintage railcar has been running this route since 1901. The experience appealed to all ages, but be prepared in case the cowboys overtake the train on the journey back! My next adventure to the Canyon: hiking rim to rim later this year.

Appreciation and celebration of the people that make DC Ranch special According to the 2022 Community-Wide survey, 25% of DC Ranch residents moved into their homes in the past two years. That’s a lot of new Ranchers… Welcome! Thank you for choosing DC Ranch as your home. The story on page 13 highlights our comprehensive new resident welcome program.

If your sense of adventure is not quite so grand, there are many options to get out and about on the Ranch. If expressing gratitude to others is on your list of New Year’s resolutions, get involved in DC Ranch Gives, or nominate a neighbor for DC Ranch Volunteer of the Year.

Wishing you many Arizona adventures!

Jenna

DC Ranch News is a not-for-profit newspaper published by the DC Ranch Community Council to promote the DC Ranch lifestyle. The publication strives to build community by connecting current and future residents along with DC Ranch stakeholders through interesting stories and pictures. Ranch News offers value to its advertisers and perpetuates DC Ranch’s community values.

DC Ranch Community Council spotlights local businesses as a service to the community and for information purposes only.

DC Ranch does not recommend or endorse any described products or services.

Community Engagement Director

Jona Davis Senior Communications Manager Elizabeth Dankert Communications Coordinator Alexandra Duemer Communications Coordinator Kathren Coleman 480.513.1500 communications.team @dcranchinc.com dcranch.com

A division of Republic Media 200 E. Van Buren St. Phoenix, AZ 85004

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Editor Jim Williams Art Director Miles Abernethy

DC Ranch Community Values

• Sense of Community

• Environmental Stewardship

• Family

• Healthy Lifestyles

Living Connected

• Diversity & Inclusiveness

• Lifelong Learning

• Artistic & Cultural Opportunities

• Relationship with Larger Community

DC Ranch seamlessly connects people to the beauty of both the created environment and the natural Sonoran Desert. Residents feel a sense of community, connecting with each other in friendship and common interest.

It is a thoughtfully crafted community designed with unprecedented attention to detail. DC Ranch has a distinctive governance structure with ample resources that exist to ensure a legacy of an amenity-rich and active way of life. The highest standards and a convenient north Scottsdale location establish DC Ranch as a nationally desirable place to live with an exceptional quality of life and premium home values.

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Jenna

Ranch Association Board of Directors

This year’s election to select the newest members of the Ranch Associa tion Board of Directors gets underway this month, with candidate applications available on DCRanch.com starting Feb. 3. Ballots will be mailed on March 15 and are due to The Ranch Offices on Market Street no later than Monday, April 3 at 5 p.m.

To provide an opportunity to meet and hear from potential board candidates, the Ranch Association is hosting a Meet the Candidates Night on March 13, 6 p.m. at The Homestead. A Zoom link will be available for those who cannot attend in person.

Phil Geiger and Geoff Wilner’s terms are ending which provides for two open positions on the Board, each a 3-year term. Residents are urged to consider applying and be part of the decision-making process for the Ranch Association and community. Potential candidates should ensure they are available to attend the required Meet the Candidates event on March 13.

The Ranch Association Board of Directors plays a critical role in ensuring that DC Ranch is a top notch, well maintained, highly desirable community. This volunteer group oversees the general administration and management of the community’s policies and standards, annual budgeting, and helps decide how to lead the DC Ranch community into the future.

The Neighborhood Voting Members (NVMs) will cast their votes for the two positions. Please participate by reading the candidate biographies, attending the Candidate Night and letting your NVM know your Board position recommendations.

Election Timeline

Feb. 3 Candidate application forms available on DCRanch.com

March 3 Candidate applications due March 13 Meet the Candidates Night

March 15 Ballots mailed to NVMs

April 3 Ballots due to The Ranch Offices on Market Street by 5 p.m.

Arizona is the place to be during this busy time of year!

Short-Term Rentals in DC Ranch

As a reminder, the Standards of Conduct for Short-Term Rentals (DCR-18) requires that any rental of property in DC Ranch be for a period not shorter than 6 months, with only 2 rentals allowed during a calendar year. Rental and lease terms shorter than 6 months are strictly prohibited, meaning residents cannot list their properties for short-term rentals during popular upcoming events

like the Super Bowl, Phoenix Open or Spring Training. Residents who conduct rentals that violate terms of DCR-18 are subject to fines; DC Ranch staff routinely monitors short-term rental websites

Leash up the PUP

Please remember to follow proper pet etiquette when enjoying the community parks and the path and trail system. Dogs must be leashed and under physical control by their caretakers at all times. Please be considerate of neighbors who may have an allergy or an apprehension towards dogs. Per the City of Scottsdale ordinance and DC Ranch Standards for Conduct (DCR-13 & 14), dogs should always be leashed and pet waste picked up and deposited in a refuse container. Dogs are only permitted to be unleashed when confined to

Street at 480.513.1500.

Nominate a Volunteer of the Year!

DC Ranch celebrates residents who are actively making a difference. Celebrate this individual by nominating him or her for a Volunteer Award in the following categories: Leadership, Philanthropy, Good Neighbor, Youth or Community Partner.

Submit a short nomination form on DCRanch.com by Friday, March 3. Nominees and recipients will be honored at the 2022 Volunteer Appreciation Celebration, featured in an issue of Ranch News, and highlighted in a community-wide email.

MONTHLY PLANNER

Ongoing programs

All Levels Yoga

Mondays and Wednesdays | 9 to 10 a.m. The Homestead Community Center

Strength and Balance

Mondays and Wednesdays 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

The Homestead Community Center Yoga Basics Tuesdays and Thursdays | 9 to 10 a.m. The Homestead Community Center

Total Body Aqua Fit

Wednesdays and Fridays 9 to 10 a.m. | Desert Camp Pool

Pickleball Club Sundays and Fridays | 8 to 11 a.m. Desert Camp Pickleball Courts

Food Truck Night

Thursday, Feb. 23 | 5 to 7 p.m.

Desert Camp

Take a break from your dinner routine to enjoy the bold flavors of Different Smokes BBQ and Taqueria Las Palmas.

Gives Group Service Project: Feed My Starving Children

Saturday, Feb. 4 | 8:15 to 11:15 a.m. Departs The Homestead Ages 5+ | $10 donation

Feed My Starving Children provides nutritional meal packs to starving children all over the world. Volunteers will help prepare Manna Packs, a tested nutritious meal that is essential for improved health of undernourished children. Transportation and Gives shirt provided.

Lifelong Learning: Super Bowl Experience

Sunday, Feb. 5 | 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Departs The Homestead All ages | $23

Travel by bus to the Phoenix Convention Center for the ultimate football fan festival. The Super Bowl Experience features interactive displays, past and present NFL player autograph sessions, historical Super Bowl displays, panel discussions, exclusive Super Bowl merchandise and much more!

Women’s Club: Desert Botanical Garden

Thursday, Feb. 9 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Departs The Homestead Ages 21+ | $43

Enjoy a leisurely walk through the tranquil beauty of the Desert Botanical Garden, a living museum with over 100 acres of vibrant and lush Sonoran landscape.

Friday Night Lights: Tailgating Party

Friday, Feb. 10 | 5:30 to 7 p.m.

The Homestead Parking Lot All ages | Free

Kick off the big weekend with a tailgate party under the Friday night lights. Bring lawn chairs and pop the trunk or a tent for a celebration with neighbors that includes dinner, music, cornhole, soda and water. Residents are encouraged to support their favorite Super Bowl team by dressing the part.

Events are subject to change. Check DCRanch.com/calendar for the most up-to-date listing information.

Please note: To sign up for all activities, you must create a CivicRec account. Details at DCRanch.com/CivicRec

Reel Deal: Be My Valentine

Monday, Feb. 13 | 6 to 8:30 p.m. The Homestead | Ages 21+ | $23

Woo your significant other with a special evening in the Grand Hall. Watch a romantic comedy and enjoy an assortment of light bites, sweet treats and a Valentine's themed beverage. Then snap a perfect date night pic in the photo booth.

Yappy Hour

Wednesday, Feb. 15 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Desert Camp North Patio All ages | Free

Bring your leashed four-legged friend to enjoy a casual gathering with other residents. Beverages, snacks and pup treats provided.

Food Truck Night

Thursday, Feb. 16 | 5 to 7 p.m. Desert Camp Dine al fresca with neighbors! Enjoy fresh seafood from East Coast Joe’s or try Manooky for French food with an American twist.

Southwest Shakespeare Performance

Sunday, Feb. 19 | 6 to 7:30 p.m. The Homestead | Ages 12+ | $12

Talented Southwest Shakespeare Company actors will perform “Love’s Labour’s Lost” with full costume and props, followed by a discussion with the touring company and director.

Social Hour

Friday, Feb. 24 | 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Desert Camp | Ages 21+ | Free

Mix and mingle during a relaxing happy hour. These causal gatherings provide a nice way to end the week. Chat with friends or get to know new neighbors. Light bites, beer and wine provided.

Amy Fisher

Peru’s other worldly history

By Kat Thatcher

The great sites of Peru inspire awe regarding the accomplishments of mankind in creatively transforming their surrounding world. The Nazca Lines, Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca’s Floating Islands of Uros are arguably as impressive as wonders of Mediterranean Europe.

To see the Nazca lines , a roller coaster small-plane flight banks figure 8’s, facilitating viewing the earth drawings below. Witnessing these, one may be stunned by the effort undertaken to create massive pictographs. Clearly, none creating these 2,000 years ago were ever privileged with this aerial vantage point. A monkey, hummingbird, parrot, spider, heron, spiral and figures called the Royal Family contrast the desert. A “waving alien” stirs theories about visits from other worlds. Scraped only 5 inches deep, the removal of red-brown surface layer created contrast. Deeper drawings were created by the Nazca Culture, 2200-1600 B.P., but weathered, fainter, and often layered drawings exist from the preceding Paracas Culture. They were all undiscovered until 1927, however, after a large lizard had already been bisected by a freeway.

Cloud forest crown, Machu Picchu sits high atop a peak. A retreat for royals, rulers and rituals,

it was inhabited from 1420-1532, with an important Temple of the Sun doubling as a giant sundial. One ponders how did they drag giant rocks up such vertical slopes to construct it? Sophisticated stone cutting, architecture and agricultural terraces reveal a developed culture. Yet, abandoned after the 9th King Pachacutec died, it was lost in the shuffle of Spanish arrival. Foliage claimed it until rediscovered by American Yale professor Hiram Bingham in 1911, aided by a local boy that still knew its location. Though widely visited, it remains mystic and mysterious.

Totoro reeds create the bouncy, straw-scented, lily-pad like islands that dot the highest navigable lake in the world, Titicaca , at almost 13,000 feet. Its inhabitants migrated 3,700 years ago, creating the islands as defensible homes. The Uros people coexisted with neighboring tribes until largely enslaved by the Spanish. Today, over 1,000 Uros live on these hand-crafted islands, created by harvesting bundles of reeds, tied together with spikes and ropes, and anchored. Though modernity touches them, with their main industry tourism, and having government-gifted solar power, most inhabitants have never seen a photo of themselves nor used a phone and have little knowledge of the outside world. Their days consist of hunting, gathering, cooking, adding reeds to their islands and shelters. Their reward? Being close to nature and sleeping beneath thousands of high-altitude stars.

Follow Thatcher on Instagram @TheArtfulTourist.

THE VILLAGE IS MORE THAN JUST FITNESS

DC Ranch Survey

In accordance with the governing documents, the Community Council conducts a demographic and interest survey every three years to gather resident feedback and help plan for the future. For the 2022 survey, WestGroup Research was hired to conduct the confidential online questionnaire including hosting the survey, managing data collection, processing the results and reporting the findings on behalf of DC Ranch.

The survey was open from Sept. 26 through Oct. 9, 2022. A total of 865 residents (one per household) completed the survey, representing approximately 28% of all households within the community. The statistical margin of error for the 2022 study is +/- 3.0% at the 95% confidence level.

Survey overview

2019 2022

Number of households distributed to (including apartment complexes) 2,991 3,056

Number of households responded 791 865 Overall response rate 25% 28%

Age breakout by household

Similar to 2019, it’s most common for residents to be between the ages of 51 and 80. Up to one-quarter (25%) of households have at least one minor (under 18) living in the home. Percent of households with at least one person in age segment:

25th Anniversary novelty

Do you remember visiting a special location and pressing a penny as a keepsake? Now DC Ranch residents have their very own penny press! Visit Desert Camp Community Center to experience the old-time keepsake penny press located in the lobby. Bring a few pennies to press one-of-a-kind designs celebrating four notable features of DC Ranch and the 25th anniversary. The penny press will be available all year for the young and young at heart to enjoy.

DC Ranch is updating the Strategic Plan and needs your input! Virtually attend a professionally facilitated one-hour interactive session with other residents to share what you believe are important priorities for the next 3 to 5 years.

Help DC Ranch to take stock of where we are, determine where we want to go and chart a course to get there. Visit DCRanch.com/DCR2025 to register for a convenient, online session from a variety of dates and times in February. The overall participation goal is 200+ residents.

Plan a trip to the Grand Canyon

By Alexandra Duemer | Community Council

Four hours north lies one of the world’s seven wonders. The Grand Canyon is like a paintbrush, dipped in golds and pinks and oranges and purples, swept over narrows and crags in an area that’s an average of 10 miles wide (18 miles at its widest) and a mile deep.

Peak season at Grand Canyon is during the summer months when kids are out of school. If you’re staying during this time, be sure to book your lodging early, as reservations start filling up many months in advance. For cooler weather, lighter crowds and better lodging availability, plan your trip during the shoulder seasons between March-May or September-November.

The Grand Canyon is divided into three distinct areas that each offer a unique experience and vantage point.

The West Rim

Welcome to Grand Canyon West, home to the Skywalk. Sitting 4,000 feet above the Canyon floor, the glass-bottom Skywalk is truly a modern marvel. Hiking is available from Guano Point. For overnight accommodations, guests can enjoy the Hualapai Ranch at the Rim or Hualapai Lodge, located on Historic Route 66, just over an hour from the rim. For the adventurer, explore the Grand Canyon on a one-day whitewater raft adventure with the Hualapai River Runners. All river guides are certified and provide narrations on Hualapai culture and history during your unforgettable journey.

The South Rim and Grand Canyon Village

Due to its proximity to Flagstaff, Williams and Tusayan, the South Rim is the Grand Canyon’s most popular destination. Home to park headquarters, Grand Canyon Village features the park’s largest collection of services, including hotels and lodges, restaurants, a general store, laundry and shower facilities, a bank with an ATM, and a public garage for emergency repairs.

Grand Canyon Village

Skywalk

The North Rim

While high elevation and heavy snow keep the North Rim closed during the winter months, this less-traveled area—far away from the crowds of Grand Canyon Village—is a remote, relaxing place to enjoy the beauty of the canyon in solitude. Usually accessible from mid-May to October, the North Rim offers visitors a campground, general store, and camper facilities. It’s also home to the historic and rustic Grand Canyon Lodge. Additional campgrounds, lodging options and stores are available at the Jacob Lake Inn yearround, approximately 45 miles north, outside the entrance to the park.

Where to stay

Bring your tent or RV to enjoy the great outdoors at one of the many campgrounds in the park.

Two of the three National Park Service campgrounds accept reservations: Mather Campground on the South Rim and North Rim Campground Desert View Campground on the South Rim (open seasonally between mid-April and midOctober) is first-come, first-served and Trailer Village is a concessioner-run RV park with full hook-ups.

If roughing it isn’t quite your style, Grand Canyon National Park Lodges operates numerous hotels, both inside and outside the park.

Located at the top of Bright Angel Trailhead, the historic Bright Angel Lodge & Cabins , designed by Mary Colter in 1935, provides rustic accommodations close to outdoor adventure.

Take your pick from budget-friendly lodge rooms with shared bathrooms, standard lodge rooms or private cabins (one of which was home to one of Roosevelt’s “Rough Riders”).

Perched on the edge of the South Rim, the European chalet-style El Tovar Hotel , which opened in 1905, offers spectacular views, one-of-a-kind rooms and suites, and fine dining in the famous El Tovar Dining Room.

Just a mile from the entrance of the park, The Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon is the area’s only Three-Diamond hotel, and the rustic chaletstyle hotel offers an indoor heated swimming pool and hot tub, a steakhouse and saloon, and plush rooms with a kitchenette.

Meanwhile, Thunderbird Lodge and Kachina Lodge are popular choices for families, due to their casual, modern aesthetic and convenient location within walking distance to many of the park’s attractions.

On the North Rim, book one of the cozy cabins at the historic Grand Canyon Lodge to stay amid towering pine trees and just steps away from the scenic Bright Angel Point Trail. This landmark lodge boasts cliffside views and an on-site restaurant serving up hearty, regionally inspired dishes such as venison meatloaf and wild rice primavera.

Grand Canyon by the numbers

• Is a chasm 277 miles long and up to 18 miles wide

• Below Yavapai point is 2,400 feet above sea level , about 4,500 feet below the South Rim and 5,400 feet below the North Rim for an average depth of about one mile

• Took 3-6 million years to form; erosion continues to alter its contours

• Includes approximately 70 species of mammals, 250 species of birds , 25 types of reptiles and five species of amphibians

• Was formed by the Colorado River, which flows west through the canyon and averages about 300 feet width, 100 feet in depth and flows at an average speed of four miles per hour

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Foothills Animal Rescue: Find a furry Valentine

By Alexandra Duemer | Community Council

In 1995, a group of compassionate animal lovers sat around a kitchen table trying to come up with a way to help homeless pets. From that informal meeting, Foothills Animal Rescue (FAR) was created.

What began as a small network of foster homes has evolved into one of the Valley’s most reputable and beloved animal welfare agencies. The mission was, and continues to be, to rescue, care and adopt homeless dogs and cats.

The Brynne Smith Memorial Campus & Adoption Center opened just 1 mile from DC Ranch in Dec. 2016. The award-winning facility provides a temporary safe haven for pets in need. Since the campus opened, FAR has successfully found loving homes for over 5,900 dogs and cats.

All adoptions are by appointment only Wednesday through Sunday. Visit footshillsanimal.org to view available pets and schedule a visit. All of the dogs and cats adopted from FAR are spayed or neutered, microchipped and current on vaccinations.

Upcoming event

Join Paws to Celebrate on March 25 from 6 to 9 p.m. Guests will enjoy a silent auction, food, drinks and live music.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, they rely heavily on donations from the community to support their lifesaving work and programs. A team of dedicated staff and volunteers work tirelessly to ensure each dog and cat is treated with compassion and given the highest quality of care.

Additionally, FAR has two non-consignment Resale Boutiques that serve as the primary source of revenue for their shelter. When you shop at either location, you are supporting the mission to help homeless pets. They also accept donations of new and gently used items.

Visit localiq.com/GetFound to start driving more revenue now.

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The flagship store is located at 23030 N. Pima Road in Scottsdale; open Monday - Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. You’ll find a large selection of clothing, pet supplies, furniture, housewares, accessories, jewelry and more.

The new Resale Boutique Carefree is located at 7202 E. Ho Road, Suite C; open TuesdaySaturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and includes 1,000 square feet of clothing, accessories, pet supplies and housewares.

Foothills Animal Rescue 480.488.9890 10197 E Bell Rd Scottsdale, AZ 85260

Foothillsanimal.org

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A warm welcome to new residents

By Devin Haggerty | Community Engagement Coordinator

The New Resident Welcome Program was developed to help all new residents feel a sense of belonging right from the start. This comprehensive initiative informs new residents about the history, amenities, and opportunities that lie within DC Ranch. The program also serves as a chance for new residents to meet other neighbors and make connections and friendships.

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Here’s what new residents can expect over the course of a year Upon closing of their home, the new residents are emailed their welcome documents including a link to the special landing page on DCRanch.com dedicated to the New Resident Welcome Program. The webpage allows new residents to get better acquainted and discover the things they need to know initially. The page includes a digital Welcome Guide featuring a detailed overview of the community.

Next, the new resident receives a series of five short emails to bring them up-to-speed on all things DC Ranch and a quick rundown of new resident essentials.

A few weeks after closing, the Desert Camp Community Center front desk team contacts each new resident with a friendly phone call The team will answer any questions the resident may have and offer to give a tour of the community center and issue key fobs.

Neighborhood Voting Members are notified of new residents in their neighborhood approximately 4-6 weeks after the new resident has moved in to deliver a “welcome basket” and provide a warm welcome and introduction.

Then, new residents are invited to an exclusive ‘Round the Ranch Sunset Tour to see behind the gates in all four Villages and learn more about DC Ranch’s rich history, hidden points of interest, littleknown facts and landmarks unique to the community.

All new residents are also sent a special invitation to the annual community event DC Ranch Day. Often there is a unique component for new residents such as a memento or photo opportunity.

Lastly, homeowner milestone anniversary celebrations provide a warm welcome beyond the first year and build a sense of belonging and pride living in DC Ranch. In 2022, over 760 households celebrated anniversaries on the Ranch. Of those, 22 households celebrated their 20- and 25-year anniversaries! Residents receive a special note or gift in the year of their homeowner anniversary.

Silverleaf

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6 baths, game room, pool, spa, BBQ, and landscaped. $4,295,000

Near

Mirabel

DC

contemporary to be built has city light, golf course & mountain views. The 9,866/sf home has 5 bedrooms with guest house, office and 6 car garage. $15,995,000

Silverleaf lot with south facing 270 degree city light, mountain & golf course views. This 1.36 acre easy to build-on lot is near the guard gate and needs minimum site work. $3,995,000

Paradise Valley 6,564/sf contemporary to be built with 5 bedrooms including guest house, 5.5 baths, large covered patio fire pit, pool/spa and a 4 car garage. $6,495,000

N Scottsdale, Sensational 360° city light, sunset and mountain views incliuded with this 4,524/sf home on 10 acres with 4 BR (2 masters), 3.5 BA, 4 car, pool & spa. $2,395,000

Scottsdale new 6,400/sf contemporary on 1 acre with Great room, double island kitchen, 4 bedrooms, office,

Lost Canyon on 1.65 acres, this 5,000/sf contemporary with casita has 5 bedrooms, 5.5 baths, living, family, & game rooms, pool, spa, sport court and 4 car garage. $2,995,000

Country Club single level Contemporary with a Great room floor plan with 4 bedrooms, office, 5.5 baths, guest retreat, pool, BBQ, and a 4 car garage. $3,695,000

Troon Candlewood on the 15th fairway of Troon Pinnacle golf course this 3,855/

Writers on the block: Inspired during quarantine

By Alexandra Duemer | Community Council

While the world came to a halt during the pandemic, people found a variety of outlets for their time and interests. These two residents picked up the pen in an effort to share their story and maybe even help others.

Start Small

Lain Ehmann and her family moved to Arizona eight years ago from Massachusetts and two years ago to DC Ranch. After a career in government Lain shifted to journalism, becoming a sought-after ghost writer, public speaker and consultant in the business world.

“I am naturally optimistic, but during the pandemic I was having trouble staying positive. So I thought, if I’m having trouble, other people are too,” says Ehmann. She started looking for small ways to boost happiness and decided it could be a helpful bite-sized book. Based on research, she found things that people could do anywhere, any time and for free.

That’s what you’ll find in Start Small: A collection of 60 small steps one can take to improve their relationships, create more happiness, get more done and grow in their faith. Shared with heart and humor, she invites readers to take a closer, smaller look at what really matters—and what you can do about it. She says, “It really fits perfectly in the mindset of community and enjoying where you are.”

A Veil Over My Heart

Safia Currie and her husband moved to DC Ranch from Chicago 16 years ago. It was through a dream that Currie’s book title appeared and thus began a 10-year project.

For her 50th birthday, the chef/cooking instructor invited neighbors over for a celebration. One neighbor in particular, Sarah Bernstein, is a seasoned writer who gifted her two books on writing. She encouraged Safia to keep writing and became a mentor throughout the process.

In A Veil Over My Heart , Safia’s story is told through the character of Juliette who is born to a French Christian mother and an Algerian Muslim father during the Paris riots in 1968. Her childhood is spent between the easy flow of daily life in Algiers and summers in the wine country of Bordeaux. A sudden uprooting of her family to Belgium is followed by deception, abandonment and, ultimately, a search for freedom. The 265-page book is hailed as a raw, poignant memoir about courage, determination and finding a true sense of belonging. “Everyone has a story and this was my way of exorcising a lot of sadness in my life,” says Currie.

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By Morgan Domaracki | Village Health Clubs & Spas

Ever since The Village Health Club & Spa was founded more than three decades ago, racquet sports have played a large role in its history. In fact, the original location on Camelback started as a private tennis club prior to being transformed into the first-ever Village in 1990. Today, that legacy is proudly carried on with state-of-the-art facilities featuring dedicated courts for tennis, racquetball, squash and now pickleball. That said, no one at The Village has been playing racquet sports longer than this Scottsdale resident. Now 84, Elliot Koidin and his wife are both longtime members of the DC Ranch Village. While they are both avid pickleball players, Elliot’s true passion is racquetball.

Member Spotlight: Elliot Koidin

“I’ve been playing racquetball since I was about 20 years old,” Koidin says. “At the time I was a handball enthusiast playing at the Evanston YMCA just outside of Chicago when I heard about this new sport called racquetball. I said, I’ve gotta try this because I won’t have to worry about my hands hurting anymore, and don’t have to use my left hand as much.”

After that first game, Koidin was hooked, and he’s been playing at least twice a week ever since.

“Racquetball is great for staying in shape, for breathing and overall fitness,” Koidin says.

Most important, you don’t have to be an expert or have decades of experience to get in the swing of things when it comes to racquetball. “I’ve never been an exceptional player, but that’s never stopped me from playing against anyone.”

As for newbies looking to take up the sport, Koidin says the simplest thing to do is to reach out to your fellow Village members. “Find a group who will help teach you. The truth is, racquetball is not as popular as it once was, so we love to bring in newcomers. They can teach you the rules of the game, as well as pointers about how to recognize where the ball is coming from. That’s one thing people don’t realize, and part of what makes it so fun and challenging, is the entire room is in play. The ball can come from the front, the back, the sides or even the ceiling.”

So next time you’re at The Village and you hear that unmistakable smacking echo sound coming from the racquetball courts, stop by and say hello. You never know, you might find your favorite new sport has been hiding in plain sight all along.

For more information visit villageclubs.com or call 480.502.8844.

A bold contemporary design rug with a touch of nostalgia. Woven using a blend of Tibetan wool, Chinese silk and natural nettle fibers, this coloration features an ivory background with accents of stone-grey and burnished gold. This piece has been crafted by hand in our true 100 knot quality. Standard and custom sizes available.

12th Annual Fine Art & Wine Festival at Scottsdale Waterfront, Feb. 3-5

By Denise Colter | Thunderbird Artists

Known in the art world as a collectors’ paradise, Thunderbird Artists annual festival boasts 120 juried artists exhibiting a wide range of oils, acrylics, pastels, watercolors, gouache, and photography, as well as ink, pencil and charcoal drawings. Collectors with more surface space than empty walls can take home sculpture in stone, bronze, metal, hand-blown glass, wood, clay, mixed-media and gourds. For those who prefer to wear their collection there is one-of-a-kind handmade jewelry. Combining world-class fine art with an extensive selection of domestic and imported wines has long been Thunderbird Artists winning formula. This year’s participating wineries include Arizona’s own Del Rio Springs Winery, Blue Collar Vineyards, Celestial Artisan Meadery, Oak Creek Vineyards, King Frosch, Mediterranean Table, Wilson Creek and Schlossadler International. Adventurous Stills, Carefree Spirits and Desert Diamond Distillery will provide flavored spirits, while local microbrews will also be on site. For an additional fee, patrons receive an engraved souvenir glass with eight tasting tickets; unlike festivals with designated drinking areas, Thunderbird Artists events have patrons wandering at will, sipping wine and immersing themselves in phenomenal art.

Admission to the festival is $5 and parking is free. For more information, visit Thunderbirdartists.com.

Born in 1958 on the Navajo Reservation in northern Arizona and raised among the tribes in the Pacific Northwest, Larry Yazzie has turned his love of spirituality into stunning sculptures that grace homes, galleries, and esteemed spaces such as the Heard Museum, the Eiteljorg Museum in Indiana, and the Museum of Northern Arizona, among others. Showing early talent with pencils and paintbrushes, Yazzie was first drawn to stone sculpture on a school trip to a museum. However, it wasn’t until he was a student at New Mexico’s Institute of American Indian Arts that he discovered his aptitude for the three dimensional.

Today, stone speaks to Larry before he ever picks up his chisel, but he knows that inspiration also comes from his culture and ancestors. “When I look at a stone, I don’t know what I’m going to make, but the spirit comes out in the work,”

Featured artist: Stone Sculptor, Larry Yazzie