Lovin' Life After 50 - Scottsdale - February 2021 by Times Media Group

February 2021

Spiritual Art

Mesa exhibitions take new views on religion

A Sensory Experience

Ofrenda is ‘a place to taste and remember’

Staying Focused Game and Fish photographer George Andrejko wins award Scottsdale Edition Mailed toYour Home Monthly

Alice Cooper pays homage to his hometown on new album Page 13

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Helicopters and poker are part of The Wigwam golf experience

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Opinion

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Alan J. Gordon, M.D.

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M.D., Ph.D. Benjamin Bakall, M.D., Ph.D.

Features Staying Focused

Game and Fish photographer George Andrejko wins award

Spiritual Art

Mesa exhibitions take new views on religion

8 8

News Briefs Area Agency on Aging Taking small steps for lifelong rewards

A New Beginning

‘Detroit Stories’

Creative Cocktails

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Gardening What’s Cooking?

Long-running Jewish film festival adapts to increasingly virtual world Alice Cooper pays homage to his hometown on new album

Dining

A Sensory Experience Ofrenda is ‘a place to taste and remember’

Rahul K. Reddy, M.D., MHS

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J. Shepard Bryan, Stephen A.M. Henry M. Kwong, Jr. Rahul K. Reddy, J. Shepard A.M. Rahul K. Reddy, Henry M. Kwong, Jr. M.D., M.D. Bryan, DeStephen Souza, M.D. MHS M.D.

Benjamin Bakall, M.D., Ph.D.

Ask Gabby Gayle

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Stephen A.M. De Souza, M.D.

Leibo At Large Benjamin Bakall,

J. Shepard Bryan, M.D.

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Opinion

Ask Gabby Gayle

Scammers are aplenty online

Leibo At Large

Hank Aaron was more than a hero on the diamond BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ It was a Monday night in April and my parents let me stay up past bedtime to watch the Atlanta Braves play the Los Angeles Dodgers. It was a special occasion: Hank Aaron trying to smack his 715th home run to pass Babe Ruth and become the greatest home run hitter in baseball history. I was 9, sports obsessed and Aaron ranked high on my personal list of baseball diamond gods. The thickest book in my possession was a copy of The Baseball Encyclopedia, 1,500 pages of statistics through which I could wander for hours. Aaron’s metronomic consistency with the bat kept me riveted. He never hit 50 homers in any season, but across two decades Aaron never hit fewer than 20. His was a sustained excellence, year upon year. And he was never greater than at 9:07 p.m. on April 8, 1974. The pitch from Al Downing that became number 715 was a high fastball Aaron arced into the left field bullpen. Aaron began his stiff-legged trot around the bases as madness descended. As he rounded second base, he was joined by two white teenagers jogging beside him like maniacs. Years later, I would learn that one of Aaron’s two bodyguards, Atlanta Police Detective Calvin Wardlaw, had to make a conscious decision not to grab his service weapon out of his binoculars case. As Wardlaw told the New York Daily News in 2007: “My instinct was at that moment that even if I could have gotten out there, my man was not in danger. And I tell (people who ask) something else: What if I had decided to shoot my two-barreled .38 at those two boys, if I thought he was in a life-threatening situation, and had hit Hank Aaron instead, on the night he hit Number 715?” Wardlaw had witnessed firsthand what

the rest of us learned about only on the sports pages and TV news: the vicious hatred Hank Aaron received for approaching Ruth’s record. Aaron got so much mail the U.S. Postal Service gave him an award for receiving more letters than any other American. Many of them were racist death threats Wardlaw would forward to the local office of the FBI. In his autobiography, Aaron shook his head at this exposure to the worst of humanity: “The Ruth chase should have been the greatest period of my life, and it was the worst,” he wrote. “I couldn’t believe there was so much hatred in people. It’s something I’m still trying to get over, and maybe I never will.” Almost a half century later, this country seems no closer to getting over our collection of hatreds. Back then, when I was 9, I had no concept of what Hank Aaron had been through as the first Black baseball superstar in the deep South. To me, Aaron was many things — a Gold Glover, an All-Star, a cleanup hitter, Number 44 — but none of what he meant to me involved the color of his skin. In some ways, those were gentler times. A kid in Queens, New York, could grow up thinking there were two kinds of people in the world: evil racists who mailed Hank Aaron letters warning him they would kill him if he hit one home run too many, and the rest of us. Aaron passed away at 86 on January 22. Many of us continued to worship his excellence long after his baseball career ended. We did so because Aaron, in his persistence, his fight for equality, and his refusal to be intimidated by hatred, was even more heroic off the baseball field than he was on it. David Leibowitz has called the Valley home since 1995. Contact david@leibowitzsolo.com.

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FEBRUARY 2021

BY GAYLE LAGMAN-CRESWICK

Dear Gabby Gayle: The big holidays are over, and this widow made it through. I actually did well and stayed reasonably happy the whole time, even though I could not have the normal family get-togethers, due to the pandemic. The holiday that gives me sadness is Valentine’s Day. We always made it a big day. He sent me mushy cards, flowers and candy, and took me out to our special place. My second year without him is coming up. What can I do to keep from going into depression this Valentine’s Day? Signed, MM

Dear MM: I suggest you schedule a nice dinner out with a girlfriend on that day. You are not alone. There are more widows than widowers. Do something nice for yourself. Buy yourself a box of candy. Get a massage. Have a facial. Treat yourself. Your husband would be proud of you! Choose to have a happy Valentine’s Day! Signed, GG

Dear Gabby Gayle: I met this guy on a dating site. He lives in another city about 300 miles away. It just so happens that my son and wife live in his city. After visiting with this guy online for about three months, I decided to visit my son and invited my guy to meet up while I am there. He said he was sorry, but he had to be out of town on business during that time. Now I am a little suspicious that he may not be real. What do you think? Signed, BAM

Dear BAM: Sounds to me as if he is a romantic scammer. My rule of thumb with dating sites: Only communicate with guys in your town. Try to meet them for coffee as soon as possible. If they find excuses not to meet, they are probably a scammer. And above all, do not give them any personal info, such as address, Social Security, etc. Sorry, but I have even run into scammers on my Words with Friends game! They are everywhere. Good luck, GG

Dear Gabby Gayle: I met a woman at church last year before the pandemic began. I really liked this woman and was thinking about how I could get to know her better, then the pandemic hit, and we are doing virtual church now. I do know her number from our church directory, but I am reluctant to call her, partly because of the pandemic and partly because I am afraid she will think I am too forward. Any ideas to help me along? Signed, A Bit Shy

Dear Shy: Call her! Tell her you miss seeing her at church and wonder if you could communicate online or on telephone. If she says yes, you have a way to get to know her better. If she says no, you will know she is not interested, right? Fear of rejection is a real thing, but missing out on a possibly good thing is even scarier to me! I’m betting that she will be delighted to hear from you. Good luck! GG

Dear Gabby Gayle: I am writing to tell you that I got brave and joined a dating site. After about a year of not finding anyone of interest, I finally met a wonderful guy. Our in-person meetings have been limited due to the pandemic; however, we are both looking forward to a long-term relationship. I did get scammed twice on the site, but thanks to you, I recognized it right away. Signed, Dater

Dear Dater: I am happy to hear of your success. There are many other good success stories. Two of my adult children have met their mates there. While I have not met a serious relationship there, I have met two men who have become good friends — and you can’t have too many friends. Good luck to you and your dating-site friend. Signed, GG Note to GS: Sometimes you have to kiss a lot of frogs before you meet your prince! Then it is worth it! If you have questions for Gabby Gayle, please send them to Ask Gabby Gayle at lagmancreswick@gmail.com.

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FEBRUARY 2021

Features

IT’S

Perfect Helicopters and poker are part of The Wigwam golf experience

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI The Wigwam has been a longtime “buddy trip,” says Leo Simonetta, the resort’s director of golf. Like each season, the Litchfield Park destination offers upgrades to the golf experience with helicopters, poker night and golf lessons. “The key selling point is you can come on the property and never have to leave,” Simonetta says. “We have three totally different golf courses. We have a great sales and marketing team who ask, ‘How do I take these golf packages to another level?’” Simonetta attributes the upgrades’ success to J. Green, The Wigwam’s vice president of sales and marketing. “Elevate Your Golf Game” is a package that includes playing The Wigwam and then hopping on a helicopter tour, courtesy H5 Helicopters in the Scottsdale Airpark, over to another course to round out the day. Golfers who don’t quite have the handicap they desire can improve their golf game with the on-site Warren Schutte Players Academy. Private group lessons are available through the “Fine Tune Your Golf Game” package. The “Private Experiences for Golf Buddies” is the ultimate experience. Guests can choose from a “Putts and Poker” package; a “Swings & Swigs” experience, with whiskey, wine or beer tasting curated by The Wigwam’s executive chef; and/or a “Par Pairings” ulti-

FEBRUARY 2021

here,” Simonetta says. “We’re parkland style or traditional. Desert golf is close, though — 20 minutes away. We send business there mate private dining experience at Litchfield’s. “We wanted to know what we can do for players after their round that would be a different experience than coming off the golf course and having a few beers, which is never a bad thing,” Simonetta says with a laugh. “The fun part of my job is working with someone like J. The ideas really start flowing as we talk.” The Wigwam’s three 18-hole championship golf courses — The Gold, Blue and Red — offer a unique diversity. The Gold and Blue were designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., while “Red” Allen helmed the Red course. “We have some great courses around

all the time.” Simonetta is expecting a busy golf season, mostly because people are anxious to get out of the house after quarantining. The Wigwam Resort schedules a fair number of events, including the Patriot All America Golf Tournament and the Canadian tour qualifier. “The Patriot All America is our most well-known event,” Simonetta says. “We had a COVID-friendly event in December. There weren’t any real spectators involved. It was the 10th anniversary. “It’s going really strong. There are a lot of good players who end up being on tour. When we see them, they’re sophomores and juniors in college. They don’t have a whole lot of name recognition. We know they’re good college players. The Canadian tour qualifier is at the end of April. We do have them on tap again.” Simonetta admits he was nervous the first time the Canadian tour came to The Wigwam. “We’re very fortu-

The Wigwam oﬀers upgrades to the golf experience with helicopters, poker night and golf lessons. (Submitted photos)

nate. Our golf course is in really good shape,” Simonetta says. “The PGA comes in to do a scouting trip before the Canadian tour, which is a PGA-sponsored event. “They came in and said, ‘Don’t change the golf course at all. It’s perfect.’ That was so nice to hear. They asked if we were interested in doing anything long term. We have them for the next few years as well. It’s been a real learning experience for us. It’s a lot of fun to have them put their trust in us.” In some regard, The Wigwam is a wellkept secret in town, as other municipalities in the Valley are considered golf cities. “We’ve been known as your in-town, out-of-town getaway,” he says. “We’re in the West Valley, and a lot of golf courses are in the East Valley. We have great staycation packages. Once we get people to the facility and they see what we have to offer, we get a lot of repeat business. “That’s based on feedback we get from our guests. When they’re here for the first time, they want to come back again. It’s a tranquil escape to sit there on the patio and listen to the birds.”

The Wigwam Resort

300 E. Wigwam Boulevard, Litchfield Park 1-844-207-9345 wigwamarizona.com/golf-packages www.LovinLife.com

Staying Focused Game and Fish photographer George Andrejko wins award BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Arizona Game and Fish Department photographer George Andrejko has been in his position for more than 31 years. The three decades have gone by quickly. “When you find something you love to do, time flies,” the Surprise resident says. The 66-year-old photographer won the International Regional Magazine Association’s 2020 photographer of the year for magazines of 35,000 or less, which is the silver category. The judges said Andrejko’s work in Arizona Game and Fish’s Arizona Wildlife Views Magazine has “very special moments captured by a dedicated, smart and patient photographer. The love for what he does comes through in each photograph.” “It’s nice to be recognized,” says Andrejko, who works out of the Carefree Highway office in North Phoenix. “It was a surprise because my boss put it in without my knowledge.” The major part of Andrejko’s work is wildlife photography. Arizona Game and Fish manages 800-plus species in the state, so he never has a lack of subjects to photograph. He tends to gravitate toward birds. “Birds have so many different species, sizes, colors and shapes,” he says. “It’s really a challenge to get a good picture.” Andrejko was born and raised in Chicago, where his wildlife watching was limited to Cubs, Bears and Blackhawks, he says with a laugh. Still, he was an “outdoors kind of kid.”

“I daydreamed in school about getting outdoors,” he says. “Chicago’s set up with neighborhoods, and each neighborhood has a park district. Little did I know, our park, Riis Park, was named after a photographer, Jacob Riis. He was instrumental in New York City during the late 1800s in exposing the way the other half lived, so to speak.” Riis photographed children working in factories and subsequently shows showed his photos to Congress and discussed child labor laws. “I didn’t know I grew up in Riis Park that he was a photographer,” Andrejko says. “Our park was on a hill. They claim Lake Michigan came up to where we lived and that’s why it was kind of bilevel. We had a lot of great outdoor experiences in the winter. We had a lot of snow back then.” His senior year of high school, Andrejko was asked to tell his counselor the line of work he wanted to pursue. His stepfather said to say a photographer. “I figured, OK. I have nothing to lose. I had nothing else to say,” he says. “I was laughed at. All the guys on the school yearbook said, ‘You don’t know a thing about photography.’ “I said, ‘I don’t, but I’m going to.’” Andrejko, his siblings and mom changed climates and moved to Tempe before he attended New Mexico State University. The more he learned about photography, the more it paid off. He did well in his photography classes, where his photos were frequently used as exam-

Arizona Game and Fish Department photographer George Andrejko recently won the International Regional Magazine Association’s 2020 photographer of the year for magazines of 35,000 or less, which is the silver category. The judges said Andrejko’s work in Arizona Game and Fish’s Arizona Wildlife Views Magazine has “very special moments captured by a dedicated, smart and patient photographer. The love for what he does comes through in each photograph.” (Photos courtesy Arizona Game and Fish)

ples. Andrejko joined the yearbook staff as a photographer. “It became the No. 1 thing in my life,” he says. “I had keys to the dark room for the newspaper and yearbook. When I didn’t have film to develop or images to print, I’d be in the library all night studying compositions and colors. That became a passion.” He entered Kodak contests and won numerous awards. The daily paper in Las Cruces, New Mexico, noticed his talents and offered him a photojournalist position. He covered everything from peewee sports and university sports to musicians who came to town. “I really enjoyed the entertainment side,” he says. “I got to cover just about anybody who came through, like Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, when they were doing their reunion tour. Heart was another one. I covered them when they first came out. I covered Prince. “We had a meet and greet with Prince, and his people said Prince doesn’t want to see any cameras. If he saw any of us with a camera, they were going to throw us out. In the other breath, they said if we got some good pictures, Prince would like to see them.” He traveled to El Paso, where he met Willie Nelson and Jack Nicholson, the latIn the winter, George Andrejko’s favorite place to be is Willcox, when the sandhill cranes start arriving. By late December/early January, more than 45,000 cranes spend time in the area.

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ter of whom was filming a movie. “I got to photograph all the top bands in the ’70s and ’80s.” One day, his brother brought him a newspaper clipping that said Arizona Game and Fish was looking for photographers. “He said, ‘You might want to look into this,’” Andrejko recalls. “I pursued it and got the job at Game and Fish.” In the winter, his favorite place to be is Willcox, when the sandhill cranes begin to arrive. By late December/early January, more than 45,000 cranes spend time in the area. “You should arrive before sunrise,” he says. “Park on Davis Road and you can just watch the birds lift off from the water or fly off on first light. They take off and the only thing I can say is it looks like a World War II bomber, or the ‘The Wizard of Oz’ with the monkeys flying. Their sounds are just phenomenal. “When they come back to roost at night, their cooing is so pleasant.” Arizona Game and Fish boasts 600-plus employees but only one Andrejko. “I cover all the photography that we do, which makes it interesting,” he says. “With my 30-years plus, I’ve covered all the reintroductions and recovery efforts the department has done. It’s very rewarding.” To subscribe to Arizona Game and Fish’s Arizona Wildlife Views Magazine, visit azgfd.gov/magazine. FEBRUARY 2021

News Briefs BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

Arizona Eye Institute hosts virtual gala The Arizona Eye Institute & Cosmetic Laser Center is hosting a virtual version of its annual gala on Friday, February 12. “We know that everyone is always eager to come and enjoy the annual gala and all of the perks that come with it, but we also know that this is not the time to invite crowds to join together,” says Dr. Emilio M. Justo, founder and medical director. “For the sake of all of our well-being, but to also celebrate another thriving year, we are hosting a virtual Valentine’s Day gala on Friday, February 12.” The virtual event leads attendees through a series of activities and video demonstrations at azeyeinstitute.com/ gala and has exciting surprise announcements the day of the event. Patients and everyone from the community are invited to join the event and enjoy perks it will offer. The virtual event will be live from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. February 12 at azeyeinstitute. com/gala. It will feature a variety of cosmetic services, from Obagi skin care to permanent cosmetics; Botox/Dysport/Xeomin; dermal tissue fillers; and upper eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty. Upper eyelid surgery has become a safe and popular outpatient procedure used to restore peripheral vision lost to droopy eyelids and has a positive side effect of making patients look younger and fresher. “We are thrilled to be thriving as we celebrate our 32nd anniversary, thanks to the support of this generous community,” Justo says. “We promise to have surprises you will enjoy, as our way of demonstrating our love for you as we look ahead to Valentine’s Day. This is a virtual event you do not want to miss.” The annual gala typically takes place in February or early March and gathers hundreds of guests, who have over the years enjoyed live demonstrations, a livestreamed upper eyelid surgery, as well as live music and food trucks. “When our world is a safe place again to gather, we plan to return to our annual tradition of an in-person event, but we don’t want to miss an opportunity to celebrate during our traditional season,” Justo adds. “You won’t regret the experience.” The Arizona Eye Institute & Cosmetic

FEBRUARY 2021

Taking small steps for lifelong rewards BY MELISSA ELLIOTT, MSW

Vice President of Programs & Services Area Agency on Aging, Region One

Dr. Emilio M. Justo. (Photo courtesy Arizona Eye Institute)

Laser Center provides full vision and cosmetic care, featuring customized laser cataract and laser eyelid surgery. Learn more at azeyeinstitute.com or call 623975-2020.

Sidnee Peck to speak to AAUW Northwest Valley Branch

Staying engaged, socially connected and finding meaningful programs to participate in over the last year has been challenging for everyone — but especially for seniors who can be vulnerable and isolated. The Area Agency on Aging has adapted to offer virtual versions of its Health Living classes, including Geri-Fit exercise classes and other behavior change courses like chronic disease self-management, living life with chronic pain and diabetes self-management. This February and March, the agency will virtually offer the Aging Mastery Program. Developed by the National Council on Aging, The Aging Mastery Program is a 10-week course that explores topics like fall prevention, nutrition, exercise, medication management, financial management, emotional health and life care

AAUW Northwest Valley Branch will host Sidnee Peck, EVP of Assets for Source Global, at 9 a.m. Thursday, February 18, via Zoom. RSVP to nwvaauw2020@gmail. com by noon Wednesday, February 17. Formerly Zero Mass Water, the Scottsdale science and technology firm wants to make drinking water an unlimited resource. The American Association of University Women AAUW is the nation’s leading voice promoting equity and education for women and girls. Since its founding in 1881, AAUW members have examined and taken positions on the fundamental issues of the day, with the topics of education, social, economics and politics. Membership is open to anyone who earned an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, or higher, from a regionally accredited college or university.

may be able to help manage your affairs when needed. A fiduciary can serve in any number of roles in your estate before and after your death. They act in your best interests, and they must set aside their own personal motivations in favor of your goals and well-being. Benevilla understands making informed decisions about protecting your finances is even more important now facing the daily challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Reservations are required. A working email address is needed to register. Registrants will then be provided a secure link and password as well as easy-to-follow instructions on how to attend via the secure Zoom video conference application. Call Benevilla at 623-584-4999 or visit benevilla.org/community-events to reserve a spot.

Benevilla hosts ‘When to Use a Fiduciary’

Scottsdale Civil War Roundtable meeting via Zoom

Benevilla will host a “When to Use a Fiduciary” workshop via Zoom at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, February 23. It will be hosted by Toni Nelson, senior case manager with Managed Protective Services, who will discuss financial and medical planning and how a fiduciary

The Scottsdale Civil War Roundtable will host A. Wilson Greene speaking “A Perfect Hell of Blood: The Battle of the Crater,” a battle which remains one of the most controversial episodes of the Civil War, at 6 p.m. Tuesday, February 16. The presentation will be via Zoom.

planning. The class is taught by subject-matter experts. Participants receive a workbook and other supplemental materials. “The Aging Mastery Program is great because it is so comprehensive,” says Rose Leyba, the agency’s health promotion coordinator. “It doesn’t just focus on one area, like physical health or fall prevention, but covers a variety of topics that are important to older adults as they plan for the future.” If you are interested in participating in the Aging Mastery Program, call 602-2415562 for information and to register. For information on all the classes the Area Agency is offering, call the 24-hour senior help line at 602-264-4357 or visit the website at aaaphx.org. Greene has a long and distinguished career as author, lecturer and preservationist. He is the author of several highly acclaimed books on the Petersburg campaign, including “A Campaign of Giants: The Battle for Petersburg: From the Crossing of the James to the Battle of the Crater.” From 1995 to 2017 he was president and chief executive officer of Pamplin Historical Park and the National Museum of the Civil War Soldier, transforming the privately owned land into one of the premier Civil War-era historic sites in the country. Prior to that, Greene worked for the National Park Service as park historian at Petersburg National Battlefield and Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania County Battlefields National Military Park. For the past 30 years he’s been one of two Civil War scholars employed by the Smithsonian to lead touring programs of Civil War battlefields. The Zoom link is http://bit.ly/3oCPmhP, the meeting ID is 812 8099 3497, and the passcode is 660204. The public is invited to the lectures. The Scottsdale Civil War Roundtable holds meetings every month from September through May. Info: scottsdalecwrt.org www.LovinLife.com

Area Agency on Aging

Aging Mastery

Taking small steps for lifelong rewards The Aging Mastery Program (AMP)® is a fun and engaging education and behavioral improvement program for aging well.

aaaphx.org Sessions are one day a week for 10 weeks. Call to Register Now

602-241-5562 www.LovinLife.com

Learn from experts about topics including: remaining financially secure, managing health care, increasing social connectedness, developing healthy eating habits, and planning for the future. The Agency is offering two virtual class series of Aging Mastery ® (via ZOOM) Feb 10 – April 14 March 23 – June 1

FEBRUARY 2021

Entertainment

Spiritual Art Mesa exhibitions take new views on religion BY LAURA LATZKO Artist Susan H. Paige often explores spiritual topics in her work. This month, she’s teaming with other local artists to host “Women and Spirituality” from February 6 to February 27 in her Paige Artists Studio at the OneOhOne Gallery in Mesa. An open house and artist reception is 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday, February 6. Along with work by Paige, the exhibition will have pieces from Elvie Becker, Diane Black, Sheryl Stradling and Aveen Toma. Paige invited the four other artists to be part of the show. Following that event is “Compassion is the Key: Art of the Divine Feminine,” during which Paige will show a collection of her work centered around the divine feminine, a term used for the energy associated with the “mother,” compassion and love in different religions. That show is March 6 to March 28, with an open house from 3 to 7 p.m. March 6. Figures such as Mary in Christianity, Kuan Yin in Buddhism and Shekhinah in Judaism are tied to this concept of the Divine Feminine. Paige, who also has a background as a personal growth coach and

FEBRUARY 2021

author, draws inspiration from statues, etchings and silk paintings of Kuan Yin for her art. Along with paintings and mixed-media banners, the solo exhibition will feature an art installation/photo-op piece on which viewers can take selfies and group pictures. Paige hopes with both exhibitions to get visitors to think more deeply about spirituality and “come away with some kind of inspiration for themselves.” Many of the artists in the group exhibition are more established. They each have had different journeys as individuals and as artists. Paige grew up in Illinois and took her first art class at age 10 at the Art Institute of Chicago. Throughout her career, she

has taken part in juried shows throughout the country. In her mixed-media artwork, Paige blends acrylic paintings with gold leaf, graphite and paper fibers. “It’s fun because there is no limit to it,” Paige says of mixed-media work. Along with showcasing prominent local artists such as Paige, the group exhibition will offer an opportunity for one emerging artist to show her work on a larger scale. Aveen Toma recently graduated from Benedictine University in Mesa. This will be her first exhibition since graduating, although she previously had pieces in juried shows. “She just is very deep, and she’s always been very spiritual. She is incredibly talented. When I was putting this show together, I knew I wanted her to be a part of it,” Paige says. Paige has part of the Phoenix art scene on and off for 40 years, during which time she curated shows for and held different positions with the Mesa Art League. She has also directed several different galleries, including an avant-garde space where she brought in emerging artists doing video, performance and mixed-media art. “They couldn’t really get into the Scottsdale galleries. It was so competitive. I gave them an opportunity,” Paige says. In Mesa, she continues to work with professional and emerging artists in different mediums when curating shows. Artist Susan H. Paige often explores spiritual topics in her work. (File photo)

“You are appealing to a lot of different people when they come to view it. There’s always something for somebody to relate to,” Paige says. Although she has had spiritual work in her shows before, this is the first time Paige is presenting two exhibitions dedicated entirely to religious and spiritual pieces. The display will highlight works inspired by Eastern and Western beliefs. Paige says Toma is influenced by Christianity, Becker by Catholicism and Italian religious art, and Stradling by the Buddhism and Eastern belief systems. For her work, Black drew inspiration from the Heard Museum’s collection of kachinas dolls, which were often used in spiritual rituals. Paige says for all of these artists, their spiritual beliefs are part of who they are as individuals. “It’s very hard to express sometimes what you are feeling or thinking as an artist, but because all of these women are very spiritual or religious, it flows out of them. The art is their connection of how to express that to the world,” Paige says.

MORE INFO

What: “Women and Spirituality” When: Various hours Saturday, February 6, to Saturday February 27 What: “Compassion is the Key: Art of the Divine Feminine” When: Various hours Saturday, March 6, to Sunday, March 28 Where: OneOhOne Gallery, 101 W. Main Street, Mesa Cost: Free Info: oneohone101.com

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FEBRUARY 2021

A New Beginning Long-running Jewish film festival adapts to increasingly virtual world BY CONNOR DZIAWURA

PUZZLE ANSWERS

When it came to the timing of last year’s Greater Phoenix Jewish Film Festival — considered the longest-running film festival in the Valley — organizers were lucky. The event, which drew nearly 13,000 visitors to Scottsdale, Tempe and Peoria theaters across two weeks, came just before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, forcing many businesses to temporarily halt operations and future events to cancel altogether. “We were so lucky. It was amazing. Seriously,” recalls Barry Singer, the festival’s co-executive director. “Our tradition is we start the Sunday after Super Bowl, however that works out. … (The virus) really had no effect on us then. It was the following few weeks. “So we were incredibly lucky — and also lucky that we had so much more time to plan (for the 2021 event) than some festivals, Jewish or not, that might’ve had a late spring, early summer. They had the toughest times. We’ve at least had pretty much the full year to plan.” That time planning culminates with the 25th anniversary of the Greater Phoenix Jewish Film Festival, set directly for moviegoers’ screens from Sunday, February 14, to Wednesday, March 3. A virtual event, it will include three extra days of films this year. Viewers can choose from more than 30 feature-length and short films, building their schedules in a flexible format. Some screenings will be followed by interviews with filmmakers and experts. Individual films cost $12, while the festival pass (all

FEBRUARY 2021

films) is $180. Films will be available for 72 hours once posted, with viewers allotted 48 hours to finish screenings after they start a film — though pausing, rewinding and switching devices during that time are allowed. A free screening of the documentary “Shared Legacies” will precede the festival, at 7 p.m. Saturday, February 13, to coincide with Black History Month. “It investigates the relationship between the Jewish and African American communities over the years and through the civil rights movement,” according to Singer. “It’s actually a perfect film for the time. We always coincide with Black History Month, so that is a natural for us and it’s a gift to the community.” When it comes to curating films, Singer acknowledges that organizers don’t want certain subjects, like the Holocaust, to weigh too heavily on the lineup. Acknowledging that Jewish film festivals can have “heavy films,” however, Singer admits finding lighter ones can pose a challenge. Still, having a balance, whether comedy, drama or international, is key. “As we organize the festival, first of all, pretty much it’s any film that we feel is a quality film that has some Jewish content — and that is very subjective,” Singer explains. “It’s one step above the cameraman’s Jewish and many steps below an older Yiddish film, for example.” Many of the films are internationally produced. “Most films are not U.S. films; most of them are international,” Singer continues. “We’ve had Polish films, we’ve had Argentinian films — you name it, country of or-

igin. And often I’ve noticed ‘country of origin’ is very mixed, so you’ll actually see in the final credits multiple countries involved. And I find that very, very interesting.” The “add-ons,” as Singer calls them, are a notable element. Those are the interviews/discussions, which are pre-recorded — live Q&As, after all, would be “anarchy,” Singer jokes. “That’s one of the biggest things about going to festivals — you learn more,” Singer says. “I personally love that on TV series when there’s extras. I’m a ‘Walking Dead’ fan completely; I love the discussion show that is afterward. “I am in awe of actors and how they manage to inhabit a character and yet still be able to talk about the character as if it’s a separate person. That ability is just almost — it’s another world to me, the more I know about it.” Singer says he and fellow Co-Executive Director Jerry Mittelman quickly figured the 2021 event would have to go virtual, as last year’s mid-March regular board meeting did the same. About a month or two later, he says, the decision was made. Singer uses adjectives such as fascinating, interesting and frustrating in describing the switch, adding that planning was “more intense than it has been over the years.” Plus, the festival won’t be able to accurately track how many viewers are in each living room. “There’s a lot of moving parts; there’s a lot to learn. So, in some way, of course, it’s been exciting, because after many years we had it down pat. Well, guess what? It’s not down pat,” Singer admits about the adjustment. “It’s starting from the beginning, in some ways, so that we had to both research various streaming companies then of course the film distributors have to be security comfortable with dig-

“The Crossing” ital rights and then all of that.” Singer can’t predict what next year’s festival will look like. But the plan is to continue screening films beyond the scheduled event. Last October, in fact, the festival launched the Molly Blank Elder Love Series — sponsored by the Molly Blank Fund — through which residents of 40 Valley senior communities can watch a free film each month on their closed-circuit TVs. Moving forward, thanks to the new virtual technology, Singer says it makes sense to continue to show audiences films. The plan is to offer at least one per month throughout 2021; sign up for the monthly newsletter at gpjff.org/gpjffsignup for announcements. “The streaming service, which is quite costly, is an annual contract. If you’re going to have it, might as well use it,” he says. “And we’re constantly seeing films, we’re constantly screening films to see what next year would be like. So we have this extra resource. “None of us know what next year will look like, of course,” he adds. “I can give an educated guess: I wouldn’t be surprised if we’ll start seeing hybrid models. But I don’t know. I don’t know how much the distributors have thought that one through, because they set the rules in their own ways.”

MORE INFO

What: Greater Phoenix Jewish Film Festival When: Sunday, February 14, to Wednesday, March 3 Cost: $12 individual films, $180 festival pass Info: gpjff.org www.LovinLife.com

‘Detroit Stories’

Alice Cooper’s “Detroit Stories” is set to hit stores February 26. (Photo by Jenny Risher)

Alice Cooper pays homage to his hometown on new album BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Alice Cooper and his longtime producer, Bob Ezrin, like to create conceptual albums. The topic of the original shock rocker’s forthcoming collection is something close to his heart — his hometown of Detroit. “Detroit Stories” is set to hit stores February 26. “It’s easier to write in concepts,” says Cooper, who lives in Scottsdale. “I didn’t want to just write 12 good, hard rock songs. I said, why don’t we dedicate it to the home of hard rock. “We didn’t stop there. We wrote the album there with Detroiters and have the entire band from Detroit.” Those legendary musicians included MC5 guitarist Wayne Kramer, Detroit Wheels drummer Johnny “Bee” Badanjek, jazz and R&B bassist Paul Randolph, Grand Funk Railroad’s Mark Farner and the Motor City Horns. The group recorded at Royal Oak, Michigan’s Rustbelt Studios. www.LovinLife.com

“Mark Farner, Wayne Kramer and Johnny Bee were great, and then we got some studio guys to play bass, keyboards and horns. The only guy who wasn’t from Detroit was Joe Bonamassa. I just thought he was good for the songs ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll’ and ‘Drunk and In Love.’ “I’ve known Wayne Kramer since the MC5 days. I think he’s playing better than he ever has. Johnny Bee is a premier drummer. Mark Farner is a modern guitarist from Grand Funk.” Cooper didn’t anticipate the funk undercurrent of the songs. He listened back to the songs, and soul was revealed as well. Normally, he says, he would ask to remove it. But Detroit had such a great relationship with Motown that he asked to keep it in. “When we played the Eastown back in those days, it was Alice Cooper, the Stooges and The Who and I’d see Smokey Robinson in the audience,” Cooper recalls about the east side Detroit club. “We’d see members of the Supremes and the Temp-

tations at hard rock shows. Back then, it was just music. It wasn’t something they were shocked by. They loved hard rock. When they did shows at the Roostertail, we’d go there. There was nothing racial about it. You were part of the gang.” That, Cooper adds, is the difference between Detroit and the rest of the world. Music there is authentic and real. “Bands playing Detroit had better be real,” he says. “What the Stooges did was the absolute beginnings of punk. It didn’t matter that they weren’t the greatest players. “When they got on stage and did play, they never flinched about who they were. It’s the same with the MC5 and us. We were theatrical hard rock bands, and we didn’t try to change for Detroit.” That music is reflected in “Detroit Stories.” He calls “$1,000 High Heel Shoes” a Motown song. “Go Man Go” is rockabilly, and “Drunk and In Love” is blues. “I tried to include every bit of Detroit kind of rock,” Cooper says.

The acknowledgments in the liner notes even reflect his love of the Motor City by thanking the likes of Creem Magazine, WABX, Soupy Sales, The Grande Ballroom, Al Kaline, Bobby Layne and Gordie Howe. “They were our sports heroes,” Cooper says. “They were such a big part of my life when I was a little kid. The Tigers, Lions and Red Wings were the biggest things. “We had a great time playing big arenas all over the world, but the coolest rock ‘n’ roll time was at the Grande and Eastown with Suzi Quatro and maybe Ted Nugent. You go and every one of these bands brought it every night. Nobody was up there going, ‘I hope you like us tonight.’ You grab them by the face and shake them.”

Preorder “Detroit Stories” here: https://alicecooper.lnk.to/ DetroitStories FEBRUARY 2021

Dining

Ofrenda’s menu takes inspiration from cuisine reigning from Mexico City as well as Chihuahua. (Submitted photo)

A Sensory Experience Ofrenda is ‘a place to taste and remember’ BY SARAH DONAHUE While people may not be able to travel during the era of COVID-19, Stagecoach Village’s new Ofrenda restaurant allows guests to transcend into a Latin American sensory experience, offering “a place to taste and remember.” From the moment guests walk through the doors, their eyes are met with colorful, Day of the Dead-inspired artwork, spectacular displays of Mexican hand-blown glass and the pinnacle of the restaurant — an authentic, traditional altar decorated with lit candles, paper flowers and photos. “Everything has been handmade and brought in with purpose and care,” Michael Stone says about the aesthetics of the restaurant. Stone co-owns Ofrenda and helms Phoenix’s Taco Guild. The worldly, two-story Cave Creek restaurant officially opened its doors for guests on December 4. The restaurant “has been one year in the making for us,” Stone says, adding how excited they are to finally open their doors. The name of the restaurant translates to “offering” and refers to the traditional altars made during Mexican Día de Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, rituals with the purpose of honoring and celebrating the lives of those who have passed on. While the atmosphere of the restau-

FEBRUARY 2021

rant provides an experience in itself, what guests really come for is the food, of course. “Everything on the menu here is very traditional-inspired dishes, not Mexican American by any means,” says Carlos Marquez, chef and co-owner of Ofrenda, also a Cave Creek resident. “You’re going to see more of the interior of Mexico. This is the real Mexico.” While designing the menu, Marquez says he took inspiration from cuisine reigning from Mexico City as well as Chihuahua. The menu is made up of authentic dishes like seasonal ceviche and pork empanadas for starters, which start at $10. Guests can also enjoy a variety of salads as well as tacos. Main dishes start at $22 and go up to $38 with options like carne, chicken mole tacos and huarache nopales. Dishes are prepared in an open-fire oven and served on hand-crafted plates. Guests can dine on tables made of Indian rosewood, which were all handcrafted and made in-house, Marquez says. On weekdays, the 6,500-square-foot Ofrenda opens its doors at 3 p.m., and on the weekends, it oﬀers a Latin-inspired brunch menu from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. It closes at 10 p.m. on weekdays and 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

The location was formerly leased under the name Indigo Crow, which was a contemporary American restaurant that Marquez owned and operated. Marquez went through culinary training at Le Cordon Bleu and has been cooking professionally since 1999. Marquez explains what makes Ofrenda’s kitchen unique. Typically, other places refer to the kitchen and dining room as “the back of the house” and “the front of the house,” he said. However, at Ofrenda, “our kitchen is the heart of the house,” he says. This philosophy comes from his traditions growing up in a Latin family where everything revolved around togetherness in the kitchen, Marquez said. Ofrenda’s “heart of the house” features an open kitchen design where guests can see all the action. Ofrenda has two bars, one on the ground floor as well as one upstairs, which oﬀer a variety of beer, wine and unique artisanal cocktails. Happy hour prices are available from Monday through Friday, 3 to 6 p.m. The design of the restaurant also includes a “Katrina Room” downstairs with a long table and private patio for larger parties. Upstairs features an “Agave Room” displaying hundreds of bottles of tequila.

In regard to COVID-19, the restaurant has made eﬀorts to assure guests that Ofrenda meets all health and safety guidelines. “Our philosophy on (COVID-19) is real simple,” Stone says. “We want to give everybody a right to choose. Choose what’s best for you, your family, your friends, whatever it is that you want.” It’s wonderful if people want to come out and dine in the restaurant. However, if one is uncomfortable, “We understand that too,” he says. “Come back and see us when you can.” Guests can choose to dine inside or outside on the wrap-around patio, which oﬀers guests a view of Cave Creek sunsets and at night, the North Valley’s signature starry skies. “We feel like there’s a lot of pent-up demand to get out and enjoy life a little bit,” Stone says. “Our facility is large enough to make sure we have quality distancing as necessary and needed. People want to get out there, and I think they’re excited to do so.”

Ofrenda

7100 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek 480-488-2187, facebook.com/ ofrendaincavecreek www.LovinLife.com

Creative Cocktails

Imbibe with Scotchdale BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Travis Ranville and John McDonnell founded the whisky brand Scotchdale six years ago, after sitting around watching football. It was then that Ranville had an epiphany that led to Scotchdale. A Scottish company makes, bottles and

ships 80-proof scotch with a Highland and Speyside eight-year blend to the duo. In this month’s column, Ranville shared a few locally inspired cocktails that can be created with Scotchdale, otherwise known as “The Most Livable Whisky.” For more recipes and distribution sites, visit scotchdale.net.

Murder Hornet

The Scotchdale • 2 ounces Scotchdale • 2 dashes chocolate bitters • 1 dash orange bitters • Half-ounce simple syrup • Top with soda water • Garnish with orange peel

• 2 ounces Scotchdale • Splash of ginger ale • 3 drops of black cherry bitters • Teaspoon of honey • Orange wedge garnish

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FEBRUARY 2021

Columns Hospice Is Hope

‘Surprise!’ Silver anniversary dinner delights lovebirds BY LIN SUE COONEY

Director of Community Engagement, Hospice of the Valley

Liz Hughes believes in everlasting love. In her partner Kent, she found someone who was truly devoted, who has been by her side for 25 years — for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer and, inevitably, in sickness and in health. When a global pandemic and Liz’s chronic lung disease threatened to cast a shadow over the octogenarians’ silver wedding anniversary, very special angels intervened. Liz’s social worker and nurse at Hospice of the Valley, Paula Rafael and Brenda Sine, respectively, connected with students from DreamCatchers at Grand Canyon University to plan a surprise candlelit dinner. “When I think about what we do for our patients, it often revolves around helping

them reach tomorrow in order to spend one more day comfortably with their loved ones,” Brenda says. “It’s an amazing feeling to be able to create a little bit of magic at the same time.” On their 25th anniversary, Kent took his valentine for a drive while Paula, Brenda and three GCU students set a beautiful table and decorated the dining room with banners and balloons. Then they elegantly plated the food — Liz’s favorite: fried catfish from Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen and a luscious cake from Nothing Bundt Cakes, all paired with a chilled bottle of wine. When the couple returned to their Phoenix mobile home, Liz was floored. “Oh my!” she exclaimed. “No wonder Kent wouldn’t stop for cheeseburgers! It’s

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so thoughtful and caring of Hospice of the Valley and DreamCatchers to do this for us. I can’t believe how you all decorated the dining room.” GCU students Ebony Isagba, Jayden Orr and Kitana Ford beamed with pride, knowing they helped create a beautiful evening for a couple who no longer has the time to “postpone their dreams.” The surprise also brought incredible joy to the hospice team who has cared for this “feisty” lady for nearly two years. “Liz had no idea anything was planned,” Paula says. “We wanted this to be a memory they would treasure forever. We couldn’t be happier for them.”

Liz Hughes loves fried catfish. For the Hughes’ anniversary dinner, the couple savored a fabulous meal from Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen. (Photos courtesy Hospice of the Valley)

Lin Sue Cooney is community engagement director for Hospice of the Valley. For information on services and programs, visit hov.org or call 602-530-6900.

Liz and Kent Hughes enjoyed an unforgettable silver anniversary dinner secretly planned by Hospice of the Valley with support from GCU’s DreamCatchers chapter.

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Liz Hughes, seated, was blown away by the anniversary dinner planned secretly by her Hospice of the Valley social worker and nurse, with help from husband Kent and students from Grand Canyon University’s chapter of DreamCatchers. www.LovinLife.com

The Healthy Geezer

The burning question about heartburn BY FRED CICETTI

Q A

www.LovinLife.com

Succulents are trendy house plants BY NATALIE GILLILAND

Poppies Flower Shop

Do you get more heartburn when you are older?

More than 60 million Americans experience heartburn at least once a month, and more than 15 million Americans experience heartburn daily. Heartburn is more common among the elderly. Heartburn two or more times weekly may be caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. See a doctor if you have heartburn too often. The doctor can test for GERD. In the upper GI series, you swallow a liquid barium mixture. Then a radiologist watches the barium as it travels down your esophagus and into the stomach. Another test is an endoscopy, in which a small lighted flexible tube is inserted into the esophagus and stomach. And there are other tests. GERD makes stomach acid flow up into your esophagus. There is a valve at the lower end of the esophagus that is designed to keep acid in the stomach. In GERD, the valve relaxes too frequently, which allows acid to reflux, or flow backward. A hiatal hernia may contribute to GERD. A hiatal hernia occurs when the upper part of the stomach is above the diaphragm, which is the muscle wall separating the stomach from the chest. The diaphragm helps the valve keep acid from coming up into the esophagus. When GERD is not treated, you can suffer from severe chest pain, narrowing or obstruction of the esophagus, bleeding, or a premalignant change in the lining of the esophagus. One study showed that patients with chronic, untreated heartburn were at substantially greater risk of developing esophageal cancer. The following are some symptoms that may mean there has been damage to your esophagus: difficulty swallowing, a feeling that food is trapped behind the breastbone, bleeding, black bowel movements, choking, shortness of breath, coughing, hoarseness, weight loss. You can control infrequent heartburn

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by changing your habits and using overthe-counter medicines. For example, you should avoid heartburn-producers such as chocolate, coffee, peppermint, tomato products, alcoholic beverages, greasy or spicy dishes. Quit smoking, because tobacco inhibits saliva that helps with digestion. Tobacco may also stimulate acid production and relax the esophageal valve. Lose weight. And, don’t eat two hours before you go to sleep. For infrequent episodes of heartburn, take antacids, such as Alka-Seltzer and Rolaids. Or you can take an H2 blocker such as Pepcid. Then there are proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), a group of medications that prevent the release of acid in the stomach and intestines. Prilosec and Prevacid are PPIs. GERD is a chronic disease that calls for continuous long-term therapy. To decrease the acid in your esophagus, raise the head of your bed or place a foam wedge under the mattress to elevate the head about 6 to 10 inches. Avoid lying down for two hours after eating. And don’t wear tight clothing. Medications to treat GERD include the H2 blockers and the PPIs. In addition, there are agents that help clear acid from the esophagus. Surgery is an option if other measures fail. A surgeon can improve the natural barrier between the stomach and the esophagus that prevents acid reflux.

People have been spending more time indoors with the chilly and wet weather. Poppies Flower Shop has been selling plants and succulents like crazy. Succulents are such a popular “house plant” right now due their ease of care and the variety of colors and types that are available. However, do not let the trend of succulents fool you; they can be very picky. This month, we will discuss succulents and the care they need. Succulents are found in a variety of areas but mostly dry desert climates. Succulents store water in their leaves, which means they are designed to survive drought-ridden areas. Understanding a succulent’s natural environment is important so that you can care for them and that they will survive in your nice, insulated living room. One of the keys to keeping your succulents alive is minimal watering. Many believe that succulents are like your other houseplants that love water. Succulents do not need a lot of water. In fact, when customers bring in their succulents to the store that need a pick-me-up, they are usually soaked in water down to their roots. I always suggest mimicking a watering schedule that is similar to the succulent’s natural lifestyle. If they are in a desert, they would only get water from rainwater. Therefore, only water your succulents when the soil is very dry, and make sure both the soil and the leaves get water. I always recommend starting out only watering once per week. I water all my plants on Sundays. Like bringing in a new puppy, you have to find your routine with your succulents, and this includes how much water they like and need. Another key to keeping your succulent happy indoors is natural sunlight. Succulents are used to being out the desert

with a lot of sunlight. I recommend putting your potted succulent in a bright window where they can get at least six hours of indirect sunlight each day. Sunlight is critical to their growth and overall state of happiness. Be cautious that they are not getting direct sunlight, as less mature succulents may get scorched in direct sunlight. If you intend to put your succulents outside, you will need to gradually get them used to that much direct sun. While it may seem silly, I always move my plants around every couple of months! Keeping the conditions the same (sunlight and room temperature), my plants get a new location in my house every couple of months. If I get tired at looking at the same pictures on the wall, they probably do, too, right? Not only does this move them around your house, but it also encourages you to rotate the succulent around so all sides are getting access to sunlight. Finally, I always suggest using a soil with moisture control. It helps to ensure that your succulent, while inside, is using the water you give it correctly. Coupled with proper drainage in your container, you are giving your succulent the best chance at survival inside your house. Enjoy creating an oasis of happy plants in your home and reaping the benefits they bring with them! Natalie Gilliland owns Poppies Flower Shop at Norterra, 2450 W. Happy Valley Road, Suite 1147, Phoenix. For more information, call 480-649-7100, visit poppiesflowershop. com or email info@poppiesflowershop.com.

FEBRUARY 2021

Puzzles

What’s Cooking?

S’mores Bars

ANSWERS ON PAGE 12

BY JAN D’ATRI

Want to surprise someone special this month? How about the perfect campout treat — without the campfire. If you love s’mores, you’re really going to love how easy these tasty treats are to cook! Yes, these S’mores Bars can be devoured right out of the oven! To be perfectly honest, I love these even more than the originals. They aren’t as messy and they’re a cinch to make! S’mores Bars have all of the same ingredients, just assembled a little differently. These bars start with a graham cracker crust, which you can make with either

S’mores Bars Ingredients: • 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened • 3/4 cup granulated sugar • 1 large egg • 1 teaspoon vanilla • 1-1/3 cups all-purpose flour • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs • 1 teaspoon baking powder • 4 Hershey Milk Chocolate bars (4.4 oz each) • 1 jar (7 ounces) marshmallow cream • 1 to 2 cups mini marshmallows Directions: Heat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare a 9-inch square baking pan by spraying with cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper. (Using parchment paper with the sides overhanging helps lift the bars out of the pan easily.) In a large bowl, using a handheld or standing mixer, cream butter and sugar until light and fluff y, about 1 to 2 minutes.

store-bought graham cracker crumbs or with ground-up graham crackers. (My suggestion is to grind your own crumbs — much tastier!) Once you bake your cookie base, you’ll add the chocolate bars, then the marshmallow fluff and top with more cookie crumbs! You can use melted marshmallows for the filling, but the marshmallow cream is a lot easier to spread. Then, all that’s left is to bake them up and then cut them into beautiful, yummy bars! This month make this fun treat for your flame … without the fire! Beat in egg and vanilla. Add the flour, cracker crumbs, baking powder and salt. Beat together on low speed just until combined. The dough will be crumbly. Set aside 1 cup of cookie dough for topping. Press the remaining into the prepared 9-inch square baking pan and press down to form a crust. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool completely, and then arrange milk chocolate bars over the graham cracker crust. You may have to break one or two into the square pieces to ensure everything gets covered. Drop spoonfuls of the marshmallow cream over the chocolate and then spread out. Sprinkle the reserved cookie dough on top and gently press down. Sprinkle mini marshmallows and chocolate bits over top. Cook for 23-25 minutes. The edges will be golden brown. Let cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes or longer. Serve room temperature or chilled.

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Watch my how-to video for S’mores Bars: jandatri.com/recipe/smores-bars 18

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