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Boys & Girls Club names Youth of the Year

BY KRISTINE CANNON Progress Staff Writer

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale named Pinnacle High School senior Carly Mertz as its 2020 Youth of the Year.

Carly, 17, was recognized at BGCS’s annual Celebrate Youth Gala on Feb. 28. “Our gala guests are always in awe of our teen leaders, and this year our eight �inalists did not disappoint,” said Robyn Julien, BGCS President and CEO. “On full display at the Celebrate Youth Gala was the true impact of the Clubs – con�ident, compassionate, and resilient young leaders on their individual paths to great futures.”

Carly has been a member of the BGCS Thunderbirds Branch in northern Scottsdale for 12 years.

“The club has given me amazing opportunities to form my own identity,” Carly said in a video seen before she gave her speech to the more than 600

The 2020 Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale Youth of the Year, Carly Mertz, from the Thunderbirds branch poses with her award, the highest honor a Club member can receive.

(Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale)

guests at the gala, presented by Tiffany & Bosco and Meritage Homes. “I believe I have become a leader because of the encouragement and support of Club staff.”

Carly told her story of �inding con�idence, positive body image and acceptance at the club.

“I experienced anxiety on a daily basis, and as a third-grader, I constantly felt like I wasn’t good enough,” Carly said. “Giving something as seemingly small as that ‘maroon and gold medal’ to the awkward girl with mismatched out�its and a strong personality may seem insigni�icant but, in that moment, I had never felt more accepted.”

“It was in that moment I realized the Boys & Girls Club wasn’t looking for me to be faultless. They wanted me to be myself. They had given me this medal because they recognized me for who I actually was, including my faults, and they celebrated that.”

Carly will receive a $5,000 scholarship for college, which will help her achieve her goal of becoming an event planner for a nonpro�it.

Also interested in community service and corporate responsibility, Carly was accepted to Arizona State University’s Barrett, the Honors College and will major in marketing and hospitality.

Carly will compete at the state level on March 30, with the potential to move onto regional and national competitions.

“I will use my platform to remind every kid they should be themselves. Remind them mental health is important. Remind them it’s okay to ask for help. Remind them they are good enough,” Carly said.

Carly has held leadership roles in Torch Club, Keystone, and as a Leader in Training. This year, she was Keystone president.

Carly is also currently a valued part

���CARLY ���� 22

He drives a rolling class on sustainability

BY KRISTINE CANNON Progress Staff Writer

When Air Force veteran Donald Jacques parked the 84-passenger school bus in front of his southern Scottsdale home in March 2017, his neighbors weren’t too pleased.

“I had three or four neighbors come down, and they raised a big stink. They did not like the bus,” Jacques said. “Of course, back then, I didn’t have the panels on yet. The lettering wasn’t on it. It looked like a big, black prison bus, and they didn’t want it here.”

What Jacques’ neighbors didn’t know was exactly what the school bus was to be

Donald Jacques is the owner of Don the HandyDuck and CEO of nonprofi t organization EarthSeed, Incorporated. EarthSeed celebrates its third year presenting the EarthSeed bus. (Chris Mortenson/Progress Staff Photographer)

come: the EarthSeed Mobile Analog Sustainability Habitat (MASH), a completely off-grid sustainable habit.

“SpaceX gave me the idea on their website,” Jacques said. “If you go to the Falcon 9 page, and you go to the bottom right corner where they showed the fairing, they put a picture of a school bus inside the fairing to show how big the fairing is. This was inspiration for me.”

Over two years, Jacques equipped the bus with a 200-gallon �ish pond, 32-square-feet of media garden and 96-square-feet of vertical wall garden that a couple of weeks ago has about 20

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22 SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | MARCH 8, 2020 NEIGHBORS CARLY ���� ���� 20 time Club staff member.

Youth of the Year is a national Boys & Girls Clubs of America program promoting leadership, exceptional academic performance, and community service.

The competition began in September with 19 BGCS teens vying for the Clubs’ highest honor and a total of $12,000 in scholarship awards provided by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale Foundation.

Broadband Dynamics and Gabbie and Bob Rife provided an additional $2,000 for each �inalist.

In addition to Carly, this year’s �inalists included Joseph (JP) Cahill, 15, of the Mary Ellen & Robert McKee Branch and freshman at Fountain Hills High School; Zaria Gonzales, 15, of the Lehi Branch and sophomore at Westwood High School; Annay Lopez, 18, of the Scottsdale Charros Branch and senior at Arcadia High School;

Also, Kennise McGertt, 16, of the Red Mountain Branch and sophomore at Mountain View High School; Kayla McNutt, 17, of the Virginia G. Piper Branch and senior at Desert Mountain High School; Jason Nuñez, 17, of the Hartley & Ruth Barker Branch and senior at Coronado High School; and Isabella Treasure, 16, of the Vestar Branch and junior at Pinnacle High School.

In the months leading up to the �inal competition, candidates prepared by writing essays and participating in panel interviews with community leaders. The teens also practiced their presentations of their respective Club experiences, personal growth, and transformation, which they each shared on stage at the gala.

Proceeds generated from sponsorships, ticket and table sales, auction items and paddle-raiser purchases went directly to fund Club programming. Information: bgcs.org. All eight fi nalists pose with Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale President and CEO Robyn Julien after the Celebrate Youth Gala on Feb. 28. From left to right: JP Cahill, Mary Ellen & Robert McKee Branch; Zaria Gonzales, Lehi Branch; Annay Lopez, Scottsdale Charros Branch; Kennise McGertt, Red Mountain Branch; Robyn Julien; Carly Mertz, The Thunderbirds Branch; Kayla McNutt, Virginia G. Piper Branch; Jason Nuñez, Hartley & Ruth Barker Branch; Isabella Treasure, Vestar Branch. (Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale)

EARTHSEED ���� ���� 20

plant varieties, from tomatoes, broccoli, and cauli�lower to strawberries, lavender, parsley, and much more.

“I’m really proud,” Jacques said of the garden. “This is my fourth planting trying to get things to work, and we’re doing a lot better.”

The bus also has solar panels producing 2,400 watts of power – “which is about a third of an Arizona house,” Jacques explained during our tour – and is equipped with 12 batteries, when fully charged, provide about 16 hours of power.

Jacques built a tiny home prototype in 2014, purchased the bus in 2017 and turned EarthSeed into a nonpro�it during the same year.

A year later, the bus hit the road visiting Arizona schools, including Mesquite High School in Gilbert, and has visited festivals around the Valley, including, most recently, the SouthWest Maker Fest Feb. 15 in Mesa. “We had over 500 people come to the bus that day,” Jacques said of SouthWest Maker Fest. “Most people are absolutely shocked you can put this kind of stuff in this kind of a space.”

Jacques said many students and visitors are initially attracted to the �ishpond and then the garden in the back of the bus.

“As far as sustainability goes, it shows people you can put an entire garden like this and �ish pond in your basement and grow enough food for your family. It’s actually possible,” Jacques said.

“One of the goals of the bus is to be able to feed as many as four people on a regular basis,” he added.

During tours, Jacques has hands-on activities for the students, like planting seeds in recyclable egg cartons, and the students are given an activity booklet to complete later.

“In our �irst two events, we have touched more people than Mars Desert Research Station did in two years,” Jacques said. “You see the light go off with the kids, and they start seeing the connections and discovering where food comes from,” he added. “I spent several years as a teacher, and I loved it because when the light bulb goes off, it’s like the �lood gates open and they start seeing potential and they start getting ideas of their own and they start looking at what they can do.” On March 14 and 15, the EarthSeed bus will make an appearance at Tucson Book Festival’s Science City at University of Arizona, followed by EarthSeed’s third visit to Mesquite High School on March 21.

And as Jacques continues to schedule visits, MASH continues to be an ongoing research vehicle in food production, waste processing, water �iltering and recycling, and power production and management. “We can drive to schools, visit museums, libraries, taking our research, and results with us,” Jacques said. MASH is a converted 84-passenger school bus that features a 200-gallon fi shpond, 32-square-feet of media garden, and 96 square feet of vertical wall garden. (Chris Mortenson/Progress Staff Photographer)

This year, Jacques has plans to get a freshwater system in place, install two sinks, a composting toilet, and a shower; set up and get algae tanks up and running; set up garden No. 2; and then build a chicken coop.

“The chickens are the last big piece,” Jacques said. “We’ll actually have chickens and eggs inside of the bus. We’re only planning maybe four or �ive chickens.”

Exposing and educating the public on sustainability is important to Jacques.

“Our mission is to build the methodology, and technology to survive, thrive, and grow beyond this Earth,” he said. “We show methodologies that can be applied in school and at home to inspire them to action that could have an impact on our settlements in space.”

But Jacques’ overall goal, he said, is to be on the fourth mission to the moon.

“EarthSeed actually goes beyond just sustainability in we want to be able to live on the moon, on Mars, the other four destinations and get them settled within the next 50 years,” he said.

Jacques added: “EarthSeed’s goal is to actually become like the underground railroad did during the Civil War and actually funnel people who want to go and live in on the moon and Mars. We want to start that. To do that, though, we’ve got to have a methodology.”

Information: earthseed.space.

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24 SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | MARCH 8, 2020 NEIGHBORS

walking paces are welcomed. Information: 480-481-1797. Cards and games Enjoy a variety of games including card games 9:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. Appaloosa Library, 7377 E. Silverstone Drive Information: 480-312-7323.

Book discussion Discuss “Everything Here is Beautiful” by Mira T. Lee at 6:15 p.m. at the Scottsdale Civic Center Library, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd. Information: 480-312- 7323.

12 Thursday Tai Chi Everyone is welcome to join a class that focuses on gentle and controlled movements that center the mind, body and spirit for health bene�its 3-3:45 p.m. at Ironwood Cancer and Research Centers, 8880 E. Desert Cove Avenue. Information: 480-314- 6660.

Horse show Steeped in history and tradition, the Southwest’s 49th annual premier all-breed horse show will take place from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Mar. 12 through 15 at WestWorld Equestrian facility, 16601 N. Pima Road Little libros Children up to 5 can learn fun songs, stories and rhymes in English and Spanish from 10 to 10:30 a.m. at the Scottsdale Civic Center Library, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd. Information: 480- 312-7323.

Books can This unique literacy program for children up to 4 uses popular picture books, rhymes and songs to teach children 10:30-11:15 a.m. at Rio Montaña Park, 11180 N. 132nd Street.

13 Friday

In stitches knitters Gather with other knitters to 10:30 a.m. with short stories, �inger-plays and action rhymes at the Scottsdale Civic Center Library, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd. Information: 480-312-7323. Tiny tot time Develop babies’ literacy with songs, rhymes, movement and board books 10-10:20 a.m. at the Arabian Library, 10215 E. McDowell Mountain Ranch Road Information: 480-312- 7323.

Mustang writers Meet with other writers to share and critique writing in a pressure-free and supportive group 9:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. at Mustang Library, 10101 N. 90th Street. Information: 480- 312-7323.

SCORE mentoring SCORE’s large network of volunteer business mentors will offer questions to business questions 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Scottsdale Civic Center Library, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd. Free. Registration is required. Information: 602-745-7250.

11 Wednesday Speedy bridge Join others in a fast round of bridge at 10:30 a.m. at Via Linda Senior Center, 10440 E. Via Linda. Registration is required. Information: 480-312-5810. Walkin’ Wednesdays Make friends while exercising during a brisk 1.5-mile walk through The J neighborhood 9-10 a.m. at Valley of the Sun JCC, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road Bring water and walking shoes and meet at the campus’ �lagpole. Strollers, dogs and all work on individual projects, share advice and talk with others 1-3 p.m. at Scottsdale Civic Center Library, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd. Information: 480-312-7323.

Advanced beginner bridge Join others in playing a fun game of bridge 10:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. at Appaloosa Library, 7377 E. Silverstone Drive Information: 480-312- 7323.

Chair yoga Achieve liberation through physical postures, breath practice, meditation and philosophical study. Join a class to better physical health 1-2 p.m. at Ironwood Cancer and Research Centers, 8880 E. Desert Cove Avenue. Information: 480-314-6660.

14 Saturday

Littlest Scientists Children 2 to 5 can enjoy a scientific world of discovery through exploration and play 10:30 a.m.-noon at the SArabian Library, 10215 E. McDowell Mountain Ranch Road Space is limited, so please see a staff person prior to the start of the program to pick up a ticket which will be your registration. Information: 480-312-7323. Family storytime Children up to 5 and their caregivers can listen to stories and music and participate in rhyming activities 10:30-11 a.m. at Appaloosa Library, 7377 E. Silverstone Drive Information: 480-312-7323. Irrigation, maintenance and troubleshooting repair Learn the basics of good maintenance practice for keeping landscape irrigation systems running smoothly from irrigation specialist Jeff Lee 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at Mustang Library, 10101 N. 90th Street. Information: 480-312-7323. 15 Sunday

Story stop Build children’s literacy with a free picture book program 2-2:15 p.m. at the Scottsdale Civic Center Library, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd. Information: 480-312-7323.

Basketball league Young basketball players will participate in 10 weeks of skill development and exciting game play weekly with sessions noon5 p.m. on Sundays in March. Times vary depending on the players grade level. Cost is $135 to $190.

16 Monday

Business Energizer Learn about setting weekly goals and generate business ideas with fellow business owners 9-10 a.m. This group meets virtually. To join, meet the group online through the “Monday Business Energizer” group LinkedIn page. Free. Information: edgar@compasscbs.com.

Guitar club Kids 8 to 13 can learn guitar basics including warm-up techniques, tuning, hand positions, note-reading and more 4-5 p.m. at the Scottsdale Civic Center Library, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd. No prior experience needed. Participants are encouraged to attend the class for six weeks. Information: 480-312-7323. Books 2 boogie Children up to 5 and their caregivers are invited to participate in music, movement and song 10-10:30 a.m. at Mustang Library, 10101 N. 90th Street. Information: 480-312-7323. ESL class All conversation levels are encouraged to practice the English language with experienced teachers and other students 9:30-11:30 a.m. at the Mustang Library, 10101 N. 90th Street. Information: 480-312-7323. Days group at 7:45 a.m. at North Scottsdale Fellowship Club, 10427 N. Scottsdale Road Club membership is not required to attend meetings.

Fido Frisbee Meals Treat your dog to a delicious outdoor breakfast, brunch or lunch. The Brunch Cafe at 15507 N. Scottsdale Road is serving $5 Fido Frisbee meals to all well-behaved dogs on their patio 6:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. brunchcafe.com.

Mustang Poets Meet with other poets 6-7:45 p.m. at Mustang Library, 10101 N. 90th Street. Information: 480-312-7323.

ESL Class All conversation levels are encouraged to practice the English language with experienced teachers and other students 9:30-11:30 a.m. at the Mustang Library, 10101 N. 90th Street. Information: 480-312-7323. ‘The Good Liar’ Enjoy the drama, “The Good Liar,” 5-7 p.m. at the Scottsdale Civic Center Library, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd. Information: 480-312-7323.

10 Tuesday

Alzheimer’s support Caregivers of loved ones living with Alzheimer’s disease can �ind support and encouragement 10-11:30 a.m. at Valley of the Sun JCC, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road Information: 480- 481-7090.

Twos and threes Children 2-3 can learn social and literacy skills from 10 to 8 Sunday MARCH Summer camp The North Scottsdale United Methodist Church is taking applications for a 2020 summer camp from 9 a.m. to noon on June 15 through 19 for children ages 3 to 12. The requested donation is $45 per child for the entire week’s program. This day camp offers energizing music, interactive bible puppetry, super science experiments, creative crafts, hands-on mission work, yummy snacks and active games. The church is located at 11735 N. Scottsdale Road. Information: 480-948-0529.

Comedically Challenged This comedy event will feature three comedians, including Christ Cluff, Rich Prange and Mike Bolland, at 7 p.m. at The Comedy Spot Comedy Club, 7117 E. 3rd Avenue. Cost is $10. Proceeds will bene�it Parkinson’s disease research and Discount Tire will match the fundraised. Information: www. thecomedyspot.net.

J Purim Carnival Get excited for the J communitywide Purim Carnival 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Martin Pear JCC in the Valley of the Sun, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road. Information: 480- 483-7121.

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BY KRISTINE CANNON Progress Staff Writer O n Valentine’s Day, Salon Plaza, the nation’s leading salon suite franchise, quietly opened the doors to its newest location in northern Scottsdale.

Located at the corner of Scottsdale Road and Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd., Salon Plaza Scottsdale is home to 48 private, spacious suites for a variety of healthy, beauty, and wellness professionals.

So far, 25 percent of those suits are leased by salon owners – or what Salon Plaza calls members.

“Scottsdale is home to many prominent beauty and wellness professionals with the desire to launch their own business,” said co-owner Betsy Duge. “Salon Plaza is the perfect opportunity for these professionals with the ability to create their own hours and work independently within the private suites.”

Duge opened the location and manages daily operations alongside coowner Breanne Brubaker.

“The Scottsdale community has been anticipating the launch of our Salon Plaza, and we’re looking forward to seeing our members show their talents to the community,” Brubaker said.

Dude and Brubaker also manage the Salon Plaza in Glendale, which boasts 27 suites and 100 percent occupancy with a short waitlist.

“We’re very successful over there,” Duge said. “We’re considering expanding over at that location as well.” Salon Plaza is the only salon complex to offer fully-equipped suites featuring a style station and styling chair, shampoo sink and chair, color station with separate sink for dispensing, and storage.

Members also have access to a strong referral network and ongoing training and support to grow and develop their business.

“We offer great opportunities for professionals who are inspired to thrive on their own,” Brubaker said. “There is a demand for high-end salon suites that offer privacy, style and talented salon professionals.”

According to recent reports, the global beauty industry is a $532 billion business with the global beauty and personal care products market expected to grow to $756 billion by 2026.

More specifically, the hair salon industry’s market size this year is $47 billion.

According to a report published by Fior Markets, factors driving the global beauty and personal care product market include “rising preference for organic beauty and personal care products, increasing aging population, and rising concern over appearance.”

“It isn’t just beauty; it’s self-care and wellness. We’re all trying to be more open-minded about self-care,” Duge said.

Salon Plaza Scottsdale’s members include everyone from hairstylists to professionals who offer traditional Chinese medicine.

“We’re such a global society. We’re being made aware of all of these different ways to take care of yourself and people are interested in as well,” Duge said.

Duge added what sets the Scottsdale location apart from the Glendale location is it boasts more “holistic-type wellness.”

“It’s not just hair,” she said. “You want your insides to match what you’re looking or feeling on the outside.”

Duge, who spent many years as a hairstylist herself, calls the opportunity to be a franchisee for Salon Plaza a “dream come true.”

“You start off always wanting your own salon, and I watched my traditional salon owners, and their busiNorth Scottsdale Betsy Duge is the co-owner of Salon Plaza in northern Scottsdale. Salon Plaza Scottsdale is the second location in the state; the other is located in Glendale. (Chris Mortenson/Progress Staff Photographer)

ness model was not what I anticipated I would want as a salon. So, I stepped back; I couldn’t foresee owning a traditional salon anymore,” Duge said. But with Salon Plaza, she is able to work in the salon industry and help other members grow their business. “This is my soul. It’s where I started at 17 years old; and I can help people, but I’m not their boss. They’re their own boss. I can help them with their business and do everything I can to make sure their spaces are what it needs to be and help them facilitate,” Duge said.

Salon Plaza Scottsdale not only comprises members who Duge calls family, but it’s also family-run.

Duge’s father and Brubaker’s fatherin-law are partners in ownership as well as the architects for the franchise. “The two families are partnered up, and the younger generation is running the show. That’s how we got started,” Duge said. “Our families have known each other since I was born.”

Salon Plaza Scottsdale will host a grand opening celebration once it reaches 60 percent occupancy.

“We also let the members participate in their own mini grand opening,” Duge said. “This is not about me; this is not about our business. This is for you to make your business.”

Salon Plaza currently has 25 locations across the country in states such as Maryland, Virginia, Florida, and Texas, as well as more than 700 members.

The Salon Plaza franchise locations are franchised through Suite Management Franchising, a franchise ownership group with two leading concepts, including Salon Plaza and MY SALON Suite.

“It’s a second home to me,” Duge said of Salon Plaza. “We built it. I lived in there while it was under construction and brought it to life.”

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Salon Plaza Where: 7077 E. Bell Road, Ste. 200 Phone: 602-264-0043 Website: salonplaza.com

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28 SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | MARCH 8, 2020 NEIGHBORS High school �ilmmakers now in �ilm fest

BY KRISTINE CANNON Progress Staff Writer E very year for more than 20 years, the Scottsdale Short Film Festival has showcased the best student short �ilms of the academic year created by Scottsdale School of Film+Theatre students at Scottsdale Community College.

“Festival attendees always enjoy the highly creative and diverse �ilms made by student �ilmmakers while celebrating the craft,” said Bill True, department chair of the Scottsdale School of Film+Theatre, in a prepared statement.

But this year, the festival has been expanded to include award categories speci�ically for local high school students. “Many high school students interested in �ilmmaking are already working on �ilm and video projects, so it was a natural decision to open the Scottsdale Short Film Festival to include and recognize their emerging voices,” True said.

SCC will award-winning high school �ilmmakers with a free, three-credithour course taught by the Scottsdale School of Film+Theatre — a $285 value for each award.

Three prizes total will be awarded to high school students.

On Feb. 28, the Film+Theatre School hosted a number of high school students for an orientation event featuring a complete production set with cameras, lighting, background, and more on full display.

Faculty also gave students an overview of the �ilmmaking process at the event. Coming up on March 19, SCC is offering a free training session taught by True called “Writing A Successful Short Film” at the Film School Hub (FSH) Building.

Later, on April 2, the Film+Theatre School will host an orientation event also at the FSH Building.

At this open house event, the general public will have the opportunity to meet faculty, alumni, advisors, and more, as well as attend a free educational session where they’ll learn how to create a short �ilm and receive general tips on how to produce a winning submission.

All winning �ilms will be shown at the Scottsdale Short Film Festival at 7:30 p.m. on May 6 at Harkins Camelview at Fashion Square 14.

Tickets to the Festival are $12. In addition to viewing both narrative and documentary �ilms spanning all genres, Scottsdale Short Film Festival attendees can participate in special commentary and Q&A sessions with SCC faculty members, alumni, and industry professionals.

To have a �ilm considered for the Festival, all participants must complete an of- �icial entry form and upload their .MOV �ile by April 20. There is no cost to enter a �ilm.

For complete contest details, visit scottsdalecc.edu/short-�ilm-fest. Joseph Keeble, Cage and Technical Manager at SCC’s Scottsdale School of Film + Theatre, talks to high school students at the School’s orientation event. (Chris Mortenson/ Progress Staff Photographer) The Film+Theatre School hosted a number of high school students for an orientation event that featured a complete production set with cameras, lighting, background, and more on full display. (Chris Mortenson/Progress Staff Photographer) South Scottsdale If you go “Writing A Successful Short Film” When: March 19 at 6 p.m. Where: Scottsdale Community College, Film School Hub Building, 9000 E. Chaparral Road Cost: Free Scottsdale Film+Theatre School Open House When: April 2, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Where: Scottsdale Community College, Film School Hub Building, 9000 E. Chaparral Road Cost: Free Scottsdale Short Film Festival When: May 6 at 7:30 p.m. Where: Harkins Camelview at Fashion Square 14, 7014 E. Camelback Road Tickets: $12 Website: scottsdalecc.edu/short-fi lm-fest