Issuu

FEBRUARY 2022/MARCH 2022 · $3.99

HOT HOMES Trendsetters are moving to Desert Ridge

Ditch the Dating Apps Professional matchmaker helps singles find love

Celebration of Fine Art SERVING THESE COMMUNITIES AND MORE: GRAYHAWK • DESERT HIGHLANDS • DC RANCH • SILVERLEAF • ESTANCIA • TROON NORTH DESERT MOUNTAIN • LEGEND TRAIL • THE BOULDERS • WHISPER ROCK

“I feel efficient and organized My closet has helped bring order to my chaotic life”

480-508-8662 Call for free design consultation or visit us online at closetfactory.com Visit our Showroom: 14425 N. 79th St., Suite H, Scottsdale, AZ 85260

VIRTUAL consultations available!

The Heritage of European Luxury Design

Schedule a private showroom visit Full interior design services available

15551 N GREENWAY HAYDEN LOOP, SUITE 110 SCOTTSDALE, AZ 85260 480.550.6299 | PARIS-MILAN.COM

Nathalie Chianura

CONTENTS FRESH 8 ‘Embrace the Mystery’ Jackson Galaxy says cats are just misunderstood

12 A Fun Collection Hat fundraiser beneﬁts Desert Foothills Library

13 One-Two Punch Reba McEntire is excited about Fight Night’s new charge

14 Tooting His Own Horn Kenny G prides himself on entertaining shows

16 Eclectic Harmony Renowned violinist brings genre-bending sounds to Phoenix

18 Artists at Work Celebration of Fine Art returns with high ambitions

BUSINESS 27 Carrying on a Legacy Black Mountain Guitar strikes a chord

HOME 29 Trimble’s Tales Little Gertie the Gold Dollar was a feisty entertainer

30 Extraordinary Rides

Mercedes S-580 4Matic sedan is ﬁrst class

31 Selling Artwork is Tricky Buyers aren’t the only ones who should beware

FEATURES 20

Ditch the Dating Apps

TASTE 32 Tastes of Sicily Brugos brings authentic Italian to Cave Creek

34 Happy Endings North Valley eateries serve sweet treats for dessert challenge

Professional matchmaker helps singles ﬁnd love

FEBRUARY 2022/MARCH 2022 · $3.99

HOT HOMES

23 Hot Homes

Trendsetters are moving to Desert Ridge

‘Extremely Desirable Location’ Realtor sees North Valley’s housing inventory improving

ON THE COVER: Erica McKay of the boutique matchmaking company Erica Suzanne Fultz. (Submitted photo)

Ditch the Dating Apps Professional matchmaker helps singles find love

2 FEBRUARY 2022 | MARCH 2022 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM

Cabins • Private Decks • Hot Tubs Hiking & Horse Trails • OHV Trails • Restaurant • Bars • Live Music

Make us your adventure

Mention this ad for

20 in dining credit

during your hotel visit

Max one dining credit per stay. Mgt reserves all rights to modify or cancel promotion at any time. • Enjoy separate cabins w/private decks overlooking the beautiful open-range of central Arizona and adjacent to the seasonally running Big Bug Creek

• Dine-in with fresh selections from our newly updated menu • Relax on our back patio with a refreshing beverage

• The Cellar at Creekside Restaurant and Bar features Certified Angus beef sirloin & ribeye’s, prime rib, burgers, pastas, pizzas, wings live entertainment and more! • Celebrate Arizona’s BEST live entertainment every Friday and Saturday-and as always-NO COVER! Visit our website for details!

www.creeksidelodgeandcabinsaz.com 928-632-0777 • Mayer, AZ

Learn with us! 202 2022 2021 2

Enrollment NOW OPEN

CAVE CREEK UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT is inspiring excellence in young minds. Explore our five A+ elementary schools – each with its own signature curriculum. Registration online at: www.ccusd93.org/Page/8080

BLACK MOUNTAIN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Performing Arts: Music, Dance, Drama Personalized & Project Based Learning Model

VOLUME XXI / ISSUE 12 PUBLISHER

DESERT SUN ACADEMY STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math French

STEVE T. STRICKBINE Steve@TimesPublications.com

VICE PRESIDENT DESERT WILLOW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Accredited International Spanish Academy Spanish

MICHAEL HIATT MHiatt@TimesPublications.com

EDITORIAL EXECUTIVE EDITOR

HORSESHOE TRAILS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL National Blue Ribbon School On-Site Horsemanship & Equestrian Program Mandarin

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski Christina@TimesPublications.com ASSISTANT EDITOR Connor Dziawura

480.575.2000 www.CCUSD93.org

LONE MOUNTAIN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Personalized Learning Model World Language Taught K-6 STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Veronica Thurman PRODUCTION MANAGER

Please Vote For Us To Win...

Best Dentist

Courtney Oldham CONTRIBUTORS Alison Bailin Batz, Allison Brown, Alex Gallagher, C.A. Haire, Jordan Houston, Sherri Plotke, Marshall Trimble, Gerald A. Williams STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Dave Minton ADVERTISING Sales@NorthValleyMagazine.com 480-898-6500

CIRCULATION

Accepting New Patients WWW.GD4KPHX.COM 4 FEBRUARY 2022 | MARCH 2022 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM

CONNECT GET IN TOUCH: North Valley Magazine

SUBSCRIBE OR OBTAIN BACK ISSUES: SUBSCRIPTIONS:

1990 W. Broadway Road, Tempe, AZ 85282 Phone: 480-898-6500 • Fax: 480-898-5606 Website: NorthValleyMagazine.com General Email: Info@NorthValleyMagazine.com

To subscribe to North Valley Magazine or to make changes to an existing subscription, call 480-898-6500 or visit our website.

BACK ISSUES:

SUBMISSIONS AND SUGGESTIONS: LETTERS TO THE EDITOR:

Letters may be emailed to Letters@NorthValleyMagazine.com. They may also be sent via mail or fax to Letters to the Editor at our address. Letters may be edited for space and clarity.

PRESS RELEASES:

Submit press releases via email to Editor@NorthValleyMagazine.com.

STORY QUERIES:

Submit one-page queries to us by mail, attention Editorial Department. Accompany any queries with clips and a 50-word biography.

Back issues from up to two years are currently available for $8.95 each, including postage. You may order past issues on our website. Please allow five to seven days to process. It is North Valley Magazine ’s policy not to mail, email or fax copies of articles that have appeared in the magazine.

WHERE TO FIND US:

North Valley Magazine has racks in prime locations across our distribution area. For the rack location nearest you, email Info@NorthValleyMagazine. com. We also mail magazines to various neighborhoods. If you would like to ensure that your place of business receives several copies or would like to submit your place of business for a future rack location, please send a request to Info@NorthValleyMagazine.com. Follow us on Twitter at Twitter.com/ NorthValley and join our fan page on Facebook!

STORY SUGGESTIONS:

We welcome editorial suggestions from our readers. Please email story ideas to Editor@NorthValleyMagazine.com, or mail or fax them to the attention of the editorial department.

ADVERTISE YOUR PRODUCT OR BUSINESS:

Contact the sales department at 480-898-6500, or email at Sales@NorthValleyMagazine.com.

February Specials! Save the date th February 11

For our Valentine’s Event Details to follow!

JOIN THE CONVERSATION facebook.com/NorthValleyMagazine

Stimulate Collagen and Reduce Pore Size with

PRP/C-Pin Treatment

Administered only on Wednesdays and Fridays *may pre-purchase 3 treatments at this price.

$299 each (reg. $429 each)

GET SUMMER READY LASER HAIR REMOVAL Buy 5 treatments, get one FREE! *must purchase a package of the same area at once

packages starting at

$50 per treatment

@NorthValley

@NorthValleyMagazine

Regain Youthfulness in your hands with

SPECIAL PRICING EVERY WEDNESDAY

$849 (reg. $949)

Botox $9.99/unit Dysport $3.33/unit B12/MIC $10 B12/MIC/BComplex $15

$750 (reg. $897)

*Walk in for B12 injections EVERY Wednesday!

PRP HAND REJUVENATION WITH 1 syringe RESTYLANE LYFT FILLER OR PACKAGE OF 3 PRP HAND TREATMENTS

On some of your Favorites

Must have a scheduled appointment for Botox or Dysport

Let KYBELLA destroy your fat cells forever! Under chin treatment $1000 (reg. $1200) Jowl treatment $500 (reg. $600) Bra fat treatment $1000 (reg. $1200) Love handles treatment $1000 (reg. $1200) (2-3 treatments needed spaced 6 weeks apart for best results) 42211 N. 41st Drive, Suite A109, Anthem 623.399.8222 PremierWellnessAZ.com

6 FEBRUARY 2022 | MARCH 2022 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM

The Vault of Scottsdale provides a climate and access controlled, fire and carbon monoxide monitored facility to car enthusiasts looking to store, customize & care for their most valuable possession.

VEHICLE STORAGE

Our 16,000 square foot facility provides a convenient, safe, & optimal storage environment for your vehicles. With multiple storage options, we are equipped to suit your needs.

COLLECTION MAINTENANCE

Keeping your collection in prime condition is one of our priorities. The Auto Vault of Scottsdale services includes facilitating the completion of maintenance, repairs, and modifications to your vehicle.

EVENT HOSTING

The Vault of Scottsdale offers a unique and memorable location for corporate or personal events. From start to finish, we ensure your event is coordinated as imagined with catering options available.

15882 N. 77th St. Scottsdale AZ 85260 l (480) 761-3800 l vaultofscottsdale.com

FRESH • PHILANTHROPY

‘EMBRACE the MYSTERY’ Jackson Galaxy says cats are just misunderstood

Jackson Galaxy, of Animal Planet’s “My Cat from Hell,” has scheduled several Arizona appearances. (Photo by Dan Komoda) 8 FEBRUARY 2022 | MARCH 2022 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

at behavior and wellness expert Jackson Galaxy says the success of his appearances stem from a “shared energy.” “There are a lot of people who expect me to just step up to a lectern and start talking about cats,” Galaxy says via Zoom. “There’s everything from puppets to music to audience interactions. If people aren’t careful, I’ll pull them onstage. A lot of the show is improvised and, yet, it takes you through the history of cats in order to get to you and your relationship with your cats. I talk about my relationship with my cats and how I got to know cats.” Galaxy, of Animal Planet’s “My Cat from Hell,” will make several Arizona appearances in the next few months. He’ll serve as the keynote speaker for Heidi’s Village’s inaugural fundraising gala, An Evening of Hope, on Saturday, February 19, at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort and Spa. Then he’ll bring his tour “Total Cat Mojo Live!” to the Mesa Arts Center’s Piper Repertory Theater on Saturday, April 16, and to the Fox Tucson Theatre on Friday, April 15. He’ll share “Cat Mojo,” his philosophy that teaches cat guardians the skills to help their feline friends build confidence within their environment. Whenever he gets the chance, “The Cat Daddy,” as he’s known, likes to dispel the myths that cats are boring, scary or have no personality. “I think people are guilty of looking at cats through

China Before Communism

EXPERIENCE the brilliance and majesty of China’s civilization before communism. Exquisite beauty from the heavens, profound wisdom from dynasties past, timeless legends and ethnic traditions all spring to life through classical Chinese dance, enchanting live orchestral music, authentic costumes, and patented interactive backdrops. It is an immersive experience that will uplift your spirit and transport you to another world. Join us for a night filled with courage and wisdom, light and hope... Experience Shen Yun!

“A fascinating insight into what China’s culture used to be and what I hope one day will be restored to China.”

“It is breathtaking! I am walking away deeply inspired and profoundly moved!”

—Edward McMillan-Scott, former Vice-President of the European Parliament

—Rita Cosby, Emmy Award-winning journalist

“There is massive power in this. It brings great hope...”

“I encourage everyone to see and all of us to learn from.”

—Daniel Herman, former Minister of Culture of the Czech Republic

FEB 26–27

MAR 2–6

MAR 10–13

Tucson Music Hall

Orpheum Theatre

Mesa Arts Center

TUCSON

PHOENIX

MESA

—Donna Karan, creator of DKNY

Tickets ShenYun.com/AZ

800-880-0188

FRESH • PHILANTHROPY Jackson Galaxy, “The Cat Daddy,” likes to dispel the myths that cats are boring, scary or have no personality. (Photo by Andrew Marttila)

dog-colored glasses and experiencing them as failed dogs,” Galaxy says. “Other than, you know, having four legs, they are apples and oranges. If you understand the journey of cats and what they’ve done to get to this point, it’s just so fascinating. It gives you this way of relating to them that you didn’t have before.” He adds humans are “bad at relationships,” whether it’s with other humans or animals. With cats, humans have to meet them halfway, instead of expecting them to come when they’re called. “It’s really hard, and we take it personally,” he says. “I think if you can embrace the mystery, then the depth of the relationship is incredible — not to diss dogs. I have dogs sitting right here, and I adore them, and I get that energy from them. I get a different energy from cats. They work amazingly well together.” Galaxy says many folks are misinformed about cats, even though Americans own more than 100 million cats. “There are a lot of people who are scared to death of cats,” he says. “I love the opportunity to take what usually is childhood trauma of being scratched a bit or

whatever and turn that around. I think there is a lot of opportunity out there.” It’s that human connection that keeps Galaxy passionate about his work. “It’s hard to do it in a vacuum,” he adds. “It’s hard to keep your passion up when you think that, from a rescue perspective, it’s just a hamster wheel. It never stops. When I premiere videos or have a live chat and I look at the numbers, knowing there are people out there I can talk to about these animals is amazing. That’s why I love it.” His tour aside, Galaxy frequently makes appearances at charitable galas and fundraisers to bring awareness to rescues. He started his career working in shelters, and “it’s never left me.” “It’s never escaped me for a second,” he says. “I owe everything I do with animals to my experience in rescue. Heidi’s Village is a great organization and the need for support, at this point, is across the board. “I think a good part of the public loves animals. A big red flag went up at the beginning of the pandemic when everybody said, ‘Please foster. Please adopt.’ People responded, but they forgot that the shelters would just fill up again. We did good things, but good things need to still happen.”

10 FEBRUARY 2022 | MARCH 2022 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM

“An Evening of Hope” to Benefit Heidi’s Village

WHEN: 6 to 7 p.m. cocktail reception and silent and live auction, followed by 7 p.m. dinner and presentation Saturday, February 19 WHERE: JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa, 5350 E. Marriott Drive, Phoenix COST: $175; $75 for video recap including keynote speaker presentation sent out the week following; $15 valet parking; $10 selfparking INFO: heidisvillage.org

Jackson Galaxy “Total Cat Mojo Live” WHEN: 7 p.m. Friday, April 15 WHERE: Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 W. Congress Street, Tucson COST: Tickets start at $24.75 INFO: foxtucson.com

Jackson Galaxy “Total Cat Mojo Live” WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 16 WHERE: Mesa Arts Center’s Piper Repertory Theater, 1 E. Main Street, Mesa COST: Tickets start at $35 INFO: mesaartscenter.com

Please Vote For Us To Win

Best Orthodontist

Braces & Invisalign

SMILESTRAIGHTPHX.COM Group Piano Classes for Adults Small group piano class is the best way to revisit your dream of playing your most beloved songs in a fun, respectful, and pressure-free environment taught by a highly qualified, patient, enthusiastic instructor—Vitaly Serebriakov!

Take advantage of this offer now and sign up! Two classes are available:

Thursdays 10-11 am – Beginner Level Thursdays 11am-noon – Intermediate Level You will get four 50 minute lessons in a group setting every month.

12 week Class begins March 10th thru May 26, 2022 Monthly Fee of $175 See our other ad for simultaneous children’s classes.

Ostinato Conservatory at Desert Hills Presbyterian Church Register at www.oscmusic.com or call 480-488-3384 or email accounting@deserthills.org for help

34605 N Tom Darlington Rd, Scottsdale 85266

www.deserthills.org NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM FEBRUARY 2022 | MARCH 2022 11

FRESH • PHILANTHROPY

Fun

Collection Hat fundraiser benefits Desert Foothills Library By Allison Brown

ndrea Markowitz has a fun collection of vintage hats and a desire to help enrich the Carefree community. So, she’s combining the two by raffling off the hats to benefit the Desert Foothills Library. The raffle will be held at the English Rose Tea Room from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, February 27.Tickets are $35 and include five raffle tickets as well as tea and cakes courtesy of the tea room.There will be 50 hats, starting with ones from the 1950s and going up to hats from the early 2000s. Every cent raised will be donated to the Desert Foothills Library. Markowitz said the hat collection originally belonged to her mother, who rarely went a day without dressing up and donning a hat to accessorize. According to Markowitz, her mother kept the hats for years and ended up having four large closets stacked floor to ceiling with hats. “She started to save her hats in the 1950s,” Markowitz explained. “She just hated to part with anything that was beautiful, and of course the hats were beautiful. She held on to not all of them, but by the time she passed away, she had 400 hats.” Markowitz inherited the collection in 2012 and said there is a wide variety of hats. She said they have everything from lace and fringe to feathers. Some look like something a movie

Andrea Markowitz said the collection was originally her mother’s, who started keeping hats in the 1950s and had 400 by the time she died. (Submitted photo)

star would wear, some are Derby hats and some are completely handmade and one of a kind. Markowitz said they were so unique and also had sentimental value to her, having belonged to her mother, so she was unsure what to do with them at first. “I didn’t just want to give them away to Goodwill,” she said. “I wanted to make sure they all went to homes where people were going to enjoy them, get some use out of them or even put them on display.” She came up with the idea to raffle the hats when talking to a friend, Dianne Olson, who was on the board at the Desert Hills Library. Markowitz approached Jo Gemmill, owner of the English Rose Tea Room and another board member at the library, about hosting the event at the tearoom, and said she loved the idea. Gemmill is even donating the tea and cakes for the fundraiser. “I am delighted to be a part of this unique fundraiser,” Gemmill said. “As a longtime supporter of our library, and considering that tea and hats are the perfect partners, when Andrea approached me about hosting the event, I couldn’t think of a better place than my English Rose Tea Room.” Markowitz said the Desert Foothills Library is a great community resource and has a lot more to offer than books on the shelves. The library has various monthly book club meetings, weekly Alcoholics Anonymous

12 FEBRUARY 2022 | MARCH 2022 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM

meetings, club meetings, games, a tax filing assistance program, and lectures on everything from the Beatles to Medicare coverage and parenting. Ashley Ware, public services manager at the Desert Foothills Library, said she is extremely grateful for the support and efforts of Markowitz, Olson and Gemmill. She said the funds will go straight into services and programs to enrich the community. “As a nonprofit library, we rely on 90% of our funding from the donations of our patrons to continually bring resources to our community,”Ware said. “We hope to continue to upgrade our services for all ages.This could include STEAM programming for kids, new technology for our amazing teen room, bringing in popular authors to speak to our voracious readers or making our Chapter 2 Bookstore even better than it has become.” Gemmill said seating at the English Rose Tea Room is limited, so it is best to reserve a spot beforehand.To reserve a seat and the five raffle tickets, call the tearoom at 480-488-4812. Questions about the event can be directed to either Gemmill at the tearoom or the library at 480-488-2286. “It’s such a pleasure to be able to do two wonderful things at the same time — to make sure my mother’s hats all go to good homes and at the same time benefit the Desert Foothills Library,” Markowitz said.

FRESH • PHILANTHROPY County star Reba McEntire is the longtime emcee of Celebrity Fight Night coming to Phoenix Saturday, March 12. (Submitted photos)

Barry Manilow was the headlining performer at the 2019 Celebrity Fight Night.

ONE-TWO PUNCH Reba McEntire is excited about Fight Night’s new charge By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

elebrity Fight Night has witnessed a changing of the guard, merging with Gateway for Cancer Research. This one-two punch has the approval of longtime emcee/ country star Reba McEntire. “We’re really excited,” she says. “They’re really creative and innovative. They come with lots of excitement and enthusiasm.” Celebrity Fight Night is set for 5 p.m. Saturday, March 12, at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa in North Phoenix. More details are set to be announced soon, but the entertainment is scheduled to include David Foster and his wife, “American Idol” veteran Katharine McPhee Foster. “It’s really a fun event,” says McEntire, who adds that her boyfriend, Rex Linn, is looking forward to his first time there.

Carrie Underwood and Muhammad Ali make an appearance at a past Celebrity Fight Night.

“It’s fun to see who shows up. I’ve met so many wonderful people there, from Shaquille O’Neal to Kevin Costner. I think that’s where I met Kristin Chenoweth. “I met Chris Rock, Sinbad, Whitney Houston. There’s a great photo I have hanging on my wall of me with Whitney, myself, Faith Hill and Muhammad Ali at the Friday night founders’ dinner. It was a dream come true.” The event was founded by Jimmy Walker for a variety of causes but primarily to benefit the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center at Barrow Neurological Institute. The merger put Gateway’s chairman and vice chair, Drs. Richard J. and Stacie J. Stephenson, respectively, at the helm of Celebrity Fight Night, which raised more than $90 million in charitable funding in 27 years. Walker is putting his charitable efforts elsewhere. “I love an organization that can attract people year after year — the same people — like (Arizona Wildcats basketball) coach Lute Olson was there religiously until he passed.

“It’s that camaraderie that makes you want to be a part of it. It’s a huge force, raising money to help not only find a cure for Parkison’s, but now we’re going with cancer. “It’s like throwing a pebble in the pond and seeing the ripple effect. They help so many people.” These days, McEntire is spending her weekends — Thursdays to Saturdays — on tour. She’ll take a break from the multiple costume changes, bone-chilling cold and the hit songs to helm Celebrity Fight Night. “The people in Phoenix work so hard, like Jimmy Walker. To pass the torch to the Stephensons, it’s going to be another chapter with new blood and new ideas coming in. I’m so excited to see what’s next.” Celebrity Fight Night

WHEN: 5 p.m. Saturday, March 12 WHERE: JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa, 5350 E. Marriott Drive, Phoenix COST: Seats start at $1,500 INFO: celebrityfightnight.org

NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM FEBRUARY 2022 | MARCH 2022 13

FRESH • ARTS

Tooting His Own Horn Kenny G prides himself on entertaining shows

The 40-year career saxophonist Kenny G returns to the Valley as part of the Arizona Musicfest on Saturday, February 19, at Highlands Church in North Scottsdale. (Photo by Art Streiber)

14 FEBRUARY 2022 | MARCH 2022 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM

VERMILLION PROMOTIONS PRESENTS 12th Annual

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

t’s 10:30 a.m. and saxophonist Kenny G has just finished his daily three-hour practice session. He’s prepared and ready to entertain Arizona Musicfest patrons on Saturday, February 19, at Highlands Church in North Scottsdale. “We’re looking forward to playing any gigs these days,” he says with a laugh. “Seriously, Scottsdale’s always fun. “I think we put on a really great show. As an instrumental artist, it’s tough to connect to the audience when you don’t have words and hit songs. We do a great job of it.” Born Kenny Gorelick, the musician says during his 40-year career, he’s “figured out” how to make his shows interesting. “Audiences see six guys on stage who are really good on their instruments,” he says. “That’s really fun to watch. They do their thing; it’s not just me up there. Audiences connect with us when they watch my percussionist do his amazing solo. We engage the audience, so it’s not just a bunch of notes that go over everyone’s head. I think we’re really good.” For this gig, Gorelick may pilot his small plane here. Flying for 30 years, Gorelick laughs when he hears about a nervous flyer. “I’m still alive, so I must be doing something right.” “We all do our checks before we fly,” he continues. “It’s not like getting into a car, starting it and going. We make sure everything is working the way they should. If they are, you just can’t make any mistakes.” He started flying because he was “intrigued” by it. Gorelick yearned to understand how an airplane works. “It’s just a little plane, and it’s slow,” he continues. “I fly to certain gigs within 400 miles of LA-ish. Vegas works. The Phoenix area works. San Francisco works. You pass that and it takes too long.” He’s skipping around the States promoting his latest album, “New Standards,” which features 11 original compositions inspired by the jazz ballads of the ’50s and ’60s. These new “standards” capture the sophistication, style and romance of this time period in jazz and combine it with Kenny G’s signature sound. “As a saxophone player, I loved the jazz masters,” he says. “If you’re not a jazz aficionado, nobody really knows what that means. The great jazz masters are musicians of the 1950s and 1960s like Miles Davis and John Coltrane. “I wanted to write songs that were like those. I wanted to do my own songs that were reminiscent of that vibe. I hope I accomplished that.”

FESTIVAL OF FINE ART 300 E . WIGWAM BLVD • LITCHFIELD PARK , A Z

FEBRUARY 18-20 10am – 5pm Held on the grounds of the historic Wigwam Resort, the festival features more than 125 accomplished fine artists exhibiting in a stunning outdoor gallery setting. The three-day event provides patrons an unparalleled Southwestern experience, that includes daily musical performances, trendy food, wine and beer concessions, gourmet chocolates, and award winning ice cream. The resort also offers several upscale restaurants with indoor or patio dining. Free Admission and Parking. Valet parking available. upcoming: 24th Annual

Litchfield Park Art & Wine Festival March 5-6 Litchfield Park, AZ

Kenny G as part of Arizona Musicfest WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, February 19 WHERE: Highlands Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale COST: Tickets start at $49 INFO: azmusicfest.com

“Polimana”(Little Butterfly Girl) by Kim Seyesnem Obrzut 25”H x 9.5”W x 8.5”D

www.vermillionpromotions.com 623-734-6526 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM FEBRUARY 2022 | MARCH 2022 15

FRESH • ARTS

Eclectic Harmony Renowned violinist brings genre-bending sounds to Phoenix By Jordan Houston

ucia Micarelli is not the average violinist. The New York native, who has toured with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra as a featured violinist and concertmaster, is known to seamlessly blend genres, ranging from bluegrass to Led Zeppelin, all on one stage. A powerhouse performer, Micarelli has captivated audiences by guiding them on a dynamic journey through her vast musical tastes — and she’s bringing those talents to Phoenix. On Thursday, February 10, she will take the stage at 7:30 p.m. at the Musical Instrument Museum. “I guess it’s what people call eclectic, but I don’t necessarily love that term,” Micarelli says of her set list. “It’s like if you were to come over to my house for dinner and I had a playlist I made of all of my favorite stuff in the background.” On top of singing on stage, the violinist says attendees can expect to hear a mix of classical, jazz, Americana, folk, Appalachian and a blend of whatever “(I am) into at the moment and all sorts of music that has inspired me over the years.” Micarelli, who trained at the Julliard School of Music’s PreCollege Division and the Manhattan School of Music, attributes her unique showcase to the “talented musicians” she has worked with in the past. “Primarily, I have a classical background and do mostly classical music,” the violinist shares. “But, I have been lucky enough to have a really weird journey where I’ve learned about a lot of other different kinds of music from some incredible teachers and incredible musicians that I was able to work with.” Those experiences entail working as a featured soloist in two of Josh Groban’s world tours, as well as touring extensively with Chris Botti. In 2009, Micarelli broadened her career by starring as Annie in HBO’s critically acclaimed series “Treme,” which won Peabody

16 FEBRUARY 2022 | MARCH 2022 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM

Lucia Micarelli is a powerhouse performer who seamlessly blends genres. She will perform at the MIM on Thursday, February 10. (Submitted photo)

and Primetime Emmy awards. Micarelli notes, “All these years later, it seems only natural that my musical tastes, or what would be the definition of my voice, is a collection of all of those experiences.” Not only does her set incorporate elements of jazz, American folk, classical, film music and the fiddle, but she also folds in tunes from across the globe, such as traditional Bulgarian gypsy tunes. “It’s weird. On one hand, most shows are kind of in whatever genre the artist is, but at the same time, I think most people listen to everything these days and everyone has access to all different types of music,” Micarelli explains. “I think listening, as humans, our awareness of genres is pretty blurry; we are all kind of exposed to everything. I think, in a way, it’s a very natural way to consume music.”

FRESH • ARTS the time she was a teen. Music has been an all-encompassing presence in Micarelli’s life “The more effort you put into it, it kind of becomes the thing you for as long as she can remember. do,” Micarelli shares. “By the time I was a teenager, it was much Born in Queens, New York, she was just 3 years when she first more of a personal form of expression and I felt like it was the thing embarked on the world of the arts. Micarelli experimented with I was supposed to be doing.” practicing dance and piano, but it was ultimately the violin that She was 17 when she left Juilliard to attend the Manhattan captured her heart. School of Music, where she studied with celebrated international “As far back as I remember, violin was a thing,” she explains. “I violinist Pinchas Zukerman. During this time, she expanded her think it took a couple of years, but by the time I was 6 or 7 I know I interests into nonclassical music. She began identified myself that way and I was really moonlighting with local jazz and rock bands excited about it. I wanted to be a violinist Lucia Micarelli in New York clubs, according to her website. and I was telling everybody about it and WHEN: 7:30 p.m.Thursday, February 10 Micarelli’s extensive resume also practicing hard.” WHERE: Musical Instrument Museum, includes the release of two solo studio After moving to Hawaii, 5-year-old 4725 E. Mayo Bouleard, Phoenix albums, “Music from A Farther Room” and Micarelli continued to refine her talents. COST: Tickets start at $49.50 “Interlude.” In 2018, she appeared in her first She debuted as a soloist at 6 with the INFO: mim.org; audience members PBS concert special, spawning the live album Honolulu Symphony Orchestra. It wasn’t must either be vaccinated or produce a “An Evening with Lucia Micarelli.” long before she began frequently appearing negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours “Being able to feel like I can, through on local television shows and concertizing before the performance. Masks are also music, connect to a lot of people and share throughout the islands. strongly encouraged. something deeply human — that’s pretty At 11, the young Micarelli attended the cool,” Micarelli expresses. Juilliard School of Music’s Pre-College The musician adds she is particularly eager for the upcoming Division to study with the renowned violin pedagogue Dorothy Phoenix appearance. DeLay. She also took lessons with Itzhak Perlman, Cho-Liang Lin “I’m excited to be coming back to Phoenix; I’ve been there a and Won-Bin Yim. bunch of times,” Micarelli says. “This is only my fourth show back Following a win at the Pre-College Concerto Competition, from COVID … so it still feels like a real high school reunion to get and appearances at the Hollywood Bowl, Lincoln Center and out there and see people again.” international venues, Micarelli solidified the violin as her calling by

Arizona Musicfest Visit us online to see the full 2022 concert list “SIBLING REVELRY”

2/ 19

KENNY G

3/ 7

3/ 14 & 16

THE CALLAWAY SISTERS

PAUL ANKA

3/ 22

4/ 1

THE TEXAS TENORS

PINK MARTINI

FEATURING CHINA FORBES

one week only, some of the nation’s greatest orchestral Festival Orchestra Week FEB 20 - 27 For musicians join together as the Festival Orchestra. A SALUTE TO ARIZONA AND THE WILD WEST

2/ 20

2/ 22

FESTIVAL SINFONIA

SARAH CHANG

2/ 24

2/ 25

2/ 27

INON BARNATAN

FESTIVAL BEETHOVEN’S 9th THE FESTIVAL ORCHESTRA THE FESTIVAL ORCHESTRA ORCHESTRA POPS ODE TO JOY!

azmusicfest.org • 480.422.8449

NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM FEBRUARY 2022 | MARCH 2022 17

Artists at W FRESH • ARTS

Celebration of Fine Art returns with high ambitions

A By Alex Gallagher

fter seeing record sales of art last year, the Celebration of Fine Art has returned for its 32nd year with high energy and hopes for continued success. Located off of Loop 101 and Hayden Road, 40,000 square feet of tents comprise home to 100 artists who have covered just about every inch of wall space with art and converted their slice of the space into their own studios where guests and buyers can get an inside look into the artist’s creative process. “It’s different than a gallery setting where we would put the art in the gallery and be void of the clients,” says Kirk Randle, one of the few artists who has displayed at every Celebration of Fine Art over the past three decades. “I have developed relationships and a client base over 32 years of doing this, and that’s how this has come together.” While those who have been with the celebration since its inception admit it was a crazy idea at first, it has turned into an event that artists circle on their calendars every year. “I have been involved since the beginning, and back then everyone thought it was a crazy idea to put a tent in the middle of the desert and put artists and collectors together,” says Susan Morrow Potje, the show director of the Celebration of Fine Art and daughter of the show’s founder, Tom Morrow. “But it’s turned into an amazing experience where people can stand at the elbow of the artists while they’re creating their work,” she says. Although the show has remained steady in its space size, Potje has noticed a demand

Surrounded by her paintings, Beth Zink works at her easel at the end of one hall at the Celebration of Fine Art 2022, which began its run recently and will continue through March 27. It’s as much an educational experience as it is a chance to see some of the Valley’s most talented artists. (Photos by David Minton)

for larger pieces in the years she has been involved. “We haven’t grown in size as we have stayed at 40,000 square feet of exhibit space and 100 artists, but what’s grown over the years has been the quality of art in every aspect,” Potje says. “It used to be really simple where each artist had two 8-foot-by-12-foot walls. … We learned over time that display is important, and the size of paintings has substantially grown as bigger homes were built here.” “A lot of these artists sell almost as much art as they create in a year at this show,” Potje says. “It’s a great choice for artists to be here financially. The weather is also great, and there’s such a sense of community. A lot of our

18 FEBRUARY 2022 | MARCH 2022 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM

artists have compared this to art camp only with the public there to buy and support it.” Because of this, the artists are able to translate their enthusiasm to potential buyers and give a sneak peek into their creative process — which also happens to be a great sales tool. “My biggest selling tool is sitting there painting while people watch me do what I do,” Randle said. “That makes it personal, as people can see the person creating the art.” Not only has this technique attracted

Work

FRESH • ARTS

time you set up, you don’t get the chance to paint or talk with the collectors or viewers like you do here,” says Priscilla Nelson, who has been showing her art at the Celebration the past four years. “It is fun, educational and the people coming through here learn a lot about what they like and the variety.” While Potje tries to create a show with good spirits, she also tries to keep the show diverse. “Each year at the end of the season, any artist who is in the show and wishes to come back submits an application and goes through the jury process,” she says. “We look at the quality of work, sales, ability to play well with others and provide an artistic balance. However, we try to have at least 15 new spaces available each year for new artists to come in.” However, Potje admits this is a hard task at times. “It does get harder to eliminate, because we have so many high-quality artists,” she says. “But having the new art is exciting for our collectors who come back year after year.” Potje also believes that the show’s educational component has become a draw for guests, especially in the past two years. “One thing we’re also proud of is how much education we have provided the community through our website, podcast and art discovery series we host every Friday at 4 p.m. during our season in our cafe,” she says. “People can walk through and talk to the artists to get different perspectives on Judith Dickinson adds details to a piece she is painting art all day, but we thought it during the Celebration of Fine Art 2022. would be fun to put together buyers, but it has also drawn the attention of artists like Erin Matlock, who is displaying her art for the first time at the Celebration of Fine Art this year. “For me, it’s watching the progression of the artists and to see how their work changes and evolves over the years,” Matlock said. “To me, the growth of that spirit of art is interesting to me.” Other artists were sold on the opportunity to create a bond with the guests who walk through the spaces. “One of the reasons why I won’t do other tent shows is because by the

Celebration of Fine Art 2022 show director Susan Morrow Potje, the daughter of the event’s founder, says that over time, pieces on display have grown larger as the region sees bigger homes get built.

an organized method to pick topics. We felt this would be more formal and it would build the educational platform.” In addition to being drawn to the educational component, there is a sense of longing among the guests who are eager to experience the arts once more. “I feel like this is an escape,” Matlock says. “We all have been through quite a bit, so if someone can leave all of that behind and be completely immersed in art, that’s a therapeutic experience and the celebration of art for me.” “We’re hardwired as human beings to appreciate beauty, and most of what we experience here is art that will take you back to a memory or inspire a creative thought process,” Potje says. There appears to be a consensus among artists and Potje that the show has picked up right where it left off in 2021. “As events and festivals have picked back up, artists are having their best years ever, and 2021 was our highest year of sales ever,” Potje says. “If it continues like this, it could be a banner year,” Randle adds.

NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM FEBRUARY 2022 | MARCH 2022 19

Erica McKay has built a reputation for herself as a passionate and successful matchmaker. She helms the company Erica Suzanne Fultz.

20 FEBRUARY 2022 | MARCH 2022 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM

Ditch the Dating Ap ps

t’s February, the season of valentines, and love is in the air – unless it isn’t. Cue renowned professional matchmaker Erica McKay. The Minnesota native helms her own boutique matchmaking company, Erica Suzanne Fultz, and has spent over 20 years connecting men and women nationwide with their forever someone. Despite the rise of digital dating apps, McKay has built a reputation for herself as a passionate and successful matchmaker. Her clientele spans professional athletes and TV personalities, including working with an on-air cast member from “The Real Housewives of Orange County.” In March 2020, McKay expanded her services to Scottsdale. “I think the clients I work with are pretty established. They love to travel, and to be able to cross over to connect with someone like-mind — it’s difficult a lot of times,” the matchmaker says. “If you are on a dating site, it’s like going to TJ Maxx and looking for some specific Chanel purse. The biggest obstacle is finding it.” While not all clients are celebrities or socialites, McKay says she represents individuals who are strong, passionate, driven and emotionally mature.They want “a partner in the minimum to mirror their values and someone that prioritizes a relationship.” For those feeling particularly hopeless during cupid’s month of love, McKay assures that there is someone out there for everyone — it’s just a matter of fishing from the right pond.

Professional matchmaker helps singles find love By Jordan Houston

A modern-day matchmaker

McKay works with a maximum capacity of roughly 20 clients at a time. Pricing ranges from $12,000 for a six-month membership to $25,000 for a year, depending on the client’s needs. Clients may also opt to put their memberships “on hold” for as long as they want, should they begin to date a match, McKay explains. “I am pretty unique as far as matchmaking, because I do offer coaching along with it,” the mother of three says. “I think everybody has their story, everybody has their journey — who knows what that is, but it affects relationships.” Prospective clients should first call McKay via her website for a 15-minute phone call, followed by an in-person or Zoom meeting for intake and to create their profile. During this process, McKay gathers as much information as possible about their backstory, interests and attractions in order to tailor a plan for their needs. Then begins the scouting process for like-minded matches. McKay and her team scour members from the company’s VIP database, as well as actively “recruit matches based on what” the client’s

preferences are via social media profiles, LinkedIn, etc. “My team is scouting people and I’m saying, ‘Hey, I’m looking for X, Y or Z,’ or people are calling me, or I’m taking that call for people who want to be in the database,” McKay shares. The matchmaker thoroughly vets all potential matches, including conducting background checks, investigating court records and conducting in-person interviews. After receiving the green light on both ends, McKay coordinates the first meeting between the client and date. She then asks for client feedback and a breakdown, including a post-date survey. The process is then restructured from there.

A personalized approach

While dating sites like Tinder, Match.com, Bumble and Hinge are plenty, McKay offers a more personalized approach for those really looking to settle down. It’s the one-on-one support, she says, that separates her firm from the rest. “They’re able to have access to me, I am the only one to client-face. I am not sending them off to an assistant or some other team member,” McKay discloses. “I connect with people on what I say is a soul level. I can’t just send them off to some other person because I’ve asked them to be vulnerable, I’ve asked them to talk about their (stuff ), their dreams and then dream with me. I’m honored to be working with them.” During the intake stages, McKay covers as much ground as possible, ranging from the client’s favorite color to religious and political

NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM FEBRUARY 2022 | MARCH 2022 21

beliefs, income preferences and birth order. “When I get to know them, I am digging deep,” McKay explains. “I am talking about their relationships with their parents, the relationship their parents had together, their own relationships in the past. Is there trauma? Maybe it’s awesome things they’re talking about.They get personal with me.”

Be whole first

McKay says the key to connecting clients with their lifelong match is to first ensure that they are happy with their own lives. The professional, who is divorced and happily remarried, encourages clients to focus on working through their “baggage” from previous relationships before adding another person into the mix. “I want to have them call me when they’re like, ‘Oh, my gosh, I have the best life ever and I want someone to be the cherry on top,’’’ McKay shares. “That’s where the coaching comes into place. I want people to get into that space so that when we match that and meet their person, it’s on, instead of dealing with lingering issues of past trauma or exes or what not.” She adds that she is dedicated, through her work, to help her clients all become the best versions of themselves throughout the process.

A connector at heart

McKay hails from Stillwater, Minnesota. She graduated from Stillwater Area High School in 1993 and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in family social science from the University of Minnesota. She knew from an early age that she “loved being a connector,” McKay recalls. “I had an internship at an adoption agency. I was the go between birth mothers and prospective adoptive parents,” McKay remembers. “So, I knew that obviously connecting was a passion for me, but monetarily it was not sufficient.” The matchmaker’s first post-college job was a brief stint selling fax machines. In 1998, she stumbled upon an opportunity to work at a national dating firm in Downtown

Erica McKay has a bachelor's degree in family social science from the University of Minnesota.

Minneapolis called It’s Just Lunch. At 22, she embarked on what would transpire to be a lifelong career in matchmaking. “I loved it, but that was a big learning time for me as far as how to work with clients that are really looking for love and wanting a relationship, while working with a national chain that was all about money,” McKay explains. After roughly two years at It’s Just Lunch, she launched Love In Style, a boutique matchmaking business in Downtown Stillwater. She sold it in 2004. In 2015, McKay returned to full-time matchmaking and launched Erica Suzanne Fultz in 2018. “Going through my life journey has really changed my trajectory and viewpoints, because I’ve gone through life experiences and a divorce,

22 FEBRUARY 2022 | MARCH 2022 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM

then being single and meeting my now love,” McKay reflects. The matchmaker is now newly married to her husband,Tom McKay, whom she met while scouting on the job, she laughs. McKay, who says she has a great relationship with her “wasband,” now co-parents her three daughters as well her two stepdaughters. She says her biggest piece of relationship advice is to establish strong communication skills and manage expectations. “I don’t have a secret sauce; I am a connector,” McKay says. “I know if I can get people to the place that I was and help guide them with clarity practices and their energy — whether I match them or not — they are going to find their person.” For more information about McKay and her services, visit ericasuzanne.com.

HOMES Trendsetters are moving to Desert Ridge By Sherri Plotke Broker at Arizona Golf & Sun Properties

eal estate was the hot dinner party topic in 2021, as the Valley led the country in population growth and annual appreciation increases. Desert Ridge soon became Arizona’s largest master-planned lifestyle

community. This multifaceted community includes single-family homes, luxury multifamily communities, residential golf estates, schools, high-end restaurants and luxury shopping, and Reach 11 sports park. These communities offer an “out-of-city” living experience while being close to freeways that allow city access. Consequently, these homes are selling thousands over list price, providing the perfect home for buyers and getting the best prices possible for sellers. The area’s maturation and growth will continue, as it’s one of the few desirable areas with land available for development. Let’s look at the stats that set the trend and moved the hottest neighborhoods to the top of this real estate market.

Golf course homes

Homes on Wildlife Golf Course Golf in 85054 showed the highest year-on-year equity increase,

Realtor Sherri Plotke was born in Calgary and has been a Desert Ridge resident since 2007. (Photo by Lucero Rivero with Lu Photography)

NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM FEBRUARY 2022 | MARCH 2022 23

Neighborhoods like Aviano have extremely low inventory, so buyers are lining up at open houses and bidding up prices. (Photo by Logix Photography)

This is expected to continue — and even increase — as the Taiwan Semiconductor Company wraps up construction in 2024. • 34% average increase in home sales price year over year. • Average days on market: 26 days. • Most homes sold over list price. • Highest sale: $2.3 million. • Average home price: $921,000.

2022 projections ensuring an excellent return on investment for homeowners. • A 37% increase in home value and 19 closed homes in 2021. The average home price: $1,015,579. • Highest sale: $1,751,100, selling for $251,000 over list price in five days to a cash buyer. • Average days on market: 14 days. • Average price over list price by 2.8%. • Single family homes in Desert Ridge, east of Tatum, showed an impressive 30% on average annual increase. • Average home prices were of $747,539, and only 17 days on market. Since the COVID-19 pandemic started,

golf estate living is fueled by a much younger demographic and is bringing a whole new generation of golfers to the Valley.

Sky Crossing

The newest subdivision in Desert Ridge, Sky Crossing offers a fantastic community lifestyle atmosphere and resort pool amenities, among other indulgences. It offers a residential lifestyle where children have the freedom to be independent in a safe environment. Other notable lifestyle communities, like Aviano, Fireside and Sanctuary, also had extreme inventory shortages with buyers lining up at open houses and bidding up prices.

24 FEBRUARY 2022 | MARCH 2022 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM

Although many predicted the inventory would improve at the beginning of 2022, new listings are still comparatively low. This translates to higher prices, especially in trendy areas.This momentum will continue throughout the year, providing excellent opportunities for buyers, sellers and investors. Those searching for homes should get into this hot market early. As a Desert Ridge resident since 2007 and specializing in its real estate and luxury golf communities, I work to educate my clients on the market. Sherri Plotke, Realtor sherriplotke.com

‘Extremely

Desirable Location’

Trevor Halpern, J.D., is founder of Halpern Residential at North&Co in Phoenix. (Submitted photo)

Realtor sees North Valley’s housing inventory improving By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

n 2022, North Valley buyers and sellers can expect to see more of what resulted from the pandemic-fueled housing market — skyrocketing home prices, increased competition between buyers, the speed of action necessary to snatch a property off the market, and the reasons people are moving to new cities and buying homes. Demand was high and supply was low, resulting in a hyper-competitive market where more than 54% of homes sold above listing price in 2021. “We expected to see more inventory on the market at the first of the year and, quite frankly, the Phoenix area needs it,” says Trevor Halpern, J.D., founder of Halpern Residential at North&Co in Phoenix. “Unfortunately, even though housing inventory is slowly improving, new home development isn’t coming online fast enough thanks in part to lingering supply chain issues and skilled labor shortages. So, low inventory is a major reason North Valley home prices will continue to climb.” Suburban migration to the Valley isn’t slowing down. A realtor.com study showed approximately 62% of recent homebuyers prefer to work remotely after the pandemic.

That means new homeowners will scan homes on the market for space, size and functionality to ensure they’re suitable for work-life balance. “This new shift in mindset means city dwellers who are struggling to live in places like New York City, San Francisco, Seattle and Washington, D.C., are moving to more affordable areas, and Maricopa County is on that list,” Halpern adds. “North Valley is an extremely desirable location because the houses are large, outdoor space is often abundant, and office space is almost guaranteed to be included in the home’s floor plan.” Halpern says trends point toward an

increased desire for rental properties such as AirBNBs or VRBOs. For those considering investing in a rental property, the time is now, he says. According to recent data from the Cromford Report, which provides detailed information to track the history and current status of the greater Phoenix residential resale market, rental rates rose 6% across the country in the fourth quarter of 2021. However, Phoenix showed the highest rental rate increase at 14% year over year. “Cromford analysts say there are more people wanting to rent than there are units available, leading to increased investor demand and competition for properties,” NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM FEBRUARY 2022 | MARCH 2022 25

Halpern says. “This competition is only going to grow as more out-of-state investors continue to purchase local properties specifically for income-producing reasons.” Next, mortgage rates have continued to remain low, but they’re already starting to increase. In fact, in 2021, mortgage rates had been at a historic low, motivating a flurry of homeowners to refinance their homes, which is now slowing down as rates begin to rise. The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, which is the popular choice for most homeowners, is at its highest level since June 2020, teetering around 3.45%. “The Mortgage Bankers Association is forecasting that the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate will hit 3.7% by the third quarter of 2022 and 4% by the end of 2022,” Halpern says. “While those numbers are still historically low, they represent a roughly 30% increase compared to what we saw last year, so I’d suggest purchasing sooner rather than later if buying a new home has been on your radar.” Luxury housing will also continue to be in demand in areas such as Silverleaf, Cave Creek, Troon North, DC Ranch, Grayhawk

and Pinnacle Peak. Large lots, luxury golf courses and boutique shops are just a few of the contributing factors that make these areas so desirable to the winter visitors who routinely flock to the area and now stay longer. The luxurious suburbs that surround Phoenix can expect to see top dollar for their properties. “On the flipside, as remote work continues to become the norm, some people are going to the office two days a week, while others aren’t going back at all,” Halpern says. “As the commute time factor becomes less impactful to daily lives, people don’t have to worry about where they live as much anymore, which means they can now consider places, like Cave Creek, that once seemed too far to commute.” A real estate trend that might come as a surprise is millennial buyers will continue to be very active, Halpern says. This age group is the driving force of the U.S. housing market, because millennials are aging up. In 2021, millennials applied for more mortgages than any other generation, and more than half of home purchase mortgage applications (51%) were submitted by those between the ages of 26 and 41.

“This shouldn’t be too surprising, as millennials have proven to be savvy investors who have or who are hitting their professional and financial strides,” Halpern says. “They’re also starting or thinking of starting families, which creates a need as opposed to a want for a more suitable home.” It’s clear that the market will continue to move on a similar track throughout 2022 that was seen in 2021, with many of the issues and consumer needs carrying over from year to year, he says. Buyers and sellers need to take into consideration the pandemic-induced socioeconomic and environmental factors that are shaking up the market, he adds. “The real estate market is as dynamic as I have seen in my career, which means working with a trusted real estate adviser is as important as it has ever been,” Halpern says. “Full-time, well-seasoned agents are up to speed with what the market is doing today, not yesterday or last month, and those should be the folks you call first to help you navigate this market when considering a purchase or sale.”

ACT YOUR AGE owever you want h

We know residents living in our Memory Care neighborhood can still engage in and enjoy life to its fullest, we see it happen every day.

Age fearlessly. Live colorfully.®

LMTN North Valley Magazine Feb-April 2022 26 FEBRUARY 2022 | MARCH 2022 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM

BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT

Carrying on

a Legacy

usic has embraced Ed Heisler’s life. A Marine City, Michigan, native, Heisler traveled south to the Detroit area to perform in clubs throughout his teens and early 20s. He stepped away from music to start a family and, after six years with Chrysler, packed up and moved his family to the Valley. “I started playing seriously when I moved out here,” Heisler says about the relocation in 2000. He joined the Scottsdale Bible Church

Ed Heisler, owner of Black Mountain Guitar Co. in Cave Creek, plays a Sweetwood Telecaster.

Black Mountain Guitar strikes a chord By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

worship team and spent every Sunday morning there for 15 years. Now Heisler has found his calling as the owner of Black Mountain Guitar Co. in Cave Creek. The shop continues the legacy of Paul Turchetta Jr., who owned the spot, then known as Cave Creek Guitar Co., until he died April 15, 2021. “I was a longtime customer of his,” says Heisler of Turchetta, another Michigan native. “I have another company, Mad Hatter Guitar Products, that makes guitar electronics. That company was growing, so I was looking for space for it.

“He and I had conversations. He knew I was looking for space. When he became ill, he said, ‘Why don’t you buy me out?’ Unfortunately, he passed away before we could carry that through.” Heisler took over the spot in May 2021, remodeled it and rebranded it Black Mountain Guitar Co. In the shop, which opened the following month, he’s joined by his son, Kyle, who is the in-house guitar tech and a graduate of the Roberto-Venn School of Luthiery in Phoenix. “When this opportunity came up, I immediately called him,” Heisler says of Kyle. Black Mountain Guitar Co. specializes in guitars of all price points and offers accessories like pedals. Guitar, ukulele, piano and voice lessons are offered, too. Chuck Hall of the legendary Arizona blues act Chuck Hall and the Brick Wall is the premier guitar instructor.

NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM FEBRUARY 2022 | MARCH 2022 27

BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT Black Mountain Guitar Co. also hosts a ukulele jam night, the next of which is 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, February 15. The first Tuesday of every month is Tuesday Night Music Club for singer-songwriters who wish to network, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. “They can just come on in, share their music with other people, and help you grow in your songwriting and music writing,” Heisler says. “It’s an open forum to network with other players.” As much as Heisler enjoys music, there’s a practical reason for these events. “As a business owner, I want people in and out of my store,” he says. “They’re going to see something, and they want to buy it. I want to be part of the community. “Last night, I was at Local Jonny’s open mic night. My customers are there, and I want to support them. I don’t want to just sell guitars. I want them to enjoy what they’re doing and encourage them to get out. I don’t want them to just buy a guitar and put it in the corner. This is such a vibrant community for music.” Heisler supports that by listing Local Jonny’s Tavern & Café, Grotto Café, Harold’s Cave Creek Corral, The Buffalo Chip Saloon, The Hideaway Grill and The Roadhouse. “A lot of my customers play those places,” he says. “I want to be their store for everything they need to go out and

Black Mountain Guitar Co. sells a host of guitars, such as PRS, Lakland, Larrabee, McPherson and Schecter.

entertain the community.” Recently, Jesse Valenzuela from the Gin Blossoms stopped by his shop. The two are longtime friends, as Heisler served as a guitar tech for the Tempe act. He’s also worked with Jen Majura of Evanescence, and Nils Lofgren. Ideally, Heisler wants to expand Black Mountain Guitar Co. and turn it into a Ed Heisler of Black Mountain Guitar Co. wants his shop to become a destination.

destination. “The ultimate goal is to have a Sweetwater Sound,” he says about the Fort Wayne, Indiana, retailer. “It’s not just a big store in the community, but it sells and ships things internationally via online. “I want people to know when they buy from me is that I have goodquality instruments, unlike some of the other online stores. They tend to be more discount (options). We stand by everything. If somebody buys something from us, we take care of them. Kyle will do a setup, and they can bring it back up to two weeks later.” Black Mountain Guitar Co. was an unexpected pivot in Heisler’s life, but he’s pleased with the way it’s turned out. “I thought it would be cool to have a guitar store,” he says. “We wanted to carry on the legacy that Paul created with the community here. We try to keep the same vibe that he created and build on that and grow on that. We have a wall at our store dedicated to him. He’ll always be a part of the store for sure.” Black Mountain Guitar Co.

6220 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek 480-488-5441, blackmountainguitar.com madhatterguitarproducts.com 28 FEBRUARY 2022 | MARCH 2022 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM

HOME • TRIMBLE’S TALES

Little Gertie the Gold Dollar was a feisty entertainer By Marshall Trimble

he boom towns of the Old West had a severe shortage of eligible women, and that void for the lusty young men was filled by what were euphemistically referred to as good-time girls, shady ladies, soiled doves and ladies of the evening. A woman who was on a socially higher level might call herself a courtesan. An alternative was provided on a census report that one referred to herself as a “ceiling expert,” while another claimed she was “horizontally employed.” This is the tragic love story of a shiftless, tin horn gambler named Billy Milgreen and two Tombstone entertainers, Little Gertie the Gold Dollar and Margarita. All three were denizens of Tombstone’s storied Allen Street. Nobody, except maybe Milgreen, knew Gold Dollar’s real name, and how she got it is a matter of conjecture. When the pretty little blonde first went to work as a dancer at the Crystal Palace, she called herself Little Gertie. One story has it the name Gold Dollar was added because someone said her long, golden tresses were the color of a shiny new gold dollar. Another said it was because the price of a short-term love affair with her was a gold dollar. Whatever the case, she became Little Gertie the Gold Dollar. In a town where Lizzette the Flying Nymph, Big Nose Kate and Crazy Horse Lil also resided, her handle wasn’t all that different from the others. Gold Dollar was friendly, had an easy smile and was one of the most popular shady ladies in Tombstone. She was also a feisty gal, as later events of the love triangle would reveal. All seemed well between Milgreen and Gold Dollar until Margarita, a tall, dark and willow lady, arrived in Tombstone. She took a job at the Bird Cage dancing and

turning tricks with the customers to supplement her income. One night she laid eyes on Shiftless Billy and decided to put the moves on Gold Dollar’s man. She figured she’d have no trouble having her way with Milgreen and physically she’d have no trouble handling the diminutive blonde if it came to fisticuffs. Gold Dollar couldn’t help herself. She had fallen madly in love with Milgreen. When she could spare a few moments at the Crystal Palace, she’d steal away to where he was gambling and give him a hug and a kiss. Meanwhile, Margarita was trying to get her hooks on Milgreen. She flirted shamelessly An artist’s rendering of Tombstone entertainer every time he stopped in at the Little Gertie the Gold Dollar. Bird Cage. But what Margarita didn’t know was Gold Dollar the venerable Bird Cage Theater. had friends who worked at the joint who A few months later Milgreen also left kept her informed about Margarita’s bold town. Some believe the two met in one of attempts to steal her man. the many other raucous boom towns. One evening, following a tip from one of This story is one that can’t be proven, but her friends, Gold Dollar stormed into the it can’t be dismissed as a tall tale either. The Bird Cage and caught Margarita sitting on story has certainly been written many times. Milgreen’s lap. She grabbed a handful of But then so has the Lost Dutchman’s Mine. Margarita’s long dark hair and threw her Nobody knows her real name, and most of to the floor. The fiery Latina came up with those shady ladies were careful to hide their fists flying. The Gold Dollar was no match identity. Some married and left the trade, for the larger woman, so she reached for a but many died of alcohol, drugs or disease stiletto stashed in her garter and stabbed and were buried in unmarked graves. Margarita in the heart. It would be next to impossible to find During the confusion that followed, Gold provenance after this many years. The Dollar slipped out the door and left town. history of prostitution in the towns was She was never seen. omitted when their early histories were A doctor was called to the Bird Cage, took written and was therefore covered up in the a look at Margarita lying on the floor in a shifting sands of time. pool of blood, declared there was nothing he Times do change, however, and today could do, and proceeded to belly up to the some of those notorious old bawdy houses bar for a shot of whiskey. have been turned into museums. Ladies Margarita was laid to rest in Boot Hill. from the local historical society give lectures There are many today who believe the ghosts on the lives and times of those long-ago of both Gold Dollar and Margarita inhabit filles de joie. NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM FEBRUARY 2022 | MARCH 2022 29

HOME • AUTO TRENDS The styling of this S-class is conservative yet attracts plenty of attention on the street. (Photos by C.A. Haire)

Extraordinary Rides Mercedes S-580 4Matic sedan is first class By C.A. Haire

ercedes Benz is noted as a toptier brand in the automotive industry, and S-class sedans are its lineup’s flagship. If the sharp styling and large pointed star emblem on the hood don’t convince you, the $128,000 price tag of our test car certainly will. When you pull up to the curb driving an S-class, people know you have arrived. So, what are we getting for this fee? Under the hood is a sophisticated 4.0-liter turbo V-8, cranking a hefty 496 horsepower. It is hooked to a nine-speed transmission and all-wheel drive for superior traction. European versions will have a top speed of 155 mph, while the U.S. iteration will be reduced to 130 due to tire design. Either model can reach 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. Fuel economy is listed at 17/25 mpg. We observed 20 in city commuting and 28 on highway trips. These are impressive 30 FEBRUARY 2022 | MARCH 2022 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM

numbers for a massive 2.5-ton car. The cabin is first class all the way, with fantastic fit and finish, coated with a sea of top-grade leather. A switch offers economy, comfort, sport, sport+ or independent drive modes. There is a perfume dispenser to For drivers seeking luxury with performance, Mercedes S-580 4Matic sedan delivers. atomize the cabin. Most controls are operated on a large The overall performance is hard to beat touch info screen. On the positive side, it is as well. With brisk acceleration, superb easy enough to use. On the negative side, it cornering, solid stability and strong brakes, has too much glare reflecting on a sunny day. this is a top-grade ride that is hard to beat. For those who want an S-class but don’t need And after a day of use, the fingerprints and all that power under the hood, the entrydust buildup were an issue. The passengers in level S-500 might work. It has a 3.0-liter the second-row seats were not complaining, turbo inline six-cylinder with a peppy 429 as there is plenty of room back there, which horsepower output, and starts at $110,000. makes long trips pleasant.

HOME • OPINION

Selling Artwork is Tricky Buyers aren’t the only ones who should beware By Judge Gerald A. Williams

very January, the Education Services Division of the Arizona Supreme Court sponsors a new judge orientation. Each year, I teach a contract law session. I call one of my examples “Everyone’s Antiques Roadshow Fantasy.” The case is now over 20 years old, but it remains good law. It happened at an estate sale in Tucson. The co-personal representatives of an estate (sometimes called executors) hired someone to appraise the value of the recently deceased’s personal property. The appraiser specifically stated that their firm did not appraise art and the client would need to hire a separate art appraiser if appropriate. They did not do so. A potential buyer responded to a newspaper advertisement, attended the public estate sale, and purchased two oil paintings for the total asking price of $60. He had purchased art before, but he was not an expert and had never made more than $55 on any single piece. In this case, he bought one of the paintings because he liked it and the other because he liked the frame. When he got home, he looked through an art book and the paintings he purchased seemed similar to the works of Martin Johnson Heade, an American painter known for landscapes, seascapes, and portraits of tropical birds. He died in 1904. The buyer sent pictures of the two paintings to Christie’s in New York. Their experts authenticated the paintings and offered to sell them. Christie’s then sold the paintings for $1.072 million. After expenses and commissions, the buyer at the estate sale received a pre-tax amount of $911,780. When the sellers heard of this sale, they predictably cried foul. They alleged that the sale of the paintings was not valid due to the mistake as to the value of the two paintings. They lost at the trial court level and appealed to the Arizona Court of Appeals. The appellate court followed a standard legal maxim that a mutual mistake as to value, even an extreme one, does not invalidate a purchase contract. In this case, neither side had a specialized knowledge of fine art. In addition, there was no negotiation. The buyer simply paid the seller’s asking price. The Arizona Court of Appeals had some fairly harsh language for the sellers. The judges wrote, “The estate had ample opportunity to discover what it was selling and failed to do so. Instead, it ignored the possibility that the paintings were valuable and attempted to take action only after learning of their worth as a result of the efforts of the (buyer). Under these circumstances, the estate was a victim of its own folly, and it was reasonable for the court to allocate to it the

burden of its mistake.” This legal concept is not new. There is a famous case from 1885 where a person found a small pretty stone and sold it to another for $1 because both believed it to be topaz. It turned out to be an uncut diamond worth nearly $1,000. Because it was an honest mutual mistake, and because each side took a risk that it was more or less valuable than the agreed upon sales price, a court declined to invalidate the sale. Nearly everyone has heard the legal phrase “buyer beware.” It is also often equally important that the seller beware. The case from Tucson is Estate of Martha Nelson v. Rice, 12 P.3d 238 (Ariz. Ct. App. 2000).

VOTE NOW! APRIL 2021/MAY 2021 · $3.99

BESTOF

2022

Our reader poll is designed to let YOU tell us about your favorite people, places, shops, restaurants and things to do in the North Valley.

SHOOTING STAR

CONOR GARLAND IS SOMEONE TO HOWL ABOUT

SERVING THESE COMMUNITIES AND MORE: GRAYHAWK • DESERT HIGHLANDS • DC RANCH • SILVERLEAF • ESTANCIA • TROON NORTH DESERT MOUNTAIN • LEGEND TRAIL • THE BOULDERS • WHISPER ROCK

PEOPLE | PLACES | SHOPS | RESTAURANTS | THINGS TO DO

VOTE FEBRUARY 3RD THRU MARCH 2ND! VOTE DAILY AT NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM FEBRUARY 2022 | MARCH 2022 31

Husband-and-wife team Troy and Christina McDonald run Brugos Pizza Co. & Bistro at Stagecoach Village. (Photos by David Minton)

Tastes of Sicily

Brugos brings authentic Italian to Cave Creek By Jordan Houston

hristina McDonald says her mother was the first American to marry into her father’s Sicilian family. The Cave Creek resident jokingly recalls her father’s family, the Cefalus, asking her mother to sign off on two terms before wedding — to practice Catholicism and to master Italian cooking. “She had to agree to sign a contract to raise us as Catholics and also to learn how to cook Italian,” McDonald shares, noting her grandmother at the time did not speak English nor did her mother speak Italian. Fast forward to the present, McDonald continues a time-honored line of Italian family-owned restaurants, including Alioto’s

on the Wharf of San Francisco, Swirl in Santa Rosa and Balistreri’s in Milwaukee, and she’s continuing the legacy in Cave Creek. McDonald, alongside her husband Troy, helms the revered community staple Brugos Pizza Co. & Bistro, located at Stagecoach Village at 7100 E. Cave Creek Road, Suite 150. The Italian eatery has built a reputation for itself over the last decade as a home away from home featuring authentic Cefalu dishes, such as homemade lasagnas and savory pizzas, in a casual yet fine dining atmosphere. “It is a labor of love for sure. If you’re just doing it for the money, it’s not going to work,” McDonald says. “It’s like having people over

32 FEBRUARY 2022 | MARCH 2022 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM

to my house for dinner — it’s the same feeling you get at Thanksgiving or Christmas, only I get it every day — the anxiety and joy. It’s remarkable.” The scratch menu boasts dinner specials such as chicken marsala, shrimp scampi, chicken piccata, fancy cheese tortellini and chicken Parmesan. It offers award-winning

Chips and cards are part of the setting at each table at Brugos Pizza Co. & Bistro. Serving boards wait for food at the family-owned Italian restaurant, located in Cave Creek.

Guests can also opt to peruse the familyinspired menu at one of its many outdoor patio seats for a change of scenery.

pizzas, including the Mama Mia Spicy Hot Italian, as well as fresh salads and cheesy breadsticks. A take-and-bake feature, inspired during the COVID-19 lockdowns, is also available at the eatery. “Almost everything is made from scratch and made to order, which, consequently, takes

more time,” McDonald shares. “Every pizza is hand-rolled; every sauce is made from scratch. We cook our own sausage, make our own dough and roast our own garlic — there are so few canned goods.” The gourmet pizzas are comprised of an allnatural family dough recipe, producing a soft and flavorful crust. The long-rise traditional dough is also milled slowly for “optimal water absorption.” Toppings for the hand-spun pies are seasonal and procured locally when possible, including savory cured meats, imported cheeses, homemade sauces, and fresh produce and greens. “Troy rules the kitchen, and I rule the front,” McDonald expresses. “Even though they’re my recipes, he has a huge background in shipping.” She adds that her husband is meticulous about examining and ensuring that all imports of produce or ingredients are fresh and high quality. But delicious food isn’t Brugos’ only selling point. The Italian restaurant’s atmosphere achieves a blissful union between fine dining and the comfort and familiarity of a family member’s home. “I didn’t want to be one of those pizza places with fluorescent lights,” McDonald explains. “I wanted it to feel like you were coming to our house for dinner.” Guests can indulge in a glass of wine or the “famous” Italian margarita while perusing the family-inspired menu at one of the many custom-made booths or outdoor patio seats. Sounds of Dean Martin, Nat King Cole and Rosemary Clooney flood the inside bistro, while Sicilian pictures decorate the walls as

tribute to the Cefalu family. “All of the booths are custom made. The chandeliers were never used and came out of the Bellagio (Las Vegas Hotel),” McDonald says. “It’s a very pretty place.” McDonald says she and her husband pride themselves in carrying on the tradition of small neighborhood restaurants — and Brugos’ origin story is no different. The couple established their first Brugos in 2007 in Carson City, Nevada. “We didn’t think we were big enough to handle Reno,” McDonald shares, despite the fact that “(I) had a big background in food and beverage.” McDonald had years of experience in the industry under her belt, including stints ranging from server to marketing manager at the Harrah’s Hotels & Casinos in Las Vegas. Following the success of the first Brugos location, which landed a “Best Pizza in Northern Nevada” award, McDonald and her husband shifted their attention to Arizona. And they haven’t looked back since. “Before Applebee’s, there was always that beautiful local restaurant where people knew your name, knew where you wanted to sit and what you wanted to drink,” McDonald states. “After 16 years, we’ve accomplished that.” Brugos Pizza Co. & Bistro is open seven days a week from 4 to 9 p.m. To learn more about the Italian restaurant, or to order online or make reservations, visit brugospizza.net. Brugos Pizza

Stagecoach Village 7100 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek 480-575-3044, brugospizza.net

NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM FEBRUARY 2022 | MARCH 2022 33

TASTE • DINE

North Valley eateries serve sweet treats for dessert challenge

The coconut-lime shortbread tart by Lovecraft

Aioli Gourmet Burgers Cookie: Do-Si-Dos Dessert: PB&J Napoleon Description: Buttery phyllo dough layered with strawberry compote, Girl Scout Do-SiDos crumble, and a cream made from peanut butter fluff and cream cheese, topped with strawberry coulis and fresh whipped cream.

By Alison Bailin Batz

or six weeks each year, Girl Scouts in Arizona participate in the largest girl-led entrepreneurial program in the world: The Girl Scout Cookie Program. This year, the cookie season for the Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council runs through February 27. As in years’ past, all the Girl Scout Cookies’ proceeds stay local to help girls fund impactful projects to benefit the community; embark on girl-led troop adventures; provide programs in STEM, the outdoors, life skills and entrepreneurship; maintain and improve four camp properties; and provide financial assistance that keeps Girl Scouting available and affordable for all girls. To celebrate and support the local cookie season, the Girl Scout Cookie Dessert Challenge is back for its eighth year. Through it, 20 esteemed chefs from venues throughout central and northern Arizona — including more than a dozen from the North Valley — will participate in this year’s friendly competition to create a winning dessert with

PB&J Napoleon by Aioli Gourmet Burgers

one of these Girl Scout Cookies: Thin Mints, Samoas, Tagalongs, Do-Si-Dos, Trefoils or Lemon-Ups. “The participating chefs will use their culinary prowess to re-imagine these classic Girl Scout Cookies into a delicious dessert and feature it on their menus throughout the entire month of February. A portion of the proceeds will support Girl Scouting in Arizona,” says Mary Mitchell, the council’s interim co-chief executive officer. There is a voting component to the challenge. The public started voting for their favorite dessert on February 1 and can continue to do so through February 28 at girlscoutsaz.org/dessertchallenge. At the close of the challenge and based on qualified voting, a 2022 champion will be crowned. This year’s Scottsdale and North Valley competitors are:

34 FEBRUARY 2022 | MARCH 2022 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM

Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails at Hotel Palomar Cookie: Do-Si-Dos Dessert: Trifle featuring Girl Scout Do-Si-Dos Description: Mouthwatering layers of Grand Mariner, chocolate pudding, peanut butter mousse and a Do-Si-Dos crumble crust.

Trifle featuring Girl Scout Do-Si-Dos by Blue Hound Kitchen

TASTE • DINE I Want Suh-Moh-Ah featuring Girl Scout Samoas by Churn

Don’t Mind If I Do by Nook Kitchen

Churn Cookie: Samoas Dessert: I Want Suh-Moh-Ah featuring Girl Scout Samoas Description: This Girl Scout dessert is served one of two ways: as a scoop of specialty ice cream that combines Girl Scout Samoas, chocolate sauce and salted caramel or as a sundae, which pairs two scoops of the ice cream with Samoas crumbles, brownie crumbles, whipped cream and toasted coconut flakes.

zest, this dessert starts with a coconut and Girl Scout Trefoils crust. Piled atop it is luscious lime filling and then homemade whipped cream.

Peanut butter and jelly by Geordie’s at Wrigley Mansion

Geordie’s at Wrigley Mansion Cookie: Trefoils Dessert: Peanut butter and jelly Description: This peanut butter mousse with a strawberry gelée center is surrounded by a Girl Scout Trefoil crumble, peanut caramel, and fresh blueberries and strawberries. It also has a cocoa glaze and is garnished with a chocolate tuile. Lovecraft Cookie: Trefoils Dessert: Coconut-lime shortbread tart Description: Creamy and dreamy with a little

Peppermint Brownie Dream by Proof Canteen

Proof Canteen at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale Troon North Cookie: Thin Mints Dessert: Peppermint brownie dream Description: This indulgent dessert starts with a fudgy double chocolate brownie. It is then layered with Girl Scout Thin Mints, peppermint crémeux — which is a smoother take on mousse — and brûléed marshmallows.

Nook Kitchen Cookie: Do-Si-Dos Dessert: Don’t Mind If I Do Description: Peanut butter panna cotta with Girl Scout Do-Si-Dos and oatmeal cookie crumbles. It is paired by banana cream and banana fries. Oak Cookie: Tagalongs Dessert: Peanut Butter Cheesecake Duo Description: This peanut butter cheesecake has its own mini second helping tagging along. Rich and velvety, the peanut butter cheesecake uses Girl Scout Tagalongs in the recipe and is then topped with chocolate ganache and a cookie crumble topping.

Rusconi’s American Kitchen Cookie: Samoas Dessert: Caramel Budino featuring Girl Scout Samoas Description: A coconut and dark chocolate budino with a Samoa crust and caramel sauce, topped with crumbled Samoas and toasted coconut flakes.

Peanut Butter Cheesecake Duo by Oak

Caramel Budino featuring Girl Scout Samoas by Rusconi’s NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM FEBRUARY 2022 | MARCH 2022 35

Limoncello cake by The Italian Daughter Peanut butter and bacon crème brûlée by Tarbell’s

Tarbell’s Cookie: Do-Si-Dos Dessert: Peanut butter and bacon crème brûlée Description: Enjoy chef Adrian De Leon’s rich and creamy peanut butter and bacon crème brûlée made with Girl Scout Do-SiDos. A brittle layer of melted sugar sits on top of peanut butter custard to create a mixture of texture and unlikely flavors. Topped with whipped cream, bacon bits and Do-Si-Dos, this dessert combines the sweet, the savory and the rich. The Italian Daughter Cookie: Lemon-Ups Dessert: Limoncello cake Description: In this dessert creation, Girl Peanut butter dacquoise by The Mick Brasserie

Scout Lemon-Ups take center stage. This fluffy limoncello sponge cake is filled and frosted with a generous layer of mascarpone cream with limoncello, covered entirely with Lemon-Ups crumbles, finished with a drizzle of lemon oil, and served with whipped cream. The Mick Brasserie Cookie: Tagalongs Dessert: Peanut butter dacquoise Description: Milk and cookies — with a twist. This dessert bursts with flavor, thanks to peanut chocolate praline crunch with Girl Scout Tagalongs, peanut butter mousse, chocolate ganache. The kicker? It is served with milk foam for the full effect. ZuZu at Hotel Valley Ho Cookie: Lemon-Ups Dessert: Lady Lemon “Show Stopper” Shake Description: This fruity treat features a blueberry milkshake base with a lemon curd drip. It is topped with Girl Scouts LemonUps, a blueberry muffin, lemon ice cream bar, fresh blueberries, lemon chips, white chocolate milk crumb, a Lemon-Ups whipped cream sandwich and lemon candy.

36 FEBRUARY 2022 | MARCH 2022 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM

Lady Lemon “Show Stopper” Shake by ZuZu

Is your snoring disrupting the sleep of you or your partner? Are you suﬀering from headaches or TMJ pain? Symptoms and consequences of untreated Obstructive Sleep Apnea:

Symptoms of Temporomandibular Joint Disease:

• Poor sleep • Foggy memory/daytime sleepiness/fatigue • Mood disturbance • Loud snoring • Hypertension • Inability to loose weight • Sexual dysfunction • Grinding of teeth

• Jaw pain • Ear pain or stuﬃness • Popping/clicking • Headaches • Diﬃculty opening or closing mouth • Neck/shoulder pain • Worn teeth/broken dental work • Gum recession • Grinding/clenching

If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms, consider scheduling an evaluation to learn more about how we can help you. Dr Vizcarra is credentialed in the treatment of both sleep and TMJ disorders using oral appliance therapy. After a thorough examination, she will recommend treatment that is customized to address your speciﬁc symptoms and needs.

Dr Sara Vizcarra, DDS, DABDSM, DABCP, DABCDSM • Diplomate of American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine (DABDSM) • Diplomate of American Board of Craniofacial Pain (DABCP) • Diplomate of American Board of Craniofacial Dental Sleep Medicine (DABCDSM)

www.AZSleepandTMJ.com 10465 E Pinnacle Peak Pkwy, Suite 103 Ph: (480) 515-6209 F: (480) 534-1460

“Working together for a healthier YOU… Sleep & Feel Better!”