Archive of articles from previous issues.

October 2006

CAVE CREEK CELEBRATES
20th ANNIVERSARY DURING  
“WILD WEST DAYS” 

 

4th annual event will transport community back to the late 1800s

Event to feature a Poker Ride, Street Fair and Kid’s Zone, Wild West Buffalo Show, Shotgun Weddings, Mounted Shooters of America Competition, Music, Food, and More

The Town of Cave Creek will celebrate its 20th Anniversary of incorporation during the popular “Cave Creek Wild West Days™” event which takes place Thursday through Sunday, November 9th ­- 12th. Coordinated by the non-profit Cave Creek Merchants Chamber of Commerce, the 4th annual event will once again transport the community back to the late 1800s and provide several dozen mini-events at various locations throughout the festive weekend. 

 

This year's poster artist is Fred Fields.
He will be signing posters be sure to get one of these great works of art!

According to Linda Anderson, Cave Creek Wild West Days™ event chair, this year’s event will capture all the wild and woolly excitement of Cave Creek’s Western roots. <continues>

 

Gene Garrison will visit from Sedona for a booksigning at The Desert Foothills Library and Cave Creek Museum on Sat., Nov. 11. Her book is "There's Something About Cave Creek: It's the People." Gene lived in Cave Creek for nearly 30 years.

For more information,
call (480) 595-5586, or visit http://www.cavecreekmerchantschamber.com/.

 

Fountain Hills Couple Escapes the Rat Race with Purchase of Rustic Lodge By Cathy Marley 
Escaping the rat race is a goal most people can only imagine. But two Fountain Hills professionals recently did just that. On May 1st, former rat race marathoners Don and Nancy Pierce became the new owners of Grey Hackle Lodge in tiny Christopher Creek. Now, a mere four months later, they have transformed the rustic 11-cabin lodge into a family-oriented haven for others who are looking for a place where they can rest and recuperate from their own rat race. Just two hours from Phoenix, Grey Hackle Lodge is located on the Christopher Creek Loop off of Highway 260 approximately 22 miles east of Payson. It is a remarkably short drive to find rejuvenation.  <continues>

Ballet Arizona Announces an all New Production of “The Nutcracker”
Significant funding has been secured for new sets, costumes, lighting and choreography; and will debut as part of Ballet Arizona’s 2006-07 season. Ballet Arizona has announced that its 2006-07 Season will feature an all new production of The Nutcracker.  The production, with all new scenery, new costumes, new lighting, and new choreography, will be given its world premiere on Saturday, December 9th, 2006, at 7:30 p.m. at Symphony Hall. <continues>

Make Good Use of Retirement Plan Distributions

 Are you getting close to retirement? If so, you know that one of your biggest challenges will be to manage your cash flow in a way that allows you to enjoy the lifestyle you’ve envisioned. And one key part of that cash flow can be the distributions from your IRA and your 401(k) or other employer-sponsored retirement plan. That’s why it’s essential that you take these distributions at the right time — and in the right amounts.<continues>

Opening a Small Business? Don't Give Up Financial Security

 Last year, more than 670,000 businesses opened their doors, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration. In fact, hundreds of thousands of people set up their own shops every single year. If you're considering joining these ranks, you've got a lot to be excited about, and you may be prepared to make large sacrifices to help your business succeed. But there's one sacrifice you don't have to make: your financial security.<continues>

 

THE LIGHTS AT ANTHEM PROMISES
A HOLIDAY LIGHT SHOW LIKE NO OTHER

 Anthem’s Community Park in Anthem, will host the debut of The Lights at Anthem, a new and exciting light show like no other in the Valley. The Lights at Anthem will light up the night with hundreds of thousands of lights and the largest light displays ever seen in the Southwest. To put visitors in the Holiday spirit, there will also be music, food and fun for those who attend the walk through display.

 The Lights at Anthem will host an exclusive opening on December 9th for Anthem residents. .<continues>

BRIO DIRECTOR CHOSEN AS PROFESSIONAL ARTIST IN RESIDENCE

(Diane Sanborn heads to Ox-Bow, affiliate of Chicago Art Institute)
 When opportunity comes knocking, you better be ready to take advantage. Even if you run a burgeoning Scottsdale art center staging almost 30 different classes with more than 500 registrations since Fall 2005. “Not to mention the oil painting class I teach on Tuesday nights,” adds Diane Sanborn, co-director of BRIO Arts Center with her husband John..<continues>

UNITED BLOOD SERVICES AWARDS
2007 SATURN SKY ROADSTER TO BLOOD DONOR

 United Blood Services, Arizona’s largest non-profit community blood provider, today announced the winner of a new 2007 Saturn SKY Roadster. Blood donor Jeremy Rivera, Jr., of Surprise was awarded the new car, which was donated by the Phoenix area Saturn retailers to help build summer blood supplies. From July 1st through August 31st, all United Blood Services Valley donors were automatically entered into the raffle.  Six finalists’ names were drawn throughout the campaign. They were brought together for a grand prize ceremony at United Blood Services headquarters in Scottsdale. Each finalist was awarded a key, only one of which would start the new car.  Rivera was the lucky blood donor who drove away the proud owner of a new 2007 Saturn SKY Roadster and a hero to Arizona hospital patients. <continues>

AMERICAN DIABETES ASSOCIATION LAUNCHES NEW THEME FOR AMERICA’S WALK FOR DIABETES

 Every 21 seconds someone is diagnosed with diabetes.  Every 21 seconds there is a new reason to walk.  Who’s your reason?  The American Diabetes Association (ADA) has launched a new theme designed to bring the reality of the diabetes epidemic into perspective.  The “Every 21 Seconds” message will be the main theme at America’s Walk for Diabetes events across the country.  <continues>

ROCK ART EXPERT TO SPEAK AT SCOTTDALE’S DREAM CENTER

Evelyn Billo, Flagstaff resident and area rock art expert will be at the Scottsdale First Assembly Dream Center, 28700 N. Pima Road, on Wednesday, November 8, at 7:30 PM to discuss the varied and extensive rock art of the Colorado Plateau.  The title of her talk will be, Greater Colorado Plateau Rock Art:  It’s Place in the World.  This talk is sponsored by the Desert Foothills Chapter (DFC) of the Arizona Archaeological Society (AAS) and is free to the public. <continues>

 

John C. Lincoln Guild Golf Raises Record-Breaking $165,000

 Players in the 2006 Lincoln Guild Invitational Golf Tournament at Wildfire Golf Club Sept. 14th raised a record-breaking $165,000-plus to benefit John C. Lincoln’s Desert Mission Food Bank, Children’s Dental Clinic and Community Health Center.

 “This was the most successful tournament the Guild has ever sponsored,” said 2006 Guild golf chairman Chris Forsyth. “The weather, the venue, the collegiality and the cause were all better than par.” <continues>

 

HUNDREDS OF NEW 2007-MODEL MOTORCYCLES
TO ROLL INTO U.P. STADIUM

 Cycle World International Motorcycle Show� Presented by Toyota

 On Friday - Sunday November 3rd, 4th, and 5th hundreds of 2007-model street bikes, dirt bikes, cruisers, concept bikes and vintage bikes from more than 17 manufacturers will roll into the new (Cardinals) U.P. Stadium for the 2007-Model Cycle World International Motorcycle Show� presented by Toyota. From cool custom choppers and tricked out sport bikes to everything off-road, this show offers something for everyone. This motorcycle extravaganza will give enthusiasts of all ages the opportunity to check out the latest gear and aftermarket accessories and see amazing live-action entertainment, including the BOSS “Ball of Steel” Freestyle Stunt Show. New this year, a welcome center will educate potential first-time riders on how to get started, safety courses, necessary gear and more. <continues>

Holiday Attraction Starts Set Up For November Opening

 I-10 motorists can now catch a glimpse of Firebird Raceway’s impressive transformation into the holiday extravaganza, Santa’s Theme Park. Over 200 over-sized trailers now border the popular speedway, storing all the essential elements to construct the returning family-themed attraction.

 With the November 23 Grand Opening date quickly approaching, over 80 employees are working around the clock to secure the extraordinary features of the park, including over 3 million twinkling LED lights, a 74-foot Christmas tree, a one-mile long entertainment walkway, twenty 35-foot Jingle Bell trees, animated Christmas village displays and a brilliantly-lit tunnel entrance. Santa’s Theme Park will also introduce an artificially created snow blizzard every half hour and an eye-catching dancing Christmas tree light show. Exotic animals including lions, a baby white tiger and camels will arrive at the park imported from India, Africa and various U.S. locations beginning in November.  <continues>

Starlight Community Youth Theater Presents “The Wiz”

 Starlight Community Youth Theater, the North Valley’s newest non-profit community theater, announces its upcoming production of the popular Broadway musical “The Wiz”.  Ease on down the road with the talented cast of 66 youth, ages 7-18, who will perform at the Boulder Creek High School Performing Arts Center on November 3 at 7:00 p.m., November 4 at 2:00 and 7:00 p.m. and November 9, 10, and 11 at 7:00.  The November 9 performance will be interpreted for the Deaf and hard of hearing. <continues>

Renowned Western Oil Painter, Bill Shaddix

 Born November 30, 1931, the success that Bill Shaddix has achieved has been hard fought and well deserved.  The oldest of eight children, Bill knew intimately the grinding poverty of the depression years.  His parents lost their own farm in Oklahoma and worked as laborers to hold the family together.  Bill can still remember working alongside his mother in the cotton fields, but the painful memory of lean times is tempered by more happy thoughts of fishing in the creek, digging for frogs and occasionally “stealing a melon and eating the heart out right there in the patch”.<continues>

Cats and Fine Works of Art

 Beginning December 2nd, 2006 and continuing through December 10th, 2006, Sun Cities 4 Paws will be hosting its 4th Annual Cat Art Show in Peoria.  The exhibition features the work of more than 50 valley artists working in a variety of mediums.

 The event takes place at the 4 Paws Shelter where the cats live and play in large, open rooms in a cage-free environment.  It’s a unique event with the combination of real live felines vying for attention with artistic representations of cats.  The show includes everything from oil paintings, watercolor, photography, rock-paintings, ceramics and jewelry.  There is something for every budget and taste.  There will also be a raffle for deluxe cat gift baskets.

 All works of art are for sale with the profits going to help the animals at 4 Paws. 4 Paws provides a shelter for over 160 cats as well as a foster program for dogs.  Since our inception, we have adopted out close to 3000 animals.

 Tony Church of the Maricopa County Attorney’s office, the prosecutor for most of the county’s animal abuse cases, will be our guest speaker.

 The 4 Paws 4th Annual Cat Art Show will be held at the 4 Paws Shelter 10807 N. 96th Ave (two blocks west of Loop 101, and two blocks N. of Peoria Av.). Grand Opening, is Saturday, December 2 from noon to 4 P.M. Tony Church will speak at 1 P.M. The show continues through December 10th Saturdays and Sundays noon to 4 P.M. Monday through Friday from 10 A.M. to 1 P.M. Call 623-877-9504 or 623-773-2246 for information

 $7.5 Million Grant in the Fight Against Alzheimer's Disease

 The National Institute on Aging (NIA) has awarded one of its most prestigious research grants to a statewide consortium of Arizona researchers in recognition of their leadership role and ambitious plans in the scientific fight against Alzheimer’s disease. The five-year grant of almost $7.5 million for the Arizona Alzheimer’s Disease Core Center (ADCC) will support the continued use of shared scientific resources by Alzheimer’s researchers throughout the state.  

The NIA received grant applications from a large number of the strongest research programs around the country and, following expert review, Arizona received one of the highest scores. The grant will provide continued support for the Arizona researchers, who previously received a $4.7 million award in 2001.

 “This is an exciting time for Alzheimer’s disease research,” says Creighton H. Phelps, Ph.D., director of the Alzheimer’s Disease Centers Program at the NIA, part of the National Institutes of Health.  “Scientists in Arizona will continue to be part of the national infrastructure set up to better understand and eventually treat and prevent Alzheimer’s disease.  We are looking forward to greater insights in a number of scientific areas important to residents in the southwest, including Native Americans.”

 The NIA created the Arizona ADCC in 2001, based on a groundbreaking model involving more than 100 researchers from eight Arizona institutions. It was the 29th center in the country, the first center in the Southwestern United States and the first statewide center to receive NIA funding. 

 Researchers in the ADCC also belong to the state-sponsored Arizona Alzheimer’s Research Center, a separate but complementary organization. The NIA funds are primarily used to provide some of the resources needed to conduct pioneering research studies by giving investigators access to research volunteers, biological specimens and data. State funds are primarily used to conduct the collaborative research studies, themselves. Together the two entities make up the Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium (AAC).

 Governor Janet Napolitano said the success of the AAC and the ADCC exemplifies the state’s opportunity to be a leader in biomedical research.

  “Because of its remarkable scientific strengths and unprecedented spirit of statewide collaboration, the Consortium has achieved national recognition in the scientific fight against Alzheimer’s,” Napolitano said. “We hope to play the same kind of leadership role in the scientific fight against other serious disorders.”  

This year, the NIA noted the outstanding scientific and organizational return it has seen on its investment and it has encouraged other states to follow Arizona’s lead.

 The eight institutions that make up the Arizona ADCC and the AAC are: Sun Health Research Institute, which serves as the grant’s applicant organization; Banner Alzheimer’s Institute; Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen); Mayo Clinic Arizona; Barrow Neurological Institute; Arizona State University; University of Arizona; and Southern Arizona Veterans Administration Healthcare System. 

 Dr. Eric Reiman, Executive Director of the Banner Alzheimer’s Institute, also serves as director of the Arizona ADCC and the AAC. He was delighted by the NIA’s endorsement and continued support. “I could not be more proud of our researchers and institutions, as well as the outstanding level of interest and support our Consortium continues to receive from the state,” Reiman said. “It is both our hope and expectation that the scientific road to a world without Alzheimer’s will travel right through Arizona.”  

The Arizona ADCC supports the work of Arizona researchers in a variety of ways through five designated “cores.” They are:  

• The “Clinical Core,” under the direction of Dr. Richard Caselli at the Mayo Clinic. It includes clinical sites at six of the center’s institutions. It gives investigators access to rigorously evaluated research volunteers, most of whom are enrolled in a brain donation program. It also provides researchers with the volunteers’ DNA and other biological specimens.

 • The Center’s “Data and Statistics Core,” under the direction of Dr. Gene Alexander at Arizona State University. It provides data and statistical services to researchers throughout the state, while ensuring both the consistency of data from all of the sites and the protection of research volunteers’ privacy.  

• The “Neuropathology Core,” under the direction of Dr. Thomas Beach at Sun Health Research Institute. It provides autopsy diagnoses, the world’s highest quality brain specimens, and other information to researchers in Arizona and around the world.  

• The “Education Core,” under the direction of Dr. Alfred Kaszniak at the University of Arizona. It provides educational and training opportunities for researchers, professional caregivers, and members of the community, and it is intended to help address the needs of the state’s underserved Latino and American Indian communities.

• Finally, the “Administrative Core,” under the direction of Dr. Reiman, provides the administrative support and glue that helps hold this virtual center together.

 The Arizona ADCC is a proven leader in the application of cutting-edge brain imaging, genetics, and other scientific methods to the study of Alzheimer’s disease and normal brain aging. It is also recognized for its pioneering contributions to the early detection and tracking of Alzheimer’s disease, the discovery of important risk factors to the development of Alzheimer’s, the discovery of promising new therapeutic approaches to the problem, and the development of research strategies to identify effective disease-stopping and prevention therapies in the shortest possible time.

 “Together, our NIA-sponsored and state-supported research programs will enable us to play an even greater role in the effort to find effective ways to treat and prevent Alzheimer’s disease,” says Joseph Rogers, Ph.D., associate director of the NIA-sponsored ADCC and president/senior scientist of Sun Health Research Institute. “We look forward to continuing the successful collaboration in Alzheimer’s disease research which all the member institutions have established.”  

In addition to this nearly $7.5 million grant, the Consortium’s member institutions contribute $1 million per year to the collaborative effort, and the state increased its appropriation to the group to $5 million, up from the $2 million it provided last year.  

 ASU hosts Infant and Child Death Awareness and Prevention Day

 Information fair includes demonstrations by Phoenix Fire and Police, MADD

 Arizona State University and MISS Foundation join forces to present Infant and Child Death Awareness and Prevention Day. The annual event is designed to raise awareness of infant and child death and discover ways to help prevent untimely childhood deaths. Local health and safety experts, organizations and volunteers will be on hand to help educate families in child safety and health and provide bereavement resources.

 The annual information fair is sponsored by the MISS Foundation, the Elisabeth Kubler-Ross Foundation, the ASU Department of Social Work, Scottsdale Healthcare, Phoenix Children's Hospital and the National Association of Social Workers. The day-long event begins at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 25, on the Fletcher Library Lawn, ASU’s West campus, 4701 W. Thunderbird Road.  

“We are so pleased to be able to provide these vital resources to the community in an effort to keep our children healthy and safe,” said Joanne Cacciatore, faculty associate and IVE program coordinator in the department of Social Work located in the College of Human Services at ASU’s West campus. “I encourage everyone to join us for this very important event.”

 Activities include demonstrations by the Phoenix Fire and Police departments on precautionary measures parents can take to ensure children ride safely in vehicles and remain safe around water. Fire officials will also demonstrate proper CPR techniques. MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) will also discuss the dangers of drunk driving, and will simulate an intoxicated level of impairment with special glasses.

 Experts will be available to help families who have lost children get connected with available resources in the community. Families will also discover ways to help themselves cope with the tragedy of losing a child. Parents and family members who want to remember a child are encouraged to bring photos, letters or mementos to attach to the “Wall of Mourning.”  

“The Wall of Mourning was designed as a way to acknowledge a family’s grief and to honor those precious children who died too soon,” said Cacciatore. “Anyone who has lost a child is welcome to participate in this special memorial.”  

 CARDINALS TO PARTICIPATE IN “MAKING THE CUT 3” WITH ROLF’S SALONS

 Arizona Cardinals players and cheerleaders will participate in “Making the Cut 3” on Monday, October 23 from 5:00-9:00 p.m. at the Rolf’s at Gainey Village in Scottsdale with proceeds benefiting Cardinals Charities.  

An $80 ticket for the event will include a haircut, style and luxury Kerastase treatment by an expert Rolf’s Stylist with Cardinals players and cheerleaders assisting.  The event will also feature a silent auction, food by Michael’s Catering, beverages courtesy of Coke, Budweiser, and Southern Wine and Spirits, live music by Bobby St. Vincent, celebrity guests and a spa sampling of eye and lip treatments, facials, waxing and mini-manicures. 

 Cardinals Vice President/General Counsel Michael Bidwill is excited to be involved with this event. “It’s a great way to reach out and connect with our fans and raise money for Cardinals Charities at the same time. We hope our fans come out and make this event a success just like it was the past two years.”  

“I feel like we are in a unique position to be a resource for people to contribute, and what a great way for the Cardinals to reach out and connect with their fans.” says Rolf Lohse, CEO of Rolf’s Salons. 

 Founded in 1990, Cardinals Charities supports programs designed to improve the quality of life and enhance opportunities for children, women, and minorities in the state of Arizona. Since its inception, Cardinals Charities has distributed nearly $3 million dollars to over 300 worthy Arizona charitable organizations on behalf of the Arizona Cardinals and the NFL.  

 CUSTOM HOME SITES NOW AVAILABLE AT
VENTANA PICACHOS BY DESERT COVE HOMES

 From here the natural desert terrain seems to stretch on for miles, undisturbed and breathtakingly stunning. The serenity and calm is an embracing welcome at the end of the day. Welcome to Ventana Picachos, a new gated custom home community by Desert Cove Homes. Adjacent to Sunrise Mountain, Ventana Picachos is located on the northeast corner of 89th Avenue and Calle Lejos, between Pinnacle Peak and Happy Valley roads in the Northwest Valley. This enclave of home sites offers the best of Arizona living with the freedom to create your dream home. Fifty-two one-acre and larger home sites comprise Ventana Picachos. Prices start in the mid-$300,000s. Most home sites offer spectacular mountain views.

 “Demand for custom home sites is strong in Peoria and the Northwest Valley,” said Mark Casey, president of Desert Cove Homes. “Excellent schools, shopping, dining and entertainment are just some of the appeal to this area.”

 Ventana Picachos is located within a short drive to the Loop 101 and the Carefree Highway. In addition, the community is just miles from exciting outdoor recreation at Lake Pleasant. For more information on Ventana Picachos, call (623) 218-1515.

 Desert Cove Homes is a custom home community developer and semi-custom builder headquartered in Henderson, Nev. with operations in Phoenix. 

 “GUITAR FOR GOOD”

 Glendale Arena is excited to announce the conclusion of the “Guitar for Good” auction.  Local businessman, Rodney Jarrell placed the final bid of $5,000.00.  Jarrell, a Phoenix Coyotes Season Ticket holder and President of RMJ Electrical Contractors, is excited to be giving back to the music community. The Guitar was purchased as birthday gift for Jarrell’s wife, Shawna.

 “We are thrilled to have raised $5000 for the inaugural Guitar for Good auction and are excited to be able to make donations to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Phoenix and the New Orleans Musicians Hurricane Relief Fund. The goal of this program is to continue to give back to our community and the music industry,” said Douglas Moss, President & COO of the Phoenix Coyotes & Glendale Arena.  “I’d also like to take this time to thank the artists’ who performed at Glendale Arena this past year and supported the Guitar for Good program by signing the guitar. The program would not be successful without their support.”

 The guitar was generously donated by Fender Musical Instruments Corporation. Fender, with headquarters in Scottsdale, Arizona, is the world’s foremost manufacturer of guitars, amplifiers, and related equipment.

 Amy Gibbons, President and Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Phoenix, said, “The funds raised by the Glendale Arena and the Guitar for Good Program will directly fund Art programs that will empower the creative minds of our Valley’s youth. We are very thankful for their contribution which has the potential to impact our future generations.”  

“New Orleans has made progress since Katrina, but many of our tradition bearers are still unable to move home,” stated Jordan Hirsh of N.O.M.H.R.F. “Thanks to this support from Glendale Arena, the New Orleans Musicians Hurricane Relief Fund will be able to bring musicians back to the city so they can rebuild and ensure the survival of our unique musical culture.” For more information on the Guitar for Good visit www.GlendaleArenaAz.com or call (623)772-3200.

 NEW RIVER SENIOR CENTER
BEST CHILI COOK IN ARIZONA 

 Family Caregiver Workshops  

Caregiver Workshops will be presented on Saturday, October 28th from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Glendale Civic Center.  The workshops offer family caregivers practical, up-to-date resources and information to help them with their daily responsibilities. 

 The keynote address, “Making Choices:  Beyond Just Being a Caregiver” will be given by William Arnold, Ph.D.  Dr. Arnold will explore all of the issues when you become a caregiver for an older adult.   

The workshops includes topics ranging from how care providers can cope/deal with dementia to how to improve quality of life for both the care recipient and themselves. The Workshops also features opportunities to enjoy self-care activities like shoulder massage or health screenings. 

 Participants may attend any workshop of their choice from 8:00 to 1:00 and visit the resource fair.  In addition, door prizes will be given away throughout the day.  

Piper Trust Awards Grants Totaling Nearly $3.8 Million 

Active 20-30 Club of Phoenix to host
the 23rd Annual Noche de Gourmet gala
sponsored by Alexander Homes and
in association with Food and Life Magazine 

PHOENIX– September 7, 2006 –  The Active 20-30 Club of Phoenix announced that it will host its annual semi-formal gala event, Noche de Gourmet, at the Wrigley Mansion Club to benefit children’s charities. Scheduled for Friday November 3rd, the evening will include a selection of signature dishes from local valley restaurants, an assortment of beverages from local microbreweries and wineries, a silent auction, a raffle, and live music and dancing.  All event proceeds go to The Children in Need Foundation (CINF), a 501(c)3 that distributes money to valley children’s charities such as Make a Difference, A Hand Of Hope, Valley Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boys and Girls Clubs of Phoenix, Crisis Nursery of Phoenix, and more. 

 The 23rd annual Noche de Gourmet gala event will be held on November 3rd from 7:00 pm to 2:00 am at the Wrigley Mansion. The evening’s silent auction will include vacations, golf packages, professional services, artwork, jewelry, restaurant certificates, and sports memorabilia. Purchase event and raffle tickets online at www.nochedegourmet.com or call (480) 703-2224.

 “In keeping with our organization’s motto, ‘One never stands so tall as when kneeling to help a child’, we are excited about our upcoming gala event in November and honored to be supported by our title sponsor, Alexander Homes, and our partner, Food and Life Magazine” said Colby Hunter, President of Active 20-30 Club of Phoenix #99. “We have an impressive line up of Valley restaurants, microbreweries and wineries along with live entertainment that will ensure an elegant and lively evening for participants. Most importantly, the proceeds from the evening will directly touch the lives of hundreds of Arizona children that need assistance.”   

 About the Active 20-30 Club of Phoenix

The Active 20-30 Club of Phoenix has a distinguished history as one of Arizona’s most active fundraising men’s clubs. The club was chartered on April 23, 1932 by a group of local businessmen including the Honorable Senator Barry Goldwater.  Since the club’s inception, the men of Active 20-30 Club of Phoenix have raised millions of dollars and dedicated thousands of hours to local children’s charities. Phoenix #99, along with the entire international organization in North and South America, continues to dedicate its fundraising to one of the fastest growing and weakest groups in our fast-paced society: underprivileged children. For more information about Active 20-30 Club of Phoenix or Noche de Gourmet, visit www.phoenix2030.com or call 480.703.2224.

 Swan Lake: The Ultimate Fairytale or The Ultimate Tragedy?

 Marking the official start of Ballet Arizona’s 2006-07 season is a tale of true love with Swan Lake, November 3-5 at Symphony Hall.  The answer to the eternal question - is this a story in which true love overcomes all obstacles and attains romantic perfection or does true love fall short and result in tragedy - will be answered on stage beginning November 3rd.  The answer, of course, lies in the performance... 

 “Swan Lake is one of the most exhilarating ballets for a ballerina to dance,” states Ballet Arizona lead dancer Natalia Magnicaballi, “There are many different and challenging styles of dance between the black swan and the white swan featured throughout the ballet.  It is also a great honor to be working with world-renowned ballet coach Olga Evreinoff, who is staging this timeless classic for Ballet Arizona.” Natalia will be dancing the part of Oddette/Odile November 3-5 at Symphony Hall.  

Under the esteemed artistic direction of Ib Andersen, Ballet Arizona’s corps of 36 world-class dancers is better than ever.  Deemed “Best Kept Secret” by PHOENIX Magazine and “Arts Organization of the Year” by the Arts & Business Council of Greater Phoenix, Ballet Arizona is raising the bar of artistic excellence for its 2006-07 season. So don’t miss one of the most famous and critically acclaimed ballets of all time, Swan Lake.        

 In 1895 the Petipa/Ivanov version of Swan Lake, the version considered to be the standard today, received its world premiere.  By the 1940s the story and the music were considered as the prototype for ballet in the 20th century.   

 To learn more about Swan Lake, the following special opportunities are being offered for audience members and the public to experience more surrounding the Swan Lake performance:

 FREE Open Studio Rehearsal: 

 To catch a behind the scenes look at Swan Lake, Ballet Arizona is holding a free open studio rehearsal, which is open to the public. 

 WHEN:  Saturday, October 21 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m at the Ballet Arizona Studios (3645 East Indian School Road in Phoenix - on the corner of 36th Street and Indian School Road in the Gaslight Square Shopping Center).

 Pre-performance Chat:

 To provide background information, firsthand knowledge, and to discuss the ballet itself, Artistic Director Ib Andersen will participate in pre-performance chats prior to every performance. Each chat will begin 45 minutes prior to curtain time, and is free to all ticket holders to that performance.  A short question and answer session will be included.

Wasauna Brings Entertainment To Bathtubs

Bathtubs will never be the same again thanks to the new Wasauna Whirlpool TV Tub equipped with a waterproof 14 inch flat-screen television and waterproof remote control. Wasauna is reinventing the bathtub industry with their latest innovative product. The Whirlpool TV Tub features include digital surround sound, AM/FM radio, plush pillow headrest and a full service control panel operating every feature with the touch of a button.   

“The Whirlpool TV Tub by Wasauna offers even more value to our customers by providing not only a state of the art bathtub with incredible amenities, but a place to sit back and enjoy a favorite television show,” remarked Michael Kanko, co-owner of Wasauna. “Now I can enjoy Sunday football in the comfort of my own bathtub,” said Kanko with a smile.

 The inventive bathtub is equipped with an ozinator/water cleaning system to continually disinfect the water. It also features 32 adjustable water and massage jets including 20 air bubble jets to ensure a gentle and soothing massage. Additionally, the Whirlpool TV Tub includes an underwater light and a three-way hand shower apparatus for added comfort.

 Wasauna prides itself on providing affordable luxury bathroom fixtures that customers love. The reliability, functionality and style are trademarks of the quality products stamped with the Wasauna name. The Whirlpool TV Tub complete with a flat-screen television is yet another example of Wasauna’s dedication to high end products at a reasonable price.

 Wasauna is headquartered in Gilbert, Ariz. with a showroom located in Scottsdale, featuring shower, bathtub and sauna designs. With additional locations in Los Angeles, Australia and the U.K., Wasauna is now in its fourth year of business and continues to push the edge in sauna and bathroom design. For more information on Wasauna please visit www.wasauna.com or for media inquiries contact Brosseau PR at (480) 247-8090.

Calendar Features Local Golden Retrievers

Proceeds Benefit for Other Dogs in Need  

 A calendar featuring rescued golden retrievers was released this week to raise money for the medical care, rescue and rehabilitation of other goldens in need.  Many Valley residents are highlighted, including “cover models” Toby, Spencer and Buddy.  The three dogs belong to Bob Molner and Sandy Harris of Glendale.

 The new 2007 Golden Connections calendar is produced as a fundraiser by the Arizona Golden Retriever Connection (AZGRC), a non-profit rescue organization dedicated to placing rescued golden retrievers in safe, loving and permanent homes.  The calendar showcases previously-rescued goldens enjoying a new leash on life.  All of the proceeds from calendar sales support the dogs.  

One of the most remarkable stories belongs to the 2007 cover models.  Bob Molner, known affectionately to the dogs and their eventual families as “Uncle Bob,” always wanted to have a dog in his life.  He waited until retirement before choosing a dog saying that he wanted time to enjoy the companionship of a dog.  After researching different breeds, Molner decided that golden retrievers were “just about perfect.”  He adopted Buddy through AZGRC.  Then came Spencer and later, Toby…about 36 foster dogs after that, just this year alone.

 “Uncle Bob is one of our shelter walkers.  He goes to the county animal shelter looking for goldens that have been turned in or shown up as strays” explained AZGRC president, Candy Ziemer.  “When he finds one, Uncle Bob will bring the dog to his house for a real treat – a good shampoo and brushing at a grooming station that he custom built into his workshop.”

 “Uncle Bob has rescued, fostered and heaped affection on more golden retrievers this year than any of our other foster families,” Candy said.  “When we have social events for our dogs and their families, some of the dogs go running to him as soon as they hear his voice.  Goldens are so eager to please but they’re especially grateful to anyone who takes them out of the shelter and gives them a hopeful future.”  

Foster families are an important part of rescuing and re-homing unwanted dogs. They take a dog about which very little is known, learn about their personality and take them for a full vet check.  Each AZGRC dog receives a full health check, is spayed, neutered, microchipped, licensed and tested for common diseases like heartworm and Valley Fever.  The organization “invests” an average of $350 in each dog it rescues.   

As a major fundraising effort for the organization, AZGRC designs and produces the calendar each year.  The photography and calendar design is all done in-house by AZGRC members.  The production costs are fully underwritten by page, printing and production sponsors, allowing 100% of every dollar raised through the sales of the calendar to directly benefit homeless goldens.  

“Our goal is to raise $25,000 this year.  There are so many dogs in need, we hope the public will open their hearts and purchase a calendar,” Ziemer said.  “For just 10 dollars, you can change the luck of a golden in need and enjoy 12 months of beautiful Golden Connections.” The calendar is available at several local stores, or online at www.azgrc.org.  A list of participating venues is is also available on-line.