Writer Joseph J. AirdoPhotography Courtesy of Tender Little Hearts [dropcap]I[/dropcap]t is nearly impossible for McDowell Sonoran Conservancy steward Terry Holmes-Stecyk to travel very far along the McDowell Sonoran Preserve’s trails with her miniature horses — much less exit a library elevator — without being bombarded by questions and cameras. After all, as if her pint-sized…
Writer Joseph J. AirdoPhotography by Gerry Groeber [dropcap]I[/dropcap]ndependence Day may have come and gone but we are smack-dab in the middle of the real fireworks display. In 2008, National Weather Service officials decided that Arizona’s monsoon season would begin on June 15 and end on Sept. 30. Of course, the thunderstorms that bring rainfall may…
Writer Joseph J. AirdoPhotography by Carl Schultz [dropcap]N[/dropcap]ew River resident Arouna Diarra was destined to bring traditional music into the modern-day — further developing it while maintaining its cultural roots. Originally from West Africa, Arouna performs folk songs that reflect topics from war to love for one another, aspiring to instill joy, harmony and connection…
Writer Joseph J. AirdoPhotography by Carl Schultz [dropcap]L[/dropcap]ike so many musicians, North Scottsdale resident Gary Spaniola’s start was a result of seeing the Beatles perform on “The Ed Sullivan Show.” “It solidified my dream,” says Spaniola, who was born and grew up in Detroit. “I was just mesmerized by them.” Little did he know back…
Writer Joseph J. AirdoPhotography by Carl Schultz [dropcap]F[/dropcap]or the past four decades, Les Conklin has been fighting to preserve North Scottsdale’s heritage and have a positive impact on future development in the area. The 83-year-old resident has founded, been appointed to and become involved with a number of organizations, associations and commissions that exist solely…
Writer Joseph J. AirdoPhotography Courtesy of Fever [dropcap]I[/dropcap]magine arriving at a restaurant, hotel venue or catering space with a family member, friend or significant other and being invited into a candle-lit dining room. After being seated, you and your guest are provided with blindfolds, which you wrap around your heads to completely seal off your…
Writer Shannon Severson [dropcap]S[/dropcap]ometimes the most wonderful dining discoveries are those you’ve likely driven past a dozen times and failed to notice. There’s something especially satisfying about stumbling upon a gastronomic gem, either on your own or on the good advice of a friend. The Cave Creek/Carefree area is home to some absolutely incredible restaurants….
Writer Joseph J. AirdoPhotography Courtesy of Scottsdale Public Library [dropcap]A[/dropcap]nywhere you look around Arizona, horses play a very important role. They are a cowboy’s best friend, an outdoor enthusiast’s favorite form of transportation and an entire population’s primary symbol of simpler times. Horses have become synonymous with our state’s Western heritage. This is especially true…
Writer Joseph J. AirdoPhotography by Ann von Pentz [dropcap]H[/dropcap]orses have long been universal symbols of freedom without restraint. Way back in the days of the Wild West, riding a horse made a person feel as though they could free themselves from their own bindings. Therefore, it is only natural that horses are also linked as…
Writer Joseph J. AirdoPhotography Courtesy of Phoenix Art Museum [dropcap]A[/dropcap]s Arizona’s temperatures begin to hit their 2021 peak, you have undoubtedly already reached for that swimsuit and taken a dip in a pool, lake or creek. If you are a woman, the chances of that swimsuit being a bikini may be somewhat high. But what…