Writer Joseph J. AirdoPhotography by Carl Schultz [dropcap]W[/dropcap]hen you walk into Lil Miss Butcher, one of the very first things that you see — besides several counters filled with every variety of meat imaginable — is a large mural that reads, “Enter as a stranger, leave as a friend.” It is a message that owner…
Writer Joseph J. AirdoPhotography Courtesy of Tifani Wendt [dropcap]L[/dropcap]arry Wendt loved to cook for people. “One of the biggest ways that Larry showed his love was making an incredible meal for or making sure that people were fed,” says Tifani, Larry’s daughter. “Nobody ever went hungry around Larry and I am sure that anybody could…
Writer Shannon SeversonPhotography by Arleen Hazen [dropcap]M[/dropcap]usic is one of the most powerful creative forces in the human experience and dance is the physical manifestation of that force. A talented group of tap-dancing ladies called the Desert Cactus Kickers is proving that dancing is also a lot of fun regardless of one’s age. Having entertained…
Writer Joseph J. AirdoPhotography Courtesy of Rotary Club of Anthem and Sarah Varney [dropcap]W[dropcap]hen Edward Varney moved to Arizona in November 2010, one of the first things that he did was join the Rotary Club of Anthem. Having been a member of one of the worldwide nonprofit organization’s chapters in New Hampshire two years prior,…
Writer Joseph J. AirdoPhotography Courtesy of Patricia Brusha [dropcap]F[/dropcap]or the past two years, Patricia Brusha has been honoring the memory of her late daughter, Courtney Michaels, by championing her vision to express compassion for and uplift the many men and women who are taking the daunting-yet-crucial steps to overcome addiction and alcoholism. What began as…
Writer Shannon SeversonPhotography Courtesy of Blushing Cactus Photography and VGroup Photography [dropcap]R[/dropcap]ock bands are synonymous with free-wheeling, adventurous attitudes and a healthy dose of mischief — and maybe even a rebellious streak. The four Phoenix natives who comprise Promise To Myself, an alternative pop-rock band, are all of those things, but they also have a…
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 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…