The disorder has a variety of potential causes By Dr. Joseph Sirven, Neurologist, Mayo Clinic Epilepsy is a surprisingly common neurological disorder. It affects 1 in 26 Americans, including men and women of all races, ethnic backgrounds and ages. Yet many people don’t understand epilepsy unless they have first-hand experience with it. After spending my entire medical career focused on treating patients wit ...

Sandwiches are helping to save the day of area youth By Alison Bailin Batz Several local Subway franchisees were at a cross roads in 1999. The brand had been growing in the Arizona market since 1983. Given their successes, while the franchisees were fulfilling as many food donations for local charities as possible, they wondered how they might do more. Although it had never been done by a market, brand lead ...

Author James L. Thane’s books are a study in the North Valley By Madeleine Williamson North Scottsdale crime novelist James L. Thane brings fiction and reality together into his books by creating settings using Valley landmarks. Eddie V’s, Mastro’s and Pinnacle Peak all make cameos in his three books, “No Place to Die,” “Until Death” and his recent offering, “Fatal Blow.” “I just simply enjoy the area so mu ...

Realtor Kimberly Tocco shares her story to help eradicate suicide By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski Kimberly Tocco and her family were eating breakfast, when a minor argument ensued. Her 13-year-old son, Jason Legere, went upstairs and shot himself. “He died in my arms,” Tocco says about the March 22, 2011, nightmare. “It was quite traumatizing. We had to just figure out a way to wake up every day after that.” ...

The Cave Creek pet store gets to know its customers By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski Mike Murray says his Cave Creek pet store, Bonnie’s Barkery, goes beyond food and treats. He and his staff offer personalized service, nutritional guidance and a full array of natural, organic and holistic food and treats. Freezers hold raw foods for dogs and cats. Grooming services are available. “Each product we carry has go ...

Consistency is the key to Brisam’s success By Eric Newman Brisam’s Grill, Bar and Patio has become a staple in Cave Creek for creative dishes and drinks, and a great atmosphere. Having recently celebrated its 13th anniversary under owner Steve Buchanan, Brisam’s regularly feeds the Cactus Shadows football team before games and has a steady flow of guests. It’s hard not to believe there’s another 13 years or ...

By Greg Rubenstein Stuffing a high-output V8 engine into an otherwise vanilla sedan has been a recipe for success since the Rocket 88, created in 1949 when Oldsmobile shoehorned the model 98’s 5.0-liter V8 into the smaller, lighter model 78. Seven decades later, just about every manufacturer offers at least one super-sedan, and anyone who’s piloted a mid-size four-door with high-output engine knows why it’s ...

Dr. Brandon Gough stresses a healthy lifestyle to his orthopedic patients By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Brandon Gough wants what’s best for his patients. To do so, Gough feels he has to show them he’s in a good frame of mind himself. Gough sets an example by spending time in the gym, biking down mountain trails and advocating for his patients. “I’m a big advocate of promoting a health ...

By Greg Rubenstein Stuffing a high-output V8 engine into an otherwise vanilla sedan has been a recipe for success since the Rocket 88, created in 1949 when Oldsmobile shoehorned the model 98’s 5.0-liter V8 into the smaller, lighter model 78. Seven decades later, just about every manufacturer offers at least one super-sedan, and anyone who’s piloted a mid-size four-door with high-output engine knows why it’s ...

The Cave Creek pet store gets to know its customers By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski Mike Murray says his Cave Creek pet store, Bonnie’s Barkery, goes beyond food and treats. He and his staff offer personalized service, nutritional guidance and a full array of natural, organic and holistic food and treats. Freezers hold raw foods for dogs and cats. Grooming services are available. “Each product we carry has go ...

Author James L. Thane’s books are a study in the North Valley By Madeleine Williamson North Scottsdale crime novelist James L. Thane brings fiction and reality together into his books by creating settings using Valley landmarks. Eddie V’s, Mastro’s and Pinnacle Peak all make cameos in his three books, “No Place to Die,” “Until Death” and his recent offering, “Fatal Blow.” “I just simply enjoy the area so mu ...

CarolAnn Tutera makes women feel themselves with SottoPelle By Dani VanCamp At age 42, CarolAnn Tutera felt she had the insides of a 92-year-old woman. She had all the classic signs of menopause. “I don’t know how I was putting one foot in front of the other,” she says. “I wasn’t burning weight.” That was until she tried bioidentical hormones. She got her life back. Tutera is now the co-founder and CEO of S ...

Sandwiches are helping to save the day of area youth By Alison Bailin Batz Several local Subway franchisees were at a cross roads in 1999. The brand had been growing in the Arizona market since 1983. Given their successes, while the franchisees were fulfilling as many food donations for local charities as possible, they wondered how they might do more. Although it had never been done by a market, brand lead ...

By Taylor O’Connor  Smiles and Beyond founder says God inspired organization Linda Parker-Smith was going through a dark time in her life. She lost her husband and sister, and then her son took his own life. It was during that time she felt God’s touch and heard his voice. He says, “Now is the time for smiles,” the Cave Creek resident recalls. It was her trust in the Lord that brought her to create Smi ...

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski Catholic Community Foundation’s Crozier Gala honors its roots Catholic Community Foundation welcomed or honored guests like Tony LaRussa, Derrick Hall and Erma Bombeck at its annual Crozier Gala in the last 30 years. This year, for the 50th anniversary of the Diocese of Phoenix, the Crozier Gala’s theme is “Remembrance.” The gala, set for Saturday, April 27, at The Phoenician R ...