Insurance battle continues for area firefighter   By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski   Austin Peck always wanted to be a firefighter. He was sociable as a student at Cave Creek's Cactus Shadows High School, about the same time his uncle, then a Glendale fire chief, introduced him to the occupation. "Not to boast, but I was really physical," says Peck, a Goodyear firefighter. "I've been a helpful person ...

Rooms with a view...and so much more. It's no secret that Arizona boasts some of the most luxurious resorts in the world. Here's the insider's guide to some of the most jaw-dropping, sweetest suites at our favorites: JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa This nearly 2,300-square-foot presidential suite offers some of the most stunning views-and the most luxurious balcony-in the Valley, not to mention oc ...

Artist's vintage collages and minimalist paintings fascinate viewers A self-taught artist based in Phoenix, Daniel Shepherd creates fascinating abstract paintings and collages. Shepherd's abstract paintings are contemplative and minimalist in style. He refers to his painting technique as ambient painting and works with bright, saturated colors that often collide with pastels or minimal abstractions that bec ...

Exhibition features extensive collection of western film graphic arts   By Julie Carlson Photos courtesy of Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West   Throughout history, Native Americans have been portrayed inaccurately in the media. A new exhibit at Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West challenges those perceptions and misconceptions by bringing a new understanding to Native Ame ...

Cresa is committed to the diversification of commercial real estate.   In a historically, male-dominated industry, it's no wonder that the women of Cresa's Phoenix office have propelled themselves into the spotlight. They stand behind a firm that, since its inception in 1993, has been committed to the recruitment and retaining of women, and the diversification of commercial real estate. Women make up o ...

Trevor Wilde on work, life, and giving back By Alison Bailin Batz The big picture. When you step back, it's always a tapestry of small pieces that make it all come together as one. At a glance, long-time resident Trevor Wilde's big picture is an impressive one. At work, he's not only the co-founder and managing director of Wilde Wealth Management Group in Scottsdale, but was recently named to Barron's annua ...

The Lexus RX 350 remains a top contender By Greg Rubenstein For two decades, two sport utility vehicles have defined their respective segments-both shaping the automotive landscape as the categories they helped to create became mainstays of consumer preference. Both introduced in 1999, Cadillac's Escalade became de rigueur for upscale soccer moms, realtors, and high-end toy-haulers, while Lexus' RX was (and ...

A foodie, foliage, and fun lover's paradise.    By Alison Bailin Batz Photos courtesy Flagstaff Convention and Visitor's Bureau It will be well into October before the Valley has seen the last of its 100-degree days for the year. For those yearning for a true fall, this can be the most frustrating time of the year. But it need not be. Less than two hours north of the Valley is Flagstaff, and while ofte ...

WWE stars the Bella Twins champion causes with a killer clothes line.   By Niki D'Andrea When Brie Bella and her husband Bryan Danielson were packing up to move out of their Phoenix home and into their new house in Seattle, the couple sat eating salad together and reminiscing about their favorite moments in the house in a segment for the TV show Total Bellas that aired in June. "One of my favorite memo ...

In the North Valley women wield power in business. Tenacious, determined, driven, local business-minded women are making a positive impact in the Valley and paving the way for the next generation of female business leaders. Meet the women leading the pack in the community and beyond. Bobbie Meola Managing Partner Stratos Wealth Partners 6929 E Greenway Pkwy, Suite 180, Scottsdale, AZ 85254 (480) 719-1335 st ...

Mentally Fit  How changing your mindset helps you achieve your health and fitness goals. By Kim Miller and Shannon Dougherty Photo by Vikki Colvin So many individuals are seeking out strategies and tips to help them achieve their physical goals. New exercises, trends, gadgets, and tools come out daily, many of which claim to be “the secret” to getting fit. The thing that is most easily overlooked and is alw ...

Art Sense  Denise Fleisch brings a distinctive style to her Scottsdale gallery. By Nicole Royse Located in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale is Lotus Contemporary Art. Owned by Denise Fleisch, a local artist, the art space features her provocative abstract paintings. Fleisch has been creating art and running her own gallery for over 20 years in the Valley. She creates minimalist abstract paintings that cente ...

Expert Legal Guidance The criminal defense attorneys at Suzuki Law Offices use insider knowledge to guide clients through the criminal justice system. Richard J. Suzuki, the founding attorney at Suzuki Law Offices, L.L.C., is approachable, talkative, and down to earth. “Because of my background, I’m living proof that if you always work hard, you can succeed,” Suzuki says. “I faced many hurdles to accomplish ...

Maximizing Distance  Part one of the fundamentals for a better game. By Scott Sackett I’m beginning a series surrounding the fundamentals for a better game. The aim is to provide ball flight and impact fundamentals any player, regardless of skill level, can use to become better. In part one of this series, we discuss maximizing distance. Previous Misconceptions It was long thought that the length of a drive ...

Wander Around Willcox Summer is for sipping down south. By Alison Bailin Batz Less than two years ago, Willcox Wine Country, a consortium of Arizona Farm Wineries located in southeastern Arizona, was federally recognized as a unique and distinctive wine-growing region in the United States. The Willcox area leads the industry’s grape production by growing nearly three fourths of the state’s wine grapes, and ...