Scottsdale sisters Madelyn and Malloy Sells World Champions

‘Never give up’
by LeeAnn Sharpe

SCOTTSDALE— Few 9 or 10‑year‑olds can call themselves a World Champion, but Scottsdale sisters Madelyn and Malloy Sells can claim such titles.

The Sells sisters recently won Championship and Reserve Championship titles at two prestigious horse shows—the Region VII All‑Arabian Horse Show in Scottsdale and the All‑Arabian Youth National Horse Show in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Young riders from all 50 states competed in the shows.

“Our advice is to never give up, find the right horse and don’t be nervous, or your horse will get nervous too. There is always another show if you don’t do well in one,” said Malloy Sells, fifth grader at Grayhawk Elementary School .

Like many young girls, the Sells sisters always wanted to have their own horses. Their dream came true. The sisters started riding Arabian horses about five‑years‑ago when the family moved to Arizona.



“We like being with our horses more than anything else in the world. The love them and enjoy riding and taking care of them,” said Maddy Sells, a fourth grader who attends the same school as her sister.

“The girls love their horses and the opportunity to compete. They want to be out riding all the time,” said their mother, Donna Sells.

The two are true champions and have a wall full of awards to prove it.

Malloy Sells has been in the National Top Ten at Youth Nationals three years in a row for Country English Pleasure Equitation Age Ten and Under. She was Reserve Champion at the Scottsdale Arabian Horse show last February and Reserve Champion in Region 7 this year. Malloy also has two Top Ten UPHA awards on her horse Forgery DGL. Nicknamed Forge, he is half Arabian, half saddle‑bred, out of Afire Bey V and Forget Me Not. He has won 12 National titles.

Madelyn rides English Pleasure on UltraSonic, her purebred Arabian. She also has multiple National Titles to her name. Maddy won Youth Nationals Age Ten and Under in the Equitation Class for 2006. She was also Region 7 Champion in 2006.

Both girls ride three times a week with their trainer Dede Bisch at Los Cedros Stables in Carefree. “Dede is a wonderful trainer,” said Donna Sells.

With years of experiencew working with children, Bisch has trained many champions over the years.

Sells is serious about her daughters and their horses.

“They are committed to the horses and the sport. They have learned respect and patience from their shows and have gained confidence in themselves through the horses,” she said. “This is the main reason why my husband, Chris, supports them riding. Developing self‑esteem and self image in little girls is crucial.”

Charity trail ride raises more than $7,500

Charity trail ride raises more than $7,500
by LeeAnn Sharpe

Participants in the first ever “Ride for the Walk” charity trail ride raised more than $7,500 for breast cancer research.

The trail ride at Granite Mountain on Oct. 21 was a living tribute to Robin Hilditch who died of cancer on April 6. Proceeds from the ride will benefit the upcoming 3-Day 60-mile walk for The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Arizona Team Corazon will be walking those miles Nov. 3-5.

“This started as a tribute to my friend Robin and then everyone came to me with stories about their loved ones who have battled cancer,” said Cortland Parks, the ride’s organizer.



“My good friend Holly Restifo was already planning to participate in the 3-Day Walk in support of her sister Kathy who is currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer. That’s when we decided to work together and donate the funds from the Ride to her team pledges.”

Team Corazon, which includes Holly Restifo, Vincent Cibrian, Martha Ochoa and Liz Smithhart as walkers and crew, came out to volunteer as check-in crew and lunch servers for the charity ride.

“When I started out doing the 3-Day, I wanted to make a difference in somebody’s life–anybody’s, it didn't matter, as long as I was helping,” said Restifo. “Well, I’ve just recently learned that one of my sisters has breast cancer. I’m not shocked, knowing the facts that I know. But I’m still saddened. I pray that she will make it through this, and with the strength of our family and the prayers of all our friends, I know she will.”

More than 200,000 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in the United States this year and more than 40,000 American women and men will die of the disease, according to the Susan G. Komen Web site.

Everything for the charity ride was donated. Cave Creek Outfitters provided use of their ranch, Famous Dave’s BBQ provided the food, and numerous other contributors donated dozens of items for the event’s silent auction.

“The only thing we had to buy were the T-shirts,” Parks said. “So all we collected went to the cause.”

Miss Rodeo Arizona 2006 Elizabeth Scott participated in the ride and spoke to the crowds at the luncheon. She told them of her reign as Miss Rodeo Arizona and her journey to the Miss Rodeo America pageant in November.

Cowgirl Historical Foundation members, wearing pink, bejeweled Western shirts, also rode in the event.


Members of the Scottsdale Jaycees Comancheros and about a dozen cowboys and cowgirls from Mounted Shooters of America lent their support.

The upcoming Breast Cancer 3-Day event is for those who want to join the fight against the disease through fundraising, training, and dedicating an entire weekend to the cause. Participants walk an average of 20 miles per day, starting Nov. 3 at Freestone Park in Gilbert and finish up at Hance Park in Phoenix.

Organizers expect the event will raise millions of dollars which, in addition to medical research, also pays for community outreach programs.

Those who wish to make a pledge through Team Corazon can do so by visiting: www.the3day.org. Click on the donate link and enter Holly Restifo’s name.

Sera’s Moon – a gallery full of surprises

Sera’s Moon – a gallery full of surprises
Studio artists invite all to see the phases of creativity

Sera’s Moon Studio Gallery, tucked away on Easy Street in Carefree, is an intriguing blend of studio and gallery offering the work of undiscovered yet highly talented artists. Watch proprietor Kathleen Koneski, or any of the sixteen artists Sera’s Moon represents, as they work in the gallery during their grand opening November 3‑5, during the always popular Carefree Fine Art & Wine Festival.

Koneski is a self‑taught artist, elected as an artist‑in‑residence at San Diego State University’s School of Art early in her career. Drawing in colored pencil is Koneski’s medium of choice, but she works in oil and acrylic as well. Animals, both domestic and wild, dominate her work. “A painting begins in the eyes. If the eyes don’t talk, forget it,” comments Koneski while showing her beautifully detailed pencil drawings of tigers and elephants. “Animals fascinate me. They are colorful, so expressive, and the wildness is so exciting.”

All of the artists in Sera’s Moon Studio are from local communities. “It’s often difficult for an artist who isn’t well‑known to get into a gallery. The focus here is good quality local artists.” says Koneski. The original work of the local artists the gallery features is for sale at extremely reasonable prices. What’s more, a purchase of a piece of art at the gallery can serve as a springboard for success.

“Clients will often support an artist they like, purchasing multiple works and investing in their future success,” comments Koneski. “It’s hard to place a value on a piece of art. The hundreds of hours and years of experience an artist puts into a work is hard to quantify.” In light of the nurturing environment Sera’s Moon Studio Gallery has conceived, most artists will also work on client commissions.

Sue Hunter, Barbi Williams, Loretta Queen, Nancy Clauss, Susan Lobert and award‑winning artist LeeAnne Park have all found homes at the studio. Like Koneski, Park uses animals as her subject. A number of her buffalo and wolf paintings are shown at Sera’s Moon. The watercolors of Carol Sabo recollect the warmth and character of Currier & Ives Christmas scenes.

And the studio brings other dimensions to its environs. Chinese calligrapher, CJ Lukacsik “Wang” showcases his large collection of intricate calligraphy, with each work titled with the meaning of the Chinese symbols. Mike Brady displays digital art, using his computer to paint on canvas modern surrealistic images.

The exhilarating and exclusive designs of local jewelry artists are on show at Sera’s. Many of the artists utilize natural stone and desert materials–incorporating materials as diverse as delicate crochet and bold, blown beads in fascinating combinations. Victoria Pearman, Joyce White, Kathryn Darner, Carrie Hartley/Lu Rees, and Candice Witherspoon number among the artists represented. In the textile field, fabric artist Lorraine Richards has pillows and garments on display.

“Sera’s Moon was named for a white Arabian mare I once owned,” Koneski explains. “She was afraid of the moon and whenever it came out we had to calm her with hugs. She’s gone now, but when we look up at the moon we still say, there’s Sera’s Moon.” New artists and new works are added frequently, so visit often.

Sera’s Moon Studio Gallery is located on the northwest corner of HoHum & Easy Street in the Los Portales Building, 99 Easy Street, in Carefree. Store hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wed. through Sun. The grand opening takes place Nov. 3‑5. Visa & MC accepted. For more information, call (623) 570‑9536 or e‑mail joekathy@prodigy.net.

Tina’s Treasure’s can bring a little light, relief and joy into their lives.

"Overwhelmed with happiness"
by LeeAnn Sharpe

SCOTTSDALE–A diagnosis of breast cancer can be about the most traumatic event many women will ever face. For those women, Helaine Markowitz and the staff at Tina’s Treasure’s can bring a little light, relief and joy into their lives.

A cosmetologist wig stylist and certified prosthetic fitter, Markowitz works daily with women undergoing treatment for breast cancer.

Tina’s Treasures is a specialized boutique catering to cancer patients in the Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center at Scottsdale Healthcare. Named after survivor Tina Johnson, Tina’s Treasures Boutiques, at both Osborn and Shea Scottsdale Healthcare campuses, offer specialized shopping for cancer patients, survivors and their families.

“Recently a woman who had never been properly fitted came in and was overwhelmed with happiness when she realized how good she looked and felt in a properly fitted bra,” said Markowitz. “And many women don’t realize how comfortable they can be in mastectomy swimwear. It makes all the difference.”

“Just learning how to wrap a scarf correctly really can help,” Markowitz said.Certified professionals at the boutique help to fit breast prosthetics, bras, camisoles, mastectomy swimwear, wigs, hairpieces, hats, scarves, turbans, sleep hats, sun protective clothing, and lymphedema products. The boutiques also carry specialized products to assist with dry mouth care, nutritional supplements, aromatherapy, bath and body products, relaxation CDs, books, journals, jewelry, gift items and inspirational cards.

Women who have undergone lumpectomies and breast reconstruction require transitional bras and those bras need to be fitted, she said.“They need to wear a prosthesis and they need a new bra about every four to five months because they wear out faster than a regular bra. If it’s not fitted right they will be very uncomfortable. They will get back pain and their shoulders stoop if not fitted right. Most insurance will cover their prosthesis and bras.”

The boutique provides wigs for those who have lost their hair due to chemotherapy as well.

“We also do synthetic wigs. You get a wig for the short term. Your hair will grow back. Looking good is important for psychological recovery. Dealing with the cancer and treatment is bad enough. Put on a wig and some make‑up so you feel better about how you look,” she said.

The boutique donates some of its profits to the center’s patient assistance fund to help those who are uninsured or do not have the money for wigs, bras and prosthetics, said Bonnie Skochinski, coordinator for the boutique.

She said the boutique donates over $10,000 each year to the patient fund.

In addition, Tina’s Treasures accepts donated wigs, bras, and prosthetics and gives those donations to the American Cancer Society which provides assistance to those in need, she said.

Tina’s Treasurers is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. There is a virtual tour of Tina’s Treasurers at www.shc.org.

Desert Foothills Theater presents “A Grand Night for Singing”

‘Shall We Dance’ or shall we sing?
Desert Foothills Theater presents “A Grand Night for Singing”
by LeeAnn Sharpe

An enchanting night of song and dance is in store for Desert Foothills Theater‑goers Nov. 2 as “A Grand Night for Singing” makes its premiere.

This exciting Richard Rodgers & Oscar Hammerstein revue features some of the best‑loved songs from “The Sound of Music,” “South Pacific,” “Carousel,” “Oklahoma,” “Cinderella,” “The King and I,” all presented in a new storyline. With orchestrations by Michael Gibson and Jonathan Tunick, Director DeeDee Wood and Musical Director Flore Mogerman are bringing marquee talent to the Desert Foothills Theater production.

Cactus Shadows Fine Arts Center will be the venue for “A Grand Night for Singing,” which took Broadway by storm when it made its debut in 1994, receiving two Tony Award nominations, including one for Best Musical.

Musical Director Flore Mogerman, (nominated for 7 Musical Direction ariZoni Awards and won 3), says, “Cactus Shadows Fine Arts Center is an incredible state‑of‑the‑art theatre with wonderful acoustics. It’s just beautiful. I think audiences will have a wonderful night out. Lovely songs and beautiful voices, the singers are all pros.



“We have five powerhouse lead singers in the revue. Tenor Chris Fidler, baritone Brian Sweis, soprano Janine Smith, soprano Amy Powers, and alto Elizabeth Reeves. I’ve worked with all of them and they are fantastic. ‘A Grand Night for Singing’ updates classic versions of the songs with a swinging jazz ‘Honeybun’ and an Andrews Sisters‑esque ‘I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair.’ It’s all so much fun.”

Conceived by Walter Robbie with musical arrangements by Fred Wells, the revue showcases well‑loved songs through the eyes of a lovelorn lad. Taking the audience members into a new story is tricky because when they hear the music of “Shall We Dance,” they expect to see the King and Anna dancing. Instead, the songs are woven into a new emotional journey through the various stages of love. “Shall We Dance” plays into a ballroom dancing lesson with a self‑conscious young man with a comic twist.

Desert Foothills Theater’s production, under the direction of Emmy Award‑winning choreographer and director DeeDee Wood, has the ingredients any musical theatre aficionado loves–great talent and impeccable direction. Wood is intimately familiar with the work of Rodgers & Hammerstein as she choreographed “The Sound of Music” movie.

Wood’s impressive resume includes choreographer of movies and television including “Mary Poppins,” “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” “Beaches,” “Cher,” “The Andy Williams Show” among a lengthy list of credits.

“She has been an avid supporter of DFT through the years and the shows she has directed have been hits with our audiences,” says Sue Kern‑Fleischer with DFT.

The Cactus Shadows Fine Arts Center is located at 33606 N. 60th St. in Cave Creek. “A Grand Night for Singing” runs Nov. 2‑5, 10‑12, and 17‑19. All shows except for Sunday dates begin at 7:30 p.m. Sunday matinees start at 2 p.m. To order tickets by phone, call (480) 488‑1981, or purchase at the Center’s box office. For more information or to become a member of the Desert Foothills Theater, visit www.desertfoothillstheater.com.

Ballet Arizona brings romantic ‘Swan Lake’ to life

Ballet Arizona brings romantic ‘Swan Lake’ to life
The Phoenix Symphony accompanies with Tchaikovsky
by LeeAnn Sharpe

If you were to see only one ballet in your entire life, it would have to be Ballet Arizona’s lavish production of “Swan Lake,” regarded by many as the greatest of all classical ballets. With choreography by Olga Evreinoff and Ib Andersen following Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov’s classic interpretation, “Swan Lake” will be performed Nov. 3‑5 at Symphony Hall with The Phoenix Symphony conducted by Timothy Russell.

“Swan Lake” is the ultimate fairy tale portraying the tragic romance between the Swan Queen and Prince Siegfried, complete with a moonlit lake, swan maidens, and mystifying wizardry. First performed at the Bolshoi Theater in Moscow in 1877 with a specially commissioned score by Tchaikovsky, “Swan Lake” did not open to critical acclaim. However, Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov staged a tribute to Tchaikovsky in 1895, which became the definitive version. Since that time, countless choreographers have staged versions of this classic.

“‘Swan Lake’ immediately brings to mind beautiful choreography and the music of Tchaikovsky,” states Ballet Arizona Artistic Director Ib Andersen. “The combination of his score with the work of Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov are the reasons why, season after season, ‘Swan Lake’ continues to be one of the most famous and crowd‑pleasing ballets.”



Choreographer Olga Evreinoff, of St. Petersburg’s famed Vaganova Ballet Academy, regularly coached for many of the world’s best companies, including The Royal Ballet, English National Ballet, the Royal Swedish, and Royal Danish Ballets. She practices traditional Russian ballet technique with grander, more dramatic moves appropriate to “Swan Lake.”

To grant further insight of the production, Ballet Arizona offers a pre‑performance chat 45 minutes before the show to provide background information and firsthand knowledge of the ballet. Artistic Director Ib Andersen will participate in this part of the ballet’s presentation, which is open to all interested ticket holders. A short question and answer session is included in the discussion.

Tchaikovsky’s “Swan Lake” is one of the most fulfilling and memorable experiences you can share with friends and family, offering riveting entertainment for young and old alike.

As part of Ballet Arizona’s ongoing commitment to education, over 2000 students from schools throughout the Valley are expected to attend the November 2 student matinee, which includes a post‑performance question‑and‑answer session between dancers and the students.

Phoenix is truly blessed with a symphony and conductor who can make the music come to life, with emotion so powerful it can take your breath away. Performing this powerful production of “Swan Lake,” Ballet Arizona, now in its 21st season, unites pure, romantic music with brilliant choreography. “Swan Lake” is about passion and the power of young love, of deceit and treachery.

And much more than the dancing and music put Ballet Arizona’s magnificent production on the stage. Lighting design by Michael Korsch adds immeasurably to the mood, while the scenery, as presented by David Walker, courtesy of the Texas Ballet Theater, assures audiences of the perfect setting. The lavish costumes which bring so much life to the ballet are designed by Peter Cazalet in Act I & II, Scene 1 and Acts I & II, and by Zack Brown in Scene 2, (courtesy of Atlanta Ballet).

Symphony Hall is located in downtown Phoenix at 75 North 2nd Street. Performances are November 3 at 8 p.m., Nov. 4, at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Nov. 5, at 2 p.m. Tickets run from $10 to $104, with special reduced pricing for Saturday matinees. Children 12 and under are admitted for 50 percent off for all shows. Discounts are also available for seniors, students, K‑12 teachers, active duty military, and groups of 10 or more. For tickets, call Ballet Arizona at (602) 381‑1096, or Ticketmaster at (480) 784‑4444. The Ballet Arizona box office is located at 3645 East Indian School Road in Phoenix, and is open Mon.‑Fri. 9 a.m.‑4:30 p.m. Tickets are also available at any Ticketmaster Outlet located in Fry’s Marketplace, Wherehouse Music, Tower Records; and online at www.balletaz.org or www.ticketmaster.com.

Starlight Community Youth Theater brings ‘The Wiz’ out from behind curtain

If you believe, then you’ll be there’
Starlight Community Youth Theater brings ‘The Wiz’ out from behind curtain
by LeeAnn Sharpe

“Believe that you can go home, believe you can float on air, then click your heels three times, if you believe, then you’ll be there,” says Glinda the Good Witch.

Ease on down the road to the Starlight Community Youth Theater’s “The Wiz,” when believing is seeing at performances Nov. 3‑4 and Nov. 9‑11 at Boulder Creek Performing Arts Center.

Based on the ever popular L. Frank Baum book “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” published in 1900, “The Wiz” first hit the Broadway stage in 1975 and ran for four years, winning seven Tony awards. A subsequent Hollywood movie starring Michael Jackson, Richard Pryor and Diana Ross received limited acclaim in 1978. But none ever received the attention of the 1939 classic Judy Garland “Wizard of Oz” movie, a traditional holiday favorite.



Oz characters Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man, Cowardly Lion, the Wizard, Glinda the Good Witch, and the Wicked Witch of the West are so entrenched in the American lexicon that quotes like “Toto, I’ve a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore,” and “There’s no place like home,” have become cliches.


So how will “The Wiz” Director Mark Oesterle, a local assistant school principal, bring this production to life in Anthem? The script, an updated, urban, version of “The Wizard of Oz” has Dorothy whisked from her inner‑city neighborhood to the mystical land of Oz. All the characters from “The Wizard of Oz” are in this production, but with a modern urban flavor. And where the Broadway show and film version were primarily African American, this show takes on a lighter hue as a result of the suburban demographics of the North Valley.

One way this production will bring its own flavor is through Anthem resident Sherry Henderson, who is choreographing her 5th show with Starlight. Henderson has performed on Broadway and currently teaches dance at Dynamic Motion Dance Academy, and her experience will accent the production.

The show’s Musical Director Mark Foreman (AriZoni 2006 Award winner for Best Music Director in “The Who’s Tommy”) with his bRocktasmic! Orchestra Foreman will instill interesting sound in songs from “The Wiz,” including “Ease on Down the Road” sung by the characters as they dance down the Yellow Brick Road.

Foreman’s, or 4man’s, as he writes his name, bROCKtasmic! Orchestra consists of Assistant Music Director Steve McCarvel, Drums Nick Seagull, Bass Chris Pernice, Guitar Cody Carter, and a 13 piece bROCKtasmic! Orchestra. It’s a brilliant blend of rock and orchestra with a modern, edgier feel, plus lush orchestrations of yesteryear.

Foreman says, “[I’m] Very excited about working on ‘The Wiz’, and looking forward to working with an orchestra this size. In a show of this nature it’s important to have as many of the little details as possible. Things like the trumpet hits and string lines ala Shaft, native to 70s black music were needed to make this show authentic.”

Dorothy’s role in this production will be shared by Abby Belliston and Allysa Luders, and the Scarecrow role will be shared by Carissa Marston and Channing Pickett, who is also the Dance Captain, working under the direction of choreographer Henderson.

The finale brings the entire cast together to sing, “Everybody look around...’Cause there’s a reason to rejoice you see. Everybody come out. And let’s commence to singing joyfully. Everybody look up. And feel the hope that we’ve been waiting for. Everybody’s glad. Because our silent fear and dread is gone. Freedom, you see, has got our hearts singing so joyfully. Just look about. You owe it to yourself to check it out. Can’t you feel a brand new day?”

You owe it to yourself to check out “The Wiz” a joyful production with plenty of talent and enthusiasm. It’s just what Anthem resident Pat Bennett believed the youth in the North Valley needed, a theatrical home, when she, along with Oesterle, Henderson, Paul and Betty Towne and a dedicated crew of volunteers created the nonprofit community theater corporation, Starlight Theater in 2005. A steady stream of community theatre proves Starlight has been successful. As with all community theater, they look forward to seeing you at the theater.

“The Wiz” will play Nov. 3‑4 and 9‑11 at the Boulder Creek Performing Arts Center, 40401 North Gavilan Peak Parkway, in Anthem. The shows start at 7 p.m. For more information, call (623) 566‑7991 or visit www.starlightcommunitytheater.org.

Carefree concert series continues

Carefree concert series continues

CAREFREE – The town’s free “Concerts in the Gardens Series 2006‑2007” continues Thursday, Oct. 19, at 7 p.m. with singer Nancy Gee, in a concert celebrating jazz legends.

Gee, a Connecticut native, moved to the Valley in the mid‑1980s. For 16 years she entertained guests at the Phoenician Resort’s prestigious Mary Elaine’s restaurant. Gee’s style has been compared to the legendary jazz singer Sarah Vaughan.

The free concert series also affords attendees an opportunity to help charity. Carefree Town Clerk, Betsy Wise said, “Be sure to bring a non‑perishable food item to donate to the Foothills Food Bank collection box located next to the Carefree Hospitality table.”

The concert series continues on Nov. 9 with the Dry Creek Band, a traditional bluegrass group.

On Dec. 14, a Carefree Christmas Concert will be held at the Carefree Conference Resort & Villas in the 11,000 sq. ft. Opera House, 37720 Mule Train Rd. This event includes a visit by Santa Claus for children before the concert.

In addition, there will be choral and band presentations by local elementary and high school choirs. Free food and refreshments by the chefs at the Carefree Resort & Villas and a cash bar will be open for adult libations.

Musicians Lloyd and Donna Meyer will perform as well.

On Jan. 25, the singing cowboys group Pioneer Pepper and the Sunset Pioneers will entertain with songs originally performed by Gene Autry and Roy Rogers.

Overhead outdoor heaters are provided if needed. Except for the Carefree Christmas Concert, concerts are held at the Carefree Amphitheater, 101 Easy Street. For more information, call (480) 488‑3686 or visit www.carefree.org.

Black Mountain teacher to run 100 mile endurance race

Black Mountain teacher to run 100 mile endurance race

Black Mountain Elementary schoolteacher Jody Chase is going to be in a world of H.U.R.T. this January.

And she’s looking forward to that.

Chase, a physical education teacher, is going to be a member of the Hawaiian Ultra Running Team as they compete in the Trail 100 Mile Endurance Run on Jan. 13‑14.

Among the toughest endurance races in the world, the H.U.R.T. race follows pig trails through the tropical rain forest along the slopes to the summit of Maui’s Mt. Haleakala, the world’s largest inactive volcano. One of Chase’s students, third grader Daniel Hofer said, “She is absolutely crazy!”

Chase responded with a chuckle, “I’m not crazy. I just want to see if I can do it. I get a lot of support from my students.”

Daniel’s mother, Pam Hofer said, “I can’t believe it. It’s a hundred‑mile run, and it’s nonstop.”

Hofer, who is also a physical education teacher at Black Mountain, described Chase as “an awesome PE teacher.”

“She’s very quiet and I’ve never heard her raise her voice, but still she handles the kids real well,” Hofer said.

Chase knows how to prepare for an endurance race. In her five years of endurance running, she has consistently finished in the top 20 percent of the field. “I’m usually in the top five women finishers,” Chase said, adding she has completed three 100‑mile races in the past few years.

Chase’s students enjoy seeing her medals and hearing stories about her race experiences.

The forthcoming Hawaii race is a pretty steep goal–with more than 24,935 feet of elevation gain and loss over the course. The trails are described as very technical and the terrain is not easy. The entire race is either uphill or downhill. In addition, much of the race is run in darkness and runners have to keep moving over dangerous ground in some portions. They will traverse ridge tops that have steep vertical embankments. Runners are warned in a guidebook to take caution, “Broken bones are a real possibility on this course.”

The guidebook goes on to state, “It is recommended that runners carry a whistle on their person at all times. Should you become incapacitated or lost, the whistle may be your lifeline.”

Additional dangers include dehydration, hypothermia, road crossings, lack of lighting (heavy forest canopy makes the trail very dark), and wildlife like wild pigs roaming the trails with teeth and tusks that can do serious damage. Runners must cross as many as 10 streams and rivers, they are warned to not drink the water, as there is a leptospirosis problem in Hawaii.

Aside from the rugged terrain, the weather poses a challenge to participants as well.

“January is the beginning of the rainy season. Rain can come down in huge quantities over a short period of time. I expect to be wet the entire race,” Chase said.

When asked how a desert dweller will deal with the extremely high relative humidity, Chase said she drinks large quantities of water and makes certain she is getting the necessary nutrients to maintain an adequate balance of electrolytes.

“It’s important to promote a healthy lifestyle. And the positive example of setting high, rigorous goals for oneself is part of being a role model forstudents,” Chase said.

Her goal is to finish the race and bring back her experiences to share. Chase expects to complete the race in about 32 hours and feels her chances are good to be the top woman finisher.

Runners must carry their own supplies and are advised to carry the course map. The guidebook reads, “There’s always the possibility that some of the course markings may be removed during the event.”

“Yeah, that happens,” Chase said, undaunted. “A friend and I will be out the day before the race helping to mark the course, so I will be familiar with at least a small part of the course.”

Those who complete the run will be awarded belt buckles and special awards will go the first three male and female runners to cross the finish line.

Chase said she intends to seek sponsors to offset the tremendous cost of the trip.

Daughters of the American Revolution

The Daughters of the American Revolution is a volunteer women's service organization dedicated to promoting patriotism, preserving American history, and securing America's future through better education for children.
Anthem has grown to sufficient numbers to warrant the formation of it’s own Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, according to Organizing Regent Emory Maxwell. She says, “With over 30,000 residents predicted to populate Anthem in the near future, it’s time for a local Chapter of DAR.”
There are over 3,000 chapters across the country with 168,000 members. About 40 chapters have been organized in Arizona already. The new Anthem Chapter plans to draw members from all of the North Valley communities.
DAR members volunteer more than 55,000 hours annually to veteran patients, award over $150,000 in scholarships and financial aid each year to students, and support schools for the underprivileged with annual donations exceeding one million dollars.
The primary requirement for membership is you must prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution making it one of the most inclusive genealogical societies in the country. Any woman 18 years or older-regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background can apply if they meet the first requirement.
The DAR, founded in 1890 and headquartered in a building spanning a full city block in Washington, D.C., has a website at www.dar.org which links to email for every chapter. Their museum, “The Americana Collection” contains more than 4,000 diverse American manuscripts and rare imprints highlighting persons and moments of historic importance. The focus of the collection is on Colonial America, the Revolutionary War era, and the Early Republic.
The Continental Congress, the DAR annual national meeting, is named after the original Continental Congress, which governed the American Colonies, and attracts approximately 4,000 members to Washington, D.C., each year.
An organizational meeting for the Anthem Chapter will be held on Friday, November 17, 2006 at 1pm at the Anthem Community Center, 41130 N Freedom Way and is open to all interested. Or you can call Emory Maxwell at 623-551-3084 or emorymaxwell@aol.com .

"Dream Chaser" is a horse rescue operation in New River, Arizona.

"Dream Chaser" is a horse rescue operation in New River, Arizona. Susan Thompson and her daughter Jaime get occasional help from a couple of volunteers, but mostly it’s just the two of them watching out for the 30 horses at their ranch. In the next week or so, another 25 horses will be arriving from Alberta, Canada rescued from slaughter.
They are known as PMU horses. PMU stands for pregnant mares’ urine, used to produce estrogen for the most popular drug in the United States to treat menopausal symptoms, Premarin. Thousands of mares stand in narrow stalls with urine collection devices strapped to them for months on end. The stalls are deliberately narrow to prevent pregnant mares from turning or lying down and detaching the collection cups. Their water intake may also be restricted to concentrate the estrogen in the urine, which can lead to swollen legs, sore hooves and other health problems. Many of these mares get little or no exercise for the six months they are forced to stand in the barns. And once they deliver their foals, they get a brief turn out to pasture with a stallion to get pregnant again.
In recent years publicity about the terrible conditions these horses had to endure have brought about changes in the drug industry. New drugs made from plants are becoming more popular and many of the PMU production facilities are being closed down. The result is a larger than usual inventory of PMU horses on the market.
Susan Thompson says, “ There was a window of opportunity to buy these horses before September 15th or they would all go to the slaughterhouse. I took as many as I could, 25, and they have all had their vet check and Coggins and are on the way here. They cost about $600 each to ship and between $500 to $1000 to purchase, depending on age and condition. Some are registered quarterhorses. Most have good breeding lines on their papers. The owners got smart about breeding horses people would want so they could sell the foals.””
The goal is to gentle these horses to the point they can be put into good homes. “Most are going to be pretty wild when we get them. They haven’t ever been ridden and will need some time to be gentled to the point they can be handled. We’re not looking to make a profit when we sell these horses, but just re-coop what we have invested so we can continue to rescue more horses.”
Thompson has been rescuing horses, birds and dogs for the last 5 years. “Just this last year we got the non-profit 501C3 status to allow us to get tax deductible donations. We could sure use some donations to keep these horses fed.”
“We are also looking for volunteers to help out with watering, grooming and walking the babies. I tend to do the feeding myself as I want to keep a close handle on what these horses are getting so as to keep them healthy,” says Thompson. “Anyone who loves horses has to be touched by the lives these horses have endured. We just want to give them a happy life now.”
The ranch is located off New River Road near 15th Avenue. Their number is 623-910-6530.

2006 Mounted Shooters of America World Championships.Faye Leerssen, a 14-year-old

Faye Leerssen, a 14-year-old freshman from Scottsdale’s Desert Mountain High School, took the crown as Ladies Champion at the 2006 Mounted Shooters of America World Championships. Royce Anderson, of Incline NV, the seasoned veteran of many Champion titles, was Overall Men’s Champion.

Youth and experience won the day at the Mohave Crossing Arena in Bullhead AZ. Leerssen and her Paint horse “Chief” rode hard and clean to take her to the top of the sport. What’s most remarkable is that Chief required extensive surgery for an intestinal blockage in August of 2005, an operation many horses don’t survive. Not only did he survive, but with Faye’s gentle loving attention, he has returned to his fully competitive and now world champion form.

Scottsdale riding instructor Mariette Kort comments of her student, “Faye has gained so much self confidence in this sport. She is totally dedicated and has worked hard to achieve her goal.” Kort has been training Leerssen since the age of 6. She started learning the sport of mounted shooting when she was about 9-years-old.

The sport of mounted shooting combines top equestrian skills of riding with lead changes, rating a horse to the speed needed, making tight turns around barrels, and being able to strategize the best route within a course’s requirements based the horses ability; all of this while shooting a single action six gun loaded with a special black powder blank that breaks a balloon at about 10 to 15 feet. Only 5 chambers in the gun are loaded and competitors are required to shoot the first five targets in a pattern, change guns to engage the second five targets. This is an art in itself. Try holstering a gun at a full gallop and pulling another gun as you lead your horse around a barrel. It’s tougher than it looks and those balloons come up fast as you gallop the rundown towards the timer. It requires a combination of top equestrian skill and precision shooting. Top competitors can turn in times of 11 seconds!

To win a World Championship title requires years of experience and skill. And it requires a really fast and well-trained horse. “Faye is the only one to ever ride Chief. She has done all of the training herself,” says Kort. This is unusual as many top competitors often send their horses to the experts for fine-tuning. “Everyday after school and all weekend long Faye is out riding and working with Chief.”

Faye says, ”From the first time I rode Chief at Festival of the West almost 4-years-ago, I knew he was special. When we got him everyone was worried that he was too young and that I was too young to handle him. TC (MSA President TC Thorstenson) said if I could handle my crazy pony, I could handle anything.”

“Chief has been one of the most important things in my life,” comments the new World Champion. “I ride almost every day. My room is covered with pictures of Chief, my school notebook has pictures of Chief, everything I do centers around him,”

Leslie and Keith Leerssen, Scottsdale business owners, are all smiles when it comes to their daughter’s accomplishments. Bringing horses into their daughter’s life has been a blessing that has turned a shy girl into a strong and confident young woman.
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The 2nd Annual Zoo Walk / 5K Run for Autism at the Phoenix Zoo

The 2nd Annual Zoo Walk / 5K Run for Autism at the Phoenix Zoo is a fundraiser for Autism Research. The event is Saturday October 21, 2006, registration 6:30am or register online at www.zoowalk.org. A $50 tax-deductible donation gets you a t-shirt, a wristband for all day admission to the zoo and participation in the 8am 1.1mile walk on an easy paved path, with shade and places to stop and view the animals. It’s ideal for strollers, wheelchairs and wagons, but no bikes, skateboards, or roller blades.
Runners entry fee is $25 and the run starts at 7am. The 5K run makes 2.5 loops inside the zoo.
Autism now affects 1 in 166 children. Based on government statistics, autism is growing at a startling rate of 10%-17% per year. At this rate, the ASA estimates that the prevalence of autism could reach 4 million Americans in the next decade.

Autism is a complex developmental disability that affects an individual in the areas of social interaction and communication. It’s a spectrum disorder that affects each individual differently and to varying degrees of severity. Research is needed to find effective treatments to help children and adults with Autism/Asperger’s.

Fifty percent of the Zoo Walk funds will go directly to the Autism/Asperger’s Research Program at ASU, lead by James B. Adams, Ph.D. Adams is a pioneer in the search for new treatments for children and adults with Autism and Asperger’s. In addition to carrying out important research studies, he has also organized major autism conferences in Arizona to educate families about biomedical, behavioral, and educational therapies.

The other fifty percent will go to Autism Research Institute, directed by Bernard Rimland, PhD, father of a son with autism. In 1964, he wrote the book “Infantile Autism”. In 1967, he founded the Autism Research Institute, which has gathered data on treatments from over 40,000 families, and provided information on effective treatments to over 100,000 families. In 1995, Dr. Rimland founded Defeat Autism Now!, training parents in biomedical treatments based on scientific research, physician experience, and parent input.

Phoenix Zoo is located at 455 N. Galvin Parkway in Papago Park in Phoenix.

2nd Annual Wild Western Festival Pioneer Living History Museum

The 2nd Annual Wild Western Festival came to Pioneer Living History Museum in North Phoenix at Pioneer Road and I-17 on Saturday and Sunday, September 23rd-24th. Thousands of western lifestyle enthusiasts came out to enjoy the beautiful fall Arizona weather and plenty of cowboy shootin’, hootin’ and hollarin’, cowboy music and good eats.

DR “Buck” Montgomery bills his event as “Where History meets Hollywood”. Stars of the old westerns including Whitey Hughes, Donna Martell, Peter Brown, Don Collier, Gregg Palmer, Bob Hoy, Marie Harmon, and authors Cheryl Rogers-Barnett and Charlie LeSueur were on hand to sign autographs.

One man from Wittman says he came in to see some of his favorite entertainers from the golden age of the silver screen. “It was a time when the western reigned and the cowboy code was the way we lived.” Donna Martel commented, “It was a simpler time.” Marie Harmon reminisced about all of the stars she had worked with, “So many are gone now.”

From the moment you entered the old west town, musicians greeted you with old west ballads. A mix of modern vendor booths selling everything from resort hotel vacations to guided desert excursions for tourist and beachfront properties in Mexico, stood next to the old west merchants with cowboy hats and sheriff stars for the kids. The big barbeque pit had burgers, dogs, ribs and chicken smelling mighty good. Traditional festival fare like snow cones and kettlekorn were doing a steady business too.

Decked out in classic cowgirl fringed riding skirt and shirt Pistol Packin’ Paula entertained a good-sized audience seated comfortably on the lawn. Her rope tricks, gun spinning and whip cracking had the crowds oohing and aaahing throughout her performance. After, she took time to sign autographs and pose for pictures with fans.

Sourdough Slim and Dave Bourne took the stage at noon with a duet of piano and song. Bourne, known as the piano player in the HBO hit series “Deadwood” where his music is used as background in the Gem Saloon, showed his historian expertise as he told stories about each of the songs he played. Some were familiar, but most never made the top 40 list of hits, even back in 1880.

A nice group of award winning traditional cowboy musicians were on hand playing at one of three stages throughout the weekend. Paula Strong and Walt Richards were Western Music Association Best Duo Harmony of the Year in 2005, Tom Hiatt and the Sundown Riders, known as an Arizona Cowboy Balladeer, and Bill Barwick, “voice of the Western Channel” sang and told stories of the old west.

The World Champion Moontee Sinquah Indian Dancers and Flute player added to the traditional western flavor of the event.

Most popular were the gunfights in the old west town with Kowboy Kal, Joey Dillon, Gary “Bad Dog” Bennett, DR “Buck” Montgomery, and Pioneer’s stunt cowboys shooting it out. Crowds gathered early for seats in the grandstand or to stake out a place along the fence to catch the action up close. These gunfighters used more humor than fear in their act and the crowds enjoyed their antics.

All in all, it was a very worthwhile and entertaining festival of old west fun. A bit of advice if you attend next year, wear a hat. Even with the cooler temperatures, the sun was intense with little opportunity for shade. And drink plenty of water.
###

Arizona Heart Transplant Uses New Pump

Can you image being strong and healthy, then one day and waking up with a little cough that turns out to be an infection that causes congestive heart failure? That’s what happened to Ruben Delgadillo, 41, of Yuma, Arizona. It changed everything four years ago, setting him up for the battle for his life.

“Before, I would be out playing baseball or bowling. I was a pretty strong guy,” comments Delgadillo, a Produce Manager for Food City in Yuma. “Then my heart got this infection and for four years it got worse. A few months ago I collapsed at work and have been in the hospital since.”

Delgadillo’s heart was failing fast and measures to keep his heart pumping were not enough. He was barely surviving on less than 10% flow of blood. “The doctor at Good Sam referred me to doctors at Mayo Clinic and that’s where they asked me if I wanted to go on this new pump. It was my best option.”

He became the state's first resident to receive the new technology, HeartMate II®, a battery powered pump implanted in his chest, to maintain a steady flow of oxygenated blood until heart transplant surgery could be performed. The pump gave him a normal blood flow, which allowed him to regain strength prior to the heart transplant.

“I started feeling better right away. There’s just a wire coming out of my side to a battery or electric outlet. It didn’t make any sound unless you listened with a stethoscope and then you hear a whirring sound,” he says with a grin. They were just about to release him from the hospital two weeks after the HeartMate II® was implanted, when the call came, they had his new heart on the way.

The transplant surgery August 12th (Scottsdale Mayo Clinic’s 14th since establishing the program last year) went well and only 5 weeks later Ruben Delgadillo is up and around. “I feel great!” he says. “The swelling has gone down and the natural color is returning to my face and legs. The only pain is where the incision is healing. It’s a little tender.”

This weekend he is feeling up to a family reunion in Yuma. “My brothers and sister and Mom will all be there. It will be good to see everyone,” he says with a big smile.

“I feel pretty good. I think I am healing ahead of schedule because I was so strong before. I start physical therapy next week and I’m looking forward to getting stronger.”

“The doctors at Mayo Clinic are the greatest. I was in three hospitals and the Mayo was the best. The doctors came to see me several times a day and were calling all the time to check on me.” But ask him about the food and he emphatically says, ”It was terrible! They gave me these little tiny pancakes. I lost 85 pounds!” He continues to lose weight as the heart healthy low sodium diet continues at home. “My sister Eva watches me real close to be sure I eat right.”

Taking care of his new heart and working toward returning to his life are his full time job for now. “It’s just good to be up and around again. I feel pretty good.”

Tramanto Neighborhood Watch

Tramanto citizens, in conjunction with Phoenix police, are launching a new crime prevention effort to include volunteer patrols and Neighborhood Watch signs.

Christian Wittenberg recalls his neighbor going outside carrying a baseball bat to investigate a “would be car thief” and getting shot in the foot. It’s a rare occurrence in Tramanto and one that the PNP (Phoenix Neighborhood Patrol) would like to prevent.

With grant funds of $4700 the PNP is installing 50 Neighborhood Watch signs 24”x18” that read “Warning: This area protected by neighborhood watch and Operation ID. To report suspicious activity call Crime Stop at 602-262-6151. Take a bite out of crime. A picture of McGruff, the “crime fighting dog” completes the sign. Reports indicate these signs are effective in warning criminals they will be watched and are likely to avoid the area. The grant funds also pay for patrol mileage, uniforms, cell phones, flashlights, and office supplies.

Seven volunteers have gone through a full day of training with the Phoenix Police department. The all day Saturday class educates recruits about what they can and can not do as civilians on patrol. Subjects like graffiti, recognizing suspicious activity and patrol guidelines are discussed. Recruits must be over 18-years of age and pass a background check and have no felony arrests on record. There is no pay, just a willingness to protect the community.

“I learned a lot of things in the class. Like you can not grab someone and detain them against their will,” says Wittenberg. “We just have to call the police to apprehend the suspects. We don’t carry guns as part of our agreement with the Phoenix police department. The training teaches our patrol how to safely handle a situation until the police arrive. Basically, we are there to observe and report to the police.”

Wittenberg is retired and the only full time PNP worker. All of the other volunteers work full time jobs and do their patrols on weekends and evenings. “Right now we get two patrols a month,” Wittenberg says. “I wish we had more volunteers. We would like to get more frequent patrols.”

“One way citizens can help the PNP is to keep cars off the street overnight,” Wittenberg says. “Any car on the street overnight is suspicious. Also emergency vehicles can not get through if cars are parked on the streets.”

Tramanto is one of the safest communities in Phoenix with very low crime statistics. Wittenberg and his PNP force intend to keep it that way.

Fall TV Promising

My entire life September has been a time to look forward to the new fall lineup on television. There was excitement in deciding which new shows would be hits and which would go bust. Much had to do with their time slot and what show was against another on one of the three networks, the local station and one public broadcast station in Phoenix.
But now we have literally hundreds of channels from which to select, seasons starting at various times, preseason series, and summer series. It’s all so confusing! And it’s so easy for a good show to get lost in mass of television.
Recently TV critics completed an 18-day network preview. According to many this is the best development season TV has had in 12 years.
One even advised, “ If you have been putting off purchase of a high-def television or a recorder to capture two shows at the same time, this would be the time to take the plunge.”
Monday nights this fall "CSI: Miami" on CBS will go up against the most highly touted new drama, NBC's "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip." It’s been called a backstage look at the making of a show (like SNL) from "West Wing" creator Aaron Sorkin. And for a cable premiere check out BBC America is airing "Life on Mars" and Bravo airs "Tabloid Wars".
Tuesday nights has the two best new comedies of the season, both on ABC - robbery-high-jinks caper "The Knights of Prosperity" and self-help spoof "Help Me Help You". CBS has "The Unit," and NBC moved "Criminal Intent" and Fox has the hostage drama, "Standoff." CW' has the cult hit "Veronica Mars": Probably the best Tuesday night line up in years.
Friday night has the ABC sweetly sophisticated comedy "Ugly Betty" up against "Ghost Whisperer" and "Crossing Jordan" .
NBC, has plenty of great new shows including "Heroes," about young people just discovering their superpowers; and "Friday Night Lights," where small-town dramas are set against high-school football.
Sunday Aug. 20, Fox starts their season with "Justice," a dazzling new crime show. Victor Garber (late of "Alias") and his all-star defense team will see about find some defendants aren’t always the guilty party. TLC's "The Messengers" will also air on Sunday’s with search for the best new inspirational speakers.

The nice thing about some good shows not making it past the first season is they can usually be seen on cable somewhere like ABC Family, ABC.com or on DVD. In the old days you missed it and it was gone. Unless TVLand picked it up and is rerunning it now!

"RIDE FOR THE WALK"

PRESS RELEASE
Aug 4, 2005
For immediate release up to 10-20-06

Basic information:

Join Us For The
"RIDE FOR THE WALK"
A TRAIL RIDE AT GRANITE MOUNTAIN
Honoring Robin Hilditch
And Benefiting
The Breast Cancer 3- DAY 60 MILE WALK
(The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation)
THIS IS A FIRST TIME EVENT FOR THOSE OF US WHO SUPPORT
CANCER RESEARCH, BUT DON'T WANT TO WALK 60 MILES!
SATURDAY OCT 21st, 2006
CAVE CREEK OUTFITTERS
31313 N. 144th Street, Rio Verde, Arizona
(Dynamite Road to 144th St. Turn North)
Riders of Privately Owned Horses: Ride starts at 9:00 AM
Rental Horse Riders: 1st Ride starts at 10:00 AM
Lunch & Silent Auction Noon
Rental Horse Riders: 2nd Ride starts at 1:00 PM
for a Ride Donation of $25.00. you can be a
PARTICIPATING RIDER
Includes a beautiful 2-hour Trail Ride and all the water you can drink!
for a Ride Donation of $100.00 and above. you can be a
SPONSORING RIDER
Includes all of the above, PLUS a Great Lunch,
PLUS the Limited Edition commemorative T -SHIRT.
*PRE-REGISTRATION is highly recommended, so we don't run out of food or T -Shirts.
*RENTAL HORSES AVAILABLE. If renting, add $45 to Ride Donation amount above.
*PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR RENTERS BY OCT. 1st, 2006.
*LUNCH will be served at Base Camp at 12:00 NOON, between Rental Horse Rides.
*CELEBRITY RIDERS: We are hoping to have some Celebrities come out and join us.
*SILENT AUCTION: Bring lots of money for our SILENT AUCTION. Remember this is a
for charity event with all profits going to the Breast Cancer 3-DAY WALK.
Questions? Call Cortland Parks at 480-250-2703.

Article:
Cortland Parks is a Scottsdale/Rio Verde cowboy, well know in these parts as an active participant in charity projects for over 30 years. As a past Phoenix Jaycees Comancheros Rodeo Boss or any of the many other horse organizations he has been a part of over the years, Cort has a reputation for his “get it done right” ability to turn any endeavor into a great success. And he has been called on to head many projects. But to him, the project he tackles this fall has a very special meaning.

The “RIDE FOR THE WALK” a trail ride at Granite Mountain Saturday, October 21st,2006 is a living tribute to his beautiful partner Robin Hilditch who passed away with cancer April 6th 2006. The Ride proceeds will benefit The Breast Cancer 3-DAY 60 MILE WALK for The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. It’s touted as “A FIRST TIME EVENT FOR THOSE OF US WHO SUPPORT CANCER RESEARCH, BUT DON'T WANT TO WALK 60 MILES!”

CAVE CREEK OUTFITTERS at 31313 N. 144th Street, Rio Verde, Arizona, (Dynamite Road to 144th St. Turn North), will be the start and end point for the trail ride. Riders with their own horses start a beautiful 2-hour Trail Ride and “all the water you can drink” at 9:00AM. Entry donation is $25, and you are asked to collect donations from others with checks payable to “Breast Cancer 3-Day”.

You can rent a horse and start the ride at 10:00AM. Horses are rented at Cave Creek Outfitters for $45 (Reserved by Oct.1st, 2006), plus the Trail Ride “Participating Rider” $25 entry donation.

If you would like to enjoy a great lunch and a limited edition commemorative T-shirt, become a “Sponsoring Rider” for $100. At Noon lunch is served and a Silent Auction begins with lots of wonderful items up for grabs. Remember the money all goes to the charity, so be generous! An afternoon trail ride for those who have rented horses will begin at 1:00PM. PRE-REGISTRATION is highly recommended, so they don't run out of food or T -Shirts.

Rumors say they are going to have some exciting Celebrity Riders come out and join the “RIDE FOR THE WALK”. What a thrill to ride along with the famous, enjoy lunch and hob nob with fellow cowboys and cowgirls all out to help the cause.

The “SILENT AUCTION” will bring lots of money for the “Breast Cancer 3-DAY WALK”. They are actively seeking donations for the “Silent Auction” as well as participants.

If you have any questions about the “RIDE FOR THE WALK” call Cortland Parks at 480-250-2704.

Whats good on TV?

What’s on TV?
This week, (and repeating frequently the entire month of August), HBO airs Ridley Scott's epic masterpiece "Kingdom of Heaven" which takes place around 1184 A.D. in Jerusalem. Jews, Christians and Muslims all wanted to claim the city, site of religious their shrines. Crusaders, mainly European Christians, were promised Heaven for spilled blood as they mounted several Crusades to "liberate" the Holy Land from Muslims, Arabs and Jews. Sounds a lot like Middle Eastern fanaticism in today’s world. So little has changed.
In this 2½-hour story Orlando Bloom, portrays a blacksmith, Balian, bastard son of the great knight Godfrey of Ibelin (played by Liam Neeson – who delivers an exceptional performance). His father arrives just as Balian’s life has been turned upside down with the loss of a son (stillborn) and his wife (suicide). In his grief he has murdered a priest. His father has offered him an opportunity for a new life in Jerusalem.
Jerusalem is about to experience change as the fragile leper King Baldwin, who rules Jerusalem, is near death. Guy de Lusignan (Marton Csokas) marries the King’s beautiful sister Sibylla (Eva Green), positioning for the throne. He and a band of allies among the brutish Knights Templar, including leader Reynald de Chatillon (Brendan Gleeson), hunger for war and make it happen the moment the king has died.
Balian who has engaged in a love affair with Sibylla before her marriage, survives an attempt on his life by Guy’s gang. Holding no grudge, or at least in his concern for the fate of the armies, Balian warns Guy and his advisors that marching to engage King Saladin in the waterless desert would be a death march. He suggests it would be better to take a defensive stand in the city. He finds allies in his father's aide and counselor, known as the Hospitaler (David Thewlis) and the king's advisor Tiberias (Jeremy Irons) and even Guy's wife, Sibylla. But Guy and his allies march anyway, and of course, those who don’t die of thirst are slaughtered by Saladin.
Fresh with success King Saladin (Ghassan Massoud) is determined to take back Jerusalem and all the Holy Land from the outsiders. With his 200,000 Muslim soldiers there’s little question he will win, but at what price. In the end, Balian proves a worthy opponent, and the fight more difficult than Saladin had expected. Balian and Saladin must come face to face and decide whether to keep the blood flowing or end the slaughter. It’s a question that echos today as the violence continues. Some critics have suggested Scott went too far to draw the parallel.
In general, critics were uncomplimentary and the film has not received the acclaim expected. Scott attributes the poor reception to revisions based on preview audience criticism. He has made a new directors cut for the DVD release. On a scale of 10, "Kingdom of Heaven" rates a strong 8 in my opinion. Ridley Scott's "Kingdom of Heaven" is a beautiful epic with exceptional photography and CG to generate the massive battle scenes. His filming the movie in Morocco required extreme security (Moroccan Army was also used as extras) to protect the cast and crew from Islamist death threats. Some characters were a little short on development, as can happen when the action speaks so boldly to tell the story. Regardless, it’s a great film worth your time. Other Scott films include “Gladiator," "Black Hawk Down," "Alien," "Blade Runner (also being revised in a new DVD directors cut)," and "Thelma and Louise".
Sidebar
Director Ridley Scott and writer William Monahan have woven real history, real people, actual battles, and events together to create a fascinating epic. But how much is true and how much is fiction.
According to www.christianitytoday.com, “history says that Balian did in fact play a crucial role as a Crusader noble in the events surrounding the fall of Jerusalem in 1187 to the Muslim sultan Saladin. But Balian never had to travel to the Holy Land—as he does in the movie—because he was already part of the nobility there. His father Balian the Old (not Godfrey) fathered three sons, Hugh, Baldwin, and Balian, all of whom were legitimate and recognized as such. Long before Saladin made his masterful invasion of the Holy Land, Balian and his elder brother Baldwin had established their reputations as competent members of Palestine's feudal nobility. Indeed, Balian was married to royalty even before the events Scott portrays—and he wasn't at all romantically involved with the princess Sibylla, sister to the king of Jerusalem. (Actually Balian's brother Baldwin was the one who had a love interest in Sibylla.)” You can read more about Balian and his interesting history online.