8 HOTELS

Gainey Suites
7300 E. Gainey Suites Drive
(800) 970-4666
www.gaineysuiteshotel.com

Guest suites have a fresh new look following a $3.7 million renovation last year that includes LCD flat-screen TVs, new bathrooms, hardwood floors and much more. Adding to the property’s allure is the Terrace Patio and lawn, an oasis-like courtyard, palm-lined pool, newly equipped fitness center, complimentary breakfast buffet and free Wi-Fi. The hotel is adjacent to The Shops-Gainey Village, home to boutiques, galleries and delicious dining options such McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant and The Village Tavern.

The Smoking Deal: Starting at $109 per night until Sept. 11, “The Suite Summer Getaway” includes an evening reception with beer, wine and hors-d’oeuvres; $20 credit for the Village Tavern; $20 for McCormick & Schmick’s; and a 10 percent discount at The Spa at Gainey Village. Stay two or three nights, and the next night is free!



Four Seasons Resort
Scottsdale at Troon North
10600 E. Crescent Moon Drive
(888) 207-9696
www.fourseasons.com/scottsdale

If it’s desert views you’re after, this stunning locale in the foothills of Pinnacle Peak is literally awesome. Many of the desert-chic guest rooms and suites afford front-row seats to the splendor, and guests enjoy priority privileges at Troon North’s championship courses. Onyx Bar, Talvavera’s American cuisine, a full-service spa and luscious pool round out the amenities.

The Deal: Rooms start at about $150 weekdays and $200 weekends. To encourage summer bookings, the hotel is offering a $100 credit for every two consecutive paid nights to be used toward incidental charges (excludes room, tax and golf). Or, if your schedule permits, you’re invited to stay two nights and enjoy a complimentary third night for an extended retreat instead.



Scottsdale Marriott at McDowell Mountains
16770 N. Perimeter Drive
(800) 835-6205
www.marriottscottsdale.com

The all-suite hotel is reminiscent of a luxurious Mediterranean villa, rising above the vibrant green fairways of the TPC Scottsdale. Enjoy the pool and spectacular views of the McDowell Mountains.

The Deal: Starting at $118 per night, the Melograno Signature Cocktail Package features a spacious suite (one king or two double beds); breakfast for two in Zambra Grille, two Starbucks drinks, and two signature Melograno cocktails—a potent pomegranate and vodka concoction.



Westin Kierland Resort and Spa
6902 E. Greenway Parkway
(800) 354-5892
www.kierlandresort.com

The resort has it all—golf, pools, a top-notch spa and eight unique dining experiences, including Nuevo Latino cuisine developed by a James Beard Award-winning chef.

The Deal: Arizona residents are offered a host of specials for summer. Arizonans with ID receive 50 percent off golf fees from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. all summer long at Kierland Golf Club (call at least two days in advance), and 20 percent off Agave Spa and Salon services.



The Fairmont Scottsdale
7575 E. Princess Drive
(800) 908-9370
www.fairmont.com/scottsdale

The AAA Five Diamond resort charms guests with Spanish colonial-style architecture, lush gardens, five swimming pools, the Sonoran Splash complex with water slides, and one of the best spas in the country, Willow Stream—plus it’s adjacent to TPC Scottsdale Stadium and Champions courses. Dining options include acclaimed Chef Michael Mina’s Bourbon Steak, and the farm-fresh cuisine of LV Bistro.

The Smoking Deal: “Summer Splash Scottsdale Family Vacation” includes a room and a $100 daily food and beverage credit per paid night. With double-occupancy rates starting at $199 per night and kids staying in their parents’ room free, that’s a sweet offer. Family-friendly movies are shown at the East Pool Friday and Saturday nights. To give the kids an extra thrill—and keep them busy—sign them up for the new National Geographic Explorers Camp at $49-$79 for half- or full-day sessions.



Xona Resort Suites
7677 E Princess Blvd.
(800) 903-9225
www.xonaresort.com

The four pools and three whirlpool spas aren’t the only things sparkling at this freshly renovated resort. A neighbor to the Fairmont, Xona offers easy access to that hotel’s Willow Stream Spa as well as the TPC golf course. The handsome new Asada Desert Grille and Orange Iguana Lounge evoke the mystery of the Arizona desert.

The Smoking Deal: Stay for just $159 per night in a spacious one-bedroom suite and enjoy a $100 food and beverage credit to use at the grille or lounge. Rooms are 650 square feet and outfitted with queen sleeper sofas, so there is plenty of room. (According to our math, that’s $59 per night, plus a $7.50 resort fee that includes Wi-Fi access and fitness center!) And golf lovers, be advised: The Grip It Rip It Package, starting at $129, features a free round of golf per paid night at the TPC Champions Course. (Check dates; as of press time, the golf offer was good Aug. 1-Sept. 9.)



Radisson Fort McDowell Resort & Casino Hotel
10438 N. Fort McDowell Road
(480) 789-5300
www.radissonfortmcdowellresort.com

Arizona’s only AAA 4-Diamond resort and casino has a lot of something for everybody—from fine dining and spa treatments to “dive-in movies” and poolside entertainment.

The Deal: SunSational Getaway $139 package ($159 Fri.-Sat.) includes a $75 credit per night to use at resort restaurants, spa, pool café, etc. That’s just $65 for the room, and children eat free breakfast if dining with their parents! Guests also get free membership in Fort McDowell Casino Winners Circle and $10 in casino credit. On Friday nights, dig into a complimentary poolside BBQ; stay Friday and Saturday, and a $20 gas voucher for nearby Baja Gas sweetens the deal.



2 FAMILY HEAT BEATERS

Ice Den
9375 E. Bell Road
(480) 585-RINK
www.coyotesice.com

Glide into the Ice Den anytime you want to remember what 53 degrees feels like. You don’t even have to skate, though that is pretty much the point. On select Sundays—July 12 and Aug. 9—the rink hosts Canadian Beach Parties with all the fun of a real beach party, only frozen solid and no sand between the toes. Haul the kids down for a “snow beach” with sand toys and beach balls, on-ice games, beach tunes, a live DJ, a bounce house, ice skating lessons and more. Admission is $6, and skate rentals go for $2. All parties start at 1:30 p.m.

Also for summer, the Ice Den has added more hours to its regular public skating schedule, so everybody can get on the ice noon-2 p.m. weekdays as well. Check the website for weekday schedules and themes.

On Saturdays, noon-2 p.m., kids are invited to folic in “Snow Corner,” a huge pile of snow in a special no-skate area. Admission to the attraction is free with paid entry to the skate session.



CrackerJax
16001 N. Scottsdale Road
(480) 998-2800
www.crackerjax.com

The family fun and sports park has a few water-based attractions plus a golf addict’s dream deal. Launch balloons at your friends and loved ones with a giant “Water Wars” contraption, or slip behind the wheel of Bumper Boats and plow through the lagoon and through the waterfall. Through July, the park has extended its great driving range special: Enjoy 500 balls for $30! The range is open 8 a.m.-10 p.m., closing at midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

The Red Flags Rule is a little known regulation that will likely impact a surprisingly large number of business entities. The Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) has delayed enforcement of its Red Flags Rule (the “Rule”) regarding identity theft until August 1, 2009.

The Rule requires that financial institutions and creditors with “covered accounts” develop and implement written identity theft prevention programs, which provide for the identification, detection, and response to patterns, practices, or specific activities, or “red flags”, which could indicate identity theft. These may include, for example, unusual account activity, fraud alerts on a consumer report, attempted use of suspicious application documents, discrepancies in address history, inactive accounts that suddenly become active, or notices from identity theft victims or law enforcement agencies, among others.

Who Is Covered?
The Rule applies to any financial institution or creditor holding a covered account. A financial institution is defined as a state or national bank, a state or federal savings and loan association, a mutual savings bank, a state or federal credit union, or any other entity that holds a “transaction account” belonging to a customer.

The Rule seems aimed at financial institutions and creditors such as banks, thrifts, credit unions, credit card companies, and auto dealers, or those creditors that utilize sensitive personal information about a consumer accessed through a credit application process and requiring the use of an individual’s credit report. However, given the broad definitions of “creditor,” (any entity that defers payments for goods or services) and “covered account” (any account involving multiple transactions that is primarily used for personal purposes), the Rule will likely apply to many business in the United States.

What Is Covered?
A transaction account is a deposit or other account from which the owner makes payments or transfers. Transaction accounts include checking accounts, negotiable order of withdrawal accounts, savings deposits subject to automatic transfers, and share draft accounts.

A covered account is an account used mostly for personal, family, or household purposes, and that involves multiple payments or transactions. Examples of covered accounts include, but are not limited to, credit card, margin, cell phone, utility, checking and savings accounts, as well as mortgage and automobile loans. A covered account is also defined to include an account for which there is a foreseeable risk of identity theft, such as small business or sole proprietorship accounts.

Is My Business Subject to the Rule?
A creditor is any entity that regularly extends, renews, or continues credit, any entity that regularly arranges for the extension, renewal, or continuation of credit, or any assignee of an original creditor who is involved in the decision to extend, renew, or continue credit. Examples of creditors include finance companies, automobile dealers, mortgage brokers, utility companies, telecommunication companies, and even law firms. Certain law firms with individual clients who bill at the end of a period rather than through an advance deposit, will likely be subject to the Rule as “creditors” with “covered accounts.”

What Does the Rule Require?
Covered entities must develop and implement a written program that identifies and detects the relevant warning signs of identity theft by August 1, 2009. The program must describe appropriate responses that would prevent and mitigate the identity theft and provide a plan to periodically update the program. The program must be managed by an entity’s Board of Directors or senior employees of the financial institution or creditor, include appropriate staff training, and provide for oversight of any service providers.

What Are the Penalties for Noncompliance?
The FTC may impose monetary penalties of up to $2,500 per knowing violation of the Rule. Although the FTC does not yet appear to have commented on how it would calculate such penalties, it is possible that the FTC could impose a penalty of $2,500 for each covered account that a noncompliant entity maintained. Thus, even small businesses face the potential of large monetary penalties for noncompliance with the Rule.

Consequently, it is extremely important for all businesses to determine whether they are a covered entity as defined by the Rule, and if so, implement a written identity theft program no later than August 1, 2009. (Special thanks to Andrea Landeen, an attorney with Nussbaum & Gillis, P.C., for her assistance with this article.)

Gregory P. Gillis is a partner with Nussbaum & Gillis, P.C., 14500 N. Northsight Blvd., Suite 116, Scottsdale; (480) 609-0011; ggillis@nussbaumgillis.com; www.nussbaumgillis.com.

Your life is busy but you need some fun “escape”. It is tough to beat heading out to a local theater. So with your busy life, if you could see just one newly released movie per week, which five in July should they be?

For the weekend of July 3, it is “Public Enemies”, starring Johnny Depp, Christian Bale, Billy Crudup, Giovanni Ribisi, Marion Cotillard, and Leelee Sobieski, directed by Michael Mann. Genre: crime drama, rated R. Plot: Based on the true story of the Feds commanded by J. Edgar Hoover (Crudup), who are driven to take down notorious American gangsters John Dillinger (Depp), Baby Face Nelson and Pretty Boy Floyd by top agent Melvin Purvis (Bale) during a booming crime wave in the 1930s.

The other two movies opening this weekend are: I Hate Valentine’s Day and My Life in Ruins.



For the weekend of July 10, it is “Brüno”, starring Sacha Baron Cohen, directed by Larry Charles. Genre: comedy, rated R. Plot: The creator of Borat is back as a new character - the flamboyant Austrian fashionista Brüno who takes his weird & crude show to America. You will feel guilty laughing at the antics.

The other three movies opening this weekend are: Humpday, I Love You Beth Cooper, and The Hurt Locker.



For the weekend of July 17, it is “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince”, starring Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Helena Bonham Carter, Robbie Coltrane, Michael Gambon, Alan Rickman, Maggie Smith, and Jim Broadbent, directed by David Yates. Genre: Action & Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, rated PG. Plot: As Harry Potter (Radcliffe) begins his sixth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, he discovers an old book mysteriously marked “The book is the property of the Half-Blooded Prince” and begins to learn more about Lord Voldemort’s dark past and possible future intentions.

The other movie opening this weekend is: (500) Days of Summer.



For the weekend of July 24, it is “The Ugly Truth”, starring Katherine Heigl, Gerard Butler, and Cheryl Hines, directed by Robert Luketic. Genre: romantic comedy, rated R. Plot: A romantically challenged morning TV show producer (Heigl) reluctantly agrees to a series of outrageous tests and training tasks by her chauvinistic correspondent (Butler), to prove his theories on relationships and help her find love. His clever ploys, however, lead to an unexpected result.

The other two movies opening this weekend are: G-Force and Orphan.



For the weekend of July 31, it is “Funny People”, starring Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen, Leslie Mann, Eric Bana, Jonah Hill, and Jason Schwartzman, directed by Judd Apatow. Genre: drama comedy, rated R. Plot: George (Sandler) is a very successful stand up comedian who learns that he has an untreatable disease and is given less than a year to live. Ira (Rogen) is a struggling up-and-coming stand up comedian who works at a deli and has yet to figure out his comic onstage persona. One night, they perform at the same club and George takes notice of Ira. George hires Ira to be his semi-personal assistant as well as his friend.

The other three movies opening this weekend are: Adam, Aliens in the Attic and The Cove.



These are expected to play at the multiplexes in the Airpark area including:
• Harkins Scottsdale 101 at 7000 E. Mayo Blvd. 480-538-1707
• AMC Desert Ridge 18 at 21000 N. Tatum Blvd. 480-606-0806
• United Artists (Regal) Sonora Village 10 at 15512 N. Pima Rd. 480-998-1300
• Farrelli’s Cinema Supper Club at 14202 N. Scottsdale Rd. 480-905-7200

See you at the movies!

Note: While the release dates & ratings for these movies were correct at the time of printing, studios sometimes make last-minute changes. If this happens, we apologize for the inconvenience.

Ken Kaplan owns Entertainment Scene. Look it up online at entertainmentscene.com

Many design clients start their conversations with me by saying, “I don’t know what I like.” I’m often asked how I come up with a plan or design for a project when clients themselves are unsure what they “like.” My answer is this: I figure out what they dislike.

Although it has been disputed occasionally, I’m not a mind reader. Assigning homework to my clients is one of the best ways for me to understand how they view things and to see what appeals to them. In the beginning of a design relationship, I usually give my clients assignments and tell them to go grab 10-plus home magazines from the grocery or bookstore.

Let ’er Rip
Try it now. Grab a marker and some periodicals, and start going through each one, page by page. Tear out not only the images that grab your attention in a good way, but also the ones that leave you cold. Take the marker and circle or make notes on the pages specifically noting what it is that you consider pleasing or not so pleasing. Then stack the “likes” in one pile and the “dislikes” in another.

Regardless of the size or complexity of your project, look at photos of accessories, styles, colors, artwork, furniture, architectural details—everything! This will help you organize your thoughts and figure out what design direction you want to go in. It’s best to do this prior to hiring a designer. The designer can then take all the components you’ve laid out and, after discussing them with you, come up with a plan to incorporate the concepts that work optimally in your space and lifestyle. If you’re able to put together images of likes and dislikes, it can save your designer hours of trying to make sense of what’s in your head, and eliminating guesswork saves you money.

As odd as it may sound, figuring out what you don’t like is just as important as understanding what you do like. If you’re able to quickly and efficiently communicate your discoveries with everyone involved in your design project, all the better.

Marilizabeth Birk is owner and principal designer of Artistic Designs, 8711 E. Pinnacle Peak Road in Scottsdale. She is the legislative liaison for the local American Society of Interior Designs. Ms. Birk is also the CFO of Infinite Electricity. More: www.infinite-electricity.com; www.artisticdesigns.com; (602) 791-9028.

A Valley resort recently lost an entire property buyout due to a cancelled meeting—one week before the event was to occur. In addition to thousands of dollars in missed revenue, the property went from having every employee busy for a five-day period to needing only a skeleton crew, impacting hundreds of hourly workers. The cancellation meant the tournament at the nearby golf course didn’t happen, and the dine-around at a few local restaurants was nixed as well. So were the vans from the transportation company, the motivational speaker, the centerpieces from the flower shop, the event photographer and dozens of other services being provided by local companies.

Unfortunately, this scenario is playing out across the country and throughout the Valley. As meetings and events decline, our community struggles to pay for essential services such as education, public safety and social services.

Referral Rewards Program
As a member of the local business community, you not only have the power to help stop this trend, but also can be rewarded for your efforts. If your company is planning a meeting or event, encourage them to choose a local venue.

Planning your next meeting in the Valley will reduce travel expenses for your company, plus there has never been a better time to take advantage of some of the best in-market deals we have seen in years. Local hotels and resorts are providing rebates to the final master bill, waiving room rental fees, giving food and beverage discounts and offering generous complimentary room policies.

Also, a new referral and booking incentive program from the Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau will reward you for meeting in Scottsdale. Any Arizona resident that submits a qualified lead or referral to the Scottsdale bureau will be eligible for valuable incentives that include Scottsdale merchandise, $250 Westcor gift cards and a complimentary two-night stay at participating resorts. This program is open to all Arizona businesses, associations and residents.

Planning the perfect meeting often comes down to who you know. The destination experts at the Scottsdale bureau can connect you to an impressive network of local companies that can assist you with every aspect of your program planning. Working with a local bureau also helps you save time and money.

On behalf of the entire hospitality community of Scottsdale, I want to thank you for considering your own backyard for your next meeting or event. Visit www.MeetLocalinScottsdale.com to start planning now.

Rachel Sacco is president & CEO of the Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau, which markets Scottsdale as a premier travel and meetings destination to leisure visitors, meeting and incentive planners, and travel professionals. For more information, visit www.ScottsdaleCVB.com.

Colliers International has negotiated the sale of two office suites totaling 8,515 square feet for approximately $1.46 million, or $172 per square foot. The Class “A” offices are located on the first and second floors of the Bell 101 Executive Center at 8937 E. Bell Road in Scottsdale. The seller was EBH and the buyer was Cabral Holdings, a residential development firm. Greg Hopley of Colliers represented both seller and buyer.

My Computer Works Inc. garnered an Alfred P. Sloan Award, distinguishing the employer as a leading practitioner of workplace flexibility and effectiveness in Scottsdale and across the nation. The Sloan awards are part of the When Work Works project, an ongoing initiative of Families and Work Institute, the Twiga Foundation and an affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which share research on creating effective and flexible workplaces. Founded in 2004, with corporate headquarters at 7975 N. Hayden Road, My Computer Works fixes computers through the Internet, providing support services for thousands of small businesses and home consumers nationwide and in regions of Canada.

For the second consecutive year, Elements of Design has been selected for the 2009 Best of Scottsdale Award in the Interior Design category by the U.S. Local Business Association. Each year, the USLBA identifies companies that have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. Founded in 1992, Elements of Design is a residential interior design firm located in the Scottsdale Airpark. The studio, which caters to commercial interiors and high-end properties, features one of the largest showrooms in Arizona. Owner and lead interior designer Lina Quintero, a frequent SAN contributor, says the award is a reflection of the staff’s teamwork. “I am extremely fortunate to have employees with extraordinary moral character, intense work ethics and a strong commitment of loyalty to our vendors and clientele.”

Scottsdale Healthcare Thompson Peak Hospital celebrated its 100th high-tech daVinci robotic surgical procedure recently, a significant milestone for the Northeast Valley’s newest hospital. The surgery, a prostatectomy, was performed by urologist Dr. Bernard Gburek, who also had the honor of doing Arizona’s first-ever daVinci robot-assisted prostatectomy in 2002 at Scottsdale Healthcare Shea Medical Center. The daVinci robotic surgical system is used for minimally invasive laparoscopic procedures, resulting in smaller incisions, less post-operative pain and faster recovery times.

Entrepreneur magazine named MxSecure among its 100 “Brilliant Companies” list. The north Scottsdale company, at 13951 N. Scottsdale Road, provides online medical transcription and records management service for clinics nationwide and is well positioned for the transition to electronic health records. “With a presidential mandate calling for electronic medical records, MxSecure, which transcribes records using a 24-hour Internet-based system, is poised for growth,” according to Entrepreneur.

Scottsdale-based System Concepts Inc. (SCI), developer of the Food-Trak System and an industry leader in food and beverage cost control, has been honored with the 2008 BoardRoom Magazine Excellence in Achievement Award for Technology/Software Product of the Year. The award recognizes vendors and educators for their impact, achievements and contributions to the private club industry. Desert Mountain Country Club in Scottsdale is among SCI’s most prominent local clients. Additional Arizona-based clients include the Scottsdale Plaza Resort, Z’Tejas Southwestern Grill, Arriba Mexican Grill and Fort McDowell, Gila River and Sol Casinos. SCI is also well-known internationally for its work in the Indian Gaming, resort, restaurant and private club industries. SCI is headquartered at 15900 N. 78th St.

Stratco Inc. has been named one of the nation’s top-500 emerging private businesses by DiversityBusiness.com. The achievement comes at about the same time Ecopath Industries, a member of Stratco companies, was awarded the national Asphalt Rubber Ambassador Award for its expanding asphalt paving work in both domestic and international markets. In Stratco’s case, more than 650,000 private U.S. businesses had the opportunity to participate in the DiversityBusiness.com survey; selection was based on annual gross revenue and business profile. Stratco was founded in 1928 and specializes in blending equipment for the production of petrochemical products. Both Stratco and Ecopath are based in the Scottsdale Airpark.

Sweet Networking
Julia Baker and Jody Bartel gave away soft caramel-centered tastes of Julia Baker Confections (yes, that’s her real name) during the June 19th Women of Scottsdale luncheon. The Airpark chocolate company was among about 40 businesses with table-top displays at the annual “Spotlight Your Business” event, sponsored by Foot & Ankle Center of Arizona, at Westin Kierland Resort and Spa.

Nothing too much will change at the Scottsdale Airport if the City Council follows the leading option presented by a consultant to an airport advisory commission. Only the weight restriction on corporate jets already operating at the site would be raised, allowing the planes to depart with enough fuel to complete longer flights—an important factor in keeping the airport competitive, say proponents.

Some area residents, however, expressed concern about possible noise increase and an escalation of traffic. Area homeowner Mike Schell told the commission the weight adjustment was an ongoing step in “developing the airport into something residents never desired,” eliciting nods of agreement from several attendees.

Schell was among 70 people who swept into the June 10 meeting of the Scottsdale Airport Advisory Commission to share their views on how—and if—operations should be adjusted as part of the airport’s overarching strategic business plan. The commission will continue to hear public input until Aug. 12.

Full Tank Benefits
Of four possible scenarios evaluated by Wilbur Smith Associates, only No. 2 emerged as a viable option: raising the weight limit of aircraft from 75,000 to 100,000 pounds. The increase isn’t a matter of different jets or bigger planes, but allowing “biz jets” already operating at the airport to fully fuel up so they’re capable of flying between continents, said commission Chairman Art Rosen, adding this type of aircraft is the quietest and safest developed yet.

Though the scenario would affect less than 1 percent of flights in and out of the airport, that tiny sliver represents the most influential and wealthy airport user—including company owners deciding whether to move or keep a business in Scottsdale, said Rosen. “The other side of the coin is that if these people fly into Deer Valley Airport instead and fill up, the city loses the fuel-flowage fee, FBO operators lose fuel and service revenue, and the airport loses because they get a percentage of the fixed-base operators.” High-end business visitors also have a strong impact on the hospitality industry, he added.

Commissioner John Washington made the same argument in his response to an online Scottsdale Republic editorial: “Operators of these aircraft currently short-fuel them to meet this restriction, and they top off elsewhere. Obviously, Scottsdale loses out on a portion of the fuel tax. Or in the case of an operator who might otherwise make a stopover here, they may decide to skip Scottsdale and buy all of their fuel at another airport—and give them all of the fuel tax that we might have collected here, not to mention all the bed tax, sales tax, rental car tax and other revenue …”

To help educate the public about the airport’s business plan, city staff sent more than 3,300 e-mails to community members, and posted comprehensive information on the airport website, including the consultant’s report and a “Larger Does Not Mean Louder” graphic demonstrating that older, smaller planes produce the vast majority of airport noise.

Brian Ready, a Scottsdale resident, pilot and former Arizona Business Aviation Association board member, cast some light on the initial reasoning behind the 75,000-pound weight limit. In the late 1980s, he told the commission, the city approved the number because it reflected the heaviest weight an approved aircraft could achieve at that time; the intent was not to limit how much fuel newer models could carry.

“Only 600 airplanes in this class [in the world] are flying right now that could take on full fuel and leave under 100,000 pounds,” Rosen said. As for whether the weight adjustment would bring more corporate-jet traffic into Scottsdale neighborhoods, Rosen said he doesn’t have a crystal ball, but even if flights doubled, the number would be comparatively insignificant.

Relevant corporate jets accounted for about 200 of the 191,150 landings and takeoffs at Scottsdale Airport last year, according to Rosen. Total operations are down more than one-quarter so far in 2009—likely because of the economy and business stigma put on corporate aircraft, Rosen theorizes.

“We just want to maintain the status quo,” he said of the weight increase’s potential impact.

The commission is scheduled to make its recommendation to the Scottsdale City Council on Aug. 12.



Airport Strategic Business Plan

The public is invited to share their views at the next two Airport Advisory Commission meetings, 6 p.m. July 8 and Aug. 12 at the Scottsdale Airport terminal. To learn more about the plan and provide input online, visit www.scottsdaleaz.gov/airport/AirportSBP.asp.

Scenario 1: Status quo
Benefits: No costs or impacts to surrounding community
Disadvantages: Possibility of flat or decreased revenue and potential competitive disadvantage

Scenario 2*: Same small to mid-size corporate jets but increase weight limit from 75,000 to 100,000 pounds
Benefits: No costs; potential increase in revenue; maintain competitive edge against other local general aviation airports
Disadvantages: Perceived potential noise impacts

Scenario 3: Current ops plus larger, longer-range corporate aircraft
Benefits: Potential increase in revenues; maintain competitiveness
Disadvantages: Significant costs and impacts to airport facility; noise may increase; impacts to operations

Scenario 4: Add scheduled passenger/commuter service
Benefits: Potential increase in revenue; maintain competitiveness; provide a convenient service to locals
Disadvantages: Significant costs and impacts to airport; operations will be affected; noise may increase

*Selected as most favorable option by consulting firm


FAST FACTS
Scottsdale Airport operations are down about 26% YTD
Scottsdale’s hospitality industry is down 31% YTD, according to the CVB’s industry indicators
Helicopter noise around the airport is down 96%
Scottsdale earns 8 cents per-gallon fuel-flowage fee; Phoenix gets 9 cents
Jet A fuel-per-gallon costs: Scottsdale $5.45; Deer Valley $4.79; Phoenix-Mesa Gateway: $4.17

Mission Accomplished
Street Improvements – Scottsdale & Thunderbird

Major intersection improvements to Scottsdale and Thunderbird roads were completed in fall 2008 and included the addition of left and right turn lanes, burying power lines and installing a 90-foot diameter storm drain from Thunderbird to Sweetwater Avenue. Also, 73rd Stree was realigned approximately 400 feet to the east to improve safety and traffic flows.

Express Bus Routes
Valley Metro launched a new express bus route to and from the Scottsdale Airpark in July 2008. Route 511 is a bi-directional route from Chandler to the Scottsdale Airport and runs Monday through Friday, from 5:15 a.m. to 8 a.m., and 4 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. Riding the bus provides another opportunity to save money, wear and tear on your car, catch up on work, the news or your favorite book while helping the environment. The route is funded by the countywide Proposition 400 sales tax, which provides 20-year funding for transportation improvements. Ridership has increased steadily on this route since being launched last summer. For information, call Valley Metro at (602) 253-5000 or visit www.valleymetro.org.

Under Way
Street Improvements – Scottsdale Road & FLW to Loop 101

Improvements to Scottsdale Road from Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard to Loop 101 are expected to be completed by September 2009 and include three lanes in each direction, landscaped medians, left and right turn lanes, bike lanes, intelligent transportation system capabilities and rubberized asphalt. As of June 2009, two lanes are open in each direction as rubberized asphalt and striping are completed.

Future Park-and-Ride Lot
Scottsdale has secured $5 million dollars from the Federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to build a park-and-ride lot in the vicinity of Scottsdale Road and Loop 101. The facility will serve express bus riders of the 511 and 572, future express bus routes in the area, and the Route 72-Scottsdale Road. Environmental work is now being conducted to determine the specific location of the lot. When completed, up to 300 parking spaces will be available. Construction is expected to begin in spring 2010.

Airport Ring Road
Transportation staff will start desiging portions of the airport “ring road,” focusing first on the intersection of Northsight and Frank Lloyd Wright boulevards and Raintree Drive from Loop 101 into the airport. The ring road is a group of specific streets designed to provide access to the Airpark area businesses on both the east and west side of Scottsdale Airport without having to drive on Scottsdale Road or Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard. Preliminary designs are expected to be completed by February 2010. An Airpark Community Area Planning process is under way, and residents and business owners can provide input on these two intersections as part of the meetings associated with the Community Area Plan, tentatively scheduled for August and September 2009.

Construction Alert!
HAYDEN ROAD, BETWEEN THUNDERBIRD AND NORTHSIGHT

Traffic will be restricted at times to one lane in each direction and turn-lane restrictions will be in effect on Hayden Road from Gelding Drive to 83rd Place until Aug. 5. Work will occur both during daytime and nighttime shifts, depending on the location.
Why: water line installation.

SHEA BOULEVARD/HAYDEN ROAD INTERSECTION

Lane restrictions in each direction will take place at times in the Shea Boulevard/Hayden Road intersection from sunrise to sunset through September. Hayden Road at its intersection with Shea is restricted to one lane in each direction through early October.
Why: road improvements, including construction of dual left-turn lanes and right-turn deceleration lanes

CACTUS ROAD WIDENING RESTRICTIONS

Traffic will be restricted to one lane in each direction at times on Cactus Road from the Loop 101 Freeway to 96th Street from sunrise to 6 p.m. daily through November.
Why: road, landscape and trail improvements

OTHER PIMA ROAD RESTRICTIONS

Pima Road will be reduced to one southbound lane at times between Pinnacle Peak and Deer Valley roads through Oct. 2.
Why: utility line installation

Have you ever wondered what distinguishes an interior decorator from an interior designer? Professional interior decorators and interior designers both specialize in maximizing a client’s budget for interior layouts, space planning and the overall aesthetics of the interior of a property. But, there are differences.

Decorator Functions
An interior decorator’s primary area of concentration is the ornamentation of surface aesthetics. In layman’s terms, surface aesthetics include soft furnishings and materials such as furniture, fabric, accessories, window treatments, artwork and detached lighting. In addition to suggesting and selecting visually pleasing surface materials, interior decorators provide valuable assistance with the strategic placement of accessories, suggestions for optimal furniture arrangement and the proper positioning of artwork. It’s also common for interior decorators to offer additional services such as staging and redesign solutions.

Designer Role
In addition to being able to creatively perform the decoration and optimal layout of surface aesthetics, interior designers are trained to select, create, schedule and oversee the installation of hard surface and construction aspects of an interior project. For instance, to help control flow and open or separate an interior space, interior designers are able to make educated suggestions for the removal/addition of non-load bearing interior walls. Plus, interior designers have the capability to offer sophisticated design plans and specifications for kitchen and bathroom remodels. These technical plans include but are not limited to AutoCAD elevations, floor plans and room visualization models.

In most cases, especially in the field of high-end residential and commercial interior design, interior designers are expected to be technically knowledgeable and operate under a strict list of construction codes. Interior designers are best known for maximizing the aesthetics of a design project while applying a trained, professional approach to creating logically functional interior environments.

Who to Hire
If you’re not sure whether to hire an interior decorator or an interior designer to handle your residential or commercial project, the following three questions will help you decide.

1. Are you considering changes to any hard surfaces (cabinetry, flooring, backsplashes, countertops, appliances, or moving non-load bearing walls)?

2. Are you adding any fixed lighting (recessed, sconces, spotlights, track) or are you updating or moving any plumbing features (faucets, toilets, showerheads, sinks)?

3. Is there a possibility that your needs could expand beyond residential furnishings, accessories or window treatments?

If your answer was “no” to all three questions, either an interior decorator or an interior designer could be an appropriate choice to manage your design project. Both offer the ability to specify and select residential furnishings, accessories and window treatments.

An affirmative response to any of the questions, however, means you should seek the assistance of a professional interior designer. They are trained to design complex plans and codes related to the installation of hard surfaces, plumbing, electrical and the reconfiguring of non-load bearing interior walls.

Design a Work of Art
Ultimately, the goal of interior decorators and designers is to create harmonious and cohesive environments that have universal aesthetic appeal. Interior decorators are analogous to oil painters in that they are capable of transforming the surface of a canvas into an artistic masterpiece. On the other hand, interior designers are like multifaceted artists, capable of creating oils on canvas or sculpting, molding, shaping and re-shaping an object into a masterpiece.

Lina Quintero is the owner of Elements of Design, a Scottsdale-based firm with a team of commercial and residential designers. Elements, one of Arizona’s largest design showrooms, offers a wide sampling of environmentally friendly products and inventory of upholstered goods, furniture and décor accessories. More: (480) 443-9646; www.eodinteriordesigners.com.

Fourth of July is a day full of history and commemorations in Scottsdale. With Civil War veteran and retired U.S. Army Chaplain Winfield Scott as our namesake and modern-day founder, Scottsdale has patriotic roots. The handful of pioneer families routinely gathered at Scott’s ranch to celebrate holidays such as Washington ’s Birthday and July Fourth.

“In June [1900, Scott] returned to Scottsdale to attend a meeting of the Scottsdale school board of which he was still a member. At the meeting he offered to buy a flagpole for the schoolhouse to be erected for the Fourth of July celebration, and although he would not be there, he offered his grove for the community celebration. His offers were accepted,” wrote Scott’s biographer Dick Lynch, in Winfield Scott, A Biography of Scottsdale’s Founder.

A hundred years ago, Scottsdale summers were quite different. Kids swam in the canal laterals, played marbles in the middle of downtown’s unpaved streets, savored homegrown watermelons and slept outside on porches, often wrapped in wet sheets to keep cool in the days before air conditioning.

Kabloom
During the 1930s, Scottsdale local boys looked forward to the once-a-year fireworks displays. Bill Kimsey paints a picture in his book Recollections of Early Scottsdale, ‘The Way It Was’: “Sam McBurney, a neighbor and longtime friend, and I always went in big for fireworks! Every year by the time that the Fourth of July rolled around, we had a collection of some of the biggest ‘bombs’ we could send away for, or build, plus our carbide cannons. It was always a contest to see who could get up the earliest on the morning of the Fourth, place the biggest ‘prize’ bomb in the middle of the street between our houses (First Avenue), light the fuse and run back in the house and jump in bed, usually right at daybreak. It woke up the whole neighborhood and got the holiday off to a good start, we thought.”

Needless to say, in sparsely populated, unincorporated and carefree Scottsdale, this scenario was the norm. Today, thank goodness, such practices would be illegal and downright dangerous.

Born and raised in Scottsdale, Joann Handley, director of the Scottsdale Historical Museum, remembers the Fourth of July as a time for family picnics of fried chicken and salads. “I also remember playing with some sparklers in Papago Park as a young girl,” Handley recalls. “Since it was so hot, I don’t remember any parades or other big observances.“

Many folks headed to cooler climates around the Fourth of July, a practice that continues today. “People would take the train north to Prescott or Flagstaff,” says Handley. “Often it was the women and children who would go away from the summers, with the men joining them as their careers permitted.” Coincidentally, train service to the Phoenix area was inaugurated by a branch line of the Southern Pacific on July 4, 1887, making summer travel much more attractive to those who could afford it.

Even Chaplain Scott and his wife, Helen, spent summers in Prescott and San Diego, where they helped start Baptist churches.

Sparkling Decades
After Scottsdale was incorporated in 1951 and a myriad of civic, veterans and community organizations were established by the booming population, the Fourth of July became a bigger celebration in Scottsdale. Newspapers accounts included the following tidbits:
• Sen. Barry Goldwater ran an ad in the July 1958 edition of The Arizonian, saying, “On this anniversary of our national independence, let us take renewed devotion from those who died to make us free.”
• In 1961, the Daughters of the American Revolution donated a flag (which now had 50 stars with the inclusion of Alaska and Hawaii) to Scottsdale’s Community Center (the old Adobe House), accepted by Mayor Mort Kimsey at Fourth of July ceremonies. The town’s previous flag, flown since incorporation in 1951, was retired in ceremonies preceding the Fourth. The Sipe Peterson post of the American Legion sponsored a fireworks show. [The Scottsdale Progress]
• In 1966 the Knights of Columbus rang the bell in Scottsdale’s Old Mission Church, joining bells across the nation to celebrate the Fourth. “After the bell rings, a town-crier will lead bell-ringing Scottsdale children to the Community Center, where marchers will be treated to ice cream and a concert by the Boys’ Club Band. Mayor Bud Timms will speak at the center and hundreds of posters drawn by the marchers during a city recreation program will be displayed.” [The Scottsdale Progress] The American Legion again sponsored a fireworks show at Scottsdale Stadium.
In 1969, the city of Scottsdale hosted a community picnic, Dixieland Jazz concert and fireworks at the then-new El Dorado Park.
In 1970, the Scottsdale Jaycees began sponsoring an annual Fourth of July celebration for Scottsdale. Under the leadership of President Dave Hawkins and Fourth of July Celebration Chair Ray Gardea, the event was held at the old rodeo grounds/Scottsdale Stadium. Years later, it moved to Rawhide, and was held at WestWorld in 2001. Several times in recent years, fireworks displays—particularly those at venues close to the McDowell Mountains or open desert, were cancelled due to extreme fire danger.
The Scottsdale Progress published a special U.S. Bicentennial section in 1976 that also saluted the 25th anniversary of Scottsdale’s incorporation. The Scottsdale Jaycees tripled their festivities, hosting a teen dance, a Moto-X bike race at the Scottsdale Rodeo grounds, an old-fashioned adult street dance and barbecue and, in partnership with the Scottsdale-Paradise Valley Bicentennial Commission, sponsored booths, exhibits, prizes and a fireworks display at Scottsdale Stadium.
For the Fourth of July 2009—whether you attend Scottsdale’s party at Scottsdale Stadium or invite friends and family over for a backyard barbecue—have fun, be safe and make some memories!

4th of July Grand Ol’ Family Picnic
5-7 p.m., July 4, Scottsdale Stadium
The free family celebration features hot dogs, watermelon-eating contests, tug of war, and arts and crafts.

Joan Fudala is a Scottsdale-based historian and author of several books. She provides historic consulting services to a range of Scottsdale-area businesses, civic organizations and city departments, and is a frequent speaker at civic events and community groups. More: jfudala@cox.net.

Cigar aficionados showed up in droves to celebrate the grand opening of Brad Berko’s Scottsdale Cigar Club on the southwest corner of North Hayden Road and Acoma Drive. “This is the biggest cigar-smoking lounge in the Valley,” says Berko, who staged five-days of giveaways, refreshments and raffle prizes the first week of June to mark the store’s official launch.

Guests lounged in plush leather seats, savoring gratis Macanudo cigars and pours of Glenlivet single-malt scotch as sports events played across the four 52-inch plasma screens on the wall. Berko, who made his name in the cigar industry as a national wholesale distributor, said opening a cigar retail store and smoking club is a natural extension of his business. “You know, a cigar store is the only place where you can legally smoke inside anymore,” Berko says.

You don’t have to be a club member to shop, smoke or hang out at The Scottsdale Cigar Club, but those who sign up for humidor locker membership enjoy special benefits. Large lockers rent for $500 annually and can hold six-plus boxes of cigars; smaller lockers go for $350 and accommodate at least four boxes. Members can stash their favorite spirit in the lockers to enjoy at their leisure, and they’re entitled to extended daily hours and various discounts.

The 1,500-square-foot space also features a small kitchen and refrigerator, a computer work station and free Wi-Fi. Outside, Berko has set up a small putting green adjacent to the patio, and customers are invited to compete nightly for prizes. For more info, call (480) 946-7833, visit www.scottsdalecigarclub.com, or stop by the club at 14525 N. 79th St., Suite H.

July and August glow with some of the hottest sky sights of the year, but you need to know where to look. The first full week of July, keep an eye out for the exciting Full Buck or Full Blood moon.

On July 7, the full moon will experience a penumbral eclipse, caused by the outer shadow of the Earth falling on its surface. Unfortunately, it’s not easy to see with the naked eye.

Sky gazers in India and China, however, will see one of the longest great total solar eclipses in years on July 22. At its peak, observers will see 6 minutes, 39 seconds of darkness. You may be able to watch it live on the Internet. To see what the eclipse will look like and the best time to view, visit: www.shadowandsubstance.com.

Man on the Moon
Closer to home, we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the first manned landing on the moon. It all happened back on July 20, 1969, with two humans setting up base on the surface. To me, this is still one of the greatest achievements in history. Imagine, flying to a world some 250,000 miles away, taking three days to get there, then leaving a mother ship to descend to the surface of an alien world and soft land on its surface. And you’d still need to explore the terrain, return to the main craft and blast back to Earth. Only a dozen humans have ever been to the moon, where they collected 841 pounds of rock samples.

Man has not returned since 1972, and it could be at least a decade until we make a repeat visit. As part of its Constellation project, NASA plans to develop a base on the moon in 2025, but a landing and short stay could be made as early as 2019.

August Meteors
The annual Perseid meteor shower will be active Aug. 9-14. Look to the Valley’s northeast sky after midnight. The shower peaks the morning of Aug. 12. On a clear night, with the moon in the sky, observers may see up to 25 meteors per hour. Remember, keep your eyes to the skies!

Steve Kates, “Dr. Sky,” is president of Dr.Sky.com Inc., a multimedia corporation and A/V production company. Based in Phoenix at KFNX News Talk Radio 1100, Dr. Sky is a regular on “Coast To Coast AM” with George Noory as well as a regular talent on AZTV, the Pat McMahon Show and 3TV KTVK. Listen to Dr. Sky’s radio interviews with astronauts, pilots and celebrities at teentalknetwork.com/sky.htm.

Apple store opened with a bang on June 12 that struck the corner of Scottdale Road and the Greenway-Hayden Loop to its core. More than 1,000 Mac-heads from near and far wrapped around the perimeter of the Scottsdale Quarter to await the 6 p.m. opening. Temperatures hovering near 95 degrees baked the waiting masses on the west side of the building, and Apple employees handed out bottled water and black umbrellas emblazoned with the company logo to stave off sunstroke. To keep spirits high, packs of enthusiastic staffers periodically raced around the waiting customers, clapping, whooping and slapping high fives.

Robin Mora, who works a couple blocks away at Spirit Finance, hadn’t expected hoopla or a sweat-soaked shirt when he dropped by after work. Yet, there he stood, about 320th in line, prompted by an e-mail announcement about the new Apple locale. “I don’t have to go to the Biltmore anymore, I can just go here,” says Mora, referring to Apple’s 24th Street and Camelback location. So, why didn’t he just come back the following week and avoid the rush? Mora wasn’t quite sure. “I’m already here, and I have an umbrella to play with?”

Beyond the Velvet Ropes
But Marco Ugarte had no doubts why he drove all the way from Tempe—his first visit to the Butherus Drive block since working with former occupant Dial Corp. The Arizona State University doctorate student came “just for fun.” He also wanted to check out the new generation of iPhone and to get a free shirt. The first 1,000 customers through the door were gifted with a T-shirt designed especially for the event. Apple execs say they’re a collectors’ item among devotees.

Because of the sheer volume of people, staggered clusters were ushered through the velvet ropes into the store, much like an exclusive nightclub. Once inside the towering glass walls, visitors were greeted by a gauntlet of grinning Apple staffers eager to show off the store’s latest services and products.

The design of the Scottsdale Quarter store is unlike any other in the country, says Ramsie Simmons, store manager. The east and west walls etched with an apple are giant transparent frames for sunrise and sunset. A 75-foot-long skylight bisects the airy space as well, just in case anyone is still short of vitamin D. “We wanted to create a warm and inviting experience for our customers,” says Simmons.

Opening-day hullabaloo aside, Apple’s newest digs offer more than architectural appeal. Services coming to Scottsdale for the first time include free tech support at the Genius Bar, free hands-on workshops and complimentary programs for kids.

The Apple Store Scottsdale Quarter will be the first in Arizona to offer Pro Labs—free training on Apple’s professional creative applications for digital photography, music production and video editing using the popular Final Cut Pro. Airpark businesses may want to check out the store’s special biz-packages.