North Valley Magazine celebrates 10 years in the Valley

Celebrating 10 years in the North Valley

This year marks our 10^th anniversary serving the North Valley. We’re proud of this milestone and the mileage we’ve accrued getting to 2015. Flipping through our first issue (yes, that’s the first North Valley Magazine cover on the right!), we can’t help but notice that a lot has changed. But some things have stayed consistent, including a number of names on our masthead––Crystal Huckabay, Eric Twohey, and Kate Karp. We couldn’t have made it without their help and that of all the hardworking folks who’ve followed.

We’d be remiss if we didn’t also express our thanks to all the advertisers who’ve supported this publication over the years. There have been many, and we thank them for entrusting us with their brand, especially the advertisers that were in our first issue and who’ve continued with us over the years. A special shout-out goes to Wild Holly Gallery and Calamia & Co (formerly The MVP Group). Both are local businesses that advertised in our premier issue and can be found in the magazine today.

Now, take a look inside to learn more about the 2015 North Valley Cutest Pet winner. This year’s honoree is an Irish Wheaten Terrier named Gucci. We sat down with his “parents,” Donna and Ken Meadors, to find out more about this adorable pooch who brought a sense of purpose back into their lives after the tragic death of their son.

If you can pull yourself away from Gucci’s heartwarming cover story, check out all the local folks and other things we’re celebrating in this issue, including multimedia artist Gennaro Garcia, whose ethnic heritage  inspires his vibrant work. Learn more about his unique art on page 28. We also touch base with gifted Valley vocalist Sean Mullaney on page 36.

Speaking of the Valley, according to local meteorologist Shelley Sakala, we need to be prepared for the coming storms (aka Arizona monsoons). It’s a time when Arizona weather reporters (and former weather reporters like Shelley) get downright giddy over the upcoming change in the weather. Check out her humorous yet handy tips on page 34 about how to survive this dangerous meteorological event that regularly hits the Valley during the summer months. Of course, Arizonans are a hearty breed, so there’s still a lot happening this month in and around the area––never mind the heat and monsoons. Check out the events calendar on page 24 for a rundown of what’s hot near you.

There’s much more, so sit back and enjoy!

Cheers!

ON THE COVER 

Gucci, the North Valley Cutest Pet winner

Photo by Chadwick Fowler