38 MARCH 2023 By Tallulah Anne Area resident Robert Emery – whom we wrote about in the March 2022 edition – had no idea that, when he tested positive for Covid and had to pull out of an acting gig – it would earn him an award at The Wild Bunch Film Festival in Tucson. He became the proud winner of the Best Originality Short Western and Director’s Choice – Comedy. After graduating from Arizona State University in 2001, Emery worked various jobs across Phoenix until he found one that made him happy – being a mailman in Arcadia. His love for film has always been a prevalent part of his life, as he recalls making home films with his children when they were younger. Emery’s acting career took off after being crowned first place in a Doc Holliday look-a-like contest. This win gave him notoriety in the Arizona Western film scene, catapulting him into acting roles in various short films. However, at the end of 2020, Emery got sick before working a lead role in a new movie. Bored in quarantine for ten days, Emery found that filmmaking was the best way to stay busy. “I had all this time to myself and had all these outfits from the Arizona Gunfighters reenactment group,” Emery said. “I went to categorize all these outfits, which turned into ‘well if I’m trying these on, I may as well turn on a camera and do something with it.” From Emery’s boredom came a ten-minute movie, the prequel to his now award-winning movie, “Bottled Up Poison.” Emery wrote, directed, and starred in the Western-themed film, which focuses on a woman plagued by her former lover. Seeing the enthusiastic reactions he received from friends and family, Emery decided to enter his film into various festivals across Arizona. Understanding the stiff competition, he didn’t expect to gain much recognition. But, at The Wild Bunch Film Festival, he won. “It was really neat to see how it translated to the big screen and hear the laughs in the audience,” Emery said. The Wild Bunch Film Festival takes place at Galaxy Theatres in Tucson every year. It’s a festival for the Western genre, featuring short films created across Arizona. Each year, an award show ceremony is hosted, along with an after-party to celebrate those involved. After his win, Emery is excited to share “Bottled Up Poison” with more people. Due to the festival’s exclusive policies, he has not been able to publish it anywhere. But now, with awards season closing, he is considering publishing it on YouTube for all to enjoy. Emery is on the lookout to keep creating, but this time with a bigger crowd. “I’m done, for the most part, with the solo thing. I want to elevate to work with a team,” Emery said. Arcadia’s Cowboy Postman is set to star in a short film called Noche later this year. Look for “Bottled Up Poison” across social media, alongside up-and- coming projects Emery is a part of – whether that’s within the Western film scene or with the community he knows and loves. Arcadia mailman strikes big at Tucson Film Festival Robert Emery won Best Originality Short Western and Director’s Choice – Comedy. Robert Emery PHOTOS COURTESY OF ROBERT EMERY

39 MARCH 2023 By Cassie Hepler In 1999, Arcadian Chrissy May moved from Illinois to Arizona to further her holistic health, nutrition and rehabilitation therapy studies at the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts. Shortly after, she launched a boutique fitness company that worked with athletes, business owners and entrepreneurs seeking transformational results in all areas of their life. “I’ve always formulated lifestyle plans that harmonize mind, body and spirit,” she said. Before all this, however, was coaching. Chrissy May began her journey in the health, fitness and wellness industry as a teenager when she competed as a figure skater. “I began coaching skaters at 16, which then transitioned to off-ice strength and conditioning training, to launching my fitness and wellness business at age 23,” Chrissy said. As a “life-long entrepreneur,” she is always searching for new platforms and opportunities to connect, add value and build relationships in the community. “Everything I do is serving a higher purpose and is intentionally designed that way to maximize what matters most, human connection. All of the brands and businesses I create or partner with serve and elevate through community and connection,” she said. Creating the Aligned + Alive Podcast was the transition to expand her reach. “I launched the podcast in June 2022. Podcasting is a great platform to connect with people from all over the world. We discuss various aspects of health, wellness and spirituality. It’s a place to find guidance and a space to explore life’s meaning and purpose, allowing you to become connected, aligned and feeling fully alive,” Chrissy said. To further connect with the community and her clients, Chrissy debuted Aligned + Alive Wellness Retreats, designed for women searching for transformation, healing and sacred connection. “They are intimate retreats that allow reconnection to self, rediscovering and reawakening, blending many spiritual modalities throughout the experience,” she said. “Energy work, reiki healing, yoga, sound baths, intention circles and cacao ceremonies help with clarity, gaining confidence and experiencing a monumental shift in life.” The retreats are held in Sedona, Paradise Valley and Maui, with a few more locations being considered. Chrissy also offers one-on-one wellness coaching for those looking for a personal touch. Her focus is alignment. “Clients are seeking transformation in their lives, personally and professionally. It’s all connected. When one area is out of balance, the other is affected. They typically feel ‘stuck’ or ‘stagnant’ and need to overcome blockages holding them back,” Chrissy said. Nutrition plays a big part in finding this balance, so Chrissy added another service when she and her partner, Tony Giordano, opened One Stop Nutrition Arcadia in 2014 and One Stop Nutrition in downtown Phoenix in 2021. “One Stop is known for its protein shakes and smoothies, and we offer a wide variety of vitamins, supplements and sports nutrition,” she said. “Many of our customers are searching for solutions to lose weight, build a lean body, increase muscle mass, heal gut issues, increase the immune system and overall well-being.” Chrissy will be speaking at several events for women in business this year, including entrepreneurial conferences and health and fitness expos. She’s publishing her first book in the summer of 2023 and opening enrollment for an elite mastermind class in the fall for women looking to elevate their businesses. chrissymay.com How this Arcadia entrepreneur finds balance Chrissy May is co-owner of One Stop Nutrition in Arcadia, runs the Aligned + Alive Podcast, hosts wellness retreats and is a private wellness coach. PHOTO: MICHAEL FRANCO Clients are seeking transformation in their lives, personally and professionally. It’s all connected. Religious Instruction • Strong Academics • Cutting Edge Technology • Service Learning Leadership Programs • PE and Interscholastic Sports • Instrumental and Vocal Music “Arts Attack” Program • School Nurse • Bus Transportation Available Make Friends at CLS 3901 East Indian School Road • 602-957-7010 • www.clsphx.org CHRIST LUTHERAN SCHOOL Christian Values. Quality Education. Preschool through Grade 8