30 MARCH 2025 By Sherry Sklar Patricia Brooks, a writer, speaker, and publishing consultant, had an epiphany to start a women’s writing group while stuck in traffic during the height of snowbird season in 2005. She was writing her first book at the time and regularly drove into Phoenix to attend two different writers’ clubs. With encouragement from her husband Earl, she decided to test the waters and see if her idea had merit. She placed a small ad in a Valley paper, explaining, “I am writing my first book and want to start a women’s group. If you have ideas or are interested, join me,” followed by the meeting’s date, location, and time. On the day of the gathering, she set up a table at a Scottsdale restaurant, and to her astonishment, 16 women showed up to the first meeting of the Scottsdale Society of Women Writers, launching her dream into reality. “I was amazed,” Patricia said. “I thought, ‘I’m on to something here,’ because that was a surprise and incredible response.” Over the past 20 years, the group has grown to 70 members and has hosted over 200 guest speakers who share their expertise on the creative process. Patricia started the group to establish a space where women could support each other in their journeys. Two decades later, that vision is still thriving. Within the group is a strong fellowship. When a member hosts a book launch, others attend to celebrate and support. They’re encouraged to review each other’s books on Amazon and Goodreads, boosting visibility and helping authors reach a wider audience. Social media also plays a key role, with an active Facebook page and regular promotion of events and new releases across multiple platforms. The society meets monthly on Wednesday evenings in a private room at Panera Bread in Gainey Ranch. Each gathering is $20 per session, covering the room and meal, with an annual fee of $50. Meetings begin with casual networking over a light meal, followed by shared milestones such as book launches and upcoming events. A guest speaker then presents on writing, publishing, or related topics, leading into critique groups where members connect. Guest speakers bring a wealth of experience and offer their keen insights. In February, criminologist and author Susan Magestro spoke to the group about her transition from a career in criminology to crime fiction. She shared firsthand knowledge of crafting suspenseful narratives and the realities of the genre. Member Tracy Monaghan returned to the group after a period of absence while raising her family. A retired educator, she is excited to pursue her passion and join a community of like-minded creatives. Tracy’s portfolio includes fiction and children’s literature. Years ago, she printed a children’s book through an educational publisher in New York. Now, she is focused on revising a novel she wrote during National Novel Writing Month in 2009. The challenge was to transcribe 50,000 words in 30 days, and she met it. Dead Grass , her working title, follows a teacher at an inner-city school navigating student struggles, immigration issues, and other challenges. Though written years ago, its themes remain timely and relevant. “The meetings are welcoming, encouraging, and filled with camaraderie. I was nervous returning after years away, but I felt at home immediately,” Tracy said. Some shift genres – one member wrote 12 children’s books and recently published a novel. This variety keeps the group dynamic and allows members to learn from each other. “I’ve always wanted the group to be diverse in genres. I write memoirs and nonfiction, but we also have members who compose mystery, fiction, and children’s books,” Patricia said. The group welcomes aspiring writers from all over the Valley. Each meeting is an opportunity to learn and build connections. Prospective members can attend two complimentary meetings to explore whether the group is the right fit. As it enters its next chapter, the Scottsdale Society of Women Writers remains committed to fostering community, creativity, and confidence. brooksgoldmannpublishing.com This writer’s group was formed thanks to a traffic jam Patricia Brooks and Scottsdale Society of Women Writers member Lynn Murphy. PHOTO: EARL GOLDMANN 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 3901 East Indian School Road • 602-957-7010 • www.clsphx.org CHRIST LUTHERAN SCHOOL Christian Values. Quality Education. Preschool through Grade 8

31 MARCH 2025 J M Chapman Agency Inc Jay Chapman, Agent Bus: (480) 945-7122 7055 E Thomas Rd Scottsdale, AZ 85251 jchapman@amfam.com American Family Mutual Insurance Company, S.I. & its Operating Companies, 6000 American Parkway, Madison, WI 53783 ©2015 006441 – Rev. 2/20 – 12923221 CALL (480) 945-7122 FOR A NO-OBLIGATION FREE QUOTE. INSURANCE DESIGNED WITH YOU AND YOUR DREAMS IN MIND. J M Chapman Agency Inc Jay Chapman, Agent Bus: (480) 990-8855 7055 E Thomas Rd Scottsdale, AZ 85251 jchapman@amfam.com American Family Mutual Insurance Company, S.I. & its Operating Companies, 6000 American Parkway, Madison, WI 53783 ©2015 006441 – Rev. 2/20 – 12923221 CALL (480) 945-7122 FOR A NO-OBLIGATION FREE QUOTE. INSURANCE DESIGNED WITH YOU AND YOUR DREAMS IN MIND. J M Chapman Agency Inc Jay Chapman, Agent Bus: (480) 945-7122 7055 E Thomas Rd Scottsdale, AZ 85251 jchapman@amfam.com American Family Mutual Insurance Company, S.I. & its Operating Companies, 6000 American Parkway, Madison, WI 53783 ©2015 006441 – Rev. 2/20 – 12923221 CALL (480) 945-7122 FOR A NO-OBLIGATION FREE QUOTE. INSURANCE DESIGNED WITH YOU AND YOUR DREAMS IN MIND. INSURANCE DESIGNED WITH YOU AND YOUR DREAMS IN MIND. CALL (480) 990-8855 FOR A NO-OBLIGATION FREE QUOTE. By Cliff Summerhill The Orpheum Theatre opened on January 5, 1929, when Phoenix was a town of only 48,000 people. With 1,800 seats and an early form of air conditioning, it quickly became popular amongst residents and visitors. Its 101-foot-wide stage and 28-foot depth made it the only theatre between Los Angeles and Denver capable of hosting traveling vaudeville shows. It was designed by architects Lescher & Mahoney and built for $750,000 by Jo E. Rickards and Harry Nace. Inside, audiences were treated to an atmospheric style that transported them to a garden surrounded by Spanish-style buildings, murals of mountains and forests, and a deep blue sky with moving white clouds. Over the years, it has undergone several name changes and transformations, from “The Paramount” under Paramount Pictures to “Palace West” during its time on the Broadway circuit. In the 1970s and 1980s, it hosted Hispanic events and films, with the building’s murals painted black to avoid distracting from the films. After facing the threat of demolition, the City of Phoenix purchased the theatre in 1984 and completed a $14 million restoration. The theatre reopened in 1997 with a performance of “Hello, Dolly!” starring Carol Channing. It’s been open for countless events and performances ever since – and almost 30 years later, has undergone a significant transformation, blending its rich history with state-of-the- art innovations. The extensive remodel, initiated by the Phoenix Convention Center & Venues Department in the summer of 2023, was continued into the summer of 2024, with a primary mission to maintain the venue’s cultural heritage while ensuring its continued relevance in the entertainment landscape. A large piece of the renovations was the upgrade to cutting-edge theatrical technology, most notably the dome lighting and audio system. The new lighting is the centerpiece of the renovations, designed to capture the essence of Arizona’s natural skies. Before the show begins, audiences can look up and immerse themselves in breathtaking displays, from vibrant sunrises and dramatic monsoon storms to starlit nights and the awe-inspiring Milky Way. In addition to the sensory experience created by the dome, the theatre expanded the capacity to 1,410 seats, most of which were updated to be wider and plusher to enhance comfort. However, 144 original balcony seats were restored along with the flooring, which was replaced with aged wood from period-accurate barn wood to preserve the venue’s historic charm. The renovations also incorporated advanced technology to provide a premier audiovisual experience. The upgraded ETC Lustr+ fixtures, along with the ColorForce2 strip system allow for synchronized high- performance LED lighting and surround sound. This new setup enables the theatre to seamlessly adapt to various production styles, whether traditional or contemporary. The venue isn’t done with renovation just yet. Over the next three to four years, the Orpheum Theatre has plans for further interior wall restorations, a refresh of the exterior building façade, a full whitewash of the building to highlight design elements, and other essential repairs to preserve the building. Despite the extensive renovations, certain elements of the Orpheum Theatre remain untouched to maintain its historic essence. The architectural design, iconic art murals, and the theatre’s backstage area were unchanged. The recent transformation of the Orpheum Theatre exemplifies the balance between honoring the past and embracing the future, making it an even more vital part of Phoenix’s cultural landscape. In the coming months, the venue will host comedian Henry Cho’s “The Empty Nest Tour,” a concert by Grammy Award winners Gillian Welch and David Rawlings, and the ballet performance of Swan Lake. orpheumphx.com A modern transformation of a historic Phoenix landmark For the last two years, the Orpheum Theatre underwent extensive remodeling, including new technology and preservation of historical elements. PHOTO COURTESY OF BREE DEVERILL