Joan Fudala: Scottsdale’s Historian

Green Living, August 2020

For more than three decades, Scottsdale’s Joan Fudala has served Scottsdale and the Valley as author, communications executive, author, lecturer, preservation advocate, historical consultant and member of numerous commissions, committees and nonprofits. In nominating her for a 2020 Governor’s Heritage Preservation Honor Award, Scottsdale architect Douglas B. Sydnor, FAIA, wrote: “Joan Fudala has effectively promoted and created a public awareness of our history in the greater Scottsdale area; contributed to our understanding of Scottsdale’s historic people, places and events; and executed research and publishing projects that celebrate our vast historical resources.” Congratulations, Joan, for keeping that history vibrant.

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Gilbert, Arizona Veteran Remembers Normandy Invasion

Gilbert Sun News, June 2, 2019

Henry DuBay was there for the Normandy Invasion 75 years ago. He was there for his country. He was there for his family. For freedom, for democracy, for decency. The Gilbert, Arizona, resident, a C-47 pilot during World War II, was honored at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans June 6, 2019, for his participation in the most important battle of the last century, which took place along 50 miles of French coastline. He and other D-Day veterans were flown to the museum to discuss Operation Overlord and meet well-wishers from around the country. The costs had been high: approximately 2,500 Americans and almost 2,000 British and Canadian troops were killed just on the first day, June 6, 1944. Another 7,500 were wounded. But the battle was won, and the war in Europe would be over less than a year later.

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The Hings Save Money Market in Superior

AFMA Journal, June 2019

Every story written brings some enjoyment. This one brought stories and stories of enjoyment. The Hings are a fourth-generation grocery family living and doing business in Superior, about 30 miles from Mesa, Arizona. Theirs is a story of hard work, toughness and persistence through 100 years of providing the mining town with fresh provisions and other necessities. Michael Hing’s grandfather started the business in 1920, less than a decade since coming from China; next year, then, is the centennial; he befriended Eddie Basha Sr.’s dad, who started that Arizona grocery company in nearby Kearney. He was also friendly with Colonel Boyce Thompson, the Magma Copper owner who founded the beautiful Boyce Thompson Southwest Arboretum. Please come through these doors, shop a spell and read about a family that makes Arizona, and America, great.

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Remembering June 6, 1945: D-Day at 75

Highline Autos, June 2019

Speaking with Harry Swartz of Fostoria, Ohio, was one of a number of highlights working on this 75th-anniversary D-Day story with our friends at the World War II Museum in New Orleans. I was able to find Harry through the kindness of Lee Adams, whose grandfather is a Normandy veteran and who helps coordinate the D-Day re-enactment every August in Conneaut, Ohio, on Lake Erie. Please consider visiting both the museum and that event. Harry was there as a scout on the shores of western France early June 6, 1944. Speaking with him viscerally connected me to those hours: the incessant German machine guns on the ridges, the beach barricades set by Rommel’s Atlantic Fortress crew, the swirling cold water. His heroic fight for survival that morning, and that of his comrades, ensured the survival of democracy, of us and our children.

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Ice King: ‘Chill Out, Be Cool’

AFMA Journal, March 2019

Some assignments have a chilling effect. A recent visit to Ice King did this, while also inspiring the final text. The small business produces ice products, such as blocks and cubes, for the Phoenix area. An early morning interview transpired during a winter chill that had brought wind and rain to the desert areas of the state and record snow to the high country. Starting out in the cool parking lot, we warmed to the snow-making machines that are hot in the sizzling Valley summers. Then we moved inside to a cooler space where giant cylinders harvested ice. Next was the inventory freezer, cooler still, and, finally, an especially frigid freezer set at 6 degrees. All the while, we met The Robot, which, undaunted by the cold, palleted the products, without so much as donning an Extra Large sweater. This piece is served un-neat for your sipping pleasure.

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