Liz Stark Loves Airpark Life!

Welcome Liz Stark, retired community college faculty member who found a new life at an Arizona airpark (and my neighbor).

Thanks, Amber, for inviting me. And where’s the coffee?

First Liz, tell me how did moving onto an airpark change your life?

After building our hangar and home I became a student of ceramics, created a ceramic studio in the bunkhouse attached to the hangar for where I play with clay. But wait. There’s more.

Next, neighbors and friends dragged me down the dark hole of quilting and I have enjoyed hours cutting up perfectly good fabric to make bed quilts, wall hangings, and table runners. Always willing to try new activities, I dabble in water color, spinning, beading, and gardening.

I have completed 27 walking marathons and loads of half-marathons and 10 Ks. My dh and I circle the airpark most mornings for exercise and connect with neighbors. I love bird-watching and have identified almost all the birds who visit our yard.

Are you a pilot?

I have soloed but do not have my ticket. I enjoy flying with my husband. Arizona offers great flying weather, world-class scenery and all the space and amenities to tinker on airplanes.

How long have you lived on an airpark?

We moved to the airpark in 2000 and lived in the bunkhouse while hour home was under construction. We could not have asked for better neighbors: helpful, generous, active men and women.

IYO, what’s the best part of airpark life?

There are many best parts of airpark life including a shared interest in airplanes and space. In California it would have been difficult to have a ceramic studio, a quilting studio, guest rooms for friends who visit, and a patio for large gatherings. And I can’t forget the clear skies day and evening, the mountain vistas, the clear air, the natural desert landscaping.

I get it, you like Arizona, but tell me about an incident in airpark life.

After we moved in, we took a trip through the Panama Canal. When we returned, yellow police tape encircled our house. A sign read “Abandoned House - Yours for Only $25,000.”  Returning home from another trip, we found plastic pink flamingos inhabiting our yard. But, again, there’s more: While we were away on one summer trip our refrigerator died. A great stench gave the problem away. Neighbors cleaned out the frig and freezer, aired out our house, and sanitized the whole kitchen. We returned to a fresh smelling house and an empty refrigerator. Where could you find better neighbors?

What’s your connection to books?

I love to read and usually have two books going. My taste is eclectic. Mostly fiction. It’s fun to visit our local library and check out a book from the “New” shelf. I often read books recommended by friends. 

For the past eight years I’ve volunteered with the local Adult Reading Program, helping local residents learn English and prepare for the GED.

Amber’s great new book, Flying Free.  includes a character much like me. Of course I am more talented and less pushy than Pat Stone (and much younger).

Thanks for that plug. Anything else you'd like to say?

Is there more coffee? No brownies?

Thanks, Liz, for stopping by.

The omni-hobbied Liz Stark is also the Airpark Kazoo Choir director, Fun Walk Coordinator, local theatre buff, Airpark Treasurer, and award-winning artist. She has been married for 46 years to her violin playing, vintage motorcycle racing, pilot husband Chuck, has a son David, daughter-in law Anne, daughter Heidi, son-in-law Vince, and two grandchildren, Sam and Nick, who love to visit to visit their grandparents' airpark home.