Chandler, AZ September 2024

Welcome to the Style Issue ...

Ahh, September. That’s when the Valley gets back in the swing of things, when—although the heat remains—the lazy days of summer are replaced by the hustle, bustle, and anticipation of fall. The summer clothing in stores begins to be switched out to those for the new season, events start filling the calendar again, and we even begin thinking that the holidays are “just around the corner.”

But we’re not there just yet.

We kick off the month with our Style Issue, which coincides perfectly with the start of “season” here in the Valley. It’s time to don new looks, explore new places, and get back in the swing of things.

In this issue, we take a look at fall fashions from popular designer Ramy Brook, who headlines Scottsdale Fashion Week this month. It’s worth the drive from Chandler! I’m loving the looks!

And of course, beautiful skin is also always in style. We chatted with Chandler’s very own bio-organic chemist Dr. Vivian Valenty (you may know her from her popular Dazzle Dry nail lacquer system), who recently launched her Vivian Valenty Skincare line of products.

But of course, style is more than just personal fashion and beauty. So, we searched out some local cocktail creations that look as good as they taste.

We also have stories on a professional baseball glove craftsman and a stylish car, and share the recipe for a lavender scrub.

I hope you enjoy the issue. See you around at all the events this month!

Yours,

MICHELLE GLICKSMAN, EDITOR

September 2024

PUBLISHER

Joyce Selk | joyce.selk@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Michelle Glicksman

michelle.glicksman@citylifestyle.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANTS

Jessica Bush | jessica.bush@citylifestyle.com

Christina Larson | christina.larson@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Jessica Bush | jessica.bush@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Susan Lanier-Graham, Alison Stanton

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard

Educational Event

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city scene

1: The Chandler Police Department received a donation of children's books from the nonprofit Southern Arizona Book Heroes. 2: The road and sidewalk improvements in Downtown Chandler are almost complete! 3: Move the Needle podcast at Off 87 showcased positive change in the community. 4: The Chandler Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting for Canine Creek. 5: Girls’ day out at the Tipsy Egg in historic Downtown Chandler. 6: Attendees enjoyed the Chandler Chamber of Commerce's Building Inclusive Workplaces event. 7: The Chandler Chamber of Commerce's Business After Business was held at Topgolf Gilbert.

Kohler Bathroom Design

Amada Senior Care Holding Educational Event

Amada Senior Care is holding an educational session on Sept. 24 at 10:30 a.m. at the Hamilton Public Library meeting room. It is free for seniors and their families who have a private long-term care insurance policy (either traditional or a hybrid policy) and have annual premiums. The session will cover the generalities of long-term care insurance policies, rate increases, and how to navigate if you need to make a claim. RSVP: Kimberly.A@AmadaSeniorCare.com or 480.999.5289.

Aquila Dental Holds

Invisalign Day on Sept. 10

On Sept. 10, from 7 a.m.-4 p.m., Aquila Dental is offering its lowest pricing of the year on Invisalign. The pricing is because of a discount they are receiving from Invisalign—they are passing it along directly to their clients! Invisalign will be $3,900 for anyone who starts that same day. Normally, the price is $5,982. There will also be two other raffles, where those who sign up for Invisalign that day will be entered to win. AquilaDental.com

Arizona Teachers Can Score Classroom Grants With Every Cardinals Touchdown

Football season is here, and SRP and Cardinals Charities are partnering for the sixth year on the Touchdowns for Teachers program. The program awards $500 grants to two teachers every time the Cardinals score a touchdown during the regular NFL season. Teachers can use the grants to purchase school supplies, books, equipment, or anything they need to support their classroom. Teachers can apply for grants through the day of the Arizona Cardinals’ last regular season game. SRP.net/teacher

Super Star Car Wash Celebrates Opening Its 100th Location

Super Star Car Wash, which was founded in Chandler in 1993, recently opened its 100th location—and in the same city where it all began. The company now has locations in four states, but its newest location is back in Chandler at 2701 W. Chandler Blvd. The locale offers standard express car washes and premium treatment options. Additional amenities include free vacuums, microfiber towels, high-pressure air blasters, and tire pressure hoses at every stall after each wash. SuperStarCarWashAZ.com

Mayor Kevin Hartke was elected chair of the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) Regional Council during the agency’s annual meeting. For the role, Hartke says his

highest priority is to ensure that MAG is ready to implement a suite of transportation projects if Maricopa County voters approve the extension of the dedicated half-cent sales tax for transportation (Proposition 479) in November. Additional areas of focus will be increasing electric vehicle infrastructure, ozone pollution, and working to protect the region’s most vulnerable citizens.

Chandler’s Neighborhood Resources Director Recieves Gabe Zimmerman Public Service Award

Leah Powell, Chandler’s neighborhood resources director, was selected as a recipient of the Community Builder Award for the 2024 Gabe Zimmerman Public Service Awards. The Community Builder Award recognizes public servants in large and small cities and towns who advance community pride and connection. Powell has been in the role for Chandler since 2017, overseeing neighborhood preservation, community redevelopment and resources, and Chandler’s Public Housing Authority. During her 40-year municipal career, she's devoted 28 years to Chandler.

The Chandler Police Department Receives a Donation of Children's Books

The Chandler Police Department received a generous donation of children's books from the nonprofit Southern Arizona Book Heroes. Founder Jennifer Dillon's mission is to help officers help children who are facing a crisis. Officers often encounter children who are facing difficult circumstances during police encounters. Dillon was once one of those children—she was 13 when she was removed from her family and taken to an emergency shelter. She lost herself in reading books and called it her "lifeline" during a difficult time.

VIVIAN VALENTY® SKINCARE

Dazzle Dry's Founder Recently Launched a Toxin-Free, High-Quality Line of Skincare Products

ARTICLE BY ALISON STANTON PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

As the founder of Dazzle Dry® and Vivian Valenty® Skincare, Dr. Vivian Valenty is devoted to creating products that solve problems in a natural and healthy way.

“As an experienced bio-organic chemist, I created this results-driven line that is free of toxins and unhealthy ingredients.”

Valenty, who worked as a bio-organic chemist for 35 years prior to launching Dazzle Dry in 2007 and Vivian Valenty Skincare in 2023, became interested in plants and other natural products during a challenging time in her early childhood in the Philippines.

“During World War II, my parents had to evacuate to the base of Mount Arayat for safety, where they foraged wild herbs to feed me due to scarce food. This early experience fostered my love for vegetables and natural products,” she says.

As she grew older, Valenty’s passion for plants and other things in nature evolved to an interest in chemistry.

Valenty studied rice starch as a research chemist at the International Rice Research Institute, and in 1966, she was a graduate student in organic chemistry at Pennsylvania State University.

After taking several years off to raise her young son, Valenty began her career as a chemist.

“I taught as an assistant professor at Skidmore College, and was a research scientist at the New York State Department of Health before joining Staley Manufacturing Company,” she says, adding that at Staley, she discovered her passion for making products that address and fix a problem.

“I synthesized a compound from corn and soybeans that was better than phosphate in binding calcium, resulting in two U.S. patents,” she says, adding that her work on bio-based surfactants led to earning a third patent.

“This success led to a job with GE Silicone Products Division, where I received a fourth patent. GE’s new venture group, Microelectronic Materials, relocated me to Tempe in 1986.”

In 1989, while working with GE, Valenty created a “UV-curable topcoat for nail polishes,” which dried in six minutes and was removable with acetone.

“This innovation earned my fifth patent. In 1990, I founded VB Cosmetics, Inc., and we moved our manufacturing to Chandler in 1995,” she says.

By 1997, Valenty had created over 20 nail care and numerous skincare products.

“Learning about the dangers of UVA rays led me to develop Dazzle Dry, a nail lacquer system that dries in five minutes without UV light and lasts two to three times longer than traditional polish.’

Valenty, who has called Chandler home for 25 years, was inspired by her own challenges with her skin to create and launch the Vivian Valenty Skincare line of products.

“I had problematic skin since I was 17 and was allergic to benzoyl peroxide," she says. "I created a toner with alpha and beta hydroxy acids and aloe vera gel, which cleared my complexion in 30 days.”

While the product initially inspired a skincare line, Valenty says she stopped marketing it in 2001 due to issues with parabens.

“After 20 years of research on non-paraben preservatives, I launched the reformulated Vivian Valenty Skincare line, and I am confident in its effectiveness,” she says. “As an experienced bio-organic chemist, I created this results-driven line that is free of toxins and unhealthy ingredients.”

The Vivian Valenty Skincare line features five products:

1. Cleanse: A gentle non-foaming cleanser for all skin types.

2. Refine: An exfoliating toner with fruit acids and aloe vera gel.

3. Hydrate: An oil-free serum with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and copper tripeptide-1.

4. Nourish: A multi-peptide serum for collagen and elastin support.

5. Protect: An oil serum with vitamin E, CoQ10, and squalane.

"My beauty products boost confidence and happiness, creating a ripple effect of positivity, and profits from my work support tree planting to combat global warming and fund educational initiatives addressing social inequity."

While Valenty created the line of skincare products with people 35 years and older in mind, she says teenagers who are experiencing breakouts can certainly use Cleanse, Refine, and Hydrate.

“I have exclusively used my products for 31 years, and my skin’s quality at nearly 80 is a testament to their efficacy. The products allow for customization based on skin type and environmental conditions, enhancing their unique appeal,” she says.

Valenty says she truly enjoys helping others, and that her work is leaving a positive impact on both people and the planet.

“My beauty products boost confidence and happiness, creating a ripple effect of positivity, and profits from my work support tree planting to combat global warming and fund educational initiatives addressing social inequity,” she says.

“My good education has been instrumental in my success, and I aim to provide similar opportunities for others.”

Dazzle Dry is available at DazzleDry.com , Amazon.com and at luxury spas. Vivian Valenty Skincare products are available on VVSkincare.com

Cathy is a fantastic realtor! She is highly knowledgeable in the field and she made our home buying process smooth and easy. We did a long distance home sell and I felt comfortable through the whole process. She always kept us up to date and was readily available when we had any questions or concerns. If you are looking to work with someone who is going to get the job done, and done well, work with Cathy!

STYLISH SIPS

Photo by Clementine Buschtetz

EXPERIENCE

MODERN ART IN A GLASS WITH THESE LOCAL LIBATIONS

Mixologists are raising the bar when it comes to local libations by transforming their drink recipes into modern art through the use of unique spirits, bold colors, fun containers, and distinctive garnishes. Here are four that look as good as they taste.

Pineapple Express

Created in Chicago, this pungent drink, which can be found at Cuisine & Wine Bistro, is not for the faint of heart. Herb-infused mescal is shaken with Cynar, Averna, fresh pineapple, and lime juice. It is then garnished with charred pineapple, which adds a nice smoky element to the cocktail. $18. CuisineAndWine.com

ARTICLE BY MICHELLE GLICKSMAN

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Boss Margarita

Prime Steakhouse at Wild Horse Pass offers its elevated take on a classic margarita with this creation made with Clase Azul Reposado tequila, hand-squeezed lime juice, fresh guava, and Cointreau. The cocktail is then served in a decorative glass. $40. PlayAtGila.com

Cacti Cooler

Maple House recently launched its new craft cocktail menu, including this light and refreshing vodka-based drink created by Operations Director and award-winning mixologist Michael Regan. It is made with elderflower liqueur, prickly pear, pomegranate, and yuzu, and then topped with soda water to add effervescence. It is then finished with mint and lemon. To ensure a perfect balance every time, the drink is prepared ahead of time and served on tap. $12.  MapleHouseAZ.com

The Most Stylish Event

TAKE A FRONT ROW SEAT TO THE SEASON’S HOTTEST FASHIONS

Runway shows. Exclusive shopping. Parties. Live entertainment.

Scottsdale Fashion Week (SFW), organized by Steve Levine Entertainment & Public Relations (SLE) and FORD/Robert Black Modeling Agency, returns for its eighth season this month, from Sept. 26-29. The series of shows features a unique theme and destination nightly, with high-end designers from around the country unveiling their latest collections.

THE EVENTS

Opening night kicks off with local boutique AMY & MAN Atelier, which carries world-renowned brands, showcasing its Fall ’24 collections. The event will be held at the new threestory private estate in Scottsdale known as The 1 Home, whose location will be revealed only to ticket holders.

Mercedes-Benz of Scottsdale then hosts Revv Up the Runway on Fri., Sept. 27 and A Night Out with Ramy Brook on Sat., Sept. 28. Revv Up the Runway will feature lingerie and swimwear looks, while brand Ramy Brook is currently sold in more than 250 stores nationwide, including Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, and Neiman Marcus.

Each night, SLE will completely transform the space, creating a fresh experience for attendees.

Sun., Sept. 29 brings Sunday Soirée, with Scottsdale Fashion Square featuring Nordstrom’s wide variety of ready-to-wear looks for both women and men, followed by an exclusive in-store shopping after-party.

SFW also features private shopping events, gifts from the designers, fashion art installations, live entertainment, and more.

A portion of the event’s proceeds benefit the Magical Builders’ Magical Beauty Initiative.

Info/tickets: ScottsdaleFashionWeek.com

MEET RAMY BROOK

What began in 2010 when Ramy Brook Sharp couldn’t find a sexy, stylish, luxurious top, has scaled into popular contemporary brand Ramy Brook. The female-owned and -operated brand stemmed from Sharp’s dream to uplift, empower, and celebrate women.

Ramy Brook offers apparel, accessories, and swimwear collections that transcend generational dressing, offering something for anyone looking for a vibrant and celebrational style.

RamyBrook.com

CON F I DENT

STYLE

DESIGNER RAMY BROOK UNVEILS SOME OF HER LATEST LOOKS FOR THE SEASON

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY RAMY BROOK

(Left) Bailey Dress: Dark indigo denim with adjustable thin straps and intricate embroidery. $585. Kairi Stacked Hoop Earrings: $165. Adale Choker: $175. Zion Hand Chain: $145. (Right) Mav Jacket: Crafted from embellished denim suiting for Western glam with a modern twist. $595. Harriet Top: The brand’s signature, silky Harriet Top is designed to be tied six different ways. $295. Gunnar Skirt: Dark indigo denim with embroidery. $365. Yara Necklace: $198. Calliope Bracelet: $198.

ARTICLE BY ALISON STANTON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY POLYMATH PHOTOGRAPHY

Lab The Glove

AS A PROFESSIONAL GLOVE CRAFTSMAN, CHRIS PETROFF CAREFULLY AND PROFESSIONALLY REPAIRS AND RESTORES BASEBALL GLOVES, SAVING THEM FROM THE LANDFILL

Years ago, Chris Petroff’s son was playing baseball when a lace broke in his new glove.

Rather than throwing the glove away, Petroff brought his son to a local sporting goods store and bought replacement lace.

“I showed my son that his glove could be repaired and not replaced,” Petroff says. “Soon, my son was volunteering my services to his friends and teammates, and I quickly saw there was a need for baseball glove repair services.”

Eventually, Petroff realized that his hobby of repairing baseball gloves could be turned into a small business. He launched The Glove Lab in 2019, and now works full time as a professional glove craftsman.

“Our services include leather reconditioning, full glove restoration, glove relacing, and repair services. We also design and sell our own line of baseball gloves,” Petroff says, adding that he has worked on several thousand gloves from across all 50 states, seven countries, and four continents.

In addition to being pleased about preventing baseball gloves from ending up in the landfill, Petroff loves learning about the gloves that customers bring in.

“I have had the chance to work with some incredible customers who share the stories of their gloves, and some of them are amazing. From being used in the World Series, or playing catch with Hall of Famer players, to family heirlooms, and childhood nostalgia, each glove tells a story.”

TheGloveLab.com

Alfa Romeo Giulia

DELIVERING RACE-INSPIRED PERFORMANCE AND ITALIAN STYLE

The 2024 Alfa Romeo Giulia (pronounced Julia) offers a combination of exhilarating driving dynamics, advanced technology features, a seductive Italian design, and an optional all-wheeldrive system (AWD). We test drove the Veloce RWD, but the 2024 lineup also includes a limited 100th Anniversary Quadrifoglio and a limited edition Competizione model, boosting the car's race-inspired performance even further.

The Alfa Romeo Giulia perfectly blends design, power, and innovation to create a driving experience unlike any other. The use of patented, lightweight materials means the Giulia handles like a sports car with increased response, reduced weight, and improved feel.

ARTICLE BY SUSAN LANIER-GRAHAM | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

MSRP: $44,520

Price as tested: $54,550

2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder

280 HP with engine stop/start 8-speed automatic transmission 24 MPG City / 33 MPG

The distinctive exterior sets the Alfa Romeo Giulia apart from other vehicles on the road. It starts with the burnished 5-hole, 19-inch sports alloy wheels. The full-LED adaptive matrix trilobe headlamps and transparent tail lamps are iconic Alfa Romeo.

Alfa Romeo has discovered the perfect balance between a hands-on driving experience and cutting-edge automated driving systems. The combination of active cruise control, traffic jam, and highway assist helps you maintain safe driving distances in the city and on the highway. Remain connected while driving with SOS call, available Wi-Fi, Apple and Android connectivity, and top-of-class navigation.

ARTICLE BY BAILEY MORRIS

Lavender Vanilla Sugar Scrub

This homemade sugar scrub is easy to make and leaves you with silky soft skin

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup of granulated sugar

• ½ cup of oil (almond oil or olive oil works best)

• ½ teaspoon vitamin E oil

• ½ teaspoon real vanilla extract

• 15 drops lavender essential oil

DIRECTIONS:

Sugar scrubs are amazing for getting rid of dead skin and exfoliating to reveal soft skin.

To make this Lavender Vanilla Sugar Scrub, mix all ingredients together and store in an airtight jar.

SEPTEMBER 2024

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

SEPTEMBER 1ST - 21ST

A Million Little Choices: Sami Lange

Vision Gallery

In her intricately colored and textured paper quilts, artist Sami Lange delves into the often heavy, powerful, and beautiful loads women and parents carry. In the spirit of finding joy, the work focuses on the freedom felt when little decisions allow for choices that create paths that resonate with core identities. VisionGallery.org

SEPTEMBER 6TH

Beth Hart

Chandler Center for the Arts | 7:30 PM

Recognized as one of her generation's most talented voices, Grammy Award-nominated powerhouse vocalist Beth Hart is as real as it gets with her raw blues-rock sound. ChandlerCenter.org

SEPTEMBER 13TH - 15TH

Junk in the Trunk

Vintage Market

WestWorld of Scottsdale

A staple for area shoppers, this event showcases a broad selection of local small businesses, artisans, and one-of-akind vintage and antique items. Occupying over 120,000 square feet with more than 160 vendors from across the country, the market offers an eclectic mix of clothing, jewelry, antiques, furniture, home decor, and much more. JunkInTheTrunkVintageMarket.com

SEPTEMBER 13TH

Chandler Chamber's 23rd Annual Charity Golf Tournament

Ocotillo Golf Club

Hit the greens for a good cause. This competition raises scholarship funds for the Chandler Chamber Community Foundation to send a select group of students to Chandler-Gilbert Community College. Businesses can get involved by playing in the event, sponsoring it, donating raffle prizes, or volunteering at the event. ChandlerChamber.com

SEPTEMBER 14TH

13th Annual Rockin' Taco Street Fest

Dr. A.J. Chandler Park | 12:00 PM

This food, music, and cultural celebration is back with creative tacos from 20 local restaurants and food trucks. Live entertainment, Luche Libre wrestling, hot chili pepper and taco eating competitions, mariachi, the Margarita & Michelada Master Tent, a children's play area, and more. Forty8Live.com/rockintacoaz

SEPTEMBER 20TH Ballet Under the Stars

Presented by Ballet Arizona

Dr. A.J. Chandler Park | 7:00 PM

Experience the beauty of dance under the stars in Downtown Chandler for the first time! Bring a blanket or lawn chair to enjoy a distinct evening performance, ranging from classical to contemporary, on an outdoor stage filled with sparkling lights and intricate costumes. Tickets are not required to attend, but an RSVP is requested. ChandlerCenter.org

SMILE AND EAT

CONTINUED

SEPTEMBER 21ST

Chandler Contigo ¡Dia de Fiesta! Kickoff Event

Downtown Library

Experience the traditions and spirit of the Hispanic culture through performances, presentations, arts and crafts, and hands-on activities for all ages. This free event will be filled with culture, fun, and memorable experiences. ChandlerAZ.gov

SEPTEMBER 22ND

Get the Led Out

Chandler Center for the Arts | 7:00 PM

Get the Led Out is all about delivering a high-energy Zeppelin concert with an honest, heart-thumping intensity without wigs or fake accents. Prepare for an awe-inspiring evening, with tickets starting at just $30. ChandlerCenter.org

SEPTEMBER 27TH - 28TH

Downtown Chandler Oktoberfest 2024 Hosted by San Tan Brewery

Dr. A.J. Chandler Park | 3:00 PM

Lace up your dirndl, throw on your lederhosen, and grab a stein because Oktoberfest 2024 is coming back to Downtown Chandler. Find local beer by SanTan Brewing Co., Pedal Haus Brewery, Quart Haus, Craft 64, Buqui Bichi, The Perch, and AZ Loc Ale, as well as cocktails by SanTan Spirits, German fare, and games. DowntownChandler.org

OCTOBER 3RD

Billy Ocean

Chandler Center for the Arts | 7:00 PM

Billy Ocean is a Grammy Award-winning, multi-platinum musician. His smooth vocals and charisma made him a pop/R&B hit worldwide in the ‘70s and ‘80s with anthems like “Caribbean Queen.” ChandlerCenter.org