Issuu

AUGUST 2020

CityLifestyle.com/ParadiseValley

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

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AUGUST 2020 PUBLISHER

Tammy Fellows | tammy.fellows@lifestylepubs.com EDITOR

Michelle Glicksman | michelle.glicksman@lifestylepubs.com

WE ARE FAMILY... FAMILY, IN THE TRADITIONAL SENSE, MAY INCLUDE A MOTHER, A FATHER, A COUPLE OF KIDS, A DOG, AND MAYBE A CAT WHO LIVE IN A NICE HOME WITH A WHITE PICKET FENCE... but let’s face it, in most cases family life has a wide spectrum of realities. Even in this “traditional” scenario, from outside appearances, that “traditional

ACCOUNT MANAGERS

Elisa Lane | elisa.lane@lifestylepubs.com, Kristi Hopp | kristi.hopp@lifestylepubs.com PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Lyssa Van Cleave | lyssa.vancleave@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER

Whitney Lockhart

family” has all the chaos and messes we as people possess. After all, we are human right?

LAYOUT DESIGNER

From the time we are born, we naturally seek connection, affection, unconditional love,

Dani Moore

and a sense of belonging. If we are lucky, we have that from the beginning through our given family, but in reality, family has so many meanings and stretches way beyond the traditional sense. To me, family is more of a feeling—it’s really about connection. It’s about how a group of people (related or not) love and care for one another, whether they live together or not. Let’s not forget our animals... our pets are also a huge part of our families and bring the gift of unconditional love into our family lives! Over the past several months, with the global pandemic we have all been facing, family is more important than ever. We have been spending more time together, having to practice patience and allowing space, when it’s not always possible. For me, this time has been a wonderful opportunity for reflection. I have been able to slow down, connect, and really experience my family in ways that daily life usually distracts from. It’s been a great blessing for me.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Michelle Talsma Everson, Staci Hauk, Teresa Traverse, Georgann Yara CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Jennica Maes, AMAES Photography

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

This has gone beyond the family in my home and has made me long for greater con-

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

nection with my original family, my extended family, and my family of friends, as well.

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

People naturally gravitate towards one another for support and love. Distance is

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

challenging when we seek physical and emotional connection. It’s so important to stay as connected as you can to your family no matter what your “family” may be. There are many silver linings with the challenges that accompany this wild ride in 2020; family is one of them! As you may have guessed by now, this month’s issue of Paradise Valley Lifestyle is all about family! You will hear some inspiring stories about real family life and the challenges and blessings that come with it. Our community is filled with amazing people, which is why we love to share their stories. Our community is also a family that we embrace. We hope you enjoy the Family Issue of Paradise Valley Lifestyle! Be grateful, be kind and live well,

ON THE COVER The Garcia Family PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNICA MAES, AMAES PHOTOGRAPHY HAIR AND MAKEUP BY ZAC PHOENIX 6

Paradise Valley Lifestyle | August 2020

Tammy Fellows, Publisher

CityLifestyle.com/ParadiseValley

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO Proverbs 3:5-6 Paradise Valley Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Paradise Valley areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Paradise Valley Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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INSIDE THE ISSUE AUGUST 2020

FEATURES 12 When It’s YOUR kid Debbie and Steve Moaks’ Personal Experience Enabled Them to Help Other Families

20 World Schooling: The Porter Family of Five Travels the World Stacy and Nick Porter Ventured Around the World, Teaching Their Kids Lessons Along the Way

26 What Lola Likes From Blogging to Reality TV to Parenthood, Lauren ‘Lola’ and JJ Garcia Share Their Thoughts and Lives

26 12

42 Perfect Pet Accessories Want to Pamper Your Pet? Try One of These Fun Finds

DEPARTMENTS 6

Lifestyle Letter

Around Town

Giving Back

Animal Kingdom

20 Travel Destination 32 Local Limelight 34 Page Turners 38 DIY 42 Trend Setter

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AROUND TOWN for its 12th year. The evening includes entertainment, fine dining, and the best service in town as Fitzgerald raises money to support those less fortunate. The Larry Fitzgerald First Down Fund has been supporting kids and their families with significant donations of time, money, and special resources through numerous associations across the country and beyond for more than a decade. The event will follow strict CDC guidelines and social distancing will be enforced. Held at Dominick's Steakhouse, tickets are $850. LarryFitzgerald.com

LUXURY $2 BILLION DEVELOPMENT THE PALMERIE UPGRADES HEALTH/ SAFETY MEASURES Paradise Valley’s $2 billion luxury megadevelopment The Palmerie not only implemented social distancing rules to keep its crews safe while construction continues, but implemented design changes in order to be at the forefront of safety. The resort and all residential villas will now have ionized air throughout. Additionally, all guest touchpoints within the resort have been converted to touchless. Offices within the office tower now have nano-doors, operational windows, and ionized air systems. And rooftop terraces and VIP spaces, including private gardens, have been added for retailers. Phase one is scheduled to open by the end of 2020. ThePalmerie.com

SUSHI VIBE OPENS AT UPTOWN PLAZA Sushi Vibe, a family-friendly Japanese dining option, recently opened at Uptown Plaza, 100 E. Camelback Road. The locale features a modern and casual setting, as well as an expansive front patio that overlooks the plaza's courtyard. The restaurant is open for dine-in and take-out. Locally owned by Masa Kim, the mastermind behind Sushiholic, Sushi Style and Fresh Wasabi, the full menu consists of items such as Salmon Teriyaki, Halibut Hirame, Miso Eggplant, Tuna Vibe, and classic sashimi. However, the restaurant has opened with a limited menu initially. UptownPlazaPHX.com

GRANTS TOTALING $523,424 AWARDED In late May, four grants totaling $523,424 were awarded from the Phoenix Children’s Hospital 2020 Leadership Circle Grant Presentations. The

FITZ'S SUPPER CLUBS RETURNS AUG. 31

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Join Larry Fitzgerald and his celebrity friends

drive research and innovation, even during these

on Aug. 31 at 7 p.m., when Fitz's Supper Club returns

unprecedented times. The online event was

Paradise Valley Lifestyle | August 2020

hosted and produced by Carey Pena of Inspired

movie starts at 7 p.m. There is no additional charge

360 Media. Zach Ferres acted as moderator.

to watch the movie, but because seating is limited,

Once a year in the spring, Leadership Circle members have the opportunity to hear researchers, physicians, nurses and other hospital innova-

reservations are required. This month's movies include Big Night (Aug. 19) and Eat, Pray, Love (Aug. 26). MarcellinoRistorante.com

tors present their cases for support to the group. Members then vote to determine which projects to fund and how their funds will be prioritized. The 2020 PCH Leadership Circle directors included co-chairs Clarissa and Brian Robinson, as well as Julia and Taylor Burke, Carol and Dr. Charles Dries Jr., Jennifer and Rich Jewell, Charli Morrow and Jerry Schwalbach, and DeeDee and Ken Vecchione. The four grants included multiple teams of investigators and co-investigators.

MARCELLINO RISTORANTE HOSTS DINNER & MOVIE NIGHTS There’s no slowing down this summer for Marcellino Ristorante in Old Town Scottsdale. The restaurant recently brought back its popular Dinner & Movie Nights in its private dining room,

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CityLifestyle.com/ParadiseValley

GIVING BACK

when it’s your kid

DEBBIE AND STEVE MOAKS’ PERSONAL EXPERIENCE ENABLED THEM TO HELP OTHER FAMILIES THROUGH THEIR NONPROFIT NOTMYKID

Paradise Valley Lifestyle | August 2020

DEBBIE MOAK JUST HUNG UP THE PHONE,

intervention programming for middle school

COACHING AND PROVIDING SUPPORT

and high school students. The organization

TO A MOTHER STRUGGLING WITH HER

is on track to expand behavioral health sup-

18-YEAR-OLD’S SON’S DRUG ABUSE.

port, and will open an outpatient treatment

She knows how this mother feels. Too well.

program for youth and their families this fall.

Moak and her husband Steve never

notMYkid is celebrating its 20th year

thought their son, Steve Jr., would be one of

of service this year, and has served more

“those” kids. In high school, he was the vice

than 2 million individuals through its peer-

president of his class, held the state track

based programs. Even in the midst of a

record, was on the basketball team, and had

pandemic, they are pivoting to provide

great grades and a solid group of friends. The

online programs and prioritize mental

Moaks’ hosted weekly Young Life meetings.

health and substance use disorder preven-

“On paper, our son was everything we wanted our son to be,” Moak recalls. “The resume was pretty impressive. At the time, that’s all I knew.”

tion programs that reach schools, families, and the community at large. A year after entering treatment, Steve Jr. became the organization’s first peer educator,

What she and her husband did not know

a paid position that he worked for free. Today, at

was that their son had an emerging sub-

41, he owns a company that produces engage-

stance abuse problem. The origin: A high

ment software that supports people in recovery.

school student government trip to Coronado

“I’m so proud of him. If you think about

Island when a beautiful senior cheerleader

having an entire organization founded upon

asked freshman Steve Jr. if he wanted to

your high school and college years and your

smoke a joint with her.

behavior… he shouldered that responsibil-

Years later, as a 20-year-old student at the

ity,” Moak says.

University of Colorado Boulder, in a moment

Steve Jr. is among the more than 100,000

of clarity, he was asking for help. The Moaks’

Arizona youths a year that have benefitted from

already knew something was going on and

notMYkid (notMYkid.org) since its inception.

planned to take advantage of that moment

Ministers, doctors, and heads of nonprofits

when it happened. They had a rehabilitation

are among those who came to notMYkid at

place selected, flew him back to Phoenix, and

their most vulnerable. One is active in national

met him at the airport with a packed bag.

healthcare reform, and was the first recipient

After getting him help, they wanted to do the

of a notMYkid college scholarship. He grad-

same for other parents. They felt that just openly

uated and gave the organization $10,000 to

sharing their experiences would be a benefit.

fund a scholarship for someone else.

In 2000, Debbie and Steve founded not-

“You take these kids and pour so much

MYkid, a nonprofit that provides a range of

love into each of them. And they were able

lifesaving programs, support, resources, and

to impact tens of thousands of other kids,”

education to families in this battle. The orga-

Moak says. “Those are the untold stories

nization also provides prevention and early

that need to be told.”

ARTICLE GEORGANN YARA | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

CityLifestyle.com/ParadiseValley

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Paradise Valley Lifestyle | August 2020

FOR NEARLY 20 YEARS, POWER PAWS ASSISTANCE DOGS INC. HAS WORKED TO PROVIDE HIGHLY SKILLED ASSISTANCE DOGS TO CHILDREN AND ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES—FOCUSING ESPECIALLY ON THOSE WITH MOBILITY IMPAIRMENTS, TYPE 1 DIABETES, AND PEOPLE IMPACTED BY POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER. They also train and place facility dogs who can assist crime victims and witnesses during the investigation and prosecution of crimes, as well as other legal proceedings, according to the organization. “We place dogs nationwide; an appropriately placed dog can provide a new lease on life for a client who needs their assistance,” explains Elaine Starks, executive director. “Depending on the disability, an assistance dog can help a client navigate their life better.” Some examples of tasks the assistance dogs are taught to do are to retrieve dropped items, open and close doors, and help remove items of clothing for those with mobility issues. The diabetic alert dogs can be trained to sense and alert their human partners when they sense changes in blood glucose levels. When it comes to facility dogs, they are trained to have a calming presence for victims of abuse during a court proceeding. Power Paws has placed assistance dogs with organizations like Childhelp and Maricopa County. Power Paws (AZPowerPaws.org) breeds, raises, and trains Golden and Labrador Retrievers for these tasks. For new clients, it can take an average of 16 months to find a suitable match because you not only have to keep the dog’s training in mind, but also their temperament, Starks explains. “Making a dog and client match is a detailed process; a doctor has to officially diagnose the potential client and note that a service dog is needed,” Starks explains. “We come up with a task list that’s needed for the client and continue connecting with them until there’s a match. We also continue to follow up to make sure both client and their assistance dog are doing well and that it’s a successful match.” With so much work and resources going into creating dog and client matches, Starks shares that monetary donations and volunteers are always needed. “We can always use a variety of volunteers with various time commitments involved,” she says. “We can use puppy raisers, fosters who raise the puppies once they’re over 16 months old, puppy sitters so that our volunteers can get a break, and even puppy transportation.” During training, volunteers often take the dogs to places like libraries, and senior or veterans homes to help socialize them— so transportation to make that happen is always needed. Volunteers must quality for a level one finger print clearance card, Starks notes. “We always want quality volunteers first and foremost.” Power Paws also accepts charitable donations as well, and has its own online shop. CityLifestyle.com/ParadiseValley

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TRAVEL DESTINATION

world schooling: the por ter family of five travels the world STACY AND NICK PORTER VENTURED TO AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND, AND BALI, TEACHING THEIR KIDS PLENTY OF LESSONS ALONG THE WAY ARTICLE TERESA TRAVERSE PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED Fraz Joseph Glacier

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Paradise Valley Lifestyle | August 2020

WHEN ER DOCTOR STACY PORTER WAS 8 MONTHS PREGNANT WITH HER FIRST CHILD, HER THEN 32-YEAR-OLD HUSBAND NICK WAS DIAGNOSED WITH HODGKIN’S LYMPHOMA. Surviving treatment seven years ago changed Nick’s outlook on life. “Going through chemo and getting the clear diagnosis was such a game-changer for me personally. For Stacy, watching her young husband go through that, it gave us the opportunity to reevaluate,” says the real estate professional who lives in Paradise Valley. “Life’s short. We better take advantage of this with our kids.” Five years and two more kids later, Porter’s diagnosis, coupled with the their flexible jobs, ultimately spurred the couple’s decision to travel internationally with their kids. The family of five left for Australia in June of 2019 to travel for an entire year. They landed in Australia first because Porter had studied in the Sydney area as a junior in college and fell in love with the country. “We are really a beach-centric family,” says Porter. “Our kids are swimmers. Stacy and I love the beach and the ocean. Australia seemed like a natural pick for us.” This is a growing movement called “world schooling.” World schooling involves giving your children an education by traveling with them all over the world; the main idea behind it being that kids can receive a great education by experiencing different places. Nick and Stacy would also teach lessons. “Homeschooling was one of the challenging things about the whole trip,” he shares. One parent would do art projects with their 4-yearold Maverick and 3-year-old Elin. The other would teach 7-year-old Cruz science, math, or reading comprehension for about one hour a day. “My goal was just to become a tight-knit family. That’s really important,” says Porter. “I wanted a sense of hightouch parenting. You’re full-on parenting 24/7 for a year. Really influencing the kids with a lot of daily interaction.” The family began their journey on the east coast of Australia in Brisbane. The couple bought an off-road Land Cruiser their first week in the country, stocked up on camping gear, and started their adventure. From Brisbane, the family ventured to the northern tip of Australia, camping all along the coast. During that first leg of the trip, the family spent an entire week on Whitsunday Islands—a group of 74 islands off the coast of Queensland and beside the Great Barrier Reef. Cruz surfing

Porter captained a 44-foot catamaran, and says it was their favorite part of the trip.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/ParadiseValley

TRAVEL DESTINATION (CONTINUED)

“We anchored in different ports and bays and harbors, and ate fresh fish. It was incredible,” he says. From there, the family headed south to Melbourne. Next, they flew to Bali. Then drove back up to Sydney and then flew to New Zealand for one month. And like any true adventure, Porter has plenty of stories from their travels. There are the only-in-Australia stories, like when a bunch of kangaroos were on the front porch of their cabin one day and Maverick left the door open, so one of the kangaroos got in. Porter had to get the animal out of the cabin using a dining chair. “It was seriously crazy,” he says. “They can get aggressive, especially when you get between them and food.” On Australia’s Fraser Island—the world’s largest sand island— the family spotted a 7-foot-long python in their campsite. Goanna lizards, which can be up to 4 feet long, were also all over the camp. But as anyone who’s traveled anywhere knows, you’re bound to hit a few snags. And, the family witnessed two major historical events. First were the bush fires that roared throughout Australia during 2019 and 2020. While in a national park, the family woke up with ash on their tent, and was asked to evacuate by a park ranger. And next came the pandemic, which cut their trip short by about three months. The family departed in April of 2020. 22

Paradise Valley Lifestyle | August 2020

Cooktown Fishing with Elin and Maverick

Porter says he can see how the trip affected his kids with just about everything. He notices they’re more willing to try new foods, and are more flexible after being on the road for nine months. “We were rarely somewhere for more than a week,” he says. “It just made really resilient kids.” Cruz took to surfing. Maverick was the family’s “dedicated fisherman.” He even caught three jacks the family ate for dinner. Stacy and Nick would teach their kids about each place they visited. Looking back, Porter says he’d take the trip again and would recommend it to anyone. “We only live this life once. That’s what you need to wake up and think every day. It’s hard to keep that at the forefront of your mind because life is a grind. We only get one shot. What do you want your one shot to be filled with?” he says. “Scarier than life being short is looking back on life and knowing you didn’t experience it.”

Hiking Glass House Mountains

The Porter family camping CityLifestyle.com/ParadiseValley

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What Lola L i ke s FROM BLOGGING TO BEING ON A REALITY TV SHOW TO PARENTHOOD, LAUREN ‘LOLA’ AND JJ GARCIA SHARE THEIR THOUGHTS AND LIVES

ARTICLE MICHELLE GLICKSMAN PHOTOGRAPHY JENNICA MAES, AMAES PHOTOGRAPHY HAIR AND MAKEUP ZAC PHOENIX 26

Paradise Valley Lifestyle | August 2020

ONE DAY, YEARS AGO, LAUREN GARCIA’S HUSBAND

children, self-confidence, why she and JJ are stopping at

JJ BEGAN CALLING HER LOLA. The nickname stuck,

having just two children, and why marriage is work.

with his family affectionately adopting the nickname as well.

“It’s just real,” she explains. “Just real talk conversation.

Fast-forward to 2011. The couple was living in San

Not everything is as picture-perfect as social media makes

Francisco and Garcia decided to start a blog. Coming up

it out to be. I just talk about everything there.”

with a name for it? That was easy—What Lola Likes Lola

Not only is Garcia known for being real, but she also

Shares (she shortened it to What Lola Likes when she

uses her platform to be a positive force and help others.

moved to Phoenix).

Having two rescue dogs, she decided to partner with local

Today, Garcia is a force to be reckoned with. What began

rescues in Arizona, and in so in some photos, instead of

as a blog has grown into a brand, with more than 342K

holding a handbag, she’d hold a dog that needed to be

followers on Instagram alone (she’s also on Facebook,

rescued, giving it exposure to potential families.

YouTube, Pinterest, and Twitter). She touches on topics ranging from family and motherhood to philanthropy, selfcare to fashion, shopping to traveling, Arizona, and more. “It’s evolved over the years,” she explains of her focus. “I started when I was in San Francisco. Then, it was more just photos I liked, home décor, and inspiration. Then when I got

“My whole thing from the st art wa s that if I ever had a platform, I wanted to do something positive with it .”

married, I wrote about learning how to cook, running half marathons, and clean eating. When I moved to Phoenix, it evolved to more lifestyle—what I was wearing, where I was

And in 2018 when she was pregnant with Alice (daughter

going, etc. I didn’t consider myself a person of fashion nor

number two—she and JJ also welcomed Vivienne in 2016),

did I take that aspect very serious; it was just a way to show-

she realized they had most of what she needed but still

case my personal style. There were a lot of fashion bloggers

wanted to celebrate their soon-to-be-daughter, while help-

at this time, so I wanted to do something a little different.”

ing others who didn’t have what she had at the same time.

As it evolved, she did her best to make that happen.

So, she partnered with nonprofit Maggie’s Place to hold

She talks about places she goes and outfits she wears,

an event for moms who needed items, held at The Scott

yes, but also shares stories about her fears on raising

Resort, with companies donating products.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/ParadiseValley

WHAT LOLA LIKES (CONTINUED)

Photo provided

When the pandemic hit, she designated Mondays as the day when she would buy a $50 gift card from a local business and then give it away to a follower in order to help support local shops. “My whole thing from the start was that if I ever had a platform, I wanted to do something positive with it,” she says. Recently, she created What Baby Likes, a group on Facebook that helps women connect to donate their gently used baby clothes and accessories to other expecting or new moms in need. PARENTING In addition to growing her brand, she and JJ are busy raising their two daughters. The pair, who originally met in San Diego and were together for about a year before becoming engaged, revels in parenthood. “I just love them; that unconditional love,” Garcia shares. “You don’t really know that feeling until you have children. I actually feel like I became myself again after I had kids. I felt like before I was becoming more serious. And the kids brought that silly, singing person back out of me. They made me like a kid again.”

Photo provided

Paradise Valley Lifestyle | August 2020

Photo provided

“You feel accomplished seeing this little person become a person,” JJ adds. “They just bring so much light into our lives. They’re just awesome.” The couple say they complement each other, navigating life and work and parenting by communicating well. “We do have different views on different things, but we’ll talk about them and navigate through it,” JJ explains. “Going through life with her is great.” “We share a calendar together, which makes our life a lot easier! We’re always learning as we go. I’m a little bit more of a researcher, as far as the next stage of parenting, and he’s more go-with-the-flow, but we listen and learn from each other and do our best,” she shares. Right now, Vivienne loves to dance and swim, and is beginning to get into make-believe and pretending to be various characters. She also likes softball. Alice is starting to talk, and although she has always been very calm and sweet, is beginning to discover her sassy side.

“We have enjoyed being a part of it, working with our family, and being given the opportunity to travel.” Now, JJ is adding another venture into the mix. He—along with three business partners—is launching a digital coupon platform, which showcases coupons from locales across Arizona. It’s free for the merchant, while the consumer pays a yearly membership fee to be part of the site. “I come from a family of entrepreneurs, so it’s always been in my blood,” he explains. The platform, which is launching this summer, can be found at GetFeylx.com. And continuing the Garcias’ theme of giving back, a portion of the company’s revenue will be donated to Phoenix Children’s Hospital. “So, whenever we make money, they make money,” JJ says. It’s a journey, they say, working, parenting, and giving back, and one they truly enjoy—and enjoy being on together. Says Garcia, “We just really enjoy each other. We motivate each

REALITY TV AND A NEW BUSINESS On top of Garcia’s What Lola Likes brand and raising two daugh-

other, we laugh together, and we get along well for work. We navigate life together and we just like to have fun together.”

ters, the couple were cast members on Total Bellas. JJ is Nikki and Brie Bella’s brother, and they appeared in several episodes.

CityLifestyle.com/ParadiseValley

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Paradise Valley Lifestyle | August 2020

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LOCAL LIMELIGHT

ARTICLE STACI HAUK | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

R O S E V E LT S I N G S :

A CO M PA S S I O N AT E P OW E R H O U S E ROSEVELT SINGS’ BEAUTIFUL HEART IS RIVALED

forward. Simply take a photo with a heart in your hand, post

ONLY BY HER ANGELIC VOCAL ABILITIES—A POW-

it on social media with the hashtag, encourage five friends to

ERFUL COUPLING FOR MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN

do the same, and donate $5 to Childhelp.

THE LIVES OF CHILDREN. Described as having “the voice of an angel and the

neglected

children

with #RoseveltsChallenge

heart of a warrior,” one might think Rosevelt sings for fame

(#5TooMany). I know that this is a big goal but I believe

or fortune. However, the twist to this inspiring story, is that

that if everyone that hears about my message will donate

this 12-year-old uses her talent to raise funds for abused

$5, or whatever they can donate, we CAN make a differ-

children through Childhelp, where she proudly serves as

ence,” she says. “We all must be a voice for the voiceless.”

a youth ambassador. Although she’s had the privilege

With $100,000 raised to date, Rosevelt is thrilled with

of singing with the legendary Dick Van Dyke, Lindsey

her efforts, and so are the founders of Childhelp, Sara

Stirling, William Joseph, and Evie Clair (to name a few),

O’Meara and Yvonne Fedderson.

Rosevelt recounts a touching story that is the driving force behind what she does.

Rosevelt was introduced to the women by a good friend of her family. This led to an invitation for her to sing at their

“One time, I went to a Childhelp Village and I met this

60th Diamond Jubilee. It was an amazing night, culminating

girl about my age. While the girl was doing art therapy, she

in a fundraising goal of $4 million dollars, which was reached.

painted a picture of a heart in a hand because she heard of my #5TooMany challenge. Almost two years later I still have the painting hanging in my room to remind me of the importance of helping these abused children,” she shares.

“I want to raise $1 million dollars for these abused and

So how did this bright light to give back ignite within Rosevelt? She has five brothers, for whom she is a natural caretaker with a nurturing personality. She loves to sing, and

#5TooMany was a challenge created by Rosevelt to honor

has been in children’s choirs since the age of 7. The dis-

the five children who die every day from abuse and neglect.

tinction has always been and continues to be her motiva-

She encouraged others to join the challenge in recognition

tion, rooted heavily in helping those in need rather than

of Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, or anytime moving

being in the spotlight.

Paradise Valley Lifestyle | August 2020

“When Rosevelt was 9, my husband had the chance to interview Dick Van Dyke in his Malibu home. Rosevelt grew up watching The Dick Van Dyke Show and Mary Poppins, so we brought her along to meet him. Knowing he sings, I asked him if he would sing with her (just a simple song to capture on my cell phone). He agreed and when we showed up for the interview, the first question he asked us was, ‘Where’s the little girl I get to sing with?’ “The song they sang during that first meeting was Anything You Can Do (I Can Do Better). It’s not exactly a Dick Van Dyke song, but they had a lot of fun and a lot of laughs! Fast-forward one year and Rosevelt had much more experience and vocal training. We had a great relationship with Mr. Van Dyke and his family, and didn’t hesitate to ask if they could collaborate on a real music video together. He agreed on one condition: the song must be Rosie from Bye, Bye Birdie. He thought it only fitting that they sing that song since her name is Rosevelt. To this day, only Mr. Van Dyke can call her Rosie. It was this experience and many others that have humbled Rosevelt—seeing Mr. Van Dyke’s genuine kindness, passion for supporting children and down-to-earth disposition,” says Rosevelt’s mom, Shurlin. Rosevelt (RoseveltSings.com) also harnessed positive energy and found inspiration from a collaboration with Elizabeth Smart at her event, The Music and The Message. “She is someone I look up to because she has gone through so much and she always stays strong,” Rosevelt says. So, what is on the horizon for this young talent? “I have teamed up with an amazing songwriter in Nashville named Jason Deere. I’m so excited for some original pieces entitled My Own and Somebody’s Child to be released in the next few months.” Rosevelt feels one of the first songs she sang live best summarizes her journey and what is yet to come. “A Million Dreams from The Greatest Showman is one of my personal favorites because it talks about how we all have big dreams and we can accomplish anything we put our minds to,” she says.

“I WANT TO RAISE $1 MILLION DOLLARS FOR THESE ABUSED AND NEGLECTED CHILDREN WITH #ROSEVELTSCHALLENGE (#5TOOMANY). I KNOW THAT THIS IS A BIG GOAL BUT I BELIEVE THAT IF EVERYONE THAT HEARS ABOUT MY MESSAGE WILL DONATE $5, OR WHATEVER THEY CAN DONATE, WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE. WE ALL MUST BE A VOICE FOR THE VOICELESS.”

CityLifestyle.com/ParadiseValley 33

PAGE TURNERS

words that help LOCAL DOCTORS PUBLISH BOOK TO HELP KIDS DEAL WITH COVID-19 COVID-19. Shelter-in-place. Masks. The world has changed drastically since March. And for kids, not only has it changed drastically, but ARTICLE MICHELLE GLICKSMAN | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

dealing with their new realty and feelings can be difficult and overwhelming. So locals Drs. Lyn Ashley Gildar, Psy.D. and Linda Eller, DO., teamed up to author a children’s book that would explain what was happening in language specific to them. “I saw a lot of children were having a hard time understanding COVID,” Eller, a family medicine physician, says. “And I had a lot of reports of anxiety, both from the parents in regards to ‘how do I explain this to kids in their language,’ and then from the kids’ end, as well,” continues Gildar, a clinical psychologist. So the pair—who say they had both always wanted to write a children’s book— began writing. The result is Captain Quarantine: A Child’s Guide to Understanding COVID-19. It tells the story from the perspective of a character named Alex (a gender neutral name so that all children can relate). Alex has some feelings about COVID-19 and so Aunt Lily suggests going to a medical doctor and a psychologist to talk about them. At the end, Alex feels empowered by the information received. The book, which Gildar and Eller self-published in order to get it to market quickly, is 24 pages and is meant for children ages 3-12. The authors worked with Eller’s nephew, who does illustrations, graphic design, and works with a fashion design company, as their illustrator. It is available at Amazon.com. “[It provides kids with] a better understanding of COVID-19 and how to deal with the big feelings associated with it,” says Eller. “[The book] is for public awareness, helping children through this, and to help parents relate to children and help them through [COVID] in an age-appropriate manner.” 34

Paradise Valley Lifestyle | August 2020

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M AT E R I A L S + Cardboard + White crepe paper + Construction paper + Glue + Scissors + Beads, yarn, pom poms, etc.

DIRECTIONS 1. Take your cardboard and cut two pieces into the shape of a llama (we found a stencil online). Then, cut strips of cardboard the depth you want your llama to be. You’ll connect these to either side of the llama cutouts to enclose your piñata. 2. Glue your strip of cardboard all along the edge of one side of your llama, then glue to the other side. (Be sure to leave a hole you can close up later so you can fill it with your favorite candy!)

PIÑLLAMA

3. Starting at the neck, cover the front, back and sides of your llama with white crepe paper, cutting a slit every half inch or so to create the traditional piñata look. 4. Cover all remaining sides the neck and head with white construction paper, cut to fit your design. 5. Using construction paper, beads, pom poms, tassels, buttons, etc., add some flair to the rest of your llama! Bonus points for incorporating different shapes and textures into your final product.

Paradise Valley Lifestyle | August 2020

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BUYING or SELLING?

PARADISE VALLEY TOP 15

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Mike Domer has developed a green thumb when it comes to selling luxury homes. Over the last 10 years, Mike personally sold 40% of the Scottsdale homes above $8 million. Until recently, he held the record for the highest price home ever sold in Arizona history at $17,500,000. Mike’s contacts and long-time relationships are invaluable in selling luxury homes and his marketing budget dwarfs that of his competitors. Mike, combined with Walt Danley’s experience in selling over $3 billion worth of the Valley’s luxury homes and Christie’s international network, provides an unrivaled formula for success. Mike Domer is the distinguishable choice for those considering buying or selling a luxury home. Contact Mike for a free consultation or market evaluation. Information data found herein is from ARMLS.

JUNE 2020 TOP 15 PARADISE VALLEY HOME SALES ADDRESS

SALE PRICE

$/SF

6508 E BAR Z LN

$5,000,000

5.5

7,479

668.54

6005 E LINCOLN DR

$3,700,000

6,473

571.61

7000 N 47TH ST

$3,450,000

11,639 296.42

4949 E LINCOLN DR 4

$2,475,000

4.5

4,200

589.28

3977 E PARADISE VIEW DR

$2,450,000

8,707

281.38

6525 N 46TH ST

$2,300,000

4.5

4,200

547.61

6331 E HUMMINGBIRD LN

$2,272,500

3.5

4,789

474.52

5636 E VIA BUENA VISTA

$2,200,000

6.5

6,750

325.93

5532 E STELLA DR

$1,999,000

3.5

3,615

552.97

6550 N 39TH WAY

$1,973,268

2.5

2,846

693.35

9824 N 53rd PL

$1,700,000

3.5

5,002

339.86

4824 E CRYSTAL LN

$1,650,000

7,443

221.68

6124 N CAMELBACK MANOR DR $1,608,750

2.5

3,581

449.25

6507 E MCDONALD DR

$1,600,000

6,091

262.68

5568 E STELLA LN

$1,475,000

2,502

589.52

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ARTICLE MICHELLE GLICKSMAN

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PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

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Paradise Valley Lifestyle | August 2020

In the Heart of Phoenix is Your One Stop Shop for: TAILORING • CUSTOM DESIGNING • ALTERATIONS • FABRIC • BRA NEEDS JUST ABOUT ANYTHING THAT REQUIRES SEWING FOR MEN & WOMEN! “The Fairy Godmother of Fashion” You deserve to look great! Our extensive collection of beautiful fabrics and trims are perfect for dressing you in suits, tuxedos, formals, MoB, MoG, Bridal, Bridesmaids gowns and casual wear made specifically for you and your style. –Owner and Designer Scylvia-Elvira Danese

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