Issuu

JANUARY 2019

LEARN TO PLAY A LOCAL TEACHER GETS RESOURCEFUL ONLINE

HATCHET JOB SPLITTING TIMBER AXE RANGE OPENS

y a l P r i a H Kristy Wallace keeps clients looking good at KW Styling Studios

ECRWSSEDDM LOCAL POSTAL CUSTOMER

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO.5377 DENVER, CO

JANUARY 2019 | Volume 6 | Issue 1

Publisher Steve T. Strickbine steve@timespublications.com

features

Hatchet Job

Learn to Play

Vice President Michael Hiatt mhiatt@timespublications.com

Splitting Timber Axe Range brings a new recreational activity to town

Executive Editor Niki D'Andrea ndandrea@timespublications.com Managing Editor Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

Local teacher Lori Stanton uses technology to fund tradition

Associate Editor Madison Rutherford Graphic Designer Shannon Mead Contributors David Bowen, Kelly Collins, Christopher Elliott, Shannon Fisher, Gloria Knott, Kate Reeves, Shelley Sakala, Alison Stanton, Tara Storjohann, Gerald A. Williams, Lauren Wise Staff Writer Eric Newman Staff Photographers Kimberly Carrillo, Pablo Robles

fresh 8

News

News Briefs

Development

Clinic Coming Soon

High Schools

Finding a Bigger Purpose

business 24 Spotlight Hair Play

26 Getting Work Done

Annuities Grow Wealth

home 28 Family

Smart Consumer

A Year that Matters

Let It Snowman

Cyberspace Case

Close to Home Work It Out

Perspective

In the Absence of Violence

Events

Things to do in January

30 Crafts

32 AZ Travel

A Winter Haven

food 34

Recipe

Garden Churkey Burger

85085 | JANUARY 2019

Restaurants Ah, So Good!

Restaurants

Advertising sales@85085magazine.com (623) 299-4965 Marketing Director/ Social Media Manager Eric Twohey eric@85085magazine.com Production Manager Courtney Oldham Circulation

On 'Cue

better 40

Beauty

Saving Face

85085 Magazine sets high standards to ensure forestry is practiced in an environmentally responsible, socially beneficial and economically viable manner. This issue was printed on recycled fibers containing 10% post consumer waste, and with inks containing a blend of soy base. Our printer is a certified member of the Forestry Stewardship Council, the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, and additionally meets or exceeds all federal Resource Conservation Recovery Act standards

Body

'The People Part of Fitness'

Ask the Pharmacist Four common vaccine misconceptions

Brain Teasers Puzzles

Classifieds

85085 Magazine is published 12 times a year for full saturation distribution in Sonoran Foothills, Norterra, Fireside, Deer Valley Airpark, Dynamite Mountain Ranch, Carefree Crossing, Valley Vista, and Amber Hills. You can also pick up 85085 Magazine at many businesses including specialty shops, salons, spas, auto dealerships, libraries, children’s and women’s specialty shops, boutiques, restaurants, health clubs, hotels, medical offices, and many rack locations. Statements, opinions, and points of view express written consent by the writers and advertisers and are their own, and do not necessarily represent those of the publishers, editors, or 85085 Magazine staff. Although 85085 Magazine has made every effort to authenticate all claims and guarantee offers by advertisers in the magazine, we cannot assume liability for any products or services advertised herein. No part of 85085 Magazine can be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the express written consent of the publisher. Publisher reserves the right to accept or reject any editorial or advertising matter at any time. Postmaster: Please return all undeliverable copies to AIM, 1236 W. Southern Avenue, Ste 105, Tempe, AZ 85282. Yearly subscriptions available; twelve issues mailed directly to your mailbox for $19.95 per year (within the U.S.). All rights reserved. ®2019 Affluent Publishing, LLC. Printed in the USA.

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A New Axe to Throw

Happy New Year! If your family is like mine, you enjoyed spending many hours together over the holidays – but a lot of that time was spent staring into phones and at the TV. One of my favorite things about Christmas Eve day this year was that the battery on my 8-year-old nephew’s iPad was completely dead, and so he went outside to play. The weather was nice and he had a blast running all over our folks’ large property in the mountains. There’s a lot of research that shows the benefits of kids being outside, and Fireside Norterra resident Niki D'Andrea Lori Stanton, who teaches kindergarten in Paradise Executive Editor Valley, gets it. Though technology can be a distraction ndandrea@timespublications.com for many kids these days, she’s using it – in the form of online fundraisers – to gather money to get her students outside more. This month, she’s asking for help to buy new playground equipment for her school so she can teach children outside. Get the details in our cover story Learn to Play (page 22). Our other cover story, Hatchet Job (page 20), is also about a place that aims – quite literally – to provide mental and physical benefits, in the form of recreational axe throwing. A new spot in the neighborhood, Splitting Timber Axe Range, gives guests the chance to heave some sharp metal at targets on the indoor range, while also relaxing in the lounge over games like Jenga. It’s apparently a hot date night spot. And there’s reportedly a sort of catharsis in it. Nothing calms a conflict between a couple like throwing the axe you have to grind. To tie the topics of a new year and healthful things together, HonorHealth Sonoran Medical Center broke ground on a new hospital last month (Clinic Coming Soon, page 10), and Mountainside Fitness founder Tom Hatten released his book, Dream On (“The People Part of Fitness,” page 42). The former is an important addition to the emergency medical and healthcare services offered in the area, and the latter is an inspirational read – one that might lead to joining the local gym, especially if one of your New Year’s resolutions is to exercise more. Whatever your plans, we wish you the very best, whether that’s a relaxing reset/ refresh, getting outside to enjoy the perfect winter weather in our neighborhood or throwing an axe.

On the cover: KW Styling Studios owner Kristy Wallace. Photo by Kimberly Carrillo. 85085magazine.com

85085 | JANUARY 2019

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NEWS

News Briefs Compiled by Niki D'Andrea

DVUSD kindergarten preview night is January 31

The Deer Valley Unified School District (DVUSD) is having its Kindergarten Preview Night on Thursday, January 31 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at all DVUSD K-6 and K-8 schools to enroll a student in kindergarten, take a look at the classrooms, meet teachers and more. In order to register, parents will need to bring: original birth certificate or a certified copy; immunization records; proof of residence (utility bill, house payment or rent receipt, escrow document or lease agreement); identification; and legal guardian or custody papers if applicable. For more information, visit dvusd.org or facebook.com/dvusd. Kindergarten Preview Night at DVUSD is Thursday, January 31. (Photo courtesy DVUSD)

occurring within existing ADOT right-ofway and ADOT does not need to acquire any additional property; however, travel will be impacted during construction, with major impacts starting after the holidays. Completion of the project is scheduled for fall 2020. For more information, visit azdot.gov.

would be located in downtown Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe and the Deer Valley area. He said he hopes to have two projects under construction in 2019.

Jorge Pérez’s Related Group rumored to be building in Deer Valley Map of the reconstruction site on the I-17 traffic interchange. (Image courtesy ADOT)

Reconstruction continues on I-17 traffic interchange

Construction began in late November on renovations to the traffic interchanges on Interstate 17 at Happy Valley and Pinnacle Peak roads. The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) and the Federal Highway Administration will reconstruct the interchanges and add an additional travel lane on I-17 and replace a box culvert on Pinnacle Peak Road. The purposes of the project, according to ADOT, are to improve safety and traffic flow as this part of north Phoenix continues to grow. Construction at both interchange locations is

85085 | JANUARY 2019

Billionaire investor Jorge Pérez, CEO of The Related Group, is reportedly planning to invest $500 million in the Phoenix market, including projects in Deer Valley. Florida-based Related Group specializes in developing “sophisticated metropolitan living,” according to its website, and is known for constructing luxury multifamily products like the Aventura Marina, Granparaiso and Icon Brickell condominiums in Florida; luxury apartment rentals Icon Buckhead and Icon Midtown in Atlanta, Georgia; and high-end housing developments like Winchester Gardens and Royal Coast in Florida. Pérez did not give details on the specifics of the investment totals Related Group is bringing to the Valley, but he did tell local media that the company’s first four projects

Jorge Pérez, whose company The Related Group will reportedly be building a community in Deer Valley. (Photo by Mtamz305)

Taylor Morrison proposes master-planned community near Sonoran Preserve

Developer Taylor Morrison has proposed a 1,420-home community next to the Phoenix Sonoran Preserve desert in North Phoenix. The community would be constructed on a privately owned 473-acre parcel, bounded by Sonoran Desert Drive and the Sonoran Preserve to the north. Taylor Morrison needs a zoning change by the City of Phoenix to the Planned Unit Development to be able to construct up to three homes per acre. The community, dubbed MacEwen 480 in the proposal, would be a gated community and include its own community center, pool and sports courts and a trails system, and would be about the size of the Fireside at Norterra community, which has 1,425 homes. The houses in MacEwen 480 would be singlefamily homes on lot sizes ranging from 3,000 square feet up to 14,000 square feet. If approved, construction would begin in the fall of 2019. Model homes would be ready as early as fall 2020. Taylor Morrison’s proposal is currently in a rezoning process with the City of Phoenix. As of press time, a date had not been set for a vote by the Desert View Vista Village Planning Committee, which is the next step before the request goes to the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission. Final approval for the rezoning must be made by Phoenix City Council. A master-planned community has been proposed near the Phoenix Sonoran Preserve in North Phoenix. (Photo courtesy City of Phoenix)

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DEVELOPMENT

CLINIC COMING SOON HonorHealth begins building process for new hospital By Eric Newman

group of healthcare executives and local politicians broke ground to symbolize the start of construction on the North Valley’s newest hospital on December 5. The HonorHealth Sonoran Medical Center, HonorHealth’s sixth area hospital, will be built at Interstate 17 and Dove Valley Road. The facility, on the campus that currently houses the Sonoran Health and Emergency Center, will include an inpatient hospital, ambulatory surgery center and outpatient center in order to provide top-quality healthcare for one of the Valley’s fastest-growing areas. The new campus will measure three stories and 210,000 square-feet of total space. With 40 new inpatient beds and 24-hour emergency care, the population of north Phoenix and Anthem will finally have the local hospital they have wanted for a long time. “People that live in the neighborhood have

85085 | JANUARY 2019

been crying for us to get closer,” says HonorHealth Chief Strategy Officer Richard Silver. “It’s not that our Deer Valley hospital is too far, but they really want their own hospital that isn’t a long drive in traffic and that they can claim as part of the community.” The HonorHealth Sonoran Medical Center will also offer the immediate area’s only laborand-delivery unit, something the growing number of young parents and future parents have clamored for in past years. “That (labor and delivery services) is one of the things that people really wanted here, because it’s a growing area with a lot of families, and we are going to deliver on that. So, really, it’s about mirroring what the community asks for,” says Preston Allred, HonorHealth Director of Strategic Projects-Regional. One thing the HonorHealth executives were extremely pleased with was the amount of space they have to build upon.

With an entirely barren plot of land to build on, just across the street from the Sonoran Health and Emergency Center, there are far fewer limitations than other hospital expansions that require far more time and energy to change an already-existing structure. “Really starting with a fresh canvas is exciting, because most of the time when you’re working in healthcare, you’re adding onto a building, adapting, or whatever else you have to do. This is fresh, and we can look at other designs of successful hospitals and really understand how we can best serve in our new facility,” says Kim Post, HonorHealth Senior Vice President and CEO of Hospitals and Chief Clinical Officer. “Now, we’ve gotten started, and we can’t wait for it to be up and to get to work.” The hospital is slated to open around September of 2020.

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Top, HonorHealth officials and local politicians held a groundbreaking ceremony for the new hospital on December 5. Pictured from left to right: Preston Allred, HonorHealth Director of Strategic Projects-Regional; Bill Gates, Maricopa County Supervisor; Jim Waring, Vice Mayor of Phoenix; Todd LaPorte, HonorHealth CEO; Kim Post, HonorHealth Senior Vice President and CEO Hospitals & Chief Clinical Officer; David Price, CEO HonorHealth Thompson Peak and Deer Valley Medical Centers; and Jared Langkilde, President and CEO, HonorHealth Foundation. Bottom, rendering of the HonorHealth Sonoran Medical Center, looking south (Photos courtesy HonorHealth)

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HIGH SCHOOL

Finding a Bigger Purpose Nicole Hoffmann cites service as her source of happiness during her senior year By Emma Suttell

enior Class Homecoming Queen. When most think of the title, they might think back to their own senior class. The Homecoming Queen title can carry a few assumptions and stereotypes along with it, but Boulder Creek student Nicole Hoffmann radiates all of the positive qualities the title represents. Hoffmann, this year’s Senior Class Homecoming Queen, is not only a class favorite, but also an active member of National Honor Society, previous president of Interact Club (a

large volunteering organization), straight-A and 4.0 GPA student, beloved babysitter and active community volunteer. Growing up in the Anthem community, Hoffmann is surrounded by those she loves, inspiring her to give back to those that have made a difference in her own life. Since living in Anthem, she has formed an incredible bond with community members as a familiar face at volunteer events, church programs, elementary school tennis club and babysitting nights. Hoffmann is nothing like your average high school student – she has spent hours upon hours getting to know those in the community and finding ways in which she can better serve them. An outright selfless, kindhearted, dedicated individual, Hoffmann is a standout student at Boulder Creek High School. At the beginning of the school year, Hoffmann joined with two of her classmates to design a soccer tournament that would donate funds to Students Supporting Brain Tumor Research, an organization that helps student leaders learn about running a nonprofit while raising funds for those involved with brain cancer research. Hosting numerous practices and info sessions paid off for Hoffmann and her two friends: Altogether, the girls raised $750 with the support of several parents and players in the game. Inspired by her own athletic aptitude and ability, not only does Hoffmann assist in unique events such as her charity soccer tournament, but she also invests her time in the youth of Anthem. Hoffmann works with tennis coaches and second-graders at several Anthem elementary schools to help coach practices. So far, each supervisor has noted that Hoffmann is an absolute joy to work with and a great role model for the students at each practice. Even after creating her own successful event, Hoffmann didn’t Nicole Hoffmann’s senior photo. (Photos courtesy Emma Suttell)

85085 | JANUARY 2019

hesitate to help others in achieving their own success. Hoffmann went on to serve with Youth For Troops, an organization recently credited with the Anthem Area Chamber of Commerce Nonprofit of the Year Award. Hoffmann assists in constructing care packages for service members overseas, as well as holding flags for numerous days when veterans promenade through the flag-laden path for special events. While consistently serving with Youth For Troops, Hoffmann also chose to join a team of servers for a restaurant-themed event at St. Vincent de Paul to support the homeless. Hoffmann had the opportunity to meet with people from all walks of life as she connected with those she served. “This was one of my favorite volunteer opportunities,” Hoffmann says. “The people were all so grateful for all we had done.” Watching the happiness she is able to give other people is what truly motivates Hoffmann and her selfless lifestyle. “The relationships you build with other volunteers and the people you’re helping is so important,” Hoffmann says. “Together you’re all able to help the community in different ways.” After spending countless hours with those she babysits and those she watches on weekends during church services, Hoffmann began to notice she had fallen in love with one thing in particular: helping children. She decided that since her service with young children had impacted her so much, it was something that she should consider doing for the rest of her life. As of December, Hoffmann has decided to become a physician’s assistant who specializes in pediatrics. She has been accepted to Grand Canyon University’s Honors College on the Chancellor Scholarship, GCU’s most prestigious scholarship that will award Hoffmann $10,000 per year to fund her education. “Volunteering has really impacted me because it lets me take a step back and look at the bigger purpose of life,” Hoffmann says, taking another step toward a future of helping people, just as she has been doing throughout her high school career.

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SMART CONSUMER

Cyberspace Case Why you should not trust online reviews By Christopher Elliott

f you bought something online between Thanksgiving and Christmas, or if you’re looking to buy online now that the holiday rush is over, chances are you’ll get to a point where you’ll ask, “Should I trust online reviews?” (Answer: No, you should not trust online reviews. I’ll tell you why in a moment.) You know what I mean by “point,” don’t you? It’s the moment before you buy, and you see those over-the-top, five-star ratings that declare an earbud headset is God’s gift to electronics. Or that anonymous reviewer who swears the skin cream she bought online had age-regressed her to her teen years. They can’t be that good, you say. And you’d be correct. Bogus product reviews are an epidemic, according to Saoud Khalifah, founder and CEO of Fakespot, a site that ferrets out fake reviews. Khalifah says many product reviews are not real – and he has the data to prove it. “Companies constantly plant positive reviews of their own products and sully competitors’

products with negative reviews,” he says. As a result, many of the ratings you read online aren’t credible. For example, up to 70 percent of the reviews on Amazon are not real, he says. Can you trust an online review? Not always. Fakespot compiled an exclusive list of products with the most bogus ratings and shared it with me before Black Friday, the busiest shopping day of the year in the United States. It’s a lineup of popular consumer products that will both surprise you and inform your next purchase. Bottom line: If something looks wrong, it probably is. And if you buy it, you’ll get what you pay for. In trying to answer the question, “Should I trust online reviews?,” Fakespot analyzed hundreds of thousands of product reviews, hunting for the telltale signs of a rating generated by someone who isn’t a customer. It examined purchasing patterns, grammar and dates to assign each review a grade from A to F. You can read a full list of winners at fakespot.com/companies. I asked Khalifah and his team to tell me when you should not trust online reviews.

Headphones

Product reviews that are not real are found on every kind of headset, from earbud to wireless headsets, according to Fakespot. One pair of wireless earbuds that Fakespot spotted as a fake touted Bluetooth capabilities. The five-star reviews of this pair of knockoffs are really unbelievable. “Awesome earbuds,” the top reviewer notes. “I received my earbuds about a week ago and I absolutely love them. It was so easy to pair up to my Bluetooth and the sound was crystal clear.” Should I trust online reviews like that? No, says Fakespot. Instead, go for the name-brand headsets but be skeptical of generic headsets with five-star ratings.

85085 | JANUARY 2019

Chargers

Fakespot pointed to a generic charger on Amazon. “Great product and the price is right,” crowed one reviewer. But a closer look at the reviews shows that it overheats for some users, while other product reviewers did not pay for theirs. When you buy a knockoff, you tend to get what you pay for.

Fitness trackers

One knockoff fitness tracker caught the attention of Fakespot. With 93 percent positive reviews, Fakespot’s algorithm had a hissy fit. “I am literally in love with this fitness tracker!!” raved one reviewer. “It is very similar to a Fitbit, my hubby has one and even he was surprised by the quality of this one. In fact, he said it’s very similar to his and now he wants one.” These types of ratings are designed to deceive customers. You should not trust online reviews like them, according to Fakespot.

Sneakers

There was a pair of Air Jordans on Amazon that looked like an unbelievable deal. They’re just $64 a pair, and they’re genuine, at least according to the reviews. “Great looking shoe and comfortable,” says one reviewer. “100% authentic.” Except that they’re not. Fakespot tagged them as knockoffs and dismissed the ratings as inauthentic.

Cosmetics

This one’s a popular category for fakes (remember the Sunday Riley affair, where employees had to write bogus reviews?). For example, one anti-aging cream with an incredible 96 percent positive reviews should be a red flag even if you don’t have the Fakespot extension on your browser. “Wow!” exclaimed one reviewer. “What a great product! I have been using it for a few weeks now and have started to notice a difference in the texture of the skin under my eyes and the

reduction of the dark circles/ puffiness that have plagued me for the last six months. I would definitely recommend this product!” You should not trust online reviews like that, at least according to the Fakespot detection system. Fakespot analyzes ratings from Amazon, TripAdvisor, Yelp, and Walmart to determine which product reviews are not real. And while each platform is trying its best to combat fake reviews, it’s almost impossible to manage them in real time. “Sellers that use fake reviews to deceive consumers always seem to be one step ahead of these platforms,” Khalifah explains. Part of the problem is that fake reviews come in different forms, from sellers creating multiple accounts to seed a lot of fake reviews on one day, to incentivized reviews that are not coming from real buyers. Catching all of these bogus testimonials is difficult. I’ve been on the travel industry’s case about its fake reviews since there have been online reviews. I’ve also noticed, with some concern, that the problem is getting worse. The problem extends far beyond travel, of

course, as Fakespot’s analysis shows. But it is ultimately our problem – not theirs. That’s because review sites like TripAdvisor and Amazon don’t face any significant penalties for publishing fake reviews. Nor do the professional liars who seed these online sites with product reviews that are not real face any significant repercussions. To fix this problem, many people would have to go to jail, and that’s unlikely to happen. What’s frustrating to me as a consumer advocate is that companies dismiss the fake reviews or lie about them. And customers shrug them off, while at the same time being misled. The never bother to ask, “Should I trust online reviews?” How many billions of dollars are being spent on shoddy products, thanks to these

fake reviews? No one knows. I suspect we’re talking about big bucks here. If you don’t have the time to verify a review through a service like Fakespot, there are other ways to tell if a product review is legit. “If you see a product with nothing but five-star reviews, it’s a major red flag that something is off,” Khalifah told me. “Because no product or shopping experience is perfect all of the time.” Fakespot also recommends buying products from trusted brands and vendors that are known for their quality. “Consumers should be cautious if something looks like the real thing, gets all five-star reviews, but is a fraction of the price,” Khalifah says. If you see something that looks too good to be true, do a little homework. But use your judgment in the process, too. “If it looks too good to be true,” Khalifah says, “it probably is.” Christopher Elliott’s latest book is “How To Be The World’s Smartest Traveler” (National Geographic). For help with any consumer problem, visit elliott.org/help. This article originally appeared in Forbes.

JANUARY 2019 | 85085

CLOSE TO HOME

Work It Out Fit4Mom helps parents stay in shape while staying with their kids By Shelley Sakala

elcome to January. New year, new you, right? The holidays were fun, but suddenly everything shakes you like a bowl full of jelly when you laugh. It’s time to say goodbye to that figgy pudding and get back into shape. But what happens when the New Year gives you the same old options? The gym? Ugh. Running? Double-ugh. Crossfit? Ouch. What’s a busy mom to do? If you’re a mom in Norterra or Anthem, grab your stroller and your kid and meet up with other moms for one of the most unique fitness groups in North Phoenix: Fit4Mom. This group of motivated mothers meets for stroller-based workouts designed for moms with kids in tow. The workouts are real and the camaraderie is terrific. And the best part is you don’t feel rushed to finish because your kid is waiting in the daycare room. Your child is right there with you, and your little one’s stroller is part of your exercise equipment! Fit4Mom offers workout programs like the total body conditioning workout known as Stroller Stride. This program features

Fit4Mom outings allow mothers to exercise while their children enjoy stimulating activities alongside them.

85085 | JANUARY 2019

Stroller Barre is a 60-minute cardio and strength interval class designed to improve posture, stability and mobility.

strength training, cardio, and core restoration. Throughout the session, you’re within arm’s reach of your kiddo, who is entertained with songs, activities and fun! No more germy daycare. No more mom guilt. And if you miss your beloved barre classes from your prepregnancy days, you’re in luck: Fit4Mom has Stroller Barre, a 60-minute cardio and strength interval class designed to improve posture, stability and mobility. The moves are inspired by barre, ballet, Pilates and yoga, and

can help you regain your posture and alignment while strengthening your body from the inside-out. And once again, your child is there beside you, buckled-in and having a blast! Fit4Mom classes are held at closeto-home outdoor locations like The Shops at Norterra and Outlets at Anthem (in the summer months or on rainy days, classes are indoors at Arrowhead Towne Center, aka Arrowhead Mall). Fit4Mom is a national fitness program that provides fitness classes and a network of moms to support every stage of motherhood. The local franchise is owned and operated by local mom Shawna Weitekamp. After working as a Fit4Mom instructor for the past four years, Shawna was looking to continue building her career. She wanted a profession that allowed her to actively participate in the lives of her two kids. So, when the opportunity presented itself to take over the Fit4Mom franchise for North Phoenix/Anthem, Shawna jumped at the chance. While owning a business takes lots of work, being a Fit4Mom owner comes with built-in work/life balance. “I get to take my little one to work every day,” Shawna says. “Plus, I’m free to attend school functions like class awards ceremonies and school plays – all those little moments that a mom treasures.” As a parent, Shawna understands that

moms are looking for fitness options beyond the gym and the treadmill. And as a Norterra resident, she sees the North Phoenix/ Anthem area growing quickly, with lots of new families. The response and enthusiasm to Fit4Mom has been so good that Shawna is planning to offer additional programs in the next few months, including HIIT (highintensity interval training). Fit4Mom requires no special equipment. Resistance bands are provided, and whatever type of stroller you have will work great. No need to worry about stroller envy! And dads can get in on the fun, too. On Saturdays, Shawna offers the “Dad”urday program. It’s a great way for new fathers to lose that sympathy weight. One of the added benefits touted by Fit4Mom is the sense of community. I asked Shawna to explain what this means. “Moms are all in the same boat,” she says, “fighting the same battles. When you’re here, you’re surrounded by moms at all different fitness levels. It’s supportive, not competitive. No matter what you’re experiencing, chances are the woman next to you knows exactly what you’re going through. The programs provide the strength to survive motherhood. We laugh together, sweat together, and suc-

The Northwest Valley Fit4Mom team. (Photos courtesy The Sakala Group)

ceed together.” The women in the groups even socialize together, setting up play dates and scheduling the occasional Mom’s Night Out for dinner, movie, bowling, etc. As Shawna says: “Come for the workouts, stay for the friendships.” Sounds like a perfect plan for the New Year!

Shelley Sakala is a local realtor with The Sakala Group, and an 85085 resident.

Fit4Mom

To sign up or learn more: northwestvalley.ﬁt4mom.com 602-818-4903

JANUARY 2019 | 85085

PERSPECTIVE Excerpts from “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” Written by Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr.

Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. at a press conference in 1964 (Photo courtesy Library of Congress)

In the Absence of Violence Remembering Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. By Judge Gerald A. Williams

n January 15, some will celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. with a day off work or with a quick ski trip. Others may finally take the Christmas lights off their homes. But it is worth taking the time to remember a man who understood how meaningful change could occur in the absence of violence. Reverend King became the central figure in the American Civil Rights movement by implementing the principles of his Christian faith and the nonviolent protest techniques pioneered by Mahatma Gandhi. His efforts resulted in Congress passing the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This federal law prohibits segregation in government buildings and in public

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accommodations based on race, religion or national origin. In a eulogy for four children who were murdered when a bomb exploded in their church, King proclaimed: “They say to each of us, black and white alike, that we must substitute courage for caution. They say to us that we must be concerned not merely about who murdered them, but about the system, the way of life, the philosophy which produced the murderers. Their death says to us that we must work passionately and unrelentingly for the realization of the American dream. And so my friends, they did not die in vain. God still has a way of wringing good out of evil.”

“I am in Birmingham because injustice is here. Just as the prophets of the eighth century B.C. left their villages and carried their ‘thus saith the Lord’ far beyond the boundaries of their home towns, and just as the Apostle Paul left his village of Tarsus and carried the gospel of Jesus Christ to the far corners of the Greco Roman world, so am I compelled to carry the gospel of freedom beyond my own home town… We know through painful experience that freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed. Frankly, I have yet to engage in a direct action campaign that was ‘well timed’ in the view of those who have not suffered unduly from the disease of segregation… How does one determine whether a law is just or unjust? A just law is a man made code that squares with the moral law or the law of God. An unjust law is a code that is out of harmony with the moral law. To put it in the terms of St. Thomas Aquinas: An unjust law is a human law that is not rooted in eternal law and natural law. Any law that uplifts human personality is just. Any law that degrades human personality is unjust. All segregation statutes are unjust because segregation distorts the soul and damages the personality. It gives the segregator a false sense of superiority and the segregated a false sense of inferiority.”

King, at the age of 35, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his work in the advancement of civil rights. For additional information about his life, his work, his sermons and his speeches, visit the National Park Service’s web page dedicated to him at nps.gov/malu. Judge Gerald A. Williams is the Justice of the Peace for the North Valley Justice Court. The court’s jurisdiction includes Anthem and Desert Hills.

EVENTS

2019 JANUARY

Compiled by Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

Throughout January - Amped Coffee Company Live Series Amped Coffee Company hosts a slew of local artists this month: Sydney Sprague (January 4); Garrett Anderson (January 11); Whitney Steele (January 12); Sophia Humbert (January 18); Notes from Neptune (January 19 and January 31); Tyler King (January 25) and The Harvest (January 26). 7 to 10 p.m., Amped Coffee Company, 3434 W. Anthem Way, Suite 102, Phoenix. 480-462-6733, ampedcoffeeco.com. Free. Throughout January and February - Daisy Mountain Fire & Medical Citizen Fire Academy Citizens can see and experience the work of firefighters firsthand in these classes, which begin January 3 and run for eight consecutive Thursday nights plus an optional Saturday. Activities in the classes include visiting a fire station, seeing how calls are dispatched, pulling a fire hose and more. Various evening times, Daisy Mountain Fire Station, 43814 N. New River Road, New River. 623-465-7400, goo.gl/r79fv1. $25 per person. 8 - Community meeting Raygen Mitchell will discuss faith-based solutions for the drug epidemic. 7 to 8:30 p.m., Crossroads Fellowship Church, 42425 N. New River Road, New River. 602-432-2800. Free. 11 - Town hall meeting Lee Ann Bohn, assistant Maricopa County manager, is the guest speaker at this town hall meeting. 9 to 11 a.m., Anthem Civic Building, 3701 W. Anthem Way, Anthem. mail@nrdhca.com. Free. 12 - Garrett Anderson The “Java and Jammin’” series returns this month with a performance by singer-songwriter Garrett Anderson. Anderson’s shows lift spirits and get toes tapping to his soul-folk ‘n’ groove blend. His shows flow from an extensive songbook rooted in classic rock and pop delivered by his rich voice over nuanced guitar work – a mix of Paul Simon and John

New Patient Offers! Mayer with a hint of jam. He released an album of original material, Dreams and Lives, in December. 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., Civic Building Terrace, 3701 W. Anthem Way, Anthem. onlineatanthem.com. Free.

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12 - The Music Man Jr. auditions The Music Man Jr. is a musical production based on Meredith Willson’s six-time Tony Award-winning comedy about a fast-talking salesman who gets his heart stolen by the town librarian. Auditions for this no-cut production are open to actors ages 6 to 18. 10:30 a.m., Musical Theatre of Anthem, 42201 N. 41st Drive, Suite B100, Anthem. musicaltheatreofanthem.org. Free. 12 - Daddy Long Legs auditions Actors ages 16 and older are invited to audition for the musical stage production based on the novel that inspired the classic 1955 film about a witty and winsome young woman and her mysterious benefactor. Noon; callbacks January 13. Musical Theatre of Anthem, 42201 N. 41st Drive, Suite B100, Anthem. musicaltheatreofanthem.org. Free. 13 - Faith, Love and Hope Bridal Fair Stop by and visit the new wedding venue, Hope Barn and Gardens, which features an elegant barn and lush garden. Enjoy Champagne and tasty treats while mingling with local vendors. 2 to 6 p.m., Hope Barn and Gardens Wedding and Event Venue, 26525 N. 19th Avenue, Phoenix. 623-565-8076, hopebarnandgardens. com. Call for ticket information. 24 - Plant-Based Appetizer Cooking with Melanie Albert Join Melanie A. Albert, intuitive cooking expert and Phoenix-based award-winning cookbook author, in an interactive, hands-on Mediterranean plantbased culinary class. Create hemp seed tabbouleh, olive tapenade and herbal hummus. Learn how to expertly plate your dishes to create a beautiful culinary presentation. 12:30 p.m., North Valley Regional Library, 40410 N. Gavilan Peak Parkway, Anthem. 602652-3000, mcldaz.org. Free. 30 - Grounds for Thought Join the group for an afternoon of coffee, tea and discussion at this monthly book club for adults. This month’s title is The Lido by Libby Page. 12:30 p.m., North Valley Regional Library, 40410 N. Gavilan Peak Parkway, Anthem. 602652-3000, mcldaz.org. Free..

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Hatchet Job Splitting Timber Axe Range brings a new recreational activity to town By Lauren Wise

hile experiential entertainment isn’t a new concept – immersive museum exhibits and activities like paintball have been around for years – the market for new entertainment is at an all-time high. Lately, virtual reality simulations, “rage rooms” where people pay to smash items and, of course, the “Escape Room” experience that exploded into the market are just a few ways people are discovering new entertainment. The latter has an impressive reputation in Arizona. Escape Room Tucson opened in 2013, and it quickly became one of the premiere escape rooms in the country. Now the owner of Escape Room has opened up a new type of experiential hot spot in Phoenix: Splitting Timber Axe Range. Imagine it like an industrial-sized dartboard, where you aim with an axe instead of a dart, or maybe lumberjack-designed bowling. And the motto of “Now there is a new bad axe in town!” is an understatement when you compare it to the mainstay recreational

outings of the last several decades. While axe-throwing might be an intriguing concept in larger urban cities, it’s been an international sport for quite some time. In Canada, indoor axe throwing has been a popular pastime for over 12 years. So in January 2017, AJ Hughes, owner of Escape Room Tucson and co-owner of Splitting Timber, flew to Canada to learn how to axe throw. “Before flying out, I met with my good friend Larry Scaringelli and asked if he’d like to partner with me,” she explains. “At first, he thought I was nuts! He then saw my excitement and passion for the sport and business and he was fully on board.” Hughes opened a Tucson location with her daughter in November 2018, and shortly thereafter, she and Larry opened the Phoenix location in December. “After opening Escape Room Tucson, I wanted to create another fun thing for people to do, to interact together and have a blast doing it,” Hughes adds.

There are 26 lanes at Splitting Timber.

At Splitting Timber Axe Range, participants try to hit a bullseye on a target from 12 feet away. (Photos courtesy Splitting Timber Axe Range)

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The Phoenix location of Splitting Timber Axe Range opened in December.

As the largest axe-throwing range in Arizona, the 26 “lanes” are spread over more than 8,200 square feet. In the lobby area, channel your inner lumberjack – or get ready to “kick some axe,” as Hughes says – with Instagramworthy costumes and pun-riddled gear. Before you begin, the resident “Axeperts” spend about 20 minutes showing you the basics of axe-throwing, going over safety (closed-toe shoes are mandatory, for instance), and offering tips on how to land that bullseye 12 feet away with your new 1.5-pound metal and wood accessory. Hughes revels in the reactions of people when they hit their first bullseye: “The ‘axe’citement and pure joy is outstanding. They jump, cheer and scream. The look on their face is just priceless!” At Splitting Timber, batting cage-style fencing separates the lanes, and cozy tables with barstools are perfectly situated for viewing the action and recharging with some snacks and beverages (bringing your own refreshments is encouraged here, but there are vending machines). Once you get started, the Axeperts will make sure to keep score and offer assistance as needed. Finally, you’ll square off in a tournament that will result in the crowning of an Axe Throwing Champion. Ideal for families, groups of friends or a corporate outing – or even events like birthdays, bachelor or bachelorette parties – the

axe-training and -throwing experience lasts about an hour and a half. “It’s a high energy and an adrenaline-filled hour and a half. You laugh, cheer and have a fun fi lled competition,” she says. As a female business owner (and axethrower), Hughes also stands strong that the sport is great for women; it isn’t tailored to men and offers a lot of empowerment. “Women do extremely well at axe-throwing. This is a sport and there’s a technique to it; it’s not about strength. Sometimes women tend to be a bit apprehensive, thinking it’s a ‘dangerous’ thing to do,” she explains. “It’s much like any target sport; it’s a controlled environment and we teach you how to properly throw and are with you every step of the way.” But like any recreational activity, there are a few things to remember. Lanes hold four to six people, so if you show up with fewer than that, you’ll likely be paired with others already onsite. For daytime events, be sure to book in advance; walk-ins are welcome after 6 p.m. It’s customary to tip your Axepert – they are the ones coaching you for an hour and a half, and keeping you safe. Wear comfy closed-toe shoes and clothes; you’ll be throwing the axe over your head. And participants must be 14 and over. As far as tips go, Hughes says, “Breathe. Relax. Have fun. Don’t try to throw too hard. Follow through and listen to your Axepert; they’re there to help you. Most of all, have fun.

Did we say have fun?” For those looking for a consistent dose of Splitting Timber, enthusiasts can check out the oﬃcial league, which starts in January 2019. “Our Axe Throwing League starts the week of the 14th of January. We have three nights to select from: Sundays, Tuesdays or Wednesdays,” Hughes says. “We’re members of the World Axe Throwing League, so when you compete locally, you also compete nationally. You could even advance to the national playoffs or championships – which were aired on ESPN this past December.” Teams will compete against teams in an 8-week battle for less than $200 per player. Hughes suggests grabbing 4 to 6 of your friends for one of Splitting Timber’s League nights, elect a team captain and pick a name, show up on league night for the next eight weeks, and perfect your art of whirling sharp metal and wood through the air. With a history of successful experiential entertainment ventures, Hughes admits there are other ideas in the mix. “We will be expanding to more locations,” she says, “and there are some other things in the works… but we’re not releasing that information just yet.” Splitting Timbers is located at 2005 W. Deer Valley Road, Suite 104, in Phoenix. For more information, call 602-622-0065 or visit splittingtimber.com/axe-throwing. JANUARY 2019 | 85085

Learn Play to

Local teacher Lori Stanton uses technology to fund tradition By Eric Newman

uck, Duck, Goose. Red Rover. Ring around the Rosie. Tag. Hide and Seek. Imagine a childhood without these traditional playground games. Teacher and Fireside Norterra resident Lori Stanton can’t. Good ol’ fashioned outside time during recess may be seeing itself replaced by electronic devices as students get older, but for the kindergartners Stanton teaches, there’s nothing better than a slide and some hopscotch. So she’s using technology to raise funds for playground equipment. After decades of teaching first grade, Stanton started the “Play to Learn, Learn to Play” project on DonorsChoose.com. The goal of $671 aims to secure outdoor play equipment her kindergarten students can use to learn outside, stay healthy and just play together in an active way. Research shows it’s needed: Children ages 5 to 16 spend an average of six and a half hours a day in front of a screen, compared to around three hours in 1995, according to market research firm Childwise. National think-tank Child Mind Institute has dubbed the lack of time kids spend outside a “crisis” named “nature deficit disorder,” and touts the expertespoused benefits of children being outside, including increased confidence, creativity and physical exercise, and decreased anxiety and fatigue. Stanton and the other kindergarten teachers have made use of their limited materials, such as chalk, which they use to create obstacle courses. However, more equipment would mean more games and options, which would increase the kids’ learning opportunities. “We’re teaching them how to play. That basic play teaches them a lot about social skills, and then they’re happy and more focused when they actually get back into class to learn,” Stanton says. Many kids, she says, come into her classroom not knowing basic games many played as children. She said her favorite so far has been teaching the kids “Duck, Duck, Goose.”

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“When we got them in a circle and we taught them how to run around and go back and then we said ‘You have to run now and go get that child’ in the first two rounds, they ran around the circle and did it. And then as we walked away and observed from afar, they changed the game up all on their own, which was hilarious. So, you can see how much good structured play can be for them,” Stanton says. Liberty Elementary principal Darlene Baumgartner has come to expect this sort of effort from Stanton, who she says truly strives to give her students what they need in their educational experiences. “It shows that she really understands the need to support the whole child. A lot of our funding goes directly into the classroom to support academics and social and emotional curriculum,” Baumgartner says. “But she understands that 5-year-olds and kindergarteners need that play time as well, as it’s just as valuable for their growth in school.” In her three years as principal, Baumgartner says she has seen Stanton go above and beyond her duties as a teacher several times. Her most recent favorite memory came during the school’s “Raise Craze” intended to inspire donations and community projects by the students. “Last year her class went above and beyond getting toys for the children’s hospital, and it was just so awesome to see how she jumped right in and got all the families of the kids on board and collected all of the items. That’s one of my favorite things I think about when you mention her,” Baumgartner says. The “Play to Learn, Learn to Play” project is the third Stanton has gotten off the ground for this school year. She got a project funded that provided her students with hands-on learning materials that they use, rather than warm-up worksheets, to start each school day. She also had another project funded completely by an anonymous donor, who gave the money necessary to get hands-on reading and ABC materials for basic literacy education.

“It’s been amazing for some of these, just that people who I’ve never even met before, but live around me and the school, have been so supportive,” Stanton says. “You can tell they want what’s best for the kids, and they care about schools and everything, so I hope through social media and word of mouth that we can spread this message and help the students.” As thankful as Stanton is for the help of others, especially the donations she got for prior projects from the Fireside Norterra community, she says the students are just as appreciative, if not more. They often make “Thank You” cards, constructed with the materials they received through donations and want to send pictures of themselves working and creating projects back to the donors. “I explain, just like you’re donating to people who need things, other people are donating to our classroom and giving you these things. I’ll pull out something they are working on and say, ‘Look at this,’” Stanton says. “‘The only reason you have this is because someone donated money so that we could buy it for you,’ and you can tell they get it.” As of late December, Stanton’s “Play to Learn, Learn to Play” had not yet reached its goal of $671, but she hopes to reach that total by the January 14 fundraiser deadline. Whether Stanton raises the full total or not, Baumgartner speaks highly of her and expects more great things to come from Stanton’s classroom. “Her energy is definitely contagious. She’s new to kindergarten, so it’s great to watch her work with new colleagues. Wherever she’s at, it’s amazing how she affects everyone around her,” Baumgartner says. “I wouldn’t be surprised to see more great projects and action from her in the future.” For more information or to donate to “Play to Learn, Learn to Play,” visit tinyurl.com/ yb93nolw. Fireside Norterra resident Lori Stanton’s “Play to Learn, Learn to Play” campaign continues through January 14. (Photo by Pablo Robles)

JANUARY 2019 | 85085

SPOTLIGHT

Hair Play Owner of KW Styling Studio ﬁnds fulﬁllment in helping her clients look their best By Alison Stanton Photos by Kimberly Carrillo

risty Wallace knew from a very early age that she wanted to go to cosmetology school and get into the beauty industry.

“Growing up, I was always into makeup and hair,” Wallace says. “Between painting my dog’s nails, and always being the friend who styled everyone’s hair and did their makeup, I knew it was my calling.” In February 2015, Wallace achieved her goal by opening her own salon business in a salon suite. Shortly after giving birth to her baby daughter Brinley in July, 2018, Wallace opened KW Styling Studio. “I oﬀer all types of color services, haircuts, extensions and bridal hair, which is my absolute favorite to do,” Wallace says, adding that she strives to focus on every client’s goals regarding their hair and preferences. “I always consult with my clients before each appointment and make sure I am understanding their needs and what they are loving or not liking.” As for the services that are especially popular in her studio, Wallace says they typically match what is currently trending the most; right now, it's bright blondes, root shadows and balayages. To find inspiration for her work, Wallace says a combination of social media and Mother Nature do the trick. “I’m easily inspired by other artists,” she says, adding that these days, it’s easier than ever to Kristy Wallace performs all sorts of hair styling services at KW Styling Studio, her salon in Happy Valley Norterra.

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find inspiration because of social media. “I have my favorites I follow and look up to, and you can connect easily with others. But I also fi nd a lot of inspiration being outdoors. Getting outside and in the fresh air really helps clear my head and gets me thinking, so I always get excited about going to work and feeling fresh and inspired.” Looking ahead to the spring of 2019, Wallace says she thinks the “ashy, icy blondes” that are currently so popular will continue to be among her clients’ favorite trends. “But I also see warm, honey blondes making their way back,” she adds. One of the many things that Wallace loves about her work is getting to see her regular clients, many of whom have become like family. “I feel like I’ve been through everything with them in their life—love, adventure, careers, heartbreak, marriage, babies, and grandbabies,” she says. “I really care about each and every one of my clients, I like knowing what’s new in their life and just catching up and talking about anything.” Looking back, Wallace is definitely pleased with her decision to get into the beauty industry and to open and own her own styling studio. “I love my job. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else,” she says. “I get to help women feel good about themselves and it is such a fulfi lling feeling when my client leaves after an appointment feeling beautiful, confident and happy.” Wallace also loves it when clients send her selfies that show oﬀ their new color, cut and/or style, as this shows they are feeling great and satisfied about their look. “Being a hairstylist is such a creative outlet for me and each client that I see requires

Wallace curls hair for one of her clients, Alex Leger.

something diﬀerent,” Wallace says. “I’m never bored with work and every day is something diﬀerent. I love going to work every day, meeting new clients and I enjoy spending my time with each one.” KW Styling Studio is located in Happy Valley Norterra, The Beauty District, 2480 W. Happy Valley Rd., Suite 120, Phoenix. For more information or to book an appointment, call (602) 315-8241 or visit squareup.com/ appointments/book/CN1CV8K41Q2PW/ kristy-wallace-phoenix-az.

Wallace works on styling her client Alex Leger’s hair.

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GETTING WORK DONE

Annuities Grow Wealth Why you should diversify your planned retirement income By Paul Breslau, Breslau Insurance & Benefits Inc.

s I write this on Friday, December 21, stock markets continue an epic year-end retreat. A real estate industry expert just advised me that the residential and commercial markets could soften due to increasing interest rates, cost of capital and construction costs. What will 2019 bring? Using annuities as part of your financial plan is an action recommended for many people in their 50s and 60s. In 2006, I wrote an Airpark News article titled To Annuity or Not To Annuity (now found at breslauinsurance.com/articles/05-06.pdf). One year later in 2007, the stock, real estate and other markets started crashing. Seven years later, the markets had recovered and at age 60, I took my own advice and purchased two annuities in 2013. The objective was to diversify a portion of retirement assets away from stocks and bonds and into professionally managed, safe alternatives. Today, with the stock markets in retreat and talk of a recession, there are reasons you should also consider annuities for a portion of your planned retirement income. This article shows the high-level reasons to consider annuities. Lifetime Income – Annuities are designed to pay monthly or annual income for as long as you live. With life spans increasing, annuities are an excellent supplement to Social Security benefits, which also pay for a lifetime. Other sources of income terminate after the last stock, bond or real estate dollars are liquidated. With annuities, if you live a long life, you win. If you die soon, you lose, although there are optional protections such as payouts for the lifetime of husband or wife, whoever lives longer. Growth – Fixed-annuity owners have a choice of growth options ranging from interest-only to tying returns to a stock index such as the S&P 500. In Arizona, a licensed insurance agent with annuity certification can help with these options. This article only addresses fixed annuities. Tax Savings – Income within an annuity builds tax-free over all the years. This is unlike a capital gain or a CD interest, for which

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taxes must be paid in the year earned. An annuity can also hold qualified retirement funds. Diversification – Stocks, real estate and most other investments are cyclical. With annuities, the invested amount never goes below the high point of the prior year-ending value. It is good to have some assets on both sides of this equation. Annuity Checkup – If you already have one or more annuities, there are reasons to check to see if exchanging for a new one might be advantageous. This includes modern features like long-term care benefit options. Additional Advantages include: Annuities have options for withdrawing a portion of the fund penalty-free each year; provisions for long-term care protection can be included; annuity values are generally protected from probate and creditors; annuity values are not included in family assists for your children’s FAFSA student aid applications. There are no limits to how much can be put into an annuity, unlike other tax-deferred retirement accounts such as 401(k)s and IRAs. There are lifetime income riders that guarantee higher returns. Disadvantages to annuities include compli-

cated provisions and surrender charges in the early years. Another thing often mentioned that I do not agree with are the commissions. Annuities are long-term conservative assets. Over these long time periods, if you compare the total commissions to the fees and charges of other options, on average, they are similar. The two annuities I bought in 2013 were suitable to my long-term financial objectives. Annuities may be an excellent option for a portion of your assets. The only way to find out is to speak with an agent or advisor who is knowledgeable on annuities and openminded about their advantages. I am now partnering with leading local experts in all lines of insurance and business services. Please reach out to me at 602692-6832 or Paul@HRaz.com for an initial conversation, evaluation or referral. Paul Breslau, Registered Health Underwriter (RHU), Registered Employee Benefit Consultant (REBC), Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC), Chartered Advisor for Senior Living (CASL), is President of Breslau Insurance & Benefits Inc. Contact: 602-692-6832; www. HRaz.com; Paul@HRaz.com.

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F A M I LY

A Year that Matters 2019 brings a fresh beginning

By Pastor David Bowen Standing Stones Community Church and Standing Stones Christian Academy

appy New Year! According to the Gregorian calendar, which is named after Pope Gregory XIII and was established by the Roman Catholic Church in 1582, January 1st marks the beginning of the New Year. The earliest known New Year celebrations were in Mesopotamia and date back to the 6th-century B.C. Their calendar revolved around the sun and had March 1st as the beginning of the New Year. New Years is a date that is celebrated around the world in different ways, but it's still recognized as the beginning of a time of renewed optimism. The Chinese New Year is celebrated after the winter solstice. The Jewish New Year is called Rosh Hashanah and families enjoy meals and treats of apples and honey. Australia and Rio de Janeiro will begin the year with huge firework displays, and of course Times Square will have a million people witness the ball drop as they count away 2018 and welcome in 2019.

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In the coming days and months, we too will encounter many new experiences. For some, the coming 12 months may be the best they’ve ever known. For others, the next year could be marked with sorrow and disappointment. No one knows what lies ahead simply because we have not passed this way before. That’s part of the excitement of starting over, of enjoying a fresh beginning. No one knows what will take place next. Whatever may come, each of us can choose to have a good attitude and a positive outlook. Words of wisdom tell us to be strong and of good courage; do not fear nor be afraid. Let’s look forward to the coming year with boldness and be willing to do what we have always said we were going to do. What if you take that trip, what if you restore that relationship, what if you take that risk and get out of your comfort zone? What kind of year will it be? Philosophers have studied and concluded that procrastination is the thief of time.

This means that if you keep on postponing what you are supposed to do, what you have been wanting to do, eventually you will find that you have run out of time. The more you postpone, the longer it will take to achieve. What can 2019 look like? What if you… Did something nice for someone who cannot pay you back? Visit a place you have never been before? Don’t make little things into big things? A new year is not just planning for a new start; it’s planning for a new ending. A year from now, let’s do our best to be able to look back at 2019 and see the changes we sought, the efforts we made, the new paths we created. There will be good times and there will be challenging times. The common denominator is time. Eventually it will run out, so let’s not waste this year doing what we have always done and wishing that we had done something different. The Latin phrase “carpe diem” (seize the day) can be our battle cry for 2019. Happy New Year!

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CRAFTS

Snowman! Let It

Cool crafts with river rocks and milk jugs Story and photos by Shannon Fisher

Winter is here, but it is not too chilly in AZ! Here are some snowman crafts for our desert winter weather. River rock can make a great snow man or woman. Start with smooth rocks that are clean and dry. We got ours at a dollar store. Find a place to lay down paper or cardboard to paint on. Next, paint the rocks white with acrylic paint or spray paint them and allow the rocks to dry. You can use black paint or a permanent marker to draw on a face and details. Stack your rocks or push them next to each other. You can also add fabric for a scarf and hat and you have a cute rock snow person! Milk jug snowmen are easy to create from a leftover milk container. Rinse the half gallon or gallon jug and allow it to dry. Use paint or a marker to draw on the details of the face. You can also glue on eyes and construction paper like we did so there is no drying time. Get creative! Add fabric, paper or foam pieces for the nose and accessories. We used pipe

Start with smooth rocks that are clean and dry to create a river rock snowman.

cleaner for the nose. Lastly, cut a hole in the back to add your lights. We got a small strand of white lights at the dollar store. Plug in and watch your snowman glow! Snowmen magnet crafts can be made using clear glass stones. You can probably guess we got them at a dollar store. You can draw a face on white paper and cut around the design. Use clear glue or Mod Podge to adhere the paper to the bottom of the stone. Allow it to dry and you can hot-glue a magnet to the back or a string to hang it up. These are so fun to make since each stone is unique. You can use a photograph or make with any design, but we liked the snowmen. Wishing everyone a Happy New Year! Cheers to 2019! Shannon Fisher is a local wife, mom of two girls and owner of Shannon Fisher Photography. She taught high school and elementary art before opening her photography business.

Milk jug snowmen are easy to create from a leftover milk container.

85085 | JANUARY 2019

JANUARY 2019 | 85085

A Z T R AV E L

A Winter Haven The complete guide to visiting Mount Lemmon Story and photos by Gloria Knott

to Tots et Pota ith Swe erhaven is a w h ic w m Sum ork Sand moked p urant in ed Pork The Pull mill Run Resta made of slow-s ce and blue w u is from Sa The sandwich h barbecue sa it . must-try a Telera roll w n served o leslaw. co cheese

ount Lemmon. It’s the place where Tucsonans go to play in snow in the winter, cool off in the summer, and take a day trip when a weeklong vacation abroad might not be in the budget. For newbies, Mount Lemmon is in the Santa Catalinas, surrounded by the Coronado National Forest. It’s a good 20 to 30 degrees cooler and only takes about an hour to get to Summerhaven, a quaint little town tucked into the mountains. I spent the day in Mount Lemmon and discovered what to do, what to eat, and where to stay in the whimsical area. Here is your complete guide to visiting Mount Lemmon.

Getting there op Gift Sh Store & Raspberry l ra e n e Ge mmon de fudge. Th a ount Le The M s in homem rite flavor. ze o speciali Swirl is a fav te Chocola

For more information

Because you’ll be traveling up a mountain, the road will be curvy and sometimes a bit congested with other cars and bicyclists. But the scenery is nothing short of breathtaking. There are a handful of pullouts along the road, in addition to scenic byways, which make it easy to park your car, stretch your legs and take in the view. One of the most popular spots is Windy Point, which overlooks mountains and trees.

What to do

On your way up the mountain, you’ll pass Rose Canyon. Besides the pretty name, Rose Canyon is home to a campground and a lake, which is perfect for fishing. Forgot your fishing pole? Maybe try the hiking trails instead – there are several in the area. One of the most popular is the Butterfly Trail, which is near the Palisades Visitor Center. Once you reach Summerhaven, you’ll definitely want to make a stop at the Mount Lemmon General Store & Gift Shop. The shop sells necessities such as snacks and water, in addition to novelty trinkets and souvenirs that you can’t find elsewhere. But here’s the best part: The general store specializes in homemade fudge in more than a dozen mouthwatering flavors. The raspberry chocolate swirl is my favorite. The Living Rainbow gift shop is another worthy spot. The shop features colorful souvenirs and artsy knickknacks. When it snows on Mount Lemmon, skiing and snowboarding are popular activities. Next to Summerhaven is Ski Valley, which has a year-round ski lift. Ski Valley also has

• Palisades Visitors Center - Santa Catalina Ranger District - 520-749-8700 • Summerhaven mtlemmon.com/summerhaven/ •The Living Rainbow - thelivingrainbow.com • Ski Valley - skithelemmon.com • University of Arizona SkyCenter https://skycenter.arizona.edu/ • Iron Door Restaurant skithelemmon.com/page3.html • Sawmill Run Restaurant - sawmillrun.com • The Cookie Cabin - thecookiecabin.org

Two travelers sit at Windy Point, near Mount Lemmon, to take in the view.

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skis and snowboards available for rent in the winter, in addition to its own ski school. At the top of the mountain is the University of Arizona’s SkyCenter. The observatory features SkyNights, complete with public telescopes. Stargazing has never been so easy. Other activities include horseback riding, rock climbing, wildlife viewing and birding. Camping is also available.

Where to eat

Picnic tables are abundant throughout Mount Lemmon, but if you’re not in the mood to pack your own sandwiches, don’t fret! Restaurants are a worthy option. The Iron Door Restaurant, located in Ski Valley, offers breakfast and lunch. For lunch, the restaurant serves nine sandwich options, homemade soups and chili and delicious appetizers. And you can’t forget about the homemade pies. If that doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, head to Summerhaven for a bite to eat at the Sawmill Run Restaurant. The restaurant’s cozy cabin vibes pair well with the menu’s comfort foods. They have soups, salads, sandwiches and burgers, in addition to a list of “smokehouse favorites,” such as smoked baby back ribs and sausage.

The view from the popular pull-out Windy Point, on the way up Mount Lemmon, is breathtaking

The Cookie Cabin is also in Summerhaven. With a name like that, who wouldn’t want to eat there? The family-owned restaurant serves giant homemade cookies, some topped with six scoops of ice cream. Its website says that one cookie can feed “four people, two raccoons or one hungry cyclist.” The Cookie Cabin also serves lunch items, including pizza and hot dogs.

Where to stay

If you’re looking to submerge in the

true Mount Lemmon experience, camping might be the option for you. There are three campgrounds in Mount Lemmon, all of which are spacious and scenic, to say the very least. Alternatively, cabins are available to rent and they’re as cozy as they look. Visit mtlemmoncabins.com for details. Excited for your trip to Mount Lemmon yet? I would be. Don’t forget to bring your camera, bottles of water and your favorite walking shoes.

JANUARY 2019 | 85085

RECIPE

The Garden Churkey Burger By Jan D’Atri

You’re looking for something yummy. You’re trying to eat lighter. You’re craving a burger. You’ve come to the right place. How about a Churkey Burger! It’s a delicious combination of ground turkey and chicken (no, it’s not redundant – really!) with moistness and flavor added to the mixture from pesto, onion and crushed red pepper. Then, once it’s grilled to perfection, top it with avocado, sliced tomato, onion, arugula and your favorite cheese. Your craving is about to be satisfied! So why use both ground turkey and ground chicken? You could certainly use just one or the other – they’re pretty much equal in calories, fat and protein. But while turkey has a nice flavor,

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it tends to be a bit dry. Chicken, it seems, has a little more moisture, and it acts more like ground beef when mixed together with other ingredients for patties. Add the pesto for even more moisture, and the Churkey Burger becomes a hearty and satisfying alternative to the usual burger fare. Now, here’s a tip for a delicious condiment for your Churkey Burger: If you have some leftover pesto, let it drain through a sieve to get most of the olive oil out. Place the pesto in a bowl, add a little mayonnaise and stir. It makes a wonderful slather on your bread and the perfect complement to the burger. Dive in and enjoy!

THE GARDEN CHURKY BURGER Ingredients: - 1 lb. ground turkey - 1 lb. ground chicken - 4 heaping tablespoons pesto - 1 red onion - 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper, or more to taste - 1 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon pepper - Oil for cooking burgers - 2 large tomatoes, sliced - 1 avocado, sliced thin - 2 cups arugula, spring mix or romaine leaves - Mayonnaise, optional - Slices of cheese, optional - Hamburger buns or rolls

Directions: Slice red onion into 1/4-inch rings. In a sauté pan with two tablespoons of olive oil, sauté onion rings until soft. Let the onions cool. Set aside half of the onion rings for burgers, and dice the remainder of the onions rings ﬁne. In a bowl, combine turkey, chicken, pesto, cooled diced onions, red pepper, salt and pepper. Mix until well combined. Make burger patties (approximately eight). In a large skillet, heat remaining two tablespoons of olive oil. Cook patties until browned on both sides and patties are thoroughly done. To build the burger, slather a little mayonnaise on the bread if desired, then layer with a slice or two of cheese, churkey burger, avocado, tomatoes and sautéed onion rings. Top with arugula if desired.

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RESTAURANT

Ah, So Good! Ah-So Sushi & Steak is everyone’s cup of sake Story & Photos By Madison Rutherford

Each teppanyaki dinner comes with soup and salad.

85085 | JANUARY 2019

f you’re looking for a place that’s fancy enough to impress a date or co-workers but laidback enough for the whole family, Ah-So Sushi & Steak at the Shops at Norterra is everyone’s cup of sake. The Japanese steakhouse’s calling card is its teppanyaki tables, where skilled chefs grill your food right in front of you on a giant iron griddle. The clinking of knives and intermittent “oohs” and “ahhs” echo throughout the cavernous dining space, which also includes regular tables, plush booths and bar seating. The teppanyaki tables usually warrant about an hour-long wait, so reservations are recommended. Though it’s worth the delay, you’re also able to order from the teppanyaki menu regardless of where you sit. A full bar and lounge area in the front of the restaurant allow you to sip on some sake and nosh on appetizers while waiting for a table. Can’t decide between filet mignon or sashimi? Ah-So has some of the best steak and seafood options around. Start with a bowl of the spicy garlic edamame ($7), peppered with a piquant chili sauce and fresh garlic flakes, or the melt-in-your-mouth shrimp shumai ($7), doughy steamed dumplings stuffed with shrimp, sprinkled with chives and served with ponzu sauce. Though it can be on the steep side, Ah-So boasts fresh, fun cuisine that will leave you feeling full. Consider splurging on the Monkey Brains ($13.50) – flashfried mushrooms loaded with spicy tuna, spicy crab and cream cheese or the Scallop Dynamite ($13), a creamy Japanese casserole featuring sautéed sea scallops, mushrooms and onions topped with a cheese sauce and baked to perfection. Ah-So is worth a return visit for that dish alone. But wait, there’s more! In fact, we’re just getting started. Choose from dozens of made-to-order sushi rolls that range from classic – the California and avocado rolls are safe bets – to unconventional. The Shrimp Lover’s Roll – shrimp tempura, cucumber and spicy crab topped with shrimp, avocado and spicy sauce – will convert even the most stubborn seafood skeptics. Ah-So offers an array of yakisoba noodles, rice bowls and eclectic entrees like fish and chips, teriyaki salmon and chicken katsu, but the teppanyaki menu is where you’ll get the most bang for your buck. Choose from veggies, chicken, calamari, New York steak, gulf shrimp, jumbo sea scallops or filet mignon ($15-$30) or crave-worthy combinations like steak and lobster

($30-$45). Each selection is served with soup, salad, vegetables, fried rice and spicy mayo and ponzu for dipping. Any Japanese eatery worth its soy sauce has a decent miso soup and Ah-So has some of the best this side of the I-17. The salad features cabbage and carrots drizzled with a peppery dressing that sets it apart from other sushi spots that use bland gingerbased dressing. Though the fried rice is slightly dry and the veggies could be cooked more, the meat is mouthwateringly tender and the shrimp is succulent. If you want to wet your whistle, there’s a plethora of beer, wine and sake selections and a slew of specialty drinks. The cocktail menu features standard libations like martinis and Moscow mules as well as more inventive adult beverages like the Red Lotus, which is AhSo’s take on a cranberry vodka – Arizona Distilling Company Mission

Vodka, lychee liqueur and a splash of cranberry juice. The result is a super sweet cocktail that packs a serious punch. Much like their dinner portions, Ah-So’s pours are pretty generous. Happy hour, which provides deals on all alcoholic drinks and some starters and sushi rolls, is Sunday through Thursday from 3 to 6 p.m. For dessert, the mochi ice cream is a must-try. The tasty traditional Japanese frozen treats come in four flavors: strawberry, mango, red bean and green tea. Though you might be distracted by how delicious your dinner is, the service at Ah-So is superb. The staff is personable and polite and the food comes out in a timely manner, even when it’s busy. Whether you’re at the bar, in a booth or at the teppanyaki tables, Ah-So doesn’t disappoint.

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DINING

On ‘Cue

The Tennessee Grill & Bar serves superb smoked meats and more Story and Photos By Niki D’Andrea

he smell of slow-smoked meats and tangy barbecue sauce fills the large and bustling space that is The Tennessee Grill & Bar every night, creating a mouthwatering wait on especially busy nights, like Wednesdays, when tender, smoked chicken wings are on special, and Fridays, when the all-you-can-eat fish fry draws locals in droves for hand-carved and battered fish. This neighborhood breakfast and barbecue joint serves some of the best food in Anthem, and some of the best barbecue in the Valley. The ambiance is open and airy, with lots of big windows, and welcoming, with flat-screen TVs hanging throughout the restaurant showing various sports. The aforementioned slow-smoked chicken wings are just the start, slathered in “hot sauce” that was not really hot – at least not by the standards of someone who enjoys raw jalapeños and Tabasco sauce on almost ev-

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erything. But those thighs and wings were toothsome and juicy, with smoky overtones that sat well on the palate until washed down by whiskey – or beer. There are several of each on The Tennessee Grill menu. Fried pickles pack just the right amount of flavorful crunch in circular, ridged chips that yield juicy, warm interiors. The onion rings are also a nice starter, or better yet a crispy side to accompany Bob’s Bitchin’ Burger, named after Tennesse Grill owner Bob Adler. This burger is serious – two plump patties of hand-pressed hamburger made from freshly ground brisket and chuck, grilled to order and served on a bun that can’t hold up to the bulging, juicy beef. But the weak bread is the only weak thing about this burger, which bursts with beefy flavor. Sandwich seekers will find a variety of equally fresh and tasty options, from a crunchy turkey bacon club wrap to a plump po’ boy bulging with shrimp on a French roll, piled with coleslaw and tomato slices, and drizzled with roumelade sauce. The hearty breakfast omelettes and chicken sandwiches and wraps and such are all good, but the barbecue is really what’s cooking at Tennessee Grill. Not only do the savory smells establish that right away, but so does the décor, in the form of shelves of

sauces and rubs for sale by the register in the lobby, and the T-shirts hanging on the wall that say things like “You pull my pork, I’ll rub your ribs,” “‘Take my last piece of bacon’… said no one ever” and “We have the best smelling butts in AZ.” Ribs steal the show – tender and easily sliced off the bone, they posses a charred, chewy exterior bursting with flavor from the meat rubs and smoker. Tennessee Grill’s house-made sauces are a nice complement, especially the smoky and tangy Smoky Mountain Zinger BBQ Sauce. The Smoky Mountain Bourbon BBQ Sauce also adds a nice kick to the palate, but lovers of truly spicy food will be disappointed – there’s nothing truly incendiary, or even mildly hot, among the condiments. Pulled pork is perfectly tender and delightfully chewy, full of flavor and moist from the barbecue sauce, and it’s among some of the best of its kind around. Brisket is thick and tender, slathered in sauce and hard to share despite it generous proportions. All dishes are served with grilled and lightly buttered dinner rolls. Some sides are stars in their own rites. Potato salad – mayonnaisedominant, as opposed to some more mustardy varieties – is creamy and tasty. Tater tots are crispy and hot, and the baked beans are

deliciously spiked with green chili. Platters with various combinations are available for diners who can’t decide on just one meat. But wait, there’s more. While Tennessee Grill lacks a bona fide happy hour, its drinks are always reasonably priced ($7.50 for a 22-ounce draft beer) and they offer an impressive menu of fruit smoothies and specialty coffees. With its proximity to shopping malls, the I-17, and Discount Tire (customers frequently

while away their wait for new wheels at the bar), Tennessee Grill has become a popular stop for travelers and shoppers, in addition to its longstanding status as a neighborhood favorite in Anthem. Those sublime smoky barbecue smells are enough to draw us back.

The Tennessee Grill & Bar 4220 W. Summit Walk Court, Suite 1202, Anthem 623-551-1500, thetennesseegrill.com

1.Brisket is thick and ﬂavorful; 2. Smoked chicken wings are on special Wednesday nights; 3. Bob’s Bitchin’ Burger features two patties piled on a bun; 4. The bar serves several beers on draft, including local crafts; 5. Sauces, rubs and T-shirts are for sale in the lobby; 6. The ambiance is open and airy; 7. Fried pickles make a great starter; 8. Half-rack of ribs with baked beans and tater tots; 9. Pulled pork with coleslaw and potato salad.

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BEAUTY

Saving Face

Explore these different skincare options By Kelly Collins

t is a new year and lots of people are taking this opportunity to make resolutions and find ways to improve their overall well-being. It is also a good time to take inventory of what’s going on with your skin and think about a treatment plan to help reach your skincare goals. After the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, you might realize that your skin isn’t looking its best and you might notice a few more

lines, wrinkles or brown spots that you swear weren’t there just a few months ago. While there are tons of skincare options on the market, one of the best ways to revitalize and rejuvenate your skin is with a laser treatment. Lasers are one of the only treatments that celebs will openly admit to indulging in. All you need to do is spend a little time on Instagram and you will see celebrities such as the Kardashians and the housewives of wherever undergoing a slew of treatments live and online and right at your fingertips. From the “no downtime fast and simple” to “big gun, sandblast ablative” there’s a treatment for everyone and everything. Here’s just some of what is available:

Skin Scrub Laser Facial

This is a multi-step treatment that incorporates dermaplaning (using a surgical blade to gently remove dead skin cells & peach fuzz hairs) along with a 1064 Yag laser and IPL/PhotoFacial. Th ink of this treatment as a dirtvaporizing, debris-zapping, pollutantremoving, toxin-eliminating cleaning that goes deep within the pores to reveal healthier, more radiant skin. This is one of the “lunch time procedures that has absolutely no downtime” and can be repeated as often as every three weeks. Some of the benefits of this treatment include: -Vaporizing dirt and bacteria -Improves dull complexion -Reduces pore size -Brightens skin -Deep cleans and detoxifies -Decreases oil production

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-Leaves skin soft and radiant -Minimizes fine lines and improves skin texture Price: $200 per treatment.

ClearLift

ClearLift combines the laser energy of the non-ablative Yag with the Pixel Q Switch 1064nm. This technology works by gently resurfacing the skin with virtually no pain and no downtime. It helps reduce the appearance of pores and fine lines and improves overall skin tone. It is safe to use on all areas of the face, neck, chest and hands. ClearLift slowly remodels the skin in four to six treatments that are spaced every three to four weeks. ClearLift technology targets the deeper subcutaneous tissue to stimulate growth of new collagen without affecting the epidermis (which equates to no downtime). That means all of the work is happening underneath, deep within the skin, without any side effects. What that means is no pain and no downtime. This technology is highly favored by patients that are interested in improving their skin quality without discomfort or risks caused by surgery and needles. ClearLift is a fast treatment and can be completed in as little as 30 minutes. Price: $250-$350 per treatment.

Erbium Resurfacing

This is one of the “big gun treatments” that actually resurfaces the skin. Erbium is the treatment of choice for those who would like to achieve a dramatic improvement in as little as one treatment. Erbium lasers, like carbon dioxide lasers, are powerful ablative lasers designed to remove the outer layers of skin using a burst of energy. Erbium laser resurfacing has advantages over other methods of resurfacing including less downtime, and more precision with the ability to target tiny areas. People who have had erbium

laser treatments recover twice as fast as those who have had CO2 laser treatments. The erbium laser is designed to treat a variety of skin conditions by eliminating damaged cells on the surface of the skin (resurfacing), thus allowing new skin to form in its place. Therefore, problems like pigmentation, acne scars, stretch marks, fi ne and moderate wrinkles and brown spots can all be diminished with this treatment. Specific treatment areas can be targeted and the intensity of the procedure can be modified from a light, medium or deep treatment depending on patient goals, skin condition and amount of downtime a patient can endure. Downtime varies based on treatment area and intensity and is between 1-7 days on average. Price: $399-$999 per treatment.

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ThermiSmooth Face

ThermiSmooth is often lumped in with laser treatments, but it’s actually a radio-frequency, skin-tightening device, not a laser. It’s commonly used to treat around the eyes, jowls, forehead and cheeks. ThermiSmooth is a no-downtime, pain-free way to target areas on the face and neck in order to smooth, tighten and lift . ThermiSmooth uses controlled, non-invasive radiofrequency energy and heat to promote collagen growth in order to lift and tighten targeted areas. Sometimes referred to as “Spanx” for the under-eye area, this is a great treatment choice if you want to target under-eye bags or sagging eyelids. Price: $150-$350 per treatment.

IPL/PhotoFacial

Spent too much time in the sun? IPL might be the treatment choice for you. IPL, also known as intense pulsed light therapy, or PhotoFacial, is a non-invasive treatment that uses intense pulses of bright light to penetrate deep into your problematic areas targeting sun spots, brown spots, freckles, rosacea, broken capillaries and superficial blood vessels in order to brighten, lighten and reveal a more even, youthful skin tone. You can use IPL to minimize or remove: -age spots -sun damage -freckles -broken blood vessels on your face -rosacea Price: $125-$500 per treatment.

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Combination Therapy

Like many medical treatments, it’s often better to tackle an issue with more than one modality. Lasers are frequently used in combination with each other and with other therapies. Confused about which treatment would be right for you? It is always best to schedule a comprehensive consultation with a medical provider in order to find out more information on these and other laser treatments. Dr. Kelly Collins, NMD, is the owner and medical director of Premier Wellness Center in Anthem. For more information, or to book a consultation or treatments, visit premierwellnessaz.com.

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JANUARY 2019 | 85085

BODY

'The People Part of Fitness' Mountainside Fitness founder’s book raises spirits and charity funds By Niki D’Andrea

ong before his first facility opened in the Valley in 1991, Mountainside Fitness founder Tom Hatten knew he wanted to create something that was more than just a gym. “I wanted a real fitness center, with proven techniques and effective machines as well as free weights, an excellent aerobic program, and childcare,” Hatten writes in his recently released autobiography, Dream On. “Most important, I wanted a staff that understood people. To my mind, I felt that the better we were at the people part of fitness, the more successful we’d be.” The ASU alumnus has indeed seen success with his people-first approach. Mountainside Fitness now has 90,000 active members in the Phoenix metro area and operates 17 locations, including a facility at Happy Valley Towne Center. Dream On details Hatten’s vision for Mountainside Fitness, his rocky path to opening his first facility (which included some time in jail), the people who put their faith in (and their pocketbooks behind) him, and also recounts a tragic personal loss that affected him deeply. The book, which is available on

amazon.com and at various Mountainside Fitness locations, lays out all Hatten’s highs and lows, including bankruptcy. “Dream On is a true and very raw look at what it takes, the sacrifices we make and also the poor decisions that can threaten to take it away,” Hatten says. “I didn’t want to hold anything back when I wrote this book, so it’s peppered with inspirational moments and humorous anecdotes, and really a no-holdsbarred narrative of the rollercoaster ride to fulfill one’s dream.” But the book has a happy ending – and it’s for a good cause. Hatten, a former chairman for Make-A-Wish Arizona and supporter of numerous nonprofits, says all proceeds from sales of the book will go to Make-AWish Arizona and the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Those who’ve worked with Hatten say his drive to give back is engrained in him. “I have had the privilege of working with Tom Hatten for the past six years,” says Sarah Levin, executive director of the Muscular Dystrophy Association. “During our first meeting, Tom shared that he started fundraising for MDA as a kid by hosting carnivals and collecting do-

Mountainside Fitness founder Tom Hatten’s book, Dream On, details his professional and personal journey. (Photos courtesy Dream On by Tom Hatten)

nations. That same drive and passion has led Tom to achieve so much professional success. Tom truly believes in helping the community and this is evident through the various organizations he supports.” Those organizations include the MDA, Make-A-Wish Arizona, the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation and the Special Olympics, for which he serves as a board member. “Make-A-Wish Arizona is grateful for all the work Tom Hatten has done for our chapter, including his work as our board chair from 2015 to 2016 and his commitment by example with his employees at Mountainside Fitness,” says Elizabeth Reich, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish Arizona. “We are honored to be selected to receive proceeds from his book as we know those who read his words The Happy Valley location of Mountainside Fitness opened in 2018. (Photos courtesy Dream On by Tom Hatten)

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will be as inspired by his story as we have been by his dedication to Arizona wish kids.” Part of Hatten’s personal mission in starting Mountainside Fitness, he writes in Dream On, was to give people a means to live more healthful lives: “I began to appreciate the lifestyle and mentality surrounding fitness; if I was going to seriously consider opening my own gym, I didn’t want it to be only for ‘muscle heads,’ like all the gyms at the time. I wanted the type of people that came to my gym to see it as a means to becoming healthier, rather than just a way to look good in the mirror.” Reflecting, Hatten can say he’s accomplished that mission. “My first gym was exactly like I dreamed it in my head,” he says. “What could happen along the way, I could have never imagined, but with every turn and twist, I’d like to say it’s made me and Mountainside what it is today.” In addition to offering personal training, Mountainside Fitness features a full schedule of classes including barre, yoga, zumba, cycling, Pilates, aerobics and HIIT (high-intensity interval training). Individual memberships currently cost $44 per month for month-to-month agreements and $38.85 per month for a 12-month plan. Couples and family membership plans are also available. Mountainside Fitness’ Happy Valley Towne Center location is at 2501 W. Happy Valley Road, Suite 130. For more information, call 602-602-4747 or visit mountainsidefitness.com.

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