Laguna Laser offers affordable and experienced services
BY ALISON STANTON
Since the day Laguna Laser opened for business in Gilbert in 2009, co-owner Mike Johnson says the company has experienced a steady flow of clients who are looking to get either unwanted hair or a tattoo removed from their bodies.
“The hair and tattoo removal services are our bread and butter,” he says.
The firm started out offering just hair removal before adding tattoo removal to it’s list of services.
Laguna Laser, which recently moved to a new location in Gilbert, just expanded its service line again to include aesthetic services like facials and microdermabrasions.
One of the things that helps to set Laguna Laser apart from similar places, Johnson says, is the great deal of experience that the technicians have.
“People tend to be more familiar with laser hair removal because there are so many ads for it on the radio,” Johnson says.
“But a lot of these places just sort of move people in and out, and the technicians who work there are often new people who are trying to get more hours. Our gals are established; for example, our three laser technicians have around 30 combined years of experience, so they are very experienced in laser hair removal. It’s kind of an intimate service, so customers want to have someone who is very experienced at it, and they want to work with someone that they know.”
Johnson says the technicians at Laguna Laser are in the middle of their busiest time of year. Their competitive prices, combined with the upcoming swimsuit season, are keeping the phones ringing and the business living up to its motto of “Where beach bodies are born.”
“March, April and May are our busiest months,” Johnson says.
“This is also the best time to have laser hair removal, because afterward you do need to stay out of sun for a little awhile.”
Although the laser hair removal is keeping them very busy, Johnson says he can sense that the tattoo removal will become even more popular over time.
“The 20-somethings are moving into the 30-somethings, and a lot of people have what we call tattoo remorse,” Johnson says.
He says he’s read statistics that indicate as many as half of all people with tattoos eventually regret getting them.
“The technique is really good now, and the prices are coming down.”
And although the process of having a tattoo removed does hurt, Johnson says it’s an ideal option for people who no longer want them.
“The two biggest places that refer tattoo removal business to us are tattoo parlors, so we can knock out an old tattoo before they do a new one, and the military, which sends recruits to us
to have tattoos removed from the hands or neck.”
Johnson says he is delighted with Laguna Laser’s relocation into downtown Gilbert.
“I’m so glad we have expanded, and we are just really excited to be here.”
Laguna Laser is located at 625 N. Gilbert Rd., Suite 101, in Gilbert. For more information, call (480) 292-9677 or visit www.lagunahr.com.
Alison Stanton is a freelance writer who lives in the East Valley. She can be reached at alison@santansun.com
EXPERIENCED AND CARING: The technicians at Laguna Laser have a combined 30 years of experience. Submitted photo
FACIALS AND DERMABRASION TOO: Laguna Laser recently added aesthetic services to its line of services. Submitted photo
SEND IN YOUR BUSINESS PROFILE FOR ‘DOING BUSINESS’
The SanTan Sun News would like to welcome new area businesses or existing ones that may be new to our readers.
Submit information about your business for a “Doing Business” minibusiness profile in an upcoming issue of our publication, which is distributed to 35,000 homes, racks and boxes on the first and third Saturdays of the month.
Please include all of the following items: Name of business, name of owner(s), how long the business has existed, unique features, hours of operation, address, telephone number, website, email address. Also include an at least 300 dpi photo of the business owner or logo.
The sooner you submit the information to us, the sooner we’ll be able to profile your business, as it’s on a first-come, first-served basis.
Email this information to business@santansun.com or visit www.santansun. com and click on the “Doing Business” form to submit.
Burlap and Blooms offered all day in May at Women’s Club of Mesa
Celebrate National Scrapbooking Day with your fellow crafters. Grapevine Designs and Studio LLC will be hosting an all-day event, Burlap and Blooms, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, May 3. There is a fee included in the event for the make ‘n’ take, a Blooms mini book and lunch and technique demos in the afternoon. Cost is $50 for a 6-foot table to yourself or $35 for an 8-foot table with a fellow cropper.
The event will take place at the Women’s Club of Mesa, 200 N. Macdonald Rd., Mesa.
Grapevine Designs and Studio LLC is located in Chandler and provides custom laser cutting of chipboard, cardboard, wood and acrylic to take your paper crafting or mixed media project to the next level.
Shredding party hosted by Netzel Financial
Bring your private paperwork to be shredded for free at the Netzel Financial eighth annual Shredding Party from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, May 3. The party will be held in the Netzel parking lot, 10450 E. Riggs Rd., Suite 101, Chandler.
No business shredding is permitted and no boxes are returned. Hang out and mingle while your private documents are shredded. Visit www.netzelfinancial.com, or call (480) 219-0657 for information.
EVENT: Blooms Mini Book is included in the Saturday, May 3, Burlap and Blooms event. Submitted photo
Amy Jones voted Chandler's BEST REALTOR For 3 Years
Gated San Sebastian at Valencia, Chandler
$999,000, 6,189 sq. ft., 6 BR, 4.5 BA, 4-Car Garage Basement Home with Backyard Resort
Gated Oakwood Country Club, Sun Lakes
$350,000 2,846 sq. ft., 3BR, 2.5BA 3 Car Garage. Can be sold furnished!
Monterey Bay at Ocotillo, Chandler
$455,000, 2,494 sq. ft., 3 BR, Den, 3 BA Waterfront with Pool & Upgrades Throughout
Spyglass Bay at Ocotillo, Chandler
$625,000
Pinelake Estates, Chandler
$599,000, 3,290 sq. ft., 5BR, 3BA Waterfront Resort, Pool, BBQ & much more
Corona Del Mar in Ocotillo, Chandler
$285,000 2,050 sq. ft., 3 BR, Den, 2.5 BA Move-in ready, Pool with water feature
Amber Riley has been appointed director of sales for Rawhide Western Town and Steakhouse, Arizona’s largest western-themed attraction. Her efforts will focus on implementing sales strategies to enhance the Rawhide property as a unique and memorable guest experience venue. Riley will be responsible for the deployment and coordination of all sales efforts to include group and event sales.
Western State promotes Costa Deanna Costa was promoted to cash management officer at Western State Bank. She has been with Western since 2009, most recently serving as personal banking
CORPORATE CHRONICLES
officer/customer service representative supervisor.
Costa is responsible for identifying opportunities to provide cash management products and services to new prospects and existing business customers in all of Western’s Arizona bank locations.
Originally from Page, Costa attended Coconino Community College. She resides in Queen Creek with her husband, Mark, and their two children. Costa and her husband own Painter’s ASTV Performance.
Western State Bank is a 112-year old employee-owned, community bank with assets totaling more than $695 million. The bank offers superior full-banking services, investments, real estate financing to personal and business customers, as well as nationwide equipment financing services.
Isola Group promotes employees
Isola Group, a market leader in engineered dielectric materials used to fabricate advanced multilayer printed circuit boards, announced the promotion of Janet Fromm to senior director, quality and operational excellence, reporting directly to Ray Sharpe, president and CEO.
She will be responsible for leading Isola’s global lean and quality initiatives to reduce cost, improve cycle-times and leverage best practices across all the company’s worldwide facilities.
5 year certified
• Driver license record: 3 year uncertified, 5 year certified
• Fleet registration
Michael Gastonguay was promoted to President-Americas. He will be responsible for Isola’s sales, customer service and manufacturing operations in the Americas region.
Sal Flores ranked among Barron’s Top 1,200 Advisers
Sal Flores, registered principal at Flores Wealth Management, an independent firm and financial adviser with Raymond James Financial Services, was recently named to Barron’s list of “The Top 1,200 Advisers” in the country.
The 2014 list ranked 1,200 advisers from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Flores ranked No. 5 overall in the state of Arizona, out of 30 advisers selected from that state.
This marks the sixth consecutive year that Flores has been selected for the list. Flores, who manages more than $600 million in client assets, offers his clients wealth management and investment planning.
Gilbert chamber hosts morning networking event
Chamber members have the opportunity to meet other members from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. Wednesday, April 9, at Which Wich? Superior Sandwiches, 2795 S. Market St., Suite 110, Gilbert. Share conversation with other professionals and learn more about businesses in the community during this informal gathering. The event includes good food, good company and friendly conversation with no agenda or script. Those who attend are responsible for the cost of their own meal. RSVP for seating estimates.
Power Hour
Power Hour, a free chamber event, will be held from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Friday, April 11, at Crossing Executive Suites, 1820 E. Ray Rd., Chandler. Jill Schiefelbein of Impromptu Guru will help generate ideas and solutions to improve your business. The work session, which is intensive, is designed for small businesses with five or less employees, including home-based businesses and solopreneurs. Make sure to come prepared to share issues and be ready to learn from others. The meeting space is reserved for an additional hour after Power Hour to continue conversations and network.
AMBER RILEY. Submitted photo
DEANNA COSTA. Submitted photo
SAL FLORES. Submitted photo
Business
Regus opens its first business center in Chandler
Regus, the world’s largest provider of flexible workplaces, continues to dominate the shared workspace sector as it expands across the United States into new cities.
Chandler is the latest addition to the company’s growing network of business centers catering to the needs of mobile workers who need a professional place to drop in and work for an hour, day or more. The facility is located in the San Tan Corporate Center, 3100 W. Ray Rd., Chandler.
“Our members can choose to use any of our workspaces depending on their specific needs,” explains Regus Regional Vice President Sande Golgart. “We offer a collaborative environment for professionals that work remotely or from home and want a place to connect with other business types. For some customers, dropping into our business lounge to catch up on emails works, while other clients will use our private offices when they need to hunker down and concentrate.”
A surge in customer demand prompted Regus to move into the market. Several businesses from different industries are expanding in the city, signaling a strengthening economy. Easy access to the state’s
After spending 30 plus years in the diamond and jewelry business, you start to think maybe you’ve seen it all. Oh contraire, that is the amazing thing that keeps me going for so many years. We all chase the “Holy Grail” in diamonds and jewelry. To define the “Holy Grail,” we recently saw the 29ct plus Blue Rough Diamond found in a mine in South Africa. This is one of the finest and rare pieces of Blue Rough Diamond ever found and already estimated in the tens of millions.
So, are diamonds a good investment? This question surrounds the diamond and jewelry business and is met with great controversy. I, for one, never sell diamonds as an investment. To define investment, there can be many answers. Is the value the item sells for what you paid? Or is it a personal choice if you wear and enjoy the item for years, and then receive most of your money back when you sell? Either way, it is not for me to decide. After
other major cities along with a high quality of life is also driving Chandler’s economic development.
“Our customers enjoy the idea of meeting new people, networking and finding new opportunities. Individuals who were once working in a noisy coffee shop are thrilled we are here,” Golgart says.
Flexible working is rapidly becoming a common work practice as technology enables workers to conduct business from anywhere. Regus has more than 20 centers throughout the region that clients can use, resulting in a shorter commute and better work-life balance.
Each Regus location features offices, virtual offices, meeting rooms, video conferencing and an administrative staff. Regus’ global footprint and scalability allows companies to enter new markets and expand without being locked into long-term leases. The company is projected to have 2,000 locations globally by the end of the year.
Founded in Brussels, Belgium, in 1989, Regus is based in Luxembourg and listed on the London Stock exchange. For more information, visit www.regus.com.
Certification program launched
Isola Group of Chandler has launched a new certification program for PCB fabricators. The program is open to qualifying fabricators in the United States able to demonstrate the ability to process such high speed digital materials as Isola’s I-Tera MT and I-Speed.
APCT was the first candidate to be accepted for qualification in this new certification program. To be considered, a PCB fabricator must meet strict quality standards and demonstrate the
ability to meet the more demanding manufacturing expertise required to process high speed digital laminate and prepreg materials. As part of the certification program, qualifying participants will have access to direct factory support, product training and immediate access to Isola’s entire product inventory. The program also provides for co-op marketing initiatives with Isola.
reading about the blue diamond, it reminded me of a story that happened not too long ago. A friend brought in a bracelet to have adjustments made, I mentioned to her that the stone needed to be certified. After a short discussion of the reasons, we proceeded to certify the stone and my opinion and the certificate was the same. After receiving the certificate of this just over one carat Blue polished diamond, I discussed with the client an offer of $180,000. What happened next was amazing, she showed me the invoice from 1967 when her father purchased the stone at a jeweler who was no longer is in business in the Midwest. Her father paid $2,000! Another interesting part was the stone had a 1967 certificate, which I felt was outdated and incorrect. The standards over the years have changed; the updated certificate had an improved color from the original, thus increasing the value. Point to be made, “knowledge is power!” Utilize our knowledge at Biltmore Loan anytime. In conclusion, diamonds have considerate monetary and personal value.
Chandler chamber schedules April events
Chandler Chamber of Commerce offers small business counseling, and connection and networking opportunities, as well as workshops for business owners through a variety of groups and meetings. All events at the Chandler Chamber of Commerce, unless otherwise noted. The Chandler Chamber of Commerce is located at 25 S. Arizona Pl., Suite 201, Chandler
Small Business Counseling
8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. every Monday, Tuesday and the first three Fridays in the month of April. Free and open to all in the community. Experienced business counselors provide advice, knowledge and insight to help you start or grow your business. Small Business Counseling is available Mondays and Tuesdays at the chamber office by appointment only through the Maricopa Community Colleges’ Arizona Small Business Development Center Network. Contact the Chandler Chamber of Commerce to schedule an appointment.
Chandler Business Connection Leads Group
7:30 a.m.-8:30 a.m. Tuesdays, April 8 and April 15
Allowed two free visits before deciding whether or not to join that group.
Chandler Business Connection
Leads Group is connecting business one meeting at a time. BLD, 1920 W. Germann Rd., Chandler
Executive Committee of the Chamber Board of Directors
8 a.m.-9 a.m. Tuesday, April 8
The meeting of the Executive Committee of the Chandler Chamber Board of Directors.
Small Business Development Center Academy Classes
4 p.m.-6 p.m. Tuesdays, April 8 and 15
No cost
More than 600 Phoenix Small Business owners have attended this highly acclaimed workshop series to build the essential skills to be more effective and imp rove their bottom line. Solve real marketing and business challenges in an interactive group setting. Learn about the latest technology and how they really work with the Phoenix economy. Flexible schedule. Attend individual classes but plan on attending the entire series. Graduates assure the chamber that they will want to come back. Attend six or more workshops and receive a certificate as Academy Graduate.
Wake-Up Chandler
7:30 a.m.-9 a.m. Wednesday, April 9
No cost
Wake-Up Chandler is a great way to
start off the morning by networking with other businesses. Bring your business cards and brochures, and be prepared to give a 30-second commercial about your business. Enjoy the food and take advantage of the opportunity to promote your business. Door prizes are welcome.
Connect 5 Family Center (formerly Villari’s), 222 E. Warner Rd., Suite 5, Chandler
Sun Lakes Networking Group
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesdays, April 9 and April 16
Allowed two free visits before deciding whether or not to join that group.
This leads group will focus on building business relationships in the Sun Lakes area with the support of the Chandler Chamber of Commerce. The mission of this group is to develop
trustworthy relationships in the Sun Lakes community while promoting ethical business and returning to the basics of doing business on a handshake.
Pecan Grove Restaurant, 4960 S. Alma School Rd., Chandler
Go-Getters Leads Group
7:30 a.m.-8:30 a.m. Thursdays, April 10 and April 17
Allowed two free visits before deciding whether or not to join that group.
Meets every Thursday with the exception of the fourth Thursday of the month at which time we will be attending the member welcome breakfast.
Technology Lunch Seminar Series April 2014
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday, April 10
No Cost. RSVP your attendance.
Come hear a presenter from Infusionsoft and Gwen Taylor from Paragon 9 discuss new strategies for customer/client communications and service. Every month a different technology topic of interest to our members. Bring your own lunch and learn more about websites, social media, blogging, IT services, phone marketing, and more.
Amy Jones receives prestigious award
AWARD: Amy Jones of the Amy Jones Group of RE/MAX Infinity has been awarded the RE/MAX Chairman’s Club Award for Production in 2013. Submitted photo
Amy Jones of the Amy Jones Group of RE/MAX Infinity has been awarded the RE/MAX Chairman’s Club Award for Production in 2013. Less than 2 percent of RE/MAX agents worldwide achieved this prestigious award.
Jones has been working in the real estate industry for more than 13 years and is the team lead for the Amy Jones Group. The team was also recognized as the No. 10 RE/MAX team in the Southwest Region for 2013.
“Amy Jones has been an integral member of our team and is more than deserving of this very prestigious award,” says Bill Ryan, broker/owner of RE/ MAX Infinity. “Winning this award is a tremendous accomplishment. Amy and her team continue to raise the bar in real estate, making us, and this community, proud.”
Dollipop Cosmetics participates in invitation-only event
Dollipop Cosmetics, in association with The Artisan Group, will participate in an invitation-only luxury celebrity gift lounge hosted by GBK Productions on April 11 and April 12 at an exclusive location in Beverly Hills, Calif., in honor of 2014 MTV Movie Awards’ nominees and presenters. All attending celebrities will receive a handmade vegan Experiments Mineral Eyeshadow Collection in their swag bags. To learn more about Dollipop Cosmetics or its participation in this exclusive event, visit www.dollipopcosmetics.etsy.com, call (480) 603-8900, or email dollipopshop@ yahoo.com.
The Friday Café Leads Group
7:30 a.m.-8:30 a.m. Fridays, April 11 and April 18
Allowed two free visits before deciding whether or not to join that group.
The Chandler Chamber of Commerce Leads Groups have been created to help business members network and grow their businesses. Basically a leads group is a business referral network that helps businesses interact and network. As a member of one of the leads groups, you will have the opportunity to develop sources and contacts that can help generate sales for your business.
Chompie’s Delicatessen Restaurant, 3481 W. Frye Rd., Chandler
Public Policy Meeting
8 a.m.-9:30 a.m. Friday, April 11
Free but pre-register.
Public Policy Committee Meeting is open to all members. The Chandler Chamber of Commerce is the representative on local, regional, and state issues. It discusses issues that are important to the success of your business.
Women in Business: April
10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday, April 15
$25 for members/$35 for guests (No refunds within 72 hours of event) Register online.
Workshops - 10:30 a.m. Knowledge is Power! Women in Business workshops are opportunities for you to gain a powerful edge on your competition. Technology, marketing, sales, accounting,
legal issues are just a few of topics to be covered at these sessions. Lunch 11:30 a.m. Women in Business lunch. Featuring a different program each month.
SoHo63, 63 E. Boston St., Chandler
Small Business Development Center Start Up Lab
2 p.m.- 3 p.m. Tuesday, April
No cost
Do you have a business serious concept that you are ready to turn into a reality? The chamber provides the tools and resources to help serious future business owners launch or relaunch a small business in Arizona. The organization helps you address the challenges that Arizona entrepreneurs face. Attend the monthly start-up labs happening across the Valley. Come ready to work on flushing out your idea and ensure that your time and resources go toward building a solid foundation for your small business. Once you have attended the labs, the next step is to create a basic business plan. Send your business plan to the chamber’s business analyst to have them review it and provide you with personalized feedback.
Contact the Chamber
The Chandler Chamber of Commerce is at 25 S. Arizona Pl., Suite 201. Unless otherwise specified, for more information and to register for these programs, call (480) 963-4571, visit www.chandlerchamber.com or www.meetup.com/ChandlerChamber, or email info@chandlerchamber.com. No refunds are available within 72 hours of an event.
COMMUNITY EVENT FOR CHANDLER RESIDENTS
From Dr. Chamberlain’s Desktop:
Over the last year, you may have noticed a Chamberlain Orthodontics car wrapped with our logo driving around town. My staff and I have enjoyed the car and used it for various office events. On the back of the car it has an invitation that reads, “Win me!” Over the last few months, I have been asked several questions like, “How are you able to give a car away?” and “Why are giving a car away?” It is a little shocking, I guess, when you see an Orthodontist, with a growing practice, giving away a new car to a lucky patient. Such odds of winning would make anyone in Vegas jealous to the core. However, the pure intent of a car giveaway is to show gratitude for our
amazing patients. I truly believe we have the most devoted and loyal patients in our community! I want to show them it's an honor that we are able to have a positive influence in their families by making their smiles healthy and beautiful.
Mark your calendars and come have dinner with us! We’re inviting patients, their families, friends, neighbors and basically the whole community, to a huge appreciation dinner and movie at Tumbleweed park, Saturday, April 26th at 6:30 p.m.
Come watch as we give away a car to a lucky winner from our referral contest. We’re also giving away many door prizes throughout the night. You could win a new beats headphones, movie tickets, gym bags, gym memberships, car washes, car care kits, gift certificates and too many other prizes to mention. So you don't want to miss this! Afterwards, relax on your blankets or lawn chairs and watch “Frozen” under the stars on our giant outdoor movie screen. We’re looking forward to seeing you there!
You Could Win A Car!
Sat., April 26 at 6:30 p.m.
Come watch as we give away a car to a lucky winner from our referral contest. We’re also giving away door prizes throughout the night. You could win: beats headphones, movie tickets, gym bags or memberships, car washes, car care kits, gift certificates and too many other prizes to mention!
Dr. Thomas Chamberlain
Dr. Thomas Chamberlain
Pre-leasing for first luxury community in Gilbert has begun
Mark-Taylor Residential has begun pre-leasing its first luxury community in Gilbert. The new San Privada, located in the acclaimed Spectrum neighborhood at Val Vista Drive and Pecos Road, offers an ideal living experience for established professionals, as well as those looking to get a taste of the Gilbert lifestyle.
“Gilbert is home to a large number of young, educated employees with aspirations to move up the corporate ladder,” says Mark-Taylor Vice President Chris Brozina. “San Privada will provide these types of residents a high-quality place to reside at a time where they might be more focused on their ascending career, and not necessarily ready for the commitment that comes with home ownership. Ultimately, the hope is that
those future business leaders remain immersed in the Gilbert lifestyle and choose to make the town their permanent home and raise families there.”
San Privada’s core location provides residents with the ever-coveted walkability that allows pedestrians to utilize the town’s sidewalks and landscaped paths to access shopping, restaurants and employment. Being within blocks of the SanTan Village and area retail, including Costco, Best Buy, Walmart, Harkins Theater and Dick’s Sporting Goods, underscores a convenient location unlike any other in the Valley.
The community is an example of “The Next Generation of Mark-Taylor,” a slogan the company uses to describe the evolution of apartment communities
over the last two decades. In fact, the unit sizes will be among the largest built in the Valley. Additionally, San Privada’s features include those typically found in a modern, custom home, such as granite kitchen islands, custom wood cabinets, clean steel appliances, distressed plank flooring, oiled-bronze fixtures, pendant lighting and direct access garages. Thanks to technology, prospective residents can get a glimpse of what San Privada will look like using 3-D virtual tours on the San Privada website.
“To remain the first choice of quality renters, we’re constantly looking internally at what features we can improve, without becoming too trendy, but maintaining a timeless appeal,” Brozina says. “San Privada is the perfect example of that, with a
fitness facility that is nearly 4,000 square feet in size and units that are among the largest in metro Phoenix. Those elements never go out of style and the residents appreciate the attention to lifestyle.”
Residents will also have access to a spinning studio, cyber cafe with Mac and PC options, a social lounge, an outdoor cabana that includes a poolside kitchen, and the quintessential lagoon-style pool setting that has become a recognizable Mark-Taylor trademark over the years.
Rent ranges from $960 to $1,800, with one-, two- and three-bedroom units now available to lease. BMO Harris Bank is providing the construction financing.
For more information about San Privada, visit www.mark-taylor.com or call (480) 991-9111.
SAN PRIVADA Submitted photo
Impact Boot Camp opens facility in Chandler
Impact Boot Camp opened a facility at 6100 W. Gila Springs Pl., Suite 12, Chandler. The expansive new digs allow Impact, home to one of the best reviewed fitness programs in the East Valley, to better serve clients and prepare for future expansion.
Impact Boot Camp offers a wellrounded workout that is fun, sciencebased and very challenging. Clients burn an average of 700 to 1,100 calories per session. During the workout, clients participate in cardio drills, strength training sets and other exercises in an
effort to sculpt muscle, strengthen core muscles and rapidly lose body fat. This is all done under the supervision of one of Impact’s boot camp coaches, who are all certified and highly qualified trainers.
“We deliver personal training results for a fraction of the cost of personal training in a very motivating group environment,” says president and head trainer Steve Fischkin. “Our mission is to give you motivation to succeed along with a great workout that provides a very predictable and satisfactory result. My coaches and I take a lot of pride
Inner Vision Yoga announces sevenday retreat to Mexico this May
Inner Vision Yoga is hosting a sevenday yoga retreat to Maya Tulum, Mexico, from May 10 through May 17.
Co-owner and Master Yoga Teacher Jeff Martens and Master Teacher Donna DiNunzio invite all levels of yoga practitioners to nourish their mind, body and spirit on this exotic adventure to a beautiful setting on the Riviera Maya, between pristine ocean and emerald green rain forest.
Experience the unhurried pace and healing power that will allow participants to detoxify, rejuvenate
and elevate their spirits as they enjoy yoga classes in a loving, supported environment emphasizing individual alignment, strength and fun.
The retreat is inclusive with oceanfront bungalow accommodations, amazing meals, daily private yoga classes, evening yoga workshops and other adventurous activities.
Space is limited and participants should call Inner Vision Yoga at (480) 632-7899.
in building friendships with clients, keeping them accountable, and making sure they are attending sessions often enough. In addition, we offer members complimentary nutrition consulting and will even design a meal plan and discuss any challenges they might have regarding exercise or nutrition. We want to make sure we are doing everything we can within our professional expertise to help them succeed.”
During each Boot Camp workout, participants of all fitness levels pair up and challenge each other to do their
personal best. Impact offers a welcoming environment, nutritional counseling and goal setting, monthly team activities, and a free consultation in addition to a free first week of workouts. Improvements are seen within just a few weeks. Easily accessible, Impact serves clients from across the East Valley and metro Phoenix. Impact offers affordable monthly memberships with workouts averaging from $8 to $12 a session.
For more information, visit www. impactbootcampaz.com or call (877) 962-2491.
Golfers can improve their game at Ocotillo Golf Resort
Ocotillo Golf Resort is offering four holes of golf on Tuesday after 4 p.m. for just $10 per person. The Loop is the white course holes one through four. Ocotillo also has clinics that are tailored to golfers needs, whether a seasoned vet or a junior looking to get into the game. Among the clinics is Women on Course. Whether a player is new to the game or plays often, Women on Course offers a welcome setting to build friendships and enjoy the golf lifestyle.
The Men’s Group Instruction, establishing and mastering the fundamentals, is held every Thursday for $20. It is taught and coached by PGA Head Professional Stephen Kahler and LPGA Director of Instruction Kay Cornelius.
Junior Golf Academy, which offers practice and playing privileges on a space available basis for juniors 18 and younger, is $50 per month.
Ocotillo Golf Resort is located at 3751 S. Clubhouse Dr., Chandler. For more information, call (480) 917-6660.
Story Monster Approved announces first-quarter winners
The judges of the Story Monster Approved program, which recognizes accomplished authors in the field of children’s literature have spoken, and the winners of the first quarter announcement are: “Bubblegum Princess” by Julie Gribble, illustrated by Lori Hanson; “The Do’s and Don’ts” by Hayley Rose, illustrated by Mark Sean Wilson; “Poppie the One-Eyed Pug” by Sharron Hopcus; “A Squirrel’s Story—A True Tale” by Jana Bommersbach, illustrated by Jeff Yesh; “The Little Firefly” by Sheri Fink, illustrated by Mary Erikson Washam; “Cheery: The True Adventure of a Chiricahua Leopard Frog” by Elizabeth Davidson, illustrated by Michael Hagelberg; “My Bonus Mom: Taking the Step Out of Stepmom” by Tami Butcher, illustrated by Feras Nouf; “Horrifa’s Magic Makeover: Witch Way to the Ball” by Susan L. Krueger; “Rattlesnake Rules” by Conrad J. Storad, illustrated by Nathaniel P. Jensen; “The Moon Saw It All” by Nancy L. Young, illustrated by Nadia Komorova; “Addie Slaughter: The Girl Who Met Geronimo” by Susan L. Krueger;“Arizona Way Out West and Wacky” by Conrad J. Storad and Lynda Exley, illustrated by Michael Hagelberg; “Arizona Way Out West and Witty” by Conrad J. Storad and Lynda Exley, illustrated by Michael Hagelberg; “Arizona Color Me Wacky”
by Conrad J. Storad and Lynda Exley, illustrated by Michael Hagelberg; “Burton the Kind Scarecrow” by V.A. Boeholt, illustrated by Nathaniel P. Jensen; “Burton’s Friendship Garden” by V.A. Boeholt, illustrated by Nathaniel P. Jensen; “Burton’s Harvest Party” by V.A. Boeholt, illustrated by Nathaniel P. Jensen; “Burton and the Christmas Tree” by V.A. Boeholt, illustrated by Nathaniel P. Jensen and “Burton Helps Dixie Duck” by V.A. Boeholt, illustrated by Nathaniel P. Jensen.
The colorful, kid-friendly Story Monster Approval seal attracts the attention of young readers much more than a sticker intended for adult scrutiny. Kids know when they see the Story Monster Approval patch it means children their own age enjoyed the book and are recommending they read it, too. After books pass the first round of rigorous judging, which is done by industry experts, the books are then judged by a panel of youth judges who must also endorse the books before they can receive the official seal of approval.
“Who better to judge children’s books than the children who read them?” explains Linda F. Radke, president of Five Star Publications, Inc. the same company that launched the 4-year-old Dragonfly Books Awards program. “Judging these
books gives children a wonderful sense of importance and responsibility. Some of our judging coordinators have told us that students who usually don’t enjoy reading or have difficulty reading have gotten a much needed boost due to their judging responsibilities and have requested to serve as judges again.”
Authors interested in having their books considered for Story Monster Approved designation should visit, www. storymonsters.com and download an entry form. Books are divided into the following categories with distinctions made between fiction and nonfiction: preschool to kindergarten, grades first through third, and grades fourth through sixth.
The next deadline to enter is Monday, April 14. The cost to enter is $85 for one title in one category, $75 per title when multiple books are entered or $75 per category when one book is entered in multiple categories. A portion of the contest fees is donated to the Five Star Literacy Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving children’s literacy skills, as well as their enthusiasm for reading and writing by providing guidance and funds to schools for in school book writing and publishing, author visits, books, workshops, curriculum and other activities.
For more information on how to get a book Story Monster Approved, visit www.storymonsters.com.
