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Holiday Fashion / Junior League / Workplace Workout / Discover Canada / EPIK Dance Company
phoenixWoman “FOCUSED, FUN AND FIERCELY LOCAL.”
November/December Issue 2009
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Allison DuBois THE INSPIRATION BEHIND TV’S ‘MEDIUM’ ON FAME, SPIRITUALITY, AND CHANNELING THE DEAD
FLU UPDATE PROTECT YOUR LOVED ONES FROM H1N1
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Contents
FEATURES 22 THE REAL ‘MEDIUM’ Allison DuBois Shares Her Unique Story
28 MATTERS OF THE HEART Meet the Valley’s Newest Cardiac Thoracic Surgeon
32 CRAZY FOR CARS Barrett-Jackson Gets Your Motor Running
ON THE COVER Allison DuBois Photography: RJ Cook Photography Stylist: Jillian Jacobsen Assistant Stylist: Morgan McDonald Makeup: Julia Venegas for Smashbox Cosmetics Photo Assistant: Megan Marvin Clothing Provided by: Dillard’s Scottsdale Fashion Square Cover & Pages 24, 26 Pants: Parameter Blouse: Ellavie Earrings: Natasha Pages 5, 23 Pants: Alex Marie Blouse: Allen Schwartz Necklace: Lydell
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Contents
DEPARTMENTS
Fortune 64 GIVING
12 FINANCE
The Junior League of Phoenix Celebrating 75 Years of Community Impact
Go Green, Save Green Less Means More This Holiday Season
67 EVENTS OF NOTE
14 CAREER Worry-Free Workplace Avoiding Employment Claims
Self 72 BEAUTY
16 BUSINESS
A Breath of Fresh Air HBOT Improves Health and Beauty
In Her Father’s Shoes Monica Moreno Talks Business
74 PASSAGE
18 SPECIAL SECTION
Team Kili Blind Hikers Beat the Odds and Break World Records
Holiday Gift Guide
Life
78 PASSAGE
36 FARE
The Girl in the Mirror Overcoming Self-Esteem Issues
Afternoon Tea Raise Your Pinkies for a Timeless Treat
80 HEALTH
40 FASHION
The Facts about H1N1 Staying Healthy During Flu Season
An Evening Affair
82 FITNESS
50 RISE
Workplace Workout Turn Your Office into a Health Haven
2009 Woman of Excellence Honoring Exemplary Valley Women
Discovery
54 HOME Home Free A Valley Woman Wins Her Dream House
57 SPECIAL INSERT
86 ESCAPE Rocky Mountain Majesty Explore ‘Canada’s Napa’
90 ARTS
Salvation Army
EPIK Dance Company Dance Lovers Find ‘Common Ground’
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96 HERITAGE
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No Place for a Woman Lorna Elizabeth Lockwood
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November/December Issue 2009/Volume 3
phoenixWoman
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“FOCUSED, FUN AND FIERCELY LOCAL.”
JESSICA PARSONS Editor
MORGAN BENAVIDEZ Managing Editor
NEAL McDANIEL Creative Director
TIFFANY NEIHART Sales Director
DORIE COWAN Accounting/Operations
THEO TIGNO Web Development
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Marianne Archibald, Melissa Axman, Jan Cleere, Kaitlin Crossman, Blanca Esparza, Christine Faraci,Troy Foster, Rachel Hawkinson, Andrea Houfek, M.D., Amanda Jaskulski, Jessye Johnson, Keith Jones, Morgan McDonald, Cathy Planchard, Pragya Pradhan, Jordan Rose, Robin Sewell, Carl R. Sonder, M.D., Brittany Warren, Pat Woods
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER: RJ Cook Photography
EDITORIAL INTERNS: Kaitlin Crossman, Amanda Jaskulski, Brittany Warren
EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD: Theresa Barber, Dana Campbell-Saylor, Eddie Fischer, Kristi Hall, Shonna James, Donna Marino, Matt Owen, Myra Richman, Carolyn Rock, Kristen Sandquist, Susie Tyler-Alofs, Diana Zellers
REPRINTS/E-PRINTS/LICENSING: Wrights Reprints Call 877.652.5295 or Email: sales@wrightsreprints.com
Your Stage is Set! CORPORATE OFFICE TRIFON M. KUPANOFF, JR. President MICHAEL A. KUPANOFF Vice President/General Manager
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Phoenix Woman Magazine™ is published six times per year by LPI Multimedia Inc. Opinions expressed are those of the authors or persons quoted and not necessarily those of LPI Multimedia Inc. While efforts to ensure accuracy are exercised, the publisher assumes no liability for the information contained in either editorial or advertising content. Publisher assumes no responsibility or liability for unsolicited manuscriptsor artwork. Reproduction in whole or part without the expressed written consent from the publisher is prohibited. Phoenix Woman Magazine™ is the registered trade name of this publication. Copyright ©2009 by LPI Multimedia Inc. All rights reserved. ABC Membership Applied for
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pW / EDITOR’S LETTER
Our Women of Excellence … Happy Holidays and welcome to our early winter issue! In addition to our usual medley of fun, timely editorial, this issue features Valley women who have made incredible accomplishments in their careers, personal lives and in our community. Their compelling stories are sure to warm your heart. Phoenix Woman magazine and a special advisory board have nominated 10 phenomenal women for our 2009 Woman of Excellence Award, one of whom will be named the winner on Nov. 13. Within these pages, become inspired by each of these outstanding individuals; you’ll quickly realize what a difference they’ve made in our lives and how their legacies will live on. Did you know a variety of the programs and services provided by The Salvation Army are geared toward empowering the lives of women? Read more in our special Salvation Army section, made possible by several Valley sponsors and advertisers. We are also proud to share a special story about a team of visually impaired hikers who scaled Mount Kilimanjaro and the sighted guides who helped them make the trek. In addition, learn about the Valley’s Junior League charity and why their efforts are so worthwhile. Allison DuBois, our cover girl and the inspiration behind TV’s “Medium,” shares her fascinating story with Phoenix Woman. Read about matters close to her heart and what it’s like speaking with the dead. Ladies, start your engines—we’ll take you behind the scenes of BarrettJackson. Learn how it all started, why this yearly car-collector extravaganza means so much to so many and how they are attracting the women’s market. Also, meet this year’s Taylor Morrison Dream Home winner—Phoenix woman Kristen Pierce and her family will move into their first brand new home just in time for the holidays. Inside, she shares her moving story and photos of the house in various stages of construction. Plus, enjoy our glamorous fashion spread, peer into the Holiday Gift Guide for ideas, and get familiar with some of the Valley’s best spots for afternoon tea! In the spirit of the season and in keeping with our “focused, fun and fiercely local” motto, let’s make this holiday one to remember by focusing on our families, having fun with friends and giving back—in a fierce way—to praiseworthy local charities that need us the most.
JESSICA PARSONS Editor
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pW / Fortune / FINANCE
There’s no getting around the fact that the holidays have become increasingly about “stuff.” This means more food, more decorating, more shopping, more gifting, more eating, more drinking—and more waste. According to the Use Less Stuff website, our trash output rises 25 percent between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, adding roughly one million additional tons per week to our landfills. Our wasteful ways are more frightening than the Ghost of Christmas Future.
Go Green, Save Green Less Means More This Holiday Season by Marianne Archibald
Each year, 50 million Christmas trees are chopped down, grandly garbed with twinkling lights and ornaments for about a month at the most, and then thrown to the curb to be added to the landfills like any other trash. We use 300,000 trees to produce the 2.7 billion cards mailed each holiday season. That’s enough paper to fill a football field 10 stories high. We use an additional 50,000 trees worth of paper to wrap our gifts, and we fasten them with 38,000 miles of ribbon—enough to tie a bow around the earth! Then there’s the family feast. At least 28 billion pounds of edible food are thrown away during the holiday season. If every American throws away just one bite of turkey with gravy, 8 million pounds of food are wasted. One uneaten tablespoon of mashed potatoes adds an additional 16 million pounds of waste, and one discarded spoonful of cranberry sauce amounts to more than 14 million pounds. And don’t forget about all those gifts. If Mother Nature could talk, she would probably beg us to stop shopping so much. If everyone were to cut back just a little this year, it would make a huge difference not only for the environment, but also for our pocketbooks. Some people might say, “Bah, humbug!” to the idea of fewer gifts, but that shouldn’t be the case. The first step in reducing Santa’s carbon footprint is to get educated, so here are some eco-friendly suggestions that will help you consume wisely and still bring lots of cheer to your holiday celebrations. pW Marianne Archibald is the City of El Mirage Economic Development Coordinator and Director of the Women Ecopreneurs’ Project, a workshop that teaches women to use their entrepreneurial skills and passion to make the world a better place.
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FYI
pW / Fortune / FINANCE
Begin New Traditions
Give the Gift of Time
• The swiftest way to eliminate waste is to give less. Consider only giving gifts to the children in your family. You might also purchase a meaningful alternative gift that supports a charitable cause on behalf of a loved one.
• Set up a recurring lunch date or phone call. Mark the dates and times on a 2010 calendar. This is ideal for elderly friends or relatives.
• Play Secret Santa. Instead of everyone buying gifts for everyone in the family, draw names. That way, each person buys just one present, and it allows you more time to fuss over getting the right gift. • Have a gift swap. Each person purchases and wraps a single gift with a maximum dollar value. When it’s time to exchange presents, everyone gets to select one gift from under the tree or “steal” a previously opened gift until there are no more presents.
Say ‘No’ to Store Bought Gifts • Consider giving someone the gift of your talent. A song, poem or painting created especially for the recipient may be a priceless gift. • Collaborate with relatives to create a special recipe book you can give to everyone in your family. You can even take things a step further by self-publishing the cookbook through online sites such as Lulu.com and Blurb.com. • Reprint a favorite family photo and have it framed. • Research your family history and create a family tree. • Make a "Greatest Hits" mix for everyone on your list. Choose songs that will evoke special memories for your friends and family. • Make cookies, cakes or breads and give them in decorative containers along with your favorite recipes. • Make your own soap, paper, or candles.
• A monthly care basket is a terrific gift for those who spend most of the year in separate places. You might consider creating baskets that correlate with the theme of the particular month. • Transfer your gift-giving energy toward buying toys for local kids through Toys for Tots, or stocking your local food pantry. • Give out personalized coupons for car washes, babysitting, massages, etc.
Encourage Green Living • Give an elderly relative a basketful of energy-saving compact fluorescent lights, along with an offer to change out the bulbs. • Give a membership to a nonprofit organization. JustGive.org allows you to donate online to thousands of charities. • Free a friend from annoying junk mail while saving trees and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The nonprofit group 41 Pounds will contact 20 to 30 direct mail companies on your behalf to stop the majority of bulk mail that comes to your home every day. • Give an annual membership to a local food co-op that will deliver locally grown fruits and vegetables. Make this holiday season less about material items and more about thoughtful acts. By shopping less and getting creative with homemade, eco-friendly gifts, you’ll save money while being kind to the planet at the same time. INFOLINKS: www.womenecopreneurs.org; www.41pounds.org;
www.use-less-stuff.com; www.alternativegifts.org
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pW / Fortune / CAREER
Worry-Free Workplace Avoiding Employment Claims by Jordan Rose and Troy Foster
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In these tough economic times, we are all doing everything we can to reduce expenses and increase revenue. The last thing any employer wants or needs is a claim of discrimination or wrongful termination. As most employers know, defending a claim like this (even when you “win”) is extremely costly—both in terms of dollars spent on lawyers and in lost productivity while you, your managers, and staff are participating in the defense. Unfortunately, there has been a dramatic rise in claims in the last year, and that trend is expected to continue for a couple of reasons. First, in this economy, more employees are out of work and are challenging their terminations. Second, the president and Congress have vowed to create more claims—and strengthen existing ones—that employees can bring against their employers. As the first line of defense in any claim, employers must take proactive steps to prevent claims before they happen. Studies have shown time and time again that employees who like their work environment are less likely to bring a claim against their employer—even if they are eventually let go. By implementing a few practical procedures, employers may be able to drastically reduce the likelihood of employment claims. pW
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FYI Offer and Encourage Flexible Work Schedules Permitting employees to work from home, work a three or four day week, or put in extended/reduced hours helps in a variety of ways. For one thing, employees will feel that you care about them and their families, and in some instances, it can really save you money in labor costs. Also, some employers may find that employees work harder and are more productive when given this latitude. Assist With Career Development Most employees really want to feel as though they are able to advance—especially in this economy. Investing in their advancement can be done very simply and at no cost. For example, have an annual goal-setting meeting for development and then follow up. This way, employees know that you’re really invested, and they are held accountable for their work performance. Make the Workplace Fun and Team-Oriented Creating a sense of belonging and family is another key to avoiding claims. Have a “fun” day once a month where everyone gets together and socializes for the afternoon. You will lose some productivity for those few hours, but it may encourage employees to work harder in general, and they will likely be more appreciative in the long run.
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When employers are first given this advice, they may be inclined to respond with “In this economy, my employees should be happy to have jobs,” or “We never had this touchy-feely stuff back in the day and things were just fine.” But, the truth is that times have changed and employees now sue employers regularly. If you look at this “feel-good” stuff as a business investment, it might be easier to swallow. Implementing some of these ideas can make your employees more productive and cost-conscious, adding to your bottom-line. And when it comes to employment lawsuits, prevention is always the best medicine.
Jordan Rose is the founder and Managing Partner of the Rose Law Group—the largest woman-owned law firm in Arizona. Troy Foster is the partner heading up the Employment Litigation Division of RLG and has spent his entire career defending and counseling employers.
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pW / Fortune / BUSINESS
In Her Father’s Shoes Monica Moreno Talks Business by Pragya Pradhan
Back in the 1800s, coming across a woman-operated business was probably rarer than a glimpse of the blue moon. Women have come a long way since, paving a steady path in mostly male-dominated areas of work. And the Wild West lands of Arizona are no exception. Phoenix woman Monica Moreno has single handedly managed to take her father’s welding business to new heights as a multi-million dollar company while raising three daughters. In October 2009, Moreno Welding was named Small Business of the Year by the United Latino Business Collaboration, of which she is also a member.
Monica Moreno, Vice President of Moreno Welding
HUMBLE BEGINNINGS TO HIGH HONORS Moreno recalls her introduction to construction, which began in her childhood. She would observe her father and brother working on projects in the backyard of their South Phoenix home. Even throughout her years at South Mountain High School, she continued to assist and learn from her father during her free time, joining the Moreno welding business full time in 1999. “I really didn’t know much about heavy structural steel and had a lot to learn,” says Moreno. “I started out doing bookkeeping and then eventually worked my way up.” Today, she is Vice President of Moreno Welding, a company that has taken on key projects in Arizona such as the Grand Canyon east entrance, Rio Salado Gateway access area, ASU’s ICA Stadium, Central Park Community Center and Desert Ridge Community Center. Soon, Moreno Welding will start on the expansion of the Sky Harbor light rail system. Moreno credits her genes for giving her the strength to establish a business in the first place. “You have to know something about my father,” says Moreno. “When he worked for a corporation company, he always felt that he did not get recognition for his work. He would come home and sit at the kitchen table and say, ‘I’m going to quit.’” Still, Moreno’s father returned to his thankless job day after day. Then one night, he came home and announced that he had finally quit. And so Moreno Welding was born over 35 years ago. “He started Moreno Welding with only $100 in his pocket and an old truck,” says Moreno. The business began with repair work and custom fabrication in steel and conveyor systems, but soon expanded into commercial steel fabrication. Currently, Moreno Welding pursues projects in million dollar brackets. In addition to its financial success, Moreno Welding was recognized by Bill Clinton as a minority-run business and was included in his visit to Phoenix over 10 years ago. Throughout the course of her career, Moreno has also had opportunities to deal with other politicians including Sens. Ed Pastor, J.D. Hayworth and Rick Ramsey.
FOCUS ON FAMILY For some people, running a thriving business and making time for family can be difficult, and Moreno certainly has a full plate. “I work very hard, and I work very long hours,” she says. “Being a single mother, raising my daughters and running the family business does not leave much for fun time.” In spite of her busy schedule, Moreno manages to make time for her three daughters—Laura, Joanne and Jennifer—and fiancé George Contereras, reserving Sunday as “Family Day.” Recently, Moreno had the chance to bond with her daughters during a trip to Tonto Natural Bridge State Park. Although the park was closed, the family decided to be spontaneous and explore northern Arizona, creating the perfect opportunity to enjoy some quality time and make memories.
TAKING CONTROL Whether one is starting out in business or taking the reigns of an established one, differences and disputes are bound to arise, and Moreno has seen her share of those. With over 14 employees and an expected sales target of $2 million this year, Moreno finds herself immersed in various projects and must sometimes diffuse potentially turbulent situations. “The reasons can be as innocent as unmet expectations and miscommunication to more troubling problems with contracts, negligence and collections,” says Moreno. She advises that open communication, which may be mediated or aided by mentors, is a great way to handle problems
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pW / Fortune / BUSINESS
Monica accepting the award for Small Business of the Year from the United Latino Business Coalition (ULBC), of which she is now a board member. Left to right: Ray Gonzales Sr., Ray Gonzales Jr., Monica Moreno, Leonard Moreno
before they get out of hand. Above all, Moreno insists that her employees treat one another respectfully. “My first rule is respect, and I will not tolerate anything less.” Moreno recalls the massive project at ASU's ICA Stadium that almost brought Moreno Welding to an end. Although she was young and still learning the tricks of the trade, Moreno
sensed that her father’s company could not handle the magnitude of this new project. But the vice president at the time believed she was wrong, and he let his feelings be known. “He asked my father ‘Who wears the pants around here?’” says Moreno. “He thought I was acting like a girl.” So the contract was signed and soon everyone—including the vice
president—realized the company was in trouble. Moreno stepped in and took control. “I was working 14 to 17 hours a day,” she says. “But I couldn’t allow the company to go under.” Thanks to her dedicated effort, the project was completed efficiently and in a timely manner. Moreno feels certain personality traits such as commitment, diplomacy in communication, and open mindedness are vital for a successful company even during troubling times. She advises women to assume control in their businesses. “Women tend to give up their power so that they do not bruise a [man’s] ego,” says Moreno. “I’m not saying to be an unpleasant person, but have a thick skin and be able to change an unpleasant situation with grace.” While she spends a lot of time managing her company, Moreno refuses to lose sight of what’s most important. “My parents have taught me that you cannot take material or money with you when you pass away,” she says. “The only things you can take with you are knowledge, love and memories.” pW Pragya Pradhan is a freelance writer based in Phoenix and is a contributor to Phoenix Woman.
Anne Groth (480) 538-2987 Christina Webb (480) 538-2958 Leah Vanpoelvoorde (480) 538-2932 Lesli Surette (480) 538-2945
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2009 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
With the holidays upon us, there’s no time like the present to start thinking about the perfect gift for everyone on your list. Our 2009 Holiday Gift Guide features a variety of creative, customizable options from gift cards to spa treatments to jewelry. And if you find something you’d like for yourself, that’s OK, too!
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2009 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Alvea Spa Alvea Spa comes to your holiday gift giving rescue! Our popular Alvea Spa gift cards are offered in any dollar denomination, and we feature specific services ranging from acupuncture to nail services and everything in between. Also this season, we have our Spicy Apple Candle—this fresh and cheerful combination of apple slices, cinnamon and bay leaves evoke the spirit of the holidays. Alvea Spa is located across from the Trilogy Golf Club at Vistancia, which received Golf Digest’s highest rating: five stars! 27980 N. Trilogy Blvd Peoria 85383 623.215.6290 www.alveaspa.com
Mastro’s An extravagant experience … on an exquisite little card. Mastro’s gift cards are an excellent addition to holiday gift baskets. They do not expire and are redeemable at any Mastro’s Steakhouse or Ocean Club. Three locations in Scottsdale, four in Southern California, and coming soon in 2010, Mastro’s Ocean Club, CityCenter Las Vegas. Gift cards can be purchased by calling 888.383.0338, Mon-Fri 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit www.mastrosrestaurants.com/CHPrivate.html to view our private dining rooms Mastro’s Steakhouse 8852 E. Pinnacle Peak Road Scottsdale 85255 480.585.9500
Mastro’s City Hall Steakhouse 6991 E. Camelback Road Scottsdale 85251 480.941.4700
Mastro’s Ocean Club 15045 N. Kierland Blvd. Scottsdale 85254 480.443.8555
Fraser Chiropractic Refresh. Replenish. Rejuvenate. Purification is the process of addressing the natural toxins in the body. This holiday season, enjoy $80 off the Standard Process Purification Program (normally $275) until Jan. 31. This includes the cost of the whole food supplements you will need for the 21-day program. The 21-day Standard Process Purification Program utilizes whole food supplements—whole, organic, and unprocessed food—and water to cleanse the body so that you can have more energy, maintain a healthy weight, and improve your digestion. Purifying offers you a way to enjoy the best your body has to offer. 15678 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd, Ste. C2 Scottsdale 87353 480.661.1919
Tarsadia Hotels Your positive attitude this holiday season is really a gift to others, so book a Twist of Spa Package at Hard Rock Hotel San Diego to recharge for the festivities ahead. Includes overnight accommodations in a Hard Rock Suite, $50 credit good for any Rock Spa treatment, 20 percent discount at Maryjane’s for lunch, dinner and more. From $199 per night. For details, call 877.342.7625 or visit www.hardrockhotelsd.com
877.342.7625 www.hardrockhotels.com
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2009 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Dr. Rochlin This year, treat yourself to the reconstructive treatment you’ve always wanted … Dr. Semone Rochlin specializes in customized Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery, including tummy tucks, breast augmentations, breast lifts, blepharoplasty, liposuction and non-invasive procedures such as dermal fillers and botox cosmetic. She now offers layaway financing for her list of services, and tailors each procedure to the needs of her patients. 4614 E. Shea Blvd., Ste. D-130 Phoenix 85028
633 E. Ray Rd., Ste. 110 Gilbert 85296
602.653.0540 getyourbodyrochlin.com
MYX This signature, deco-inspired six-piece tea set is sure to delight the tea lover on your list. The set includes 1/2 pound of loose leaf tea, one stainless steel tea tube, an acrylic traveling tea tube, a Café au Lait mug, and two tea-infused recipes to create your very own tea-infused holiday cocktail! Choose from MYX’s classic Chai—a blend of black and Rooibos tea along with spices such as ginger, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, vanilla, saffron, coriander, black pepper and anise—or MYX’s Hibiscus, a naturally caffeine-free herbal tea that is refreshingly tart with notes of lemon and orange peel. $49.98 (plus shipping) www.myxbeverage.com
Medical Dermatology Specialists, P.C. Put your best face forward this holiday season … Medical Dermatology Specialists is offering a holiday special on Botox Cosmetic at $12 per unit up to 50 units, now through Jan. 31, 2010. New patients should call the office for further details and mention that you saw us in Phoenix Woman magazine! 1331 N. 7th Street, Ste. 250 Phoenix 85006 602.354.5570 www.medicaldermatologyspecialists.com
Revolution Tea Revolution has a passion to offer the finest hot tea experience through an unrelenting commitment to quality and innovation. The Phoenix-based company provides premium full-leaf teas presented in a unique Flow-Thru Infuser. The delicious teas in their distinguishable packaging make excellent gifts for special occasions and holidays. 888.321.4738 www.revolutiontea.com
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$90,000 & $22,000
Prices from left: $37,000; $77,000; $58,000
Tiffany & Co. This year, put a sparkle in someone’s eye with a little something from Tiffany & Co. Choose from a black enamel and diamond bracelet in 18k yellow gold and platinum, or black onyx and diamond earrings in platinum. “Ring” in the season with a diamond ring by Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co.—diamond and green tourmaline flower ring in 18k yellow gold and platinum; diamond and tanzanite daisy basket ring in platinum and 18k yellow gold; diamond and pink tourmaline daisy basket ring in platinum and 18k yellow gold. 7014 E. Camelback Road, Ste. 1272 Scottsdale 85251 480.946.9100 www.tiffany.com
Vanishing Veins
Global Goddess
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THE REAL
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Allison DuBois Shares Her Unique Story
BY MORGAN BENAVIDEZ / PHOTOGRAPHY BY RJ COOK PHOTOGRAPHY / MAKEUP BY JULIA VENEGAS
Allison DuBois is not a morning person. Petite and fresh faced, she stands placidly in the photographer’s studio with her fiery red hair pulled back and an oversized bag on her shoulder, looking a little sleepy. After a quick hair and makeup session, she emerges in a striking white suit. She’s sipping contentedly on a large fountain soda, waiting for directions from the photography crew. With just a hint of mischief in her large brown eyes, her presence seems almost childlike—nothing about her screams “psychic.” But there is something remarkable about the sassy, talkative young woman, who is the inspiration behind the hit TV show “Medium.” She claims that since she was 6 years old, she has been able to see the deceased. While she admits that this can be challenging at times, she has certainly made the most of her gift by assisting in criminal investigations, doing readings and writing books, not to mention working as a consultant for “Medium” and developing her new show, “Soul Evidence.”
TEEN TELEPATHY Adolescence is hard enough for the average teenager—imagine dealing with all that angst while grappling with your own psychic abilities. DuBois says that even though it was hard growing up with her gift, she did have a solid group of friends. “My friends accepted me for who I was. I didn’t really hang out with the jocks and that crowd so much.” One fateful evening when she was 17, DuBois and her close friend Barbara were getting ready to go out when DuBois suddenly began moving her bed across the room. “[Barbara] asked me what I was doing and I said, ‘I heard a voice tell me to move my bed,’’’ says DuBois. “She was like, ‘You’re so weird.’” That night, DuBois and her friend were awakened at 2 a.m. by a huge crash. A truck had demolished the wall where the bed had been just hours ago. “We would’ve literally been under the truck,” says DuBois. “Needless to say, [Barbara] always listened to my advice after that.”
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CLOTHING PROVIDED BY DILLARD’S SCOTTSDALE FASHION SQUARE
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“ ... you have to believe in yourself more than anyone else.”
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Rather than feeling frightened by mysterious voices and apparitions, DuBois has always been drawn to places that carry a great deal of spiritual energy. Having grown up in Phoenix, she knows some of the better hot spots in Arizona. “Tombstone, Ariz. has so much spiritual activity,” says DuBois. “I dig staying there because at night I can see the cowboys walking down the street that were there in the 1800s. “Any small town that has a saloon that’s been there for at least a century, is going to carry some heavy, heavy activity,” she adds. “But to me, that’s like going to Disneyland— I dig that!”
A FAMILY AFFAIR DuBois and her husband, Joe, have three young daughters. While some people might think of forensics and psychic mediating as heavy territory for children, DuBois worries more about sheltering them from insincere people who try and reap the benefits of knowing a celebrity. “Some people would become friends with them just to get in our house and be around us,” she explains, recalling an instance where her daughter shared special concert tickets and the opportunity to meet the Jonas Brothers with a friend from school. “As soon as the friend met the Jonas Brothers and was home, she had no need for my daughter anymore. It’s really hard to watch them be disappointed that way.” Despite having to be careful of whom they befriend, her daughters are quite well adjusted. “They’re pretty well versed in forensic science,” DuBois laughs. Most wives have heightened intuition as it is, but for DuBois’ husband, even his private thoughts are fair game. “Tomorrow’s our 16th wedding anniversary,” says DuBois. “I always know what he’s going to get me, so that’s kind of hard for him. But I think he’s gotten used to it now. At first he’d be a little disappointed, but I’ll say, ‘I was surprised when it popped into my head what you got me!’” DuBois and her husband are so in sync, he forgets at times that he needs to communicate verbally. “Sometimes he thinks I’m just going to read his mind and he doesn’t articulate so well, and I’ll be like, ‘What are you talking about?’ and he has to elaborate,” says DuBois.
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The kids, who also have their mother’s gift, can read their dad like a book as well. “Our daughters have totally been tag-teaming him,” says DuBois. “It’s been a learning experience for him to have all these little girls who know what Daddy got them for Christmas, but he just adores them. He’s the best daddy. I just couldn’t have asked for a better husband.” Yet even for psychics, there are still surprises in life. DuBois cites her pregnancies as an example. “When you’re too close to the project, you can’t really know what’s going on,” she says. “I had no idea what I was carrying, but I could look at baby names and know which ones were the perfect names for their personalities.” It’s clear that DuBois cherishes her family, and that they’ve all adapted well to their respective abilities. “They’re just amazing little girls. Our third one was kind of a surprise, so for being psychic I wasn’t very good,” she laughs.
LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION! Having your life translated to the TV screen for millions of viewers might not be an ideal scenario for everyone, but DuBois manages to take it all in stride. “Sometimes they take license with me—my character—and I’ll call and say ‘What the hell was that?’” she says. “But I try and keep an open mind. It’s helped to bring out a lot of people that have their own abilities or have lost somebody, and it gives them comfort, so that means a lot to me.” DuBois says that the main difference between her life and “Medium” lies in the way her TV persona gets her visions. Rather than dreaming about the dead the way Allison does in the show, she says that she usually gets it while she’s awake. While DuBois says that her brother and her husband’s family have been portrayed accurately, she feels that writers dropped the ball with her mother’s character. “The way they portrayed her was completely not my mom at all,” says DuBois. “That was a little hurtful, but other than that I think they’ve been pretty good about being sensitive to my family.” In her upcoming reality show, “Soul Evidence,” DuBois will lead a team of detectives and psychic profilers in cracking cold cases. “On the first case, we exonerated six suspects on a 33-year-old rape/murder case,” says DuBois. “The police are able to start looking at other names now, because we eliminated all their main
suspects. We heated that case back up, which is the intent of the show.”
EMOTIONAL BAGGAGE While DuBois feels that her abilities are indeed a gift, there are aspects of her job that will forever trouble her, such as mediums who don’t show sensitivity to their clients’ emotions. “We’re there to give facts and messages, not show blunt trauma to the head,” she explains. “I do see people in my field sometimes who forget that we’re supposed to heal and help, not injure. That’s a little frustrating for me.” Naturally, tapping into the minds of the most hardened criminals and bridging the gap between the dead and the living can be trying. Having friends in law enforcement, DuBois understands that the legal system is often riddled with heartache as well. “Sometimes the [suspects] get off on a technicality and my friends have to sleep knowing that this person’s out there and this baby is not alive anymore,” she says. “They carry so much pain and baggage with them and they definitely are underappreciated by the public.” DuBois admits that because of her abilities, she must sometimes contend with her own psychological trauma. For instance, while filming the first season of “Soul Evidence,” she and her team discovered human remains with the help of cadaver dogs, but have been unable to exhume them and give the family answers because it is an official crime scene. “l deal with death everyday, all the time,” she explains. “I have to be sure to check myself and reside more with the living than the dead, because I’m still here.” When she has to deliver bad news to someone, DuBois says that sensitivity is the key. “I try to use ‘kid gloves’ and be sensitive,” she says. “My main objective is to help that person be in a better place than they were when they walked in.” Sometimes there’s no way to sugar coat the truth. DuBois says this is especially tough when she’s trying to help a friend. “It’s hard to tell somebody for the first time that thinks the person could still be alive that I don’t get them still being here because I can bring them through—that tells me they’ve crossed,” says DuBois. “That can be difficult when it’s someone I care about.”
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DEALING WITH CRITICISM When you’re famous for communing with the dead, reading minds and seeing the future, controversy is bound to arise. DuBois has dealt with her fair share of criticism, but she seems unfazed. “I don’t mind skeptics that are science minded, because there will be things they do that I don’t agree with,” she says. “But when you’re talking about someone who does it professionally, like they’re deployed to an event we have just to rant and rave—I think those people need medication. I don’t give them the same credibility as other human beings. “I guess you can’t take it too personally,” she adds. “The way I look at it, you can be ridiculed for anything in life. I won’t apologize for what I do.” DuBois points out that more people have psychic abilities than do not. We’ve all had moments of clarity where we know who will be on the phone before picking it up, or had a sinking feeling about a loved one minutes before hearing bad news. “It’s the most human, natural thing in the world,” says DuBois. “Science used to be very spiritual. Scientists believed energy remained after people died. It’s only been in the last hundred years or so that it’s gotten so out of whack.” According to DuBois, this is especially true of the U.S. “I’ve toured Tokyo and other countries,
and the U.S. has more hang-ups with life after death than most places do,” she says. “It was kind of hard to come home knowing our country’s the most difficult. But if I can take on the most difficult, I’m doing alright.”
PLAYING CHARADES WITH THE OTHER SIDE “It seems like everyone expects us to be 100 percent right, but I like that on ‘Medium,’ Allison can misread,” says DuBois. “We’re playing charades with the other side.” So what is it like seeing dead people? “They’re not weird and creepy when they come through,” says DuBois. “They’re sarcastic and funny, sometimes foxy or proud of how they look.” She also explains that when spirits visit her from the other side, their most inherent characteristics come through. “Whatever they were inside is how they manifest to me,” says DuBois. “So if they were proud of being a blonde, they’re always going to come through blonde even if they were 85. They’ll revert to a younger age, because being a blonde helped to define who they were and it made them feel special.” Lately, DuBois has been touring the country doing mass readings. “To take a room of a couple hundred people and leave them in a really great place feels pretty gratifying—it’s exhausting, but gratifying,” she says.
“When we die, that’s not the end of the story.”
With such a widely publicized career, DuBois has amassed a large group of followers—some of whom go as far as emulating her appearance. For several years, she had two bleached blonde, faceframing locks amid her naturally red mane. She says that her intention was to fend off people who can’t accept the unusual. While she has gone back to one color, the trend remains among her fans. “I still have 65-year-old women at my book signings who have my hairstyle,” says DuBois. “It’s very flattering, but I want people to feel connected by their own abilities and experiences. Plus it’s a real pain to bleach that streak and I had so many people ask me, ‘Oh my God, did you have a near death experience?’”
INTUITION IS KEY First and foremost, DuBois stresses belief in oneself. “Even people without abilities should believe in themselves no matter what anyone says,” she says. “Follow your intuition, because in the end, only you won’t let yourself down— you have to believe in yourself more than anyone else.” While she firmly believes that people should trust their own intuition, DuBois acknowledges that even when you’re psychic, things don’t always turn out the way you might expect. For instance, she recalls the irony of her first encounter with her husband. “Everyone asks if it was love at first sight, but Joe was irritating when I first met him,” she admits. “It all worked out. Within a year of saying ‘I won’t go out with you,’ we were married.” For DuBois, just as the future is not something to be feared, neither is death. “When we die, that’s not the end of the story,” she says. “A lot of people come through and say that they’re more alive now than they’ve ever been. I guess that means in our physical sense, we’re less alive than they are.” She stresses that people must look at the world in a way that makes sense to them, rather than believing in whatever they’re told or dismissing the extraordinary. Walking the fine line between life and death seems to have given DuBois a greater perspective and appreciation for life, along with a sense of fulfillment about her own existence. “I feel very fortunate to do what I do,” she says. “I just wish everyone could see …” pW Morgan Benavidez is the Managing Editor of Phoenix Woman magazine.
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62 Arizona Locations Call For The Office Nearest You 1-800-EYE-CARE www.nationwidevision.com
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{ } MATTERS OF THE
HEART
Meet the Valley’s Newest Cardiac Thoracic Surgeon BY ROBIN SEWELL
At the tender age of 3 or 4, people start asking you the proverbial question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” It seems like a pretty weighty decision given that your life experience up to this point has been mostly about walking and talking. Yet even at this impressionable age when most kids wrestle between being a princess or a superhero, Dr. Iva Smolens had no doubts. “I want to be a doctor,” she said … and she never wavered.
Smolens (right) with her mother, Susan, and brother, Robert
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Steadfast determination, tenacity and perseverance kept
HAUNTING CHALLENGES
The road to becoming a top woman surgeon was paved with plenty of obstacles. “I did face discrimination, particularly in the Smolens graduating from medical school in 1990 operating room,” says Smolens. According to her, there are obvious differences between the way men and women learn. In Smolens’ experience, most of her teachers as well as most of the residents were men. Because of this, she felt she was not getting the help she needed. She describes it as a combination of bad teaching and not speaking up for CHICKS WITH KNIVES herself that led to poor grades and a “When I was in residency, we used to call lot of frustration during her first year ourselves ‘Chicks with Knives,’” Smolens of residency. says. Even as a child she was mechanically Smolens endured some tough knocks, inclined, always using her hands to pull but the self-described Type A personality apart and then put things back together. She persevered and rose to also loved to sew—a definite foreshadowing the top. Nevertheless, the greatest of what was to come. emotional and mental challenge she had In spite of her success, Smolens is no to deal with in those early years still stranger to adversity. “My dad died of a haunts her to this very day—losing a heart attack when I was 6 years old and I patient. “I had a patient die on the was raised by a single mom,” she says. “We operating table when I was a resident, had some difficult times, but with the help of and I will remember his face for the rest my mom, we overcame those obstacles and I of my life,” she says. got back on track and never looked back.” Life and death situations are what Smolens with her mentor, Steven F. Bolling, M.D. (right) Even though Smolens flunked gym class her surgeons like Smolens face every day. senior year and never graduated from high A cardiac thoracic surgeon may open school, she didn’t let it stop her from realizing a patient’s chest to unclog blocked her dream. arteries in what is referred to as a bypass or, in very extreme cases, a The decision to go into cardiac medicine was not immediate. Smolens quadruple bypass. They also do valve repair and replacements, surgery for says she knew early on she wanted to be a surgeon but her first thought was heart failure, procedures on the lungs, and surgeries on veins and arteries. to be an OB/GYN. Smolens, like all interns, had the opportunity to observe By the time many of these patients get to Smolens, they are hanging many different fields of medicine and when it came time to intern in the on by a thread. “The highs and lows are gut-wrenching,” she says. “You cardiac wing, she says, “I fell in love.” Just as she had known when she was feel almost godlike when you save someone’s life, but conversely, you are 3 years old that she wanted to be a doctor, she knew from that moment on completely devastated when it goes the other way, feeling as if you that her life would be devoted to matters of the heart. committed murder.” her going through the 21 years it took her to finish college, medical school, residency in both general and cardiac surgery, and then a fellowship in transplants and heart failure. All this earned her the title of cardiac thoracic surgeon, one of less than 175 women cardiac thoracic surgeons in the country. Needless to say, Smolens is thrilled to be a member of this elite group.
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{
}
“Women’s symptoms can be entirely different than men’s and for that very reason, women are often misdiagnosed and then it’s too late.”
So how does Smolens handle this constant roller coaster of emotions? “You go home, cry, hug your kid, question why you are alive and then go back to work,” she says. It seems unfathomable for most of us, but Smolens’ mentor taught her how to maintain an even keel and get back into the operating room— because there is always another life waiting to be saved. It is that dedication to saving lives that brought this 48-year-old heart surgeon, women’s health advocate and mother to 4-year-old Jordyn, to Arizona. Her group is called Red Mountain Cardiac Thoracic Surgeons, and is made up of three doctors who specialize in taking care of the heart, blood vessels and lungs of adults. In addition, she was most recently appointed director of The Women’s Heart Center at Banner Baywood Medical Center in Mesa, a facility dedicated to heart disease and women.
NUMBER ONE KILLER
Smolens with her daughter, Jordyn
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What many people still don’t realize is that heart disease is the number one killer of women. Even more startling is that heart disease kills more women than all the leading cancers combined. That being said, why don’t we know more about women’s heart health? Smolens believes it’s a lack of education for both doctors and patients. “Women’s symptoms can be entirely different than men’s and for that very reason, women are often misdiagnosed and then it’s too late.” For instance, the common symptoms of a heart attack that we hear about are pain or numbness on your left side, in your left arm or jaw, but that usually pertains to men. As Smolens points out, common heart attack symptoms for women are similar to flu-like symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, sweating and sometimes shoulder pain and/or chest pain. Smolens remembers meeting a patient who was told she had indigestion— it turned out to be coronary artery disease. Cases such as this one are the very reason Smolens is so excited about her new role at the Women’s Heart Center. She believes the center will be a tool to help educate people about heart disease, the symptoms and, most importantly, prevention. She feels teaching and educating is so powerful that it will ultimately have a global effect, and hopefully change our medical system.
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EDUCATION AND PREVENTION Smolens’ best advice for women cannot be stressed enough— women need to be their own healthcare advocates. “Ask a lot of questions, seek second opinions, go to reputable medical sites on the Internet,” she says. According to Smolens, a great source of information is the American Heart Association, which she feels is doing a phenomenal and critical job getting the word out about heart disease and prevention. In fact, this year is the 50th anniversary of the Phoenix Heart Ball, which has given more than $26 million back to the community for education and research programs related to heart disease. We’ve come a long way since the inception of the ball back in 1959. At that time, research for pacemakers, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and bypass surgery was just getting underway. Today, the Phoenix Heart Ball—together with the American Heart association—is engaged in many educational and preventative programs within the community. They are designed to educate children about nutrition and exercise, and teach adults about risk factors, cholesterol reduction, and how to recognize signs of a heart attack and stroke. Beth McRae, this year’s Phoenix Heart Ball chair, believes that even though we’ve made great strides over the past 18 years, we still have a long way to go. “My grandfather suffered a heart attack many years ago, so it does hit home,” says McRae. “My goal is to raise money to provide community programs, reach out to the corporate community on the benefits of having healthy employees and, most importantly, reach out to the public and educate them on preventative measures for both heart disease and stroke.” This type of education is what Smolens is advocating. Not only does it make her job easier, but it will ultimately save lives. It’s the same reason she is so passionate about the women’s heart center. “I want this center to be the most unique, well-respected resource for women’s healthcare ensuring these needs will be addressed,” she says. Smolens knew at a very early age exactly what she wanted to be when she grew up. What she did not expect was to be a role model. “First and foremost, I hope I am a role model to my daughter and then hopefully it trickles down to other young girls so they see that all the doors are open to them and they can do and be whatever they want to be.” Spoken by a woman who is living her dream—a dream that in some ways is just getting started. Her ultimate goal is to attend law school to fight for medical rights and reform, and to continue speaking openly and passionately about what matters most to her … matters of the heart. pW
(above) Smolens operating in India; Smolens (right) operating for Project HOPE in Thailand
Robin Sewell is the Executive Producer and Host of Arizona Highways Television and President of Robin Sewell Productions. She is also on the Phoenix Heart Ball committee.
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Barrett-Jackson Gets Your Motor Running BY PRAGYA PRADHAN / PHOTOS BY BARRETT-JACKSON/ALSTRIN PHOTOGRAPHY
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THEY MAY NOT CONJURE THE MAGICAL POWERS OF DOROTHY’S RUBY SLIPPERS, BUT THEY’LL SURELY TAKE YOU BACK IN TIME. BARRETT-JACKSON COLLECTOR CARS ARE VALUED NOT ONLY FOR THEIR RARITY, BUT ALSO FOR THEIR NOSTALGIC APPEAL. CAR COLLECTORS TAKE PRIDE IN OWNING A PIECE OF HISTORY, WHILE AUCTION SHOWS IMPRESS CROWDS WITH OLD FASHIONED STEEL ON WHEELS.
Of the many attractions Scottsdale is known for, Barrett-Jackson’s Annual Auction Event is definitely buzzworthy, having contributed approximately $96 million to the Valley’s economy through a single event. “People from around the world fly in to Scottsdale for our event—staying at hotels, eating at restaurants and buying goods and services,” says Craig Jackson, Barrett-Jackson’s chairman and CEO. What began in 1971 as a fundraiser for local charities has grown over the years into the world’s most prestigious and anticipated collector car auction and event, according to Craig. Co-founded by the late Russ Jackson, his wife Nellie Jackson and Tom Barrett, the Barrett-Jackson partnership, now run by the Jacksons’ son, Craig, is a beehive of activity attracting over 300,000 spectators including
high-profile collectors such as Cindy McCain and many movie and music stars. From auctions to entertainment and shopping, the Barrett-Jackson Annual Auction Event offers automobiles and much more. “The event has something for everyone,” says Jamie Orrico, Barrett-Jackson’s senior marketing manager. “We have the lifestyle pavilion and also various vendors selling jewelry, fashion products and paintings.” The lifestyle pavilion gives attendees a variety of shopping options and an upscale experience including anything from cooking to boating opportunities. The night life scene, known as The Garage, keeps viewers entertained with fashion shows and much more. The event even includes a family value day, offering children fun activities and discounted tickets.
FYI
Barrett-Jackson’s 35th Annual Auction Event January 16 to 24, 2010 Westworld, Scottsdale
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NELLIE JACKSON Executive Director Nellie Jackson and her late husband Russ Jackson began their journey into the world of collector cars by chance when they discovered a 1934 V-12 Cadillac Opera Coupe in a junkyard while on vacation. This was one of the first automobiles to spark Nellie’s interest in cars. When the couple made Scottsdale their primary residence, they joined the Classic Car Club of America, where Nellie moved up from treasurer to regional director of the club. She was the first woman elected to hold this position. In addition to being its co-founder and executive director, Nellie is also known as the “Matriarch of the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company.” Nellie’s passion for collector cars was made apparent by the 1937 Cadillac V-16 limousine she owned back in the ’60s. In 2004, she received the Meguiar’s Treasure of the Collector Car Hobby Award at the Hollywood Kodak Theatre, adding further prestige to the Barrett-Jackson name. In August 2009, Nellie celebrated her 90th birthday among friends and family. To this day, she remains an avid collector and a vital part of the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company. Nellie isn’t the only woman with a special place in her heart for cars. “While more of our bidders and consigners are men, there are certainly women who appreciate the hobby and the pure love of owning a classic car,” Craig says. Edie Arrowsmith, owner of ArrowLane, a company involved with racing and car restoration in Scottsdale, is one such woman. Arrowsmith participates in vintage car races and recently placed first in her group at the Coronado
Speedway. Her company also houses some Barrett-Jackson vintage cars. In addition, the Barrett-Jackson Annual Auction Event in Scottsdale boasts its only woman auctioneer, Amy Assiter, who won the title of International Auctioneer Champion (IAC), Women’s Division, in 2000.
A LUCRATIVE AFFAIR The Barrett-Jackson Annual Auction Event has gained popularity for its display of classic, modern and futuristic cars as well as its designer fashion shows, automotive memorabilia auctions and sponsor exhibits. It has contributed to local charities such as the American Heart Association, the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation and Childhelp, which assists victims of child abuse and neglect. Barrett-Jackson’s charity scene owes much of its success to Linda Pope of Giving Hearts Foundation. “[Linda] is one great woman who has really helped drive our ‘Drive the Dream’ gala that benefits Childhelp each year,” says Craig. Barrett-Jackson's charity galas have raised millions in the past. “In 2009, our Scottsdale auction alone raised $4.4 million for Childhelp,” adds Craig. The 38th annual Scottsdale auction in January brought $63 million in sales, which exceeded the industry’s expectations. Some of the automobiles featured included a “first production” 1955 Ford Thunderbird that fetched $660,000 and a 1929 Ford 4-AT-E Tri-Motor airplane that sold for $1.21 million. This historic airplane was hit by bullets during the World War II surprise attack at Pearl Harbor and had recently been repaired and restored to its original form.
The most expensive car ever sold at BarrettJackson’s Annual Auction Event was Carroll Shelby’s Twin-Supercharged 427 Super Snake Cobra, which sold for over $5 million. Other vehicles sold in the past included what many considered one of the most famous post-war Bentleys ever built, a Pace Car driven by Jay Leno, a 1985 Live Aid concert car signed by Ozzy Osbourne, the Beach Boys and other artists, and the Batmobile from the movie “Batman Returns.” Besides its live auction scene, Barrett-Jackson also sells via the Internet to online bidders, raising millions in sales. It even provides cars sold at set prices in its Showroom Pavilion. While the company is headquartered in Scottsdale, it has expanded its horizons, offering events in Las Vegas and Palm Beach, Fla. Barrett-Jackson has a no reserve policy, which means the highest bidder buys the vehicle. Experienced auctioneers open the bid and set the scene, adding their individual style to the auction event. From its founders to its auctioneers and bidders, Barrett-Jackson attracts a diverse presence of men and women with one thing in common—a profound passion for cars. But Craig points out that there’s more to it than that: “Of course it always starts with the cars, but BarrettJackson is more than just an auction; we offer a true lifestyle event,” he says. “It’s also a fulfillment of the American dream and our love affair with automobiles.” pW Pragya Pradhan is a frequent contributor to Phoenix Woman magazine. INFOLINK:
barrett-jackson.com
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Afternoon Tea Raise Your Pinkies for a Timeless Treat by Morgan Benavidez
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English Rose Tea Room Nestled in the beautiful red rocks of Carefree, English Rose Tea Room is the perfect spot for a day out with the girls. The Duchess of Bedford’s Formal Afternoon Tea includes assorted tea sandwiches—Chicken with Nutmeg and Tarragon, English Hot-House Cucumber with Orange-Mint Butter, and Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese with Lemon, as well as scones served with strawberry preserves and Devon cream, and seasonal dessert selection, all served on a three-tiered cake stand with antique bone china. In addition to their afternoon tea, English Rose Tea Room offers Nursery Tea for younger guests; Fireside Tea, which includes crumpets, strawberry jam, butter and tea; Cream Tea, “Just Dessert” Tea for those with a sweet tooth, and a formidable lunch menu. The tea room also provides fun hats to wear in case you’re feeling festive. Formal Afternoon Tea $25 per person 201 Easy Street, Suite 103, Carefree 480.488.4812 www.carefreetea.com
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Lobby Tea Court at The Phoenician Amid simple yet elegant décor and the tinkling of a grand piano, enjoy an afternoon of conversation and luxury. If you opt for the full tea, you’ll be indulged with a mélange of delectable finger sandwiches—English Cucumber, Hickory Smoked Salmon, Classic Egg Salad, Phoenician’s Lemon & Thyme Chicken Salad, Crisp Asparagus & Garlic Herb Mousse—followed by freshly baked buttermilk and cranberry scones served with Devonshire cream, lemon curd and fresh strawberry preserves. Save room for tasty tea pastries—Paris-Brest, Raspberry Opera, Scottish Shortbread, Lemon Cream Cake, Fruit Tartlet, Chocolate Cream on Chocolate Biscuit, Chocolate Dipped Strawberries, and Fruit Cake. Feeling a little more celebratory? Make the occasion even more opulent by ordering the Grand Royale Tea ($45 per person), which includes unlimited premium sparkling wine in addition to the full tea. Full Tea $36 per person 6000 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale 480.423.2530 www.thephoenician.com
Gooseberries Tea Room and Boutique Gooseberries Tea Room and Boutique is the perfect spot to get away for a peaceful afternoon among friends or a hearty English lunch. The friendly staff will make you feel as though you’re a V.I.P. For full afternoon tea, they offer a variety of finger sandwiches, homemade scones with lemon curd, Devon cream and jam, and homemade mini desserts with a pot of tea. Feel like a smaller treat? Enjoy the Cream Tea ($10 per person), which comes with homemade scones served with lemon curd, Devon cream and jam, and a pot of freshly brewed tea. In addition to tea and lunch, Gooseberries offers brunch and several mouth-watering desserts, including their special Bread Pudding served with rum sauce and whipped cream. After you’re done enjoying the spread, take some time to peruse the gift shop filled with unique keepsakes of all kinds. Full Afternoon Tea $25 per person 13216 N. 7th Street, Suite 4, Phoenix 602.789.0622 www.gooseberriestea.com
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Lobby Lounge at The Ritz-Carlton, Phoenix Get ready to be charmed by expert tea sommelier Jeffrey Hattrick; he will surely make you feel like a duchess as you take your afternoon tea. In addition to a classic variety of delicious teas, the Lobby Lounge offers Jeffrey’s Signature Blends. The full tea includes assorted finger sandwiches—Classic Egg Salad, Smoked Salmon Tarter “Vol au Vent,” Cucumber With Chive Scented Cream Cheese, Black Currant Tea Smoked Chicken Salad Gougere, Goat Cheese and Mascarpone Mousse with Fig and Caramel, followed by freshly baked scones served with lemon curd, Devonshire cream and fruit preserves, and assorted French pastries. If you’re in the mood for some “bubbly,” the Royal tea ($45 per person) includes champagne in addition to the full tea spread. While you enjoy the beautiful tea service, you’ll be serenaded by piano music—if you’re lucky, Jeffrey might even offer up his own soothing vocals. The Lobby Lounge also offers a selection of tasty tea-infused martinis. As if all this weren’t enough on its own, you can take home an adorable Jeffrey Bear as a keepsake to remember your special afternoon. Full Tea $35 per person 2401 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix 602.468.0700 www.ritzcarlton.com
Morgan Benavidez is the Managing Editor of Phoenix Woman.
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Photographer: RJ Cook Photography Dresses Provided by: Saks Fifth Avenue Photo Assistant: Megan Marvin Stylist: Jillian Jacobsen Assistant Stylist: Morgan McDonald Hair: Jamie Stevens Makeup: Julia Venegas for Smashbox Cosmetics Models: Renee from SIM Agency and Amber from Leighton Agency model: Renee / wearing: Monique Lhuillier $6640
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AN EVENING AFFAIR With the holidays upon us, every woman should have an unforgettable dress to don for fabulous parties and galas. This season, spice up your formal gown picks by choosing a simple silhouette in a bright color. This will add just enough sheen to make you stand out and still look elegant. Or simply find a gown with a bold detail along the neckline and skip the jewelry. No matter what you choose, there is no better way to showcase a beautiful woman than to put her in a gorgeous evening gown. So find the statement-making dress of your dreams, and get ready to be the belle of the ball. pW
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model: Amber / wearing: Tadashi $388 42
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model: Amber / wearing: David Meister $575
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model: Renee / wearing: Aidan Mattox $420 46
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model: Renee / wearing: Monique Lhuillier $3300 48
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SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE
FYI
Stain Mishaps: Do’s and Don’ts by Stu Bloom
Picture yourself in a restaurant, in the office, on a flight, or at a social event. And oh no! Something just spilt, splashed or splattered on your favorite outfit. Before you can shout “Where’s the club soda,” everyone around you is volunteering an opinion on a quick-fix miracle cure. Here’s a word of caution: Before you take their “advice” or before you do something you’ll later regret, consider this ... Restaurant waiters, business associates, airline personnel, family members and friends are not skilled stain removal technicians. Specifically, they know absolutely nothing about treating your specific combination of stain (e.g., steak sauce, mustard or red wine), stain type (e.g., oil-based, water-based or combination), fabric color (e.g., black, tan or white), fabric type (e.g., silk, rayon or linen) and dye type (e.g., solvent soluble dye, water soluble dye, solvent fast dye, water fast dye, or some combination thereof). Their “advice” may sound plausible because it often involves “stuff” you’ve heard about: ammonia, baby wipes, baking soda, club soda, coca cola, dishwashing liquid, hairspray, lemon juice, meat tenderizer, salt, vinegar, WD-40, water or white wine. And let’s not forget those “guaranteed” spot removers promoted on late night TV, at supermarket check outs, and in TV guides and tabloid newspapers. Truth is, their “advice” is probably nothing more than a mixture of folklore, old wives tales, home remedies, and hazy memories about something they’d heard from someone a few years back. So what do you do? Here’s my best advice ...
Take or send the garment to a reputable drycleaner. • Select a true quality drycleaner who is recognized for their stain removal and restoration skills. • Take or send in the garment within 24 to 48 hours. • Give the drycleaner enough time -- at least 4 or 5 days -- to achieve the best possible result (true quality cleaning cannot be accomplished in a few hours or even a few days). • Point out the location of the spill, splash or splatter, especially if it has dried clear. • Inform the drycleaner of the nature of the spill, splash or splatter, if known. So the next time you experience a stain mishap remember our advice: ignore the advice of others and do nothing you’ll later regret. You could say that knowing what NOT to do is more important than knowing what to do. How can I help you? 8480 E. Butherus Dr., Scottsdale Call: 480.998.8266 www.ravefabricare.com Stu is President of RAVE FabriCARE (www.ravefabricare.com), a nationally recognized, full service fabricare specialist and couture drycleaner. Located in the Scottsdale Airpark, RAVE offers in-store service, valleywide pickup and delivery and nationwide clean by mail. Contact Stu at 480.443.1005 or at stu@ravefabricare.com. Follow Stu on his blog, www.truequalitycleaning.com.
Count to 30. Slowly. Hopefully, this “cool off” period will prevent you from doing something impulsive and delay your search for a quick-fix miracle cure. Fact is, by attempting to “treat” the stain yourself, you’ve got a 50:50 chance of ruining the garment. If the quick-fix miracle cure works, you’re just plain lucky. If it doesn’t work, you’ve possibly ruined the garment.
GO DIGITAL. GO PAPERLESS.
Ignore the “advice” of those around you. Clearly, those around you are just trying to be helpful in an awkward situation. Unfortunately, they’re not skilled stain removal technicians, and don’t have the technical knowledge, chemical agents, and specialized equipment necessary to “treat” the garment.
Don’t apply any quick-fix miracle cure. Most of these quick-fix miracle cures just spread the stain, leave rings, bleed the dyes, and “pull” the color out of the fabric. Furthermore, they make future removal or restoration by a skilled stain removal technician a difficult, if not impossible task. I can’t begin to recall the number of ruined garments I’ve seen accompanied by the comment: “I know I shouldn’t have done anything, but...”
Gently blot the spill, splash or splatter with a white cotton napkin or towel. Never wipe. Never rub. Never scrub. I’ll repeat that: Never wipe. Never rub. Never scrub.
Receive a Free 1-Year Digital Subscription! Subscribe online today at:
phoenixWoman.com “FOCUSED, FUN AND FIERCELY LOCAL.”
Just gently blot the fabric to absorb as much of the spill, splash or splatter as possible. Then leave it alone.
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Donna Bartos
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2009 WOMAN OF EXCELLENCE Honoring Exemplary Valley Women by Amanda Jaskulski
It’s been a year in the making—an emotional, collaborative event that could only be brought to you by Phoenix Woman magazine. How do we properly honor, acknowledge and showcase the dynamic women who make our community such a great place to live? Well, after many long, closed-door discussions and hours of planning, Phoenix Woman is ready for the big reveal. Within these pages, a new feature is unveiled. You’ll meet 10 outstanding and accomplished women—one of whom will be honored and named Woman of Excellence during a special luncheon sponsored by Phoenix Woman at the Silverleaf Country Club on Nov. 13. The winner will also be announced on PhoenixWoman.com and in our winter issue. The 2009 Woman of Excellence Award will honor a woman who has demonstrated a commitment to improving the lives of others in our community. This Woman of Excellence will also exhibit the type of personal and professional growth that makes her an exemplary Phoenix woman. In keeping with Phoenix Woman’s Focused, Fun and Fiercely Local theme, these nominees have shown unwavering focus on worthy goals; they’re fun women who each have a positive outlook, sense of humor and winning personality; and they’re fiercely local in serving their community. Each of these women demonstrate character, commitment and leadership, and are all worthy of praise. pW
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Donna Bartos is one of the most dedicated women you will ever meet. Her cause, her passion, and her goal is to “cut out” domestic abuse. A past victim of teen dating violence, Bartos had a moment of clarity and obligation in August 2006 to break her silence. She launched a survivor, volunteer and new advocate mobilization effort for domestic abuse prevention, education and outreach. Bartos is the founder and volunteer chief executive officer of the Purple Ribbon Council to Cut Out Domestic Abuse. She is the creator of Girls Night Out to Cut Out Domestic Abuse, Purple Ribbon Brunch, It’s Okay to Talk About It Community Circles, Rock the Purple, Pedal for Purple and the Pretty in Purple Party. “By recognizing my life’s mission and the work of the Purple Ribbon Council, you honor domestic abuse survivors here in Arizona, across the country and around the world,” says Bartos. “This nomination is helping to break the silence and the cycle—one woman, one child, one family, one voice at a time. Together, we are changing the statistics, restoring hope, rebuilding lives and preventing it before it starts.” Bartos is also the proud wife of Peter Bartos and mom to two socially aware children—five-year-old P.J. and four-year-old Gracie—who are already following in their mother’s footsteps to change the world. Her five-year-old started P.J.’s Annual President’s Day Lemonade Stand to raise money for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation—a non-profit organization for pediatric-cancer research. Clearly, the lemon doesn’t fall far from the tree!
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Elaine Birks-Mitchell One encounter with this dynamo will have you thinking differently about your bras! Elaine Birks-Mitchell recognized that there are women in our community who don’t have a clean bra to wear or the funds to spend on bras due to their circumstances. Her dream was to build a bra recovery and recycling program. Birks-Mitchell is now the CEO of Bosom Buddy Bra Recycling, a green group devoted to recycling new and used bras for deserving women in Arizona and other states. In addition to running Bosom Buddy Bra Recycling, Birks-Mitchell is a senior information technology project manager at WorldatWork, a global human resources association with more than 30,000 members in 75 countries. In her spare time, she volunteers with the United Way: Helping the Working Poor Investment Committee, and works with the Arizona Women’s Partnership on the Grant Review Committee. Birks-Mitchell is a member of the Chandler and Gilbert Chamber of Commerce. She is also a member of Living Word Bible Church and serves on the Ministry of Services team. “When I received the news that I was a nominee for the 2009 Woman of Excellence Award, I was excited, surprised and honored to receive recognition for doing what I believe is my ‘calling,’” says Birks-Mitchell. “Richard Leider, who wrote ‘Whistle While you Work,’ defines your calling as ‘a commitment to be moved by something other than simple self-interest. It is the inner urge to give our gifts away—and it’s a dedication to something larger than ourselves.’ Thank you for this honor.”
Margaret Dunn Like Ollie the Trolley, who carries Arizona passengers more than 500,000 miles annually, Margaret Dunn, 45, has come a long way. Dunn moved from Omaha to Arizona in 1984 to attend ASU, only to fall in love with the trolley business. Her part-time job became her life’s work in 1986, when Dunn—then 21—borrowed $65,000 from a relative to buy her first trolley. “It's unbelievably flattering anytime someone uses your name in the same sentence as the word ‘excellence,’ especially since that word has motivated me since I launched my trolley business more than 20 years ago,” says Dunn. Now president of a 45-employee, 21-trolley, $2.5 million-a-year operation, Dunn serves Scottsdale as a Board Member of the Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Chamber of Commerce. She is also a former city planning and city transportation commissioner. The mother of a nine-year-old son, Dunn will soon earn her degree in Urban Dynamics from ASU’s Global Institute of Sustainability. She is also an active member of Charter 100 and a partner with Social Venture Partners. “I’ve always worked to be an excellent business owner, an excellent Valley citizen, an excellent working mom and an excellent ‘woman in charge,’” adds Dunn. “If in the eyes of others I’ve managed to balance these various roles and come close to excellence, well, I couldn't be more proud or more humbled.”
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Kristen Sandquist It’s been apparent since she was very young that Kristen Sandquist’s heart is bursting with compassion, kindness and empathy for those less fortunate. At 11 years old, Sandquist gave her family a glimpse of what her focus and passion would become when she boldly called a radio station and volunteered her father to build a home for a deserving family in the community. Sandquist’s altruistic nature came into play again while teaching for the Wisconsin Public School District. She noticed the startling number of children who had no jackets or mittens for school, and Circle of Friends—her first non-profit—was born. Since 1996, the program has provided winter coats and attire for the underprivileged in the Wisconsin community. In 2003, Sandquist founded Visions of Hope in Scottsdale, which contributes 100 percent of its funds to organizations such as Whispering Hope Ranch, The Arizona Humane Society and The Friend Playground Club. This past summer, she climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro as a sighted guide with the Foundation for Blind Children, training and raising money to support the trek in just a few short months. Sandquist is a prominent business woman and an incredible philanthropist. She is a terrific wife and mother to four sons. In 2008, Sandquist and a partner founded Swank, a shop-for-a-cause retailer in Scottsdale where a percentage of proceeds always goes to local charities. “It is an honor to have been nominated for this award,” says Sandquist. “I am thrilled to be associated with Phoenix Woman magazine and all they do for the community.”
Lindsay Rattay Lindsay Rattay, founder of Blankets for Babies, is truly a beautiful person from the inside out. In her travels, she witnessed countless children suffering in extreme poverty. After seeing children sleeping on dirt floors and babies wrapped in newspapers, Rattay felt compelled to take action. A soft, warm blanket seems like such a basic childhood necessity, yet for many babies, it’s a luxury they lack. So when Rattay received cash as a graduation gift, instead of buying a new car or going shopping, she used the money to launch Blankets for Babies, which provides quality chenille Boh Boh Blankets for underprivileged children. In two years, Blankets for Babies has donated over 4,000 Boh Bohs to children in Arizona and worldwide. "My first reaction [to being nominated] was shock, because there are so many wonderful women in the Phoenix area and I admire their work in the community,” says Rattay. “It is very humbling to be recognized for my work and extremely encouraging at the same time." Rattay is a graduate of the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University. While she used her journalism background to complete a short stint at KPNX Channel 12 and a local radio show, Rattay has decided to follow her heart and pursue a greater calling to help create a world where distressed, abandoned, poverty stricken and orphaned children have their basic needs met, and know that they are special. She is newly married to John Rattay.
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Pam Gaber Leave it to Pam Gaber to playfully put antlers on her dog and get a sudden inspiration for one of the most sought after non-profit services the Valley has ever seen. In 1999, Gaber was a volunteer at Crisis Nursery. Usually, she was met with untrusting, shy and withdrawn children, who were used to being let down or abused by adults Then one day, on a whim, she dressed her dog, Gabriel, as a reindeer and brought him in for a visit. According to Gaber, the children were different that day; as if by magic, the troubled little souls became “kind, loving and sweet.” At that moment, Gabriel’s Angels—a 501-C3 non-profit— was born. Gaber realized her Weimaraner had the power to reach and heal these abused, neglected and at-risk children in a way humans could not. Empowered by this revelation, she decided she would help improve their lives by teaching them unconditional love through a pet. Today, Gabriel’s Angels has grown beyond Gaber’s wildest dreams. Each year, over 100 therapy teams from 60-plus Valley agencies touch the lives of more than 12,000 children in crisis through the application of pet therapy. Gaber has been featured in Money Magazine for departing the corporate world and building a successful “business with a heart.” She is quick to add that her Weimaraner, Gabriel, continues to be a huge inspiration and partner in her organization.
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Peggy Bilsten Many people don’t know that every day, young girls are being kidnapped, beaten and forced into prostitution right under our noses. Not only does Peggy Bilsten realize the gravity of this situation—it has become her life’s mission to stop it. Outspoken, passionate, and caring, Bilsten has been advocating on behalf of human rights issues, both locally and internationally, since she was appointed to the Phoenix City Council in 1994. During her membership with the council, she served on many different boards and committees, and was appointed vice mayor twice. In 1995, Bilsten established the Graffiti Hotline. She opened her district’s first senior center, Shadow Mountain, and served on the Mayor’s Commission for Disabilities. She also represented the citizens of Phoenix and the Phoenix City Council on rescue trips to the post tsunami regions in Indonesia, earthquake regions in China, and war torn areas in Central Africa including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Uganda. Bilsten is especially proud of her role in creating the Family Advocacy Center, which provides medical aid, counseling, prevention, education and other assistance to victims of domestic violence. It is now the largest facility of its kind in the state. She is currently the vice president of Streetlight Phx, a local non-profit organization that focuses on eradicating child rape for profit. Bilsten’s work with Streetlight Phx includes providing awareness about child sex trafficking, and helping to make changes in legislation regarding punishment for offenders. Some day soon, she hopes to establish a one-of-a-kind safe house facility for these young victims.
Sherry Lund Philanthropist and Texas native Sherry Lund lives by the motto, “I root for the underdog.” This philosophy is the driving force behind her many nonprofit activities. “I know personally that single, working moms, children and the community need our help,” says Lund. “I’m prepared to work toward that!” Her family, friends and community can attest that Lund’s giving heart has no boundaries. Having spent 20 years as a single, working mother, Lund has devoted much of her life to easing the burdens and suffering of others. She continues this commitment through her impressive work with Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, the Wellcare Foundation, The Harp Foundation, and Starshine Academy. Additionally, Lund is the president of the Victoria Lund Foundation, which provides medical attention for those who need but can’t afford it. The foundation, named for her stepdaughter who passed away from liver failure, has been in the Murphy School District for five years, helping more than 2,600 children and their parents each year. Along with another organization, the Victoria Lund Foundation provides five full days of health care at Hamilton Elementary School along with dental clinics. In her lifetime, Lund has had an eclectic mix of jobs; she is a former fashion model, radio voice-over broadcaster, television performer and commercial actress. She even owned several TCBY franchises. But her focus, devotion and gift to the world is her compelling and giving spirit. She is married to Bill Lund, and has two daughters, Rachel and Sabrina.
Tara Hitchcock We wake up to her bright, smiling face every morning, and are entertained by her quick wit and sense of humor. But Tara Hitchcock’s day doesn’t end when the lights and cameras go off—in many cases, it’s just beginning. Hitchcock, who anchors and hosts the highly rated “Good Morning Arizona" news program on 3TV, volunteers much of her time to a number of different Valley charities. Nearest to her heart is Best Buddies—an organization dedicated to establishing opportunities, friendships, employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Hitchcock has lent her time and talents to countless fundraising events including Childhelp’s “Drive the Dream Gala” and the Scottsdale Women’s Council of Realtors “Desperate Realtors” event to benefit Gabriel’s Angels. Hitchcock uses her influential voice and position to bring unsolicited exposure and heightened awareness to these and other charities, bridging the gap between potential donors and new volunteers. Hitchcock has dedicated herself to bringing our community pertinent, up-to-the-minute news. Fourteen years ago, she proved that a 25-year-old could get “the job,” and through candid speaking engagements, she continues to inspire women to follow their dreams. Hitchcock is married to Kenn Francis and enjoys being the stepmother of three wonderful children. “I’m so excited,” she says, referring to her nomination. “I’ve never won anything before in my life!”
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Mary Peterson
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Mary Peterson’s legacy, which began with an idea in 1999, will live on in our community forever. Peterson wanted to tackle what she felt were the root causes of our social problems—extreme individualism, materialism, and lack of love and dignity. She would counter those issues with love, respect and community through a special organization she called Maggie’s Place. Maggie’s Place provides houses of hospitality for expectant mothers who are alone or living on the streets. A 1926 bungalow in downtown Phoenix, which was in complete disrepair, became the first home. After a nine month renovation, Maggie’s Place welcomed its first mothers on Mother’s Day, May 13, 2000. With the help of friends, Peterson has seen Maggie’s Place grow from a daydream into a reality that has expanded into five homes currently serving, sheltering and assisting expectant mothers and their babies. “My ‘excellence’ is simply a reflection of the love and generosity of the many incredible people who have rallied behind our mission and the moms we serve,” says Peterson. “My role as the leader of Maggie’s Place is simply to direct traffic and create opportunities for people to do the ‘messy’ work of loving one another.” Currently serving as the executive director, Peterson provides oversight and inspiration for the operations of all the Maggie’s Place homes. She continues to be transformed by the stories of the heroic pregnant women who join the homes, and the changes they bring about in their lives when surrounded by a supportive community.
COMING SOON!
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Don’t miss our upcoming winter issue! We’ll introduce you to award-winning journalist Robin Sewell, provide you with restaurant ideas for Valentine’s Day, and profile our 2009 Woman of Excellence winner. Thanks for staying focused, fun and fiercely local!
phoenixWoman.com “FOCUSED, FUN AND FIERCELY LOCAL.”
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Pierce (right) and her husband at Disneyland, receiving a ceremonial key to their new home
“It’s shocking to see the progress. . .”
HomeFree A Valley Woman Wins Her Dream House by Brittany Warren
Some people seem to just be born lucky. They win raffles, special giveaways and lotteries almost without even trying. Kristen Pierce had never considered herself one of these people, so it was with uncertainty and a large amount of hope that she entered her name in the 2009 Taylor Morrison Dream Home Giveaway. Months later, long after she’d forgotten about her submission, Pierce found out that she was the winner of a $200,000 dream house.
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The Taylor Morrison Dream Home Giveaway began in 2008 in conjunction with the opening of the Innoventions Dream Home at Disneyland, which Taylor Morrison built in a partnership with Disneyland, Microsoft, HP and Life|Ware. In addition to the home, winners choose a number of upgrades for their residence, and receive a trip to Disneyland. The first year, the home went to single mother and California resident Jennifer Draa. More than 147,000 entries were received this second year. Pierce entered the giveaway after seeing it online, and then visiting a Taylor Morrison community where she received a special code for 50 additional entries. She admits that before this, she wasn’t one to enter contests on a whim. She recalls putting her name in a mall drawing
for the chance to win a car. “It was just a huge window for solicitation,” she says. “I was getting so much junk mail.” But for some reason, after talking to the Taylor Morrison rep that day, she thought, why not take a chance and enter? Never in her wildest dreams did she think she’d actually win. “It wasn’t on the forefront on my mind that I might win or that I even could,” Pierce says, recalling the day she received the news. At the time, she had family visiting from out of town. So when the phone rang, she was more preoccupied with the noise than the woman on the line. “It was shocking,” says Pierce. “When she told me, I was like, ‘No way.’ It took her a couple of minutes to convince me it wasn’t a gimmick, or anything she was trying to sell me. I had actually won.”
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Pierce and her husband, Geoff, at the Taylor Morrison Design Studio
Pierce and son Anson enjoying the park slide
Before receiving the contest results, Pierce and her husband had been looking at foreclosure homes. “We were in the middle of purchasing a home a few blocks away from us,” she says. “We had money down and the home inspection done. We found out about winning the dream home four days before the home was signed for.” Even more exciting is that the Pierces’ dream home will also be their first home, having only rented in previous years. “I still can’t believe how fabulous it’s going to be,” she says. “Foreclosure homes aren’t in the greatest of condition; looking at them you want to change this and you want to change this. Getting a home where I get to pick what I want right off the top, I never thought that I would be able to do that.”
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The Pierces chose the Vintage Model for their dream home
They chose the Vintage model—a four bedroom, 2,240-square-foot single level—to be built in Stratland Estates in Gilbert. The neighborhood features include walking trails, ramadas and several BBQ grills located throughout the community. But Pierce is happiest about the park that is just across the street. “It will be nice to wake up in the morning and take my little boy across the street and let him go play in the park for a while. I’m looking forward to that,” she says. She also cites good school districts as another reason for settling on Stratland Estates, along with its close proximity to SanTan Village and Costco. On some mornings, Pierce admits that she wakes up and forgets that she’s won. “I don’t have TV cameras or people wanting to interview me anymore,” she says. “The excitement of the Disneyland trip is over, and I just go on about my daily life.” But sometimes her husband will drive by the construction site on his way home from work and take pictures.
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“It’s shocking to see the progress,” she says. “It’s been fun to watch.” Also, as more of the floor plan has been assembled over these past few months, Pierce has been able to make the process more real for her son. “We’ve shown him where his room is going to be,” she adds. “And now, he’s started telling his grandma, ‘My new house is getting bigger.’” As the November move-in date draws closer, the thrill is starting to return. “Seeing boxes brings excitement back,” Pierce says. In addition to the family’s excitement over the house itself, they are looking forward to the amenities that will be included. “We would both like to have a big-screen TV,” says Pierce, “because one of the upgrades we chose is to have the house wired for surround sound. It will be good for family movie night.” Pierce is also looking forward to playing hostess in her new home. “We’ve only had a few friends over [in the past], but [now] I’ll be able to have friends over for dinner parties and
family night,” she says. “My friends can bring their kids and we can go over to the park across the street. It’ll be nice.” As for right after the family moves in, Pierce has already made plans for the holidays. “My whole family lives in Utah, but I have invited my sister and her family to spend Christmas with us.” She admits that she can’t wait to start decorating for the occasion and put lights up around the house. As for further down the road, Pierce is pregnant with her second child and is expected to deliver in April. The family is also considering getting a puppy. Thinking back over the past few months, Pierce adds, “You know, there are certain drawings I’m not going to be afraid to enter anymore. You can’t win if you don’t enter. If you want to win something, you have to enter.” pW
Brittany Warren is an Editorial Intern for Phoenix Woman magazine.
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BE AN ANGEL IN HIS NAME A Special Supplement from phoenixWoman and The Salvation Army
phoenixWoman
TM
“FOCUSED, FUN AND FIERCELY LOCAL.”
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MISSION STATEMENT THE SALVATION ARMY, AN INTERNATIONAL MOVEMENT, IS AN EVANGELICAL PART OF THE UNIVERSAL CHRISTIAN CHURCH. ITS MESSAGE IS BASED ON THE BIBLE. ITS MINISTRY IS MOTIVATED BY THE LOVE OF GOD. ITS MISSION IS TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST AND TO MEET HUMAN NEEDS IN HIS NAME WITHOUT DISCRIMINATION.
Lt. Cols. Doug and Rhode Danielson
A MESSAGE FROM THE DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OF WOMEN’S MINISTRIES When Phoenix Woman approached us to be a part of this special supplement, it was a logical partnership. The Salvation Army is well known in the community for its programs, social services and red kettle campaign that take place during the holiday season. I am excited to share information with you not only about our holiday programs, but also the variety of programs that we offer throughout the year. Here in Phoenix, The Salvation Army offers many programs geared toward empowering the lives of women. At our South Mountain Community Center, our girls’ volleyball team is dedicated to promoting the prevention of teen pregnancy. The program serves more than 100 young women a year and seeks to provide tools to help them grow into powerful, capable, and accomplished women. Our domestic violence shelter offers respite and aid for women and their children. Finally, our Kaiser Family Homeless Shelter, Emergency Assistance Program and Christmas Angel Program help women in crisis and support their efforts at improving their lives. The Salvation Army knows the importance of empowering women in our community and in the workplace. Our Women’s Ministries provide Christian fellowship and practical help that will benefit not only the individual and her family, but also her community. This program binds women together to promote the collaboration necessary to meet the needs and interests of women of all ages. Though William Booth founded The Salvation Army, he would have found it difficult to accomplish this task without the strength, love, and support of his wife Catherine. Today, women still play a crucial role in making The Salvation Army a successful non-profit enterprise by fulfilling many crucial roles. Every day, thousands of women continue to faithfully serve the Lord in Salvation Army ministries worldwide, and are striving continuously to live out our motto of “Doing the Most Good,” echoing the words of our founder: “While women weep, as they do now, I’ll fight; While children go hungry, as they do now, I’ll fight; While men go to prison, in and out, in and out, as they do now, I’ll fight; While there is a drunkard left, While there is a poor lost girl upon the streets, While there remains one dark soul without the light of God, I’ll fight, I’ll fight to the very end!” I hope you find inspiration through the Kaiser Family graduate success story. We invite you to interact with any one of our many programs.You can be secure in the knowledge that your donation of time and money are daily making a difference in the lives of women and their families. Sincerely yours, Rhode Danielson, Lt. Colonel Southwest Division
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HISTORY OF THE SALVATION ARMY Taken from The Salvation Army’s Western Territory’s “Come Join Our Army”
In 1865, William Booth—an ordained Methodist minister—aided by his wife Catherine, formed an evangelical group dedicated to preaching to the unchurched people living in the midst of appalling poverty in London, England. Booth’s ministry recognized the interdependence of material, emotional and spiritual needs. In addition to preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ, Booth became involved in feeding and sheltering the hungry and homeless, and in rehabilitating alcoholics. The Salvation Army has functioned successfully within this structure for more than a century. Their work began in America in 1880, when they opened a corps community center in New York. As of 2009, their outreach has expanded to include 118 countries and 175 languages. The basic social services programs developed by William Booth have remained a visible expression of The Salvation Army’s strong religious principle. In addition, new programs that address contemporary needs have been established. Among these are disaster relief services, day care centers, summer camps, holiday assistance, services for the aging, AIDS education and residential services, medical facilities, shelter for battered women and children, family and career counseling, vocational training, correctional services and substance abuse rehabilitation. Operations of The Salvation Army are supervised by trained, commissioned officers who proclaim the gospel and serve as administrators, teachers, social workers, counselors, youth leaders and musicians. These men and women have dedicated their lives, skills and service completely to the mission of The Salvation Army.
For administrative purposes, the nation is divided into four territories: Central, Eastern, Southern and Western. Territories are made up of units known as divisions. There are 40 in the U.S. and each is headed by a divisional commander. Divisions consist of corps centers for worship and services, which are the basic units of The Salvation Army, and various specialized centers. The functions of each corps include religious and social services which are adapted to local needs.
William Booth, founder of The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army has been in Phoenix, the site of the Southwest Divisional Headquarters, since 1893. Over the past 114 years, The Salvation Army has expanded to offer 13 corps community centers throughout the Valley of the Sun and a variety of social services programs to the community. These programs include Emergency Assistance Programs, Elim House Domestic Violence Shelter, Kaiser Family Homeless Shelter, Project HOPE, homeless outreach, youth and senior programming, holiday programs and various fellowship opportunities. In the U.S., The Salvation Army serves approximately 42 million people through the donations of individuals, foundations and corporations. During the holidays, The Salvation Army’s program reaches out to more than 6 million people.
“THE GREAT MESSAGE OF THE SALVATION ARMY OF THE PAST TO THE SALVATION ARMY OF THE FUTURE IS THIS: THAT IT EXISTS FOR THE WHOLE WORLD.” -Gen. Bramwell Booth
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TRAVELING DOWN A ROCKY ROAD TO
SUCCESS Michelle’s Story by Melissa Axman
Defeat, slammed doors, fear and ultimately triumph are words that describe the experience of Michelle and her family. In December 2006, Michelle and her husband—in search of better health and security—made plans to transition from Albany, N.Y. to Phoenix. They took six months to coordinate a plan, and with a child in tow, the move held high hopes and a sunny new future for the family. Phoenix had a warmer climate that would help suppress the symptoms of Michelle’s arthritis, and the chance at a new job with a local non-profit. With the verbal commitment from her potential new organization to commence work upon her arrival, the move was set for June 2007. Michelle and her family arrived the day before her final interview. But within the first few minutes of her interview, she sensed that something was not right. She was asked to fill out paperwork that she had already completed, and the receptionist was frantically shuffling papers. Then she sent Michelle to the lab for a urinalysis. While driving, Michelle received a call to come back to the office immediately. With the chance to finally put names to the faces of the people who had repeatedly interviewed her over the phone, she was told that there had been a mistake. Instead of a job offer, she was told that after careful consideration of her felonious background they could not hire her. Michelle was immediately escorted off campus. In a matter of moments, the family’s well thought-out plan was crumbling around them. Michelle’s poor decisions, made more than 20 years ago, had caught up with her at a moment when she least expected it. She was now jobless, thousands of miles from home and scared. Within a few short weeks, their hard earned savings quickly disappeared. Gripping fears of being homeless were looming over the family. Michelle and her husband, Albie, sat up at night weighing their options. Both Michelle and Albie had worked for social service industries back in New York, so she couldn’t believe it when Albie suggested they find the local Salvation Army, and was even more bewildered once she realized he was right. Becoming a recipient of a charitable organization was now their only option. Thankfully, with a bit of research they found a Salvation Army social service office close to the hotel where they were staying. Upon arrival, the receptionist introduced the family to John Landrum with Project HOPE: Homeless Outreach to Place and Empower. The Salvation Army’s Project HOPE program provides mobile outreach to homeless families and individuals. With a staff of five, the program utilizes the streets and parks to reach out to the homeless in an attempt to encourage them to come in for case management. Michelle told John their story and expressed her fear that they only had their hotel room for one more night. John left to make a few phone calls to see how he could help out the family. As they waited, they were given a Denny’s gift card and a gas card. They could only hope that The Salvation Army would be able to assist them with feeding their child and help provide shelter in the sweltering heat. John told them that he was going to take them back to meet with a case worker at The Salvation Army’s Kaiser Family Homeless Shelter. Michelle and her husband looked at each other, both wondering how they had gone from having a home, friend network and good paying jobs to potentially moving into a homeless shelter.
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“THE SALVATION ARMY GAVE ME AND MY FAMILY AN
DEDICATED VOLUNTEER
AMAZING OPPORTUNITY TO STABILIZE OUR LIVES.”
ARLENE DOWNING by Melissa Axman
(from left) Michelle and Soja; Michelle enjoys a good laugh; Albie and Soja
Michelle, Albie and Soja were welcomed by the shelter front desk staff. Although the staff was friendly and things seemed to be going in the right direction, Michelle could not shake the feeling that rejection was soon to come. After filling out the proper intake information, they met with their case worker, Roseann. “She listened to our story with an open mind. She maintained an air of professionalism, empathy, and compassion,” says Michelle. And after Roseann qualified the family for the program, she explained to Michelle that their stay would be a “partnership” between her family and the staff at the shelter. Over the next few hours, Michelle and her family were given a tour of the facility and had the program requirements explained to them. Families are required to gain employment within the first two weeks of the shelter, 60 percent of all income earned during their stay must be saved, and families have to be in the shelter by curfew. Roseann also showed them the amenities of the shelter such as the computer lab, clothing closet, snack room and available toiletries. Over the next three months the family was provided with three meals a day, shelter, family counseling and case management. The goal of the program is to empower families, and help them develop the knowledge, skills and resources to maintain a stable lifestyle once they exit the program. “The Salvation Army gave me and my family an amazing opportunity to stabilize our lives,” Michelle says. “We attended all counseling sessions, made sure our chores were done and followed the plan our case worker outlined for us. We wanted to utilize the gift we had been given.” As a family shelter, the program focuses on providing services for the entire family. Their son, Soja, participated in the shelter’s activity program while his parents were at work. The activities department focuses on offering fun and structured activities for children. “These children are experiencing a traumatic time in their lives and the center wants to make their time at the shelter a positive one,” says Roseann. When it was time for Soja to enroll in school, he went back with children at the shelter and was comforted by the knowledge that they were going through the same situation. “When Soja thinks about our stay at the shelter, he is not flooded with negative thoughts; instead, he thinks of the supportive staff and the friendships he made,” says Michelle. Michelle and her family resided in the shelter for 90 days. During their stay, both she and her husband found jobs in the social service industry. Albie was able to go back to New York to tie up loose ends and complete their move to Phoenix. Upon graduation from the program, the family saved enough money to move into a comfortable apartment in Glendale. The Kaiser Family Shelter provided them with the tools and resources to get back on the path for a better future in Phoenix. Michelle now serves on the Kaiser Family Center’s board of successful graduates. She works with staff, Salvation Army Advisory Board members and fellow graduates to improve the program and share their success stories with the community. When asked what advice she would pass on to clients regarding the shelter, she answers, “Stay! If you are ready for change, The Kaiser Family Shelter will get your life back in order.” For more information about The Kaiser Family Shelter, call 602.267.4130.
www.azbedmart.com
In the hearts of children across the Valley, there lies a holiday wish for that special toy, a puppy, and perhaps some Hot Wheels cars. However, for thousands of children, their wishes for presents and the perfect holiday meal are not heard by Santa—they are heard by Arlene Downing. Downing has spent the last 19 years passing along the silent wishes of more than 76,000 angels. As the Christmas Angel Tag Coordinator, she oversees the tag writing process by reviewing, writing and perfecting each angel tag. “Christmas has always been a good time in my life,” says Downing. “I want to do my part to make this program special for the donors and the children. Writing on the tags instead of printing on them gives it that extra special touch.” Downing began to write tags on Oct. 12 and will finish her project the day before Thanksgiving. In 45 days, Downing does her part in making the wishes of more than 46,000 angels come true.
The Salvation Army’s
Angel Tree Program provides new clothing and/or toys for children. A sponsoring company or corporation places a Christmas tree in a secure, high-pedestrian traffic area or lobby. The tree is decorated with numbered paper angel tags with the first name, age and gender of a child who will receive the gift. Contributors remove one or more tags from the tree and purchase appropriate gifts for the child or children described on the tags. The toys are then delivered to the unit and later picked up by the parent to distribute to the child/children on Christmas Day. Learn more at: www.salvationarmycares.org
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HANDS OF A
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(left) Majs. Duke and Pam Markham and Christina Arnold promoting the Christmas Angel Program
ELIM HOUSE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
SHELTER CHRISTMAS
ANGEL PROGRAM
Meeting the Needs of Arizona’s Littlest Community Members by Blanca Esparza
During the holiday season, Salvation Army units across the nation host Christmas Angel Toy drives. Here in Phoenix, in partnership with 3TV, The Salvation Army hosts one of the largest drives in the nation. Throughout the Valley, the community donates approximately 150,000 toys each year. The Arizona’s Family Christmas Angel program was pioneered in 1986 as a partnership between The Salvation Army and the local television station 3TV. The program began in what is now known as Christown Spectrum Mall in Phoenix. The pilot year was extremely successful, assisting 3,200 children. Now, more than 20 years later, the program has expanded to 10 malls in the Valley, and one in Prescott, and serves more than 46,500 underprivileged children each holiday season. Since 1986, the community has generously donated more than one million toys for approximately 500,000 underprivileged children, bringing the Christmas spirit into their homes. In late September, The Salvation Army begins Christmas Angel registration. Children are signed up as Angels through their school or during an open registration that takes place at Salvation Army units throughout the Valley. The program services infants to children up to 12 years old. As part of the program, each angel receives two toys, and their family gets a food box or food voucher. In 2008, as a result of the generosity of our community, 45,556 children from 10,753 families were able to participate in holiday traditions such as receiving gifts and having a special holiday meal. Christmas Angel Trees can be found at various Westcor shopping centers and the Arizona Mills Mall. Donors can participate in the program by choosing a tag from one of the trees and returning the gift to the Christmas Angel booth during mall hours. The 2009 Christmas Angel Program will run from Friday, Nov. 20 through Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2009. During that time, 3TV will promote the Christmas Angel program in all of their news programs going live from Christmas Angel locations throughout the Valley. Each holiday season, 3TV donates more than $1 million worth of in-kind promotion to support the program. The Christmas Angel program survives on the vital support of the community. More than 5,000 volunteers are needed to run the program. Volunteer opportunities include manning the Christmas Angel booths, writing Angel tags, and sorting and distributing toys. Last year, more than 5,000 volunteers donated roughly 20,100 hours to the program. For more information on volunteering for the Christmas Angel Program, contact Danielle Moore at 602.267.4289 or Danille.Moore@usw.salvationarmy.org. Volunteers can register for volunteer opportunities at htttp://phoenixsa.volunteerfirst.org. If not for this program, many Arizona children would wake up on Christmas morning with little or nothing under the tree. As families struggle with the effects of a down economy, the Christmas Angel program will need to serve more members of Arizona’s family. The Salvation Army and 3TV will look to the community to continue their generous spirit of giving to ensure that this holiday season is merry and bright for the littlest members of Arizona’s Family. For more information about the Christmas Angel Program, visit The Salvation Army’s website at www.salvationarmycares.org or www.azfamily.com/community. 62
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Empowering Women’s Lives by Jessye Johnson Domestic Violence is a real and common problem facing our community, and The Salvation Army hears the voices of hundreds of women who are victims. The Elim House Domestic Violence Shelter provides a safe haven for these women and their children. The Elim House program houses women from approximately 30 to 120 days. In addition to shelter and meals, women and children residing at Elim House have access to transportation assistance, parenting and empowerment classes, group and individual counseling, legal advocacy, and education and recreational activities. Children are provided with a variety of age appropriate activities. In offering these opportunities to the survivors of domestic violence, both women and children have the chance to construct full, successful, non-violent lives. The Elim House outlines a series of interventions that are designed to provide domestic violence survivors with the information and planning resources they need to stay safe during their time in the shelter and, more importantly, after leaving the shelter. The initial 72 hours for a woman and her children are crucial to their safety as well as the Elim House staff’s ability to effectively work with her. The women who stay the full program length at Elim House are more likely to stay away from their abusers and exercise healthier choices for themselves and their children. Elim House focuses on providing a holistic, therapeutic environment where survivors of domestic violence can begin to heal, recognize broader choices and life options, and maintain a non-violent way of life. The program recognizes that healing best occurs within an environment that empowers women and thus, their children. In line with this philosophy, the program celebrates every individual’s strengths, and her needs are examined within a context of choice-making and personal responsibility. For more information on the program, contact Elim House at 602.267.4111 or toll free at 888.267.0197.
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(from left) Christmas Dinner Volunteers; Phoenix Fire Fighter’s Bell Ringing Event; Enjoying Thanksgiving Dinner
SERVICES PROVIDED Homeless Programs: Kaiser Family Homeless Shelter provides temporary housing for up to 120 days for homeless families. Families Served: 420 Case Management Sessions: 3,341 Bed Nights provided: 36,159 Meals Served: 49,228 Project HOPE (Homeless Outreach to Place and Empower) provides mobile outreach for the area’s homeless to offer case management, food, water and clothing. Clients Served: 9,401 Permanent Job Placement: 96 Provided Individual Lodging: 442 Clients Transported: 724 Senior Services: At the Laura Danieli Senior Center, services and programs such as congregate meals, home delivered meals, transportation services for shopping and medical appointments and social/recreational activities are available. Congregate Meals Served: 12,776 Homebound Meals Delivered: 29,996 Special Events Hosted: 222 Seniors Attending Events: 1,178
REVENUES
BY THE SALVATION ARMY Public Contributions Associated Organization Revenue Government Grants and Fees Valley of the Sun United Way Trusts and Endowments Program Service Fees Other Income Rehabilitative Services Senior Housing
$3,330,603 $3,079,094 $987,409 $643,767 $799,597 $380,889 $23,445 $6,901,977 $1,311,612
Total Income
$17,458,394
Expenses Corps Programs Residential Services Social Services Administration Fund Raising Rehabilitative Services Senior Housing
$2,668,345 $2,436,644 $4,032,496 $342,552 $340,445 $6,901,977 $1,333,721
Total Expenses
$18,056,180
Current Surplus (Deficit) Prior Surplus (Deficit) Accumulated Surplus (Deficit)
($597,786) $1,112,996 $515,210
Emergency Assistance: The Salvation Army Phoenix Social Service office offers services for families and individuals combating financial crisis. Clients Served: 2,000 Food Boxes Distributed: 843 Utilities Bills Paid: 641 Community Referrals Provided: 23,140 Domestic Violence Shelter: Elim House is a 120 day program that provides aid and counsel to domestic violence survivors and their children. Cases managed: 229 Women and children assisted: 748 Meals served: 9,756 Bed nights provided: 12,578
Celebrating the Holidays Holiday dinners are provided on both Thanksgiving and Christmas, to homeless and less fortunate members of our community. Holiday Dinners: Meals served: 6,210; Meals delivered: 3,069 Number of volunteers: 3,000 For more information on these programs, contact The Salvation Army at 602.267.4100, or visit www.salvationarmycares.org.
American Express is proud of its continued partnership with The Salvation Army. Through ongoing volunteer activities, the Pack to School and Holiday drives, sponsorships and philanthropic giving, we strive to help The Salvation Army make our community a great place to live and work. A sincere thanks goes to The Salvation Army for their dedication to serving those in need.
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The Junior League of Phoenix Celebrating 75 Years of Community Impact by Cathy Planchard
More than a century ago, the Junior League was formed by a 19-year-old New York City debutante who was inspired to action by the suffering she saw around her. Mobilizing a group of 80 other young women—hence the name “Junior” League—she put the power of trained volunteers to work, improving the squalid conditions in which immigrants in the area were living. In 1935, when the Junior League of Phoenix (JLP) officially began, the need for trained, energetic volunteers was no less important. At the time, the U.S. was in the middle of the Great Depression and Adolf Hitler had rejected the Versailles Treaty. But in the midst of this turmoil, Hazel Pentecost Armstrong was directing the Phoenix League to begin a Children’s Theater project and radio performance for underprivileged children— a project that persisted for 30 years. “This year marks our 75th anniversary of service,” says current JLP President Marion Rhoades. “Yet, we remain true to our original vision of being a catalyst for change through trained volunteers. Sometimes you’ll find us out front, leading the charge and advocating for change, while there are numerous other times when we’re behind the scenes, mobilizing volunteers, fundraising and steering projects.” Take, for example the Orpheum Theatre in Downtown Phoenix. After the city purchased the theatre, the JLP helped to have it designated as a historic site, and mounted a successful campaign to pass a bond issue providing $7 million for
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As the first major supporter, JLP has provided volunteers and funding since 2001 for the Children’s Museum of Phoenix and will focus on providing early childhood education programming in The Junior League of Phoenix Classroom
Ryan Cotter, the inspiration behind Ryan House
JLP members with Ryan Cotter, the inspiration behind the area’s first freestanding palliative care center.
Two JLP members began a feasibility study for Ronald McDonald House of Phoenix, and helped bring the project to fruition four years later.
JLP members who lost their friend to breast cancer brought the annual Race for the Cure to the Valley.
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restoration. The JLP also organized and incorporated the Orpheum Theatre Foundation to raise the additional $4 million in private sector funds necessary to complete the project. Similarly, in 1965, when the beauty of Camelback Mountain was threatened, the JLP donated money and advocated for the Save Camelback Mountain Foundation. Today, the Orpheum Theater and Camelback Mountain stand as Phoenix landmarks.
MEDICAL INVOLVEMENT The JLP’s influence can also be seen in major health initiatives in the community. When three JLP members lost a close friend to breast cancer, they sprung into action. Partnering with Banner Good Samaritan Hospital, the JLP brought the Race for the Cure to the Valley. The inaugural race in 1993 drew 1,500 participants and raised $65,000. In contrast, last year’s race raised a record $2 million and drew thousands of survivors and supporters to raise funds and honor those who have lost their battle with
breast cancer. Since then, league members have served on the organization's board of directors as race chairs, and as its executive director. For Kathy Anderson, her experience with the JLP began when her three year old daughter, Emily, was diagnosed with one of the rarest forms of adult leukemia. Feeling helpless, she quickly found that any information about the disease was either out of date or written in a medical journal. The JLP became aware of the need for a family resource center through Emily’s aunt, JoEllen Feltham. League members quickly mobilized, helping to develop the center’s budget, volunteer program, marketing plan, and fundraising, resulting in the opening of the Emily Center within Phoenix Children’s Hospital in 1990. Since that time, the Emily Center has helped more than 300,000 families and provided access to thousands of books, videos, medical articles and resources, including the region’s largest Spanish collection. Assisting families with seriously ill children has been an area in which the JLP has been
consistently involved since its inception. After conducting a feasibility study in 1980, two JLP members recognized a need for a local Ronald McDonald House and helped bring it to fruition four years later. Serving as a founding community partner of the Ryan House, the JLP has contributed over $150,000 and countless volunteer hours to this palliative care house that will provide support for families of children with life-limiting conditions. Other JLP health initiatives include the Cystic Fibrosis Treatment Center at Good Samaritan Hospital, and the Cerebral Palsy Treatment Center and Dental Care Unit at St. Joe’s hospital.
CHANGING TIMES, UNWAVERING VALUES With nearly half of all Arizona children entering kindergarten lacking the essential skills to succeed, the JLP has focused its current efforts on early childhood development. Research indicates that children that participate in early childhood programs are more likely to
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complete school and less likely to require welfare benefits, become teen parents or partake in criminal activities. JLP is already working to address these needs with two programs that increase use of curriculum programming for literacy, as well as three programs that increase parental involvement, improve at-home reading and raise community awareness. “Times have changed and so have the demographics of our membership, but the women of The Junior League of Phoenix still embrace the same values as that group of women in 1935,” says Rhoades. “We are a diverse group bound together by a love of our community and the desire to make a difference through voluntarism and dedication.” pW Cathy Planchard is in her 10th year of membership in The Junior League of Phoenix and is currently their Vice President of Communications. She has also served on the Children’s Museum of Phoenix and Women Living Free committees. INFOLINK:
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The Emily Center has helped more than 300,000 families and provided access to thousands of books, videos, medical articles, and resources.
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EVENTS OF NOTE BEST BUDDIES GOES HOLLYWOOD It was an amazing night and turnout for the Best Buddies Charity dinner Sept. 25. This year’s Hollywood themed event was held at a private, undisclosed Valley residence and hosted the likes of 3TV’s Tara Hitchcock, comedian Frank Caliendo, and Arizona Cardinals Kurt Warner, Matt Leinart and Neil Rackers. The fundraising dinner raised more than $330,000 for the non-profit dedicated to assisting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
(top right) Partygoers dressed up as their favorite celebrities and enjoyed a night in the spotlight at the Best Buddies Sixth Annual Spirit of Friendship Celebration. Courtesy: Flash Gordon Murray. (lower left) Comedian Frank Caliendo takes the stage with emcee and 3TV host Tara Hitchcock, who dressed as Veronica Corningstone from the movie “Anchorman.” (lower right) Cardinals quarterback Matt Leinart, dressed as Fred Flintstone, poses with Gov. Jan Brewer. Courtesy: Flash Gordon Murray.
BRIDGING THE GAP The Bridging the Gap Foundation’s fundraising event for breast cancer awareness was held at the Montelucia Resort & Spa Sept. 13, amid a crowd of several hundred supporters. The organization educates, empowers and assists women with their rights, choices and options before, during and after breast cancer. (left) Rachell Hall, founder of Bridging the Gap, celebrates the night and the organization’s efforts with a few close friends. (right) For the grand finale, pink balloons were released at the event to honor breast cancer survivors.
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PINK AND PROUD A sea of pink could be seen for miles as participants in the 2009 Susan G. Komen Phoenix Race for the Cure walked and ran in the name of breast cancer awareness. The 17th annual race, held on Oct. 11, was an incredible success with more than 31,000 participants and $2,008,000 raised at last count. 75 percent of the funds stay in Arizona for education, screening and treatment programs. The remainder goes toward national research. Survivors, friends, family members and supporters of all ages came together at the 17th annual Komen Phoenix Race for the Cure.
NEW DIGS FOR KEYS CENTER Childhelp Keys Community Center celebrated a grand reopening of its newly renovated center Sept. 26, thanks to the Arizona North Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID). The ASID team—Tricia McCourt, Sharlie McRaney, Melinda Foote, Marissa Langlie and Denise Kosan—answered the call for help when they heard the center located at 24th street and Broadway would have to shelf its plans to enhance security, upgrading the preschool and reception areas instead. The team took over the project, obtained more than $150,000 in donations, and completed the remodel and redesign within two months. The ASID Community Service Committee poses together during the big reveal of the newly renovated Keys Community Center.
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100 CLUB HEROES Nearly two dozen Valley students were awarded with scholarships Sept. 19 during the Jason Schechterle Scholarship Ball, sponsored by the 100 Club of Arizona, at the Arizona Grand Resort. Attendance at this year’s fundraising dinner nearly doubled from last year. The 100 Club of Arizona honors public safety officers and firefighters while providing support and financial assistance to families of fallen, injured or retired Arizona public servants. Sharon Knutson-Felix of the 100 Club poses with scholarship recipient Rachael Whitney and Jason Schechterle.
WELCOME, MIELE The Scottsdale Airpark welcomed a new resident this fall. The grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Miele showroom took place Sept. 17 at its Greenway Road location. The showroom is not a retail venue, but a training and consultation center that is open to both trade professionals and consumers. Clients can experience the full range of Miele appliances, including dishwashers, vacuum cleaners, and laundry and cooking products. There will also be demonstrations and events held there throughout the year. Miele’s newest showroom, one of nine across the country, opens its doors at the Scottsdale Airpark.
‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’ COMES TO PHOENIX Production of “A Christmas Carol” begins Dec. 12 and runs through Dec. 24 at the Herberger Theater Center in downtown Phoenix. Dickens’ classic story of hope and redemption, retold in grand fashion through Actors Theatre, is sure to warm your heart. For ticket information, visit www.achristmascarolphoenix.com or contact the Herberger Box Office at 602.252.8497. (left) The Cratchit family takes center stage at the Herberger Theater Center. (right) Kim Bennett returns for his 10th season as Ebenezer Scrooge, and Casey Likes plays Tiny Tim.
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YOU GO, GIRLS!!! Congratulations to the Phoenix Mercury for winning the 2009 WNBA Championship! A celebration rally for the big win was held Oct. 12 at the U.S. Airways Center where the trophy and banner were unveiled to fans and Mercury supporters. The Mercury became the 2009 WNBA Champions when they defeated the Indiana Fever, 94 to 86, in game five. (top) Phoenix Mercury, the 2009 WNBA Champions, pose with their new trophy on Oct. 9 after beating the Indiana Fever. Courtesy: Barry Gossage/NBAE/Getty Images. (left) Phoenix Mercury Head Coach, Corey Gaines, celebrates on Oct. 9 after the Phoenix Mercury win the 2009 WNBA Championship. Courtesy: Barry Gossage/NBAE/Getty Images. (right) Mercury player Temeka “Meek” Johnson celebrates with her team and television news crews behind the scenes. Courtesy: Barry Gossage/NBAE/Getty Images. (bottom left) The Phoenix Mercury team waits in anticipation as their new championship banner is revealed. Courtesy: Barry Gossage/NBAE/Getty Images (bottom right) The winning banner was unveiled Oct. 12 at the U.S. Airways Center in front of a cheering crowd. Courtesy: Barry Gossage/NBAE/Getty Images.
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A Breath of Fresh Air HBOT Improves Health and Beauty by Carl R. Sonder, M.D.
Two of the most crucial attributes in America today are strength and beauty. Athletes strive for strength as they compete in sports; women and men strive to retain their youthful beauty as they age. Now, a health treatment as old as air is helping people achieve both. Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber Therapy (HBOT) has been successful in treating a number of conditions for both men and women, and may help to reverse the physical and mental effects of aging and environmental pollution. It has also been known to increase overall energy, cognitive abilities and wellness by fighting harmful free radicals and toxins. In addition, HBOT may help increase metabolism, and give skin and hair a healthier glow.
ON THE FIELD One might say that Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber Therapy is what lost the Super Bowl for our beloved Cardinals last January. During the championship playoff game against the Ravens, Hines Ward, one of the Steelers’ leading wide receivers, severely sprained his right medial collateral ligament. But Ward’s determination to play in Super Bowl XLIII despite his injury led him to undergo special treatments, including spending an hour a day in a hyperbaric chamber. He even purchased his own hyperbaric chamber and had it delivered to the hotel in Tampa. The treatments proved effective; Ward not only played that day, he helped his team defeat the Arizona Cardinals 27 – 23.
THE BEAUTY SECRET Celebrities striving to look and feel their best are now using oxygen as a beauty treatment. While it may seem fairly basic, Hollywood has discovered that this natural remedy is highly effective. The benefits from an oxygen facial system include deep cleansing and revitalizing, stimulation of blood circulation, and toxin removal. It also strengthens elastin fibres and increases collagen production. Collagen, when bound together with elastin, is responsible for making skin elastic and firm. Fighting to lose those last few pounds? Oxygen just might do the trick. Pure oxygen increases metabolism and is a key ingredient in the energy conversion process. It helps turn fats, carbs and proteins into heat, ultimately increasing stamina.
CLEARING THE AIR For some, the first mention of celebrities and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy brings to mind stories of Michael Jackson and what appeared to be extreme methods for combating his many health issues. What many people don’t realize is that HBOT dates back to as early as the 14th
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FYI
Why try Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber Therapy? • No side effects • Results evident as soon as 24 hours • No hospitalization • No drugs
century and is actually an FDA-approved medical treatment for as many as 15 medical conditions such as carbon monoxide poisoning, smoke inhalation, crush injury, decompression sickness, diabetic wounds, anemia, burns and skin grafts. HBOT is also commonly used off-label to treat conditions such as chronic fatigue, traumatic brain injury (TBI), stroke, and ALS. The healing power of pure oxygen as a drug, properly administered by a certified physician or a technician under a doctor’s supervision, has a tremendous ability to heal individuals battling a number of health issues or seeking preventative care. When we breathe normally, we typically take in only about 20 percent oxygen and 80 percent nitrogen. When a person receives Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber Therapy, the treatment delivers 100 percent oxygen in a high pressure atmosphere, which causes a compression that drives oxygenated blood throughout the body. Flooding the body with oxygen in this way mobilizes the natural healing of tissues. It is also a potent anti-inflammatory that stimulates the development of new blood vessels, kills bacteria and reduces swelling.
TREATMENT PROGRAMS Patients must be evaluated by a physician before a treatment program can be determined based on their individual needs. HBOT
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treatment in preparation for surgery may include two 90-minute treatment sessions prior to surgery, with the patient returning the week after surgery for two additional treatments. HBOT used on patients undergoing surgery helps to reduce bleeding or post surgery bruising, and facilitates incision healing. This is especially beneficial for those undergoing cosmetic surgery. A stroke patient may be prescribed a more aggressive program to heal damaged capillary walls and stimulate dormant cells in the brain to reverse loss of motor skills and cognitive ability. For example, one patient who had not regained the ability to talk or walk a year after stroke rehabilitation therapy was given 20 treatments in a four-week period. After the first few weeks, her speech became clearer and her mobility began to improve.
KNOW YOUR SOURCE When seeking information or treatment, make sure to do your homework. Know what the practitioner is providing and who you are receiving treatment from. Many facilities claim they offer hyperbaric oxygen therapy, when their equipment is simply pup tent style and offers nothing more than a high dosage of oxygen without the benefits of a true pressurized environment. There are two types of hyperbaric chambers, monoplace and multiplace. A medical grade monoplace chamber serves a single person 100 percent oxygen in a pressurized environment, while a multiplace chamber serves several people with oxygen using masks or hoods. For optimal results, a medical grade monoplace chamber is recommended. You will also want to ask if the physician providing treatment is certified in hyperbaric
oxygen therapy. Be cautious with practitioners who over promise. While HBOT has proven extremely effective in helping the body to function better and to heal through the administering of oxygen to the cellular tissue level, it is not a cure-all. pW Dr. Carl R. Sonder is the Medical Director for Adam and Eve Medical Aesthetics in Scottsdale and Regency Medical Aesthetics in Phoenix. Dr. Sonder is board certified in Psychiatry, Neurology and is trained and certified in Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber Therapy.
INFOLINKS: www.adamandevemedspa.com www.hbot.com
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Team Kili Blind Hikers Beat the Odds and Break World Records by Kaitlin Crossman
“We started off in a rainforest and ended up at a glacier,” says Valley resident Cindy Wilhelmi, recounting her experience on Mount Kilimanjaro. Legally blind, at the mercy of the raw elements and dependent solely on her sighted-guide, this 48-year-old took on a challenge of a lifetime—to scale one of the largest volcanoes in the world, proving to herself and others that she could accomplish a feat even the sighted would fear. But, why would she do it? What would motivate her and keep her from quitting or giving up? Wilhelmi says the answer for her was crystal clear. She wanted to help bring awareness to the plight of the visually impaired, help raise money for a new program on the verge of being cancelled and remind herself of the great things she could accomplish with or without her vision. “I don’t know if I ever felt like I wanted to quit, but I know there were times where I felt like I couldn’t breathe and wondered if my body was giving up or if I needed to stop,” she says. Wilhelmi became legally blind at the age of
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23. She has a narrow range of sight, only able to see a short distance from the tip of her nose. But that hasn’t deterred her from accomplishing her goals—she has a nursing degree, is the proud mother of three girls, is blissfully married and has now become only the second blind woman in the world to ever hike Mount Kilimanjaro and make it over 19,340 feet to the top. “I knew the hike was really pretty,” says Wilhelmi. “I couldn’t see details, but I could tell if we were going through clouds and at one point we were above the clouds—it was beautiful.” The hike was intense for her and
the group she was with. But, they were determined not to quit—their motivation to succeed was fierce and their inner strength held the team together. The team was formed in 2008 and consisted of eight blind hikers and 17 volunteer sighted guides, all affiliated with the Foundation for Blind Children (FBC), the only Valley agency of its kind offering resources and services to family, children and adults with blindness or low vision. Wilhelmi felt as though her life was coming full circle; she had used the resources of the FBC over 20 years ago as she learned to navigate her world visually impaired. She remembers how the FBC helped her “get past the grieving process” and back to a place where she felt good about herself. Now, it was her turn to work with them once again, but this time, to give back. In November 2008 Wilhelmi attended a presentation given by Kevin Cherilla, an FBC board member and avid hiker. He had successfully guided the first blind man in history to the summit of the world’s highest mountain,
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Mount Everest, in 2001. Wilhelmi was moved, inspired and intrigued. At the end of Cherilla’s speech, she had to meet him. It was then that Cherilla informed her of the FBC’s plans to form a team and hike Mount Kilimanjaro, raising awareness for the blind community along with much needed cash for the organization’s infant program, which was about to be cut for lack of funding. Her response was tentative and apprehensive at first. “I didn’t know how to answer him,” she says. “I thought, ‘Of course not! I’ve never thought about climbing a mountain.’ But when he asked me, it was a wow moment. And I didn’t say no, because I knew I really wanted to do it.” The others felt much the same way. But, on June 29, 2009 the largest ever group of blind climbers ascended Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Africa. The group became known as Team Kili and included Cindy Wilhelmi, Max Ashton, Mike Armstrong, Soon Flynn, Tom Hicks, A.J. Hovet, Adam Messler and Tanner Robinson, along with the 17 volunteer guides, Cherilla, and one assistant. Soon after Wilhelmi joined Team Kili she began her training, which consisted of hiking, biking and a basic workout in the gym. The group also hiked together monthly in Phoenix, and sometimes Flagstaff. One hiking experience included climbing the seven highest peaks in the Phoenix area within two days—they called it the Seven Summit Challenge. The year long training was crucial for the team to gain confidence, establish trust and learn effective communication. Most of the sighted guides had little experience leading the blind, so developing a good system to work together was essential. A few of the hikers rang bells to signal their partners while other guides used trekking poles attached to their backpacks for their partner to hold onto. Wilhelmi recalls that her sighted guide, Pam
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Seltzer, would use her trekking pole to tap on rocks and slide her pole along the earth if there was rough terrain ahead. She would also watch the heels of Seltzer’s boots go up, down, over and around objects. This gave her enough of a cue to know how she needed to move and where to step. Seltzer also attached bright red protective gear to her boots, making it easier for Wilhelmi to focus on her feet. The group hiked for five to seven hours each day, joined together in pairs. They had to adjust to several different climates, from heat much like that of the Arizona desert, to intense cold, which many team members were unaccustomed to. They were also not used to the altitude
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difference, and many of them became ill. This went on for six days, but the Tanzanians tried to provide some comforts from home. A group of 74 Tanzanian porters took down, set up and moved the camp daily to make life on the mountain livable. In fact, the hikers were only responsible for their 10-15 pound day packs that consisted of water, rain gear, extra clothing, sunscreen and snacks. The porters handled camp materials for the group such as a cooking tent and three porta-potties. Wilhelmi recalls the last couple of days as being the hardest to get through because of the altitude and fatigue. But in those moments, she says, “It was a matter of putting one foot in front of the other and realizing everyone else was doing it and feeling the same way.” Max Ashton, the youngest blind Team Kili member and son of FBC’s CEO Marc Ashton, also remembers summit day being extremely difficult. “I was awakened at 1:15 that morning and I was tired. I was nauseous and I couldn’t concentrate,” says Ashton. “I was completely miserable but I kept going and going and going.” His motivation: “What would I have said to people if I didn’t make it to the top?” Determination is what kept the team as a whole trekking. “I had already been to the top
other times,” says Cherilla. “I know what it’s like when people make it to the summit and how it changes lives, so my motivation was to have them be successful.” Cherilla held onto this thought even when team members struggled with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. A flu bug had spread through almost the entire camp. But they trekked on. During rough times, which Cherilla had warned the team about, he simply tried to be encouraging. “I told the team that everyone would suffer to some degree, some more than others, [but] if everyone at difficult times could change their role and support other people then we would be successful,” he says. The team reached the top of Mount Kilimanjaro on the morning of June 29, in time to witness what they could of the sunrise. Wilhelmi remembers feeling euphoric and trying to soak up everything she could see, hear, feel and smell. One image that will forever stay in her mind was the sight of a crater to one side and a glacier to the other. She recalls being relieved that she had reached the top, but sad when, after celebrating for an hour, the team began their descent. As for Ashton, making it to the summit meant he had broken a world record as the youngest
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Life... ...can be hazardous to your health FYI
Team Kili’s Feats and Firsts: Valley resident, Cindy Wilhelmi, becomes the second blind woman in the world to summit Mount Kilimanjaro. Team Kili beats Mount Kilimanjaro’s 40 percent failure rate and becomes the largest blind team to hike with 100 percent of the team reaching the summit. Valley resident, Max Ashton, breaks a world record by becoming the youngest blind hiker to summit at the age of 13.
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blind climber to summit Mount Kilimanjaro at the age of 13. “It was a great feeling,” he says. “People keep asking when I’m going to be in the Guinness Book of World Records and it’s just great to know that I could be.” Cherilla says there is sometimes negativity toward people with disabilities, but he emphasizes that we all have our own disabilities that will either hold us back or propel us forward. “Some climbers had never slept in a tent before and some had never hiked, but they were willing to learn the recipe for success and that’s exactly what they did,” says Cherilla. This happy ending gets even better—Team Kili not only reached the summit beating Mount Kilimanjaro’s 40 percent failure rate, they also raised over $200,000 for the foundation’s infant program. “I’m so very humbled that I was part of this group,” Wilhelmi says as she tears up. “The people I went with are amazing and I gained so much from them.” pW
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Kaitlin Crossman is an editorial intern with LPI Multimedia, Inc. INFOLINKS: www.seeitourway.org, www.kcsummits.com
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The Girl in the Mirror Overcoming Self-Esteem Issues by Brittany Warren
If you’re the mother of a young girl, this story is for you. Did you know Phoenix is ranked one of the worst cities for negative teen behavior? Could your daughter be part of this unsettling trend? Teen girls are bombarded daily by media images that send the message, “You are not good enough.” In turn, many girls feel as if they don’t measure up against their peers and may find themselves struggling with low self-esteem. The Dove Self-Esteem Fund is currently working to combat this problem by conducting studies and spreading knowledge to promote confidence in young women. According to Dove’s assessment, girls with low self-esteem are three times more likely than girls with high self-esteem to engage in harmful and destructive behavior, including disordered eating, cutting, bullying, smoking, or drinking. And in their 2008 study, Real Girls, Real Pressure: A National Report on the State of Self-Esteem, Phoenix was ranked second among the top five locations with the highest percentage of teens engaging in negative behavior. However, parents may be able to help raise their teens’ self-esteem by keeping the lines of communication open. In fact, Dove has determined that Phoenix girls strongly desire better communication with their parents, which includes having open conversations and discussions about what is happening in their own lives. Through better communication, parents may have more control over how much the media influences their daughters’ way of thinking.
ASSESSING THE PROBLEM “Our media culture has accelerated so rapidly and expanded so broadly [that] the images of perfection, idealized beauty and unrealistic relationships put intense pressure on girls to feel like they must match these images and ideals,” says Jessica Weiner, self-esteem expert and global ambassador for the Dove SelfEsteem Fund.
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A group photo of the girls at the Miami Dove Workshop
It is this factor that contributes to some teen girls growing up faster than they did a number of years ago, and can lower their sense of self worth. And typically, the longer a teen’s self-esteem issues are ignored, the more serious the ramifications may be in all areas of her life. For this reason, Weiner has made it her mission to assess problems teen girls may be facing and offer advice to help parents better support their daughters.
TECHNOLOGY Parents should pay attention to their teen’s use of technology. Weiner points out that teens are relying on texting and instant messaging instead of talking to each other one on one, resulting in a loss of connectivity. This can cause certain girls with low self-esteem to push
FYI
Visit phoenixWoman.com to view Dove’s helpful Tip Sheet for parents!
their boundaries, especially in the 3-D world, in order to see who will pay attention to them. According to Dove, 78 percent of girls with low self-esteem admit that it is hard to feel good in school when they do not feel good about how they look. Therefore, they may use the barrier of a device to say things they wouldn’t dare admit in person. And if a teen is sending sexual or overly extroverted messages, it could be harmful to her reputation, creating the potential for her self-esteem to plummet even further.
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CONNECTING WOMEN
Friday, November 20, 2009 N “Spirit of Scottsdale” Friday, December 18, 2009 N “Holiday Luncheon” Friday, January 15, 2010 N “Luncheon” The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa N 6902 E. Greenway Parkway, Scottsdale
11:30 to Noon – Reception N Noon to 1:30 - Luncheon
At the Denver Dove Workshop, girls view an original photograph next to an altered one.
RELATIONSHIPS Every parent should know and recognize that low self-esteem is a vicious cycle. “If [a teen] has low self-esteem,” says Weiner, “she may be more likely to stay in [destructive] relationships or not even be aware that she deserves to be treated better.” By staying in a destructive relationship, a teen’s self-esteem won’t improve, and can sometimes worsen. That's why it’s important to not only watch out for this negative behavior, but also to teach teens how they should be treated in both their friendships and romantic relationships. “Most of all, parents have to encourage their teens to walk away from relationships of all kinds that are harmful the minute they see [a negative] pattern [being] repeated,” says Weiner. Parents should also be aware that many teen girls end up in the types of relationships that mimic those of adults in their lives, so it’s imperative that parents model what healthy relationships look like. Above all else, if parents believe their teen has fallen prey to low self-esteem, they should step in immediately. Teens must know that someone is on their side, and the more they trust and feel loved by their parents, the more they’ll open up. To help stimulate conversation, Weiner suggests that parents should try engaging in an activity with their teen—something enjoyable for everyone involved. Finding this common ground may help teens lower their guards and realize that their parents can actually be a great source for emotional support and advice. pW Brittany Warren is an editorial intern for Phoenix Woman. INFOLINK:
campaignforrealbeauty.com
Tuesday, December 1, 2009 “Holiday Luncheon” Tuesday, January 12, 2010 Luncheon SKYE Fine Dining N 16844 N. Arrowhead Fountain Ctr. Dr. Peoria
11:30 to Noon – Reception N Noon to 1:30 - Luncheon
Monday, November 16, 2009 N “Breakfast” Monday, December 14, 2009 N “Holiday Luncheon” The Ritz-Carlton, Phoenix N 2401 East Camelback Road
information & reservations www.womenofscottsdale.org www.westvalleywomen.org www.centralphoenixwomen.org
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pW / Self / HEALTH Photo courtesy of Cigna Medical Group
The Facts about H1N1 Staying Healthy During Flu Season by Andrea Houfek, M.D
H1N1 virus is a new strain that has never before been seen in humans. Natural immunities that protect families from other types of flu do not yet exist for H1N1. This may mean that large numbers of children will come home sick from school and infect other family members, that schools may close campuses and send all children home in response to an outbreak, or that many adults will be absent from workplaces where staffing may already be light. Simply put, it will be hard to avoid this virus without avoiding all human interaction.
PREVENTIVE MEASURES
The infamous H1N1 virus—also known as swine flu—has already had a severe impact on people throughout the world and was declared an official pandemic by the World Health Organization. Experts predict the virus will surge again throughout the fall and winter of 2009 and carry over into 2010. This year in particular, it’s important to protect ourselves and those around us from the flu.
There are, however, simple things everyone can do to guard themselves. The most effective method is receiving a yearly “seasonal flu” shot, and the H1N1 vaccine. Because the flu season typically spikes in Arizona from December through February, it is important to receive vaccinations as soon as possible. Everyone should consider receiving the vaccines, especially: • Pregnant women who have naturally suppressed immune systems • Those caring for infants under 6 months of age who are too young to be vaccinated • Anyone between 6 months and 24 years old • Healthcare and emergency workers with direct patient contact • Adults with chronic health problems (such as heart disease, diabetes or asthma) who are at risk of further flu complications The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that these groups receive the H1N1 shot before others.
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Cold and Flu Prevention Tips from Scottsdale Healthcare by Keith Jones
SAFETY OF VACCINES For those who are concerned about the safety of vaccines and immunizations, it’s important to note that the flu vaccine cannot make you sick. The shots contain a killed virus rather than a live virus, whereas some flu nasal mists, for example, contain a live virus that has been treated, or attenuated, to make the virus much less potent. This is why it has been safe for pregnant women, in particular, to receive flu shots. Pregnant women, however, should never use a flu nasal mist or other ingestible form of vaccine that contains a live virus. Read the vaccine information sheet and discuss all allergies first with your flu shot provider. It’s also important to note that immunizations are not always 100 percent effective for everyone. This is why health care professionals hope for something known as “herd immunity.” If 80 percent of a population receives a vaccine, their immunity will disrupt the spread of disease and protect those who are not inoculated as well as those in whom the vaccine didn’t take. In other words, they would safeguard individuals who can’t be protected by a shot. This is also a particularly important way to protect infants too young to receive the vaccine.
KEEPING IT AT BAY Women are especially likely to care for other family members when they come home ill. To minimize the spread of a flu virus within the home: • Keep sick family members separate from common areas of the house. They also should use a separate bathroom. • Only one adult should care for the sick person. Pregnant women should not. • Use paper towels to dry hands. • Circulate fresh air when possible in kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms and other shared areas. • Use household cleaners with both detergent and disinfectant to clean microwaves, faucets, doorknobs, remote controls, etc. • Do not shake sheets or linens when removing them from the sick person’s room. Wash your hands after handling soiled laundry. According to the CDC, 200,000 Americans on average are hospitalized and 36,000 Americans die from the seasonal flu each year. This year we will likely see even higher numbers, so consider a flu shot for everyone in your family. Seasonal flu vaccines and H1N1 vaccines are (or will soon be) widely available. A comprehensive list of places to receive them in Arizona can be found online at Community Information & Referral (www.CIR.org). Reliable, accurate, and timely information is also available at www.flu.gov or through the CDC at 800.CDC.INFO (800.232.4636). pW
After a long, hot summer we’re now enjoying cooler weather. But cooler weather brings with it the annual cold and flu season. With seasonal flu and H1N1 looming, and colds just waiting to be caught, now is the time to guard against catching and spreading germs. A few simple steps can go a long way in protecting yourself, your family and others from illness. Get Your Seasonal Flu Shot Jack Applefeld, M.D., medical director of critical care at Scottsdale Healthcare, encourages adults and children to get their seasonal flu shot. “We want to reduce the number of seasonal flu cases and protect as many people as possible,” Applefeld says. “Everyone needs to stay tuned for information on the H1N1 vaccine and follow guidance from county and state health agencies.” Practice Hand Hygiene “Frequent hand washing is one of the most important ways to prevent catching or spreading germs,” says Patty Gray, a registered nurse and infection prevention specialist at Scottsdale Healthcare who serves on the state’s Infection Prevention Advisory Committee. Gray stresses that hands should always be washed after covering a cough or sneeze, or blowing your nose. Make sure you and other family members scrub with soap for at least 15 seconds when washing hands. Alcohol-based hand gels may also be used. Hands should be rubbed together until the gel dries. Observe Respiratory Etiquette Flu viruses are primarily spread through the coughing or sneezing of an infected person. That’s why it’s important to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. “Try to cough or sneeze into a tissue if possible, or cough into your sleeve,” says Gray. Avoid Close Contact Avoid contact with others who are sick, and keep away from others if you are sick. Like it or not, that means you or family members should stay home from work, school or other activities—especially visiting hospitals—if you are ill. “This will help protect others from getting sick, as well as help you recover,” Gray adds. Hands off the Face Droplets from a cough or sneeze of someone with a cold or the flu can move through the air and contaminate surfaces. If you touch something contaminated with germs, then touch your eyes, nose or mouth before washing your hands, the germs may spread. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle Gray recommends making sure you and your family eat healthy, stay hydrated and get plenty of sleep to keep your immune systems strong. Don’t forget to exercise and manage stress. Plan for the Unexpected Make sure you have enough vacation time accumulated in case you become ill or have to stay home to care for sick family members. Establish backup childcare plans in case of provider illness or facility closings. For updated information on seasonal and H1N1 flu, visit the Maricopa County Department of Public Health at www.wearepublichealth.org or the Arizona Department of Health Services at www.azdhs.gov. Scottsdale Healthcare also provides flu information on its website, www.shc.org. Current ER wait times are updated every three minutes at www.fastERtimes.org.
Andrea Houfek, M.D., is the medical director for urgent care and pediatrics at Cigna Medical Group. She is a Fellow with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and a member of the steering committee for The Arizona Partnership for Immunizations (TAPI).
Keith Jones is director of public relations for Scottsdale Healthcare, the locally-based not for profit parent of Scottsdale Healthcare Osborn Medical Center, Scottsdale Healthcare Shea Medical Center, Scottsdale Healthcare Thompson Peak Hospital and the Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center at Scottsdale Healthcare.
INFOLINKS: www.cignamedicalgroup.com, www.caretoday.com
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Time flies by, and oftentimes we barely spare a moment to take proper care of ourselves. Yet, if we don’t stay healthy, we can’t accomplish all of our tasks, much less enjoy the feeling of success that comes once a completed project is behind us. We are told that the way to health and happiness is paved with positive lifestyle choices regarding diet, exercise, attitude and activity. But many of us often feel so tired and pressed for time that the average day seems to offer little opportunity to build good, healthy habits. So we put dieting and exercise on the back burner, promising ourselves we’ll take them on at a later date. But what if these changes were as simple as getting up and going to the office everyday?
TIME MANAGEMENT
Workplace Workout Turn Your Office into a Health Haven by Christine L. Faraci
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No longer limited to a gym or spa, you can achieve wellness while you work. It can be done during your commute or even while you’re at the office. A productive way to utilize your car time is to de-stress. Take the time to relax on your way to the office instead of worrying about the clock or the workload that awaits you. Try deep breathing, listening to soothing music or meditation/prayer during your drive. Practicing shoulder shrugs can also be helpful. Once you’re at your desk, more rigorous exercise can commence. Use the nearest wall to work out your arms by doing pushups, or if you have a more private space, feel free to do them the traditional way—on the floor. Other exercises you can do during work hours include wall/chair squats, crunches, inner thigh lifts, calf raises, hip stretching and chair dips. If you’re interested in more office exercises, don’t hesitate to purchase an exercise band. Also, pick up a copy of “Workplace Workout,” which offers solutions to help you incorporate healthy habits into your work space, office commute and demanding schedule, all in thirtyfive dividable minutes throughout the day. You’ll learn about simple behavior modifications, energy-giving nutrition, stress reduction and fitness training. Most of the desk exercises are depicted in the book and done with the accompanying exercise band.
PORTION CONTROL According to the World Health Organization, “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” Just because you haven’t been diagnosed by a doctor, doesn’t mean you are maintaining a healthy attitude. But it’s never too late to start. One way to eat less is to avoid waiting until you reach the point where you feel starved, as this can lead to overeating. Make sure you pay attention to serving sizes; this also applies to liquids. A small glass of juice, such as what you’d receive in a restaurant, is an accurate portion. If you have more than this, you’ll be digesting too much sugar, so increase your water intake to help combat thirst. Tomato or vegetable juices are also good choices. Snacking is another way to help quell your inner hunger beast. If you snack every hour or two on healthy food, then you’re less likely to stuff yourself during meal times. For instance, dark chocolate is an excellent healthy snack. Others include vegetables, raw almonds, baby carrots, yogurt, fiber cereal and popcorn— without the butter, of course. Adding a small amount of parmesan cheese to your popcorn is a yummy but still healthy option. Also, try to increase the amount of healthy proteins, healthy oils (non-hydrogenated) and calcium you consume.
BENEFITS OF A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE The physical benefits of a healthy, balanced lifestyle include: • Increased energy and increased immune functions • A stronger heart and lower blood pressure • Reduced cholesterol and decreased body fat • Stronger muscles and increased bone density • A healthier appearance When you make your personal and environmental health a priority, you decrease your risk of getting illnesses, which translates to a decrease in medical expenses. Also, improved health helps your attitude and can make you a happier person, effectively stimulating your life experience. In other words, you’ll have more fun!
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Many people tend to think of the things they’ll lose, or have to give up, when adopting a healthy lifestyle. Instead, individuals should consider everything they’ll gain. Current research continues to indicate that attitude, physical activity, emotions, job satisfaction, relationships, prayer and meditation, and life circumstances impact wellness. Don’t waste another minute thinking about what your life could be—start forming healthy habits and being good to your body today! pW Christine Faraci is a Certified Personal Trainer and President of the Elemental Life Center LLC, a business dedicated to individual and corporate wellness facilitation through educational workshops and complementary care services. INFOLINK:
ElementalLifeCenter.com
Workplace Workout Workshop • Date & Time: January 12, 2010, 6 - 8 p.m. • Location: Elemental Life Center 5810 E. Waltann Lane Scottsdale, 85254 • Cost: $45—Includes CD, workbook and exercise band • RSVP: 602.579.7662 For more information, visit ElementalLifeCenter.com.
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Rocky Mountain Majesty Explore ‘Canada’s Napa’ by Pat Woods
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GoldLeaf Dome Coach cutaway view
Enjoy the trip of a lifetime through Canada’s West and the Canadian Rockies onboard the world-acclaimed Rocky Mountaineer. Following a historic route constructed more than 100 years ago, the two-day, all-daylight rail journey will leave you breathless as you take in the majestic and varied scenery. Guests who opt for GoldLeaf service can count on gourmet dining, stellar customer service and comfortable accommodations at each stop throughout the 585-mile trip. The custom-designed GoldLeaf Dome Coach provides panoramic views of rugged canyons, snow-capped mountain peaks, whitewater rivers, and lush mountain meadows with grazing cattle, horses and sheep. Amid the splendid landscape, guests are thrilled by sightings of deer, fox, mountain sheep, beavers, bald eagles, osprey and an occasional bear or moose. The open-air platforms between cars provide ample opportunities for photography buffs. Watching rushing rivers, towering cliffs, and thousands of acres of lush green forest is relaxing and refreshing. The Fraser River offers pastoral scenes in a fertile agricultural valley and scenic canyon. Crossing the South Thompson River, the snow-capped Mount Baker looms proudly. The sleek train crosses bridges, passes cascading waterfalls and weaves through scenic canyons and narrow tunnels in five mountain ranges. Commentators share fascinating railroad lore, describing people and events that shaped Western Canada’s history, and pointing out scenic wonders and archeological features. The Mountaineer navigates two unique Spiral Tunnels—remarkable feats of
engineering. Crossing the 5,332-foot Continental Divide provides an unforgettable highlight. At this spot, all rivers to the east flow toward the Atlantic, while rivers to the west make their way to the Pacific.
DECADENT DINING Talented onboard chefs prepare gourmet breakfasts and lunches from fresh local ingredients. Breakfast begins with elegantly presented fruit and bakery, followed by choice of omelets, pancakes, or lighter fare, served on snowy white dining car linens within 4 feet of passing scenery. For lunch, GoldLeaf guests feast on delicious wild British Columbia salmon, Alberta top sirloin, black tiger prawns, chicken or vegetarian options. Between meals, seasoned attendants serve premium British Columbia and Alberta wines, spirits, beer, cheese, crackers, scones and fresh baked cookies.
MAGNIFICENT MOUNTAIN TOWNS Rocky Mountaineer offers several itineraries and a plethora of add-on options. For example, guests can overnight at historic Fairmont Hotels in Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper and Calgary. Each conjures up images of a grand era—and provides an indoor pool and spa to relax tired muscles. Some guests end the rail portion of the trip in Banff, a pretty mountain town surrounded by Banff National Park. After checking in at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, known as the “Castle in the Rockies,” guests may enjoy a nice dinner, shopping or a relaxing swim. Mountain weather is unpredictable; June can be warm and sunny—great for a range of activities from gondola rides to mountain-top hiking. If snow or fog is in the forecast, the
Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel offers many diversions. Guest may choose to visit the hotel’s historic areas, linger at a lavish breakfast buffet or rejuvenate at Willow Stream Spa. Plentiful museums, restaurants and shops purveying Canadian souvenirs are only a leisurely walk or bus ride away. Guests have the option of staying a second night in Banff or transferring to Swiss-themed Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, where suites overlook the famous turquoise lake. Hiking in the crisp, pine-scented air, posing for lakeside photos and exploring the Chateau’s public rooms are great fun. In addition, the Chateau offers six dining venues. After dark, browse charming shops and people-watch at the Lakeview Lounge. A morning motor coach provides a scenic ride to Calgary where more adventures await.
KELOWNA, BRITISH COLUMBIA Before or after the Rocky Mountaineer rail trip, travelers have the chance to de-stress in beautiful Kelowna, British Columbia An hour by air from Seattle or Vancouver, Kelowna occupies both sides of a cobalt-blue lake in the heart of the fertile Okanagan Valley, called “Canada’s Napa.” Grapes flourish in the sloping terrain with its unique microclimate, sunny days and cool nights. Sitting high at the northern apex of the Sonora Desert, Kelowna provides numerous vantage points to observe nature’s beauty. Mountainsides and rolling hills are blanketed in lush evergreens. Irrigated vineyards, golf courses, orchards and farms slope down to the long slender lake framed by purple mountains. Local vintners, cheese producers, organic farmers and fruit growers are passionate about
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YOU’RE SURE TO BE CAPTIVATED BY THE ROMANCE OF THE RAILS.
producing quality products. Visitors are welcomed to 15 wineries, golf courses galore, abundant apple and cherry orchards, lavender and honey farms plus gorgeous Elysium Gardens. During a tour and tasting at Summerhill Pyramid Winery, visitors learn how ice wine is made from grapes frozen on the vine. Lunch on the terrace provides picturesque views of the distant lake, tidy vineyards and gorgeous flower-accented grounds. Across the lake at family-owned Quails Gate Estate Winery, discover a state-of-the-art tasting room and artisan shop in a vine-covered 1873 log cabin. During dinner on the patio, savor idyllic views of vineyards sloping to the lake. At Carmelis Goat Cheese Artisan, visitors may sample countless flavors of goat cheese and goat-milk gelato. On Okanagan Lake, you’ll find dozens of goats and a contemporary store with hand-painted murals. At Okanagan Lavender Herb Farm, stroll through lavender fields framing pretty vineyards, orchards and the lake. Lavender is crafted into a wide variety of products sold onsite. Growing apples and pears, Kelowna Land & Orchard welcomes visitors for tours, iced apple cider tasting, and wagon rides—a fun option for travelers with children. Plus, the gorgeous Elysium Gardens will awaken your senses with a medley of delightful scents and stunning perennial gardens brimming with roses, peonies, irises and day lilies. Sit in a gazebo and enjoy unobstructed mountain views amid blooming trees and xeriscape gardens.
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Set on spacious lakefront property, Manteo Resort’s relaxation recipe includes indoor/outdoor pools and spas, a water slide, tennis courts, kayaks, boardwalks, a sandy beach, marina and clubhouse. In addition to two- and three-bedroom villas, family-friendly Manteo offers free Internet, tennis, golf clubs, billiards, plus a kids’ program. Wild Apple Grill’s lakefront patio and imaginative menu frame the setting for a romantic dinner or reunion with friends. No matter what itinerary you choose, you’re sure to be captivated by the romance of the rails. With its lush scenery, ample vineyards, varied wildlife and history-filled landmarks, Canada certainly has something for every traveler. pW Pat Woods is a freelance writer based in Sun City West, Ariz. INFOLINKS:
www.rockymountaineer.com www.tourismkelowna.com
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e c n a EPIK D Company Dance Lovers Find ‘Common Ground’ by Rachel Hawkinson
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On any given Sunday, a group of dancers are filling a studio with laughter and infectious energy. But as soon as the music starts and they begin to move, movement and passion take over, making witnesses realize they aren’t just watching dancers—they’re watching EPIK Dance Company.
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EPIK Dance Company is built on a passion for music, movement and the world of performing arts. Formed in 2007, it’s currently led by Artistic Directors Luis “Weezy” Eggurola and Sarah “Saza” Dimmick. Veterans of the Arizona dance scene, the longtime friends sought out other dancers who shared their passion for the arts and whose training would add diversity to the company. Their hope was to create a group of strong, multifaceted dancers trained in disciplines ranging from contemporary to breaking. The resulting combination of technical training, raw talent and incomparable showmanship, make up a street-fusion dance company that has opened for acts such as Jay Z and Mary J. Blige. Other performances include the opening for the show, "America's Best Dance Crew" in 2008 and a halftime performance during a WNBA Phoenix Mercury game. On Nov. 20-21, the dancers of EPIK will host their first self-presentation show titled “Common Ground” at the Herberger Stage West Theater in Phoenix. The performance will showcase the artistic spirit and creative foundation of EPIK Dance Company and its members while telling a variety of stories choreographed by the dancers themselves, and feature genres of dance including contemporary, jazz, breaking, punking, and hip hop. Those in attendance can expect to hear music by a range of artists including Usher and Fabolous. Each piece is centered on a giant playground swing, and conveys the message that no matter how different people may seem, there is always something that can bring them together— it’s just a matter of taking the time to find it.
“Each individual’s experiences in life may differ, but they all take place on common ground,” Dimmick explains. “One common place—in this case, a simple swing—can evoke emotions, memories, and responses that can be different from person to person, but they all share that swing.” Eggurola feels that the concept of the show is a perfect representation of EPIK Dance Company. “We all have such different backgrounds, different training, and even different looks,” he says. “When you bring us all together in a performance, it’s really amazing to see how that diversity can create something so beautiful and so powerful.”
EPIK Dance Company is a non-profit organization that relies heavily on public donations and fundraising efforts. In addition to preparing for their upcoming show, they have been busy hosting their twice-weekly open company classes and monthly workshops. The workshops are geared more toward noncompany students and are available in varying levels to accommodate age group and experience. Dimmick hopes that the success of “Common Ground” will allow EPIK to spend more time working with local schools and charities, as well as on next year’s performance. pW Rachel Hawkinson is a member of the Board of Directors for EPIK Dance Company.
INFOLINK:
www.epikdanceco.org
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No Place for aWoman Lorna Elizabeth Lockwood 1903-1977 by Jan Cleere
Photo: Courtesy of Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records, Archives Division
FYI Women such as Lorna Lockwood have made major contributions to Arizona’s development, but their stories are missing from our history. The Arizona Women’s Heritage Trail links women’s history to historic sites throughout the state, educating the public on women’s leadership and promoting women’s history. Through collaboration with the ASU Institute for Humanities Research, this Centennial Legacy project will also include curriculum, driving and walking trails, tourist maps, a website and publications. For more information about Lorna and the project, visit womensheritagetrail.org.
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In 1965 and again in 1967, Arizona Sen. Carl Hayden proposed to President Lyndon B. Johnson that Lorna Lockwood, chief justice of the Arizona Supreme Court, be considered for a vacant seat on the U.S. Supreme Court. Initially, President Johnson had no interest in nominating a woman, even though a strong campaign was launched supporting Lockwood. Serving as the first woman chief justice of any state Supreme Court, she had certainly earned the right, and had the qualifications, for such an honor. It would take 15 more years, however, before her friend and fellow Arizonan Sandra Day O’Connor, would break through the glass ceiling of the highest court of the land. Lockwood was a small town girl. Born in Douglas, she graduated from Tombstone High School. In 1925, over the objections of the Dean of Law who admonished that the legal profession was “no place for a woman,” she graduated from the University of Arizona’s College of Law, the only woman in her class and the first woman to graduate from the university with a law degree. Unfortunately, no one would hire a woman lawyer and she spent the next 14 years working as a legal secretary. In 1939, she and attorney Loretta Savage opened one of the first all-women law practices in Arizona. However, the public was still apprehensive about a woman representing them and they were forced to disband after two years. During this time, Lorna was elected to represent Maricopa County in the House of
Representatives. While serving her second term, she resigned her legislative seat to work for Arizona Representative John Murdock in the U.S. House of Representatives in Washington, D.C. Returning to Arizona, she was elected to her third term in the State Legislature, chairing the important House Judiciary Committee. In 1948, she was appointed as Arizona’s first woman assistant attorney general and then headed up the ladder to become the first woman to sit on the bench of the Arizona Superior Court in 1951. She served as a juvenile court judge for three years, stemming the increasing tide of juvenile delinquency. Her concern over the welfare of the state’s neglected children led her to organize the Arizona chapter of Big Brothers and Big Sisters, and establish the Girl’s Ranch of Arizona. In 1961, she was elected to the Arizona Supreme Court and became chief justice four years later, the first woman in U.S. history to hold this esteemed position. She chose to occupy the same office and use the same desk that her father, Alfred C. Lockwood, had used over 20 years earlier when he sat on the bench as chief justice. She remained on the bench until ill health forced her to resign in 1975. In 1962, Lockwood was named Phoenix Professional Woman of the Year and, in 1974, she was honored as Phoenix Woman of the Year. According to former Chief Justice O’Connor, “Each position I held in Arizona was one which was attainable by following a course made far more accessible because Lorna Lockwood had prepared the way by proving it could be done and done well by a woman.” pW INFOLINK:
womensheritagetrail.org
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