SCV Community Pride 2016 - Lifestyle

THE SIGNAL . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . L1

SCV Community Pride • LIFESTYLES

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SCV Community Pride • Lifestyles

Santa Clarita Organizations Focus on Health, Kids and Community Service

Katharine Lotze/The Signal

Dr. Patrice Rifkind and Dr. Kevin Bolder of Audiology Associates in Valencia.

L2 . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . THE SIGNAL

SCV Community Pride • LIFESTYLES

Lifestyles

Audiology Associates - Improving quality of life by better hearing

Dan Watson/The Signal

Patrice Rifkind, Au.D., chats with a patient.

By Diane Krieger Spivak

T

here’s a reason Audiology Associates has been voted best in the valley by the community for seven years running.

“Our office works really hard with customer service to make each person happy, with their hearing aids and with us,” said owner Dr. Patrice Rifkind, who has been with Audiology Associates since 2001 and its owner since 2010. “They can live a better quality of life if they can hear better.”

Rifkind has seen it time and again.

“There are people who are really struggling to

hear, we fit them with a hearing aid and their eyes light up or they tear up,” Rifkind said. “They’re excited that they can hear better. That’s why we do what we do. Or the ninety-something year-old couple where the wife was not able to hear the husband and the family came back and said how excited they were that they would sit and talk and talk after she got a hearing aid and could hear again.

It’s pretty neat.”

The vast improvement in hearing aids has made a difference in many people’s lives, Rifkind said.

“Now people can even connect to wireless devic-

es. When they can hear well they feel so much better about their lives and can continue to be able to work at their jobs and communicate with their family members. It makes relationships better. There’s also a lower incidence of dementia with people who are hearing well.”

Audiology Associates is a full-service audiology office, seeing patients for hearing evaluations, treatment, hearing aids, cochlear implants and other types of hearing assistance devices to help them hear on the phone, hear the television, and even microphones that they can put on

another person so they can hear better in a restaurant.

The practice also adjusts hearing aids and makes custom earplugs and earmolds to protect musicians and shooters from loud noise. It’s also the only office in the valley owned by a doctor of audiology.

“We have a contract with Tricare and are able to see some patients from the Veterans Administration who need hearing aids,” Rifkind said. “That’s something that’s new to our area too. The VA is not able to keep up with the vast amount of veterans so we’re able to help with the overflow. We’ve recently

Dan Watson/Signal.

Rifkind, displays a cochlear implant processor.

been seeing a lot of patients who would normally have to wait a long time for an appointment with the VA or do without. Now they’re able to come to us and be seen a lot sooner. They can stay in our valley rather than drive down to the next area to get their hearing care. It can be at least a half hour away or further and they have to get on the freeway. It’s not close for that 85-year-old veteran.”

Rifkind was also awarded The Santa Clarita Valley Leadership Award for 2012 Minority/Women Owned Business of the Year.

Audiology Associates also volunteers its time of-

fering bi-monthly hearing screenings at the Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center, Summerhill Villa, and Sunrise Senior Living.

Santa Clarita Valley residents are welcome to visit the office for a hearing screening, regardless of insurance status.

Rifkind is a member of Zonta Club of Santa Clarita Valley, a local service organization of executives in business working together to advance the status of women, creating local service projects and grants, and offering scholarships that benefit local women and girls through service advocacy and awareness.

Dan Watson/Signal.

Rifkind, examines a patient.

THE SIGNAL . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . L3

SCV Community Pride • LIFESTYLES

Lifestyles

Assistance League changes lives in the Santa Clarita Valley

By Diane Krieger Spivak

I

t’s a heartbreaking story, but one that drives home the reason Assistance League Santa Clarita exists.

“We had a family move into the district and the kids in school were making fun of them because they were wearing the same clothes every day,” said Jackie Hamby, chapter president. “It’s tough enough moving to a new district and to be made fun of is even harder.”

Through Assistance League’s Operation School Bell, the family’s children were outfitted in new school clothes.

Operation School Bell has been the main program for Assistance League Santa Clarita since the chapter of the philanthropic organization formed 27 years ago. Assistance League, which started more than a century ago, has 120 chapters nationwide.

“I love the organization,” said Hamby, a 15year member. “It does so much good in our community. It’s a great group of people.”

Last fall Operation School Bell provided $180,000 for new school clothing, shoes, eye exams and eyeglasses for underserved students in every school in Santa Clarita.

“There are about 15,000 kids on the free and reduced lunch program here in Santa Clarita,” Hamby said. “Our goal is to give new school clothing for as many of those that may

need it. Last fall we clothed more than 2,100 students.”

When Operation School Bell started it was just shoes only, Hamby explained. “That’s all we could afford to buy for children in need. We used to do only a couple of elementary schools before.

Now we serve upwards of 65 schools in Santa Clarita.

It’s a big undertaking. Our members are liaisons in every school. We send out an invitation and take the kids to shop at Old Navy where they can pick out their own clothes and start school on an even footing. They’re not having to worry about how they look. They can focus on their studies.”

That’s important for student retention, Hamby said.

“We’ve heard from teachers and administrators for many, many years that part of the key to success for these kids is just showing up. Time and time again we’ve heard how some kids just won’t show up because they don’t have proper clothing,” she added.

The program is largely funded by a thrift shop Assistance League runs in Newhall, plus a wine event in November that features local artisan vintners.

“And we get a lot of community donations and grants from businesses and individuals,” Hamby added.

The Teddy Bear Patrol program also started with the chapter’s organization.

“We purchase teddy bears that go into fire trucks, sheriff’s cars and in emergency rooms,” Ham-

Katharine Lotze/The Signal

Volunteers at the Assistance League resale shop in Newhall stand near the front of the shop prior to opening. by said. “They’re given to children who have had a traumatic experience to comfort them.”

Another program is Family Ties. Members make home cooked meals at home and serve them to residents of The Santa Clarita Convalescent Hospital once a month.

“Some of these people don’t get a lot of visitors so it’s always nice to have a home cooked meal for them,” said Hamby.

“It’s rewarding for every-

body involved. Sometimes we play bingo or sing karaoke with them and have a little entertainment during dinner.”

Assistance League Santa Clarita is 220 members strong, including 45 7th through 12th graders called the Assisteens who have their own governing board and run their own meetings.

“They run a foster care backpack program,” Hamby said. “They fundraise and purchase items to go

in backpacks for children removed from their homes through child services.

They also help us with a lot of our endeavors and work in our resale store. They’re very active and a great part of our group. We’re really fortunate to have such an enthusiastic group of kids.

Assistance League is 100 percent volunteer, with no salaries. Rent and utilities on the thrift shop comes from sales.

“We raise all our funds ourselves and spend it

on programs we want,” Hamby said. “Assistance League across the country is really all about handson. All the money we raise in Santa Clarita stays in Santa Clarita, and when we ask for support they know their donation stays right here.

“We can pretty much tell them 100 percent of their donation supports our philanthropic program. It’s not like that in many other groups. We’re proud of that statistic.”

Assistance League would like to thank our Community Partners for all they do to support our programs including our signature program Operation School Bell(R) Assistance League would like to thank our Community Partners for all they do to support our programs including our signature program Operation School Bell(R) Assistance League would like to thank our Community Partners for all they do to support our programs including our (R) Assistance League would like program to thank Operation our Community Partners for all they do signature School Bell Assistance League would like to thank our Community Partners for all they do to support our programs including our signature program Operation School to support our programs including our signature program Operation School (R) Bell(R) Assistance League would like to thank our Community Partners for all they do to support our programs including our Bell signature program Operation School Bell(R) PLATINUM PLATINUM PLATINUM PLATINUM PLATINUM PLATINUM

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L4 . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . THE SIGNAL

SCV Community Pride • LIFESTYLES

Lifestyles

Aquatic Club helps build, nurture winners

By Rubén J. Porras

I

f you are looking to dive into the sport of competitive swimming and you live in the Santa Clarita area, you are in the right place.

One local aquatic club has attracted over 10,000 swimmers to local pools while making a splash big enough to be felt by national and international competitors.

Santa Clarita’s Canyons Aquatic Club has been the go-to training facility for college-bound, Olympic-bound and other competitive level athletes for nearly 40 years and shows no sign of slowing down. On any given day at the club you might see an Olympic medal winner or Olympic prospect training with head coach Coley Stickels and members of the club’s elite program. While this is great for the athletes who are visiting, it is also great for local members of the club.

“We find visiting athletes jumping in with our best high school age swimmers to be a huge motivation for our college prospects,” said Stickels.

The college prospects that Stickels mentions are an important focus for the club.

Every year the club sends a number of swimmers to colleges prepared to succeed.

“Canyons (Aquatic Club) swimmers have earned millions of dollars in scholarships swimming at DI, II, III and NAIA programs. Canyons athletes have earned more scholarships than any other club sport in Santa Clarita,” said Stickels.

Among the top-level swimmers who have inspired and continue to inspire college-bound athletes training at Canyons are Anthony Ervin, 2000 Olympic gold medalist and 2012 Olympic team

member currently training for the 2016 Olympics; Gabe Woodward, a 2004 Olympian; Canadian Santo Condorelli, who is currently the third fastest 100m sprinter in the world and is training to hopefully earn a spot on his country’s 2016 Olympic team; and Abbey Weitzeil, who is considered a top prospect to make the 2016 United States Olympic team. Weitzeil, who is considered one of the best sprinters on the planet, also coaches some of the club’s youngest members.

According to Stickels, the success of the club on a national level is only one part of its overall focus.

“While Canyons elite swimmers have made their impact known on a national level, we are extremely proud of our success here in Southern California,” said Stickels.

“In the past four years Canyons has broken more Southern California swim records than any other club. Southern California is the national hotbed of swimming, so breaking a record here is a statement on a national level.”

Based on the number of elite athletes it has attracted and the accolades and awards that it has garnered, one might think that Canyons Aquatic Club is solely focused on being highly competitive. According to Stickels, club members can choose to be as competitive as they want to be.

“Our swimmers compete in USA Swimming (the national governing body of swimming) sanctioned events, which tends to be competitive,” said Stickels. “However, the nature of the sport is that a swimmer only has to be as competitive as they want to be. Swimmers of all ages only com-

Dan Watson/The Signal

From left, Gavin Glaess, 9, Tanner Olson, Santo Condorelli, Coach Coley Stickels, Abbey Weitzeil, Nikol Popov, and Kira Elarton-Selig, 10. pete against other swimmers of equal age and talent. As a swimmer progresses upward, they move into a division that is more competitive.

This allows swimmers who cannot train as much as their peers the opportunity to have success and enjoy the sport.”

The club’s mission statement further explains that the coaches and staff of the club focus on the athlete first and competition second.

“It is very important to us that our swimmers and parents understand that Canyons Aquatics is concerned about the ‘whole’ athlete,” said Stickels. “By that, we mean their grades, their wellness and their goals.

We are a large club, but we never allow our size to let swimmers get lost in the shuffle,” said Stickels.

Dan Watson/The Signal

Canyons Aquatic coach Griffin Scott, left, works with age group 1 swimmers at College of the Canyons pool.

CANYONS.ORG 661-362-3210

info@canyons.org

THE SIGNAL . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . L5

SCV Community Pride • LIFESTYLES

Lifestyles

Flooring store gets solid foundation in community

By Anne Freedman

B

arry and Larry White, twin brothers, and their partner Jack van Boheemen decided nearly four years ago to open a flooring store in Santa Clarita.

Now called Santa Clarita Flooring, the trio’s store has increased sales to over $2 million and won prestigious awards from the California Legislature two years in a row, including Finest Flooring Center and Outstanding Customer Service for the Santa Clarita Valley.

The partners were building on the long-standing success of the Carpeteria store in Lancaster, which is owned

by Barry White and Boheemen. That store has won the Antelope Valley’s Best Flooring Center two years running.

On Feb. 13, both stores participated in the Santa Colorita 5K run for charity, benefitting Jack’s Angels Foundation, Wish Education Foundation and the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce.

The participation is part of the owners’ plans to be involved members of the community, by joining in at local events and by donating to charity.

“You can’t take it with you so why not give part of it back,” Barry White said.

He said he regularly donates between $25,000 and $50,000 to charitable endeavors.

Santa Clarita Flooring,

at 26111 Bouquet Canyon Road, in the retail center next to the IHOP restaurant, is looking at doing up to $3 million in sales next year, White said.

The store offers a wide variety of quality carpeting products that are provided with exceptional warranties; the very best hardwood flooring products from Bruce Hardwood; ceramic tile to add texture and dimension; top-notch laminate flooring that is beautiful and long-lasting; and vinyl flooring that offers a wide spectrum of exciting choices and unusual design options.

Santa Clarita Flooring has long time, experienced flooring sales people who can handle any question.

They are available to help with home decor choices and offer their opinion on any style or color.

Santa Clarita Flooring also sells stone granite countertops, shower remodels by tiling from scratch, custom hardwood staircases, custom shutters and more.

“We have all the licensed contractors to do the work,” White said.

When he was doing some flooring jobs in the area before opening Santa Clarita Flooring, Stainmaster Ultra Life approached him and van Boheemen to buy a defunct flooring business located at the retail center because their Lancaster store was already a Stainmaster authorized dealer.

“What happened is a lot of companies went out of

Tom Cruze/The Signal

Owners Carolyn and Larry White of Santa Clarita Flooring. business during the recession; they couldn’t make it,” White said. “That opened the door for people who would be a little bit stronger businesswise.”

Santa Clarita Flooring is also an authorized dealer of Stainmaster-brand carpet, which has a 20-year stain warranty on its carpets. Authorized dealers must qualify via a good reputation and reputable installers.

Santa Clarita Flooring, at 26111 Bouquet Canyon Road in the retail center next to the IHOP restaurant, can be reached at (661) 799-8088.

Tom Cruze/The Signal

Owners Carolyn and Larry White of Santa Clarita Flooring.

Check us out at:

www.santaclaritafloors.com facebook.com/santaclaritafloors

661-799-8088

Your trusted local flooring professionals Santa Clarita Flooring is the Santa Clarita Valley’s only full-service Stainmaster Flooring Center. We pride ourselves on providing unmatched customer service and superior craftsmanship.

Come in and check out our monthly specials on wood, laminate, carpet, vinyl flooring and tile. We will price match most offers.

We offer free in home estimates and will remove and recycle your old carpet at no cost.

L6 . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . THE SIGNAL

SCV Community Pride • LIFESTYLES

Lifestyles

THE SIGNAL . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . L7

SCV Community Pride • LIFESTYLES

Lifestyles

L8 . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . THE SIGNAL

SCV Community Pride • LIFESTYLES

Lifestyles

Six Flags Magic Mountain delivers thrills for 45 years

Courtesy photo

Twisted Colossus Zero Roll.

By Kateri Wozny

D

riving along Interstate 5 into the Santa Clarita Valley, one can’t help but notice the tall rollercoasters in the distance and possibly hear exciting screams.

Six Flags Magic Mountain – known as the “Thrill Capital of the World” – has 19 of these roller coasters, which is more than any other theme park on the planet, along with having the most kid roller coasters. The 260acre theme park, which includes Hurricane Harbor Water Park, has been a part of the Santa Clarita com-

munity since 1971.

In 2014, Six Flags Magic Mountain saw an average of 2.8 million visitors, according to the 2014 Themed Entertainment Association’s Global Attractions Attendance Report. During the summer months, Six Flags Magic Mountain and Hurricane Harbor Water Park hire more than 2,500 seasonal employees in order to provide their customers with a memorable experience. Employees also obtain a foundation and skill set that will enable them to be successful in their future careers.

“I give them five stars for their continuous effort to providing a fun experience for visitors and their commitment to satisfying their customers,” said Joe C., resident of Castaic, in a Yelp online review.

Six Flags Magic Mountain is also celebrating its 45th anniversary this year by reintroducing The New Revolution, the world’s first 360-degree looping steel roller coaster. More than 45 million visitors have ridden the roller coaster over the past 40 years and it will be painted in red, white and blue with a silver eagle hood adornment. Shoulder

harnesses have also been removed and the ride is expected to be smoother with more airtime.

Other Six Flags Magic Mountain roller coasters that hold Guinness World Record titles include Full Throttle as the “World’s Tallest and Fastest Looping Roller Coaster,” Tatsu as the “World’s Tallest and Fastest Flying Roller Coaster” and X2 as the “World’s First Fourth Dimensional Roller Coaster.”

Other firsts include Superman Escape from Krypton as the first roller coaster to break the 100 mph speed barrier and Twisted Colos-

Courtesy photo

Tatsu over Valencia Falls.

sus, the longest and fastest dual track wooden roller coaster.

In addition, Six Flags Magic Mountain also offers dining, shopping and entertainment. According to Yelp online reviews, the theme park’s funnel cake is the biggest hit among visitors.

“It tastes so good with ice cream!” “Don’t forget to end your day with those amazing funnel cakes!” wrote Donna C. and Aryo S., both residents of Los Angeles.

Six Flags Magic Mountain also plays an important role by giving back to nonprofit organizations throughout the Santa Clar-

ita Valley and Southern California, including the Boys and Girls Club and the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.

The award-winning theme park has also taken top industry honors, including the 2015 “Best Theme Park Halloween Event” for Fright Fest and “America’s Best Theme Park” in 2014, according to USA Today Readers Polls.

For Six Flags Magic Mountain hours and ticket costs, visit https://www.sixflags.com/magicmountain.

Courtesy photo

Twisted Colossus drop.

THE SIGNAL . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . L9

SCV Community Pride • LIFESTYLES

Lifestyles

BUY A DAY, GET THE YEAR FREE For the price of a one day ticket, get unlimited visits all year with a 2016 Season Pass. Buy four or more Season Passes online and get a free upgrade to a Combo Pass which includes free Hurricane Harbor.

Season Pass Holders can purchase a Gold Dining Pass and get lunch, dinner, and a snack on every visit, plus a free Sports Bottle with unlimited soft drinks all season. And if that’s not enough, the Gold Dining Pass can be used at all Six Flags Theme Parks.

SEE WHAT’S NEW North America’s 1st Virtual Reality Coaster Exclusive Season Pass Holder Sneak Peek March 26-April 17

TWISTED COLOSSUS

AND MORE! Buy at the park or visit www.sixflags.com/magicmountain

L10 . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . THE SIGNAL

SCV Community Pride • LIFESTYLES

Lifestyles

Local coin dealer offers only live bid board within 55-mile driving radius

By Laurel Davis

C

oins Plus Newhall is the only coin dealership within a 55mile driving radius to host a “bid board”, says owner and expert numismatist, Jeff Butler. “The nearest bid board to us is in La Verne,” he says. The city of La Verne is slightly more than 55 miles driving distance from Coins Plus.

A “bid board” is an open auction displaying collectors’, investors’ and dealers’ coins and bullion on consignment, which buyers can bid on every Tuesday at the shop.

The Coin Plus bid board displays nearly 600 individual items for auction, which change weekly. These items include U.S. coins and currency, world coins, ancient coins, World Bank notes, metals, decorations, and gold and silver bullion, according to the business’ website. As the bid board host, Coins Plus charges a 10% fee on items sold.

The bidding closes each Tuesday at 7:30pm, when the store is often packed with buyers and sellers hoping for the best profit or investment deal. Butler notes, “We have over 1,600 registered members. Approximately 150 look at the bid board weekly, and 30 to 40 are present at the auction closing.” Given the shop’s space-efficient but comfortable size, that is a lot of people.

Besides the weekly bid board, Coins Plus Newhall is open six days a week and buys, sells and appraises silver and gold coins as well as bullion for collectors, other dealers and investors. They

also sell coin collection and other numismatic supplies.

Since the shop deals strictly in coins and bullion, its nearest competitor is in Van Nuys, Butler says, adding that the biggest competitor is really the Internet.

Still, he has seen customers and coin dealers come from all over the Santa Clarita and San Fernando Valleys, plusmany from Orange County, Bakersfield and Las Vegas.

While the weekly bid board helps to set Coins Plus Newhall apart, Butler notes how often both new and repeat patrons express their appreciation for the friendly, patient and quick customer service. “I’m told I have a knack for making collectors feel relaxed and comfortable doing business with us,” Butler says.

“I think it’s because I’m a good listener.”

A quick look at the shop’s reviews on Yelp.com also reveals customers’ praise for Butler’s expertise and consistent track record of fair and on-market pricing.

His website includes up to the moment gold and silver “spot prices.”

A “spot price” is the price of an ounce of the metal at the current moment in time. Coins Plus Owner Jeff Butler with premier items for sale.

Butler recommends buying silver right now; in particular, the American Silver ber of investors who real- half coins. Butler had al- was phased out by 2002.

Almost 30 years since Eagle coin, currently val- ize that coin and bullion in- ready been working there ued at $18 to $19 as of the vestments will help hedge since age 17, quickly learn- he acquired the shop, Butwriting of this article. Sil- against future inflation. In ing the business and grow- ler still loves what he does. ver and gold investing, es- contrast, Butler says, pric- ing into store management Whether it’s the weekly bid board, helping a seller who’s pecially when starting at a es for collectible coins have responsibilities.

When the opportunity to in a delicate situation and young age, is a great way to been stagnant for the past presented it- needs the cash, or transactsupplement future costs for five years.COLOR AD PRODUCEDbuy BY the THEshop SIGNAL Butler bought Coins Plus self, with his father’s en- ing with other dealers, Butfamilies, such as funding a ORDER-IMG#.: 27747_1 282 COINS PLUS SALESdecidREP: TONI SIZE: 1/2 ler says, “It’s fun to surButler Newhall inADVERTISER: 1988, when he - couragement, child’s future first car. ed it wouldARTIST: be worth And wasPRIDE 20 years old. DATE: At the Also, the low prices of PUB: • RUN 08-28-15 EL it.

CRX: XXX prise people when they find gold bullion and silver time, the business was one- he was right. The baseball out the value of their coins cards side of the business is more than they expected.” and one- 2016/FEB mean a growth in the num- half baseball cards DIRECTORY:

Dan Watson/The Signal

Coins Plus Newhall has been at 23332 Lyons Avenue for more than 30 years.

Hours are Mondays, 12 – 5 p.m.; Tuesdays, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Wednesdays – Fridays, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; and Sundays, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

For more information, contact Jeff Butler at 661-2595734 or email Lyons23332@ aol.com; or visit www.CoinsPlusNewhall.com

Highest Prices Paid!

Weekly Coin Auctions!

Bid Board, Buy and Sell Silver and Gold and ALL sizes of collections!

NO Collection too large!

Same Location for 32 years!

Fair, Friendly, Honest We carry a great selection of Gold and Silver bullion for all investors!

23332 Lyons Ave., Newhall 661.259.5734

THE SIGNAL . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . L11

SCV Community Pride • LIFESTYLES

Lifestyles

Wellness spa offers clinical-grade skincare Local spa serves up complete menu of services and lots of pampering

Dan Watson/The Signal

From left, Christina LaFayette, spa supervisor; Eric Smith, owner; and Wendy Whitehead, spa director at Ivy Day Spa.

By Daphne O’Neal

N

o one can accuse the folks at Ivy Day Spa of resting on their laurels. Despite being voted best spa

by SCV readers four years in a row, both management and staff maintain a laser focus on enhancing product and treatment offerings and improving the client experience. A recent facility acquisition in Brea promises to grant North Orange County residents access to the same superb spa experience.

Memberships

Ivy Day Spa offers a three-level membership program.

Two of the three include either a free massage or a free facial each month.

The third membership level grants both a facial and a massage every month,

along with two free Grotto treatments (see below) per year. All memberships entitle the client to a discount of 10 percent off the entire menu of services, as well as open, all-day access to the amenities Monday through Thursday.

“Our members are like family,” says spa director Wendy Whitehead.

In fact, optimal personal service standards are key to Ivy Day Spa’s success.

“What really makes us the best spa is our staff,” states Whitehead. “The people who work here… love what they do. They do what they love. They really care…They go the extra mile. And I think that’s really the deciding factor that sets us apart.…”

menu is ever expanding.

Among the more luxurious skin care offerings is the Fire and Ice Facial. At the core of this branded treatment are a pair of professional-only masques, one for intensive resurfacing, and the other for rejuvenating. Together with a complement of creams and serums, the masques act to reduce wrinkles, smooth and soften skin and encourage cell turnover.

“It’s exfoliating, hydrating, and leaves your skin glowing,” reports Christina Lafayette, spa supervisor.

“It’s what you consider a red-carpet-ready facial,” relates spa owner Eric Smith. “Great for any special occasion,” it requires no post-treatment downtime.

Fire and Ice Facial

Hydra Facial

Treatment standards are also exemplary, and the

The spa can boast local exclusivity relative to its

latest skin care menu addition, the Hydra Facial.

“It infuses serum to the skin,” says Whitehead.

“We are the only spa in the area that has it.”

Performed at the spa only by esthetician Amy Stewart, the five-step procedure includes a mild exfoliation, a dual-acid peel, and a deep pore cleansing. Manual extractions (of pimples and clogged pores) and application of an antioxidant serum follow. The final step is a calming, soothing mask.

“It’s great for all skin types,” states Stewart.

“It’s… not only highly effective in improving overall skin health, but is also excellent for fine lines, wrinkles, elasticity, firmness, skin tone, texture, oily skin, enlarged pores and advanced signs of aging. The response has been

very, very positive.”

Take-home products intended to extend the life of the treatment include a serum to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and a nutrient-rich moisturizer formulated for ease of absorption.

The Grotto

Finally, Ivy Day Spa’s signature body treatment — the Grotto — is a true crowd-pleaser, promoted as a shared experience for friends, family, even an entire wedding party, for example.

The treatment takes place in “a cave-like setting with waterfalls, and flowers,” states Smith.

“It’s a four-chamber experience that starts with an exfoliating shower,” along with a Dead Sea clay facial mask and full-body exfoliating scrub.

Clients are then painted with a warm aloe vera-shea butter-coconut mixture.

Next, they are guided into the hydration chamber, and then the rain shower chamber. In the final, cooling chamber, clients are treated to a pH-balancing mist, as they revive themselves with fresh fruit, hot tea, coffee and spa water.

The Grotto is a co-ed offering, so clients must wear swimsuits throughout. For large parties, the experience can be made private.

“Your body will feel refreshed, hydrated and relaxed after this unique treatment,” declares LaFayette.

State-of-the-art face and body treatments, a serene ambience and dedicated staff have earned Ivy Day Spa raves from ongoing clients and one-time visitors alike.

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SCV Community Pride • LIFESTYLES

Lifestyles

FOUR TIMES PEOPLES CHOICE

Winner Best Day Spa Santa Clarita’s most luxurious spa experience is waiting for you!

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THE IVY DAY SPA at Valencia Town Center 24320 Town Center Dr #100 Valencia, CA 91355 RESERVATIONS 661-260-1244 TheIvyDaySpa.com SCV Pride 2016.indd 2

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Please note that gift cards are valid toward Ivy Day Spa treatments and retail products only.

2016-03-04 12:30 PM