30 minute read
NEIGHBORS
Scottsdale.org l @ScottsdaleProgress /ScottsdaleProgress
Prudential salutes Scottsdale teen for volunteerism
BY KRISTINE CANNON Progress Staff Writer
“The cat ate my homework!” may not be a common excuse among young students, but for BASIS Scottsdale eighthgrader Clare Flaherty, 13, it’s actually true. “Classmates might joke their dog ate their homework, but I can actually say my kitten ate my homework,” she said. “I haven’t used this excuse at school; and unfortunately, I have to do the homework again.”
The kitten isn’t Clare’s family pet, though; it’s one of more than 30 she’s fostered over the past three years for the Arizona Humane Society.
Clare was recently recognized as one of two top youth volunteers in Arizona in 2020 by the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, a nationwide program honoring young people for outstanding acts of volunteerism.
“I can’t believe there is this level of recognition for doing something I love,” Clare said.
“The most rewarding part is to see how I made a difference,” she added. “You don’t need to be an adult or possess some special talent or have a big bank account to have a signi�icant impact in your community.”
Phoenix Country Day School junior Michael Bendok, 16, was also named a top youth volunteer for raising more than $141,000 to �ind treatments for overlooked and underfunded rare diseases.
His efforts have helped more than 20 families �ind treatments for their children. “Considering the fact 25 million people currently suffer from one of 7,000 documented rare diseases in the United States, I found the lack of treatment available for patients abysmal,” Michael said.
As State Honorees, Michael and Clare each will each receive $1,000, an engraved silver medallion and an all-expense-paid trip in early May to Washington, D.C.,
where they will join the top two honorees from each of the other states and the District of Columbia for four days of national recognition events.
During the trip, 10 students will be named America’s top youth volunteers of 2020.
“In our 25th year of honoring young volunteers, we are as inspired as ever by the work students are doing to address the needs of a changing world,” said Charles Lowrey, chairman and CEO of Prudential Financial, Inc., in a prepared statement. He added: “We hope their resolve, their initiative, and their perspectives on society’s challenges move others to consider how they can make a difference, too.”
After learning a local animal shelter was at capacity for cats and kittens, could no longer accept any more strays, and was in dire need of volunteers, Clare persuaded her parents to allow her to become a foster parent. Clare’s mother, Tara Flaherty, said it was a “no-brainer” to allow Clare to work with the humane society.
“When Clare did a PowerPoint presentation presenting her case to foster cats, I knew she was ready for the enormous task,” Tara said. “She didn’t fully understand at that time the work and tears involved but I could see her spark and determination. It’s all you need.”
Clare fosters kittens for a few months at a time, helping to heal them both mentally and physically. “Physically, they need to rest and gain weight; mentally, that is the bigger challenge and requires persistence and patience,” Clare said.
Some kittens need feeding by bottle or syringe every three hours; and some need medication up to �ive times a day.
“Some have required surgery and then come back to me for recuperation,” Clare added.
Most of the kittens Clare has fostered have unknown histories and arrive to her “so broken,” she said.
“Some of the cats I get have the worst histories, like being locked in a cage in the middle of a highway in August summer heat,” Clare added.
But it’s these “broken” fosters, she said, are her favorite.
“I am known to staff at the Arizona Humane Society to turn around some of their hardest cases,” Clare said. “When you BASIS Scottsdale eighth-grader Clare Flaherty, 13, was named one of the two top youth volunteers in Arizona in 2020, by The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards for fostering more than 30 kittens from the Arizona Humane Society over the past three years. (Arizona Humane Society)
achieve this breakthrough, when the kitten starts to trust you and respond to interaction, it is the most unforgettable feeling of achievement I have ever experienced.”
Tara said Clare’s volunteerism has helped her daughter understand how fragile life is and “how unfair it is for some born into lessor circumstances.”
“Clare can now easily relate this to humans both domestically and across the world. Then she witnessed how her efforts both singularly and with the team from the Arizona Human Society behind her made a difference. She feels powerful,” Tara said. “This is incredible at such a young age.” Clare calls being a foster parent “amazing” and one requiring “a lot of work and responsibility.”
“If you give your time and talent to something you are passionate about, the rewards will come to you and your community,” Clare said.
“Whoever adopts my fosters are lucky,” she added. “They will enrich your life as they did mine. Adopted pets know they were rescued and reward with the deepest love and allegiance to those who have helped them.”
Six other Arizona students were recognized as Distinguished Finalists for their community service activities, including Chaparral High School senior Brianna Iannone, 18.
“Middle level and high school students are doing remarkable things to shape the future of their communities through volunteer service. They inspire all students and schools to drive learning with realworld challenges,” said JoAnn Bartoletti, executive director of NASSP, in a prepared statement.
“Congratulations to each of the 2020 honorees,” Bartoletti added. “It’s an honor to celebrate your commitment to creating positive change.”
Information: spirit.prudential.com, azhumane.org.
20% OFF SUITS
Excludes: Laundry Button-Down Shirts, Alterations, and Route Pickup/Delivery Services.
Offer valid from 02/01/2020 - 02/29/2020
11 Critical Home Inspection Traps to be Aware of Weeks Before Listing Your Scottsdale Home for Sale PAID ADVERTISEMENT
Scottsdale - According to industry experts, there are over 33 physical problems that will come under scrutiny during a home inspection when your home is for sale. A new report has been prepared which identifies the eleven most common of these problems, and what you should know about them before you list your home for sale. Whether you own an old home or a brand new one, there are a number of things that can fall short of requirements during a home inspection. If not identified and dealt with, any of these 11 items could cost you dearly in terms of repair. That’s why it’s critical that you read this report before you list your home. If you wait until the building inspector flags these issues for you, you will almost certainly experience costly delays in the close of your home sale or, worse, turn prospective buyers away altogether. In most cases, you can make a reasonable pre-inspection yourself if you know what you’re looking for, and knowing what you’re looking for can help you prevent little problems from growing into costly and unmanageable ones.
To help homesellers deal with this issue before their homes are listed, a free report entitled “11 Things You Need to Know to Pass Your Home Inspection” has been compiled which explains the issues involved.
To order a FREE Special Report, visit www.CostlyInspectiontraps.com or to hear a brief recorded message about how to order your FREE copy of this report call toll-free 1-855-757- 8984 and enter 1003. You can call any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Get your free special report NOW to learn how to ensure a home inspection doesn’t cost you the sale of your home. This report is courtesy of Platinum Living Realty.
Local family owned serving the community.
Download our FREE app for additional deals & discounts!
13216 N. Scottsdale Rd. 480.998.8660 7126 E. Sahuaro Dr. 480.948.2140 7335 Via Paseo Del Sur 480.991.2440 3908 N. Goldwater Blvd. 480.941.0496 15480 N. Pima Rd. 480.607.0673 20511 N. Hayden Rd. 480.515.0090
All Locations Offer On site 24 Hour Pickup and Drop-Off STORE HOURS: M-F 7am - 7pm | Sat 8am - 6pm
480.948.2781 PrestigeCleaners.com
Persistence. It’s how you got here.
It’s how you’ll get where you want to go.
Small business lending and rewarding banking Call us today! (480) 314-4200
22 SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | FEBRUARY 23, 2020 NEIGHBORS Scottsdale psychologist unveils new book
PROGRESS NEWS STAFF S cottsdale psychologist and coach Dr. Kixx Goldman will launch her new book of short stories, “Speak From Your Heart and Be Heard: Stories of Courage and Healing,” this week.
She will be signing books 7 p.m. Feb. 27 at Changing Hands Phoenix, 300 W. Camelback Road, Phoenix.
Goldman, who holds graduate degrees in educational and counseling psychology, has published non-fiction articles in psychology journals and feature articles in trade magazines.
In her private practice, she helped couples untangle fight cycles and recreate emotional intimacy.
Dr. Kixx Goldman
She also has provided individual and family work and taught workshops on personal empowerment and conflict resolution. As a consultant in the public schools, she helped students overcome learning problems and develop social skills.
“The eight fictional short stories in this collection are personal, inspired by situations I’ve experienced in my life, or recollections of a variety of clients’ situations,” Goldman said. “Characters in each story are tested as they are challenged by ordinary, everyday traumas in their lives.”
The collection of short stories includes one of a devoted father and his daughter who find hope in rewriting their past.
Others include a teacher who escapes a surprise attack, a man who conquers his fears and heals his child
hood wounds, a therapist defies the establishment to protect her clients and another who takes on a church.
“As the characters in these stories find the courage to triumph over their challenges, they heal and grow,” Goldman said, adding people “can follow your inner voice, speak from your heart, claim your power and fulfill your life.”
At the launch, Goldman will read excerpts from the book and will be interviewed by author and editor Windy Lynn Harris.
There will also be refreshments and raffles.
RSVP: facebook.com/events/ 203327921021981.
Information: drkixxgoldman.com.
Scottsdale event to celebrate empowered women
PROGRESS NEWS STAFF I nternationally renowned motivational speaker and best-selling author Lisa Nichols will speak in Scottsdale in May for the ninth annual Phenomenal Women Empowerment Experience.
Nichols, who has appeared on numerous national TV shows such as “Oprah,” will join other women who have transformed lives with their message of empowerment.
Sharise L. Erby-Castle founded PWEN “to mentor, coach and educate women to help them achieve success in a supportive, empowering environment.”
The empowerment experience, dubbed Victory 2 Victory, “not only brings superstar Lisa Nichols to Arizona – we have other amazing speakers to empower, equip, encourage and elevate attendees to execute the steps needed to achieve what they want in 2020,” ErbyCastle said.
The event, at the J.W. Marriott Camelback Golf Resort 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. May 9, will include music, vendors, prizes and an after-glow reception with photo-ops for VIP ticket holders.
Demetrius Thigpen, Lacinda Bloom- �ield, Premadonna Braddick and Erica Renee Moore also will be among the inspirational presenters.
A portion of event proceeds will provide collegiate scholarships to young women in need through the Carrie J. Gray Scholarship Program.
Since 2013, PWEN has provided over $57,000 to provide support to underserved women in the community.
Past attendees raved about the annual event. Naomi Jones of Phoenix, a 2019 attendee said, “The speakers were excellent, the energy was electric. It was unlike anything I’ve experienced.”
Erby-Castle has been speaking to women and men for over 30 years and is the author of “Whole Women Win.”
She was recently recognized as the Ready Set Go Foundations’ 2019 Business Woman of the Year, selected as the “Woman Rising Up” by Women on a Mission, and was the recipient of the 2016 Black Wall Street’s Community Leader
ship Award.
She has been featured on TV and radio appearances in Arizona, California and Oklahoma.
“My mission is to strengthen the economic status and leadership of women and men as they take their success to the next level. I believe in speaking to the heart, and, through my personal experiences, allow others to transform their pain, failures, and disappointments into enduring power,” said Erby-Castle.
Tickets start at $99 and will be available until May 1 at pwee2020.com. Space is limited.
For information or to become a sponsor or vendor: 480-228-3125 or email info@mypwen.org.
UNDERSTAND YOUR OPTIONS — Learn the different types of senior care available
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE — Our Advisors have the local knowledge to help you hand pick communities in your area
SIMPLIFY — Your dedicated Advisor will simplify your search and help schedule tours A Place for Mom has helped over a million families find senior living solutions that meet their unique needs.
Call today to connect with a SENIOR LIVING ADVISOR INDEPENDENT LIVING • ASSISTED LIVING • MEMORY CARE
There’s no cost to you! (844) 880-2798 ! We’re paid by our partner communities
Make it happen at Scottsdale
LOW TUITION Full-time students pay about $2,500 per year.
EASY CREDIT TRANSFERS Many partnerships with 4-year universities.
INDIVIDUAL ATTENTION Average class size is 16 (2018-2019).
MANY DEGREE PROGRAMS Choose from 100+ academic and career/technical programs.
STUDENT SUPPORT Extensive, free resources for student success.
www.scottsdalecc.edu • 480.423.6700
The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. The Maricopa County Community College District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit: www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.
24 SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | FEBRUARY 23, 2020 NEIGHBORS
ing during a brisk 1.5-mile walk through The J neighborhood 9-10 a.m. at Valley of the Sun JCC, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road. Bring water and walking shoes, meet at the campus �lagpole. Strollers, dogs and all paces welcomed. Information: 480-481-1797.
Cards and games Enjoy a variety of games including card games 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Appaloosa Library, 7377 E. Silverstone Drive. Information: 480-312- 7323.
27 Thursday Tai Chi Everyone is welcome to join a class that focuses on gentle and controlled movements that center the mind, body and spirit for health bene�its 3-3:45 p.m. at Ironwood Cancer and Research Centers, 8880 E. Desert Cove Avenue. Information: 480-314-6660. Tee up with Coyotes The Arizona Coyotes appear 3-6 p.m. at Top Golf Scottsdale, 9500 Talking Stick Way. Golfer registration is $300 and includes golf game play, Coyotes player and personality interactions, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. Spectator registration is $100 and includes the opportunity to mix-and-mingle with players, play lawn games and NHL video games. All proceeds bene�it the Arizona Coyotes Foundation, which funds charities that help kids and �irst responders. Registration: arizonacoyotes.com/topgolf. ‘I Love My Children’ This free discussion will address how children can subject parents to legal liability and how parents can best protect themselves from �inancial harm arising from children’s poor conduct 6-8 p.m. at DeFusco Law, P.L.C., 6945 E. Sahuaro Drive, Suite 125. Guitar club Kids 8 to 11 can learn guitar basics including warm-up techniques, tuning, hand positions, note-reading and more 4-5 p.m. at the Scottsdale Civic Center Library, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd. No experience needed. Participants are encouraged to attend for six weeks. Information: 480-312-7323.
25 Tuesday
Alzheimer’s support Caregivers of loved ones living with Alzheimer’s disease can �ind support and encouragement 10-11:30 a.m. at Valley of the Sun JCC, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road. Information: 480-481-7090. Mustang writers Meet with other writers to share and critique writing in a pressure-free and supportive group 9:15 a.m.- 12:15 p.m. at Mustang Library, 10101 N. 90th Street. Information: 480-312-7323. 26 Wednesday Speedy bridge Join others in a fast round of bridge at 10:30 a.m. at Via Linda Senior Center, 10440 E. Via Linda. Register: 480- 312-5810.
Walkin’ Wednesdays Make friends while exercis28 Friday
In stitches knitters group Gather with other knitters to work on individual projects, share advice and talk with others 1-3 p.m. at Scottsdale Civic Center Library, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd. Information: 480-312-7323.
Advanced beginner bridge Join others in playing a fun game of bridge 10:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. at Appaloosa Library, 7377 E. Silverstone Drive Information: 480- 312-7323.
Chair yoga Achieve liberation through physical postures, breath practice, meditation and philosophical study. Join a class to better physical health 1-2 p.m. at Ironwood Cancer and Research Centers, 8880 E. Desert Cove Avenue. Information: 480- 314-6660.
29 Saturday
Disc golf festival The community is invited to a free festival event from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Vista Del Camino Park, 7700 E. Roosevelt Street. Top disc golf pros from all over the world will play and sign autographs.
Waking up with butter�lies (ages 18+) Adults are invited to a quiet hour of photographing butter�lies as they awake 8:30-9:30 a.m. at Butter�ly Wonderland, 9500 E. Via de Ventura. Tickets are $30 for the general public and free for members. Registration is required. Information: 480- 800-3000, ext. 210. 1 Sunday MARCH Story stop Build children’s literacy with a free picture book program 2-2:15 p.m. at the Scottsdale Civic Center Library, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd. Information: 480- 312-7323.
Basketball league Young basketball players will participate in 10 weeks of skill development and exciting game play weekly with sessions from noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays in Feb. and Mar. Times vary depending on the players grade level. Cost is $135 to $190.
2Monday
Business Energizer Learn about setting weekly goals and generate business ideas with fellow business owners 9-10 a.m. This group meets virtually. Go through the “Monday Business Energizer” group LinkedIn page. Free. Information: edgar@compasscbs.com.
Books 2 boogie Children up to 5 and their caregivers are invited to participate in music, movement and song 10-10:30 a.m. at Mustang Library, 10101 N. 90th Street. Information: 480-312-7323. Tiny tot time Develop babies’ literacy with songs, rhymes, movement and board books 11- 11:20 a.m. at the Scottsdale Civic Center Library, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd. Information: 480-312-7323. Days 24 Monday
New Faces AA Find recovery from alcohol addiction alongside this support group at 7:45 a.m. at North Scottsdale Fellowship Club, 10427 N. Scottsdale Road. Club membership is not required.
Fido Frisbee Meals The Brunch Cafe at 15507 N. Scottsdale Road. is serving $5 Fido Frisbee meals to all well-behaved dogs on their patio 6:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Dogs are served two scrambled eggs on a frisbee and owners get to keep the frisbee. Information: brunchcafe.com.
Senior day Seniors are invited to learning and entertainment at Butter�ly Wonderland, 9500 E. Via de Ventura. Free with admission. Call 480-800- 3000, ext. 210 to reserve. ESL class All conversation levels are encouraged to practice the English language with experienced teachers and other students 9:30-11:30 a.m. at Mustang Library, 10101 N. 90th Street. Information: 480-312-7323.
Beginner bridge Join others in playing a fun game of bridge 3-5 p.m. at Appaloosa Library, 7377 E. Silverstone Drive. Information: 480-312-7323. 23 Sunday FEBRUARY Lenten re�lection The North Scottsdale United Methodist Church is hosting a re�lection service and luncheon 10 a.m.-noon at the church, 11735 N. Scottsdale Road. The free public event will include a merriment of New Orleans’ jazz music, masks and traditional New Orleans’ food.
Knights of North Castle The North Scottsdale United Methodist Church will host a 2020 summer camp from 9 a.m. to noon on June 15 through 19 for children ages 3 to 12. It offers energizing music, interactive bible puppetry, super science experiments, creative crafts, hands-on mission work, yummy snacks and active games. The church, located at 11735 N. Scottsdale Road., is accepting registrations. Information: 480-948- 0529.
Tapestry Choir Antonio Lozano is working to form a professional choir to be named Tapestry, which will weave musical and theatrical mediums in an exciting approach to multicultural traditions. Vocalist ages 18 and older are invited to audition at 4 p.m. Feb. 23, March 1 and March 8 at Scottsdale United Methodist Church, 4140 N. Miller Road. Information: tapestry@exploringcommunity.org.
No Clipping Required.
ON AVERAGE, AARP MEMBERS ENJOY
$ 449 *
SAVINGS
ON AUTO INSURANCE
GEICO, State Farm and Allstate when they switch from companies like
Your savings could be even more!
Call The Hartford 1-888-359-7236
The AARP ®
Auto Insurance Program from The Hartford. 1 No coupon necessary.
Saving is easy! With this policy, experienced drivers who switch save an average of $449* in the fi rst year alone — and they get all the benefi ts and privileges you’d expect with the AARP Auto Insurance Program from The Hartford. Your own savings could actually be greater.
■ 24/7 claims service
■ Lifetime renewability †
■ Lock in your rate for a full 12 months
■ New car replacement §§
of customers recommend The Hartford** 96%
The only national auto insurance program endorsed by AARP.
Call The Hartford now to request a FREE money-saving quote. 1-888-359-7236
Not an AARP member? If you’re 50 or over, request a FREE quote and more information today! Not an AARP member? If you’re 50 or over, request a FREE quote and more information today! Or go online: aarp.thehartford.com/np52
FREE duffel bag when you request your free quote!***
* Savings amounts are averages based on information from The Hartford’s AARP Auto Insurance Program customers who became new auto insurance policyholders between 1/1/18 and 12/31/18 and provided data regarding their savings and prior carrier. Your savings may vary. ** Based on customer experience reviews shared online at www.thehartford.com/aarp as of December 2019. * Savings amounts are averages based on information from The Hartford’s AARP Auto Insurance Program customers who became new auto insurance policyholders between 1/1/18 and 12/31/18 and provided data regarding their savings and prior carrier. Your savings may vary.
***The gift offer is good for fi rst time responders who provide a valid email address. Responders will be sent an email to confi rm the gift. All responders in IA, IL, MA and RI who do not provide an email address are still eligible to receive the gift. The gift offer is not available in GA, ND, NM or PA, but residents may still request a quote. The gift is available only as a limited time offer. Please allow 4-7 weeks for delivery. Bottle not included. † If you are age 50 or older, once you’re insured through this Program for at least 60 days, you cannot be refused renewal as long as applicable premiums are paid when due. Also, you and other customary drivers of your vehicles must retain valid licenses, remain physically and mentally capable of operating an automobile (not applicable in MA), have no convictions for driving while intoxicated and must not have obtained your policy through material misrepresentation. Benefi t currently not available in HI, MI, NH, NC and TX. §§ Limitations apply. AARP and its affl iates are not insurers. Paid endorsement. The Hartford pays royalty fees to AARP for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. AARP membership is required for Program eligibility in most states. The AARP Automobile Insurance Program from The Hartford is underwritten by Hartford Fire Insurance Company and its affl iates, One Hartford Plaza, Hartford, CT 06155. It is underwritten in CA by Hartford Underwriters Insurance Company; in WA, by Hartford Casualty Insurance Company; in MN, by Sentinel Insurance Company; and in MA, MI and PA, by Trumbull Insurance Company. Specifi c features, credits, and discounts may vary and may not be available in all states in accordance with state fi lings and applicable law. Applicants are individually underwritten and some may not qualify. The program is currently unavailable in Canada and U.S. Territories or possessions. 1
In Texas, the Auto Program is underwritten by Southern County Mutual Insurance Company, through Hartford Fire General Agency. Hartford Fire Insurance Company and its affi liates are not fi nancially responsible for insurance products underwritten and issued by Southern County Mutual Insurance Company.
008257
BY KRISTINE CANNON Progress Staff Writer I magine this scenario: You’re watching your child play at soccer match, and he or she gets injured. With no team doctor on-site, where do you go? Should you take your child to urgent care? Or worse, the emergency room?
Soccer Doctors AZ aims to answers those questions and put parents’ minds at ease with its recently launched online Rolodex of respected doctors and physical therapists – all of whom are committed to healing and rehabilitating injured youth sports athletes.
Launched in the fall, Soccer Docs AZ works closely with coaches all over the Valley to provide the timeliest and most effective care for families within 24 hours of injury or illness.
The organization handles everything from initial evaluation to rehabilitation and follow-ups.
“It’s still growing,” said Soccer Docs AZ founder John Cory, a northern Scottsdalebased orthopedic surgeon who has been in private practice since 2004.
“Our intent is to create a situation where families will have an online site where they can go and say, ‘Hey, who in our community, who in our zip code, who in our area where we are currently at a tournament is involved around soccer?’ And connect them,” Cory said.
Cory started Soccer Docs AZ after getting asked the same question from directors of various soccer clubs around the state: “Is there one number we can call to reach a provider no matter where the athlete is located in the Valley?”
“And the answer was ‘no,’” Cory said. “So, as a kid who played soccer my whole life and now as a physician entering sort of a community need or desire, I said that makes really good sense.”
Currently, the Soccer Docs AZ team comprises four doctors and physical therapists, three of which are based out of Scottsdale and one in Chandler.
“The best part of working with Soccer Docs AZ is knowing that I am there when people need me the most,” said the Chandler-based physical therapist Graham Gould.
“I really enjoy helping athletes get back on the �ield to do what they love. It’s rewarding to know that I get to be a small part of their success,” Gould added.
Cory said he and the Soccer Docs AZ Dr. Destin Hill is a primary care sports medicine physician. (Soccer Doctors AZ) North Scottsdale “Our intent is to create a situation where families will have an online site where they can go and say, ‘Hey, who in our community, who in our zip code, who in our area where we are currently at a tournament is involved around soccer?’ And connect them.”
Dr. John Cory is a Scottsdale-based orthopedic surgeon who founded Soccer Docs AZ last fall. (Chris Mortenson/Progress Staff Photographer)
team are in the process of reaching out to other doctors, nurses, physical therapists, athletic trainers, and more to increase and expand their pool of professionals and resources.
“Our hope with Soccer Docs is simply just start to meet and to get to know as many of our colleagues that are in wellness, health care, anything for the kids and the community that would even remotely fall under the wellness aspect of this. We’d love to love to hear you and �igure out how we can get you included,” Cory said.
Soccer Docs AZ works closely with local youth soccer team Phoenix Rising.
“I spend a lot of time volunteering for clubs in the state of Arizona and other parts of the world,” Cory said, adding: “We think that we can add value to the soccer clubs by letting them know where
these things are around them and tap into the community.”
So far, the organization has helped about one dozen athletes.
“Every parent we’ve talked to has loved the idea,” Cory said.
Over the past �ive years, Cory has been appointed one of the two U.S. soccer physicians in Phoenix.
Cory has also been the on-�ield surgeon for eight international soccer games, including the Gold Cup and Copa America Centenario, as well as covering local U.S. soccer training events and coaching seminars.
“My goal is to see healthier athletes everywhere,” Cory said. “I am a �irm believer that everyone should be able to receive the same high level of care as our professional athletes do.”
Information: soccerdoctoraz.com
Tell Scottsdale about your events.
Send your information to rhagerman@scottsdale.org
Tell our readers about your opinions.
Send letters to the editor to opinions@scottsdale.org
BY KRISTINE CANNON Progress Staff Writer R eturning to southern Scottsdale this year is DogFest, a community-based walk and festival that not only celebrates our canine friends, but also brings dog lovers together for a cause. Taking place at Scottsdale Center for Performing Arts on Leap Day, DogFest is hosted by and raises money for Canine Companions for Independence, a California nonpro�it that matches assistance dogs with children, adults, and veterans with disabilities free of charge.
“We don’t want anybody to think they’re all alone on an island with their dog. We’re here to support them,” said Shelley Kalin, puppy raising co-lead for Canine Companions for Independence. This year, the organization hopes to raise $40,000 as well as increase its pool of volunteers statewide.
“That’s why we do a lot of the outreach events because we’re looking for, yes, obviously donations, but we’re looking for more puppy raisers,” Kalin said.
Canine Companion has more than 3,000 volunteers nationwide who do everything from work events, like DogFest, and raise puppies.
In the Phoenix area alone, Canine Companions for Independence has about 25 puppy raisers, including Kalin, who has volunteered with Canine Companions for Independence on and off for 15 years.
“My brother was killed by a drunk driver in 1982,” Kalin said. “I was thinking I wanted to do something with animals, so I went [to Canine Companions for Independence] and in the �irst �ive minutes, they showed a �ilm and it was four people in wheelchairs.
“Two of them were victims of drunk drivers. That’s when it hit me that had my brother not have been killed, he could have been in a wheelchair all this time. And so, it just was like, ‘This is what I’m doing.’”
Kalin is raising her �ifth dog, Jenna, a 4-month-old Golden Retriever.
Puppy raisers care for the dog for 18 to 22 months and cover all of the costs associated with raising it, including medical bills, food, toys and supplies. These expenses are usually tax deductible.
“You’re doing something for somebody that you don’t even know,” Kalin said, adding that while being a puppy raiser is both timeconsuming and expensive, knowing that the dog is going to a person in need makes it all worth it. “It’s beautiful on so many levels,” she said. “No. 1, they’re helping people with disabilities. For instance, I was in Trader Joe’s one day and there was a woman with her dog, and we started talking.
Canine Companions’ dogs are free thanks to the donations the nonpro�it receives from donors.
The nonpro�it breeds Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers and crossbreeds of the two at its national headquarters in Santa Rosa, California. Canine Companions typically places between 325 and 375 assistance dogs per year; and since its founding in 1975, the organization has placed more than 6,200 dogs.
Northern Scottsdale resident and graduate support volunteer Tami Pivnick has had her hearing dog, Tara, a Golden Retriever and White Labrador mix, for nearly 12 years.
Pivnick said it cost more than $50,000 to raise and train Tara.
“We saw a brief news report on TV back in 2008. It took me another year to feel ready to even submit an application. I always thought there was someone whose disability was worse and needed a service dog more than me,” Pivnick said. “I later found out this is very common for many graduates.”
Since receiving Tara, Pivnick said her life has changed “immensely.”
“She alerts me to sounds by poking me with her nose,” Pivnick explained. “She alerted me to the �ire alarm going off in our condo building a few years ago.
“I had no idea until I opened our front door and saw an evacuation in progress. We then walked down four �lights South Scottsdale Tara is northern Scottsdale resident Tami Pivnick’s hearing dog. Pivnick received Tara for free through Canine Companions for Independence. (Canine Companions for Independence) “She had just paid $10,000 for her service dog, and I told her that Canine Companion dogs are free. Oh my gosh, did she start crying. She used her life savings to get this dog who’s probably going to live six or seven more years. She’s had him for two years.”
of stairs to safety. I would have never known since my wife was not home at the time.”
Pivnick added she also has more con�idence when interacting with the public. “They may not realize I’m not hearing them,” she said. “We are very active with outreach events that educate the public and businesses about Canine Companions. Most people have never heard of a hearing dog.”
Pivnick has so far raised more than $500 for the organization’s DogFest event. Over the years, however, she and her family has raised between $5,000 and $10,000.
“I never imagined all the extra blessings Tara would bring to us,” Pivnick said. “We are dear friends with her puppy raisers in Atlanta and their family. By having an assistance dog from Canine Companions, we have an extended family of support and community with the staff, volunteers, puppy raisers, and graduates locally and across the country.”
Last year’s DogFest attracted nearly 1,000 attendees and raised more than $40,000.
So far this year, the event has raised more than $31,000.
“We have a high school marching band, and we all kinds of other entertainment,” Kalin said of this year’s event.
Activities include a puppy costume contest and a tail-wagging contest, among other family-friendly activities. “Please stop by the Canine Companions information booth and say ‘hi’ to Tara and me! In addition, my wife, Susan Faith Broude, will be autographing her award-winning books with all proceeds going to Canine Companions. We’re looking forward to seeing you there,” Pivnick said.
If you go
What: DogFest Phoenix When: Feb. 29 at 10 a.m. Where: Scottsdale Center for Performing Arts Fountain Stage, 7380 E. Second Street Cost: Free Website: cci.org/dogfestphoenix
