City News

The Annual Tour de Scottsdale Switches Gears, Registration Now Open

THE ANNUAL TOUR DE SCOTTSDALE BENEFITTING THE MCDOWELL SONORAN CONSERVANCY WILL SWITCH GEARS THIS YEAR TO NAVIGATE THE EVOLVING

CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC. After careful consideration for public health and safety, DC Ranch made the difficult decision to cancel the in-person event on Market Street. A virtual event, held October 12-18, will allow hundreds of road warriors to keep the cycling spirit alive, stay active and healthy, while still supporting the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy.

Riders will have several registration options to complete ride miles on their own. Participants can

ANNUALLY, THE CITY OF SCOTTSDALE FIRE DEPARTMENT (SFD) COORDINATES A SPECIAL EVENT TO COMMEMORATE THE ATTACKS OF 9/11.

On the fifth and tenth anniversaries, a pop-up museum showcased larger-than-life displays in the Scottsdale Center of the Performing Arts. On the other years, a small ceremony in the police and fire headquarters lobby featured the reading of the names of the public safety members who died that day. This year, because of COVID-19 restrictions, the fire department knew it had to be creative to continue to honor the day and those lives lost. Instead of ride the official Tour de Scottsdale courses, log miles around their city, or even in their home on a trainer. In addition to the traditional 30 and 70-mile rides, the virtual event will introduce a new 15-mile course and 5-mile fit family ride.

The event beneficiary is the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy, a nonprofit conservation organization that protects and promotes the McDowell Sonoran Preserve in North Scottsdale. With over 30,500 acres and 200 miles of trails, the McDowell Sonoran Preserve is the largest urban preserve in North America and the fourth largest urban preserve in the world. The McDowell Sonoran Conservancy is dedicated to preserving the Sonoran Desert an in-person event, SFD is celebrating the National Day of Service with an idea sparked by the organization 911Day.org and using social media to tap into the human spirit. In 2012, 911Day.org launched the #IWill campaign to encourage everyone to do something good in their community. This could being there for someone who needs it, making a charitable donation, or packing meals for local food banks. Scottsdale Fire is capitalizing on this do-good campaign and bringing it to the local community. “Our mission is ‘We Care for You,’” says Scottsdale and mountains. The nonprofit protects this living treasure and offers events and activities in the Preserve so that everyone can enjoy a family-friendly, natural experience, according to the Conservancy.

Now in its 17th year, the Tour de Scottsdale donates 100 percent of sponsorship proceeds and a portion of registration fees to the Conservancy and has raised over $600,000 to date.

Those who register and complete any of the distances will receive a commemorative, distance-unique medal, a virtual goodie bag and perks—along with all the bragging rights. Registration is now open. Visit

Scottsdale FD Invites Community to Participate in Virtual 9/11 Commemorative Event

TourdeScottsdale.net for details. Fire Chief Tom Shannon. “With this campaign, we hope that everyone takes even just a moment to share in that mission and remember our brothers and

sisters who gave their lives that day.”

Participating is easy. Individuals or groups simply take a photo holding a piece of paper with a personal pledge to honor those lost on 9/11 by doing something good. Photos can be posted on their individual social media accounts using the hashtags #IWill and #WeCare (tagging @ScottsdaleFire). The photos can also be emailed to Fire@ScottsdaleAZ.gov. Photos of completing the pledge are encouraged, too. The department will begin sharing the photos during the week of 9/11 starting Monday, September 7.

City News

Mask Up In Style

ON A SUNNY DAY EARLY IN THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, ALISON HANDEL AND HER TEENAGE DAUGHTERS WATCHED CANCER PATIENTS ENTER A CHEMOTHERAPY

INFUSION CENTER. They entered alone due to policies necessary to try to keep the patients and their loved ones safe and, seeing this, the Handels said to each other, “We need to do something.” And so, the brainstorming that led to House of Luxury Masks began.

Through Alison’s position as a member of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) Arizona Chapter Board of Trustees, the Handels had long been supporters of LLS’ mission to invest in lifesaving new treatments and provide support to patients and their families. A long-time resident of DC Ranch, Alison has personally raised thousands of dollars over a decade of involvement with LLS and daughters Ava (14) and Chloe (12) are often at her side, helping in whatever way that they can.

In the summer of 2020, that help has emerged through an innovative initiative the Handels have named House of Luxury Masks — a project born from the Handels’ interest in fundraising, fashion and a new sustainability concept known as “upcycling.”

“We were already committed to raising funds for LLS just as wearing masks was becoming a necessity — and we thought, ‘Why not mask up in style?’”

The concept was to create masks from discarded dust covers for shoes and clothing, boxes, gift wrap ribbons, and any material that would reflect luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci and Dolce & Gabbana. They researched the best pattern for the masks themselves, produced a few initial prototypes and then worked on a business plan to gather donations for LLS in return for masks that reflected the styles of fashion’s top brands. By using materials that would have eventually found their way to a landfill, they were also able to employ the concept of upcycling, or taking something that would be thrown out and elevating it into a practical yet stylish new use.

Ava, a freshman at Notre Dame Preparatory, created a website to display the different masks available. Chloe, a seventh grader at St. John XXIII, devised the packaging concepts and provided creative direction, while the girls’ cousin, Liv, a junior at Indiana University studying marketing and business management, devised a marketing and social media strategy. And Alison got to work sourcing from friends and neighbors the materials needed to produce the masks.

Not long after launching the website in late June and starting the marketing and social media campaign, they received a $1,000 donation for a personalized mask and haven’t slowed down since, with orders coming in from across the United States and Canada. In mid-August, they passed the $8,000 mark for funds raised, well on their way to reaching

their initial $10,000 goal by November. They’ve also added dog bandanas and scrunchies to their product mix based on requests from donors.

“The whole experience has been remarkable, and the support of the community has truly been a blessing,” Alison says. They’ve begun receiving donations of materials from complete strangers who have heard about their efforts and not only want to donate money to receive a mask, but also make sure House of Luxury Masks can continue to fill more orders.

Aside from raising thousands of dollars to help cancer patients, experiencing the creation of a new “business,” and logging hundreds of service hours, there has also been an unanticipated additional benefit for Ava and Chloe.

“We learned how to use the steam setting on our iron,” Ava says with a wide smile.

For more information, or to place an order, visit houseofluxurymasks.weebly.com. Be sure to also check out their Instagram and Facebook @ houseofluxurymasks.

City News

Scottsdale Police Publish Policies Online

THE SCOTTSDALE POLICE DEPARTMENT (PD) The new page can be accessed at scottsdaleaz.gov/ to Scottsdale PD. “This includes Uniformed Crime RECENTLY CREATED A NEW TRANSPARENCY police/transparency-and-accountability. Reporting, International Accreditation, data analytics, AND ACCOUNTABILITY WEBPAGE THAT policy management, and the Strategic Plan for the PROVIDES OPEN ACCESS TO ITS POLICY These are the most current policies, which are con- Scottsdale Police Department.” MANUAL. tinuously reviewed and updated through an extensive entrepreneurs are beating those odds and launched their pharmaceutical-grade skincare product line in March. That’s right. Sharon Skaar and Erin Dodd co-founded TreCeuticals in fall of 2019 and officially launched their products in March 2020 when businesses nationwide were shuttering their doors in the height of the pandemic. “We knew we had a unique product line,” says Skaar, whose previous career as a senior vice president in banking prepared her well for entrepreneurship. With Dodd’s background in luxury brand sales and executive coaching, the two have combined expertise at their fingertips that would make any start-up owner envious. And, their gamble already is paying off. National reports show a 147 percent year-over-year increase in the purchase of skincare product since 2019, and TreCeuticals is garnering its share. Their first official warehouse was Skaar’s garage. Today their products are being shipped nationwide from an independent distribution center in Phoenix. revision process, according to the department. Every year, Scottsdale PD voluntarily submits to a rigorous review of departmental policies and While most policies are available online, not every procedures that address compliance with over 460 policy is available through the website to preserve standards, according to Scottsdale PD. A departmenttactical, officer safety, and other security concerns. wide assessment, including interviews with city Under the Arizona Public Records laws, such release leadership and the community, is completed every four or withholding must be evaluated pursuant to the years by external assessment teams. Carlson balancing test. If a community member would like a policy listed in the Table of Contents that is not The accreditation process ensures accountability available on the website, one can make a public records within the department in meeting or exceeding the request to see if a redacted version can be released. gold standard expectations of policing, cites Scottsdale PD. “The Scottsdale Police Department participates in numerous department wide programs to foster public For more information about police accreditation, call

Scottsdale Entrepreneurs Beat Odds During Pandemic

CREATING A NEW COMPANY IS A RISKY BUSINESS. THE ODDS OF SUCCESS ARE TOUGHEST IN THE

FIRST TWO YEARS. Two Scottsdale

accountability and provide transparency,” according 480-312-1971. TreCeuticals also sets high standards for competitors to match: • All products are 100 percent sourced in the United States • Formulation, manufacturing and packaging are also all U.S. based • All products are cruelty-free, vegan and Leaping Bunny Certified • Products are gender-neutral and suitable for all ages • Products contain the most effective levels of retinol, hydroxyl acids, and antioxidants without a prescription • TreCeuticals delivers its medicalgrade skincare line directly to consumers’ doors • All natural ingredients including high-grade, full spectrum CBD oil (with non-detectable levels of TCH) that “provides a calming and soothing effect to the skin” • TreCeuticals is patent pending

To create their skincare line, Dodd and Skaar turned to scientific research and medical consultants. They saw a need for a simple-to-use but effective skincare line that did not require a visit to a doctor’s office or med spa.

“Even though more doctors are carrying our products, the majority of our customers are happy having TreCeuticals delivered to their homes,” Skaar says. They worked with Dr. Paul Holden, a Scottsdale-based, board-certified facial plastic surgeon, to develop a basic 3-minute skin care regimen featuring a daily cleanser, facial pads and moisturizer. In addition, there is a once-a-week peel and a daily mister to improve and refresh your skin. Dr. Holden touts the skincare line is beneficial in fighting “maskne” – acne and breakouts caused by the prolonged wearing of masks. Holden says using the product called Mist Me Baby, the daily misting spray, can help unclog pores of dirt and bacteria on the face that can lead to blemishes and acne.

While still a relatively new company, positive reviews have been accumulating from pleased customers all over the country.

“It is a game changer. My skin is so much smoother and clearer,” says Shelly Fernandez who works in aesthetic and medical sales and claims to have tried dozens of lines. “TreCeuticals is a clean product with natural ingredients. It smells and feels amazing, and the packaging is beautiful.”

Another aspect of the company of which Dodd and Skaar are most proud is their focus on community and their Brand Advocate program which Dodd heads up. In the fall, TreCeuticals will be partnering with local family charities. Their Brand Advocate program is also meant to help empower women (and men) as a way to earn extra income by simply “sharing” the product with others.

“We tell our brand advocates we’re in the business of sharing, not selling,” says Dodd. “If you love how your skin looks and feels with TreCeuticals, why not share that passion with someone you care about? We all deserve to feel our very best.”

City News

Scottsdale Aviation Business Center Earns LEED Gold

THE U.S. GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL HAS RECOGNIZED THE CITY OF SCOTTSDALE’S AVIATION BUSINESS CENTER, 15000 N. AIRPORT DRIVE, WITH THE LEED (LEADERSHIP IN ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN) GOLD CERTIFICATION.

The award recognizes the project for its sustainable, green building qualities.

The Aviation Business Center is a modern two-story 23,250 square foot steel building featuring glass facades, wood designer elements and an open design. It serves as the hub for the aviation administration offices, U.S. Customs and Border Protection office, leased office space, public meeting rooms, outdoor plaza, on-site restaurant and a veteran’s memorial.

During the design, staff and the architects worked hard to achieve LEED Gold standards while maintaining the vision, budget and schedule for the project. The building was designed to conserve resources and reduce energy consumption.

“We are proud of achieving goldlevel certification,” says Aviation Director Gary P. Mascaro. “The goal from the start was to build to a high level of sustainable standards without sacrificing on design.”

The project employed many sustainable strategies, including:

• Roofing does not contribute to heat island effect • Low flow plumbing fixtures • No CFC based refrigerants • Building materials that were sourced locally were given preference • Building materials with a high recycled content were given preference • Materials and products with low or no volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) were used in the interior • Development of the site in a way that maximizes open space • Utilization of roofing that minimizes heat island effect • Onsite renewable energy (photovoltaic) • Responsible management of construction waste • Wood products were harvested sustainably • Bicycle racks

Most new city buildings strive to be built to LEED Gold standards per Section 2 of Resolution No. 6644. The City of Scottsdale has 14 LEED certified buildings, including four Platinum and now five Gold buildings.

The LEED Green Building Rating System is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high-performance green buildings. There are four demanding levels of certification (from lowest to highest): Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum.

Now May Be the Time for A Financial Reassessment

By Renee A. Hanson, Private Wealth Advisor Affi nity Wealth Advisory Group, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC

We’re experiencing a period of upheaval in the world today, which has also had an impact on the economy and markets. Given the spike in volatility and uncertainty we’re seeing in the broader economy, it may be time to step back and carefully review your fi nancial life.

Take some time to assess where you stand and whether it may be appropriate to make any adjustments in your strategy. Here are four key questions to ask about your current fi nancial circumstances.

#3 DO YOU HAVE A SOLID

PROTECTION STRATEGY IN PLACE?

This is an opportune time to make sure that you and your family are adequately insured. Health insurance is a good place to start, particularly if your work situation has changed in recent months. The importance of adequate life insurance is more evident in times like these to protect the wellbeing of your family. Look at other protection options too, such as disability income insurance and long-term care coverage to meet specialized care needs, especially as you grow older.

#4 IS YOUR FINANCIAL PLAN

STILL ON TRACK?

#1 DO YOU HAVE ENOUGH CASH Finally, take a careful look at your overall

TO MEET SHORT-TERM NEEDS? fi nancial plan. Are you still on track to achieve A healthy cash reserve is important in the key goals you initially established? Does times like these. A general rule of thumb is your plan require adjustments based on to have enough cash on hand (held in readily circumstances that have changed? Given all accessible accounts) to meet three to six of the events of recent months, this is the right months’ worth of expenses. But given today’s time to review your plan to make sure you are economic uncertainties, it may make sense to still heading in the right direction. set aside up to nine months’ worth of cash. Be sure to connect with your fi nancial advisor to #2 ARE YOU COMFORTABLE WITH explore these questions in more detail and keep

THE LEVEL OF RISK IN YOUR your fi nancial life in order.

PORTFOLIO?

Renee A. Hanson, CFP®, ChFC®, CEP®, CDFATM, CFS®,

Investment markets have been volatile since BFA®, APMA®, is a Private Wealth Advisor with Affi nity Wealth Advisory the start of 2020 and may continue to be for the Group, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. in Phoenix, Arizona. She specializes in fee-based fi nancial planning coming months and maybe years. Unsettled and asset management strategies and has been in practice for 29 years. markets can be a real test of whether you are To contact her visit www.affi nitywealthadvisor.com or call (602) 923-9800. Her offi ce is located at 7010 E. Chauncey Lane, Suite #200, Phoenix, comfortable with your investment strategy or if AZ 85054-3115.

Putting the needs of clients first is the approach I believe in. I’ll work with you to find the level of risk in your portfolio is keeping you up at night. Given the disruption that’s been Investment advisory products and services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., a registered investment adviser. the right financial solutions to help you plan for your unique goals. And together, we’ll occurring, a portfolio review makes sense. Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. track your progress over time, adjusting your plan along the way to help get you where you want to go.

Renee A. Hanson CFP®, CEP®, CDFA®, CFS®, ChFC®, APMA®

Private Wealth Advisor

Affinity Wealth Advisory Group

A private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.

602.923.9800

7010 E. Chauncey Ln Ste 200 Phoenix, AZ 85054 renee.a.hanson@ampf.com affinitywealthadvisor.com

Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC.