Chandler, AZ May 2023

Elevated Design Premium Locations Exceptional Value

The prices of our homes, included features, plans, specifications, promotions/incentives, neighborhood build-out and available locations are subject to change without notice. Stated dimensions, square footage and acreage are approximate and should not be used as a representation of any home’s or homesite’s precise or actual size, location or orientation. There is no guarantee that any particular homesite or home will be available. No information or material herein is to be construed to be an offer or solicitation for sale. A Broker/Agent must register their client in person on client’s first visit at each community for a Broker/Agent to receive a commission or referral fee, if available. Not all features and options are available in all homes. Unless otherwise expressly stated, homes do not come with hardscape, landscape, or other decorator items. Any photographs or renderings used herein reflect artists’ conceptions and are for illustrative purposes only. Some amenities may not be constructed. Builder reserves the right to change the size, design, configuration, and location of amenities not yet constructed and does not warrant the suitability thereof for any use or for any person. Builder does not warrant the suitability of any trail for any use or for any person. All sales are conditioned upon buyer’s acceptance

Congratulations to the Women of Chandler 2023!

Each year, we dedicate our May issue to celebrating the amazing women of our community. These are the movers and shakers, the ones who get things done, the ones who are making an impact.

For the past seven years, we have had a new class of the Women of Chandler. There are nominations and a selection committee, and wow—every year we are blown away by how many truly incredible women there are! We could fill hundreds of pages if we had the room!

Thankfully we have a committee that has the extremely difficult job of narrowing down all the submissions to just a handful. I don’t know how they do it—I certainly couldn’t!

I want to take a minute to thank everyone who was nominated. You’re all truly fabulous and all of us here at Chandler City Lifestyle wish we could have featured all of you.

Still, we did have to narrow it down, and we’re honored to present this year’s group throughout these pages. Take a minute to read about each woman and all they’ve done to make an impact. They are the fabric of our community, and their stories are powerful.

I hope this issue inspires you to not only also be the change yourself, but to take a few minutes to send a text, make a phone call, or stop by and recognize the women in your life who deserve recognition. Thank them for their impact on you.

I hope you have a wonderful month. I’m honored to be part of all of your lives! Yours,

May 2023

PUBLISHER Joyce Selk | joyce.selk@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR Michelle Glicksman

michelle.glicksman@citylifestyle.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Christina Larson | christina.larson@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Michelle Talsma Everson, Molly Jones

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Lindsay Borg, Brittany Jean

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

AD DESIGNER Hunter Richie

LAYOUT DESIGNER Eva Tucker

MICHELLE GLICKSMAN, EDITOR @CHANDLERCITYLIFESTYLE

“Cathy was amazing through the entire process of both selling my home and buying a new home. She is extremely professional and knows all the ins and outs of real estate. During what can be a stressful time, she always kept me informed and had everything prepared at each step. She was always available to answer questions and offer advice. Both sales went through flawlessly and now I’m in the perfect home!”

- Allison L.

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

1: Ramen Hood celebrated its grand opening in Chandler with a special event. 2: The Teen Leadership Academy participants represented six Chandler schools. 3: Robert Valentin was the winner of Chandler Education Foundation’s Winner’s Choice: Car or Cash Raffle. 4: Perry Pumas defeated Hamilton in the AIA Conference 6A boys basketball state championship game. 5: The Chandler Innovation Fair showcased the businesses, artists, students, and innovators in the community. 6: The community came out to attend the Public Safety Fair, hosted by Chandler Police and Fire. 7: Checking out a rescue truck at the Public Safety Fair, hosted by Chandler Police and Fire.

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @chandlercitylifestyle

8: The Ferris wheel at the Chandler Chamber Ostrich Festival. 9: At the Ostrich Festival, there were different stages for performances. 10: Ostriches at the Ostrich Festival. 11: Onlookers watched a performance at the Ostrich Festival. 12: Fun with bumper cars at the Ostrich Festival. 13: Entertainment at the Ostrich Festival. 14: There were plenty of foods to try at the Ostrich Festival.

Perry High School Student-Athlete Wins Big Award From Gatorade

In its 38th year of honoring the nation’s best high school athletes, Gatorade recently announced that Khamil Pierre of Perry High School is the 2022-23 Gatorade Arizona Girls Basketball Player of the Year. Pierre is the first Gatorade Arizona Girls Basketball Player of the Year to be chosen from Perry High School. The award recognizes not only outstanding athletic excellence, but also high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated on and off the court.

Give Me Sum Opens For Delivery

The delivery-only Give Me Sum dim sum concept recently opened in Chandler. In addition to signature dim sum dishes of assorted steamed dumplings and bao buns, the Asian concept also offers non-traditional offerings such as Sum Meaty Fries— crisp fries served with a choice of protein of either beef or chicken, and either teriyaki or Korean garlic and chili sauce. GiveMeSumDimSum.com

Mind Rx Expands Into Chandler

Dominic DiLoreto is the clinical director at the new Chandler mental health clinic Mind Rx, located at 1835 W. Chandler Blvd., which provides brain-based mental, cognitive, and behavioral health services, and specializes in the identification and balancing of neuronal mechanisms behind mental health conditions in children, teens, and adults. Services include counseling, brain mapping, neurofeedback, and more. DiLoreto's neurofeedback program won Best in Scottsdale for five consecutive years and is now expanding into Chandler. MindRxAZ.com

Ramen Hood recently opened its second Valley location in Chandler at 1940 W. Chandler Blvd. Its first location is in Scottsdale. Ramen Hood is an upscale build-your-own

fast-casual ramen concept. Inspired by his love of food and Japanese culture, Ramen Hood founder James Xie saw a need for ramen shops like those he frequented in Japan: quick service, a casual atmosphere, and good ramen. EatRamenHood.com

Scan to read more.

Make a Difference by Donating Items for Move-in Kits

The City of Chandler's Community Development & Resources Division assists vulnerable Chandler residents to obtain housing. Once they move in, they often are in need of basic household items to help get settled. There are several ways you can help. A list of needed items is available at the link. You can also purchase an item from an Amazon wish list that gets shipped directly to the department; assemble move-in kits; or make a monetary donation of $16. Visit ChandlerAZ.gov/moveinkits  for more information.

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Chandler

EQUIPMENT - REPAIRS - APPAREL LESSONS-FITTINGS

Dr. Higgs

WRITTEN in the Stars

ARTICLE BY BY MOLLY JONES

PHOTOGRAPHY BY LINDSAY BORG

Many people wonder what might have been if they’d chosen a different path in their lives. Maybe accepting a job offer that led to a move—but ended a relationship—keeps them up at night. Or choosing one college over another leads them to imagine a career that might have made them happier.

For Shana Schwarz, it was a concept that not only made her think, but inspired her to write.

“I’ve always been fascinated by the concept of fate versus free will,” says Schwarz, author of the new novel As Long as Stars Are Above You “I was excited to explore that in this novel.”

The book, available now from all major retailers, is Schwarz’s fifth novel written, but first published. She has three more coming out starting later this year, but it is Stars that holds a special place in her heart.

“I felt challenged by the deeply personal writings of Glennon Doyle to push myself into

a more honest and vulnerable story this time around,” Schwarz explains. “Starting with the main character, who is my age and also a married mother of three, was a scary idea. But even though we have a lot in common, this is still a work of fiction.”

The story follows Joey Shaw from Phoenix to London, when she goes back in time at her 20-year high school reunion to the day she graduated from high school. Instead of marrying her high school sweetheart, Joey runs away with her band camp crush and sees what her life could have been like, possibly erasing the happily ever after she left behind.

“I hope it keeps readers guessing,” Schwarz says about the dual timeline love triangle. “But most importantly, I hope it reminds them that love is a choice—the bravest we’ll ever make.”

Find her book on Amazon.com.

Meet the 2023 Women of Chandler!

MEET THIS YEAR’S GROUP OF AMAZING WOMEN

ARTICLE BY JOYCE SELK

PHOTOGRAPHY BY LINDSAY BORG

In 2017, our editorial team decided to spotlight some of the great women of Chandler in our May Women’s Issue—and here we are seven years later! I have to confess, every year we question whether or not there could possibly be enough ladies or interest to continue, and every year we are overwhelmingly surprised by the number of nominations and interest in learning more about the inspirational women in our great community.

We have a selection committee that reviews every nomination (138 this year!) and we never know what they are looking for or what small thing may pique their interest, but they do try to encompass a broad segment of our “village.” I will also tell you there are sleepless nights and much angst when determining who to feature in any given year, and I can assure you, it has not gotten easier over the years, and we are always left wishing we had endless pages!

We are a lifestyle magazine, so we hope you find each story interesting or impactful in some way. They are all making a difference in their own ways—some through their careers; some through their positive mindset and perseverance; some through investing their time, treasure, or talent. We are all blessed for their good work and positive energy!

Photographed at Gila River Resorts & CasinosWild Horse Pass, PlayAtGila.com

Betty Ramirez Founder, Fortis Femina

Describing herself as bossy and straightforward, Betty Ramirez may be small in stature, but she is a mighty force who is always looking for ways to meet the needs of the community.

Besides owning a business with her husband, she also invests her time as vice president of the Chandler International Film Festival, bringing international films to our local audience. Very recently, she wrote and produced her own film about a service group she founded, Fortis Femina. The mission of the group is to provide resources, leadership, and mentoring to women struggling with different life situations.

“I felt that there was more I could do if I could share what I know with others,” she says. “It would be like a ripple effect.”

The members have similar values when it comes to giving back, whether it is partnering with local nonprofits, volunteering with service projects, or mentoring with Fortis Teen.

You may also find her giving away food boxes at a local church, planning a multicultural event for the city, organizing candlelight vigils for fallen heroes, serving Thanksgiving Dinner to seniors, or honoring veterans with Wreaths Across America—the list is almost endless.

What’s on her bucket list? To learn Korean.

Dr. Jessica Blanco-Gilbert, MD Owner, Desert Foothills Family Medicine

“As a child, I did not have any mentors that looked like me and do what I do, so I understand the visible impact I make in my community, says Dr. Jessica Blanco-Gilbert, MD, who is known by Dr. Blanco to her patients. “My inspiration was the lack of women of color in medicine.”

Recognized as a Top Doc in Phoenix Magazine for multiple years, Dr. Blanco is a role model and mentor to students wanting to become medical providers.

Dr. Blanco also donates her time to Chandler Service Club to provide food and clothing to children and families in need and to Chandler CARE Center, which provides free medical services to underserved pediatric patients. With no plans to slow down after retirement, she hopes to participate in medical missions to third-world countries.

Her nominator writes, “As a successful doctor and businesswoman, she is committed to serving our underrepresented youth in Chandler. Her kind, caring commitment makes her a remarkable agent of change.”

Something you may not know about her? She played the clarinet in her high school orchestra and marching band, and plans on playing for a local orchestra in the near future.

Shelby Fox Captain/Paramedic, Chandler Fire Department

Arizona native. High school valedictorian. Summa Cum Laude graduate, ASU. Wildland Firefighter. Wife and Mother of two boys.

Shelby Fox’s current career morphed from the influence of her parents' healthcare careers and her own experience working six seasons for the US Forest Service as a wildland firefighter. Joining the Chandler Fire Department (CFD) in 2010, she hit the ground running, volunteering as a cadet advisor for five years, recruiting, and rising through the ranks as a paramedic, move-up engineer, and now captain.

The department tells us, “She has worked on almost every truck in the city and has earned multiple awards and citations, but more importantly, she has earned admiration and respect from everyone she meets due to her involvement in committees, training, and education. She is a servant leader who cares about the public she serves and her fellow firefighters. Shelby's professionalism is as infectious as her smile.”

Fox says her true joy comes from watching her boys demonstrate “unsolicited respect, empathy, and gratitude outside of the home.”

Something you may not know about her? She has a great dane named Chief.

Rhonda LaBatt wanted to find a way to help an anti-trafficking organization based in Cambodia, comprised of women who are survivors of slavery who are creating stunning handbags and jewelry as a means to support their rehabilitation program. In 2013, she founded Redemption Market as a shop with a mission to assist those living in marginalized communities by providing a marketplace for artisans to sell their ethical goods and a means to fund their programs.

What began as an online business has grown to include two brick-and-mortar locations and now sources from around the world, giving over $100,000 annually to anti-trafficking and social justice organizations.

“The name Redemption comes from the idea of taking some of the darkest, saddest situations on earth—those that some intended for evil—and redeeming them for good. To redeem the dignity stolen from a trafficked girl ... to redeem the purpose of someone trapped in a cycle of poverty. Working together we can really make an impact.”

Something you may not know about her? She is fluent in Spanish and used to be a Spanish teacher.

Rhonda Labatt Owner, Redemption Market

Working with businesses, nonprofits, faith groups, residents, and civic leaders, Jane Andersen is focused on making a difference by building community and fostering collaboration.

“A strong community doesn’t mean we are all the same or agree about everything. But it does mean that we care enough to listen and see things from other points of view,” she says.

Married and a mother of four, Andersen feels her own life experiences have helped her develop empathy.

“Having twins with special needs greatly changed how I view the world and has allowed me to better understand marginalized populations and the importance of seeing things from different perspectives. Every day I am reliant on a team of helpers to make my life function. I see what community looks like on a daily basis. I’d love to help others feel that same care and concern as I give back a little of what has so lovingly been given to my family.”

What’s on her bucket list? She would love to be in closed-room deliberations with the Supreme Court to witness how things are discussed and compromises made.

Jane Andersen

Chair, For Our City—Chandler

Chandler Communication Director, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

“I’d love to help others feel that same care and concern as I give back a little of what has so lovingly been given to my family.”

Everyone seems to know Carol Polcyn. She can be seen just about everywhere—always with a smile on her face— attending meetings, networking events, and community happenings. She tirelessly supports good causes with her time, talents, and treasure.

As if her day job as an account executive with Robson Publishing for more than 26 years was not enough, Polcyn finds many ways to contribute to our community. She joined the Chandler Business Alliance in 2019 and is its current facilitator and director of its nonprofit foundation. She also serves on the boards of Landings Credit Union and For Our City Chandler, and served as a committee member for ICAN’s Dream Big Gala and the East Valley Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast. And, she designed and has been publishing the 9/11 Tempe Healing Field Newspaper for The Exchange Club, which has been publishing for over 12 years.

Polcyn believes her strongest character trait is the ability to be a visionary leader.

“I tend to take chaos and somehow orchestrate it into a beautiful masterpiece,” she says. “And I enjoy doing it!”

Something you may not know about her? She is adopted and recently discovered that her birth mother is alive.

A native Arizonan, Alicia Rosenberg was raised with a strong sense of civic duty and the importance of having a positive impact on her community.

“It is a thread that runs through my entire family,” she says.

Rosenberg feels her strongest character trait is perseverance, and does not know how she acquired the skill to reconsider, regroup, and try again when something doesn’t go as planned—but knows it serves her well.

Joining the Chandler Police Department in 2007, she worked her way up, and helped their Forensic Services Section earn international accreditation.

“As the City prepares to build a free-standing Forensic Service Center and expand those services, I am honored to help develop that vision,” she says.

As a Forensic Scientist, Rosenberg is able to impact the community with every case she works.

This mother of three finds true joy through her children, and family is a priority.

“When I get to see them experience something for the first time or find success, I feel like I experience a tiny bit of that with them and it inspires me to do more and do better every day.”

Alicia Rosenberg

Forensic Services Manager, Chandler Police Department

Carol Polcyn Sales, Robson Publishing

Robin Villareal Chief Information Officer, Gila River Resorts & Casinos

Robin Villareal started her career in the Tribal Gaming industry 28 years ago in an entry-level position within the food and beverage department, and is the first Native American woman to be named to her current leadership role in IT, supporting over 2,900 employees. While in the food and beverage department, Villareal had an IT problem that no one could help her solve. Not to be discouraged, she dug in and did some research until she learned enough to solve her problem. The IT Department was so impressed, they offered her an entry-level position—and she has worked her way up to head the department.

The future and the importance of planning for generations to come was always a topic of discussion in her home.

“My grandmother was my role model and instilled in me the importance of being a Native woman and why preserving our customs, traditions, and culture were vitally important. I carry this in every decision I make,” she says.

Something you may not know about her? My grandfather was in the 1908 and 1912 Summer Olympics, winning the silver medal in the 10,000 meter run.

Aubrey Young Owner, Young Orthodontics

If there is ever a need in the community, Dr. Aubrey Young is one of the first to step up.  Whether it is a local sports team, school, or charity, Young supports many great causes.  She has even donated full orthodontic treatments to teachers, ICAN, and the Compadres, to name just a few.

Young also enjoys volunteering at nonprofit clinics for the underprivileged and teaching as a dental health educator.

Young’s passion to improve smiles began when her childhood dentist was able to stabilize and save her teeth after an accident at age 14.

“I love watching the change in self-confidence as my patients’ smiles are transformed,” she says. “I literally watch people stand taller, speak more clearly, and smile more comfortably during the process. It is so fun to change how people see themselves and how they then interact with everyone else in their lives. I describe it as the butterfly effect in motion.”

Something you may not know about her? She fully restored a 1966 VW bug she calls “Em” and just got married in February to her lifelong best friend.

Dr.

Having once dreamed of becoming a physician in her 20s, LeAnn Priddy has no regrets, fulfilling her calling through her work at Hospice of the Valley. She supports hospice care for thousands of individuals and families across the Valley, while motivating and leading a diverse staff team.

She also gives her time, talents, and treasure serving on the advisory board of the Chandler/Gilbert YMCA for almost 10 years, and on Mercy Care Long Term Care advisory board.

Priddy also collaborates with the Chandler police and fire departments for staff to provide dementia training to first responders.

“I have a passion for living each day to the fullest, immersing myself in my career because it is so gratifying. Hospice of the Valley has been a blessing to so many. I am grateful every day to serve a mission that focuses on comfort, dignity, and compassionate care for all,” she says.

Priddy feels her strongest character trait is determination.

“There is always a way to solve any situation. Have faith that even if you don’t have all the answers, through conversation, collaboration, and teamwork, the best outcomes are achieved.”

LeAnn Frecentese Priddy Director of Business Development, Hospice of the Valley

“Have faith that even if you don’t have all the answers, through conversation, collaboration, and teamwork, the best outcomes are achieved.”

Michelle Hirsch has been a Chandlerite for 40 years, always engaging and finding ways to help her community. Rising above an unstable and challenging childhood, Hirsch has followed her passion to help others since she was a teen. The list of ways she has been involved is too long to mention, but includes working as a news journalist for several local publications, dedicating 25 years to the Kyrene School District (including as an elected member of the governing board), advisor for a nonprofit teen court program, and chairing the Chandler Arts Commission. The importance of education, along with being a huge advocate of the arts, has directed her service efforts.

And if her thousands of hours volunteering isn’t enough, for the focus of her day job as a self-employed residential property owner, it is her mission to provide quality, affordable housing opportunities.

“She is selfless and humble, and above all, she makes our community a better place,” writes her nominator.

Susie Stinson Co-Founder, Hope4Life

Susie Stinson, along with her husband, Tudor Melville, helped launch Hope4Life, a nonprofit ministry with Faith Family Church, whose mission is to help people primarily in Chandler and Rocky Point, Mexico.

Working with local homeless groups, veterans, abused women and children, as well as residents on the Indian reservation, the ministry has distributed over 22 million pounds of free food to the Chandler community in the past three years.

The ministry was expanded in 2014 after visiting the Rocky Point prison. Stinson and Melville were touched by the great lack of even the simplest necessities. Providing food and essentials and hope and dignity, they have been able to help change the lives of hundreds of inmates, orphans, and homeless.

They give and help in memory and honor of Stinson’s late daughter, Theresa.

“Susie's leadership and strong faith shows through the way she assists others in need, both personally and professionally,” writes her nominator.

Something you may not know about Stinson? “I have not watched TV since I was 13.”

Michelle Hirsch Chair, Chandler Arts Commission

As the daughter of a school teacher and Marine reserve, and the wife of an Army veteran, Amy Nelson has a big heart for educators, first responders, and the military.  A longtime resident and realtor, Nelson was looking for ways to give back when she founded Arizona’s Heroes Home Team in 2016. Partnering with a few like-minded professionals, their mission is to reward and assist everyday hometown heroes in our community. She probably never imagined her organization would have already given over $750,000 back to members of this deserving group through deferred commissions, fees, and discounts when one of them is buying or selling a home.

Nelson has even donated her entire commission check to a client so they could afford to purchase their first home.

“It’s the least we can do to thank them for their hard work,” she says.

Her team also sponsors local community events, including an annual Easter Egg Hunt, Pictures With Santa, shreda-thons, and drug take-back opportunities coordinated with the DEA.

Nelson’s team also works closely with the Sun Lakes sheriff’s department by sponsoring BBQs within that community.

Growing up in Sierra Leone, Adama Sallu’s parents instilled the importance of service. Her mother, due to cultural limitation, was not allowed to go to school because she was told, “If girls went to school, they would ask too many questions.” Her mother wanted her girls to have a different educational trajectory for Sallu and her sisters. Her father, an educator, started an educational nonprofit that built over 100 schools in the country.

After graduating from boarding school in Sierra Leone, Sallu moved to the U.S. at age 17 to go to college—and has spent the last 26 years devoting her life to education.

Following in her father’s footsteps, Sallu is the director of educational equity for Chandler Unified School District and is charged with ensuring that “all children coming to Chandler schools have access to an equitable and inclusive learning environment.” She is also a faculty associate at Arizona State University.

Sallu is a mother of two children and serves on the Chandler/Gilbert YMCA, Arizona Teacher Residency and Justice College boards, is a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer, and works with Chandler’s Ms. Juneteenth Program.

Something you may not know about Sallu? She loves to hike!

Dr. Adama Sallu

District Administrator, Chandler Unified School District

Amy Nelson Realtor, Keller Williams

Betty Sanders may be 96, but she proves age is just a number! She spends her time volunteering with the Sun Lakes Sheriff’s Posse’s Medical Equipment Program, her church, or Neighbors Who Care, or going to the gym every day. In the past, she has been an avid tennis player and officiant, and is even thinking of taking it up again.

One of seven children, Sanders grew up during The Great Depression, forcing her to become competitive, independent, and determined. Finishing college, she was a teacher and physical therapist for 54 years. She found working with rehab engineers for 11 years to evaluate, fabricate, and fit custom posture seating for the handicapped the most rewarding part of her career.

Never marrying, Sanders found joy in helping her siblings raise her 14 nieces and nephews.

Her golden rules to live by come from her faith.

“I am my brother’s keeper. The body goes the way the mind thinks. The me I see is the me I’ll be. If I never see it, I’ll never be it. I am a work in progress striving to be a loyal and faithful servant to God.”

Moving to Chandler in 2012, Leisa McDonald thought she would continue her work in the corporate world until a visit to Lebanon led to her meeting refugees from Iraq. Her focus immediately changed, and upon her return home, she began working at a local church, overseeing local refugee programming and leading the East Valley Refugee Coalition. McDonald quickly learned resources were lacking for this group to succeed long-term.

With a vision, McDonald co-founded Matthew House AZ in 2021 with the goal of empowering, equipping, and caring for these new neighbors by offering housing subsidies, English language classes, tutoring, and mentoring.

Hoping to support up to 10 families their first year, the Afghan crisis created a greater need—which they met, helping more than 50 families.

The organization currently serves families from more than 11 countries who are working to adjust to life in the U.S., and who make the East Valley their home.

What would she like her obituary to say? “She didn’t sit on the sidelines. She got involved and made a difference.”

Leisa McDonald

Executive Director, Matthew House AZ

Betty Sanders Volunteer

Making “Cents” Out of the Rising Cost of Car Insurance

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRITTANY JEAN

Car insurance is required in the state of Arizona— yet while it’s a necessity, the price to insure your vehicle keeps going up. Throughout the insurance industry, vehicle insurance rates are increasing by an average of 4.9% or more, according to recent research.

But it’s not all doom and gloom. To help Chandler residents understand the issue and manage expenses, local State Farm agent, Debbie Wiltse, has a few tips.

WHY ARE AUTO INSURANCE RATES INCREASING?

One reason auto insurance rates are increasing is due to rising repair costs.

“Parking sensors, lane-departure warnings, and even stronger materials are now widely available on many vehicles,” Wiltse explains. “While those smarter sensors and stronger devices can help improve safety, they are also more expensive to repair.”

Wiltse adds that ongoing supply chain issues have also impacted repair costs and, on occasion, how quickly you can get repairs completed. Also, with new technology being put into vehicles, it can increase prices when it comes to things like electric car insurance.

Another reason for the raised rates is distracted driving, Wiltse notes.

According to a State Farm® survey, more than half of drivers indicate that they read or send texts while driving, and one-third of drivers reported using video chat or recording video. Even voice-activated car commands can divert cognitive abilities and attention.

“Rethink using the phone while driving, and resist being tempted by other driving distractions,” Wiltse says. “If you have a teen, be sure to talk with them about safe driving habits—especially since teenagers make up a large portion of distracted drivers involved in fatal crashes.”

MANAGING RISING AUTO INSURANCE RATES

Wiltse shares that there are multiple ways Chandler drivers can potentially save on their car insurance, including the following.

• Many insurance providers offer special rates tailored to individual drivers, such as State Farm’s Personal Price Plan.

• Evaluate how increasing your deductible would reduce your monthly premium.

• Take advantage of applicable discounts offered by your insurance company.

“With State Farm, some of our discounts include options like Drive Safe & Save™, the Multiple Line Discount, the Steer Clear® Safe Driver Discount for drivers under age 25, and the Good Student Discount,” Wiltse notes.

• Consider decreasing coverage on older vehicles.

Having been in the industry most of her life, Wiltse shares that she understands the value of quality insurance.

“Family is important to me, so I know how important it is to have insurance you can trust to protect yours,” she says. “My team and I are always happy to help locals learn more about their auto insurance options and find them the best coverage at the right price.”

DebbieWiltse.com

Debbie Wiltse, FLMI, CLU, ChFC, RICP, started with State Farm in 1973 in Michigan, and then moved to Illinois. Coming to Arizona in 1987, her agency has been in the Southeast Valley since 2000, offering insurance and financial services including home, auto, life, health, and business. She loves spending time with her family, golfing, and traveling around the world.

“If you have a teen, be sure to talk with them about safe driving habits—especially since teenagers make up a large portion of distracted drivers involved in fatal crashes.”

SMILE AND EAT CONFIDENTLY events

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

MAY 5TH

2nd Annual BackFit Cares Fore The Kids Golf Classic

RAVEN GOLF CLUB | 7:30 AM

Get your golf clubs and tee up Fore The Kids at the BackFit charity golf classic. The event will be held in a four-person scramble with a shotgun start, and end with an awards luncheon. Monies raised will be used to host free and natural alternative healthcare workshops and community fairs for kids in underprivileged communities. BackFitClassic.com

MAY 5TH, 12TH, 19TH

CinePark May Movie Series

TUMBLEWEED PARK | 6:30 PM

Enjoy a movie night under the stars at Tumbleweed Park. This evening of outdoor movie entertainment on a giant screen is suitable for the whole family. The first three Fridays in May will bring a different movie each night—May 5: Encanto, May 12: DC League of Super Pets, May 19: Minions. Bring a blanket or lawn chair. ChandlerAZ.gov

MAY 6TH

Dive-in Movie: Luca

Chandler: 2450 W Ray Rd. Suite 1, Chandler AZ 85224

San Tan Valley: 36327 N. Gantzel Rd. Suite 102, San Tan Valley AZ 85140

HAMILTON AQUATIC CENTER | 6:00 PM

Celebrate National Water Safety Month with a dive-in movie. Bring your school of fish over to Hamilton Aquatic Center for a free viewing of Luca. To ensure smooth sailing, Chandler Aquatics is allowing moviegoers to bring a personal clear inner tube for in-pool seating. Guests can also enjoy the water safety booths and giveaways, hosted by  #WaterYouDoing , prior to the start of the movie. ChandlerAZ.gov

MAY 7TH

Chandler Symphony

Orchestra Presents

So Romantic CHANDLER CENTER FOR THE ARTS | 3:00 PM

Join Music Director and Conductor Vanja Gjumar Nikolovski and Chandler Symphony Orchestra for its 30th Season at Chandler Center for the Arts. This orchestra of professionally trained musicians volunteer their time and talent to bring the beauty and delight of classical music to the community. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. Admission is a donation to Chandler Symphony Orchestra. ChandlerCenter.org

MAY 19TH-28TH

Arizona Restaurant Week

VARIOUS LOCATIONS

Arizona Restaurant Week serves as a period of culinary discovery during which diners can explore the cuisine of a multitude of restaurants at a fraction of the cost. During the event, guests can enjoy a three-course prixfixe menu for just $33, $44, or $55 per person at participating restaurants. Typically, more than 130 restaurants around the state participate. ArizonaRestaurantWeek.com

MAY 20TH-AUGUST 5TH

Frank Gonzales: Sacred Spaces

VISION GALLERY

Artist Frank Gonzales makes each canvas a sacred space for the plant and animal beings he represents. He distills incredibly complicated relationships in the natural world down to their core elements, using color and movement to reflect on their most authentic ways of being. These meditations allow us to share in the wonder of the natural world and reflect on our relationship to it. VisionGal lery.org

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Chandler

Located on the NW corner of Arizona Ave and Chandler Heights Rd in the CVS Pharmacy complex, across the street from the post office.

W. Chandler Heights Rd., Ste. 3 Chandler, AZ 85248

Andrea Stickland, DVM Kristy Sorenson, DVM Laura Diltz, DVM Chelsie Daniel, BVM&S MRCVS

Come celebrate Stinko de Mayo with us! Save on your pets fecal parasite testing through out the month of May! Lulu already had her annual testing done and is excited to have a clean bill of health!

A History of Expert Health Care

BackFit Health + Spine Celebrates its 21st Anniversary

ARTICLE BY MICHELLE TALSMA EVERSON

In 2002, BackFit Health + Spine started out as a small, family-owned chiropractic care practice in Chandler. Fast-forward to today, and now, as they celebrate their 21st anniversary, they have grown into a national premier integrative medical center that provides a wide variety of services in multiple locations across Arizona, Illinois, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

“Despite all of the growth we’ve done, we’ve retained that family feel thanks to our company culture,” says Dr. Yasmin Rahimi, D.C., the practice’s founder. “Our culture focuses on treating our staff like family by being flexible, inclusive, investing in our employees, and an emphasis on moving forward no matter what happens.”

Dr. Rahimi says that BackFit Health + Spine stands out because it offers so many services under one roof. While the practice still offers chiropractic care, it also provides a variety of medical services, massage therapy, physical therapy, pain management options, lab testing and X-rays, and many others.

“Most recently, we’ve started offering hormone therapy to men and women, too,” Dr. Rahimi adds.

Still, through all the success, the team at BackFit Health + Spine haven’t forgotten their local roots. To give back, BackFit Health + Spine recently launched the BackFit Cares Foundation, which is raising funds to provide holistic healthcare options to children who may otherwise not have access to them.

“We are so grateful to the Chandler community,” Dr. Rahimi says. “We live in Chandler, and we started out in Chandler. We love being involved in the community and giving back. Whether it’s supporting our amazing employees, treating patients, or giving back to local families, we’re still here decades later because of this culture of gratitude and treating others like family.”

BackFitHealth.com | BackFitCares.com

“Our culture focuses on treating our staff like family by being flexible, inclusive, investing in our employees, and an emphasis on moving forward no matter what happens.”

—Dr. Yasmin Rahimi, D.C.

Photo by Lindsay Borg