Chandler, AZ August 2023

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Kids & Pets

There isn’t much cuter than kids and pets, so we dedicate this issue to all those whose loyalty and pure sense of wonder make us whole and feeling special.

As I write this, I am in St. Louis, awaiting the arrival of a new grandbaby! She will be particularly special as we know this will probably be our last.

Reflecting on my many blessings, grandchildren are certainly at the top of my list! I had always heard, “Kids keep you young!” and as I deal with our youngest grands (two 4-year-olds and two 5-year-olds), there is much truth in those words. I play games I haven’t played in decades. I have energy I don’t seem to have when I am home. And I have found a renewed joy in laughter.

And not to be outdone by the “littles,” we are also blessed by our older grands, as we witness them carving out their own path in a grown-up world. Nine young souls touching me in ways I never thought possible.

In this issue, we spotlight a few local teens making a difference in our community and the world, and their stories will no doubt make you proud! Local author Karen Joseph finds a creative way to remind us of the importance of instilling good manners in our children. And as school begins again, you may find your child needs extra help in learning, and a local business offers great options to help keep them on track.

Not forgetting our fur babies, we introduce you to Spencer Mak, dog trainer extraordinaire, and The Barkery, a local bakery just for your fourlegged friends.

Summer always seems to fly by, and as it winds down once again, be sure to take a moment to spend time with those who make your world better— whether they have two legs or four!

August 2023

PUBLISHER

Joyce Selk | joyce.selk@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Michelle Glicksman

michelle.glicksman@citylifestyle.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Christina Larson | christina.larson@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Tanya Lewellen

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Michelle Talsma Everson, Alison Stanton

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Lindsay Borg

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

CONTROLLER Gary Johnson

AD DESIGNER Hunter Richie

JOYCE SELK, PUBLISHER @CHANDLERCITYLIFESTYLE

LAYOUT DESIGNER Eva Tucker

Proverbs 3:5-6

Selling or buying a house is not for the faint-hearted! It involves planning, timing, organizing, and disruption. Finding a realtor who is knowledgeable, calm, and responsive is vital to maintaining your sanity. Cathy Carter IS that realtor. From her deep level of knowledge to her endless patience, she is a true professional. Cathy treated me like I was her ONLY client, helping me get everything repaired with her wide network of professionals (all excellent) and even managed things while I was out of the country for 2 weeks. Choosing Cathy as my realtor was the best decision I could have made!

Cathy Carter

480.459.8488

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

1: The Chandler Chamber’s Women in Leadership event honored Chandler City Lifestyle’s Men of Chandler 2023. 2: Original Native American artwork is displayed throughout the new Gila River Santan Mountain Casino. 3: During its annual “Give Day,” the Chandler Compadres presented nonprofits with donations, including to ICAN. 4: The Chandler Chamber’s Women in Leadership event honored Chandler City Lifestyle’s Men of Chandler 2023. 5: The Chandler Compadres presented a $1 million check to the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley. 6: Honey & Vine features menu items that include ingredients grown on the Gila River Indian Community. 7: The Chandler Compadres distributed more than $2 million during their “Give Day.”

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8: Well Groomed Pets celebrated with a ribbon-cutting with the Chandler Chamber. 9: The City of Chandler held a variety of Juneteenth events. 10: The Miss Juneteenth Arizona Pageant was part of the City of Chandler’s Juneteenth events. 11: The Chandler Chamber honored Chandler’s businesses, educators, public servants, and community members at the Chandler Chamber Community Awards. 12: Chandler Scheels associates volunteered to assemble Hope Packs for Midwest Food Bank. 13: In true Scheel’s culture, employees pulled together for City of Chandler, cleaning up alleyways. 14: The Taqueria Factory’s ribbon-cutting with the Chandler Chamber.

Gila River Resorts & Casinos Debuts Santan Mountain Casino

Santan Mountain Casino—the culmination of a 20-month, $180 million project—is now open at 7101 S. Gilbert Road. The new property, which is bringing 700 jobs to the East Valley, features floor-to-ceiling windows; 33,000 square feet of gaming floor; a sportsbook; outdoor gardens; event space; and new food concepts Mein Dish, Upper Deck Deli, and Honey & Vine. Honey & Vine features a live DJ on special occasions.  PlayAtGila.com/ santan-mountain

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Bechtel Establishes an Office in Chandler

Bechtel recently opened an office in Chandler, which will serve as an important location for its manufacturing and technology business, serving customers in the semiconductor, batteries, and battery materials markets. The 8,000-square-foot office is located at 3133 W. Frye Road and includes space for employees in disciplines such as engineering, procurement, project controls, and construction management. Bechtel will maintain its existing U.S. and international office locations. Bechtel.com

Dr. Josh Russek Joins Animal Medical Center of Chandler

Dr. Josh Russek recently joined Animal Medical Center of Chandler. He comes from League City, Texas, where his passion for animals blossomed from a very young age. Dr. Russek completed his bachelor’s degree in biomedical science at Texas A&M University before moving to Arizona to complete his doctor of veterinary medicine degree at Midwestern University. His interests are in preventative medicine, clinical pathology, anesthesia, and radiology. AMCOfC.com

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Over Easy Opens at the Shoppes at Casa Paloma

Local breakfast restaurant Over Easy recently opened at 7131 W. Ray Road at the Shoppes at Casa Paloma. The new 3,000-square-foot destination marks the brand's 11th locale. Open for breakfast, brunch, and lunch daily, it is known for energized takes on classic breakfast staples, such as Banana Pecan Brioche French Toast, Waffle Dogs, Hawaiian Loko Moko, and Zesty Chilaquiles. Over Easy was recognized as one of America’s best breakfast and brunch restaurants by Travel + Leisure

EatAtOverEasy.com

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Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass Receives

Prestigious Recognition

Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass was named one of the top 10 Sheraton hotels and resorts in the world, tying for first place with three

other properties in a list created by TheTravel.com. They wrote, "This AAA Four Diamond property offers guests a unique experience that combines recreation, education, and inspiration within a resort setting. The exceptional staff at the resort goes above and beyond to ensure a fantastic stay, providing warm greetings and personalized service."

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Prime, A Shula’s Steak House Wins Wine Spectator Award

Prime, A Shula’s Steak House at Gila River Resorts & Casinos was recognized with the prestigious 2023 Wine Spectator Restaurant Award. The team at Prime, including sommelier Troy Tranzow, has built an incredible wine program and has been developing a wine-tasting dinner series. The rooftop restaurant located on the 11th floor of the Wild Horse Pass location received two cups. PlayAtGila.com

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She is enjoying an afternoon walk with her dog booties on to keep her paw pads safe. Many dogs can receive burns from the concrete or even grass so dog shoes are very helpful. Always giving your dog access to water when outside or on walks.

Avoid future teeth crowding, discomfort and infections.

Chandler Honored With 2023 Best City for Business Award

The City of Chandler was named Best City for Business by the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry during its annual awards ceremony. The city was nominated by the Chamber’s executive committee members due to Chandler’s business-friendly climate and processes. Chandler’s regulatory and tax climate make it easy and attractive for businesses to relocate and expand. Winners of the award are selected by a committee that includes business leaders from a variety of industries in ChandlerAZ.gov

Intel Recognized for Sustainability Initiatives in Arizona

Arizona Forward presented a special award to Intel to recognize the company’s consistent and outstanding achievements when it comes to environmental sustainability. It recognized Intel’s companywide commitment to sustainability initiatives and its local efforts at the company’s

Ocotillo Campus. Intel’s sustainability goals span water, energy, climate, and waste. This includes its goal to achieve net positive water by 2030, achieve zero waste to landfill by 2023, and achieve net zero greenhouse emissions (scope 1 and 2) by 2040. Intel.com/Arizona

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Craft 64 Named One of the Top 50 Pizzerias in the U.S.

Craft 64 Chandler was once again named one of the Top 50 Pizzerias in the United States by Top 50 Pizza, an international guide run by Italians that produces a series of annual rankings rewarding some of the best pizzerias in the world. "Since we opened in 2015, it has been our mission to hone in on our wood-fired cooking 'craft' and bring nothing but the best pizza to Arizona!" said the restaurant in a social media post. Craft64.com

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Want to be featured?

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

Dr. Higgs

”

Making an Impact

Luke Johnston and His Classmates

Third-grader Luke Johnston recently received a diagnosis of Retinitis Pigmentosa, which is progressive vision loss. He mom shares that he is expected to be legally blind by the time he’s a teenager.

The condition is caused by Bardet-Biedl Syndrome.

When his classmates and friends found out, they wanted to do something to help. They brainstormed ideas, and that’s how a group of 9- and 10-year-olds came to hold the Lemonade for Luke lemonade stand fundraiser in June in the Fonte Al Sole community, to raise money for research for a cure. They all came together to make it happen, bringing needed items like the lemonade stand, making signs, making the lemonade, baking cookies, and making rings to sell—and more. Some of the children included McKay Earl, Livienne Elder, Sebastian Jones, Lilian Chan, Jillian Light, Piper Palmer, Jordan Orchoa, Erin Larkins, and Easton Jones.

Not only did they sell out of lemonade and raise $5,000, but one of the families matched the amount, bringing the day’s total to $10,000.

ARTICLE BY MICHELLE GLICKSMAN PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

“We are so grateful,” says Kristina Johnston, Luke’s mother. “Luke was so touched by all these kids coming together for him.”

MEET 8 CHANDLER TEENS WHO ARE MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE

Ravi Pierce, 18

Ravi Pierce was very busy over the last year. When he wasn’t in school, he spent time volunteering in the community through Boys Team Charity, a volunteer service organization—to the tune of more than 250 hours.

In fact, it was so much time that Pierce was awarded the President’s Volunteer Service Gold Award, a national honor.

“I have always believed that all anyone needs to do to see the good in the world is to be the good in the world. It doesn’t matter how big or small an act of kindness is. Either way, it’s bound to make someone’s day better,” he says. While he volunteered with a variety of organizations, including ICAN and Aris Foundation, he spent most of his time with Feed My Starving Children and United Food Bank.

Of receiving the award, Pierce, who is heading to Arizona State University in the fall, says “It honestly felt unreal.”

Jessica Burke, 17

“The Native Health Cookbook is a project I developed for my Girl Scout Gold Award,” explains Jessica Burke. “Native Health is a resource for urban Indigenous families and others facing obstacles to health and wellness services. The cookbook not only provides recipes that utilize the common commodity foods families receive through the food pantry, but also includes evidence-based diagrams and guides to help readers make more nutritious choices.”

Burke created the cookbook after speaking with food pantry coordinators and realizing that they expressed a common issue faced by families—a lack of knowledge on how to utilize certain ingredients.

She developed and tested the recipes herself, and took inspiration from past food pantry cookbooks such as the Stockbox Cookbook .

The cookbook and the Girl Scouts aren’t the only ways Burke gives back. She is also a member of National Charity League and Chandler Service Team Flower Girls, has a food science blog (Otium), develops recipes for Taste of Homes and Food52, and more.

The cookbook is available on OtiumEats.com

Zoya Siddiqui, 12

Zoya Siddiqui was one of just 29 kids across the nation chosen to be a Kid Reporter for the Scholastic Kids Press.

She was selected based on her attention to detail, interviewing skills, and writing proficiency.

Kid Reporters cover local, national, and world events, and have interviewed influential figures such as former First Lady and President of the United States Michelle and Barack Obama, and prima ballerina, author, and actress Misty Copeland.

The articles are published online and in select issues of Scholastic Classroom Magazines—which reach more than 25 million students nationwide.

“One of my favorite stories I covered was about Malala Yousafzai, a human rights advocate,” Siddiqui shares. “I attended an event in Phoenix where she spoke and took notes on her interview to write about in an article. She is one of the people that I look up to the most, so it was amazing.”

She also loves books and reviews them on Instagram (@bookreviewsbyzoya).

Jay Jhaver, 17

“I have seen too many of our nation’s heroes on the side of the road in the hot Arizona summers, begging for something to eat or drink. Nobody who fought to protect our lives and our country should be struggling to survive,” says Jay Jhaver.

As he began looking into the numbers, he says he found “that veterans are 50% more likely to become homeless compared to other Americans. There are over 67,000 homeless veterans currently in America.”

He also found that many had mental health issues.

So, Jhaver decided to do something to help. He founded Teens4Vets.org, a nonprofit dedicated to helping veterans get back on their feet and as a way to offer them social support and interaction. The organization does everything from organizing bingo events, to providing meals and clothing, to volunteering with other organizations that also help.

“We aim to ensure these veterans know they are appreciated and to keep the legacy of their service alive,” he says. “We want to motivate and encourage teens to participate in being a solution to the crisis, as well.”

Teens4Vets.org welcomes volunteers of all ages and is always accepting donations.

Aashika Dupati, 17

Aashika Dupati explains that She’s the First, a global nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering underrepresented women and assisting with the movement of trying to provide all women with an education, is “close to her heart.”

“I’ve seen firsthand the educational disparities between men and women,” she says. “Where my family is from in India, many women don’t get the chance to pursue an education due to low finances and housekeeping priorities, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity I was given to receive a wonderful education.”

Not only does she belong to the organization’s chapter at her school, but she is its president.

This hopeful future physician also finds time to be part of the Chandler Mayor’s Youth Commission, is co-founder and co-captain of her school’s Science Olympiad team, is a volunteer at a local cardiology clinic, and does research at ASU (with a soon-to-be-published paper). She also plays competitive tennis.

Photo by LindsayBorg

Aditya Gupta, 17

Both of Aditya Gupta’s grandfathers had Parkinson’s disease and dementia, he shares, and watching their journeys sparked an interest in seeing how others also handled neurodegenerative diseases.

So, when Parkland Memory Care opened near him, he reached out to them.

Gupta began volunteering there in 2019, and has been doing so ever since.

He does activities with the residents, including word games, memory recall activities, bowling, and more. He also helps the staff set up for meals and generally helps wherever he can. He performed a comedy show for the staff and residents, and even set up a concert for the residents.

“I want to be part of a community based on cooperation and helping others unconditionally,” says Gupta, who wants to be a doctor to help others. “That is why I feel it is valuable to give back. Essentially, treating others how you want to be treated is how I like to go about my life.”

“If every young person takes a tiny initiative, we can solve [some of the world’s] problems,” says Arnav Nigam.

Nothing Nigam has done so far is tiny.

He co-founded the Arizona chapter of the nonprofit organization Fremont Debate Academy in 2022, then later launched his own organization, SpeakUpAz.

“Rather than simply teaching debate at middle schools, we wanted to found long-lasting programs, design curriculums, and most importantly, expand outside of solely catering towards speech and debate competitors,” he explains. “One of the goals of the organization is to have all youth proficient in public speaking.”

The organization founds debate programs at middle schools; holds seminars regarding simplified policy discussion; and hosts speaking activities, spreading awareness around key societal issues affecting youth.

Nigam is also chairman of the Chandler Mayor’s Youth Commission, leads his debate team, and leads all the economics-related clubs at his school—among other activities.

He has big goals for the future, including establishing a central forum where Arizona’s youth can voice their concerns on societal issues in safe spaces.

Arnav Nigam, 16

Photo by LindsayBorg

When should I start talking to my family about needing additional help?

There is no time like the present to start a conversation with someone advancing in age. You can approach the conversation with a recent experience, “Mom, a friend had to take much time off work recently because her mom fell and was in the hospital. She had to go to rehab before she was able to return home, but still needs some help. Can we begin talking about how you would want to handle that situation if something like that happened to you? I want to respect your wishes and understand what you would expect of me before we are faced with a stressful situation.”

Help is Here

ARTICLE BY MICHELLE GLICKSMAN PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

TUTOR DOCTOR BRINGS A UNIQUE, AND EFFECTIVE, APPROACH TO TUTORING

"The single most important factor in our tutoring success is selecting the right tutor for the student's goals and personality,” says Kimberly Selchan, owner of Tutor Doctor Chandler-Gilbert.

The company, which offers one-onone tutoring for kids in elementary school through undergraduate college classes, SAT and ACT prep, and writing college essays, takes a different approach to guiding children through learning than a typical private tutor or learning center. They go to great lengths to understand the child and meet them where they are, with both learning style and academics.

To begin with, no one is just assigned a random tutor who happens to know the subject requested. Instead, as Selchan mentioned, they’re deliberately matched with someone who will best be equipped to help.

“We really rely on the diversity of our tutoring team, and their personalities and teaching styles are all part of the criteria for the matching for each student,” she says.

It all begins with a phone or Zoom consultation. Selchan, or an education consultant (a certified teacher), speaks with a parent or guardian, and oftentimes even the child briefly.

“What they say [the child], even in such a short period of time, is so impactful. We can tell what type of tutor they need. Are they highly motivated but struggling for reasons such as low executive functioning? Do they dread school but don't want the consequences of failing? We match based on the subject, location, and availability, then the goals and personality of the student,” Selchan explains.

Gus and Leo, fur babies of Katilin

Tutor Katilin

Nikki R and Bear

This process takes place whether the tutoring is for just a few hours or will be ongoing.

There are also cognitive assessments to identify how each child learns—such as if they’re auditory learners or visual learners—in order to create a personalized learning plan. The tutor then adapts their teaching techniques to present material and work with a child in a way that’s most beneficial to them.

“We also ask permission to speak with the teacher so we can get feedback on what they perceive as the challenges, or to let us know what are working on. And it’s not that every kid is struggling, some are trying to get ahead, too,” Selchan says.

With a team of nearly 90 tutors, they are available at a variety of times, including evenings and weekends, and typically meet at the student’s home.

There are also tutors available who specialize in homeschooling, as well as special education.

“Tutor Doctor is designed to be what the student needs,” Selchan says. “And we’re here to help families in any way they need. It’s very flexible.”

“Working with Tutor Doctor has been a rewarding experience,” says high school math and science tutor Brian. “I enjoy connecting with the students and presenting the material in a way that is interesting and makes the concepts intuitive to the learner. I'm looking forward to moving forward with the company and am happy to contribute to the next generation of education.”

Selchan launched the ChandlerGilbert location of Tutor Doctor in January 2019. At the beginning, she was a one-woman show. But through wordof-mouth, parents and students kept reaching out, and within a year, it had grown to include a team of specialized tutors—most of whom live locally in the East Valley—across a variety of subjects.

“I’m really, really proud of the reputation we’ve built and the pride our parents now have in the children's growth,” Selchan says. “There isn’t

‘one-size-fits-all,’ and tutoring is not a forever thing. It’s fluid. Don’t let your kid lose confidence when they can have support.

“At the end of the school year, my inbox was active with parents thanking us for how much of a transformation they saw in their kid, not only in grades,

“I enjoy connecting with the students and presenting the material in a way that is interesting and makes the concepts intuitive to the learner.”

Fur baby of Charme’

Education consultant Charme’

Fur baby of Charme’

Tutors, Kids & Pets

As much as we give our pets, they often give us so much more. Not only can they bring comfort and joy to students and their families—and often can help ease students’ anxiety—but many of Tutor Doctor’s tutors are also pet parents, and find comfort in their pet’s presence.

“Our pets are our support people, too, and our tutors will often share stories about how after long day,

but self-confidence and pride. It’s awesome. And hearing from our tutors how much their students have grown—knowing they’ve done a great job, when a kid comes home proud that they got a good grade— that is so fulfilling.”

One of those parents was Sharee.

“I’ve really enjoyed working with Tutor Doctor,” Sharee shares. “They’re easy to communicate with and were so quick to staff us with a tutor. The tutor has been fabulous to work with. But I like that I still get calls from Tutor Doctor checking in. Summer is so kind to be flexible with us as our schedule is crazy. She’s taken the time to study the curriculum our kids are using in her spare time to make herself the best possible for my kids. I recommend them to everyone.”

“We have a lot of five-star reviews, and we’ve earned them,” Selchan says.

TutorDoctor.com/chandler-gilbert

their pets were a comforting presence when they got home,” Selchan says.

It also sometimes helps when tutors talk about their pets to their students who have pets—it’s a way to form a connection.

“They love their pets just like you. Tutors have personalities, too. They’re loving people.”

Kimberly Selchan, owner of Tutor Doctor Chandler-Gilbert

Dogs Love Happy Tails Barkery

The Bakery for Dogs Features a Variety of Healthy and Tasty Treats for Pups

ARTICLE BY ALISON STANTON | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

In 2011, Holly Bridge began making healthy and all-natural dog treats in her home kitchen.

“My dogs are my children, so I have always been mindful of what I feed them, especially when we couldn’t pronounce some of the ingredients with store-bought treats,” Bridge says, adding that this inspired her to start making wholesome treats for her dogs, as well as her friends’ pups.

Bridge received such positive feedback from her two- and four-legged friends that she decided to start a bakery for dogs called Happy Tails Barkery, and sell her high-quality and tasty dog treats at local farmers' markets.

As the business continued to grow, in 2020 Bridge opened a brick-and-mortar location in Gilbert, where she specializes in making and selling a wide variety of dog treats that are as delicious as they are healthy.

“We get to create a ton of fun pastry-style treats for our bakery case that are all made in-house, like cannolis, Puptarts, Woofie Pies, Pupcakes, and donuts.”

While the selection in the bakery case changes weekly, one thing that never changes is Bridge’s commitment to creating wholesome treats. Everything at Happy Tails Barkery is free from corn, soy, salt, sugar, food dyes, fillers, and preservatives.

In addition to the bakery, shoppers can find Happy Tails Barkery’s products at over 25 stores, including Von Hanson’s Meats and D’Vine Gourmet in Chandler.

“Additionally, we wholesale to all Pet Planet stores across the Valley, including the Pet Planet on Gilbert Road in Chandler, and we also sell on our website,” Bridge says. “We also partner with local artisans and other small businesses to give our customers a variety of local options in the shop.

“We get to create a ton of fun pastry-style treats for our bakery case that are all made in-house, like cannolis, Puptarts, Woofie Pies, Pupcakes, and donuts.”

And, I’m proud to say we just finished customizing bones for The Westin Kierland, Hermosa Inn, Arizona Biltmore, and the Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego.”

At the bakery, Bridge says the “Fetch and Go!” cakes, along with the other treats in the case, are always popular, as they give busy dog parents the chance to get a last-minute treat for their pups.

“Additionally, we love giving back to local rescues. All broken treats are donated, so nothing goes to waste, and shelter dogs get enrichment,” she says.

Looking back, Bridge is delighted with her decision to expand her business from a weekly farmers’ market to a bakery that is open six days a week.

“Opening a brick-and-mortar store was the best thing we could have done. It gives people an opportunity to bring their dogs in to sample all our healthy offerings,” she says. “I especially love when customers bring their dogs in for a simple sample or to take a photo by our wall mural. Many people come by just to socialize their dog and say hi, and it’s just a fabulous feeling that warms our hearts.”

HappyTailsBarkery.co

The Expert on Dog Training

Mak Pack Dog Training & Boarding Helps Strengthen the Bond Between Dogs and Owners

ARTICLE BY ALISON STANTON | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Spencer Mak has loved being around dogs since he was a young boy growing up in Vancouver, British Columbia.

“I was showing dogs and competing dogs in obedience since I was 14 years old,” he says.

When he moved to Arizona, Mak says it “just seemed natural” that he would continue to pursue a career with dogs.

After working for PetSmart for about seven years, Mak spent the next seven-plus years growing his Mak Pack Dog Training business out of his home.

“I would train anywhere I could—in public parks or people’s backyards,” he says.

At the height of the pandemic in 2020, Mak says there was suddenly a huge demand for dog training services.

“I booked one session on Saturday mornings from 10 to 11 a.m. at the neighborhood park, and it filled up in six minutes, and then that happened with the next one, and the next one,” he says, adding that he has had a 60-day waiting list for training class enrollment ever since.

This experience inspired Mak to open his first physical location in June 2020 in Tempe. Two years later, he opened his newest facility, Mak Pack Dog Training & Boarding, in Chandler.

“We offer doggy daycare, 24/7 overnight boarding, dog training group sessions, and private sessions, and we host Arizona’s first indoor dog park,” Mak says. “Our newest facility in Chandler is one of the largest anywhere in the nation at over 31,000 square feet. We also have dog washes and private suites, and soon we will have an indoor pool.”

Unlike some other training programs that involve dog parents sending their four-legged friends off for extended periods, Mak has built a training program that focuses on owners attending classes with their pups.

In his extensive work with dogs and their owners, Mak says that he often reminds his two-legged students that successful dog training takes time.

As he notes, dog training comes down to two key elements: information and communication.

“The depth of understanding a dog can achieve in just a few short months is astounding, but people often operate on a much shorter timeline with their puppies, and that can be really detrimental to the relationship if we don't have realistic expectations,” he says. “What you allow, what you reward, and what you correct over a period of time will serve to shape your dog into the one you want.”

Mak, who shares his Chandler home with Arlo, a 1-year-old white Golden; Loki, an 8-year-old Doodle mix; Odin, an 8-year-old black Newfoundland; and Tommi, a 5-year-old tri-colored Shepherd, says a highlight of his work is helping people to “love their dogs even more.”

“I enjoy fundamentally changing the dynamic of a relationship between a dog and their human, and getting human and dog to really level-set expectations and put their relationship in a place where it can thrive,” he says. “At the end of the day, strengthening the bond between people and dogs is really what it's all about.”

MakPackAZ.com

“What you allow, what you reward, and what you correct over a period of time will serve to shape your dog into the one you want.”

THE MAGIC OF MANNERS

ARTICLE BY MICHELLE TALSMA EVERSON PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Local author Karen Joseph is on a mission to show young children and their families how even the smallest manners and kindness can make a big difference.

“As with anything in life, if we make it fun, children will want to join in,” she says.

With this in mind, her new book, Manners Are Magical , aimed at children ages 4 to 8, is a 30-day guide filled with activities that help adults teach their little ones basic manners and kindness skills in fun and interactive ways.

Joseph shares that the daily activities take an average of 10-15 minutes each, and include things like The Good or Bad Manners game, Pass the Piggy—a game to play at mealtimes— and a Magical Ways to Make Someone’s Day word search, among others.

Interested parents and caregivers can also add on Bunny Manners and Nanny Manners, puppets meant to entertain and supplement lessons and activities from the book. A former educator, Joseph says she is in her element when sharing the book with children.

“I stopped teaching when my kids were born, but I have recently spent time visiting classes and ICAN in

Chandler with Bunny Manners and Manners Are Magical , and I realize how much I missed being around children,” she explains. “The book is much more than just teaching children manners, but it also talks about kindness, how we can respect each other, be good community citizens, and how to be responsible.”

She adds that the topics of manners and kindness are important because they “set children up for a lifetime of confidence, happiness, and success.”

“Think about the children in your life … They are internalizing everything you say and every move you make,” she says. “Do your best to make sure they are imitating what you want them to see.”

Inspired by the magic of manners, she is in the beginning stages of starting her own nonprofit called Kids Kindness.

“The nonprofit will focus on children, kindness, and community,” Joseph explains. “Kindness is magical, and the more you give, the more you get!”

For those who wish to support her nonprofit efforts, e-mail karenjoseph4@msn.com to get involved. For the book, visit TeaStory.us/product/ manners-are-magical.

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

AUGUST 1ST-13TH

1968: A Folsom Redemption CHANDLER MUSEUM

This candid photography exhibition covers a critical juncture in the career of Johnny Cash, one of the 20th century’s most beloved performers. This collection of photographs and memories was captured by two journalists, photographer Dan Poush and writer Gene Beley, who witnessed the historic Johnny Cash concerts at Folsom Prison. ChandlerMuseum.org

AUGUST 4TH, 11TH, 18TH, 25TH Free Summer Concert Series

CHANDLER CENTER FOR THE ARTS | 7:30 PM

Every Friday night this month, Chandler Center for the Arts offers a free concert series featuring some of Arizona's best local bands. Held indoors in the cool air conditioning, the upcoming shows include: Aug. 4: Jim Bachman & The Day Drinkers, Aug. 11: Lucius Parr Band, Aug. 18: Dorsten, and Aug. 25: Kilted Spirit. No ticket or RSVP required. ChandlerCenter.org

AUGUST 12TH

An Evening With

George Benson

CHANDLER CENTER FOR THE ARTS | 7:30 PM

George Benson, iconic American guitarist, NEA Jazz Master, and 10-time GRAMMY winner, is coming to the CCA main stage.  This legendary performer has the rare distinction of being in the pop consciousness while remaining in the pantheon of jazz greats. Benson will play iconic cuts from his legendary albums, as well as songs from his most recent album,  Weekend in London ChandlerCenter.org

AUGUST 12TH-OCTOBER 21ST

Creations from Within, Vol. 2

VISION GALLERY

Taking inspiration from the solo albums of hip-hop artists, Edgar Fernandez uses Creations from Within, Vol. 2 as an opportunity to showcase his commitment to his craft. Disrupting the myth of the lone creative genius, Fernandez invited a group of artists with diverse talents to collaborate on the exhibited pieces, adding new perspectives and context to his artworks. VisionGallery.org

AUGUST 20TH

The Australian Pink Floyd Show: The Darkside 50 Tour

CHANDLER CENTER FOR THE ARTS | 7:00 PM

The Australian Pink Floyd Show returns to Chandler with a new tour. The show celebrates the 50th anniversary of Pink Floyd’s eighth studio album, and brings to the stage the songs that mean so much to Pink Floyd fans all over the world. The memorable performance will include video, pinpoint lasers, inflatables, and flawless live sound that was the benchmark of Pink Floyd shows. ChandlerCenter.org

AUGUST 23RD

Cadence Chandler Luau & Pig Roast

CADENCE LIVING CHANDLER

SENIOR LIVING, 100 W. QUEEN CREEK ROAD | 4:00 PM

Join Cadence Living Chandler for a free community Luau & Pig Roast at Cadence Chandler Senior Living. There will be a Hawaiian buffet, as well as a performance from Tia's Royal Islanders. There are two seatings: 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. To make a reservation, call 480.534.1900. Seating is limited.

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