CARING & COMPASSIONATE PEDIATRIC DENTAL CARE
Our amazing pediatric dental team is specially trained and dedicated to giving your child the best dental care. We offer flexible scheduling, early and late appointments, kids’ dental emergency appointments, and orthodontic services.
Did Someone Call Me?
“MOM!”
That’s probably the word I hear most used daily. While it’s often followed by “What’s for dinner?” “Can you drive me to (insert a multitude of locales here)?” or “Have you seen (insert a multitude of objects here)?” it’s also a word I cherish.
I love being a mom (well, except for the 2 a.m., “MOM! I don’t feel well …” whispered in my ear, of course).
One of the things I love most about being a mom is that I get to help influence my children’s lives and guide them as they grow up.
Of course, sometimes they teach me more than I teach them. A perfect case in point is our dog, Icy. (I’ll get to the name later!) It was not long after our first family pup passed that the kids—then ages 4 and 6—started asking for another. I didn’t think I was ready. My kids and husband were.
Off to the shelters we went, me humoring them. But of course, they all found one they fell in love with. I was outnumbered.
And so Icy came home with us, quickly taking her place in the family. Over the years, she has been there for all of us and taught us all so much. The kids learned compassion and how to take care of a living being, and had a confidant when they wanted to share their emotions with someone beyond a parent.
Of course, Icy is now my beloved fur child, and I can’t imagine life without her. I am thankful for her every day. She’s the sweetest, most loving dog and a huge part of our family.
Which brings me to this issue—welcome to our Kids & Pets Issue, where we focus on kid- and pet-themed stories. Read about a vet passionate about pet care, a steel drum band, kid-friendly restaurants, perfect flooring options, and more.
Enjoy … and if you’re interrupted by someone yelling, “MOM” or "DAD," just smile and be thankful for the wonderful beings in your life.
Yours,
MICHELLE GLICKSMAN, EDITOR @TEMPECITYLIFESTYLEMAGAZINE
P.S. I promised the story! On the day we adopted our dog, my son looked at her and said she looked like an icicle because she was white and tan, so we should call her Icy. My daughter agreed. Since they were actually agreeing on something (you get me, parents, right?!), Icy she became!
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August 2024
PUBLISHER
Wendy Bates
wendy.bates@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Michelle Glicksman
michelle.glicksman@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Backcourt Marketing
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Alison Bailin Batz, Alison Stanton
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Brad Hendron
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe
LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
Passionate About Pet Care
Landon
city scene
1: Jay Parry, Latasha Causey, Nicole Crites, and Colin Diaz at the Diversity in Leadership Conference. 2: Attendees at the Tempe Chamber of Commerce’s Diversity in Leadership Conference at the Embassy Suites. 3: The Diversity in Leadership Conference included the 2024 Business Woman of the Year and Diversity Impact Awards. 4: The yearly Diversity in Leadership Conference encouraged participants to collaborate on creating initiatives that foster diversity and leadership skills. 5: Tempe’s Business Woman of the Year is Lisa Rehurek, with RFP Success Company. 6: More than 200 people attended Tempe Chamber of Commerce’s Diversity in Leadership Conference. 7: The Diversity in Leadership Conference opened with a high-impact, dynamic presentation by Bridgett McGowen.
8: Dr. Kimberly Sherrill cheered on former patient Kody Funderburk, relief pitcher for the Minnesota Twins, at Chase Field. 9: Mayor Corey Woods and the Tempe Chamber of Commerce welcomed One Medical to Tempe. 10: The Tempe Tourism Office welcomed attendees and organizers to the second annual Dive into Diversity Festival. 11: The Dive into Diversity Festival was held at ASU’s Mona Plummer Aquatic Complex. 12: AAU Diving and USA Diving both lent support to the Dive into Diversity Festival. 13: The Dive into Diversity Festival received support from USA Diving and AAU Diving. 14: The Tempe Chamber of Commerce and guests celebrated the opening of SaltFire Brewing Co.
COURTESY TEMPE TOURISM OFFICE/FERNANDO HERNÁNDEZ
COURTESY TEMPE TOURISM OFFICE/FERNANDO HERNÁNDEZ
COURTESY TEMPE TOURISM OFFICE/FERNANDO HERNÁNDEZ
COURTESY TEMPE TOURISM OFFICE/FERNANDO HERNÁNDEZ
MAKING MUSIC
For These Children, Being Part of a Steel Drum Ensemble is a Unique Experience
ARTICLE BY MICHELLE GLICKSMAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRAD HENDRON
Twelve years ago, the Corona
performed
del Sol Steel Band
at Kyrene de las Manitas Elementary School. Watching them, Lisa Sellers, the music specialist, was moved.
“Each size of instrument has a different placement of notes. Our students rotate to play all the sizes.”
“I was inspired by their joy and absolute excellence under the direction of Scott Werner,” she says. “Kyrene had no steel drum band at the time. I wanted to find a way to bring some part of the joy and excellence we had witnessed from Corona to my school. This would make us unique and special in Kyrene.”
So Sellers went to her principal, who told her to put in a proposal to create one. It was approved.
LEARNING TO PLAY
Sellers, who is now the director/founder of Manitas Steel D.R.U.M. Ensembles at Kyrene de las Manitas Innovation Academy, had never seen the inside of a steel drum before the school received them, she shares, saying, “My ‘instrument’ specialty is classically trained voice. The manufacturer of our instruments gave me a 5-minute lesson on the day he delivered the steel drums. The rest I learned by participating in the annual Corona Adult Steel Drum band.”
A steel drum is a chromatic instrument, which gives its users a greater range of songs that can be performed, but also makes them more challenging.
“On our elementary classroom barred instruments (little xylophones), all the notes are arranged in order from lowest to highest and in alphabetical order. On the steel drum, the notes are not in this order. To someone unfamiliar, it would appear to be some crazy random mix,” Sellers explains. “Each size of instrument has a different placement of notes. Our students rotate to play all the sizes. Later in the year, I teach interested fifth-grade students to play bass guitar and drum set so we have an official ‘engine room.’ No other elementary ensembles use an engine room. Our students also create their own movement to songs which we call ‘visuals’ after the tradition at Corona.”
Today, the program is the only steel drum ensemble in Kyrene, and they are thriving.
BEING PART OF THE ENSEMBLE
Children can audition at the end of third grade, with participation beginning in fourth grade and continuing through to the end of fifth grade. No prior familiarity with steel drums is needed to audition—Sellers teaches the instrument to everyone in the ensemble.
This past school year, the ensemble consisted of nine fourth graders and nine fifth graders, though previous years have seen as many as 24.
There are two ensembles, and each rehearses three times per week—one morning before school for 40 minutes and then two 20-minute rehearsals during lunch recess time. While they mostly perform at Manitas Innovation Academy events, they do sometimes travel to other venues.
“My favorite thing about steel drums is performing and fostering my love of music,” says Everest S., a fifth grader who has played for two years. “I enjoy being a part of an ensemble and practicing with my bandmates.”
“They feel special and unique because we are the only steel band in Kyrene. I know of no other touring steel drum group with students our age in the state.”
LEARNING MORE THAN JUST MUSIC
In addition to the obvious reward of learning an instrument, “The kids get a music family and belonging,” says Sellers. “They feel special and unique because we are the only steel band in Kyrene. I know of no other touring steel drum group with students our age in the state. Playing the steel drums makes you happy. You can’t be sad around steel drums due to the quality of their sound, at least in my opinion. Students learn perseverance and grit while learning challenging parts. They have accountability with
each other to learn their parts well because we are interdependent.”
And, when the Corona Steel Band comes to Manitas now to perform, Werner has allowed the fifth graders to play a song with “the big kids”— which Sellers says “just makes them glow.”
“My favorite Manitas Steel D.R.U.M. ensemble memory is playing with the Corona High School Steel Band because it felt amazing to play with such fantastic people!” agrees Ania W., a fifth grader who has played for two years.
“I love getting to teach students who are incredibly eager to learn music,” Sellers says.
While the portion of the ensemble’s name—“Steel D.R.U.M.” may seem like a nod to the instrument, it’s also an acronym meant to describe the character-building part of the program. “Steel” stands for, “We are strong like steel and do not give up;” “D” is for discipline—“We are self-disciplined in behavior and schoolwork;” “R” is for respect—“People with self-respect and respect for others make good decisions. They treat others the way they want to be treated … even when no one is watching;” “U” is for unity—“We work together as a team. Say ‘we’ not ‘I;’” and “M” is for Manitas music—"We learn all these things through mastery in music.”
“I love getting to teach students who are incredibly eager to learn music,” Sellers says. “We laugh a lot. We become a musical family. The enthusiasm of the kids just fills my heart with joy. As the kids grow
in skill, their confidence skyrockets. I love it when Manitas alumni join the Corona Steel band and come back to play for the Manitas students. The full circle and cyclical nature of this just fills my heart to overflowing. As I see those specific high school students playing, I still see them in my mind’s eye when they were first learning in my program. And then they inspire the current year steel drum students to do the same.”
As for the future, a third grade Introduction to Steel Drums class will be available this upcoming school year through Kyrene Community Education and will be open to all students in the community.
For more information and to stay updated on the performance schedule for this coming school year, visit https://sites.google.com/kyrene.org/ manitassteeldrumensemble/home
Sarah Purifoy CFE, CVA, MAFF Managing Director
Passionate About Pet Care
ARTICLE BY MICHELLE GLICKSMAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRAD HENDRON
Landon Brough, DVM, Puts the Personal Touch Back in Veterinary Medicine
While Landon Brough was growing up, he had a passion for animals and nature. Still, pursuing something in the science or medical world wasn’t initially on his radar—until a chance meeting with a vet in college.
“I had never had pets growing up,” he says. “And [when I was in college], I was bouncing between an accounting major and a business major because that’s what I thought you were supposed to do. This vet was telling me what he did, and I was interested, so he invited me to come watch him for a day.”
Brough did—and the rest is history.
He began taking the classes to be a veterinarian and working with and shadowing different doctors. That’s when “the stars aligned,” and he realized that all his training was relevant, because he wanted to own his veterinary hospital so that he could create the environment and culture he envisioned.
After graduating from veterinary school in Washington state—he had gone to Arizona State University for undergrad— Brough, a graduate of Mesquite High School in Gilbert, returned to the Valley, where he had grown up.
He worked for other clinics for a while before pursuing his dream and opening Sonoran Sky Pet Hospital this past March.
“I wanted to provide compassionate, collaborative veterinary care,” he explains. “It really comes down to creating something and building something. Starting from the ground up is something that has always intrigued me. Building an environment where I could influence people, whether employees or my clientele, to have feelings of growth and empowerment is really important to me.
“Empowering my clients to make the best decisions for themselves and their pets is what drove me to build
Sonoran Sky Pet Hospital.”
“My drive is to empower individuals, and I just happen to do veterinary medicine. What I mean by that is that the experiences that pet owners were having [elsewhere] I just felt could be better. Empowering my clients to make the best decisions for themselves and their pets is what drove me to build Sonoran Sky Pet Hospital. Also, for my future employees and doctors who will work with me, I want to provide a place where they can be empowered.”
Sonoran Sky Pet Hospital is a full-service pet hospital for dogs and cats, providing everything from puppy and kitten preventative medicine to end-of-life services, and everything in between. The practice offers internal medicine, dentistry, and surgical services. It also has a network of trusted specialists in case those services are needed.
“My goal is to put that personal touch back in veterinary medicine,” Brough says.
He says another goal is to be part of the fabric of the community he calls home.
“In the process of opening this, I looked all over the Valley,” Brough shares. “But I feel there is more of a culture and identity in the area here, and to join that identity is wonderful.”
When Brough isn’t treating other people’s beloved pets, he goes home to his own. He and his wife have a dog, a cat, 18 chickens, and seven ducks.
“My wife and I are interested in having a hobby farm, and we’re currently putting that together,” he says. “We hope to expand [our crew] to include sheep and cows and other critters.”
Whether at home or at Sonoran Sky Pet Hospital, Brough’s passion for taking care of animals shines through.
“I’m obviously passionate about pets and their welfare,” he says.
SonoranSkyPetHospital.com
Diana Rieger & Dr. Annette Hobi
Family-Friendly Restaurants That Offer Something for Everyone
Adult-Tested, Kid-Approved
There is nothing quite like gathering around a table to enjoy a family meal, especially one that mom and dad did not have to shop for, prepare, or clean up after everyone is done. Here are three great sit-down spots that welcome younger guests with open arms.
ARTICLE BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Culinary Dropout
The Culinary Dropout Tempe outpost is relaxed yet lively, blending delicious food and refreshing craft cocktails with entertainment for the whole family, including an expansive indoor-outdoor space with patio games such as ping pong, corn hole, and foosball. There is also often live music, and big screen televisions always air all local and popular sporting events. And the kids’ menu? Lovingly called the Little Monsters menu, there are an array of palate-pleasing favorites for toddlers to tweens, ranging from chicken tenders and crispy shrimp to macaroni and cheese and hamburgers, all served with fries (unless a substitution is requested) for just $10.
Drink Me Tea Room
Modern yet whimsical with photo opportunities in every direction, Drink Me Tea Room transports families to Alice in Wonderland—and often to other realms, thanks to special events themed around Harry Potter, Hamilton, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and more—and is the perfect alternative to a traditional family brunch or lunch. Boasting traditional tea as well as kids-themed flavors (and even tea-infused cocktails for the parents), the Drink Me experience focuses on providing vegan, gluten-free alternatives to standard sandwiches and sweets with all ages in mind so that everyone in the family—no matter the food allergy or restriction—can happily take part.
DrinkMeTeaRoom.com PostinoWineCafe.com
Wine-loving parents, rejoice! Postino has two locations in Tempe— Postino Annex and Postino South Tempe—that both offer a bevy of unique wines by the glass or bottle, epic bruschetta boards, sensational salads and sandwiches, and a fabulous Postino’s Kids Eats menu. There are activities for the kiddos to work on at the table, including coloring, connect the dots, fun facts, and Tic-Tac-Toe, and the menu includes items such as lemonade, apples, peanut butter and jelly, grilled cheese, and sliced chicken with dipping sauce. A bonus for the parents: earlier this year, Postino also began carrying cocktails.
Let’s
The Right Flooring
Have Kids and/or Pets? Flooring Expert
Michelle Hunt Shares Her Top Picks
Choosing the right flooring can be overwhelming—especially if you have kids and/or pets at home and you want flooring that both lasts and is easy to maintain.
We checked in with flooring expert Michelle Hunt, the owner of the family-owned AZ Flooring And Finishes, for help. While she can advise on all types of flooring and finishes, here, she shares advice—as well as her top four flooring recommendations—for those situations.
“Homeowners should take into account their lifestyle, and whether that includes kids or pets,” she advises, saying that for those who do, “tile is the best. Laminate and vinyl plank both come in second. Also, aside from tile, all flooring needs to be in a climatic house.”
Hunt opened AZ Flooring And Finishes in 2023, after working for small, family-owned stores. She wanted to open a store of her own and share her knowledge and experience.
AZ Flooring And Finishes specializes in all types of top-quality flooring, including tile, luxury vinyl, hardwood, carpet, carpet tiles, natural stone, glass tiles, cork, countertops, area rugs, window coverings, and more. Free in-home estimates and nextday installations are available.
Hunt’s background in interior design, customer service, and her industry knowledge guarantee that clients can receive expert advice on the perfect finishes for their home, ensuring their longterm happiness with both the look and performance of their final product choices.
AZFlooringAndFinishes.com
ARTICLE BY MICHELLE
Monterrey Tile Company
“Spirit” Sober Chestnut
“Homeowners should take into account their lifestyle, and whether that includes kids or pets. Tile is the best. Laminate and vinyl plank both come in second. Also, aside from tile, all flooring needs to be in a climatic house.”
8” x 40”
“This tile is the perfect medium-toned tile that looks like real wood and hides messes until you can clean them up.”
Shaw’s “Castlewood” Hardwood
“Castlewood’s stunning character is visually rich with the beautiful knots, mineral streaks, and natural splits seen in heirloom hardwood. Heightening its appeal is a low-gloss finish, which calls to vintage European oil-rubbed floors. The clean look and understated finish lets the beauty of the wood shine for a timeless look that ages gracefully. While our pets can scratch it, a handy furniture pen will help hide it or add character to this beautifully natural product.”
Shaw’s Area Rug
“Pet owners know area rugs are our best friend's favorite. It makes the room cozy and our furry friends love to lay on them. For those looking for a little carpet, this one has a soft back, made with Shaw's lifeguard technology, that is great for pets, keeping liquids from going down to the padding or hardwood floor. It comes in a low pile that won’t show traffic."
“This luxury vinyl plank is 100% waterproof and provides great ‘cleanability.’ It has a wide range of colors, such as red, golds, browns, and grays.”
Endura Plus “Tawny Oak”
ARTICLE BY ALISON STANTON PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRAD HENDRON
A PASSION FOR POOCHES
FOR 5 YEARS, CAMP BOW WOW DOBSON RANCH – MESA HAS PROVIDED DOG DAY CARE, BOARDING, GROOMING, AND MORE IN A CARING AND COMFORTABLE ENVIRONMENT
When Julie Rae was asked to write a research paper about the Camp Bow Wow franchise for school, she initially had no idea that the assignment would lead to a fulfilling career.
After researching the franchise for her assignment, Julie was so impressed with Camp Bow Wow that she knew she had to open her own location.
“I fell in love with the camp and presented the idea to my husband, Rob, who hopped right on board,” Rae says.
“I absolutely love the dogs, the people, the process, and the connection we build with pet parents.”
In August of 2019, the couple opened Camp Bow Wow Dobson Ranch – Mesa at 2647 W. Baseline Road.
Rae, along with Manager Ashton Gregor and their team of dedicated and dog-loving employees provides dog day care, dog boarding, and grooming—all in a safe, secure, clean, and caring environment.
From pups who need to keep busy while their human parents are at work to pooches who need a place to stay while their families are on vacation, the friendly and experienced staff at Camp Bow Wow Dobson Ranch – Mesa is happy to care for virtually any size and breed.
As a devoted dog lover herself—Rae and her husband have five fur babies of their own: Enzo, Hazel, Oliver, Penelope, and Sadie—she understands firsthand how difficult it can be for people to entrust their beloved pets to someone else’s care.
One of the many things that impressed Rae about the Camp Bow Wow franchise is the training process for prospective employees, as well as the many safety measures that are in place at all times.
“We have certified camp counselors who are thoroughly trained in yard management safety protocols, as well as dog behavior, pet CPR, and pet first aid,” Rae says, adding that Camp Bow Wow Dobson Ranch – Mesa also strictly adheres to cleaning protocols.
In case pet parents want to check in on their campers throughout their stay, Camp Bow Wow Dobson Ranch – Mesa has live webcams that let people watch their pup on their mobile device or computer.
Camp Bow Wow Dobson Ranch – Mesa also offers all-day play sessions for dogs in both indoor and outdoor play spaces. The facility is climate-controlled for maximum comfort, and dogs can enjoy various themed enrichment sessions during their stays, which include both physical and mental stimulation.
Rae is also pleased to offer flexible check-in and checkout times for her clients, and, as long as campers pass a free socialization interview, there are no restrictions on which breeds are allowed.
Over the past five years, Rae has enjoyed seeing a steady increase in clients and regular customers.
“I would say around 50% or 60% of our clientele is referral-based, and we have so many regulars at camp, some of which come nearly every day,” she says. "Our employees really come to know each and every one of the dogs that comes through the door!”
Looking back, Rae loves the way a class assignment led to such a fulfilling and rewarding career.
“I absolutely love the dogs, the people, the process, and the connection we build with pet parents,” she says. “I really love that what we do here makes dogs so happy, and I also enjoy helping to educate the community on pet safety, and different ways people can enrich their dogs’ lives.”
CampBowWow.com/Dobson-Ranch-Mesa
“Our employees really come to know each and every one of the dogs that comes through the door!”
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