Valley lifestyles January 2015

V VALLEY LIFEST YLES

MAGAZINE

PLUS GET TO KNOW YOUR DOCTORS

Success

The SWEET SMELL of

INTERVIEWS WITH SOME OF THE EAST VALLEY’S MOST INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE

HAPPY NEW YEAR! JANUARY 2015 ValleyLifestyles.com

T H E E S S E N T I A L L I F E S T Y L E M A G A Z I N E O F T H E E A S T VA L L E Y

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2015

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Women’s Hair Loss

Why Does it Happen? & What can you do about it?

What used to be a “men’s condition” is now quickly becoming a female epidemic.

It is scary to think that you could randomly wake up one day and begin to see more hair on the pillow case and less on your head. For women losing their hair, it is a serious blow to femininity and the ideal vision of themselves. We are constantly cutting and coloring to make sure our hair looks the best it can. But what if one day the un-thinkable happens… and it falls out and doesn’t grow back?

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Question: What causes women’s hair loss?

Answer: Female hair loss can be caused by multiple factors, but the most common cause is an underlying genetic pre-disposition to hair loss known as androgenetic alopecia or female pattern hair loss. Unlike the popular myth that you inherit hair loss from your mother’s father, women can inherit hair loss from either side of the family. This means that women can inherit hair loss from men and vice versa. It is much more common than people know.

There are other factors that can cause hair loss or increase hair loss due to family history. They include stress, lifestyle, diet, thyroid disfunction, fungal infections, scalp parasites, and medications (most common hormone replacement and birth VALLEY control pills).MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2015 2 LIFESTYLES

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Question: What do your clinics use to help women with thinning hair?

Answer: Depending on the reason for the loss, the treatment protocol will vary. Usually though for common female pattern hair loss the protocol is relatively similar. We a have a 9 month program that includes twice weekly office visits for cool light laser treatments for the scalp. This stimulates cell regeneration and is already approved to promote thicker hair. Our program also includes topical pharmaceuticals, hormone therapy balancing cream, nutritional supplementation, holistic hair care products, and topical scalp serums.

This is most aggressive treatment that we offer, but it works. When you use everything together the way that our program does, you are bound to get results.

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Question: What advice would you give a woman who is dealing with this problem?

Answer: Find the source of the problem as quickly as possible and treat that problem. Don’t try to treat it yourself because it wastes time that could be spent growing hair back. I obviously would recommend to call us and then come in for a consultation. Worst case scenario, you can stop the progression of the loss. Best case, we can dramatically reverse your hair loss and regrow hair.

We have had numerous cases where a woman was wearing a wig or extensions when they started the treatment. Then 9 months later they were able to remove their wig permanently or stop getting extensions because their hair had gained so much volume and density.

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Question: Is there hope for women with thinning hair?

How do you control it?

Answer: There certainly is. There are

so many tools that can be used to control female hair loss and reverse it in many cases. Once you have established the reason for the hair loss and it can be treated with a variety of methods. Unfortunately, most general physicians simply don’t have the time or the knowledge to get a full understanding of why a woman is losing her hair. The female patient is then left combing the internet for solutions that rarely leads to any real answer.

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Question: How you do know what is causing your hair loss?

Answer: A simple patient history is the easiest way. Many women have blood tests for hormonal issues, thyroid dysfunction, iron levels, and vitamin D deficiency. Unfortunately this rarely produces any other cause other than normal pattern hair loss.

At our clinics we use a video microscope to analyze the condition of the scalp at 50x magnification. At this level we can tell if the client has loss due to stress, diet, infection of the hair follicle, or simple hormonally related hair loss.

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Question: Is there maintenance required?

Answer: 99% yes. I usually tell people it’s like brushing your teeth. If you don’t brush them and go to the dentist, your teeth will rot and fall out. The same goes for your hair. If you have a genetic hair loss problem, you have two options; oneyou can treat the problem long term, or two- let your hair fall out and go bald. Clearly our clients choose hair.

WILLIAM GAUNITZ, WTS CEO of Evolution Hair Loss Institute 4450 South Rural Rd. Bldg C. Suite 222 Tempe, AZ 85282

480-222-HAIR(4247) VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2015 www.hairgrowthcenters.com

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PUBLISHER

Steve T. Strickbine CO-PUBLISHER

Tony Zoccoli

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Christina Caldwell

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Breanne DeMore ART DIRECTOR

Dara Fowler

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Lynette Carrington, Christina Fuoco-Karasinski, Dominique Del Grosso, Katie Selph, Julie Lemerond ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Sheree Kamenetsky EDITORIAL INQUIRIES ccaldwell@valleylifestyles.com CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Sam Nalven, Tim Sealy DISTRIBUTION SERVICES AZ Integrated Media

EDITORIAL/ADVERTISING OFFICES

Valley Lifestyles Magazine 3200 N. Hayden Rd., Suite 210 Scottsdale, AZ 85251 Phone: (480) 348-0343 Comments: ccaldwell@valleylifestyles.com www.valleylifestyles.com All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the Times Media Group. Photographs, graphics and artwork are the property of Valley Lifestyles Magazine. Š Affluent Publishing LLC.

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january

FEATURES 28

E.V.’S MOST INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE

Our East Valley is celebrated for its small town feel, but we certainly have our share of success stories. Whether it’s writing books or contributing to our ever-developing towns, these people are all creating their own definitions of “success.” We sat down with four of the E.V.’s most influential people and asked them about their careers and lives in our little corner of the world.

By Valley Lifestyles Staff

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A DOCTOR’S TOUCH

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TIME TRAVELER

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With so many great healthcare professionals and facilities located right here in the East Valley, we really are lucky.

But sometimes it’s hard to remember that our doctors are people, too. We decided to get to know them on a more personal level, so you could do that same.

By Breanne DeMore

You may have driven passed the I-10 exit for the Casa Grande Ruins National Park endless times, but you’ll kick yourself once you realize what you’ve been missing this whole time. Built in the 1300s (that’s before Shakespeare!), this “great house” was constructed by the Hohokam and has amazed tourists and locals alike for centuries.

By Scott Shumaker

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january DEPARTMENTS 10 FROM THE EDITOR 13 UPFRONT | 480 CALL US MOM AND DAD For Christiane Giovanetti-Oliver and her husband, Patrick Oliver, the terms “family” and “kids” have a different meaning than the rest of us. In addition to their two biological children, the Giovanetti-Olivers also foster a 21-year-old woman and a 53-year-old man. Yes, they are just as amazing as they sound.

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editor's letter

I HAVE A CASE OF IMPOSTER SYNDROME.

Since I was a kid, there was nothing more I wanted to be than a journalist. Once I completed my journalism degree and started as a professional reporter, I constantly criticized my work. It was never good enough, and definitely never good enough to be an editor.

When I became an editor, I downplayed my role. Putting commas in the right place wasn’t exactly curing cancer.

And when I became the editor-in-chief of my first magazine, I was scared everyone else was going to find out exactly what I really was, which was just a little girl with a dream I was certain would never come true.

And then it did. And it was scary. It makes sense. I forced myself to make all of the little steps that let me go from lowly intern to executive editor, but I don’t remember changing or feeling more confident in the process.

But now I’m here, with the resume to show for it, and I still don’t fully believe it. Why is that?

This month we featured four of the East Valley’s most influential people. They come from all walks of life, but they all have one thing in common—they took a risk. They made the leap

ON THE COVER: Michael Pollack PHOTO BY SAM NALVEN

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VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2015

from wanting to do something to actually doing it, which one of the people we profile, Chelsea Fine, practically shouts from the rooftops.

If you want to do what you want to do, you actually have to do it. (And yes, that is a real sentence that an editor wrote.) But it’s so true.

There are so many people who have raw talent who just never try and are bitter when someone else gets a slice of their dream.

My New Year’s Resolution this year is to not be that bitter person. My New Year’s Resolution is to try all of those intimidating things that have popped up into my mind just to be pushed back down. Those hiking trips I fantasize about on these beautiful winter days? There’s nothing holding me back. I might as well try!

It’s those little steps that add up to big results, as Julie Lemerond discusses in this month’s fitness column. Those little actions you make can help you lose pounds and gain muscle—and confidence. But of course that advice can be put on any goal you have—even if you want to be the executive editor of a magazine someday.

Just don’t take my job,

CHRISTINA CALDWELL Executive Editor

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2015

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Mom and Dad

BY CHRISTINA CALDWELL

GILBERT COUPLE FOSTERS ADULTS AND CHANGES LIVES At 27, most women are just coming into their own, but Christiane GiovanettiOliver has always been the mature type. She found her calling early in life.

Beginning work with differently-abled people at 15, Giovanetti-Oliver’s nurturing nature was apparent from a young age. Now at still-young 27, the Gilbert mother has four kids of her own, ages 4, 7, 21 and 53.

True, it’s not biologically possible, but through the foster care system, GiovanettiOliver and her husband, Patrick Oliver, were able to quickly expand their family from their two biological girls to four, including a developmentally disabled 21-year-old woman and a 53-year-old man with cerebral palsy. While the state calls the adults in her care “clients,” to Giovanetti-Oliver, they’re truly her kids.

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2015

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TRENDS | PEOPLE | CULTURE | STYLE

Adult foster care is not as widely-known as child foster care. Many think children graduate from foster care on their 18th birthday, but in special cases, those new adults can stay in foster care, or in others, an adult might enter the system when they’re deemed unable to care for themselves.

“It’s not a really widely-known thing,” Giovanetti-Oliver says. “A lot of parents with disabled children don’t know they can put them into foster care, so I want them to know that this is an option. You don’t have to put them in a group home.”

The couple’s foster daughter, Danielle, whose name has been changed to protect her identity, was born into a “horrific situation,” Christiane says. Born to a mother with many kids already and unfit for the role, Danielle was taken by the Child Protective Services when she was 13.

Because of her neglectful past, Danielle’s development slowed. Giovanetti-Oliver compares Danielle’s mental state to that of a 12-year-old, where her emotional state is that of a 4 or 5-year-old. While Danielle and Christiane have lived close to the same amount of years on this planet, their ability to function in society varies greatly.

“I’ve had foster kids that are closer to my own age and are higher functioning than [Danielle], and they don’t have respect for you, because if they’re higher functioning, they don’t have to listen to you. They think ‘Oh, you’re four years older than me.’ It’s hard,” Giovanetti-Oliver says, explaining that it’s not the case with Danielle. “Even though we’re close in age, she still looks up to me like a 5-year-old looks up to a parent.”

In the case of her 53-year-old foster son, Mark, whose name has also been changed, it was a much different story. Mark has cerebral palsy, and his mother spent a lifetime taking care of his every need. As she aged, she assumed that she and her son would live out their lives together in a nursing home, where she’d still be able to take care of him as someone else takes care

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VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2015

of her. When she heard about adult foster care, those plans changed. She enrolled her son in the foster system and through an agency, found Christiane and Patrick. Just as much as it was a match for her, it was a match for the Olivers, as well.

“I know people who do foster care that have fostered the same client for 20 years.

[Mark], for example, will be with us as long as his mother decides he needs to be in foster care,” Christiane says. “With [Danielle], our goal is for her to move out when she’s 25.”

With Danielle there’s hope for rehabilitation, and as a young woman, she has her whole life ahead of her. During the day, Danielle goes to a vocational program that teaches her how to have a job and takes the bus to get there—a skill she’s learned recently.

With Mark, the Olivers’ jobs are to make his life comfortable and to work on his communication skills. He attends a day program where they do arts and crafts, work on goals and practice communication.

The Olivers have seen huge strides with Mark, and they’re actually measurable, which is more than worth the struggles they face day-to-day with the agency, state and system.

“Watching [Danielle] grow in the last four years has been incredible and completely rewarding. My whole goal is to teach her how to live in the real world and she will be able to do that someday. That is the most rewarding thing to me,” Christiane says.

“With [Mark], we’ve had him for five years now, and he’s like a completely different person from when he first moved in with us.

When he first moved in, he was very angry.

You know, a lot of behavior problems. He threw a lot of things, and I can’t remember the last time he threw something, so he’s changed drastically.”

That’s not to say fostering doesn’t have its downs, too. When the Olivers first decided to foster adults, they jumped at the chance to take someone when the first case came up. For them, it wasn’t a match. In fact, it was “two and a half years of hell,” Christiane says. The family has had five clients since they first started fostering, and Danielle and Mark have had the most progress because they’re the right match.

“It’s a big commitment. Once you sign that piece of paper, that’s it. They’re yours.

They’re part of your family, and if you decide it’s not working out, they have to find another placement. That could take a week or that could take six months,” she says. “That was one of the harder lessons I learned.”

But for now, the Olivers are taking parenting day-by-day. The struggles that come with fostering, including sometimes putting your biological kids’ schedules on the backburner, shouldn’t be undermined.

As a family, the Olivers have learned to compromise for the good of the family—the whole family.

“It’s frustrating to me, because there are a lot of foster homes out there where the [kids] are just a paycheck, and for me and my husband, when we do something like this, they become part of the family,” Christiane says. “I refer to them as my kids. They come to family gatherings, they do Christmas with us. They do everything I do with my own children.” VLM

"My whole goal is to teach her how to live in the real world and she will be able to do that someday. That is the most rewarding thing to me"

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TRENDS | PEOPLE | CULTURE | STYLE

Baby,BURN!

BURN,

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BY KATIE SELPH

LOOK

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Imagine walking into a clearing in the forest and seeing a burning pile of violins. Would you try to stop it?

Visual artist Julie Comnick would let them burn. Several years ago, she set out on a project that features a bonfire of irreparable violins. On display at the Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum through Saturday, March 22, this exhibition is fascinating for all ages. Titled “An Arrangement for a Silent Orchestra,” this project is making a statement about art in the modern age while simultaneously calling for advocacy in the arts.

Why the violin? Comnick grew up playing the violin. As she got older, it became more difficult to find music classes in school and she slowly stopped playing. For her, the violin is a symbol of cultural heritage and traditions that may soon be lost. Children are losing access to music classes and technology is making traditions, like learning to play instruments, more and more obsolete.

Why fire? Fire has been an important force and symbol throughout time. Whether in ancient funeral rites, mythology or political statements, like flag or draft card burning, fire sends a message. This is something Comnick hopes audiences think about when viewing her work.

While this project features a series of large scale paintings, it also relied on video production and photography in the development and implementation of Comnick’s vision. The interplay between art and technology is fascinating to Comnick.

She asks us, “How is our dependency on technology shaping our world?” She explores this relationship and hopes viewers will be moved to discuss the effects of art and technology on one another.

The paintings are beautiful, and the message behind them will awaken thoughts and ideas in all viewers. Visit the Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum and experience the exhibition for yourself! VLM WATCH IT GO UP IN FLAMES AT: MESA CONTEMPORARY ARTS MUSEUM AT MESA ARTS CENTER 1 E. Main St., Mesa, (480) 644-6500 mesaartscenter.com

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VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2015

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TRENDS | PEOPLE | CULTURE | STYLE

E.V. BLOG BEAT Nicole White of foodiemisadventures.com

BY CHRISTINA CALDWELL

Nicole White hasn’t always been a whizz in the kitchen or the star athlete at the marathon, but that hasn’t stopped her from trying. A junkie for self-improvement (and self-deprecation), the Chandler 29-year-old chronicles her failures and successes at foodiemisadventures.com.

Valley Lifestyles: Tell us about a major failure you've had in the kitchen.

Oh, I have quite a few. [Laughs] One of my most memorable was the first time I tried to make homemade French macarons.

I had this grand idea to make teal colored ones for my friend’s bridal shower I was hosting. When I got to the step to pipe them out my batter was way too runny and it was oozing everywhere, I had teal-colored goop all over my kitchen! I think I did like 10 things wrong when I was trying to make them, but in my defense, they really are quite finicky little cookies, even when you know how to do it! Now I can say that I have made many successful batches and even created my own flavors like my Pumpkin Spice French Macarons.

Your blog is also part fitness blog. What is your advice for someone looking to train for a race or marathon in the New Year?

My number one piece of advice for people who want to start training for a race is to have fun with it! I also like to remind people that everyone starts somewhere. If you can only run a quarter mile at a time, just stick with it and you’ll be able to do multiple miles before you know it. I like to recommend finding a buddy to help pass the miles, and that helps keep you accountable and make it more fun!

What is your advice to other people who might feel intimidated by experimenting in the kitchen?

Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Those mishaps and failures make the best stories and oftentimes they are also the best learning experiences. I’m also a big fan of tasting as you go when you can.

That way you can add a little of something and taste to see if it works before adding more.

What is your go-to healthy recipe when you're trying to eat light?

This is going to sound strange, but I love making homemade

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VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2015

NICOLE'S SUCCESSFUL CREATION OF PUMPKIN SPICE FRENCH MACARONS.

turkey or chicken burgers and serving them with a nice big side salad.

I use lean ground turkey or chicken and it comes together just like beef would, but it’s a little better for you—plus they are easy to eat without a bun if you’re watching your carbs or are gluten free. I like to spice them up by adding different ingredients, which makes it more interesting. Plus anytime you are eating a burger, it doesn’t feel like you’re eating healthy. Some of my favorites are my Fajita Burgers, Chicken Parmesan Burgers, and my Buffalo Chicken Sliders.

Do you have any New Year's Resolutions this year? What are they?

I don’t have any New Year’s Resolutions this year, but I turn 30 in April and put together a list of 30 things I want to make in the kitchen before I turn the big 3-0. They are all sorts of DIY and homemade versions of things that I’ve been wanting to tackle, like Sriracha, pasta and even tortillas! VLM

CONNECT WITH NICOLE AT: Instagram: foodiemisadventures Twitter: @marvelousfoodie facebook.com/FoodieMisadventures foodiemisadventures.com

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CELEBRITY

Philanthropy

CELEBS FIGHT PROSTATE CANCER AT FUNDRAISING GOLF EVENT

BY DOMINIQUE DEL GROSSO

In the midst of daily hubbub and limited time, it can be easy to forget how important it is to take care of our health. While juggling work, family and professional obligations, making an appointment with a physician for preventative tests and screenings may very well brush the bottom of the list.

Prostate On-Site Project (POP) has been working to make an impact on the education offered and accessibility to prostate screenings and early detection of prostate cancer for men in Arizona since 1998. From its inception, bringing affordable prostate screening appointments to ensure that men stay healthy and cancer free is POP’s mission.

Founded by prostate cancer survivor Gene Felker, it was his goal to ensure that every man in Arizona had access to prostate screenings because cancer shows no prejudice. Keeping his vision at the forefront, he founded a non-profit organization—All Sports Foundation—to raise money that would fund awareness, education and annual screenings for prostate cancer.

To take the awareness of early detection and the funding to make it possible to a broader audience, POP will host a golf tournament that is open to the public on Super Bowl weekend.

The goal of the event is to bring attention to the importance of early detection via prostate screenings with help from famous faces.

The Legends of the Game Golf Classic Super Week XLIX event will make a significant financial impact on POP’s mission and ability to provide affordable, mobile screenings and early detection services to men throughout Arizona.

Marla Zimmerman, daughter of Felker and current CEO, says that the Valley’s participation in this event is crucial for continued action, education and the ability to provide low-cost prostate cancer exams.

“Play a round [of golf] with a legend, and you’ll never forget.

Support POP for the early detection of prostate cancer,” she says.

Paired together with four amateur teammates and one sports celebrity team captain, the goal is to outperform the competition

in hopes of the coveted first place prize. Competitors can expect to drive and putt alongside famous players, indulge in premium beer, wine and cocktails, plus food and prizes, which will make certain that this round of golf is an experience of a lifetime.

The statistics surrounding prostate cancer are alarming. According to POP, one in six men may develop prostate cancer in their lifetime, but if detected early enough and treated appropriately, the disease can be overcome—it can even be potentially 100 percent survivable.

POP recommends that men receive a prostate cancer screening annually to verify good health, and if an abnormality is detected, POP will provide guidance for an appropriate course of action thereafter. VLM

TEE OFF FOR HEALTH: WHIRLWIND GOLF CLUB 5692 W. North Loop Road, Chandler (480) 940-1500 prostatecheckup.org Wednesday, January 28, 8:30 a.m., $4,000-$20,000 per foursome

“Play a round [of golf] with a legend, and you’ll never forget. Support POP for the early detection of prostate cancer...”

22

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2015

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VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2015

23

upfront 480

TRENDS | PEOPLE | CULTURE | STYLE

EATING SEASONALLY

Dummies

FOR

SIMPLIFYING AND SORTING OUT THIS CULINARY AND HEALTH TREND

BY BREANNE DEMORE

As soon as humans left the hunter/gatherer lifestyles and settled into civilizations, they began eating according to the seasons. Planting a variety of fruits and vegetables, it didn’t take them long to realize certain produce grew better in certain seasons.

While improvements in technology have afforded us many wonderful things, a byproduct has been society losing sight of eating seasonally. We are now used to getting whatever we want, whenever we want it.

However, the restaurant industry, and in turn consumers, are once again realizing the benefits of focusing on seasonal produce.

With so many different beliefs and opinions out there, it can be difficult to understand everything and get you and your family started with seasons. Fear no more, we’ve broken it all down for you.

WHAT DOES EATING SEASONALLY MEAN?

These days, restaurants will use a lot of key words to bring customers in the door, but it’s not completely clear what the true definition of each term really is. The more you know about each of these terms, the better you’ll be able to converse with the restaurant and make sure you really understand where your food is coming from.

Seasonal – This refers to produce that is at its peak, in its flavor and freshness. Most often, this peak is very quickly after harvest and lasts a varying length depending on the fruit or vegetable.

Organic – This refers to the process by which the produce is grown. Synthetic pesticides and chemical fertilizers are banned and the farming must foster a cycle of resources and leave the earth either as is or better off than it was prior to the farming. Producers must obtain a specific certification to be considered truly “organic,” so make sure you look for that on any packaging.

Local – This takes geography and economics into consideration. Buying local, within your state or within a few hours drive, allows your produce to be brought to you at its freshness peak.

Ideally, you want to find certified organic, local produce that is grown in season. If that sounds pricey to you—it’s really not! Read on to find out why.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

The benefits of making sure you’re eating organic, local produce that is in season are difficult to deny.

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VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2015

Nutritional – Fruits and vegetables that are eaten in season are the most nutrient-rich. Right off the tree/vine/branch, this produce has just ripened to its peak and formed all of the vitamin and minerals that benefit you. Plus, it all tastes better.

The fresher produce is, the better it’ll taste.

Monetary – Think about it. If something is in season, it’s easier to grow, which means more people will grow it. If more people grow it, the supply/demand ratio goes down and prices quickly follow.

Local Businesses – Supporting local businesses is important because the closer to you that your food is grown, the less it will have to travel to get to you, keeping your money in your local economy.

SO, HOW DO I GET STARTED?

Luckily, this trend has really hit a stride and it’s not nearly as difficult to focus on organics, seasonality and local produce as it was a few years ago. Today, there are many fun, easy ways in the East Valley to get back to the basics and get your whole family involved.

Delivered – With the growth of this movement, there are multiple companies today that will deliver your fresh produce right to your home.

Ron Paradis, founder of Nature’s Garden Delivered, started his company with two goals: to teach people how to eat seasonally and to produce a service that brings the farmer’s market to doorsteps.

He sees his company as a win for everyone. Buying local not only has all the benefits listed above, but it gives the smaller farmers someone to sell their produce to, so they aren’t competing against the big guys. He saves his clients time and money by cutting down on their grocery store runs, and therefore gas—which, in addition to the organic, sustainable farming that he promotes, is better for the environment.

Nature’s Garden Delivered allows it’s customers to completely customize their boxes. From the size of the box, to the in-season fruits and vegetables available, to how often they deliver, Paradis and his crew ensure that their customers get the freshest, organic, seasonal produce delivered right to their doorsteps.

Agritopia – Located on the Northwest corner of Higley and

Ray Roads in Gilbert, Agritopia is a 160 acre development with 16 acres dedicated to certified organic farmland growing row crops and fruit trees and supporting livestock. Membership to their Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program costs $100 to $200 and includes a weekly supply of fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers.

Farmers Market/Grocery Store – Yes, you can actually shop at your local grocery store and farmers market! Asking questions and doing your research is key. There are plenty of online resources to clue you in on what’s in season but you can also tell right there in the stores. Look for what is most abundant and low priced. Also, ask the farmer at the farmers market where they are getting their produce and if they are certified organic. VLM

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2015

25

upfront 480

TRENDS | PEOPLE | CULTURE | STYLE

STARTING SMALL FOR

BIG SUCCESS

BY JULIE LEMEROND

Making a New Years Resolution to get fit and eat healthy? You’re not alone. Millions of people each year do the same. But what sets apart the ones who will end 2015 with the sense of accomplishment?

The main thing to remember is to keep it simple. Little goals often harbor big successes. Here are a few tips to help you fulfill your resolutions this year!

BE REALISTIC

Allow yourself a little wiggle room. Trying to dramatically change the landscape of your life starting on January 1 will leave your body and mind in the pressure-cooker, and chances are that by the middle of the month, you will already feel like you have failed.

Losing thirty pounds isn’t realistic if you expect to have it happen by the end of January. Going to a yoga class every single day is probably not realistic either. Look at just a few goals that you have for 2015 and make a plan for how you will achieve them. And keep the number of your resolutions to three or less. Do a few things, and do them right.

BE PATIENT

We are all human after all. Mistakes and slip-ups occur, and it’s important to be okay with that, and just get back on track the next meal, the next day, or the next workout. Remember that the key to life is to enjoy it, so an endless tirade of reprimanding ourselves over a missed workout or a failed attempt to eat healthy for a day is far more damaging to ourselves than the actual slip-up. Just say "oops" and move on with ease.

GET A BUDDY

Having to check in with someone daily or weekly is great motivation to keep working towards your goals. Maybe you find someone who has the same goals as you, so you can keep each other motivated and track each other’s progress. Or perhaps you find someone a bit more detached from your current life—possibly an old friend in another part of the country—and you just check in once a day via text or email.

Feeling accountable to someone, in whatever form that takes, can be a very powerful motivator.

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VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2015

Having a buddy is great motivation to keep working towards your goals.

REWARD YOURSELF

No, this does not mean binging on an entire pint of ice cream just because you spent an extra ten minutes on the treadmill, but it does mean that if your co-worker brings a treat to work, it’s okay to let yourself have a little.

Rewarding yourself might also mean something different, now that you are on the health track too. Instead of driving through Starbucks for your Venti Caramel Frappuccino, how about rewarding yourself with something that will enhance your health, like a specialty cold-pressed juice from the new juice bar that opened down the road? The more often you choose the healthy options, the more you will continue to gravitate towards them.

Little changes like this are where the big success stories happen.

Most importantly, enjoy your life and have fun! VLM

FIND JULIE: on Facebook at Truly Julie Yoga + Nidra julielemerond.com

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VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2015

27

Influential THE EAST VALLEY’S

MOST

PEOPLE

THE

EVER-EXPANDING NATURE of the East Valley might tip you off that there are some serious success stories in our own backyard. It’s no surprise that our neighbors have some awesome accolades to flaunt, even if they don’t do it in the same public way that Kanye and K-Dash might.

We found four of the East Valley’s most influential people so you can learn how they change what you read, where you work, what you eat and how you have fun every day.

BY VALLEY LIFESTYLES STAFF

THE PLASTIC SURGEON OF REAL ESTATE

Michael Pollack

CHANGES THE FACE OF THE EAST VALLEY WITH A FEW QUIRKS ALONG THE WAY

WATCHING

30

MICHAEL POLLACK walk into his advertising memorabilia museum, located inside his Mesa corporate office, is like watching a kid walk into a toy store. His eyes light up and he’s truly in his element.

He wants to tell you every little thing about every piece. The 8,000 pieces, ranging from massive to miniscule, the 1700’s to the 1970’s, all have their own seasoned histories. But when Pollack steps outside the museum, outside of his 31,000 square foot corporate real estate headquarters and onto the street, the East Valley is his, too.

You probably already know Pollack’s name.

As a longtime Valley real estate developer, he has developed and redeveloped over 13 million square feet of projects during his four decades in the commercial real estate business and currently owns and manages between 180 to 190 properties in the states of Arizona, California and Nevada.

And while you probably already know his name, the man behind the many properties is among the most unique people you’ll ever meet.

Pollack does everything on a huge scale.

From his massive, hyper-ornate, Mediterraneaninspired office, packed with pillars, paintings, sculptures and marble statues, to his meticulouslygroomed locks and staple all-black outfits, it’s clear he’s a fan of opulence. But when it comes down to making deals and renovating properties, he’s all business.

Pollack’s longtime friend and current designated broker, Patrick Cassidy, describes

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2015

Pollack as “the plastic surgeon of real estate.”

He should know, having worked with him for nearly 40 years. Where many redevelopers are content making superficial upgrades and slapping a bit of paint on an old piece of real estate, Pollack changes the very essence of tired and antiquated properties.

The process begins with Pollack and his team accessing the structural and cosmetic needs of the property and how it will best serve the community.

Once this is determined, a team of many contractors go into motion with the orchestration conducted by Pollack himself.

The project usually begins with a new fascia of stone, brick, tile, tower features, pop outs and additional glass where needed. Next begins the selection of vibrant paint colors, along with landscaping upgrades, plus electrical, plumbing, air conditioners, new parking lots and roofing where needed.

“It’s like the difference between Botox injections, which are pretty simple and you just inject a few areas compared to a major facelift.

What I do is a major facelift.”

To say that Pollack has had a passion for construction and real estate for a long time is an understatement. As the son of a construction contractor, he learned the art of how to construct a building by the time he was 6 or 7. By age 10 as a student in California, he was teaching others.

“I gave a presentation to my elementary school class about how to read a working

“IT’S LIKE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BOTOX INJECTIONS ... AS COMPARED TO A MAJOR FACELIFT. WHAT I DO IS A MAJOR FACELIFT.” VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2015

31

ABOVE LEFT: The exterior of Pollack Tempe Cinemas, as decorated for the holidays.

ABOVE RIGHT: The halls were certainly decked at Pollack Tempe Cinemas in December.

32

drawing,” Pollack says. “I told them if you don’t do certain things to the foundation then the building will collapse. Of course during the question and answer time they were very curious as to whether or not the school was correctly built and if it was going to collapse in the event of an earthquake ... and so I assured them that I felt the building wouldn’t fall, then the first quake came. I made it out of elementary school and it didn’t fall down, so I guess I was right.”

Pollack realizes a building’s structure is only part of its integrity. The other part is its use. When a dollar cinema was struggling in a shopping center he bought on the Southeast corner of Elliot and McClintock roads in Tempe and was looking to close, Pollack saw it as an opportunity to bring a refreshing new change for the community. The theater was integral to the center’s health and increased traffic that benefited the many tenants in the center.

As he weighed his options, one of his thoughts was that he could demolish the theater and repurpose the cinema, moving everything out and restructuring for new businesses. The second was to invent a new game called downhill bowling, since the theater floors are already at a slope. The third idea was that Pollack would open a unique, one-of-a-kind cinema of his own, showing real Hollywood movies to families for a very inexpensive $3 admission, or $2 on Tuesdays.

The 25,000 square foot theater was renovated

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2015

into what is now well known as Pollack Tempe Cinemas, where Pollack rotates various pieces from his advertising memorabilia collection for public viewing. As wax museums closed across the country, Pollack saw an opportunity, buying up famous faces for placement in his very own cinema.

Pollack recently invested close to a million dollars in his cinema with new theater seating, digital sound and digital projectors.

With a successful theater business model now under his belt, people have questioned whether Pollack would like to open another cinema. “‘Would I do it again’ is the question people ask all the time,” Pollack says of the theater, “The answer is, without hesitation, ‘No, no, no. No, no. No, no.’

So really, the answer’s ‘no.’”

But he’s a real estate developer and redeveloper first and foremost with no time available to possibly take on another cinema journey. He already works six or seven 13 to 14 hour days a week. There’s no need or time to add to his plate.

But Pollack is thankful for the 40 years of success he’s had in a tough business.

“To still be in business, to still be expanding and serving the community is something I am very grateful for” Pollack says. “Those are accomplishments that I cherish, and one’s that I am most proud of. I’m looking forward to continuing to make the great state of Arizona better one project at a time."

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2015

33

PAPERBACK WRITER

Chelsea Fine

AUTHOR MEETS YOUNG ADULTS ON THEIR LEVEL PERKY DEMEANOR and long list of achievements, Gilbert’s Chelsea Fine WITH isAimpossible to dislike. The young adult novelist permeates endless positivity

“THAT’S WHAT I WANT TO WRITE ABOUT: ALL THOSE THINGS THAT YOU FEEL AND FEAR AND WANT AND DESPISE DURING ADOLESCENCE.” 34

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2015

and her “real” attitude is reflected in everything she writes, from Facebook updates to full-length books, which is likely why young men and women gravitate toward her books every day.

“Those young adult years are so emotionally violent and pivotal. At no other time in life does the world seem both mysterious and achievable. There’s a kind of blind power in the ignorance—and hopefulness—of youth. It’s beautiful. That’s what I want to write about: all those things that you feel and fear and want and despise during adolescence.”

Fine never intended for her writing career to get this far. Being sold in Barnes & Noble and on Amazon wasn’t in the books. In fact, she never even intended to be a writer. That was her sister’s gig, and she wasn’t about to cut into it. Fine’s artistic talent would lead her down the road of getting a degree in design from Arizona State University, but fate had other plans.

Fine didn’t register for classes on time and her college adviser forced her into a creative writing class to fit the requirement.

“My little sister has always been the writer in the family. When we were little, she would write stories and I would illustrate them. I didn’t attempt to write anything of my own until college, when I was forced to take a creative writing course to fulfill an elective,” she says. “Our first assignment was to write a short story about yourself that wasn’t true. I thought I was going to hate it, but the moment I started writing I just…came to life and loved it! From that point on, I was a goner. I wrote anything and everything I could think of.

It wasn’t until several years later, however, that I mustered up the courage to submit one of my stories, “Sophie & Carter,” to a publisher. Things just sort of took off from there.”

And took off they did. “Sophie & Carter” was a hit among readers. She was a DABWAHA 2011 Best Novelist finalist in 2011 and a favorite among book bloggers. That was just the first of many nominations to come. From there, she wrote six full-length novels, including the young adult fantasy three-book series, Archers of Avalon, which includes “Anew,” “Awry” and “Avow,” and the threebook Finding the Fate Series, including “Best Kind of Broken,” “Perfect Kind of Trouble” and “Right Kind of Wrong”—many of which have their own accolades.

But it was sending “Sophie & Carter” to a publisher that was the toughest thing she’s had to do in her career so far. That leap of faith, of which she told no one, was rewarded when she received a call from the publisher, who wanted to put her book in print.

“I think my greatest career achievement was simply trying to get published. I mean, I am published, but the act of trying—of putting myself out there—took more bravery than I knew I was capable of.

So I guess I’m proud of myself for taking those chances.”

As the parent of kids on the cusp of their teen years, it’s hard to imagine having a cooler person to call “mom.” Fine’s background is proof positive that following your dreams works. She has what she calls a “good life,” being able to work from home in her pajamas, and it’s all because she took that initial risk.

“Be fearless! In this industry—in every industry—the key to success is trying,” she tells aspiring writers. “Fear is the most debilitating enemy you will ever face, but if you can find the courage to try then you certainly deserve to win. So just do it.

Write your heart out. Bleed yourself onto paper. And fearlessly share your words with a friend, a publisher, an editor, the world, whoever. Just be fearless and jump.”

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2015

35

TEMPE’S FRESH FACE

Kate Borders

REBRANDS TEMPE’S CENTER IN HOPES OF EXPANDING THE CITY'S AUDIENCE

“I’M HAPPIEST WHEN I’M SOMEWHERE WHERE PEOPLE CAN WALK EVERYWHERE AND EVERYTHING IS COMPACT ... THERE’S JUST THAT REALLY EXCITING URBAN CULTURE.”

OR MAY NOT have noticed, but in November, YOU MAY The Mill Avenue District underwent an instant

makeover. The district dropped “Mill Avenue” and rebranded as “Downtown Tempe” in an attempt to incorporate the other lively streets surrounding the college-centric strip.

For Kate Borders, president and executive director of the Downtown Tempe Community, that makeover wasn’t so instant. She and her team at the Downtown Tempe Community have been hard at work on the district since she took the job in March.

Borders is a newcomer to Tempe, but she’s also an out-of-towner with a lot of big ideas. Now she’s set out to implement them. The face of Tempe is changing, with new restaurants, bars, businesses and housing being built, making way for an urban crowd as the new State Farm headquarters opens along Tempe Town Lake and takes up over 2 million square feet of real estate, with thousands of employees to match.

Add to that list the new Farmer Arts District, situated just off Mill on Farmer Avenue, with its artsy, urban perspective, and businesses that stretch to College Avenue, catering to Arizona State University students and staff, and you have the makings of a district comparable to San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter or Chicago’s Rosemont District.

In short, the active district is about to bustle even more, and Borders and her crew want to make sure

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VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2015

Downtown Tempe is able to handle the population increase, benefiting small and large business owners along the way.

Borders has a long resume involving downtown revitalization. Before moving to Tempe, she was the executive director of the East Town Organization in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and President and CEO of the Downtown Fresno Partnership in Fresno, California. But you can trace all of her community planning roots to being a little girl in a big city with a passion.

“I was raised in a very, very small city, and when I was really little, I had this aunt who lived in downtown Chicago. I don’t think you can even do this anymore, but my parents put me on a plane and flew me to visit her ... and I just loved the feel of the city, so I went to Chicago regularly after that, and I kind of got hooked on that whole urban feel,” Borders says. “I’m happiest when I’m somewhere where people can walk everywhere and everything is compact and you hear multiple different languages all down the street and there’s just that really exciting urban culture.”

Borders saw Tempe’s potential, which drew her to the job. Here you have a small town in the middle of a fairly bigger cities that’s a cultural center but also a quaint college town. With blurred lines between cities all over the Valley, there are fewer restrictions

about where Phoenicians spend their time, Borders says.

“I think that makes the audience much larger than the city,” Borders says. “Tempe is in the middle of such a growth phase. It’s exciting to be part of a growth phase, but that phase also has to be managed carefully because you don’t want to lose character.”

Losing character is exactly what many of the opponents of the fear the new Downtown Tempe rebranding will do. Look at comments on news articles about the rebranding and you’ll see opponents saying Tempe will become something it’s not, like a mini Scottsdale or wannabe Chicago. But Borders reassures naysayers that the rebranding will only give Downtown Tempe more character, not erase the progress that’s already been made.

Much more attention is about to be called toward Downtown Tempe, not just by Borders and her crew but by businesses and the customers they draw. In addition to the State Farm headquarters being built, USA Basketball plans to build its headquarters on the southeast corner of Mill Avenue and University Drive, right on the edge of the district.

Professional types and athletes will keep eyes on Tempe and seek out the businesses that benefit them, Border says But for now, keep your eyes peeled. Borders has some big plans, and they’re all about to happen in the next couple years.

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2015

37

MR. GILBERT

Joe Johnston

BRINGS BIG IDEAS TO GILBERT THAT CHANGE THE TOWN’S CULTURE

JIM

“THEN I THOUGHT ...

‘WELL, WHAT KIND OF COMMUNITY WOULD YOU LIKE TO LIVE IN?’ ... A SIMPLE IDEA THAT BLOSSOMED INTO THE IDEA OF THE COMMUNITY.” 38

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2015

JOHNSTON RAISED HIS FAMILY on the plot of land that would later become one of Gilbert’s major epicenters, starting in 1960 when he began farming cotton, wheat, corn, sorghum and barley on the northwest corner of Ray and Higley roads.

His sons, Paul, Joe and Steve, all learned the trade, developing a respect for the land. Today, young Joe is known as Gilbert’s homegrown son—and also its mover and shaker.

While Joe went to school locally at Higley Elementary and Gilbert High School, he decided to think bigger for college. A Stanford-educated engineer by trade, Joe Johnston considers himself an idea man—and he’s had plenty of those.

Beginning with local coffee chain The Coffee Plantation in 1995, Johnston quickly expanded his culinary reach to include Gilbert-focused restaurants Joe’s Farm Grill, Joe’s Real BBQ and Liberty Market—the popularity of the latter two setting off a Gilbert renaissance of sorts, with many other restaurants taking up real estate in the downtown Heritage District following thier debut.

“I like the new downtown Gilbert. I like it a lot! It took a while for it to blossom, but it’s definitely in a gold rush era right now.

It’s the new hot spot, that’s for sure,” Johnston says.

Gilbert is Johnston’s hometown, but it also meshes with his ideals, so it was the perfect spot to build Agritopia, the now nationally-famous planned community that broke down common community-reducing physical barriers found in typical neighborhoods like block walls, wide streets and lack of social spaces, and turned them on their heads. Agritopia centers around farming, with community farming plots available for rent and a farmer's market with fresh homegrown produce. Plus, there’s a built-in community meeting spot in The Coffee Shop, an on-grounds eatery and coffee joint.

Originally, Johnston’s plan for the area wasn’t nearly as complex. He wanted to put a restaurant into the house he grew up in, which would later become Joe’s Farm Grill, but he also wanted to serve the produce from the farm.

“Then I thought, ‘Well, it would be nice to live next to where I work,’ and that idea led to the idea of ‘Well, what kind of community would you like to live in?’, so [Agritopia] was actually sort of a simple idea that blossomed into the idea of the community.”

Those sorts of accidental strokes of genius are what’s earned Joe national recognition. NBC Nightly News profiled Agritopia as a farming community in an unlikely suburban atmosphere in November and The New York Times did a similar feature in March. Since then, Johnston has thought even bigger.

Generations at Agritopia acts as the newlyowned retirement home, offering independent living, assisted living, memory care and short-term stays for seniors.

Across from Agritopia, Johnston plans to build Agritopia Epicenter, a 32-acre dining and shopping core that will be a far cry from its strip mall competitors. Epicenter will include upstairs loft living, giving the community a more urban feel in the heart of suburbia. But not too urban. Johnston and his team plan to bring small town elements to Epicenter, where non-traditional elements like tractors, rocks, animated neon signs and more will take the place of things like typical signs.

With all of these ideas, you’d think Johnston’s time would be limited, but that doesn’t prevent him from having hobbies. His engineer background has never left him, and his passion for coffee from The Coffee Plantation days didn’t either. For fun, Johnston chronicles his journey in building and using a refrigerator-sized coffee roaster at roasterproject.com, which he calls “a bit of industrial art.”

Johnston is known around town as being an all-around nice guy. Ask any of his employees about him and you’ll get a cheery response about how encouraging and friendly he is, which Johnston credits to his Christian background.

The quiet town of a couple thousand that Johnston grew up in is no more, with 208,000 people taking up residence during the 2010 census and even more since, but that won’t stop him from trying to create a community feel, one customer, resident or new friend at a time.

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2015

39

A DOCTOR’S

Touch

H E A LT H C A R E P R O F I L E S

Getting to know your East Valley healthcare professionals

With such incredible facilities, research and technology, the East Valley is home to many top medical and healthcare professionals. These men and women work hard everyday to offer you the absolute best possible care in their fields. However, they are more than just the “Dr.� in front of their name. Here is your chance to get to know your favorite docs a little bit better.

By Breanne DeMore

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2015

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SottoPelle’s unique hormone replacement therapy relies on science, not guesswork.

BORN IN ROME, ITALY, Dr. Tutera moved with his family to Kansas City, Missouri when he was 5 years old. Graduating with his medical degree from the University of Missouri at Columbia in 1971, Dr. Tutera went on to complete his residency at St. Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City and is now in his 40th year of practice as a board-certified OB/GYN. Specializing in Bio-Identical Hormone Therapy, Dr. Tutera pioneers an innovative web-based BioCalc system that provides each patient with a precisely dosed hormone pellet based on their specific needs. His method eliminates the risks associated with most synthetic hormones and, unlike other hormone therapies, works in a way the body recognizes.

In addition to typical hormone imbalance issues, Dr. Tutera has also seen wonderful results by using his method with Parkinson’s patients and those suffering from Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), such as football players and boxers. Dr. Tutera has found that the recovery of TBI patients is greater in those with higher testosterone levels and he helps them achieve those levels. This restores the body’s normal physiology, stimulating dopamine production and supports better assimilation of their medications.

For this reason, Dr. Tutera and SottoPelle have teamed up with the Hall of Fame (HOF) Players Foundation and is an official sponsor of many activities leading up to the 2015 Super Bowl XLIX. The activities will include a concert, a tailgate, a golf tournament and more. Information on the HOF Players Foundation and the various events leading up to the big game can be found at hofplayers.org.

(480) 874-1515 5410 N. Scottsdale Rd. Suite B-200 Scottsdale sottopelletherapy.com

SOTTOPELLE

Dr. Gino Tutera, MD 42

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2015

Dr. Bob Savage, DDS

(480) 334-5402 1960 W. Germann Rd. Chandler savage-smiles.com

IT’S ALWAYS A GOOD SIGN to go to a dentist with a great smile who shows it often. Simply put, Dr. Savage’s smile is not only straight, white and healthy—it’s contagious, too!

“I am a people person,” Dr. Savage says about the way he practices dentistry. “I enjoy creating smiles, but I really enjoy making you smile, and that’s what makes it all worth while.”

A graduate of University of Arizona and Creighton Dental School, Dr. Savage has been practicing family and cosmetic dentistry in the East Valley for the last 25 years and has had his own practice for the last 20.

He realizes that going to the dentist is not typically on people’s lists of favorite things, but he does everything in his power to get to know his patients and make them feel more comfortable.

“I believe that I make going to the dentist a much more enjoyable experience than people would

expect,” he says. “We get to know each other and establish priorities and attain goals. I treat every patient based on what I learn from them. My patients come to realize that I am recommending treatments that they need, not treatments that I need.”

Perhaps the second-best thing about going to Dr. Savage (second only to his wonderful dentistry), is his office. Newly remodeled and perfectly fitting Dr. Savage’s personality, this office will put any dentistfearing patient at ease. Beautifully designed with flat screen TVs, state-of-the-art technology and a relaxed atmosphere, this office is completely Dr. Savage.

Always positive, Dr. Savage’s goal is to encourage his clients and not discourage them.

Many people are overwhelmed with their dental problems and embarrassed,” he says. “We know it is hard to make the first step. We help you get the help you need to establish your goals. We are committed to the long haul.”

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2015

43

Dr. Semone B. Rochlin, DO A NATIVE OF DETROIT, Dr. Semone Rochlin started her medical career as an intensive care nurse at St. Joseph’s Hospital and St. Luke’s Hospital. She then went back to school and trained in trauma surgery. Since graduating from the University of Osteopathic Medicine and Health Services, her training has consisted of an internship at John C. Lincoln Hospital, a general and trauma residency at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in San Bernadino, California, a Burn and Reconstructive Surgery Fellowship at Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla, New York and a Cosmetic Surgery Fellowship in Scottsdale.

Although she started out working in trauma, Dr. Rochlin decided to switch over to cosmetic surgery.

“I love trauma, but I realized as a cosmetic surgeon that I was making women feel good about themselves inside and out,” she says. “I received such fulfillment professionally and personally, that was an easy decision. I make people feel good about themselves. What is better than that?”

Making people feel good about themselves starts with a first impression. With a relaxed, fun and comfortable atmosphere, Dr. Rochlin’s office puts patients at ease. Dr. Rochlin herself is down-to-earth, she always suggests patients call her by her first name, and ensures that her staff is warm and friendly. With a focus that takes a lot of decision making on the patient’s part and can be nerve wracking, this is especially important.

The welcoming nature doesn’t end with the patient leaving her office though. Dr. Rochlin gives her patients her cell phone number and ensures that they know there is no bad time or stupid questions. She embraces feedback and has an open door policy to address concerns. Lastly, she strives to make sure her patients know that it’s not simply a patient/doctor interaction, but a relationship that she hopes to grow.

Beauty is being the best possible

version of yourself on the inside and out.

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VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2015

(602) 635-0540 633 E. Ray Rd. Suite 110 Gilbert drrochlin.com

Dr. Liat Furyan, DDS

PERHAPS ONE OF DR. FURYAN’S BEST QUALITIES is her understanding. She always wanted to be a doctor growing up, but dentistry certainly wasn’t on her radar—she was terrified of dentists. She jokes that the only way for her to get over her fear of dentists was to become one.

However, because of that, she is completely understanding of the fear and anxiety that some patients experience as they walk into the dentist’s office and has a way of calming them down and helping them cope with their anxiety. She also understands that life gets in the way and sometimes dental health gets neglected.

After graduating from the New York University College of Dentistry in 1998, Dr. Furyan worked in New York until moving to the East Valley nine years ago. She started her own private practice in Chandler two years ago where she sees children and adults and performs family and cosmetic dentistry.

Helping people achieve a smile they can be proud of and seeing them flash her that smile is what keeps Dr. Furyan coming to work every morning.

(480) 899-0448 2950 N. Dobson Rd. Suite 18 Chandler

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2015

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PREMIER ORTHODONTICS

Dr. Dustin Coles DDS, MSD Dr. Tyler Coles DDS, MSD

GROWING UP IN UTAH WITH A DENTIST DAD, brothers Dustin and Tyler decided pretty early on that they wanted to be dentists—in fact, four out of the five Coles siblings followed in their father’s footsteps.

Dr. Dustin studied at Brigham Young University for his undergraduate degree, received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska and then went on to get his orthodontic certificate and master’s degree in dental sciences from Indiana University. Apart from attending Southern Utah University for his undergraduate degree, Dr. Tyler followed in his older brother’s footsteps for the rest of his degrees.

The doctors decided to settle in the East Valley for the family atmosphere, the warmth and the sports.

“It is an awesome place to raise a family! We love living in an

(480) 361-4600 3160 S. Gilbert Rd. Suite 1 Chandler premierorthoaz.com

46

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2015

active community where sports are important and there are so many awesome activities to do as a family,” Dr. Dustin says.

One of the biggest lessons that Dr. Dustin reminds his patients of is the importance of a smile you are confident with.

“Investing in your smile is the single best investment you can ever make,” he says. “How many things can you pay for once and enjoy the rest of your life? A great smile helps you during the awkward teenage years, can help you get a job and can even help in finding the love of your life! How awesome is that?!”

If their charming, warm nature isn’t enough to draw you in, the Coles are truly great orthodontists as well. Dr. Dustin recently won an award for the best finished Invisalign case in North America.

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2015

47

6 hour drive

OUR DESTINATION VACATION, NO MORE THAN 6 HOURS FROM THE VALLEY

The Florence stage at the south side of the Casa Grande between 1888-1899

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VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2015



 Casa Grande’s Ruins are a time machine to the way, way past

BY SCOTT SHUMAKER PHOTOS COURTESY NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

My friend Eric is almost always up for getting out of the house to take a jaunt. On top of this he likes history, so I expected a fun visit with him to the freakishly old four-story Casa Grande Ruins National Monument. I was surprised, therefore, by his response.

“No, thanks.”

What? Had he even been to this archaeological wonder?

“Once. In 1982,” he messaged on Facebook. That would have made him 13 years old.

Eric’s willingness to rely on his adolescent experience and pass on the trip is consistent with a national trend in visitation to National Parks. Visits to iconic parks like the Grand Canyon and Yosemite have steadily grown, but visitation to smaller parks has dipped. Cronkite News Service reported in October that 15 out of the 20 Arizona parks and monuments managed by the National Park Service (NPS), including Casa Grande National Monument, report fewer visitors today than in 1990.

“It has to do with how [people are] choosing to spend their recreation time,” says Lauren Kingston, an NPS archaeologist at Casa Grande National Monument.

I myself drove past the Casa Grande Ruins exit on Interstate 10 about 200 times before my first visit. But after stopping, I realized what history-averse travelers are missing out on: Casa Grande is a bona fide wonder.

Unlike many historic sites, Casa Grande doesn’t need a lot of interpretation to impress. It is a massive building with tall, thick walls that were built in the early 1300’s—the Middle Ages, mind you. It shouldn’t even exist. Archaeologists believe the Hohokam culture may have built half-a-dozen similar “great houses,” but they have all since collapsed except for this one. Casa Grande has survived centuries of monsoons and earthquakes.

This freak of preservation has dropped jaws since before Arizona was a territory. Casa Grande has a prominent place on early maps of Arizona because Jesuit missionary and mapmaker Eusebio Kino made a special trip from Sonora to see it in 1694. In the 1800’s, Casa Grande became a popular tourist attraction. A 20-mile stagecoach road ran from the nearest train station to the ruins.

One of my first thoughts on approaching Casa Grande was, “That’s big.” Considering Casa Grande means “big house” in Spanish, this is not a radical new insight. But I say it because Casa Grande’s massiveness

VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2015

49

6 hour drive

OUR DESTINATION VACATION, NO MORE THAN 6 HOURS FROM THE VALLEY

Blooming barrel cactus living adjacent to the park visitor center

is hard grasp without visiting in person. The walls are four feet thick at the base and gently taper upwards. The Hohokam people did not have metal tools or sophisticated technology, but they managed to build something huge here in Coolidge. The building is intact enough to form a clear picture of what it might have looked like in the 1300’s, which takes you back in time.

“People could have seen this for miles around,” says Dr. Douglas Craig, an archaeologist with experience at Casa Grande.

The inscriptions from the 1800’s carved on the inside the walls—historic graffiti—also amaze. The vandalism occurred before the ruin was protected. Anyone caught signing their name today

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VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2015

may get a jail cell for their next canvas.

I was standing nearby when a teenaged girl with thick gauge earrings and wedge heels asked a park ranger about the historic graffiti. When the ranger explained that tourists carved them, she exclaimed, “That is so rude!” But when she learned some of the names were Civil War soldiers, she was shocked at their age and said, “Seriously!” The girl’s obvious wonder upon learning the building was 700 years old has helped restore my faith in teenagers.

But her wonder is not surprising, either; Casa Grande is amazing. Don’t pass the exit for Coolidge on Interstate 10 as many times as I did before visiting. VLM

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He wanted to create a place that that waswas co-diagnostic and interachesince were the patient. wanted create place co-diagnostic interacValley 1994, vowedHe to create a to locale thata was someplace he would wantand to go if tive,tive, andand where the patient themselves would be able to make a decision about theirtheir where the patient themselves would be able to make a decision about he were the patient. He wanted to create a place that was co-diagnostic and interacdental carecare based on what theythey werewere shown could be done via the interactive based on what shown could done via latest the latest tive, dental and where the patient themselves would be able tobe make a decision aboutinteractive their technological tools. technological dental care based tools. on what they were shown could be done via the latest interactive

technological tools. offered are digital ones, which reduce patient doses of radiation by 98%, and and computers offered are digital ones, which reduce patient doses of radiation by 98%, computers at the side of each chair so patients can view the x-rays (and other images) along with with at the ofones, each which chair so patients candoses view the x-rays (and otherand images) along offered are side digital reduce patient of radiation by 98%, computers the dentist. the dentist. at the side of each chair so patients can view the x-rays (and other images) along with Some patients jokejoke that that “it’s “it’s like NASA here!”

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“For“For example, with our smile makeovers, it takes about three hours to dotoan example, with our smile makeovers, it takes about three hours do8-tooth an 8-tooth Some patients joke that “it’s like NASA here!” And that’s a good thing. makeover.

There are TV screens over the patient’s head playing movies, and throughout makeover.

There are TV screens over the patient’s head playing movies, and throughout “For example, with our smile makeovers, it takes about three hours to do an 8-tooth makeover. There are TV screens over the patient’s head playing movies, and throughout allows the patient to leave withwith color, shape and and teethteeth that that theythey want.

And And because we’rewe’re allows the patient to leave color, shape want. because doing it together, they end up with a custom smile, rather than one where a remote lab doing it together, theywith endcolor, up with a custom smile, than one a remote allows the patient to leave shape and teeth thatrather they want.

Andwhere because we’re lab technician is making the same thing for everybody and you’re hoping that what is sent is they making for everybody and you’re whatlab is sent doingtechnician it together, endthe upsame with athing custom smile, rather than one hoping where athat remote back for you is what you want. With this technique, the patient is very involved, and we’re back for is what want.

With technique, patient is very involved, technician is you making the you same thing for this everybody andthe you’re hoping that what isand sentwe’re able to personalize it as we go,” Dr. Garza explains. to personalize as weWith go,”this Dr. technique, Garza explains. backable for you is what youitwant. the patient is very involved, and we’re The one-visit solutions are possible thanks to the CEREC by Sirona Dental Systems.

The one-visit solutions are possible thanks to the CEREC by Sirona Dental Systems. able to personalize it as we go,” Dr. Garza explains.

It’s the world’s only system for the fabrication of all ceramic dental restorations in one It’s one-visit the world’s only system for thethanks fabrication all ceramic dentalDental restorations in one The solutions are possible to theofCEREC

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It’s theschedule world’s only system for the fabrication of all ceramic dental restorations in one busy for dental care! busy schedule for dental care!

Dr. Garza is also the creator of The Crane, an innovative and industry-changing tool Dr. Garza is also care! the creator of The Crane, an innovative and industry-changing tool busy schedule dental that removes afor crown and bridge without the pounding tools dentists used previously. that removes a crown and bridge without theinnovative poundingand tools dentists used previously.

Dr. Garza is also the creator of Theand Crane, an industry-changing tool His expertise regarding this device his extensive knowledge in general is called His expertise regarding this device and his extensive knowledge in general is called that removes a crown and bridge without the pounding tools dentists used previously. upon often in a speaking capacity, and he has taught and given lectures everywhere upon often in a speaking capacity, and he has taught and givengeneral lecturesiseverywhere His expertise thisatdevice his University extensive knowledge called from overseasregarding to nationally placesand like the of Oklahomainand the Southwest from overseas to nationally at places like the University of Oklahoma andeverywhere the Southwest upon often in a speaking capacity, and he has taught and given lectures Dental Convention.

Dental Convention. fromSo overseas nationally at places like theaUniversity Oklahoma and thesmile Southwest whethertoyou need a routine cleaning, root canal,ofcrown, or complete makeSo whether you need a routine cleaning, a root canal, crown, or complete smile makeDental Convention. over, don’t you owe it to yourself to put yourself in the hands of one of the industry’s most over, don’t you you owe itato yourself to put yourself in thecrown, handsorofcomplete one of thesmile industry’s So whether routine cleaning, a root canal, make-most respected dentists,need at a trusted location that offers the most cutting-edge technologies respected dentists, at a trusted location that offers the of most cutting-edge technologies over, don’t you owe it to yourself to put yourself in the hands one of the industry’s and services so that you have the easiest and most advanced dental care possible?most and services soat that you have the easiest and most advanced dental care possible? respected dentists, a trusted location that offers the most cutting-edge technologies and services so that you have the easiest and most advanced dental care possible?

DDS, 754 South Val Vista Drive, Suite 106 | Gilbert, AZ 85296 PC | (480) 539-7979 | smilesbygarza@qwestoffice.net 754 South Val Vista Drive, Suite 106 | Gilbert, AZ 85296 | (480) 539-7979 | smilesbygarza@qwestoffice.net www.johnagarzadds.com 754 South Val Vista Drive, Suite 106 | Gilbert, AZ 85296 | (480) 539-7979 | smilesbygarza@qwestoffice.net www.johnagarzadds.com VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2015 www.johnagarzadds.com

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VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2015

T H E E S S E N T I A L L I F E S T Y L E M A G A Z I N E O F T H E E A S T VA L L E Y

B RU N S W I C K ZO N E

THE TIEU FAMILY

MAKES VIETNAMESE CUISINE

UnPHOgettable

BY LYNETTE CARRINGTON PHOTOS BY SAM NALVEN

On any given day, business people, students, families and customers of every ethnicity are appreciating the fresh ingredients and distinct flavors at UnPHOgettable.

But to appreciate the restaurant, one must understand the epic nature of how the owner came to be in the United States.

Owner Chan Tieu fled from Vietnam when he was 11. He and some family members were adrift at sea for a few months, boarded by pirates four times, towed out to sea by the Malaysian government to be abandoned, landed on an uninhabited island and were eventually saved by VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2015

53

food&wine

FOOD SPOTLIGHT

TOP LEFT: A spring roll selection from UnPHOgettable.

TOP RIGHT: Che Thai Lan with tropical fruits, Jell-O, coconut milk and shaved ice.

OPPOSITE PAGE: The Bun Ga Nuong-Vermicelli with seasoned grilled chicken breast.

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VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2015

the U.N. after their boat sunk. After coming to the U.S., he lived in Pennsylvania until he moved to Arizona. He opened UnPHOgettable in 2008 to complement another UnPHOgettable he owns in Virginia Beach, which is run by members of his family.

Tieu works at Freescale as an electrical engineer but still makes time to come into the restaurant daily to ensure the health of his business. He also enjoys giving people a tour of the expansive menu that boasts entrees and flavors from the different regions of Vietnam.

“This is what I do with almost everyone who comes here the first time,” Tieu says. “The biggest thing is to get people across the threshold and persuade them to try our food.”

The cornerstone of Vietnamese cuisine is pho (pronounced “fuh”), a soup dish created with beef broth, spices, noodles, veggies and thinly sliced meats. The healthy entree has caught on in America and is the first dish most people try at UnPHOgettable.

“Nine out of 10 people that try us come back. We’re very proud of that percentage,” Tieu says.

Each batch of pho is 26 hours in the making.

“We’re here at 6 a.m. every morning making pho for the next day,” he says. “We’re cooking 24/7.”

One of the most popular pho dishes is pho tai chin, which boasts lean rare steak and tender well-done brisket with noodles and veggies.

food&wine

FOOD SPOTLIGHT

YOU

“Pho is equal to the American cheeseburger in popularity in Vietnam,” Tieu says.

Don’t be afraid to pick up your bowl of pho to drink the last bit of it. That’s what you’re supposed to do.

Four selections of appetizers include rolls created with fresh rice paper that represent spring, summer, autumn and winter. The four different season rolls can be ordered separately or together.

One of the biggest draws at UnPHOgettable is that it serves food from all the regions of Vietnam, not just one. One popular Vietnamese northern regional soup is the bun rieu, a shrimp-based noodle soup with shrimp, crabmeat, egg and tofu.

Another colorful dish is the bun ga nuong, a rice vermicelli salad with grilled chicken breast, Vietnamese pickles, lettuce cucumber, bean sprouts and fish sauce.

It is a dish as delicious as it is healthy.

“I want to bring out the Vietnamese culture in a different way,” Tieu says.

The culinary twist is that UnPHOgettable has maintained authentic Vietnamese flavors while lowering sodium and lessening the fat content. Authentic Vietnamese spices used at UnPHOgettable come from Chinatown in Los Angeles.

Desserts are almost all light and refreshing. The che Thai lan is full of tropical fruits, Jell-O, coconut milk and shaved ice. Another menu item worth a try is the che ba mau, a unique dish of slightly sweet red and mung beans, Jell-O, coconut milk and shaved ice.

Chan’s wife Quyen Tieu handles day-to-day operations at UnPHOgettable. Educated as a chemist, she decided to work in the restaurant to help stabilize the family by running a business in the service sector instead of having two heads of household working in manufacturing.

“People appreciate our cuisine very much because we take our time to explain the food,” Quyen says. “Everybody knows Japanese, Chinese and Thai, but it’s rewarding to teach customers about Vietnamese food.” VLM

TRY UNPHOGETTABLE VIETNAMESE CUISINE AT: UNPHOGETTABLE 66 S. Dobson Rd., Ste 138, Mesa (480) 835-2298 unphogettable.com

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VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2015

Gotta Try: CHICKEN PAELLA EMPANADA AT SYDNEY’S CAFÉ

BY BREANNE DEMORE

With the aim to allow their customers to “travel” the globe through the flavors of their cuisine, Sydney’s Café opened at Tempe Marketplace specializing in worldly empanadas. Carrying that travel motif, the restaurant is decorated with airplane wings, maps and 1940s travel memorabilia.

However, it’s their Chicken Paella Empanada that perfectly embodies the spirit of Sydney’s Café. Combining the Latin American empanada with the flavors of traditional Spanish paella, this delicious handheld dish consists of slow roasted chicken, Spanish chorizo, Manchego cheese, rice, onion, bell pepper, red chili flake and garlic. With Sydney’s perfectly flakey but chewy crust, this is one yummy treat!

Served with two versions of chimmichurri, a traditional Argentine sauce, these empanadas pair perfectly with either the garlicky green version or the spicy red version.

In addition to their savory empanadas, Sydney’s also serves a selection of sweet empanadas, a variety of sandwiches, great salads and diverse beverages, including hand-crafted sodas, coffees and Boba drinks. VLM

CHIMMI ON DOWN: SYDNEY’S CAFÉ 2000 E. Rio Salado Pkwy., Ste 1064, Tempe (480) 967-1171 sydneyscafe.com

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57

food&wine

IN SEASON KALE

KALE

BY BREANNE DEMORE

Touted as the most recent “super food” and most likely the trendiest leafy green ever, kale is king these days. A green cabbagelike vegetable, kale is found in pretty much anything today, but how beneficial is it, really?

One of the most common vegetables in all of Europe, today’s kale can be traced as far back as the fourth century B.C. in Greece.

During World War II, the planting of kale was encouraged by the “Dig for Victory” campaign because it was so easy to grow and provided vital nutrients missing from the public’s diet due to rationing.

What are those nutrients exactly? Very high in beta carotene, Vitamin K and Vitamin C, kale is also rich in calcium and is a source of sulforaphane, a chemical with potent anti-cancer properties. In addition, it is a source of indole-3-carbinol, which is a chemical that boosts DNA repair in cells and has shown to block the growth of cancer cells. Lastly, kale is high in fiber, low calorie and has zero fat.

Simply put, while kale might not be the “cure-all” it’s currently being presented as, it is a great source of an amazing amount of nutrients. Although it can be a little tough and bitter when it’s raw, there are plenty of recipes that allow kale to keep the important benefits while also bringing out its most delicious flavors. VLM

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Kale and Artichoke Dip

Parmesan Pepper Curly Kale Chips INGREDIENTS:

2 lbs. Tuscan kale • 3 tbsp. olive oil, divided • 4 tbsp. finely grated ParmigianoReggiano, divided • 1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper, divided • Fine sea salt DIRECTIONS:

1. Heat oven to 275 degrees. Line rimmed sheet pans with parchment or nonstick foil.

2. Cut out and discard stems and center ribs from kale. Wash leaves and dry well. 3.

Transfer half of kale into a large bowl. Toss with half of oil, rubbing leaves to make sure they are well coated and then toss with half of parmesan, pepper and salt. Line sheet pans with a single layer of kale and place in oven. 4. Prepare second batch while first batch crisps. Each batch should take about 25 minutes. 5. Transfer chips with a metal spatula to baking sheets or platter to cool. *Recipe courtesy epicurious.com

INGREDIENTS:

1 ½ cups thawed, squeezed and chopped frozen kale (about 5 oz.) • ½ cup thawed and roughly chopped frozen artichoke hearts (about 2 oz.) • ¾ cup shredded low-fat Swiss cheese • ¾ cup skim milk • 1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan • 4 oz. reduced-fat cream cheese, at room temperature • ½ tsp. Worcestershire sauce • Large pinch cayenne pepper • Kosher salt • 1 small garlic clove, finely minced • Multigrain corn tortilla chips, for serving DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. 2. Combine the kale, artichoke hearts, ½ cup of the Swiss cheese, the milk, all but 1 tbsp. of the parmesan, the cream cheese, Worcestershire, cayenne, ½ tsp. salt and the garlic in a medium bowl.

3. Transfer to a 1 qt. baking dish and sprinkle with the remaining ¼ cup Swiss cheese and 1 tablespoon parmesan.

4. Bake until bubbly and lightly golden, about 20 to 25 minutes. 5. Let set for 5 minutes and then serve with tortilla chips. *Recipe courtesy foodnetwork.com VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2015

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food&wine

RESTAURANT GUIDE

taku THIS FAMILY (AND DATE NIGHT!) FRIENDLY, locally owned sushi and Asian fusion restaurant is conveniently located just south of the 202 San Tan on Gilbert Road in the Watermark Center. Valley diners will love the way Otaku’s staff combine an obsession for the freshest fish and weekly specialty items with a fanatical belief that guests should be welcomed and made to feel welcome. For guests that don’t enjoy sushi, they have a full selection of hot food from a variety of cuisines including Chinese, Thai, Korean and Japanese. Stop in today and discover your local Asian destination.

CALLING ALL BREAKFAST LOVERS! If you haven’t been to the Henhouse Cafe you are truly missing out. You’ll feel right at home with the friendly atmosphere and shabby chic decor. Our food is purchased locally from farm to table, We even make our own sausage in house. It’s high quality comfort food that will delight your taste buds The menu is bursting with egg items from the griddle to chicken and waffles. The homemade sausage and homemade green chile sauce is so delicious!!

We don’t think you can go wrong with anything on the Henhouse Cafe menu.

2430 S. Gilbert Rd. Suite 5, Chandler (480)821-3908 otakusushi.com facebook.com/otakusushi

3244 E Guadalupe Rd., Gilbert (480) 219-7379. www.henhouse-cafe.com Mon-Sun: 6:30am-2:00pm

TO THE DELIGHT of its hordes of hungry and devoted fans, Gecko Grill has reopened and is now on the southwest corner of Baseline and Greenfield roads. This family owned business serves authentic Mexican food, is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and has an extensive catering menu. Gecko Grill is very welcoming with a fun blend of families and singles and ranged in age from babies to grandparents. Just as the website says, “Warning: This restaurant is habit forming!”

4341 E. Baseline Road, Gilbert (480) 539-2988. www.geckogrillaz.com

THE LIVING ROOM WINE CAFÉ AND LOUNGE has been drawing crowds in Chandler’s Downtown Ocotillo neighborhood since opening in 2009, and has recently opened a second location in DC Ranch Marketplace.

The Living Room is all about hospitality and staying true to their mantra of love, laugh and lounge. All ages are welcome. The Living Room is truly the modern day version of the Irish Pub and neighborhood unrushed hangout; its a chill lounge. Experience sharable food, 25 wines and sangrias by the glass, a handpicked list of wines by the bottle, beers and a full line of spirits in soft seating or on one of the cozy patios.

2475 W. Queen Creek Rd., Chandler (480) 855-2848. www.livingroomwinebar.com

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CHoP CHANDLER is Chandler’s first locally owned steakhouse and grill. Featuring steak, seafood and the new burger bar menu.

Simply prepared seasonal fish and nightly specials are cooked to perfection on the seven-foot mesquite hardwood grill. Salads, fresh vegetables, desserts, vegetarian and lighter fare options also grace the menu. The energetic social atmosphere is amplified around the U-shaped bar. The intimate interior is filled with amber lighting, wood finishes and plush chocolate leather booths. Enjoy an extensive wine list, beers and spirits. Happy hour 4 to 6 pm. ChoP’s private dining area will accommodate parties of 50, is equipped and perfect for business meetings.

2625 W. Queen Creek Rd., Chandler (480) 821-0009. www.chopchandler.com

IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A FAMILY OWNED and operated smokehouse and BBQ restaurant, your search is over. A one-ofa-kind, family-friendly enviroment welcomes you to enjoy fully delicious on-site smoked meats and made-from-scratch signature sides and desserts.

Simply setting the standard for quality BBQ. Fun Place. Serious Bar-b-Que. 1633 S Stapley, Mesa (US60/Stapley) (480) 707-9009 PigglysCatering@Gmail.com

PARADISE BAKERY - AT SANTAN VILLAGE. Is all that shopping making you hungry? Stop

by Paradise Bakery & Cafe at San Tan Village shopping center for a wide variety of menu selections including delicious cookies and baked goods, breakfast items, soups, salads and sandwiches. All of our menu items are prepared daily with only the finest ingredients available, just as you would at home.

We are a “hands-on” bakery and cafe concept, which is what sets us apart and keeps our loyal customers coming back, again and again. We look forward to seeing you at Paradise Bakery & Cafe at San Tan Village!

2156 E. Williams Field Rd., Gilbert (480) 889-7080. www.paradisebakery.com Mon-Fri 6am-9pm; Sat 7am-9pm; Sun 7am-8pm Breakfast: Mon-Fri 6-10am; Sat & Sun 7-11am | Free Wi-Fi

HIGH TIDE SEAFOOD BAR AND GRILL understands that great seafood is hard to come by, but Chef Eric Emlet makes it his mission to serve only the best. The fish is flown in daily from the finest purveyor on the West Coast— Santa Monica Seafood. Some of the items on the menu are considered boutique. The salmon is sushi-grade and comes from a tiny purveyor called Skuna Bay off the west coast of Vancouver Island. And don’t forget the oysters!

The restaurant has an open quality and the steam pots sit behind a U-shaped bar, so if you wish, you can enjoy a cocktail and watch your gorgeous seafood being prepared. High Tide has a full bar with a premium well, a varied wine list and eight craft beers on tap.

2540 S. Val Vista Dr., Gilbert (480) 821-9950 www.hightideseafoodbar.com Sun-Thurs 11am-9pm Friday and Saturday 11am-12am

CANTINA LAREDO - AT SANTAN VILLAGE. Serving modern Mexican food in a sophisticated, vibrant atmosphere. The Mexico City-style menu includes grilled fish, chicken and steaks complimented by signature sauces such as chipotle-wine with portobello mushrooms or sauteéd artichoke hearts and roasted red bell peppers. Enjoy the awardwinning signature margarita, the Casa Rita, made from fresh lime juice and the finest tequila. Serving lunch, dinner, drinks, Sunday brunch. Full service catering and private event dining available.

2150 E. Williams Field Rd., Gilbert (480) 782-6777. www.Cantinalaredo.com Sun-Thurs: 11am-10pm Fri & Sat: 11am-11pm

Seafood Market & Restaurant SEAFOOD MARKET & RESTAURANT is a family owned establishment which opened in 1991 in Mesa. It is not only a restaurant but a fresh seafood market too, just as the name suggests. Fish & shellfish selections are delivered daily and are always fresh, never thawed.

And we only buy the BEST! With an extensive mouth-watering menu to include King Salmon, Scallops, Crab, Lobster & Orange Roughy, there is also delicious chicken, juicy steaks & pasta for guests to enjoy. Seafood Market has won several recognition awards including being honored with a 4 out of 4 star rating.

3406 E. Baseline Rd., Mesa (Val Vista Rd.) (480) 633-1580 www.seafoodmarketrestaurant.com

ROCK LOBSTER IS THE SUSHI ROOM reinvented. Promising fun, energy and the authentic creativity of Teppanyaki. Rock Lobster has 25 menu items and all of The Sushi Room favorites. A huge Sake line-up, Asian beers and spirits add to any occasion. The Teppanyaki room is perfect for special events and celebrations. This is Downtown Ocotillo’s place to party, an exciting night out and affordable for families. Happy hour daily. Reservations are suggested for the Teppanyaki tables.

2475 W. Queen Creek Rd., Chandler (480) 821-9000. www.rocklobsterrocks.com

SOCAL FISH TACO COMPANY – IN DOWNTOWN GILBERT. The coastal Californiainspired food café has given Gilbert’s Heritage District surf vibe. From the East Valley family which established Mesa’s Seafood Market three decades ago, SoCal Fish Taco Company is a beachcomber’s take on today’s gastropub, serving premium microbrews and quick, zesty, affordable food in unfussy under-roof and underthe-stars patio settings. Fish tacos, wraps, fresh salads, crab cakes, large shrimp, raw oysters and chowder in a bread bowl: This is food you buy on the beach or from taco stands near the beach in El Segundo, Marina del Rey, Manhattan Beach and Coronado Island. This is food that brings thoughts of the waves, billowing blue sky and feet-in-thesand summer memories.

219. N. Gilbert Rd., Gilbert (480) 80-SOCAL (76225). www.socalfishtacos.com Mon-Sat: 11am-9pm, Closed Sundays

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datebook

GREAT DATES COMPILED BY DOMINIQUE DEL GROSSO

Commitment Day Arizona 5k THURSDAY, JAN. 1

Start your New Year off on the right foot—literally. Commit to making 2015 the healthiest year yet for you and yours. Join together in this family-friendly 5k event that is happening in more than 60 locations throughout the U.S. Ring in 2015 by crossing the finish line with some sweat and a smile! Life Time Athletic, 6850 E. Chauncey Ln., Scottsdale, commitmentday.com/arizona

Willie Nelson SUNDAY, JAN. 4

Willie Nelson is an original country outlaw. A rebel with a cause and one who lives a life devoted to music and activism for reasons close to his heart, Nelson is a country fan’s favorite. His life rhythm is unique, and so is his gravely sound. Now at 81, this country music icon doesn’t abide by life in the slow lane. Bringing his biggest hits to the stage in Phoenix, he—in typical fashion—will rock the house to its knees. Celebrity Theatre, 440 N. 32nd St., Phoenix, (602) 267-1600, celebritytheatre.com

Golfland Winter Wonderland THROUGH SUNDAY, JAN. 4

Phoenix is not the white winter wonderland we see in movies. The first few weeks of January can be dull and depressing after the holidays, but Golfland’s Winter Wonderland will transport you and your special someone to the next best thing to real snow—fake snow. Offering entertainment from snow days, thousands of lights and even visits from Santa, give the big guy a squeeze and snap a picture for you and your ho, ho, honey! Golfland Sunsplash, 155 W. Hampton Ave., Mesa, (480)834-8319, golfland.com

Howie Mandel SATURDAY, JAN. 10

As a stand-up comedian, frequent talk show guest, host of the TV “Deal or No Deal” game show and a judge on “America’s Got Talent,” Howie Mandel is bringing his talent to the Valley. The audience is in for a night of clean, hilarious jokes and stories.

Comedy is always a great date since it’s impossible to sit through a whole set and not laugh. Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. Second St., Scottsdale, (480) 499-8587, scottsdaleperformingarts.org

Barrett-Jackson SATURDAY, JAN. 10 THROUGH SUNDAY, JAN. 18

Vroom, vroom! Rewind and spend a day and evening checking out and drooling over beautiful classic and antique cars. Perhaps you’ll decide to place a bid, but either way, the annual event is full of live entertainment and eye candy galore. WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale, (480) 666-5522, barrett-jackson.com

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat TUESDAY, JAN. 13 THROUGH SUNDAY, JAN. 18

A biblical, family-friendly musical about the triumphs of Joseph, "Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat" will grace the stage at ASU Gammage. Brought together by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber with the direction of Tony Award winner Andy Blankenbuehler, the show will blow audiences away. Starring Diana DeGarmo and narrated by Broadway star Ace Young, this show is worth every moment spent. ASU Gammage, 1200 S. Forest Ave., Tempe, (480) 965-3434, asugammage.com

Arizona Balloon Classic Festival FRIDAY, JAN. 23 THROUGH SUNDAY, JAN. 25

“Come fly with me.” Frank Sinatra sang it best because romance is in the air at the Arizona Balloon Classic Festival. Go up, up and away in a hot air balloon ride. Gaze at the scenery below and relish in the moment. Check out brightly-colored air balloons, feast on yummy eats and explore hand-in-hand. Fear Farm Sports & Entertainment Complex, 2209 N. 99th Ave., Phoenix, abcfest.com

Enrique Iglesias and Pitbull THURSDAY, JAN. 29

Waste Management Phoenix Open MONDAY, JAN. 26 THROUGH SUNDAY, FEB. 1

“Fore!” The Phoenix Open is back for the annual golf tournament, and with it comes Scottsdale’s finest and fabulous entertainment. With live music in the Bird’s Nest by some of the biggest musicians and hosting the hottest parties, at this event, it’s nearly as important to see as it is to be seen. Get ready because it’s almost tee time! TPC Scottsdale, 17020 N. Hayden Rd., Scottsdale, (480) 585-4334, wmphoenixopen.com

The King of Latin Pop will make January’s chilly temps sizzle. Enrique Iglesias will entrance and electrify the stage. As part of the Latin music scene for decades, it’s impossible not feel amor for the sexy singer. (We’re looking at you, Anna Kournikova.) Blazing into the Valley along with Pitbull, these two Spanish-speaking musicians are bound to make the night feel fuego, fuego! Talking Stick Resort Arena, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, (602) 379-2000, talkingstickresortarena.com

CitySkate Ice Rink THROUGH MONDAY, FEB. 2

You might be more “Bambi” on ice than the graces of the Olympic Gods, Meryl Davis and Charlie White, but hey, you can still enjoy a night out with your special someone, falls and tons of laughs included! Hold hands and laugh at each other for being oh-so-uncoordinated! CityScape Phoenix, 1 E. Washington St., Phoenix, (602) 772-3888, cityskatephx.com VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2015

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last word

FINAL THOUGHTS

I DON’T WANNA GROW UP

BY CHRISTINA CALDWELL

Around the holidays, people become increasingly nosy. In an attempt to catch up, distant family members will often ask the “big” questions—those same questions we ask ourselves almost every day but have the opportunity to deal with them personally and in much smaller doses. I often just choose to ignore them.

Lucky for me, I have an older brother.

The marriage and kids questions are usually directed toward and fielded by him, but now that he has gotten married, that pressure falls on me.

At 27, I want all of those things to happen for me... eventually. As life stands right now, getting married and having kids would be something I’d do to please my family, not myself. I’ve just recently gotten to a place where I feel content with my career and who I am, and the last thing I want to do is bring other people in to spoil my self-discovery afterglow with spit up and soiled diapers.

I still feel incredibly young. My friends

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and I do deliberately immature things to prolong our big, dumb youth. But when I step back, we’re all approaching 30, which is a scary milestone for anyone. If 30 is the new 20, and people were married at 20 just a few decades ago, we should really get this show on the road. And the pressure is on.

Especially as a woman.

As crass as it may seem, I feel like I’m quickly expiring. Warnings from others about the birth defects children can face if born to an older mother frighten me, and knowing my mother got endometriosis at 29 and had to have her uterus removed compounds on those fears. Endometriosis is genetic. What if, in a couple years, I’m physically incapable of having a child? How could I disappoint my parents like that, even if it’s out of my control?

My parents pine for a grandchild. I don’t often use the word “pine,” but that’s the only way I can really describe the actual kind of hurt they feel with every passing day that a new baby isn’t in their

lives. We joke about it, but it’s true. The way my mom slowly walks past the baby department at Macy’s proves it. She wants to buy frilly little shoes that will never meet the ground and matching mommy/ daughter pajama sets.

But my parents also raised me to be an independent young woman, and now that I have that independence, they want me to bring someone into my life that would put my life’s work—true independence—behind me. Having a child now would put a pause on my career, and who knows if I’d ever be able to make up for lost time.

These are wholly female issues. Rarely do men have to choose between children and a career. That’s not to say men don’t have their own struggles, but as a young woman, the feeling that I’m about to “expire” constantly looms with every passing work day.

So I’m going to just continue to ignore it for a couple more years. I’ll do the rest when I’m ready, if ever. VLM