to the Holiday 2014 issue.

Transcription

AREA NEWS • FEATURES • GUEST COLUMNS • BUSINESS & PERSONAL PROFILES
Holiday 2014
OUR ANNUAL
RETAIL/HOLIDAY
ISSUE
Shannon Fox, Owner of
Kiss Me Kate
Women’s Fashion Boutique
Kiss Me Kate
Not Just a Broadway Musical
Camelback Corridor Magazine
1
MANY HAPPY
RELOADS
DAMN GOOD
You Won’t Even Notice
YO U R T E A M I S
FREE MEDIUM POPCORN
WITH EVERY $25 GIFT CARD
PURCHASE OR RELOAD
LOSING
Available At Any Harkins Location
Or Online At HarkinsTheatres.com
Bluewater Grill
™
C A S U A L , M O D E R AT E LY P R I C E D
>
F U L L B A R , PAT I O & S U S H I B A R
>
AT
O P E N 7 D AY S
‘tis the season
to give! Bluewater Grill
gift cards are available in any
denomination, and are perfect
for that special
seafood lover in
your life!
>
come
stuff the lobster
not the bird!
SEA
FOO
D R
ES
TAU
RAN
T
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner - Happy Hour M–F 4–7
48th St & Indian School - take out: 602-840-3950
arcadiatavern.com
>
L CO
L
Korner
>
in, ge
t hook
ed
FUL
Kellys
OR
W
TREAT
WW
THIS CAR
.BLU
RESTAUR
D
E
WW W.BL ANT. CHE LIKE CAS H.
YOU
UEWATER CK YOU
CAR D
R BAL R BLUE WAT
GRIL
AS
WAT
ERG
RILL
.CO
ANC E
ER
L.CO M.
APPL IED WE CAN
AT ANY GRIL L CAR
YOU
NOT
M
CAN
D CAN
MON THLYAS PAYM ENT REPL ACE
BE
IT IF LOS RELOAD OF OUR
TO
SERV
WILL
LOC ATIO USED AT
YOU R
T OR
NOT APPL ICE FEE OFANY ACC OUN
ANY
CAR D
STO
TERM S
AT ANY NS OR VISIT BLUE WAT
AND CONY WHE RE $2.0 0 IF YOU T UNL ESS LEN. BALA
ER GRIL
TIME
NCE
OUR
DO NOT REQ UIRE
DITI ONS PRO HIBIT
L
D BY S CAN NOT . PLEA SE SAFE WEB SITE
USE
. © 2007 ED BY LAW
LAW. WE
BE RED
AT
GUA RD
BLUE WAT
. USE YOU R CAR D
EEM
YOU R
FOR A RESE RVE THE ED FOR
ER GRIL OF THIS
CAS
CAR
12
RIGH T
L LTD.
ALL RIGH D CON STITMON TH PERI
TO ASSEH OR
OD.
UTE
SS
TS RESE
RVED. S ACC EPTA SERV ICE FEESA
NCE OF
THE SE
NEW
P
949 675 O R T
FISH
>
>
gift ca
rd
RED
ON
310 318 D O
FISH
PMS
>
TUS
T
714 258 I N
FISH
>
PHO
EN
602 277 I X
FISH
287
indulge in our Stuffed Maine Lobster while staying sustainable
1 7 2 0 E A S T C A M E L B A C K R O A D · 6 0 2 2 7 7 F I S H ( 3 4 7 4 ) · B LU E WAT E R G R I L L . C O M
2
3
CONTENTS
14-15 CENTER COVER
16 MEN’S FASHIONS
25
CCM & OTCC News
Y
EARS
PUBLISHER’S
PONTIFICATIONS
G
A Timeless Men’s
Tradition
A Fashion Entrepreneur
Extraordinare
18 THE MIRACLE
21 WINE PRESERVATION
CONTINUES
Iconic Deli Readies
its Move to Their
Own Building
Saving Precious Wine
from the Valley’s Sizzle
GUEST COLUMNS AND MORE
9 Dr. John Casalino on Feeling Good This Season
10 Thanks to Everyone From Camelback
Corridor Magazine
17 Retailers Galore on the Camelback Corridor
18 Mike Boloker - Santa’s in a Rut This Holiday Season
20 Kate Mastler - A Two-hanky Act of Retail Wonder
23 Barbara Lambesis - Peace on Earth, Goodwill to Men!
25 Bonni Stockdale-Olson - Listen Before Giving
Cover Photo Courtesy of:
Tina Hender & Bruce G. Levitta
4
ood day and welcome to our
festive combination annual Retail and Holiday edition. It is also
worth noting this issue marks our 25th
year — 23 as On the Camelback Corridor News tabloid-style newspaper and
for the past two plus years in its engaging magazine format. It has been a real pleasure serving the eclectic and ever-growing Camelback Corridor and its close environs over this long span of time.
Before launching into a brief peek at this issue’s contents, herewith are a few customary Miscellaneous Musings to ponder.
uCHEERS to the end — for now, of the political season and all its wretched and
ugly battles and war of words between and amongst both political parties, locally and
nationally. Here at home, all that sign litter will eventually be taken down and we’ll
have less junk mail to sort through in our mailboxes. It sure will be a wonderful life
again, but don’t get too comfortable.
uJEERS to the owner of a certain Corridor Jewelry store for being one sad sack.
Some might recall back in January of this year when this person was interviewed on
local television gloating that he was going to retire and leave his store to his trusted
employees. “It’s just something I wanted to give back to the people that gave me so
much,” he boasted at the time.” It never happened and he didn’t retire. Fast-forward
to early October 2014 when his “trusted” employees learned that this jabone was
preparing a “Going out of Business” sale. It caught those employees totally off guard.
I can’t print their comments or the name of this callous brut, but suffice it to say, what
goes around comes around.
uTEARS #1 – The retail world and the Valley of the Sun lost an iconic individual
when Greg Eveloff, owner and CEO of The Clotherie and Bonafide Goods at Biltmore
Fashion Park, died this summer in a snorkeling accident on the island of Maui. Married and a father of three, he was 60 years old.
uTEARS #2 – Whiskers, the beloved Maltese companion of iconic Corridor jeweler, G. Darrell Olson, died this summer. The dog was a constant fixture at his store
for 12 years. Not to worry, Georgie and Mini Roo are barking away at the store while
mama dog — aptly named Mouse, resides at the Olson residence.
IN THIS ISSUE – Our Cover Story profiles a gem of a fashionable corridor retail
small businesswoman with vim, vigor, looks and smarts for starters. And at 70 years
young, that is a testament to, well, just about everything. We also take a peek at an
extremely successful, talented retail small businessman who’s stood the test of time.
In the arena of men’s fashion, his iconic brick and mortar store is the epitome of traditional men’s clothing.
A number of other retail related stories and vignettes grace these pages plus a page
devoted exclusively to listing most all Corridor-area retailers with their basic product
mix, location and phone number. Other content focuses on “This special time of year,
through more vignettes and editorial contributors.
Mele Kalikimaka and Hou’oli Makahiki Hou. See you early in Year 2015.
Mahalo,
Holiday 2014
EDITOR-PUBLISHER
Bruce G. Levitta
ADMINISTRATION
Carol Miercke
ART DIRECTOR
Tina Hender
PRINT HOUSE
Premier Graphics
MAGAZINE CONSULTANT
Gary Tarr
Free Range Productions
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Michael Boloker
Dr. John Casalino
Don Ketchem
Barbara Lambesis
Kate Matsler
Bonni Stockdale-Olson
Camelback Corridor Magazine is published
bi-monthly by CCM, 3104 East Camelback Road,
No. 354, Phoenix, Arizona 85016, (602) 956.8414,
www.camelbackcorridormag.com
Advertising published in Camelback Corridor
Magazine is subject to current rates. Publisher
reserves the right not to accept an advertising
order and is not liable for errors in copy or in
advertisements beyond the cost of the actual
space occupied by the error. Paid advertorials
do not necessarily reflect the opinion of this
magazine. The opinions expressed herein are
exclusively those of the writers and do not
necessarily reflect the position of the publisher.
Material contained herein may not be reproduced
in any form without the written consent of the
publisher.
Editorial submissions are welcome. Editor/
Publisher reserves the right to edit all
submissions. The entire contents of Camelback
Corridor Magazine are Copyright© 2014, CCM.
3104 East Camelback Rd., No. 354
Phoenix, Arizona 85016
602.956.8414
email: mauiwaves@cox.net
www.camelbackmag.com
5
CORRIDOR BUSINESS VIGNETTES
Arizona-based Real
Estate Company Breaks
Ground on Luxury
Apartment Community Near
Biltmore District
Evergreen Development recently announced that it will
break ground on Park 28, a luxury, urban in-fill, multifamily apartment community near the Biltmore area.
“Park 28 will be an attractive addition to the area,
which has been undergoing a significant transformation
in recent years,” said Evans. “
Evergreen expects to start leasing at Park 28 in September 2015, and plans to have the community completed by December 2015.
Phoenix-based Todd & Associates, Inc. is the architect
for Park 28, and Scottsdale-based MT Builders, LLC is
the contractor.
For more information, visit www.evgre.com
At the northwest corner of 28th Street and Indian
School Road in Phoenix, Park 28 is located one mile
from Biltmore Fashion Park and the Camelback Corridor, offering convenient access to downtown Phoenix,
Old Town Scottsdale, downtown Tempe, and Sky Harbor
International Airport.
“Evergreen purchased the site for Park 28 in March
2014,” said Matt Evans, Evergreen’s Senior Development
Manager. “Park 28 will be our first multifamily development project in Phoenix. We also have two multifamily
development projects underway in Denver, Colorado.”
The four-story community will offer 152 units situated
on more than four acres; a fitness center; a resort-style
pool and spa; a business center; a clubhouse; plenty of
outdoor living spaces; and detached, private garages.
Park 28’s modern studio, one, two and three-bedroom
apartments will feature nine-foot ceilings, and a contemporary design with high-quality finishes, including granite counter tops, designer cabinets, faux wood flooring,
enhanced lighting, and upgraded plumbing fixtures.
Each unit will have a private patio or balcony and storage space.
Forge Wood-Fired Pizza
Debuts at Biltmore Fashion
Park’s The Union
The Le Bon Temps Restaurants team is excited to bring
this past October, Forge Wood-Fired Pizza to the
Union shops at the Biltmore Fashion Park.
Located inside a stylish, custom-designed space featuring a large bar, an imported Valoriani wood-burning
oven, and a spacious and shaded patio with two large
fire pits, Forge is a raucous yet food-forward pizzeria
& pub. Executive Chef Jeffrey Amber and his team will
serve lunch and dinner 7 days a week with a menu highlighted by hearty starters such as Crispy Cheese Curds
and Long Cooked Ribs, as well as fresh salads and
two-fisted sandwiches like the Fried Chicken with citrus
greens and Calabrian aioli.
The real stars here are the signature wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizzas like the Fat Boy Pizza with house
CORRIDOR BUSINESS VIGNETTES
made sausage, bacon, pickled peppers and cream and
the Three Cheese Pizza with mozzarella, seasoned ricotta, roasted garlic, and topped with arugula, lemon
and Parmesan all prepared with seasonal ingredients to
showcase sunny Arizona’s bounty. Forge will also pour
local craft beers, including eight drafts via a custom-designed cast-iron tap system, as well as select American
and European wine varietals and a craft cocktail program using ingredients such as house-made ginger beer.
This is the third Forge location, with the original located on the gorgeous waterfront of Jack London Square in
Oakland, CA. But Forge also has deep Valley roots thanks
to partner, Andy Byrnes, a renowned local architect,
builder and founder of the Phoenix-based design-build
firm, The Construction Zone. Now Byrnes has partnered
with restaurant entrepreneurs Michael Karp (owner of
Barbacoa and Table 24) and Bob Burke (Pat Kuleto
Restaurant Group and Gordon Biersch Brewing Co.) to
found Le Bon Temps Restaurants, a full service restaurant firm that offers a turnkey solution for restaurants
and bars.
As in Oakland, Forge at the Biltmore evokes an
industrial, shipyard-like vibe thanks to decorative elements such as black hot rolled steel, rough-sawn ‘burnt’
wood and the 6-inch steel gas pipe beer tap system. Furthermore, the combination of soaring ceilings and a rolling custom steel window wall helps blur the lines between
the indoors and the expansive outdoor dining deck at this
compact 1,500 sq.-ft. restaurant. However, Forge’s heart
is undoubtedly the steel clad Valoriani pizza oven set in
an open industrial space. All the details work together to
make the guest feel included in the pizza making magic
as they watch each pie, wood-fired to crusty perfection.
‘TIS THE SEASON’ TO CREATE YOUR OWN
CUSTOM HOLIDAY CARDS
A Full Service One Stop Commercial Printer
from the
Crew at int
ro Pr
Biltmore P
• Full Color Printing
• Graphic Design
• Black & White Copying
• Banners, Posters & Signs
15% Off Custom Holiday Cards
Ordered during November and December.
602.954.6517 | www.biltmoreproprint.com | 3108 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ 85016
6
Renovation Complete at
Biltmore Commerce Center
DPC Development is pleased to announce the completion of the interior and exterior renovation of Biltmore
Commerce Center, a 260,000-square-foot, Class A office building at 3200 E. Camelback Road.
Built in 1985, the three-story building was purchased
in August 2013 by Colorado-based DPC Development in
partnership with Bridge Partners of Salt Lake City. Biltmore Commerce Center was 74 percent occupied at
closing and is now 88 percent leased.
Valley of the Sun United Way was DPC’s first tenant,
leasing 32,780 RSF on the third floor. Senior Directors
Jerry Noble, Patrick Devine and Greg Mayer of Cushman
& Wakefield’s Office Properties group represent DPC Development of Colorado.
“The renovation of Biltmore Commerce Center looks
beautiful, while meeting the needs of today’s office users,
who want places to get together outside of their office
walls,” Devine said.
A tenant-focused space, the expansive atrium can be
utilized for work and after-work events. Modern finishes and community-style seating and tables have been
provided to promote individual collaborative meetings,
or comfortable small gatherings, utilizing the space
throughout the day. Tables are tech-friendly and have
built-in outlets that double as charging stations for laptops and phones.
The focal point of the building is the atrium’s 20-foot
water wall and surrounding reflecting pools, along with
a fountain on the corner of Camelback and 32nd Street.
Topping it off is the new landscaping, which includes
prominent palm trees at the building’s entrance and new
vegetation throughout.
“We saw a beautiful gem with this building sitting
prominently in the Camelback Corridor, with a vision
to provide work space that worked very well within the
four walls, and an outside-inside space providing a comfortable work space for businesses throughout the year,”
said Chris King, President of DPC. “What we have accomplished exceeds all expectations.”
Upgrades to the exterior include new signage and an
illuminated water feature that faces the intersection of
Camelback and 32nd that will be prove to be a landmark
feature on the Camelback Corridor.
Cushman & Wakefield is the world’s largest privately-held commercial real estate services firm. The company advises and represents clients on all aspects of
property occupancy and investment, and has established
a preeminent position in the world’s major markets, as
evidenced by its frequent involvement in many of the
most significant property leases, sales and assignments.
Fellow Chiropractor Joins
Noted Corridor Chiropractic
Wellness Center
Dr. Peter Rayis, 29 is a
chiropractic sports physician who specializes in the
treatment and rehabilita-
on the computer, working long hours at their desk, and
great for anyone who is active and deals with those stubborn, lingering injuries. Combined with chiropractic
manipulation, IASTM becomes a very powerful therapy.
After all, the body functions optimally when all joints are
properly aligned, and all muscles are free of fascial restrictions.
For more information, visit www.casalinochiropractic.com
tion of soft tissue injuries
with the use of IASTM
(Instrument Assisted Soft
Tissue Mobilization).
He recently joined the
CBRE New Arizona Marketing
Director Announced
practice of long-time Cor-
CBRE is pleased to an-
ridor-based Chiropractor, Dr. John Casalino at his Casa-
nounce
lino Chiropractic Wellness Center, 1000 East Camelback
Warnica has been named
Road.
Marketing Director for the
He holds a Bachelors of Science in kinesiology and
Arizona market. For the past
exercise physiology from Arizona State University and
three years, Warnica has
graduated Summa Cum Laude with his Doctor of Chiro-
been leading the marketing
practic from the Southern California University of Health
cently took on management
As a former Athletic Trainer and a current health and
background as both an athlete and a Doctor to recognize, treat, rehabilitate, and prevent sports specific injuries. His extensive knowledge and emphasis in soft tissue
treatment, with the use of IASTM, has allowed him to
work with the U.S. Olympic Water Polo team, professional mixed martial artists from the UFC, as well as numerous NFL and NBA athletes.
Dr. Rayis employs a comprehensive evaluation and
treatment protocol personalized for each patient. His
treatment approach is to identify and remove the underlying issue, not just the symptoms. This is performed
through the use of posture evaluation and gait analysis,
diversified chiropractic manipulation, nutrition counseling, and IASTM.
What is IASTM? IASTM is a simple and effective manual
therapy technique that allows the practitioner to break
down scar tissue and realign muscle fibers to their normal functioning state. This allows the muscle to relax
and lengthen, leading to an increased range of motion
and decreased pain. This is performed using specially
designed stainless steel instruments that precisely detect
and remove adhesions that are under chronic tension.
IASTM is great for elite athletes, men and women alike,
to weekend warriors by helping correct restricted sport
specific movements. It is also great for those who are
Brittany
efforts in Phoenix and re-
Sciences.
fitness enthusiast, Dr. Rayis is able to utilize his athletic
that
of Tucson marketing.
“We are so pleased to elevate Brittany to Marketing
Director for Arizona. She is a tenured, well-respected member of the CBRE team. Over the course of her
career with CBRE she has shown exceptional ability to
meet the high expectations of our professionals and our
clients, and leads her team to do the same,” said CBRE’s
Director of Operations Cathy Teeter. “Brittany’s intimate
knowledge of what it takes to successfully market commercial real estate projects coupled with her excellent
communication and organizational skills, provide an
advantage in guaranteeing she will be an excellent leader
and mentor for marketing and communications professionals in Arizona.”
As Marketing Director for Arizona, Warnica leads an
in-house team of graphic designers, communications
specialists, marketing specialists and business services
coordinators, working with clients to develop marketing
strategies and produce a full range of marketing collateral. With a strong background in design, she is actively
involved in the day-to-day development of materials and
also oversees the production of the team at large to ensure brand management, compliance and quality.
Warnica began her career with CBRE in 2006. She is
a graduate of Arizona State University and holds a BS in
graphic design.
Business Vignettes Cont’d Pg. 8
7
BUSINESS VIGNETTES
Arizona Humane Society Launches
Improved Admissions Program
A
8
No more long lines. No more long wait times. Your pet just needs 30 minutes
to ensure his or her best chance for success.
On October 1, the Arizona Humane Society launched a new, industry-leading admissions-by-appointment program designed to give every pet surrendered
to the state’s leading animal welfare organization the best chance by way of a
simple, 30-minute intake appointment.
Admissions by appointment marks an end to long lines, long wait times and
the crowded and chaotic counter process where animals are turned over to
AHS admissions with little detailed information being exchanged. Under the new
admissions program, individuals will call AHS’ pet resource center, schedule
an appointment, meet with an AHS admissions expert, share the animal’s health
and behavioral history, and hear about options available beyond surrendering
their pet that may allow them to keep their pet in their home. The pets, as well as
the owners, will have a far less stressful exchange, and most will ultimately have
a better chance of getting necessary care, adapting to the shelter and finding a
new home.
“Individuals who turn a pet over to us are taking a very responsible step. We
appreciate that. The vast majority sincerely want the best outcome,” said Dr.
Steven Hansen, AHS President and CEO. “It’s our shared responsibility to learn
as much as possible about a pet, to ensure it has the best possible chance to get
the care he or she needs.”
Naturally, exceptions to the pre-scheduled appointment requirement will be
made for ill or injured animals requiring emergency care. Those animals will
be fast-tracked to AHS’ Second Chance Animal Hospital™, a trauma center for
homeless pets. In all other cases, walk-in, counter surrenders may not be accepted.
“Our behaviorists and veterinarians do an exceptional job evaluating each of
the 38,000 animals that come through our doors each year,” Hansen added.
“If they could know, from the onset, more detailed information that includes
an animal’s behavior, as well as medical history, they would have a very specific
potential home and placement defined. And the more specific we can be when
adopting out a pet, the more likely it is that we’ll be able to find that pet a loving
home.”
Admissions by appointment is a best chance admissions program that will
help us better treat our customers with compassion, transparency and respect,
and ensure that we are providing each pet who comes through our doors with
a healthy and loving environment that offers them their best chance for success.
The program includes a formal fee associated with surrendering a pet. Previously, it was a requested donation. The surrender fee is $60 for all single animals
and $75 for litters. While the needs of each animal in our care differ, it costs an
average of $327 to care for one animal until he/she finds a forever home. While
our surrender fees likely won’t cover the full cost of care for an animal, they
will help provide us the necessary resources to keep an animal safe and healthy
while we search for a new, loving family.
This admissions approach is currently being used successfully by Animal Humane Society (Albuquerque), Oregon Humane Society, Animal Humane Society (Minneapolis), Richmond SPCA, San Diego Humane Society, San Francisco
SPCA, SPCA of Texas (Dallas), PAWS of Chicago, Friends for Life, Houston, Capital Area Humane Society (Hilliard, OH), The Humane Society of Tampa Bay,
Connecticut Humane Society, Seattle Humane Society and Erie County SPCA.
For more information, please visit www.azhumane.org or call
602.997.7585 to contact the Pet Resource Center.
VOICES OF THE CORRIDOR
For Your Holiday Shopping
The Best Names are at
TREAT YOURSELF
KINDLY THIS
HOLIDAY SEASON
CARTER’S
By John Casalino
H
ere we are back at another holiday season and so is the stress. The
holidays also signify that another year has blown by all too quickly.
Reflecting back, I realize that I’ve been writing for this publication
for the last 24 years. It also allows me to thank Bruce Levitta, the publisher
and editor, for the opportunity to serve, educate and pontificate to the fine
folks on the Camelback Corridor.
This end-of-the-year article focuses on holiday stress and how to deal with
it. First of all, SLOW DOWN! There is no law that says you have to burn the
candle at both ends. Make a list of your obligations and know that it’s okay to
say no. Don’t overextend yourself. Preplan and make a budget. Stay within it
and don’t impulse buy — or at least give it a shot. Try to succeed in having a
less stressful holiday season this year.
u Make time for yourself - Take some time every day to check in with your
own self. Examine your obligations and make adjustments where you need
to. Things can change rapidly during this time of the year so make sure your
game plan is up-to-date and accurate.
u Do something physical - Don’t forget, exercise is still part of a healthy
lifestyle. Don’t let your life run you; you need to run your life! Exercise can be
a great release of the daily grind and stress.
u Get adjusted – That’s right. When your life turns up the speed, you actually run your body down and set yourself up to innocuous injuries. This is the
time of year I hear people comment, “All I did was sneeze,” or “I just bent
over to put on my shoes,” when they complain of some injury or unwanted
back pain. Even if you have never been adjusted before, this is the year for you
to take better care of yourself with chiropractic.
This year — as a gift to you, we are offering the Gift of Health. Give yourself
and/or your loved ones an opportunity to experience better health through
chiropractic care. Chiropractic care is really the only true preventative health
care available today. All other health care providers are about the early detection of health problems. With chiropractic, we teach the five different facets
of good health every day. Those five facets include a healthy diet; a suitable
exercise plan which focuses on strength, balance, flexibility and endurance;
appropriate rest and relaxation; the value of having a positive mental attitude
and the value of a strong, fully functioning nervous system.
Our Gift of Health this holiday season is offering a first office visit that
includes an in-depth consultation, physical examination and first treatment
for a grand total of $59. If we determine that x-rays are necessary, the cost is
only an additional $40. They are taken on-site with our state of the art x-ray
equipment to make sure your exposure is very low.
We accept all qualified medical and health savings accounts as well as flex
spending accounts. Use these now before you lose them at the end of the year!
We also participate in most major medical and workers compensation insurance plans and accept auto accident injury cases.
Casalino Chiropractic is located at 1000 East Camelback Road, telepone
602.279.7376 or visit casalinochiropractic.com.
From Eastern Tweeds
to Southern California Sportwear
Reyn Spooner
Peter Millar
Robert Talbott
Alden
Scott Barber
Samuelsohn
Bill’s Khakis
602-952-8646
5045 N 44th St • Phoenix, AZ 85018
info@www.cartersmensclothing.com
1846 E. Camelback Rd.
(between 18th & 20th Streets)
(602) 956-0606
Hours: 10am - 6pm Monday - Saturday
jewelsbygdo.com
9
A
s Camelback Corridor Magazine celebrates
its 25th year serving the eclectic Corridor and
its environs — 23 of which with its former newspaper incarnation, On the Camelback Corridor News and
today’s more visually enhanced magazine format, a heartfelt thank you goes out to all the people who have played
a part and supported the magazine during Year 2014.
First and foremost, my humble appreciation goes to our
advertisers — without whom there would be no magazine
SPECIAL HOLIDAY VIGNETTE
to publish; second to the many talented editorial contributors and columnists and to my accomplished Graphic Designer/Art Director who brings expertise and creative talent
to the forefront. Last, though certainly not least, my family,
who have yet again helped me sort through publishing pandemonium so we could reach this milestone.
Listed below are the advertisers, contributing writers and
a few others who were instrumental in made it all happen in
Year 2014.
TIP$ FOR
HOLIDAY TIPPING
2014 ADVERTISERS
Joyous holiday
wishes to
you and your
family …
from your good neighbor.
Arcadia Eye Care
Arcadia Tavern
Armadillo Grill
Artistic Dental
Athleticuts
Biltmore Pro Print
Bluewater Grill
Body Beautiful
Camelback Dermatology
Carter’s Traditional Men’s Clothing
Casalino Chiropractic
Chapman Hyundai
Cheese ‘n Stuff
Christ Lutheran School
Delux
Desert Foot Surgeons
Duck & Decanter
European Wax Center
Fairmount Pharmacy
Fast Frame
Gene Hayek Equipment Repair
Harkins Theatres
Harmony + Health Acupuncture
Hotel 502 on Camelback
InShape MD
Jewels & Estate Gallery by G. Darrell Olson
John Bass. M.D.
Kiss Me Kate
L’amore Ristorante
Laguna Riviera Resort on the Beach
Lon’s at the hermosa
Moda Georgio Custom Clothing
Omaha Steakhouse
EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS
Vincent Bartoli
Michael Boloker
Nicola Cavaleri
Dr. John Casalino
Steve Churchi
Dr. John Doughtery
Dr. Stewart Kozinn
Bonni Olson-Stockdale
Oregano’s Pizza Bistro
Ortho Arizona Center for Spinal
Disorders
Poulton & Noroin Business Lawyers
Premier Graphics
Regal Cleaners
Rosie McCaffrey’s Irish Pub & Restaurant
Royal Palms Resort and Spa
Scottsdale Joint Center
Sierra Bonita Grill
Solo Trattoria
Spinato’s Pizzeria
State Farm – Marcella Busto
Stewart Car Wash
Streets of New York
Suitcases & More
T. Cook’s Restaurant
Tager Optical
Ten Handcrafted American Fare
Texaz Grill
The Last Drop at the Hermosa
The Wine Vault
ART DIRECTION/PRODUCTION
Tina Hender - Around Cube Creations
Barbara Lambesis
Nisha Noroian
Mike Poulton
Kort Pearson
AND OTHERS
Carol Lynn Miercke
Jenna Elise Leilani
Anthony Scott Kekoa
Deck the Halls with Holiday Spirit
from FASTFRAME.
Accent your walls and the season with custom framing. Let us
help you create something worth celebrating. Experience custom
F
Trees are being bought, lights are being hung and the
voices of Johnny Mathis, Alvin, the Chipmunks and
the president all extol peace and generosity. It is also
a moment when we mull over who to tip, what to give and
who to stiff.
If you depend on the services of such people as day-care
workers, baby sitters, dog walkers, manicurists, parking attendants, personal trainers or limo drivers, they’d all appreciate a special “thank you” this time of year.
There are no hard-and-fast rules to follow regarding holiday tipping, but a little hard currency is a universally appreciated gift. How much you give is largely a product of what you
can afford and the quality of the service you receive, but here
are some guidelines:
u $10 -$20 for the person who delivers your newspaper or
your laundry, depending on whether you get daily or weekend-only service. Ditto with the garbage man if you are so
inclined.
u $25 for those individuals who keep you looking your personal best, the hairdresser, barber or manicurist. The proper
holiday tip is equal to the cost of one visit if you go frequently
and $20 to $25 if you only go occasionally.
u $25 to a parking attendant and $50 for whoever runs the
garage you normally use.
u $25 to $100 apiece for a doorman, building superintendents, condo association or homeowner association managers.
u One day’s pay for someone who works for you once a
week, such as a cleaning person, but, someone who works
for you five days a week, such as a nanny, one week’s salary is
standard, although some people believe in giving two.
u You could give your child’s primary day-care worker a
gratuity of $10 to $20 or a small gift.
u When it comes to the mail carrier, federal law prohibits
U.S. Postal Service employees from accepting cash or gifts
worth more than $20.
u For baby sitters, at least one day’s earnings.
u$50 for the wait staff at a restaurant or bar you frequent
often.
Other people you may want to think about tipping could be
your pet groomer, the person who washes or details your car,
landscapers and lawn service people and your pest-control
service person.
A rule of thumb on all of these is simple: The cost of one
visit or treatment is usually suitable.
Of course, gratuities are intended to express thanks for
services provided beyond the call of duty. So don’t feel pressured to provide a tip or gift if you’re unhappy with the service
you’re getting or if you’re just broke.
A thoughtfully worded card also can convey a jolly holiday
message. But remember, if during the holidays you treat people who give you good service, they will be very loyal to you
from then on.
The above information provided by Bankrate.com.
May all your wishes come true this
wondrous season. Like a good
neighbor, State Farm is there.®
CALL ME TODAY.
Marcella Busto, Agent
3750 E. Indian School Rd.
Phoenix, AZ 85018
Bus: 602-955-5450
marcella.busto.lxny@statefarm.com
State Farm, Home Office,
1101450.1 Bloomington, IL
Barber, Beauty, Nail,
Spa Repair,
Service & Sales.
Will Come To You!
framing at it’s best.
H
H
H
H
H
Custom picture framing
Custom mirrors
Done in days not weeks
Same day service available
FREE pick-up and delivery
$50 OFF
H
H
H
H
H
FREE in-home consultations
Creative designs
Photo restoration
100% satisfaction guaranteed
Large projects welcome
Must present this card when ordering.
Not applicable with work in progress.
Offer good for custom framing orders
only. Cannot be used in conjunction
with any other offer.
D
o you have a compelling chapter of your life, a major life-changing event, a significant milestone or
deep-seated memory you desire to preserve, share and pass on to family, friends and loved ones?
A Slice of YOUR Life is here to help take your verbal account, express it in a printed word narrative with
selected photo(s) then professionally presented in a hard stock four-page portfolio document.
Prologue
A
Words by
By Bruce
FRAMING UNTIL CHRISTMAS EVE!
G. Levitta
Design
By Tina
Hender
in Room
(602) 522-1701
10
E. Camelback Rd.
N. 32nd St.
3112 E. Camelback Rd.
(NW. Corner of 32nd St. and Camelback)
Safeway
t long last, the summer of 2014 arrived. I just published the annual summer edition of my community magazine and was geared up for a
welcomed break from our searing desert heat. My quality time off usually includes a few solo Southern California coastal trips followed
by a family beach vacation in late July. On my bucket list this year was an exciting fly/drive trip to the Oregon Coast. Suffice it to say, the
seven-day adventure was breathtaking, photographing some of the most spectacular coastal landscapes I’ve ever seen in the Continental
United States.
I arrived home the afternoon of Tuesday, June 24 and began settling back into a daily routine until my next mini adventure. The following
evening my wife was in the midst of preparing a casual home-cooked meal for the two of us. Over dinner I planned to share my Oregon
escapades with her. And then her cell phone rang. That call would instantly throw our lives into immediate disbelief and uncertainty.
3129
about
ing thing en
t astonish
ton
The mos is that they happ
- G.K. Chester
miracles
“G
randpa is in the hospital. I think he happened to be the hotel’s family owners. Rosi said both the
drowned.”
mother and son immediately began CPR on Ernie. A call to
Those were the first words my 911 also was dispatched. When the paramedics arrived and
wife heard late into a sweltering took over, they discovered a faint pulse. Rosi told Carol they
Wednesday evening on June 25, transported him to University of Arizona Medical Center.
2014. This traumatic news was uttered over the phone to my
She concluded the edgy call by letting her daughter know
wife, Carol, by her mother, Rosi.
that Grandpa Ernie — as we fondly call him, was breathing
My wife was trying desperately to control herself while her solely through a medical ventilator. In other words, he could
remarkably restrained mom was relaying fragmented informa- not breathe on his own; an ominous situation at best. Finally,
tion about the initial “event.”
exchanged words between mother and daughter drifted into
The early gist was that Rosemarie Elfriede Peters Miercke, unfamiliar and unimaginable territory, as in the possibility of
aka Rosi, 83, and her husband, Ernst Ludwig Mierke, 88, sim- instructing the hospital to invoke a pre-arranged family DNR
ply called Ernie, were taking an early evening dip in the pool at (do not resuscitate) and making final arrangements far from
a Best Western Hotel in Tucson, Arizona after enjoying a full home in Phoenix.
day of driving up to and around Mount Lemmon. They were
in fact celebrating their 63rd wedding anniversary. And so like
• • • • •
the fiercely independent first generation German couple, they
y wife of nearly
didn’t think it necessary to advise any family members of their
30 years is a pildriving plans to Southern Arizona.
lar of strength in
Rosi — trying to maintain
so many ways both at home
calmness, told Carol that
and in her career. She is the
she had turned her back for
patient and quiet one — a
a second or two and then
polar opposite of me. Carol
within moments, redirected
takes things in studied stride,
her body forward, only to see
always citing her mantra, “It’s
her husband’s face and body
all good,” even when things
sinking under the water. For
are not the best. If I could
an instant she thought he was
cite any one weak spot to her
playing a joke. Even at his
always convivial personality,
age, Ernie is a jokester. For
it might be her emotions. She
instance, he cited this gem to
wears them on her sleeve and
my daughter some time ago,
is quick to shed tears both in
“I remember when the Dead
happiness and sadness. Come
Sea was sick.”
to think of it, calling that a
Within seconds, Rosi realweak spot might be a misinized this wasn’t a game. Panic
terpretation. Sometimes it is
quickly ensued with her yellRosi and Ernie’s engagement, May 1950
just plain amusing that she
ing for help as she frantically
attempted to, but could not lift her husband up and out of the can emote over the slightest of things…say for instance watching a touching scene on the tube or even during a feel-good
pool.
Rosi’s telephone narrative continued with my wife. “I yelled news sound bite.
to a young man by the pool for help. He and his mother helped It is hard to describe my wife’s emotional breakdown the night
to lift Grandpa out of the pool.” These two bystanders just we received the cursory news about her dad. Most likely she
M
Tucson, which resulted in the
may have drifted into a state
automatic breathing machine
of shock yet still was deterbeing terminated.
mined to finish preparing
At first, we didn’t quite
dinner. She has a natural inknow what to make of that
clination to keep busy when
information. I immediately
undo stress or disruptive
went back in time to when
forces enter her world. Batmy father — at 90 years of
tling a mild form of Multiple
age, was in the hospital and
Sclerosis (MS) for the past
also on a breathing appa15 years certainly doesn’t
ratus. They eventually took
help matters. Yet through it
him off the machine. He died
all, this remarkable woman
two hours later. I explained
always maintains positive
this to my wife as gently
thoughts.
as possible, preparing her for
Tonight, however, was difthe worst. Once again, her
ferent. She just could not
usual and customary alwayswrap herself around the noDaughter, Carol holding Dad’s walking cane
upbeat demeanor turned to
tion that her beloved father
had fallen victim to water. “I can’t believe he drowned because fear.
We then left for the hospital in Tucson with the alarming
he has always been such a great swimmer,” my wife said to me
in near hysterics. She reminisced how her dad taught her to notion that the end game for Grandpa Ernie was near. It was
swim. “I would ride piggyback while he swam out into Lake just before we departed when Carol called her mother.
After less than a couple of minutes on the phone, my wife’s
Pleasant. He would then take me off his back and say, ‘Swim
eyes welled up with tears yet she was exuding a faint glimmer
to shore!”
To die drowning? For my wife, that seemed to be an of a smile. When the call was concluded, she let out a big sigh
and uttered these implausible words to me, “Dad is in an ICU
impossibility.
The night dragged on endlessly as if the both of us were room, awake and joking with the nurses!” And then her tears
in another dimension. I tried to reach out to family mem- began to flow even heavier.
bers but Carol’s older brother and sister were traveling out
My first reaction was to say, “How in God’s name can that
of state.
At some point late into the be? You don’t go from [near] drowning to assisted breathing by
evening, exhaustion set in and we slept, all the while dreading machine, then no machine, a DNR order and poof, he’s mixing
what news would unfold the next morning.
it up with the medical staff less than 12 hours later?” Usually
Normally, my wife can sleep through just about anything. not one to be at a loss for words, I was speechless.
She’s the envy of those who suffer insomnia or sleep depravaBy this time, most all family members had been informed
tion. This night, however, she tossed and turned, giving up the and each were making arrangements to somehow get to Tucsleep fight around 3 am. When I awoke around 7 am, we both son as soon as possible. Carol’s older sister took point on most
were filled with confusion and dread, not knowing what was to of the communications.
come next.
My wife and I headed out around 11am for the long, toasty
By the time my wife and I were fully awake and functioning and mentally exhaustive drive to the southern desert. We listhis early Thursday morning, both of us waited with trepida- tened to soft music. Carol was pensive throughout the road
tion as to the next course of action.
trip, lost deep in thought without being able to connect any
We decided to pack a bag and head out to Tucson since Rosi dots. And we both couldn’t fathom the turn of events from
was by herself at Grandpa Ernie’s side in the hospital.
the previous night and the here and now. Carol is the eternal
optimist. I’m a skeptic by nature and needed to see for myself
• • • • •
what exactly was going on at the hospital.
We arrived about two hours later and found our way up to
s we were preparing to leave, Carol received a text on the hospital room. Carol’s sister told us earlier that Grandpa
her rather antiquated flip phone. My wife is loathe Ernie was in room 3129 of the Intensive Care Unit.
to learn anything about today’s technology and she’s
quite happy in that regard.
• • • • •
The message was from her sister. It simply said, “Dad was
s we stepped through the main doors of the sprawltaken off the ventilator early this morning and he’s breathing
ing University of Arizona Medical Center — also a
on his own, yet is still in critical condition.” Carol and I were
teaching facility, we’ve never before witnessed such
not aware at the time, but the formal DNR (Do not resuscitate)
document had been forwarded from Phoenix to the hospital in crowding, scuttling and scrambling throughout the hospital’s
A
A
main hallway
s. It looked
felt like
and
ing on a Monday
the perenn mornstreets
ially busy
of
York City. Manhattan in
New
People
erywhe
were evre,
and other patients, doctors
assess
Ernie’s
medica
in their
overall
l person
ity. Throug
whites
mobilor scrubs al
visitors
we observe h this process
that
d, Ernie
walking milling about plus
friendly
was both
briskly
and
,
to hallway
from hallway
somew jovial while
.
hat
also
We asked
ently he obstinate. Apparfor directio
doesn’t
the ICU
to tubes
take kindly
ns
seemed unit. Of course to
was trying in his body
miles
it
and
up an elevato away, down
them out, to yank some
halls,
of
and more r, through
needed including his
doors
vitally
oxygen
we arrived doors. Eventu
. The
pist correct
ally
theraat the
nursing
then chatteded his actions
station. ICU ward’s
Celebra
and
We asked
for directio
ting Rosi’s
few momen with us
a woman
ns to room
for a
80th birthday
they are
ts,
explain
seated
process
3129, mentio
such a
in 2010
behind
and Ernie’s ing his
wonder
smiling
ning Ernie’s her compu
assesse
ful
staffer.
current
d mobilit
She then couple. So lovely
ly
last name. ter theroo
At that
Soon thereaf y conditio
momen
pointed
m.Atfi
“Oh,
n.
t, Rosi
rstwet
up with
to the roomand sweet,”
fiedher
ter, a
an
saw
a
directly said this medica self asasta houghtshewa in civilian clothestall womto Rosi smile on her face her daughter
ff pharm
to our
sadoct
and me
that
entered
or,but
acist.Sh
and briskly left. takes tions. Ernie was
this remark her hugs are and gave us
quickly
ewasth
for what
in
identicame
ably resilien far too strong. both hugs. I
eretoa
Within
often grouse in the swimm ailment and no condition
t, strong
But
to recall ssessErnie’s
when.
ing
and powerf that’s the Germa
door to eyesight of the
pharma
room 3129
cist turnedpool. When Rosi He hardly rememwhat pills he
nurse’s
ully spirited
n in ing
upright
station,
pulled
to her for
but not
woman
in his hospitawas open.
out Ernie’s bered being
very
.
assistan
And there we could see
oxygen
l bed,
ce.
pillbox,
that the just a bunch of helpful. Rosi
tubes in
he was.
the
didn’t haveThat exercise
head, he
his nostrils eyes opened
pills in
Sitting
macist
was engagdifferen
slightly
said
wide. Save
did
t compar any written
any relative not seem to and a few IV
That was she would try
bags hangingfor the thin
be in any
impress
ly healthy
to identify tments. The documents,
bed. It
distress
ive.
When she
patient
individu
each one
was a sight
. His color above his
al his
left, Carol
by its appearapharearlier,
a frank
was that
the entire to behold, consideage sequest
and
but
of for
nce.
Rosi sat
brief
was nearly
family
ring that ered in a hospita
down next
what happen discussion
was left
over.
less than
with
l
with the
The three
24 hours notyourfault!, ed,” Rosi uttered one another to Ernie and
impress
of us approac
had
gentle
”Carol
ion that
callyfir
to Carol. . “I blame myself
hug
firedb
his life
mfashi
hed the
“No you
ackina
on.The
inane questioand I simply
up Ernie
gentle
can’t. It
ycontin
touched room. Carol
n, “How
butunc
uedon
is
“I’m
gave
his leg
more thanwith small talk.
are you
okbut
and asked her dad a
After Rosi forawhileasIt haracteristitwice for
doing?”
of Grandp theworldisn’t
that always- nose, she
removi
gently
a Ernie’s
somuc
scolded riedtochat
ng his
Still the
glances hid the tissue
h,”was
mouth
her husban
jokester
box from oxygen mask
while
thefirs
as he smiled
. That is
d
to
Ernie than doing so.
tsenten
Within
ever so
Ernie.
It was an him. She gave wipe his leaky
ceout
slightly.
crowde minutes of our
me one
ange juice said he was
endeari
d.
of those
thirsty.
ng
Rosi fetched and comica
identifi First to enter was visit, his hospita
straw and from his food
l momen
ed himself
a kindly
l
sips of
tray and
a small
t.
as a rehabili
young manroom began
juice.
carton
Within
gently
to get
of
assisted
a matter
in blue
tation therapi
gan
him with orscrubs.
st and
He very and Ernie fell of minutes
the
was there
thereaf
sound
much alive.
ter, the
asleep.
to miracle
For
Breathi
snoring
those who
.
ng all
beby
believe,
wo days
it is certainlhimself and
y a genuine
good sign.after our initial
visit, Ernie
Though
Miercke
was performdanger of death
was moved
was averted
ed on him,
from the
breathin
ICU to
, he’s still
g since
he needs
another
a small
On July
floor devoted
amount to enter a therapenot out of the
the nod 7, Ernie was
of fluid
utic rehabili woods. Besides
to less
dischar
to
was still
critical
ged
his drowninreturn to his
tation
evident
patients
own home. from the Tucson
in his lungs. facility that recuperating
g. While
, indeed
grandfa
from two
will assist
It still
hospita
it certainl
a very
ther and
broken
him with
great grandfa y piques remains unclear l to a Phoenix
ribs sustain
getting
-area nursing
what may
ed
ther, can curiosity as to
back his
have
/rehabil
the
continu
mobility when CPR
itation
e to make exact cause, caused him
and proper
center.
to pass
what
all of us
Twelve
in his familyreally matters out in the swimm
days later,
he was
smile and is that Ernst
ing pool
given
that nearly
laugh again. Ludwig
Miercke
, husban caused
d, father,
T
Epilogue
Specializing in hydraulic
chairs, hydraulic beds, facial
steamers, magnifying lamps,
hairdryers and shampoo bowls
CALL NOW FOR QUICK HELP.
I TRAVEL VALLEYWIDE.
CALL BRUCE
FOR FULL
DETAILS!
GENE HAYEK
Independent Service
Specialist • Equipment Repair,
Sales & Service
602.751-4196
3104 E. Camelback Rd., Ste. 354 Phoenix, AZ 85016 480.286.3008 oceanwaves13@me.com asliceofyourlife.com
countryprideaz@q.com
11
GIFT GIVERS
PLAN TO
SPLURGE ON
FRIENDS, FAMILY
THIS HOLIDAY
SEASON
I
T’S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR FOR
MILLIONS OF AMERICANS, AND ACCORDING
TO THE NATIONAL RETAIL FEDERATION’S HOLIDAY
CONSUMER SPENDING SURVEY, GIFT RECIPIENTS
ARE IN FOR A REAL TREAT THIS HOLIDAY SEASON.
NRF’S SURVEY, CONDUCTED BY PROSPER INSIGHTS &
ANALYTICS, FOUND THE AVERAGE PERSON CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS, KWANZAA AND/OR HANUKKAH WILL
SPEND $804.42, UP NEARLY 5 PERCENT OVER LAST
YEAR’S ACTUAL $767.27. NRF AND PROSPER’S SPENDING SURVEY IS NOW IN ITS 13TH YEAR.
“Retailers have plenty of reasons to be optimistic this holiday season, and one of the
most important pieces of evidence is the confidence holiday shoppers are exuding in their
plans to spend on gifts for their loved ones,” said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay.
“While not completely throwing caution to the wind, Americans’ frugal spending habits
will still be visible this holiday season as they continue to rely on discounts and sales and
comparison shop. Consumers will put retailers to the test when it comes to the product
mix and value companies can offer today’s shopper who is focused on much more than
just price.”
The survey found consumers will spend an average of $459.87 on gifts for their family,
up 6.5 percent from $432.00 last year, and $80.00 on gifts for friends, up from $75.00
last year. Those celebrating the holidays will also spend more on gifts for their co-workers
($26.23 vs. $24.52 in 2013), and others like their babysitter and even their pets ($30.43
vs. $26.65).
Spending on traditional items such as decorations and food will remain flat: according
to the survey, consumers will spend an average of $104.74 on food, $53.68 on decorations and $29.18 on greeting cards and $20.30 on flowers.
One of the more popular trends in recent years – self-gifting – will decrease this year
as shoppers opt to shift their budgets towards spending on others: 56.9% of holiday shoppers say they plan to take advantage of sales and discounts to purchase non-gift items for
themselves or others, and will spend an average of $126.68, down from $134.77 last year.
MOBILE, ONLINE SHOPPING BIG FOCUS THIS SEASON
If it wasn’t official last year, it will be this year – holiday shoppers are eager to shop
online for their gifts and other needs. According to the survey, 56 percent plan to shop
online, up from 51.5 percent last year and the most in the survey’s 13-year history. Addi12
tionally, the average person plans to do 44.4 percent of their shopping online, the most
since NRF first asked in 2006.
Looking for great prices and value as they shop around for holiday items, many consumers will visit discount (61.9%), department (59.7%) and grocery stores (51.2%).
Others will head to clothing or accessories stores (36.7%), electronics (30.8%), drug
(19.2%) and craft and fabric stores (18.8%).
As mobile grows in use and scope, consumers this holiday season will turn to their
on-the-go devices for a plethora of reasons. The survey found the majority of Smartphone owners (55.7%) will use their device in some fashion, up from 53.8 percent last
year. Specifically, 35.8 percent will research products/prices, the highest amount in the
four years NRF has been asking. Nearly one-quarter (23.9%) will redeem coupons and
19.1 percent will actually purchase items – another survey high.
Almost two-thirds (63.2%) of tablet owners will use their device to research and
purchase holiday items, which is the same as last holiday season. Nearly half (47.4%)
will research products and one-third (33%) will purchase items.
MORE THAN ONE-QUARTER OF SMARTPHONE/TABLET
OWNERS COMFORTABLE USING DEVICE TO PAY
FOR MERCHANDISE
For the first time, NRF asked consumers about their comfort level using a smartphone
or tablet to pay for merchandise at a store check-out counter. According to the survey,
27.4 percent said they would be somewhat or very comfortable; however, two in five
(41.9%) say they are not very or not at all comfortable paying for items that way.
Broken out by age, 41.1 percent of 25-34 year olds are somewhat or very comfortable using their device to pay for items at the register, compared to just 14.4 percent of
those 65+. Men are much more likely to feel comfortable with the technology (32.6%
vs. 22.5% of women.)Gift cards, jewelry high on wish lists
For the eighth year in a row gift cards are the most requested gift item among those
celebrating the holidays. According to the survey, 62 percent say they’d most like to
receive a gift card, followed by clothing (52.5%), books, CDs, DVDs or video games
(43.1%), and electronics (34.6%). One-quarter (24.8%) say they’d like to receive jewelry, up from 23.3 percent last year.
NRF is the world’s largest retail trade association, representing discount and department stores, home goods and specialty stores, Main Street merchants, grocers,
wholesalers, chain restaurants and Internet retailers from the United States and
more than 45 countries. Retail is the nation’s largest private sector employer, supporting one in four U.S. jobs – 42 million working Americans. For more information, visit www.nrf.com
RESILIENT RETAILING
IN YEAR 2014
T
hough it’s beginning to look a little bit like Christmas, the
mood might be sanguine to some yet pessimistic to others. Retailers certainly are optimistic that the season will
be bountiful rather than wanting. At the moment, consumers are playing it close to the vest for any number of reasons.
Thankfully mid-term politics mercifully takes a back seat for now. The
continuing rise and fall of the stock market is anybody’s guess. And
without question the tumultuous world circumstances — from terror and wars to the recent Ebola pandemonium, plays a part in the
country’s economic footprint. Look at one bright side. The real estate
market has rebounded substantially from years past. And gas? This
past October we finally saw prices under the $3.00 threshold. Now
that’s a welcome sight for our auto-maniacal society.
As Americans, we are not immune to the trials and tribulations of
the world stage. We just want to relish and enjoy the holidays both
in a spiritual and tangible sense here at home. Is it not the time for
giving? Perhaps not that shiny Maserati you’ve lathered over or a 3
Carat, D color, Flawless diamond your loved one really wants on her
finger. Think moderation.
A recent National Retail Federation press release announced that it
expects sales in November and December (excluding autos, gas and
restaurant sales) to increase a healthy 4.1 percent which is higher
than Year 2013’s actual 3.1 percent during that same time frame.
As it happens around this time of year, retailers along the corridor,
Valley, state and country have been conducting pre-holiday sales to
encourage people to shop. Aggressive ads in newspapers, television,
the Internet and other mediums boldly solicit us with early discounts
on a myriad of retail goods. Many years ago, it was almost sacrilege to
begin promoting Christmas until after Thanksgiving. Geez, Home Depot, Walmart and other national big box stores couldn’t wait for the
month of October to arrive so they could cart out and display all
things Christmas.
For consumers on a budget or simply seeking bargains, this holiday
season may turn out to be a lucrative one. “There is absolutely no
reason to become agoraphobic by sitting around in the home doing
nothing but worrying about situations far beyond our control,” stated
one leading retail executive.
And while it is comforting to know that at Costco, one can buy
nearly everything, let us be reminded of how important it is to support our local economy by shopping local. “From the mom-and-pop
storefronts that keep American on the cutting edge, small businesses
are the backbone of our economy and the cornerstone of our nation’s
promise.” Like him or not, that fitting quote was uttered by President
Obama.
In this, Camelback Corridor Magazine’s Retail/Holiday issue, our
Cover Story profiles a well-recognized and long regarded small business in the guise of a women’s fashion boutique. What makes this
familiar Corridor business so successful is not simply reserved to
its eclectic inventory but the owner and that of her trusted staff. This
epitomizes a truly successful small business.
And to balance out the gender, at the very same strip shopping
center resides a 30+ year men’s traditional clothing men’s store that
is widely known throughout the Valley and elsewhere. Once again, it
is the store’s owner who has made his business a landmark success.
You’ll find other articles and vignettes relevant to the upcoming holidays in this issue plus a page devoted to listings of most corridor retailers with their basic product(s) information and telephone number.
As has been said before, there is a time for serious contemplation
mixed with whimsical personal fun and gaiety. As the Christmas season of Year 2014 approaches, why not take an emotions break from
all the serious and start to enjoy the spirit of the holidays. —Bruce G. Levitta
Merry Christmas and
Happy New Year from all of us at
Camelback Corridor Magazine!
13
COVER STORY
Fox said her typical customer demographic begins with the 20 and 30-year old sophisticates to the
40-year-old career woman, the 50-year-old ‘getting
ready to retire but still active’ individual, the 60-year
old traveler and upwards.
That said, there’s always that moment when conventional logic is tossed. “A man came up to me earlier this summer and wanted a pair of pants from
my display window,” Fox recalled. They were bold
with a black and white print pattern. “What size
does your wife wear?” Fox asked the customer. He
countered, “They’re for me.” He tried them on and
Fox then asked him, “What shoes will you wear?”
He said, “My combat boots.” Fox just looked at him
and said, “Perfect!” The customer was David Bowie.
While her product inventory is first class, so too
is her approach to customer service. “There’s no
‘coach service’ at Kiss Me Kate,” Fox said. We treat
customers with the utmost respect and get to know
them the best we can.”
COME Fly BUY With
FROM Me!
By Bruce G. Levitta
H
o, ho, ho.
There is no
denying it.
The holiday
Owner, Shannon Fox
shopping season is now squarely
upon us with Thanksgiving and the
ubiquitous Black Friday’s retail hysteria looming and Christmas not too far behind. Shoppers are at the ready while retailers dream of cash register joy this
season.
Consumers will spend their hard earned dough through various methods,
from braving the crowds at ubiquitous big box stores in hermitically sealed
malls, retail discount outlets to our local mom and pop brick and mortar stores
and of course former Vice President’s favorite place, (so goes the joke) the
Internet.
In communities around the country, there is always a push for consumers to
support and shop local. That is quite prevalent in the Valley. As they say, small
business is the backbone of America’s economy.
For women who enjoy quality fashion and that local and personal shopping
experience, the iconic Kiss Me Kate women’s fashion boutique at the Camelback Village Center, 44th Street and Camelback Road, stands out as a prime
example of a well-oiled small business. Similar to visiting a fine dining establishment, where cuisine may be the hook to lead in customers, service must be
exemplary for the overall experience. Much the same can be said for a small
boutique retailer. At Kiss Me Kate, the experience begins with its experienced
and successful owner, Shannon Fox and her enthusiastic small cadre of staff.
•••••••
W
hen first meeting Shannon Fox, two prominent points emerge.
She is — well, excuse the cliché, a foxy lady. (For the record, her
maiden name is South.) Second is her laugh, robust and sincere.
Other than for the love of her husband, Ken, of 28 years, she expresses love
in several other ways: She loves to travel both domestically and throughout the
world, she loves her professional role as an entrepreneurial small businesswoman, she loves fashion and shopping and most important of all, she loves life.
Not bad for a farm girl from Iowa now in her 7th decade of life.
Kiss Me Kate has been around the Valley for over 35 years. To set the record
straight, the owner’s name is not Kate. The business name stemmed from a long
ago Broadway play. “Everybody calls me Kate,” Shannon Fox quipped. “But I’ll
answer to anything.” Fox, polished and poised with that gift of genuine at-ease laughter and humil-
Corridor
Magazine
1414 Camelback
Camelback
Corridor
Magazine
ity, didn’t start out as a fashionista. Originally from a small farm town in Iowa,
she attended college at the University of Kansas. After college she worked for a
brief period of time as a math teacher. Picturing the image of Fox in front of a
classroom just doesn’t quite resonate.
Apparently it didn’t with her either. “I thought to myself that at 21 years old
and never having strayed far from the Midwest, I wanted to see the world,” she
reminisced.
And how might
she accomplish her
goal? Shannon Fox,
math teacher, became
Shannon Fox, the
flight attendant —
referred to in earlier
times as either hostess or stewardess. Up
until this point, she
had never been on an
airplane.
Interviewed by
Kansas City-based
TWA and Braniff International Airways,
headquartered in
Dallas, Texas, she
chose the latter. At
the time Braniff was
noted for its brightly
colored aircraft, including its Fat Albert
Yes, Braniff “Stewardess” uniforms of the past
or The Great Pumpkin, the air carrier’s one and only signature Boeing 747 with its bright orange
paint job. Most of their domestic fleet included Boeing 727’s and 737’s. During
Fox’s early tenure, she flew on what today would be considered relics, a DC-6,
DC-7 and Boeing 707’s. “I even took trips on a Lockheed L-188 Electra prop
plane,” she recalled. This airline also was noted for the flamboyant uniforms of
their flight attendants, designed by the late, legendary Emilio Pucci.
Fox wanted to see the globe and did so during her 19½ years with the airline, though she wasn’t happy that just shy of hitting the 20 years, Braniff went
bankrupt. It eventually resurfaced and Fox came back to complete her 20. “I
commuted from my home in Vail, Colorado to Fort Lauderdale, Florida in order
Renee Abbott, Mary Kirke, Jean Collins, Jan Kleinman, Nancy Nickoloff
Seated: Owner of Kiss Me Kate, Shannon Fox
to fly charter trips to the Bahamas,” she said.
Eventually the lure of flying as a career began to
fade. “Though I loved flying so much, the second
stint [with Braniff] just wasn’t the same.” She hung
up her wings and headed back to Colorado. Soon
thereafter, Braniff again bit the financial dust and
faded from the skies forever.
For the record, she sees flying today as oft-times
exasperating. “It’s a shame they can’t repeat what it
was like in the old days,” Fox said. “I still miss it. If
things had turned out differently, I’d still be scrambling up and down those narrow aircraft aisles!”
•••••••
T
hings did turn out differently for Shannon
Fox, yet in an entirely new and exciting way.
At some point, she and husband Ken owned
and operated a major sunglass company in Colorado. This introduced her to the world of retail. With
their company on a successful ride, the couple sold
the business to a familiar giant in the sunglass industry. Calling Denver and Vail, Colorado home, they
eventually migrated to the Valley. They still return
often.
Earlier on in Phoenix, Fox worked for Kiss Me
Kate part time with its original owner and fell in love
with the place. “I just loved the fashions and the customers,” she said. “I told her that if ever she wanted
to sell, let me know.”
It was in fact Christmas Day in Year 2005 when the
owner did in fact call, inquiring if she still was interested in buying the business. “At the time, Ken and I
had made a decision to travel to Europe and spend
six months each in various countries,” Fox recalled.
“While we loved travel, those plans were put on hold
so I could buy this new business.”
Asked why she jumped into such a competitive
small business, Fox said, “I’ve always loved fashion,
even during my flying days and I’m also a big shopper. I even picked outfits for my fellow flight attendants back in the day.”
F
ox describes her business as a woman’s
store with a “little bit of everything” that one
would find in classy boutiques in New York
or Los Angeles. “We dress women for the office,
cocktail parties, the casual weekend and for travel
— which we are well known for.”
Far from stuffy or pretentious, Fox noted that
they are a bridge line — in between a department
store and designer boutique. “We have lovely jackets
from $150 to $500, pants from $124 to $350, plus
a complete accessories package including handbags,
scarves, necklaces, bracelets, earrings and more,”
said Fox. She noted that many pieces of clothing or
accessories are one-of-a-kind and mostly from Arizona artists. “I’m trying to keep money in the state,”
she noted.
One of the many whimsical signs
always outside the doorway
She concluded by saying, “To still be relevant today, one needs to be unique, a bit different than the
rest of the pack and give the best customer service
in the world.”
That’s first class advice anyway you slice it. Just ask
David Bowie.
Camelback
Corridor
Magazine15
15
Camelback
Corridor
Magazine
RETAILING 2014
CORRIDOR RETAILING
A TIMELESS TRADITION
By Bruce G. Levitta
T
RADITION (noun) – a way of thinking, behaving or doing something
that has been used by the people
in a particular group, family, society, for a long time.
it. “We are a neighborhood store in the always busy
Camelback Corridor and in one of the most vibrant
[strip] shopping centers in the city,” Carter commented. And even after three decades, the store’s ambiance
and merchandising methodology hasn’t changed much
at all. While it is often spoken that “change is good,”
It’s a couple minutes shy of 9 am. Mike Carter, the
sometimes tradition dictates things not be tinkered
namesake of his iconic Carter’s Men’s Clothing at
with too much. People like consistency. With their cui44th Street & Camelback Road, is busy prepping his
sine choices and clothing selection for starters.
store for the day’s opening.
To be clear, the customer is paramount at Carter’s.
After 30 years, one would think Carter could deleA major percentage of their patronage is repeat and
gate some of the mundane morning’s pre-opening ritfrequent customers. Through these many years, Mike
uals to his small but trusted staff. Not him. “My name’s
Carter has seen offspring of many regulars become new
on the door. I have the responsibility for this entire
clientele themselves. And returning to the conversation
store. I’m not yet ready to relinquish that,” said Carter.
angle, shopping at Carter’s is the end game; engaging
Surviving 30 years in the tumultuous world of rein dialogue with the boss himself or Dale Anthony, his
tail is a testimony to the tenacity and fortitude Carter
right hand man of twenty plus years with Carter.
exhibits daily. “I still enjoy this after all these years,”
The oft-used cliché, “Ivy League look” tends to rub
he said with pride. “It’s the most wonderful job in the
Carter the wrong way. “I suppose if we were beamed
whole world. I get to see delightful people and engage
back in time to the East Coast of the 60s, we’d be conin great conversations [with my customers] on just
sidered a traditional Ivy League clothing store,” he
about every imaginable topic – family, politics, fashsaid. “Today, our customers —with traditional tastes,
ion, you name it.” Those conversations can take upon
are not into the so-called ‘cutting edge’ of fashion as
any format, from sports and leisure to business and of
Carter’s speaks to time honered traditional men’s fashions
they are on the ‘cutting edge’ of taste.” He said his cuscourse, politics.
tomer
base
fully
comprehends
and embraces his selective inventory and its price
Carter’s has a significantly specific customer, one who has worn and enjoyed the
points. “We’re not inexpensive but the exceptional quality of our merchandise
so-called traditional fashion for decades, sometimes referred to as that “American
speaks to those price points,” Carter said.
Traditional” look: pleated slacks, perhaps khaki slacks or chinos, a button down
Inventory ranges from custom-designed and off-the-rack suits and sports coats,
shirt, V-neck sweater or blazer and of course, those penny loafers. Or perhaps on
slacks
and trousers; dress and casual shirts, short and long sleeve polo-type shirts;
warmer days, a classic Reyn Spooner Hawaiian shirt with fashionable shorts and
shoes, neckwear, belts and a myriad of gentlemen’s accessories, from colognes,
deck shoes?
wallets, cufflinks, sunglasses and more.
While times have obviously changed over the course of years and decades, traditional clothing has also bent a bit with the time yet still holds true to its core look
Carter’s Traditional Men’s Wear is located at 5045 N. 44th Street in the Camelback
and appeal.
Village Shopping Center, telephone 602.952-8646 or visit cartersmensclothing.com
What sets his iconic men’s retail store apart is the location and local feel to
Awaken Your Holidays Deli-ciously
Now Serving Breakfast Daily!
Camelback
Colonnade
1949 E. Camelback Rd. | Phoenix, AZ 85016
602.776.0992 | www.miraclemiledeli.com
16
‘T
is the season though it might seem a bit early to some. That said, Santa’s sleigh
is in the shop for its annual tune-up, his trusty reindeer are busy mapping their
billion stops while The Boss figures out just who are the good and bad boys and
girls this year. If he has any sense, he might just scratch off his list every politician in these
United States of America. Just saying…
Camelback Corridor Magazine provides you with our Year 2014 updated list of
Corridor-area retailers. Hopefully this data will assist you with holiday gift-giving decisions
or serve as a future reference when pondering where to spend those hard-earned bucks.
CENTRAL & CAMELBACK VICINITY
All About Books & Comics
The Art of Framing
Bug & Weed Mart
Brothers Tailors & Clothing
Central Music
Cowtown Skateboards
Don’s Fine Cigars
Fairmont Pharmacy
Modern Lighting
True Art Jewelers
Tracks in Wax
Comics/Bookstore
277-0757
Frame Store
277-3112
Pest Control/Retail Goods 265-0046
Men’s Clothing
277-2402
Music Store
274-6307
Skateboards, ect.
212-9687
Cigar Store
248-0160
Drug Store
275-5719
Lighting Store
248-4908
Jewelry Store
265-6815
Records/cassettes
274-2660
UPTOWN PLAZA (Central & Camelback)
Beltone Hearing
Antiques on Central
Relax the Back Store
Hearing Aids
Antique Store
Ergonomic Products
266-1100
264-4525
277-7989
CAMELBACK ROAD, CENTRAL TO 7TH STREET
Aaron Brothers Art Mart Arts/Crafts/Supplies
Arizona Discount Appliance Discounted Appliances
Auto Zone
Auto SupplycStore
Dunn-Edwards Paints
Paint Store
Lighting Unlimited
Home Lighting
Mr. Formal Formal Wear
Red Modern Furniture
Furniture Store
RHC Studio Gallery
Art Gallery
See’s Candies
Candy Store
Sherwin-Williams Paint Store
The Futon Favorite
Futon Showroom
Unique Piano
PianoConsignment
Walgreens
Drug Store
996-6269
277-3100
266-1912
263-9132
230-8770
265-4431
256-9620
909-3092
266-1727
266-8373
263-8866
347-5988
266-3115
7TH STREET, HIGHLAND TO MISSOURI
Ace Hardware
Al’s Beads and Silver
Buffalo Exchange
Espirit Décor
Fantasia Crystals
Foto Forum
Floral Keepsake
HardwareStore
Bead Shop & More
New/Recycled Fashion
Custom Picture Framing
Crystal New Age
Camer Shop
Floral
241-4700
248-9160
532-0144
248-0700
265-4065
263-0084
274-3074
CAMELBACK ROAD, 7TH TO 16TH STREET
Anne’s Flowers & Gifts
Baker Bros. Interiors
By the Book
Cigar Warehouse
Cellars Fine Wines
DXL Destination
Flower Shop
277-0444
Flooring/Interior Design 264-4288
Book Store
222-8806
Smoke Shop
277-3388
Wine/Liquor Store
265-9463
Men’s Big & Tall Clothing 277-3191
Electropedic Adjustment Beds Factory direct bedding 277-0706
Just Blaze
CityArts/Culture
252-4228
Noble Beast
Pet Market
265-4223
Phoenix Fishing
& Camping Supply
Fishing/Camping Gear, Etc.266-2624
Relics
European Antiques, Etc. 265-7354
Samurai Comics
Comic Book Store
265-8886
Urban Southwest
Furniture Store
266-3311
For purposes of these listings, retailers are defined as any business whose primary
product is non-consumable and not a service. Auto dealers, banks, grocery, convenience and drug stores plus service-related businesses have been excluded for space.
The geographic area covered is from Central Avenue to 44th Street and Missouri to
Highland Avenues. All listed telephone numbers are of the 602 area code
unless otherwise noted.
Good shopping to all of you!
CAMELBACK ROAD, 16TH TO 20TH STREET
Cigar Inn
Copenhagen
Cost Plus World Market
CVS Pharmacy
DenMarket
EmbroidMe
Fitness 4 Home
Jewels by G. Darrell Olson
Cigars, Etc. 955-1766
Furniture266-8060
Import Goods
263-7744
Drug Store
277-1727
Furniture/etc.248-8747
Embroidery & Services 277-9242
Fitness Equipment
285-0555
Jewlery Store
956-0606
General Nutrition Center (GNC)Health Store728-0258
Sally Beauty Supply
Beauty Supply Goods
274-5524
Sports Authority
Sporting Goods
277-9000
Total Wines & More
Liquor/Wine & More
279-0540
CAMELBACK COLONNADE
Beauty Express
Bed, Bath & Beyond
Best Buy
Famous Footwear
Hallmark Gold Crown
Lane Bryant
Last Chance
Lenscrafter’s
Mattress Firm
Michael’s
Marshall’s
Men’s Wearhouse
Old Navy Clothing Co.
PetsMart
Pier 1 Imports
Staples
The Vitamin Shoppe
Ulta Beauty
World of Rugs
Beauty Supply/Salon
All Things for the Home
Electronics & More
Shoe Store
Gift/Card Store
264-1950
264-6222
266-3400
279-5268
604-2300
Women’s Plus Size Clothing 274-1971
Bargain Apparel
248-2843
Optical Store
234-2999
Bedding Chain
265-5667
Craft Store
241-9285
Department Store
265-2562
Men’s Clothing
279-5449
Clothing Sore
240-5405
Pet Store
248-8809
Specialty Import Goods 230-0561
Office Supplies
234-0404
Vitamin Store
277-0660
Cosmetics Store
264-0003
Rugs of all Shapes/Sizes 263-7521
TOWN & COUNTRY SHOPPING
CENTER (20th Street & Camelback)
Baxter’s Cigars
Chakra 4
Choice Pet Market
Eyeglass Charlie’s
Hi-Health
My Sister’s Closet
My Sister’s Attic
Sleep America
Trader Joe’s
Well Suited Resale
Whole Foods
Cigar Boutique
Apothecary
Pet Supplies
Optical Store
Health Store
Consignment
Consignment
Bedding Chain
Specialty/Health Grocer
Men’s Consignment
Specialty/Health Grocer
374-4730
283-1210
954-4000
955-1970
957-0412
954-6080
957-2799
955-2900
912-9022
840-5605
527-1160
20th to 24th STREET AREA
Half Price Books
Ski Pro
Books/Records/Mags
Ski Gear & Accessories
954-4653
955-3939
BILTMORE FASHION PARK (24th
Street & Camelback Road)
Allen Edmonds
Ann Taylor
Men’sShoes
Women’s Apparel
267-1410
468-3339
BILTMORE FASHION PARK (24th
Street & Camelback Road)
Apple Store
BCBG Max Azria
Bounty Hunter
Brook’s Brothers
Caché
Calypso St. Barth
Chico’s
Clotherie, LTD
Coach Store
Cornelia Park
Diane’s Beachwear
Escada
Framed Ewe
Hyde Park Jewelers
J. Crew
Johnathan Adler
L’occitane
Laura Jane
Lululemon Athletica
M.A.C.
Macy’s
Mother of Gideon
OOO! Outside of Ordinary
Optical Shop of Aspen
Origins
OSA Sun
Papyrus
Petique
Pottery Barn
Ralph Lauren
Saks Fifth Avenue
Soma Intimates
Stuart Weitzman Teavana
The Limited
Tumi
Vera Bradley
White House/Black Market
Williams-Sonoma
Computer Store
977-0285
Women’sFashions
956-5627
Men’s/Women’s Clothing 954-5626
Men’s/Women’s Clothing 957-2061
Women’s apparel
955-8274
Women’s Boutique
667-9000
Ladies Clothing
508-8422
Men’s Wear
956-8600
Fine Leather Goods
956-3079
Home Furnishings, Etc. 955-3195
Men’s/Women’s Swimwear 957-2360
Women’s Boutique
224-0336
Optical Boutique
955-1971
Jewerly Store
667-3541
Mens/Women’s Clothing 508-8422
Household Designs
957-3056
French Oils, Bath Perfumes468-3331
Women’s Sportswear
957-5065
Yoga Inspired Apparel 956-1402
Cosmetics Store
553-4568
Department Store
468-2100
Handmade Jewelry
628-8065
Apparel & Accessories 955-0295
Eyewear
957-8033
Cosmetics957-0432
Sunglasses
956-5519
Cards/Stationary 957-7356
AZ Humane Society
957-3113
Gifts for the Home
957-2297
Men’s/Women’s Apparel 952-0155
Department Store
955-8000
Women’s Lingerie
956-2225
Women’s Shoe Store
956-2330
Tea & Accessories
956-3079
Women’s Clothing
840-4949
Luggage, Etc.
956-1124
Handbags/Accessories 956-2500
Women’s Clothing
954-3621
Kitchen Accessories
957-0430
CAMELBACK ROAD, 32ND TO 40TH STREET
Fast Frame
Moda Georgio
Molina Fine Jewelers
Tager Optical
The French Bee
Van’s Golf Shop
Water Connection
Wilson Camera
Picture Framing
Men’s Apparel
Jewelry Store
Eyewear
Silks, Furniture, Gits,Etc.
All things Golf
Purified Water & Gifts
Camera Store
522-1701
955-2003
955-2055
957-1716
955-4158
957-0001
553-8419
955-6773
CAMELBACK ROAD & 44TH STREET
Alixandra Collections
Camelback Pharmacy
Women’s Fashions, Jewelry 956-0140
Drug Store Carter’s Fine Men’s Clothing Men’s Apparel
Churchill’s Fine Cigars
In the Pink
Kiss Me Kate
MomBomb
Nouvelle Armoire & Co.
Cigars & Accessories
Gifts/Home Decor
Women’s Apparel
Women’s Fashions
Women’s Fashion
955-2880
952-8646
840-9080
957-7270
840-6173
956-1414
954-1221
17
CORRIDOR CULINARY
SPECIAL CONTRIBUTION
WHOA, WHOA,
WHOA…
SANTA’S IN KIND
OF A RUT
Michael Boloker
T
When It’s time to get a better haircut
for the holidays, head to ATHLETICUTS.
Updated Haircut • Brow Trim • Neck
Shave • Scented Hot Face Towel with
Scalp & Neck Massage • Style
t
ect Gif
A Perf
PHOENIX
7th St./Glendale
602.331.0251
18
ALL FOR $25
OPEN 7 DAYS
CALL FOR HOURS
he reverent publisher of Camelback Corridor Magazine assigned me to interview that old Christmas embodiment of yuletide
cheer, Santa Claus, at his holiday kiosk at Fashion Square Mall.
There he usually sits atop his lavishly ornate gilded throne bedecked with
tinsel, multi-colored flashing bulbs and fake cotton matted snow. For a few
bucks, good parents can get a photo of their prodigies with the old man.
It’s all part of the Christmas tradition in the desert, as much as Sheriff Joe’s
posse guarding the mall lots and the Phoenix Zoo light show.
After spending over an hour finding a parking space, I fight the crowds
of shoppers and mall rats frantically setting retail records to buy holiday
gifts imported by the boatload from China. I find that Santa is on a lunch
break and track him down in the food court munching on that most seasonal morsel, a burrito, along with a 32-ounce schissel of diet coke. The
old man must be watching his weight. Ex New York City Mayor Michael
Bloomberg would have a heart attack from observing this most American
of lunches.
Santa’s red suit is a mess, charred black in spots, torn at the knees and
elbows. His hat is burnt at the pom-pom and his complexion is ashen, his
rosy cheeks pallid. After introducing myself I ask, “What happened to you,
Saint Nick?”
“Don’t ask. You should see my sleigh. It’s being repaired in a shop on
Camelback Road. It isn’t as easy to navigate the skies these days. There
are still a few kids in the Middle East who believe in me and deserve
toys for being good, but when I flew over Syria, ISIS extremists hurled
mortars at me thinking I was a coalition drone. The Turks were afraid I
was delivering arms to the Kurds and the Iraqi’s believed I was an Iranian
warplane. They all tried to shoot me down. The flak was terrible. I had to
cover Rudolph’s red nose! When I got through Assad’s air force in Syria,
Hezbollah launched missiles at me from their bases in Lebanon thinking
I was an Israeli fighter jet and then Netanyahu put up his Iron Dome prohibiting entrance to the Holy Land. Holy mistletoe! Do you believe that?
He thought I was a Hamas terrorist. It was all I could do to avoid being
blasted out of the sky!”
“Oh, dear! But I’m sure you didn’t have any trouble when you reached
the good old U.S.A,” I meekly responded.
“Hah! The TSA intercepted me at JFK, took my temperature and quarantined me for the first 21 days of December thinking I picked up Ebola
in West Africa. Threw off my whole schedule. It was all I could do to get to
Arizona by Christmas Eve. What is going on in this world?”
“Santa, I wish I knew, but the older I get the less I understand.”
The old man stood, cleaned off his table, taking a last slurp of his soda.
“Well, can’t sit here all day. Still have a lot to do. Merry Christmas and
peace on earth, young man…I hope.” He walked off, seemingly dejected.
Like the rest of us, he seemed weary of it all.
MORE MIRACLES ON TAP
FOR ICONIC MIRACLE MILE DELI
T
incorporate digital menu boards plus a new
here is no doubt that Miracle
pick-up window for the busy lunch rush.
Mile Deli shines as a sign of
Additionally, they plan on serving four
longevity in the savage playmicrobrews on tap — a first for Miracle
ground of the Valley’s restaurant busiMile Deli, as well as offering popular bottled
ness. This year marks 65 years that the
beers. Moreover, “nicer” wines by the glass
New York style delicatessen has served
will be available as there will be a winekeepthe Phoenix area under one family. Its
er featuring four wine selections that change
signature restaurant at the Camelback
seasonally.
Colonnade on the Camelback Corridor
“People are extremely excited,” said
has been a Valley favorite for the past 14
Miracle
Mile
circa
early
2015
Garcia. “They love the look of the new
years.
building [through the rendering] and think it is a great move for our long-term future.
That is about to change come March or April of 2015. That marks the time when Miracle
We’ll be rebranding ourselves for the next 65 years.”
Mile Deli will move out of its strip mall setting and into a brand new state-of-the-art,
Another daring move launched this past October was opening for breakfast at the
built-from-the-ground-up free-standing building on the southeast corner of 16th Street
current location. And as it so happens, breakfast selections are bountiful — each
and Campbell Avenue.
with some interestingly named monikers: Egg-Sparagus French Toast, Latkes Benedict,
“The opportunity arose to venture out into our very first stand-alone space,” said
Egg-A-Cado, Super Nova Lox, The What Chew Want, Oy Veggie Breakfast Bowl, the
family owner Josh Garcia. “We can now make a mark on our brand and create a
Yadda Yadda Omelet and more. Hash lovers (don’t go there, we’re not
new signature for our future. It was the right time and we found the
in Colorado!) will rejoice munching on their delicious signature
perfect spot to make that happen.”
Pastrami Hash. A little known fact; Miracle Mile Deli sells over
He continued, “This will allow us to rebrand ourselves,
3,000 pounds of Pastrami every month.
continue celebrating our many decades in this business and
Breakfast is served from 7 am to 10 am Monday
in a completely different manner than we could have ever
through Friday and 7 am to 11 am Saturday and Sunday.
imagined.”
Garcia also mentioned they recently introduced
Their current location at the Camelback Colonnade inEgg
customer
favorites
Baked Filet of Cod and Homemade Meatcorporates 6600 square feet of space and seats 220. The new
t
-Spar
as
agus French To
loaf to their everyday dinner selections, though thank goodness not
location at 4433 N. 16th Street pares down the footage to 6000
combined on the same plate! “We’ve always served these dishes as weekly
with 140+ planned seats with ample parking and a 48-seat outdoor
specials but due to our customer demand for these two Miracle Mile specialties, we
patio. Garcia said the ambiance will change entirely to include an art deco color palate
incorporated them into our daily menu as dinner entrees.
with old-school retro tones.
“We have four and five generations of families dining with us at Miracle Mile Deli,”
According to Garcia, their unique food queue line will remain the same at the new
Garcia boasted proudly. “That’s pretty amazing to us and we are extremely thankful.”
location although the new building itself will be a bit smaller and cozier. And while delis
For more information, call 602.776.0992 or visit miraclemiledeli.com
of this kind boast menu items into the hundreds, for the first time, Miracle Mile will
SANTA LOVES SUSHI...HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM ALL OF US AT DELUX
SANTA LOVES SUSHI...HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM ALL OF US AT DELUX
ARCADIA
44th St/Ind. School
602-955-0047
Michael Boloker is an accomplished author with several books published
under his belt. A former part-time Scottsdale resident for many years, his
allegiance of choice now is in the heart of the Big Apple.
By Bruce G. Levitta
Lollipop Roll
la
t
e n i s us h
te
i
Rainbow Roll
19
A MOST SPECIAL HOLIDAY
BETWEEN FATHER AND SON
O
By Kate Mastler
n an ordinary day
during the holiday
season, an older gen-
tleman walked into my frame shop
and asked us to frame a catcher’s
mitt. I looked at the mitt wondering if it was once worn by a famous
player or perhaps had an autograph somewhere on the tattered
leather. After a thorough examination I determined there wasn’t anything remarkable about this particular glove other than the fact the man wanted
it framed.
The man told me he was planning on giving it to his son for Christmas. We
selected an appropriate mat and frame. The order was similar to other requests
we’ve had in the past to frame baseball memorabilia except for his desire for a
plate inside to read “To my son, Always and Forever, Merry Christmas.”
When the job was complete, I called the man to let him know his piece was
finished and that he could pick it up at his earliest convenience. Excitedly he
exclaimed, “I’ll be right down!” Within a few minutes the man was making his way
KEEP YOUR PRECIOUS WINE HAPPY
A
s we all know, Arizonans love wine, but
few “self-storage” facilities that had some temperatheir wine doesn’t necessarily love Arizoture-controlled space available for rent within their
large general storage area. As both an avid wine lovna’s climate. For many, collecting wine is
more than a hobby — it’s an investment. But reer and a veteran commercial real estate broker, she
saw a potential opportunity and an idea was born.
gardless of whether you are a hobbyist or serious
“Arizona could possibly be the worst place to
collector, wine must be properly cellared to mainproperly store wine, said Fortini. “With its dry destain its quality. Temperature, humidity, light, even
vibration all play a role in keeping wine stable.
ert climate and sunny skies, the task of storing wine
An innovative new approach to properly cellaring
correctly is difficult and The Vault is here to solve
wine is thriving in Phoenix’s Arcadia area. Fine wine
that dilemma.”
connoisseurs and enthusiasts are lining up for The
Looking for a unique gift this holiday season? Need
Business Owner, Deborah Fortini
Vault Wine Storage.
to shop for a business executive or that “hard to
The state-of-the-art facility is the first of its kind in Phoenix, featuring tem- gift” friend? Want to say “thanks” in a distinctive way? Give a grape gift
perature, light and humidity controls, a vibration-free environment, security — A three-month locker rental for just $200. Remember, The Vault Wine
and backup power systems and a variety of customizable storage solutions Storage can receive wine shipments directly from wineries for safe storage
for fine wine connoisseurs. Additionally, The Vault Wine Storage is permitted and hassle-free delivery and with cooler weather prevailing, shipments are
happening right now.
to receive wine shipments directly from wine clubs and wineries.
More than that, The Vault Wine Storage is a beautiful, intimate venue for This great facility shows no signs of aging…feel free to visit during normal
private parties, mixers and corporate. Owner Deborah Fortini also plans at operating hours to learn more about The Vault Wine Storage where you can
some point to retrofit a second building on the property to a wine and food rent lockers of various sizes and much more.
related use. Fortini has served some of Arizona’s top wine collectors and
For more information, stop by the for a visit at the northeast corner
enthusiasts alike at The Vault. But how did she get here?
While visiting Phoenix in 2010 and contemplating her eventual move to of 44th Street & Indian School Road, call 602.954.5661 or visit www.
Arizona, she noticed there was no offsite facility available that could ade- TheVaultWineStorage.com. Hours of operation are Tuesday through
quately store her wine. The only options for wine storage in Phoenix were a Saturday, 12:30pm – 6:30pm and Saturday from 10:30am to 3:30pm.
inside the shop to claim his son’s present.
When I brought out the mitt the man started to cry. Surprised by his reaction, “I
asked, “Is it not what you wanted?” He said, “No, it’s perfect.” He then explained
his tears. He and his son had traded that catcher’s mitt back and forth for years.
They had given it to one another for Christmases and birthdays alike. Back and
forth, they had gifted it. Each time they would act surprised when opening the gift.
They always cherished the mitt they once played catch with when they were both
younger versions of themselves.
As he was explaining to me their unique tradition, I asked, “Why did you decide
to frame it?” After a long pause to gather his emotions, the man told me what made
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Experience your very own Holiday Retreat at Royal Palms Resort and Spa
Two nights luxury accommodations plus over $100 in Resort credits.
Visit www.RoyalPalmsHolidays.com
800.672.6011
this Christmas different. “Well, I’ve been diagnosed with cancer and I am not
going to make it to my next birthday so I wanted it to be special. I wanted it to be
something he would be able to keep forever.” He sat for a few more minutes just
looking at the mitt inside the shadowbox and then he slowly looked up, picked up
the box and said “Thank you for making it special.”
I will never forget the man or his mitt. It makes me sad when I think of him and
his son, but I also feel extremely lucky that I could be a part of their tradition. I
am so proud that we helped him create a lifelong gift that he could give to his son
one last time.
As a picture framer, I am grateful for every opportunity I have to touch someone
with my work. One of my favorite parts of the job — and my business, is creating
something that will last for generations to come. Whether it is a signed Picasso or
a dirty old baseball mitt, the items we frame are priceless.
5532 N. Palo Cristi Rd. Paradise Valley, AZ 85253
602.955.7878 | LastDropBar.com
Kate Matsler is the owner-operator of Fast Frame Custom Picture Frames
located at 3112 East Camelback Road, telephone 602.522.1701, or visit www.
A MANOR OF TASTE.
expressartandframe.com.
20
21
PEACE ON EARTH,
GOODWILL TO MEN!
G
AV IFT
AI CA
LA R
BL DS
E
By Barbara Lambesis
T
Power Munching
T. Cook’s, the renowned restaurant at Royal Palms Resort and Spa launched early
last October the Power Lunch Hour – a thoughtful and ingredient-driven prix-fixe lunch
menu, all in under an hour.
The new $24 prix-fixe menu from Executive Chef Paul includes a starter and main
entrée.
The Power Lunch Hour menu, available Monday through Friday, offers a fresh and
local twist on traditional lunch favorites, with an array of light bites to hearty options that
are perfect for a quick lunch or luncheon meeting.
In addition to these new items, T. Cook’s will also serve up complimentary macaroons
to end the meal with a sweet treat. Guests are guaranteed a one-hour lunch and compli-
Christmas Day Buffet on December 25 (call for times) is $65 for adults, $20 for children ages 6-12 and complimentary for those 5 and under. Taxes and gratuities additional.
The menu begins with several egg selections and accompaniments; meats, cheeses,
salads and soup; numerous side dishes; chilled poached shrimp, oysters and crab claws,
Lock Duart salmon; pasta; carved turkey, ham and NY strip steak and sweets.
Christmas dinner is $80 per person plus tax and gratuity, $29 for children 6-12 and
complimentary for those 5 and under.
The menu includes several starters: Chestnut Agnolotti, Lobster Bisque, Day Boat scallops and others. Entrees begin with California halibut, carved Free Range turkey, grilled
Filet Mignon, Colorado lamb loin and others plus desserts.
For more information about Royal Palms and T.Cook’s www.tcooksphoenix.com
mentary valet with car-side service upon departure between the hours of 11am and 2pm.
Home for the Holidays
Call Royal Palms your home over Christmas and the New Year with their extended
getaway package and receive over $470 in value.
Enjoy luxury accommodations, Christmas Day Dinner for two at T. Cook’s, two
50-minute Alvadora Spa treatments and a Signature Royal Palms history book.
Five-night minimun stay. Valid between 12.15.2014 and 1.4.2015, based on availability.
Christmas Day holiday dinner must be reserved in advance, valued at $170. Two Alvadora
Spa treatments must be 50-minute, regularly priced experiences. Alcohol, taxes and
gratuities are additional.
Thanksgiving & Christmas Feasts
This year, Royal Palms and T. Cook’s offer Thanksgiving feasts both as a holiday buffet
and a three-course prix fixe meal. The Breakfast Buffet commences at 11am and runs
through 4 pm. Price for adults $65 and children ages 6-12 $20 and children ages 5 and
under complimentary. Taxes and gratuities additional.
The Breakfast Buffet will include any number of omelet and eggs, French toast, crab
benedict, smoked bacon, sausage links, skillet potatoes; greens and soups; poached
shrimp, oysters and crab claws, Loch Duart salon and seafood stew; pasta; carved turkey
and herb-crusted NY strip and of course sweets delight.
Thanksgiving Dinner begins at 10:30 through 8pm at $80 per person plus tax and
gratuity, $29 for children 6 to 12 and complimentary for those 5 and under.
The menu includes several starters from crispy Duck Confit, Tahitian Squash soup and
Day Boad Scallops and others; Entrees begin with Wild Striped Bass, carved Free-Range
turkey, grilled Filet Mignon, Muscovy Duck Breast, Loch Duart Salmon or a Farmers
Market vegetable harvest plus scrumptious desserts.
22
The Hermosa Inn and LON’s at the Hermosa has many exciting plans for the holidays.
On Thanksgiving from 12 noon to 7 pm the skilled culinary team headed by Executive
Chef James Ducas will create a multicourse meal featuring contemporary Southwestern
takes on traditional holiday favorites. Cost is $75 per person, $25 for children 5-12 and
complimentary for those under 4. Tax and gratuities extra.
The menu will include choice of a starter ranging from roasted pumpkin soup, roasted
beet salad, Hermosa garden greens, duck confit gnocchi and cast iron seared scallops;
entrée (one), either roasted natural turkey, grilled beef tenderloin, barbecue rubbed
pork chop or pan roasted sea bass plus dessert.
A Christmas Feast prepared by LON’s culinary team will be equally as impressive
(please call for specifics as the menu was not available at press time). The dinner will
begin at 12 noon and run until 7pm. Cost will be $75 per person, $25 for children 5-12
and complimentary for those under 4. Tax and gratuities extra.
New Year’s festivities will commence at 5pm and go through 10pm with an optional
hat’s a holiday greeting we don’t hear much anymore. I wonder if
we’ve stopped saying it because it sounds too old fashioned. Or, have
we simply given up on the idea that mankind can live in peace and
actually behave with goodwill toward one another.”
“It seems to me our prospects for peace and goodwill are very dependent on
domestic and foreign economic policy. So, I’m hoping the spirit of this holiday
season will open the minds of our economists, politicians, academicians and
bureaucrats and turn their thinking away from those stale, self-centered economic models that do little to encourage world peace and prosperity.”
I wrote those words for an opinion piece published in this publication’s
former self, On the Camelback Corridor News, in December 1992. Now,
22 years later, I’m still discouraged by world-wide economic chaos, brutal
conflicts on too many continents, and extraordinary political divisiveness at
home. I just want to add an extra shot of cheap brandy to some holiday eggnog to dull my angst as I remind myself again to put some extra cash in the
Salvation Army collection kettle and send a care package to a soldier in Afghanistan.
Oh, can’t we all just get along? My holiday spirit and belief in the goodness
of mankind gets diminished during this time of year. That’s saying something
for one who prides herself on being the female version of Candide, the eternal
optimist. Alas, it’s not the best of all possible worlds. So, what can we do about it?
This year, why not ask Santa for earplugs? That way we can stop listening to
politicians and political pundits who pigeon hole groups of citizens and pit
them against one another. Enough! One side wants you believe all conservatives are heartless, greedy, tax evading millionaires who are self-righteous,
evangelical hypocrites. The other side paints all liberals as subversive, Marxist
baby-killing anarchists or Ivy League educated elitists who believe the great
masses must rely on government because they are too stupid, uneducated
or lazy to know what’s good for them. Hogwash! In their quest for electoral
power, naughty boys and girls are hell bent on making demons of anyone who
does not side with them.
Most of us want the same things – peace, prosperity and freedom to live as
we please within the rule of law. We may disagree on how to accomplish these
goals, but most of us are aiming for the same things.
“Yes, Virginia,” there is more that unites us than divides us. We don’t have
to let anyone exploit us like pit bulls in a dog- fighting cartel. We may not be
able to bring about world peace, but everyone can spread a little goodwill to
mankind. We can cultivate civility in our homes, workplaces, houses of worship, and public gathering places and demand restraint from political rivals.
We can set examples of tolerance, courtesy and respect for one another in
our daily activities. And finally, we can make an effort to work together at the
neighborhood level to bring about the goals we all want – freedom to purse
a life of happiness in a secure environment. If we each cultivate a garden of
goodwill, maybe goodness will take over the neighborhood…like kudzu did
in the south.
So this holiday season, revive that old greeting, “Peace on Earth, Goodwill to Man.” Say it often, believe it is possible and act to make it so.
Arizona-focused. Seasonally inspired Italian cooking.
Lunch • Dinner
Happy Hour • Live Music Fri. and Sat. Eves
At the Esplanade
2501 E. Camelback Rd. • 602.368.3680 • SoloAZ.com
$9.95
Approachable American cuisine where
Midwest Classics meets Southern Comfort
2501 E. Camelback Rd. (Camelback Esplanade)
602.374.2611 • www.tenfareandspirits.com
three or five-course dinner (with still or sparkling wine pairings for an additional fee), a
champagne toast at midnight and live entertainment. The 3-course cost is $85 and $125
for the 5-course option. Tax and gratuities on both are additional.
For more information, contact hermosainn.com
Barbara Lambesis is a retired business owner. She is the author of the
humorous, satirical novel, Brothers of a Band. All revenue from books
sales is donated to wounded warrior programs and music education for
Arizona kids. She can be reached at blambesis@cox.net.
23
CULINARY CONTRIBUTION
A FRESH APPROACH TO A GREAT TAVERN
I
whether donating food for the
t might be the sea of red and
Arcadia High football program or
blue watching the University of
assisting charities and non-profits
Arizona game. Or a neighborin need.
hood celebration after an Arcadia
“Helping schools and charities
High game. Or the scratch kitchen
is great for outreach, but it also
where Chef Juan Hernandez turns
feels good to give back to the
out mouth-watering creations, and
community we live in. We want to
smiles about his bacon-wrapped
be involved,” Burke said.
meatloaf.
On a recent Saturday morning,
It really doesn’t matter what
Burke and Chef Hernandez stood
brings people in the door. The
in the shadow of Phoenix Chilcombination is what has people
dren’s Hospital, waiting to feed
coming back to Arcadia Tavern
breakfast to nearly 400 bikers
at Kelly’s Korner, a newly rewith big appetites and big hearts.
opened neighborhood gem at 48th
Bob’s Biker Blast doubled the exStreet and Indian School Road.
pected turnout for a charity ride
There’s an electricity inside,
to benefit PCH. Arcadia Tavern
whether enjoying a game in the
donated their hefty breakfast burlarge bar or sliding into a welcomritos to start the day off right, and
ing leather banquette in the busy
Bustling business at the tavern
Hernandez started making the
dining room. The Tavern has more
breakfast burritos with eggs, bacon, sausage and potatoes at 4:30 a.m.
than 30 high-clarity TVs to catch all the college football and NFL action. College hel As Burke checked the supply of breakfast burritos he noticed children peering
mets and NFL jerseys adorn the walls, along with a nod to neighborhood nostalgia and
through the PCH windows above, patients looking out to see what was going on.
nearby Arcadia High.
“That’s why we’re here,” he said. “It’s pretty cool to be able to help.”
“We are the place for UofA grads to feel like they’re in Tucson watching the Wildcat
“We are so appreciative of Arcadia Tavern’s support of Bob’s Biker Blast and Phoegames. On Sundays we are home to fans of all different teams. If there’s a game on, we
nix Children’s Hospital,” said Steve Schnall, the hospital’s Senior Vice President and
play it,” Arcadia Tavern General Manager Aaron Burke said. “It’s a great atmosphere
Chief Development Officer. “Their generous contribution kept participants energized
and a home away from home.”
and engaged, adding to the success of the event, which provided critical support to our
The Tito’s Bloody Mary Bar on the weekends has taken on a life of its own. The
patients and families.”
spread includes dozens of ingredients from bacon to pickled asparagus, 35 different
The Tavern is busy preparing for the holidays, planning special events, elaborate
hot sauces, assorted Bloody Mary mixes and the Tavern’s own bacon and Sriracha
decorations, and drives to help
salt. There are weekly live radio
those in need. There’s a certain
remotes from NBC Sports Radio,
in-state football rivalry game to be
lunch specials popular with Camplayed soon, college bowl games,
elback Corridor workers, and a
the NFL playoffs and, of course,
family-friendly neighborhood vibe
the start of the college hoops seato the Tavern that sits in the heart
son for the second-ranked Wildof Arcadia.
cats. Before you know it, it will be
There’s also a pleasing attentime for March Madness.
tion to service: a cheerful host at
“There’s no better place to watch
the door, a server who carefully
UofA sports,” said Arcadia reschecks her computer pad to make
ident and Arizona alum Matt
sure she has the right dishes, and
Steckner.
improved speed compared with
Just bring your appetite. As Chef
the restaurant’s re-opening in early
Hernandez says, “No one will
August. Entrees border on all-out
leave hungry.”
comfort food, and dessert portions
Arcadia Tavern is located at
would even challenge the heartiest
4801 East Indian School Road,
of desert aficionados.
telephone, 602.840.3950. For
While sports is the focus, so is
more information, please visit
being a good neighbor. Arcadia
www.arcadiatavern.com
Yum. Corned beef & cabbage looking divine.
Tavern is active in the community,
24
LISTEN BEFORE GIVING
THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
O
By Bonnie Stockdale-Olson
ut of all the occasions that call for
gift giving, Christmas is the leader for most of us. As the holiday
season is now in full swing, let’s look at what
women have on their wish list to receive from
their hubbies or significant others.
The wildly successful book by Susan Page,
Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus, aptly points out that there are
vast differences between men and women — even down to such trivial matters
as what constitutes a perfect holiday gift.
The art of giving the ideal gift takes time and effort on the giver’s part. You
have to listen to the person to whom you are gifting! Money or cost of the item
really is secondary. As so many say, “It is the thought” that counts. Right? If you
buy her roses and she loves tulips, you may get away with it once, however you
better remember the next time around what she loves.
Throughout history, it seems the way of humans is to give what each of us
would like to receive. While a gentleman may want a shiny new rifle, fishing
pole or bowling ball, these hardly would be appropriate gifts for most women.
Nor is it a advisable to give her a piece of machinery that proposes to make
life easier, such as a vacuum, dishwasher or blender. Never give your spouse
or girlfriend anything with a motor unless it is a new car.
The gift you give should show your love and care for the person, be it time
together or that “special something” such as a piece of jewelry, shoes, a scarf,
designer purse, day at the spa or more lavishly, a romantic cruise. I repeat, it
is the thought that counts! Make sure it counts with a thoughtful, wanted gift.
Listen and pay attention and your gift will be all that anyone could ask for.
I’ve talked with a number of ladies and inquired about what they thought
would be perfect holiday gift. I found a recurring theme. The cost of a gift wasn’t
their main concern, rather that they wanted their special gift-giver to listen.
Said one respondent, “If flowers were thought to be a waste of money, why does
he always send roses?” Or, “If flowers are so wonderful and I love pink ones,
why does he always send red?” The gift giver is not listening to the hints and
subtleties expressed by the person who will eventually receive his/her gift.
This theme plays out over and over again. He chooses one type of jewelry
when she fancies something totally different.
In my business as a jeweler, this always astounds me. When price is relatively the same, I’ve seen men pick an engagement ring that is the opposite of
what the lady has chosen. Just who is going to wear this ring for the rest of her
life and why can’t she be allowed to make her own choice?
My advice to you men this season is listen carefully to what has been hinted
or outright stated by your significant other regarding gifts and take it from
there. That doesn’t mean you must acquiesce to all her requests. Perhaps try
shopping at some of the stores she frequents to get a better feel of what may
suit her. Think before you buy!
The bottom line for all husbands, wives and couples is to learn to pay attention. Listen to each other’s wants and wishes and show that you genuinely
care.
What more of a gift could you ask for?
e
Bonni Stockdale-Olson is the co-owner of Jewels and Estate Gallery
by G. Darrell Olson, located at 1846 East Cameback Road. Please visit
jewelsbygdo.com
texaz size.
S
EEP
AT K ...
H
T
GIFT
LING
THE N GRIL
ILL S!*
O
Z GR
E
T
A
TEX TIFICA
CER
GIFT
texaz stylE.
6003 N 16TH ST.
PHOENIX, AZ 85016
NE Corner of 16th St. & Bethany Home Rd.
(602) 248-7827 TEXAZGRILL.COM
*From Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve buy one
certificate as a gift, receive 10% of the purchase in a
gift certificate for yourself!
25
GORGEOUS UNLEASHED
CELEBRATE THE
SEASON FROM HEAD
TO TOE WITH OUR
FAVORITE PRODUCTS!
First-time guests receive
a complimentary wax.
CAMELBACK / 602 297 1515
1650 E. Camelback Road
Next to Chipotle
MOON VALLEY / 602 495 1515
245 E. Bell Road
Next to LA Fitness
waxcenter.com/reservations
europeanwax
26
© 2014 EWC Prices may vary by region
27
28

to the Holiday 2014 issue.

Transcription

Similar documents

WRJ Centennial Shabbat Celebration

DoTravel 309-734-3765

thursday december 9th from 6 to 8 silent "ducks unlimited" auction

share. don`t keep us a secret anymore. Let your friends and family in

HorseCountry®

Head Teacher`s Message - Mr Jonathan Moore

Holiday Stress

060275_Wilners Jewelry.qxp

Five Love Languages Summary

ANNUAL - Camelback Corridor Magazine