The Millennials: Future of Homeownership

Up until recent years, buying, owning, and retaining a home for adults who were born post-1980 was out of the question. The past years of unemployment rates, foreclosures, and bad loans had deferred many millennials from thoughts of home ownership. However, with the market shift, and rates that are at all-time lows, many are ready to become first time home-buyers. In fact, 65 percent of renters ages 18-34 with an annual income of at least $50,000 have indicated their intent to buy a home has strengthened significantly within the past year

College graduates today are continuing to wise up when it comes to planning out their next chapter in life. Building a financial portfolio at a young age is becoming increasingly important. The millennials are learning from the patterns of the past and attempting to avoid them by beginning to save early.

According to the National Association of Realtors, the median sales price of a home is $184,300. The mortgage payment, including principal and interest would be $661.89 per month putting at least 20% down payment at a 3.5% interest rate. In comparison, the median rent asking price is $717 per month. Now which option seems more beneficial and logical to a first time buyer?

The way I see it, instead of paying someone else to provide for you, you could provide for yourself. When weighing out the decision between renting vs. owning, you want to take a look at your current finances and get pre-qualified to determine what price point of a home you can afford.  The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development even has a page specifically for new-home buyers which can help answer most financial questions on the subject.

The majority of millennials, 76 percent, will buy first with their spouse, and 22 percent will end up purchasing with a roommate. As a couple, the benefit of home ownership includes saving money on your monthly payment, as opposed to a rent situation, and owning a home will also help in building equity for your future.

As an individual, the benefits of owning a home include avoiding the over-payment of rent, but also the possibility of charging a roommate or two monthly rent. With the help of a decent price point, the combined rent money will cover your monthly mortgage, and maybe even place a bit extra back in your wallet.

Both scenarios will enable the homeowner to take advantage of many tax benefits. With a 30 year mortgage fix, your housing expenses will remain the same till the end of the loan. But as for renting housing expenses, the pattern is continuing to rise.

As millennials continue to look forward to a bright, successful future, home ownership seems to be at the top of their list. With the market consistently improving, now is the time, for everyone, to consider making the smart investment in home ownership.

Land Values Almost Tripled In Metro Phoenix In One Year

That’s right – tripled!  How could that happen?

In 2007 and 2008, the housing market dropped off the table – essentially no sales and no income. Developers holding land needed cash to survive and sold land for pennies. The bottom of the land market was in 2010 with an average sale price of 27 cents per square foot per CoStar; investors with cash gobbled up the parcels.

When the housing market finally rebounded to a price point that allowed developers to again build and sell for a profit about a year ago, they were forced to buy back their in-fill land; often times, from the same folks that they sold to and sometimes at more than triple the price. The average sale price for land in Q3 2011 was 92 cents/sf and in Q3 of 2012 was $2.62/sf, almost tripled.

The projection made at a seminar held by Valley Partnership, an advocacy group responsible for development in metro Phoenix, on May 31 stated that metro Phoenix would increase in population by more than one million over the next 10 years. To meet the population explosion, we will need around 350,000 new homes to be built. Obviously the construction industry will not only fuel jobs for houses, but also for all disciplines of real estate. This also means that land will be in strong demand. The in-fill locations have already jumped in value, but land on the outskirts of metro Phoenix are also starting to appreciate, and now provides a strong buying opportunity.

One of the main reasons for buying land as an investment is that once the market goes up – land values typically go up at a much faster rate than other real estate investments. The number one rule is location and timing and there may be no better time to invest in land in Central Arizona than right now. A buyer has the ability to buy land and do nothing but wait for values to jump, or possibly add immediate value to the property by legally changing the zoning via the entitlement process.

Land can be a risky investment because it almost always involves speculating that the land will increase in value over time. While we believe that metro Phoenix is truly set for a huge boom – events that we have no control over can always happen, be them local or worldwide. Land also has some holding costs like property taxes, and possibly maintenance while the property is sitting vacant and generating no income. On the positive side there are no buildings, plumbing /electrical issues, nor tenants with complaints about accommodations or excuses why they could not pay! Land is easy, but always work with a trusted and experienced land specialist.

 

Walter Unger is a land specialist for Kasten Long Commercial Real Estate and Smartfem contributor regarding the land market in Phoenix.

Visions for a Greater Arizona

Leadership in the private and nonprofit sector come together at the Arizona Leadership Forum

It may come to you as no surprise that Arizona is one of the poorest performing states in the US when it comes to education and poverty levels.  We have all read the statistics and seen the headlines and understand that changes need to be made.  It may, however, surprise you to know that a community bank right here in Arizona is spearheading an ambitious mission to change that.  National Bank of Arizona arranged a forum putting together business leaders in the Valley, Arizona non-profits leaders as well as legislators.  The forum kicked off February 8^th at the Sheraton.  In addition to National Bank of Arizona, the founding sponsors were the Phoenix Philanthropy Group and Freeport-McMoRan Copper and Gold.

The forum was the kick off which brought in well known author and speaker Jim Collins of “Good to Great.”  The forum was more than an event. It is a movement with ongoing sessions of strategizing and brainstorming to help Arizona become the great state that it should be.

It was fabulous to see so many brilliant minds coming together to discuss ideas to help our state.  Assembling such high-powered teams of Arizona business leaders was a first and definitely set a precedent.  Also overseeing the movement was Lattie Coor, Chairman and CEO of the Center for the Future of Arizona.  The movement will be on going to discuss activities and commitments to help Arizona become a great state.

National Bank of Arizona hosted the follow up meeting last week at their conference center and Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton was in attendance.

Front page image: Keith Maio, President and CEO of National Bank of Arizona speaking at the Leadership Forum.

Divorce: Coping mechanisms for you and your children

Advice for Parents and their children: If you are going through a divorce, be sure to go over these topics with your child in order to ease the emotional pain and general transition.

The most important thing to realize is that a parents’ divorce is not the child’s fault. So many children believe if they were better behaved or did this or that right, then their parents would not be getting a divorce. That is not true, it is the parents’ relationship that is different or they are no longer a “good fit,” is the reason for divorce, not you. It is very normal to have strong emotional feelings about a parents’ divorce. It can be very difficult and painful to go through. Unless the family experienced domestic violence, it might be a relief to not have continuous fighting or verbal abuse occurring in the home.

Our families can also experience split loyalties and pressure from a parent to take sides and feel guilty. This is not fair to the child because they have the right to love you individually for who you are to them. In my practice, numerous children have stated that they feel as if they are caught in the middle, to take sides. This can create emotional upheaval for your child. Try to find ways and strategies through counseling to prevent this.

Your children also have the right to follow their own dreams, hopes, and goals for their life not just their parents’ needs.  Children are allowed to experience their own feelings even if it doesn’t match their parents whether it is anger, pain, frustration, hurt, jealousy, love, or whatever they are going through. If you and your family have a counselor to go to, then please take advantage of this opportunity. There are agencies that are free or have sliding scales. A counselor at your child’s school can help them adjust to the situation as well.

Basic tips for surviving and personal growth during a parents divorce.

• Dealing with these issues alone can be very stressful on a child, please help them by giving them a professional counselor to talk to. It is so beneficial to your whole family to have someone trained in the field to guide you and help all of you through this process. Money does not have to be an issue because agencies like Jewish Family & Children’s Services, Terros, clergy or church community, etc. can help you and your family.

• Continue to help keep your regular routine as well as your child’s such as, school, sports, clubs, and other activities to keep normalcy in your lives and something that is their own. Consider volunteering in order to give back to your community. This can be advantageous for both a parent and child. This can benefit and can help you both feel better in your lives. Focusing on helping others when we hurt is great medicine for the soul.

• If you have yoga, meditation tapes, or any relaxation music, humorous books or movies to watch can be helpful when you and your child are sad or depressed at this time. Sometimes suggesting journaling one’s feelings privately can be helpful for both child and parent to do. Doing art or other activities together can help release negative feelings for the time being if you have no one to talk too.

• Although everyone in the family is hurting, help your child be aware to not take on anyone else’s feelings in the family and harbor them inside themselves. This can be very destructive and can create anger which can affect one’s behavior or actions in a destructive manner. Being physical or aggressive with people, verbally abusive, or numbing your feelings through drugs and alcohol are all warning signs that you need someone to hold you up and support you through this difficult and stressful time. If your child’s grades go down, this can indicate a lack of motivation and feelings of hopelessness. Just allow yourself and your child to have this range of emotions and do not beat yourself up for them or belittle your child’s feelings. Try to validate your child’s feelings by making statements such as, “Johnny, I know you are angry that dad no longer lives here, and you must miss him.” These types of statements can reassure your child’s feelings and help diffuse their anger.

• Allow your child to speak up and let them have a “voice” about their feelings in regards to school, jobs, family matters, babysitting, money, activities, clothes, sleep arrangements, holidays, vacations etc.

• As parents, try to understand your child’s positions in the divorce so you can eventually understand their feelings and needs. Try to be patient, as a parent, because although you are going through hurt, anger, and frustration, your child is also unclear of all the decisions and feelings they are going through as well. Try to approach your child in a positive manner by saying things in a polite or kind voice. Often times, when we are angry, we may direct/transfer our anger onto our children. This can cause upheaval in the home and distance ourselves from healthy communication with our children.

• Ask close relatives, friends, or neighbors whom you trust to talk to you or your children about what your family is experiencing.  Often times, friends or relatives, who have also been divorced, can be helpful to talk to about these matters.

• Manipulation can occur when children feel confused and not know what to do about their living situations. A therapist or counselor can help set parameters and structure during this difficult transition so that everyone is on the same page and knows what to do.

• Reading books or other media about divorce with your child can be beneficial. This can help open communication skills and discuss feelings they are experiencing.

After reading this article what are your thoughts? Please comment on SmartFem’s Facebook page and let us know what you think about this article.

Please post and ask questions that you want to see featured in the column, “Ask Linda” on Linda’s Facebook page.

Grandparents on the Go: McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park

What, you might ask, is the “Walt Disney connection” to the  McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park? Hmmm… let’s take a closer look into the park to find out.

Opened in 1975 on 30 acres of donated land from the Fowler-McCormicks, McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park is one of the best bargains in Arizona.

Admission is free and you have full use of the picnic areas, playgrounds, old west play area (complete with stagecoach), and acres of cool, shaded grassy areas to run around in.

There is a small ($2.00) price for the train and carousel rides; however, children under three ride free with a paying adult fare. Plan on at least two hours for your visit, as there is so much to see and do.

Visit Stillman Station to purchase tickets for rides, visit the historic General Store to buy snacks and souvenirs, stop at the Snackstop for hot dogs, hamburgers, and drinks, check out the Model Railroad Building, where both young and old will be fascinated by the work of local model railroad clubs.

You can peruse the exhibits in the Scottsdale Railroad Museum at the Peoria Station, and explore the Roald Amundsen Pullman Car, which was used by presidents Hoover, FDR, Truman and Eisenhower!

The highlight of any visit here for the little ones is a ride on the Paradise & Pacific Railroad. Built at 5/12 scale, this train has been delighting visitors since the park opened.

The train even has a ‘cattle car’ that little ones can be secured in for the ride.

This railroad is meticulously maintained, deserving its place as the centerpiece of the park. This is where Walt Disney comes in. In 1971 Disney offered to purchase the RR cars for a theme park he was working on.

Luckily for all of us, it was decided to keep the Paradise & Pacific here in Scottsdale, and money was raised to get the park opened to the public in 1975. So now you know!

Check their website before you go for special events and current hours of operation. You can also reserve areas for parties and school groups.

Contact information and pricing for the railroad park can also be found on the website, www.therailroadpark.com.

 

Cathy’s Car Corner — 2014 Lexus IS models

 Review of the 2014 Lexus IS models

For 48 hours I had a breathtaking view of the Golden Gate Bridge from Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco. I was there to test drive and learn all I could about the new 2014 Lexus IS models; the IS 350 RWD and the F Sport.

Both IS beauties caught my attention, as they were debuted in an empty film studio in the heart of San Francisco accompanied with spotlights on their frames, and presentations by engineers and marketing executives alike.

Every aspect of the new IS models has been engineered with a renewed focus on race-track performance, responsive handling, precise response to driver input and in- your- face feedback.

There were so many new features to talk about: engines, transmissions, chassis, body suspensions, brakes, double wishbone revisions and separate mounting of the spring and shock absorber to maximize the trunk space. The new 2014 nuances went on and on and on and on…

It’s not that I don’t think any of this is important or exciting; I’ve attentively sat through many a clinical presentation taking notes and looking up definitions, but for me, it’s all in the ride. Get me on the street or track with a new car, truck or SUV and let me look, drive, feel, touch, adjust, blink, turn, push, crank, pump, caress and smell…

Let me put a cup in all the holders, hang a dress on the dry cleaning hooks, put a nickel in the coin holder, store sunglasses, fold down the cargo area, see if I fit in the cargo area, play a tune on the sound system, add my mom’s wheelchair to the trunk space, play with the sunroof, stick my head out the moon roof and put a convertible top up and down five times with a stop watch in hand.

Is the steering wheel leather or wood, is my iPhone in a cup holder or designed cubby, fob or old school key, ambient lighting or retail store bulbs, any blind spots, ease of child safety seat installation, navigation screen size or head rest measurement?

Do I like the feel of the leather on my legs, are there enough airbags, and is the seat adjustment for my 5’2 inch body just right?

Displayed in the film studio, under lights used for a Hollywood red carpet event, the two new IS models’ distinct lines and beautiful waterfall grille shone like ice sculptures on a cruise ship. The journalists shared beverages while walking around the guests of honor, throwing compliments and questions to Lexus engineers, designers and marketing professionals.

The F Sport was the model that caught my eye both in the studio and out on the track the next day. The F has the new spindle grille and the bottom corners of the front bumpers have aerodynamic detailing to provide enhanced brake cooling.

The 18-inch wheels feature a Y-spoke design inspired by the very cool and expensive LFA. I liked the way the passenger seat hugged me close, like a new boyfriend on a scary ride at Magic Mountain.

The IS 350 RWD features the eight speed, sport direct shift ( SPDS) automatic transmission. The new IS is the first Lexus model to adopt G force artificial intelligence control in Sport Mode.

The system automatically selects the optimal gear and downshift pattern in response to G force, and maintains the selected gear through corners. This 350 could get me to the grocery store and back before the grandkids knew I was missing.

The journalists were able to test drive and race the new IS models on a (made just for us) racetrack on an old air strip with the city of San Francisco as a backdrop. I drove the Lexus cars as if I were in everyday traffic making sharp turns and sudden stops.

After mastering those maneuvers and driving a few of the competitors’ cars, we were encouraged to go a little faster around the cones by the male bystanders.

As testosterone peaked with the 90% men vs. 10% female journalists, I saw a bit of the competitor come over me. It’s one thing to try and beat the guys at golf, but on a race track? I can’t all of a sudden turn into Danica Patrick, or can I?

Despite my apprehension, along with a fellow female journalist, I decided to go as fast as I could around the turns and the cones. With each lap and turn I got faster, and faster and as I got faster, and faster more cones were being hit, flopping over, flying in the air and eventually getting run over.

From that track, which was supposedly noncompetitive, we went to the other side of the runway where low and behold was a real racing clock, the kind you see along with a checkered flag and men wearing jumpsuits and shirts with matching logos.

This is where the male journalists were lined up rubbing their sweaty palms together in hopes they not only beat their fellow journalists but their own time.

I took the opportunity to go slow the first few runs to get the lay of the land or track. I got a pep talk at the starter’s line and last minute instructions telling me to go as fast as I can without taking cones with me and to slam on my brakes in the last 20 feet to insure myself the best time ever.

I wasn’t scared. In fact I was going at least 75 miles per hour and waved to the cameraman, but then the sweaty palms I accused my male counterparts of having appeared on my steering wheel. Upon completion the timekeeper said to me in a low voice, “Well, you’re not dead last.”

Then I asked one of the Lexus executives to drive with me and coach me through the paces; low and behold, I made times that were not only respectable, they were in the top ten.

The racing segment was over and we hit the streets, highways and residential areas of San Francisco. You have to use designated maps with another journalist along, with no navigation aids allowed.

You take the car through its paces experiencing stop and go traffic, freeway driving and noiseless neighborhoods. All of this and then some quiet time with your cars to get in and out slam the doors, blast the sound system, look under the hood, take photos or start writing your review for publication.

I was so fortunate to receive a special gift as a remembrance of my trip testing the IS Lexus models. The race team presented me with a “cone” signed by the race car drivers and staff. They felt I may have knocked over more cones than anyone at the event and that I should have a memento of my 48 hour auto experience.

Someone else may have felt like a failure or inadequate or not fit for racing. Not me; I felt honored. The cone sits in my office like a trophy. I don’t need the top racing score or to make sure every cone is still standing.

I was able to test drive the IS Lexus models under all possible conditions and as usual, Lexus gets an A+, or on a scoring scale with ten being the best… they rated 10 Cones.

 

For more reviews go to www.twofortheroadusa.com.

How do we prepare our high school graduates to face the world?

Some of the ways we can prepare our daughters for life after high school are:

• Talk to your daughters about attending a university, community college, or trade school to enhance her abilities in a specific field. Teach her how to understand financial assistance. She might need to receive a higher degree than just a bachelor’s or an associate degree. Statistically, more women are attending or staying in college than men.

• Role play with your daughter how to interview and dress professionally for a job. If you are not knowledgeable in that area, then contact someone who is professional and research proper attire and appropriate interview skills.

• Teach your daughters the differences between assertiveness and aggression. In a male’s world, men are taught to be competitive and aggressive. This may be difficult for a young woman to adapt to this work style. Taking a course and role playing how to ask for what you want in an assertive manner can be beneficial in a work setting. Being able to climb a ladder, as young men often do, is a form of competition. Talk about putting in extra time at her job so that superiors notice how hard she is working, instead of just doing the minimal amount.

• Also, talk to your daughter about how to ask and negotiate a salary instead of saying, “Oh thank you. That is okay.” Make sure that she has researched what the company and position is worth in terms of pay. Males generally ask for higher salaries, whereas females feel uncomfortable asking.
• Talk to your daughter about finances and how to budget. If that is not an area of your expertise, then take her to a financial adviser to teach her.

• She may choose to marry later in life than you did. Do not be discouraged by that or push her to marry early if she is working on her career. Try to be supportive and understanding that she may not follow in your footsteps. There can be a strong possibility that your daughter may have to support herself without the help of a husband. There is also a possibility that she could end up divorced which is why it is important to have a stable career to support herself and her family.

• Talk to her about being a parent. Encourage her to study some psychology courses and child development/parenting books.

• If you have been a working mother, speak to your daughter one day about balancing career and family responsibilities.

• Discuss with your teen that she might be a target for sexual harassment on the job. If this has happened to you, then let her know how to handle it.

• Talk to your daughter about the possibility that she may earn more money than her husband and how will they deal with that in their marriage.

• One day she may have her own place. Discuss the importance of taking care of her home and taking pride in it.

 

Some of the ways we can prepare our sons for life after high school are:

• Encourage your sons to attend university, community college, or some type of trade school in order to support themselves.

• Review specific dress codes that are appropriate and interview skills so that your son will be able to get a job.

• Teach him that being assertive is important in asking for what you want in a dignified manner. Often times young men may appear aggressive in their behavior or speech. It is important to guide them in being respectful, attentive, and kind to their colleagues and superiors.

• Encourage your son to negotiate a decent salary that is commensurate with the job. Also, tell him to work hard and put in the extra mile in order to climb the ladder.

• Teach your son how to be respectful of women. The way you role model with your partner is very influential in the way they will treat a future wife or partner. Talk about how to avoid objectifying women on the job. Tell them not to join in with other males by participating in this objectification of women.

• Teach him how to balance work and family life. By discussing issues that can arise in both your professional world and personal world can be very helpful to him.

• Talk about being a father and the importance it plays in a child’s life. Suggest one day they take parenting classes and read books about child development.

• There is a probability that his partner may make more money than him and how will he deal with that as a male.

• Being an equal partner, he may be sharing chores with his spouse.  Being knowledgeable in domestic responsibilities will be advantageous to him. Teach your child how to do laundry, budget, cook, clean, sew a button on, and manage household chores.

 

There is a wonderful handbook that you may want to purchase immediately prior to your child leaving home. It is entitled, “Help I’m on my Own.” This book will be advantageous to you and your son and daughter to review these various skills.

Check out Linda’s Facebook page for more information on ordering her book, “Help I’m on my Own!”

TRUtalk: Facebook “Flames” and Office Flirtation

“You can find love if you open your heart to the possibilities.”

Leslee Alexander Gibbs is the founder of TRUmatch, the top matchmaking firm in Arizona, and is considered an expert in the field of dating, relationships and LOVE!  Join Leslee as she shares with you her lessons in life; her reflections on the past and vision for the future.  With you, she will uncover the mysteries of what men really want in a woman and give men the insight to understand women.

“Love is my passion and I am proud to share with you my thoughts, my heart and my words… I call it TRUtalk.” - Leslee Alexander Gibbs

VISIT MYTRUMATCH.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Dear TRUtalk,

I found my husband chatting with a former girlfriend on Facebook. He acted nervous and did not fess up about who he was talking to. Should I confront him? Do you think he is cheating?

Dear “Chatting,”

It is not uncommon for former flames to reconnect on Facebook, that alone is not a reason for concern. What seems more alarming is that he acted nervous and did not disclose who he was chatting with. That is dishonest and sneaky. You need to initiate a conversation with him without sounding accusatory. You can do this by telling him of a recent situation where an old friend of yours reached out to you on Facebook. Hopefully, it will open the door for him to offers his own story. If he does, he seems forthright.  If he does not, then you need to be more direct and tell him what you saw. Be assertive in your approach without being too aggressive, showing aggression is a situation like this only puts your man on the defensive and then he will close down. Keep the dialogue going until you get the answers you need. You will know by his responses if you have reason for concern but my guess is, it’s innocent reminiscing.

 

Dear TRUtalk,

There is this hot guy at work who flirts with me during the work day but never actually asks me out. He’s always saying “he owes me a drink”, we talk about going out all the time but it never happens. Should I be more aggressive and ask him out?

Dear “Flirt,”

No, No and No…Do NOT ask him out. In fact, my thought is that you might already be too aggressive without realizing it. Men are drawn to a woman who is interested but not always available. You have already made it clear to him you are interested, but my concern is you have made yourself too available.  Continue to flirt with him but do not be too eager to go out with him. Next time he says, “I owe you a drink,” change your response from, “Sure I’d love to” to,  “Someday we’ll make that happen. I have been crazy busy lately,” and then walk away. Changing your response will change his approach with you!  It is human nature to want the unattainable, so become unattainable and watch how quickly he will book a date to buy you that drink.

In love,

Leslee

VISIT MYTRUMATCH.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

You can reach out to Leslee Alexander Gibbs of TRUmatch via email at lagibbs@MyTRUmatch.com or on Facebook with your questions or ideas on dating, relationships, and matchmaking. Leslee will of course honor all requests for anonymity.  Check back here on SmartFem for more of Leslee’s expertise and advice on dating and relationships.

        

It’s Fur Service Season!

We are now officially in the midst of the “fur storage season”. This is the time of the year that fur owners are advised to bring their furs, leathers and luxury fabric outerwear into a salon to be put into the storage vault.

There are many reasons to store your garments.  Here in Arizona, the extreme heat and dryness are among the most common.  However, another big reason is to keep your garments from becoming a feast for moths and crickets.  In recent years we have seen a dramatic uptick in the number of cases of damage done by moths and crickets and their larvae.  The temperature control in our vault helps prevent bug damage.  Our vault is highly secure—our security system is UL rated.  There are some people who believe that the security and temperature of their at home wine cellars is a good place to store their furs. Don’t be fooled– this is not the case.  The environment in a wine cellar/vault is appropriate for wine, but not for furs and cloth.  The climate in a wine cellar can cause mold to grow on the fabric portions of your fur.  We have had garments come into the salon with this problem and the required treatment was costly.

Furs should be cleaned, glazed and conditioned every other year at a minimum.  It does not matter how often you wore your garment.  The reason behind this is that the pelt of the fur needs to be conditioned in order to extend the life of the garment by replacing the natural oils that are no longer being produced.  We liken it to moisturizing our skin.  The process also removes dust particles that might have gathered in the fur as well as restoring shine and water repellency to the fur.  There is no going backwards in the conditioning process—once a fur pelt has dried out, it becomes brittle and tears start to become evident.  The likelihood of being able to repair a fur with dried out pelts is very slim, as the pelt will no longer hold a stitch—it will just tear more under the pressure of the sewing needle.  Any tears, open seams, torn pocket corners, torn French tacks (tacks that hold the lining hem to the garment), loose or missing buttons or hooks and rings, etc., should all be taken care of at the time the garment is put into the vault.

The summer months are also the time to consider restyling your fur.  If you find that you are not wearing it due to a change in lifestyle or because our climate is temperate, think about repurposing your garment.  With the wide variety of options available for restyling, your fur can become an item in your wardrobe that you can get many months of wear out of each and every year.  The restyles that we create are specifically geared toward the idea of clients being afforded the opportunity to wear their fur often, even in the Arizona climate.  We offer many styles that are reversible to a variety of rain resistant and water repellent fabrics which are outstanding for travel.  We have ways of making your fur lighter in weight as well.

Restyling is a great option for people who have inherited a fur which now has sentimental value and was passed down with the specific purpose—the giver wanted the recipient to have something to remember them by.  The style/fashion might be outdated, but one of the advantages of fur is that it can be recycled or restyled.  What a way to remember a favorite grandma, aunt or friend!

So if you have a fur, remember, with proper care it can last a lifetime.  Now is the time to bring your garment in for storage, cleaning, and/or restyling. 

For more information feel free to call the Evans Furs salon at 480-945-4600.

Arizona Foundation for Women 17th Annual Luncheon and Awards

Academy Award Winner Goldie Hawn receives the Sandra Day O’Connor Award.

The Arizona Foundation for Women pays tributes to those who make a difference in the lives of women and children.  This years luncheon was held at the elegant ballroom of the Phoenician Hotel.  The room was filled with about a thousand women and companies from the valley who came in to show their support for this amazing event.

Well-known businessman and columnist Harvey Mackay was the host of the ceremony.

Recognized was Missy Anderson who received the Marilyn R. Seymann Award for her long-time philanthropic efforts and as an advocate for domestic violence.  She has worked with numerous organizations across the valley and recently received the Visionary Award from Florence Crittenton for her fundraising efforts.  Missy is a valley native and has been involved with the Arizona Foundation for Women since its inception in 1997.

Ernie Allen was the very first man to receive an award from the Arizona Foundation for Women. He was awarded the Voice for Women Award.  Ernie is the Co-Founder of the International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children, a private, non-profit organization that is leading the global effort to protect children from abduction and sexual exploitation.

Ernie is the current President and CEO of ICMEC and has held the position since the organization’s conception in 1999.  ICMEC has developed and changed laws, trained professionals and has partnered with businesses and governments globally to enact laws on child exploitation and pornography.

Ernie Allen’s and his efforts have been recognized by four US presidents, US Congress, US Attorney General, US Dept. of Justice, FBI, Secret Service, Us Marshals Service and many others.

The highlight of the event was when Academy Award Winner Goldie Hawn received the Sandra Day O’Connor Award and was recognized for her dedication to women’s health issues, animal welfare, and for her efforts in regards to young people’s social and emotional health and well-being. Past recepients of the Sandra Day Oconnor Award include: Tipper Gore, Billie Jean King, Marian Wright Edelman, Sally Ride, Barbara Bush and many more.

Goldie established the Hawn Foundation to create the educational program, MindUp, an evidence-based curriculum and teaching model that helps children understand their emotions, reduce anxiety and improve academic performance.

Ms. Hawn has also authored best- selling books to inspire women and children such as A Lotus Grows in the Mud, 10 Mindful Minutes, and Easy steps to Joy and Mindfulness for Parents and Children.

The luncheon concluded with a fireside conversation; Harvey MacKay having a candid discussion with Goldie Hawn.

Next Page »