kwpr group • • •

The Spa at Carefree Resort and Villas announced that local spa industry veteran Donna Barr is the newly appointed spa director. Now under Barr’s watch, the tranquil resort spa nestled in the foothills of Carefree is offering a host of new and unique services to help locals and resort guests and skin treatments using cutting-edge technology.

Barr brings more than forty years of experience and training in the spa industry. As current owner of Latitude 33 Salon & Day Spa and a seasoned massage therapist, she has introduced Carefree and Cave Creek residents and guests to a wide array of ancient therapies, as well as advanced techniques, from around the world. She also consistently brings wellness education and world-class expertise in medical aesthetics to the local community.

“It’s important to me that each client, resort guests and locals alike, receives a ‘WOW’ experience,” says Barr. “Professional, thoughtful treatment is just as important as relaxation in a spa experience. This is why we hire only the most highly-trained technicians, use pharmaceutical grade products, and don’t cut corners on time or quality of treatments.”

Some of the unique new offerings at The Spa include customized cocoon body wraps, Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massage, and progressive technologies such as LED Photo-Rejuvenation, oxygen treatments, and the Accent Laser for body sculpting. The Spa’s skilled estheticians, therapists, and nail technicians are experts in their fields, all with at least ten years of experience and a commitment to achieving great results.
Locals and visitors can attend “Spa Happy Hour” every Monday through Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. and enjoy 20 to 35 percent discounts on nail services, facials, and body treatments. Valentine’s Day specials include:
• Chocolate Raspberry Body Scrub, 60 min., $135
• Chocolate Cherry Facial, 60 min., $135
• Champagne and Chocolate, Manicure- $30, Pedicure- $50, Mani-Pedi Package- $75
• Couples Massage, 60 min., $250.00
• “Stoned, Thai’d & Wacked” Massage Package, 2hr. 15 min, $250
To make a reservation at The Spa, call 480-488-5300‎ or book online at www.thespa-carefreeresort.com. For a full suite of hair services, visit Latitude 33 Salon & Day Spa in Carefree at www.latitude33dayspa.com or call 480-575-8333
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Virtual work-life balance
By Brittney Walker
© 2010, Raising Arizona Kids
Kelly Wood of Cave Creek started her company, KWPR Group, to make more time for her son, Hudson (4). Now she affords other moms on her team the same luxury.

How did KWPR Group come to be?
My son was the impetus for going out on my own. I was working for one of the largest communications companies in town and then I realized I know what I’m doing. I could do this myself. I love being able to call the shots and the freedom and flexibility that being the boss gives you. I took on freelance clients for a while until I gained traction and then I started hiring people. We are still growing despite the economy last year. I feel really blessed.
You have a mom-concentrated team. What’s the draw for moms to be part of your business?
I wanted to create a situation for other young moms and young women where they can take ownership of their own time. I work 20 to 40 hours per week but I get to figure out when those hours are and that allows me to be present with my family. I don’t have to request vacation.
We work in a totally virtual environment so I can get up, do a load of laundry, make breakfast and then go back to the computer and finish working.
Critical to that is that we are a group of real go-getters. Everyone I hire is really motivated, driven and super talented at what they do. I don’t want to micro-manage. We’ve had a lot of positive feedback from clients, so apparently it’s working.
Sounds like the perfect set-up for moms.
We’re having a good time; I’m not going to lie. And we’re always looking for new people. I can’t tell you how much I enjoy the women in my group. We get together once a month to talk about work but we also talk as moms, share stories about our kids and figure out when we’re going to take the kids to the water park or the pool or the mall. We are just as much friends as we are colleagues.
I think the lines are really blurred today — more than they have ever been as far as boundaries of work and life go. It’s an integrated life. It works for us. By the way, I am open to men or dads working with us but I haven’t had one step up to plate yet.

How does the virtual format of your company affect your clients?
I’ve never had a client complain about our virtual format. A lot of people tried to discourage me from going this route. They said “Clients are going to want to come to your office,” but we haven’t had one problem with that and we’ve worked with big brands on national campaigns as well as the local PR that we really love.
Most of our clients are based here and they like that we come to them. We do a lot of conference calls and utilize technology not just to promote but to connect with clients. There are some huge advantages to our clients. They’re not paying for office space on Camelback or Scottsdale Road. Perceptions have really in changed in our industry. There has been a migration away from the big agencies. Clients are on to it.

What is your schedule like?
I work Monday through Thursday basically from 4am to 4pm. Fridays my son is with me. I do a little office work in morning and then we do errands, go to the water park, whatever. I really want to spend time with my son and the two-day weekend goes by in two seconds so this allows us to have a little extra time together.
It’s such an advantage for us as moms and as individuals to get to have ownership of our schedules. I can go hit my yoga class at 4:30 Monday and no one’s looking at me. I’m an early bird so I get plenty of office time. Everyone on my team gets to call their own shots.

Yoga? Really? As a mom and a business owner do you really make time to get to yoga class?
It’s funny that you should call me out on that because honestly there are times those things get put on the back burner, so this year at New Year’s I had a heart to heart with myself. I said, all right Kel, if you’re going to keep talking about balance, you really need to make some time for you. I have a gym by my house and they have a yoga class at 4:30 Mondays and I go! That’s an office day for me so I get started early and then I go do it. I’ve been really sore lately using muscles haven’t used in a long time. I also meet another mom who has a similar type of business at Pinnacle Peak and go hiking in the morning. We buzz up and down mountain in an hour and talk shop, talk mom and get all philosophical. It’s awesome!

To learn more or to contact Kelly, visit kwprgroup.com.
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If you know of a Valley mompreneur we should feature, write to brittney@raisingarizonakids.com.

11-Year-Old Community & Environmental Activist Embodies the True Essence of KidStar’s Mission

PHOENIX (Feb. 3, 2010) -  Eleven-year-old Mario Ridgley Jr., has been selected as the first-ever kid president for KidStar Radio Network, a non-profit organization that operates a national network of web radio stations completely operated by kids and overseen by broadcast professionals.  Mario Jr. is a sixth grade honor student at Imagine Charter School in Palm Coast, Fla. and will hold the position of president for one year. 

Mario Jr. will shadow retired radio pro and KidStar founder and chairman, Perry Damone, to learn the fundamentals of radio operations and will act as point man for Kidstar media appearances and inquiries.  At the end his term, KidStar will donate $5,000 into his college scholarship fund.

“Mario was selected because of his strong commitment to community outreach and his activism in the areas of environmental sustainability and education,” says Damone.  “Mario Jr. may only be 11 years old, but he is wise beyond his years and is driven to make a positive impact on the world around him.”

In an effort to raise environmental awareness and set an example for his peers, Mario Jr. recently teamed up with World Green Consultant, Inc. and Waste Pro of Florida to start his school’s first recycling program.

Although currently there is no KidStar radio station at Mario Jr.’s school, he is taking great strides to provide his school with this valuable communications platform. “My hope and dream is to start my own, Imagine School KIDSTAR Radio Station Environmental Show,” says Mario, “I would like to discuss the importance of recycling, using green products and, most of all, let people know they’re choices make a difference.” 

KidStar management and an affiliated fundraising group are working diligently with Mario and Imagine School in Palm Coast to bring the Kidstar Radio program into the school as soon as possible.  To make a donation that will help Mario Jr.’s school secure their radio station equipment, please contact KidStar Radio Network at 480-837-1676 or visit www.kidstar.org and click “Donate” at the bottom of the homepage.

MORE ABOUT KIDSTAR
Founded by Perry Damone in 1994, KidStar Radio Network is a Children’s educational charity that teaches kids from 10 to 18 years of age to be quality radio broadcasters.  Kidstar’s network includes web radio stations that are completely branded and operated by the kids themselves.  Each station is overseen by a KidStar liaison with professional radio broadcast experience.

The program educates youth through radio, a medium that is fun and familiar, helping to develop discipline and valuable communications skills. KidStar is made available to thousands of kids around the country and their voices can be heard around the globe- anywhere there is Internet access. The organization’s goal is to develop and establish 5,000 radio stations in various schools, clubs and youth organizations in the U.S. and beyond.

PHOENIX, Ariz. – Spartan Boot Camps will hold a fitness boot camp on Saturday, February 6 as a member of Team Fox to raise funds for The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF). The hour long event will take place at 9:00 a.m. at Arcadia Park on 56 Street and Indian School Road.

Spartan Boot Camps aims to raise $350 or more to enable the Foundation to continue aggressively funding research to find better treatments and a cure for Parkinson’s disease. Spartan Boot Camps is a member of Team Fox, the Foundation’s project for supporting grassroots community fundraisers working to raise funds and awareness for Parkinson’s research.

For Matthew Baehr, Founder of Spartan Boot Camps, choosing to support the Michael J. Fox Foundation was simple. A member of his immediate family is currently living with Parkinson’s. He stated, “I was crushed when I found out someone I loved dearly was suffering with Parkinson’s disease. I chose to run a fitness boot camp as part of Team Fox because my passion for helping people and my knowledge of fitness is the most valuable thing I can give to the community to generate donations to further the cause of Parkinson’s research.” Baehr is a resident of Scottsdale, Ariz.

Over five million people worldwide are living with Parkinson’s disease – a chronic, degenerative neurological disorder whose symptoms typically progress from mild tremors to complete physical incapacitation. There is no known cure for Parkinson’s disease. Current treatments mask symptoms but do not alter or slow disease progression.

In the United States, 60,000 new cases will be diagnosed this year alone. The annual economic cost of Parkinson’s in the U.S. is estimated to exceed $25 billion.

The Michael J. Fox Foundation is dedicated to ensuring the development of better treatments, and ultimately a cure, for Parkinson’s disease through an aggressively funded research agenda.

About Spartan Boot Camps
Based out of Phoenix, Ariz., Spartan Boot Camps offers a unique, cutting-edge approach to fitness. The workouts are designed based on the results of multiple peer-reviewed studies on HIIT training and the extensive benefits of anaerobic training. Outdoor, group sessions are 60 minutes long and lead by a nationally Certified Personal Trainer. Classes appeal to all levels and injuries or disabilities can be easily compensated for. For more information on Spartan Boot Camps, please visit www.spartanbootcamps.com or call (480) 330-0805.

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In his opening address to the 1964 Berlin Jazz Festival, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., said that “Jazz speaks for life… it takes the hardest realities of life and puts them into music, only to come out with some new hope or sense of triumph. It has strengthened us with its sweet rhythms when courage began to fail. It has calmed us with its rich harmonies when spirits were down. And now, Jazz is exported to the world.  This is triumphant music.”

 How Do You Test The Worthiness Of A Vision?   

Not in times of comfort and abundance; when things are good.  The test of a vision comes in the tough times.  In many ways, this is a time of trial for Sedona Jazz on the Rocks as we tackle the thorny issues of an economic crisis.  Yet, we are confident that we will pull through. 

Sedona Jazz on the Rocks plays an unique role in fostering Jazz as a cultural art form.  A look at the impact of our mission, “to preserve jazz for future generations through education and performance programs,” encourages us to forge ahead and inspires us to evolve and grow.  

Since its inception, Sedona Jazz on the Rocks has placed its primary focus on creating, developing and financing innovative educational programs for Arizona’s talented young musicians. On average, our music training programs provide quality jazz education to thousands of young students each year.

We need only recall the kids we have supported throughout our 28 years, their hopes and dreams about how their lives are supposed to work.  They come to us with varying levels of talent, ability and enthusiasm, and what they accomplish as a result of our programs compels us to remain steadfast in our commitment.

Did you know that Jazz is America’s indigenous art form? 

We strive to broaden public awareness of the artistic, historical and cultural contributions that Jazz has made to the American music landscape. It is a cherished part of our heritage that must be sustained, as it is relished.

Did you know that Jazz on the Rocks earned the Governor’s Tourism Award?

Our Festival started modestly in 1981, but in the years since we have brought many world-renowned jazz artists to Sedona, and have earned national and international recognition through our annual jazz festival.  

We are driven to continue this tradition of excellence in Jazz education and performance.  We are energized by the growing number of young people who are interested in and excited about Jazz, even as funding for music programs in our nation’s schools continues to diminish.

We’re digging in deep to ensure that we can provide supplemental programs and activities to keep Jazz alive for these students. We have been aggressive about cutting costs every where we can, and we’re working hard to raise more money from donors.  We are committed to finding a way to support our scholarship winners and our Youth Band. 

I’ve been reminded that at present “it’s tough for everybody”.  Of course that’s true, but it’s a lot tougher for some than others.  We must not forget that there are families whose incomes are so minimal that they are barely able to provide the basics for their children. Our worst-case scenario is that when deserving students look to us for help, we would have to turn them away for lack of resources to meet their needs.

I hope you will agree that ours is a vision worthy of triumph.  If you are in a position to help or are interested in knowing more about our programs, please call us at (928) 282-1985, or visit our website at http://www.sedonajazz.com/subjects/support/make-a-donation.htm.

By: Bettye Wilson
President, Sedona Jazz on the Rocks

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New training program measures brain oxygenation and blood flow, enhancing Neurofeedback results

Scottsdale, Ariz. – The Center for Attention Deficit and Learning Disorders announces today that it has added Hemoencephalography (HEG) to its list of treatment options for patients with ADD/ADHD, learning disabilities, mood disorders and other conditions. HEG utilizes infrared light to measure blood flow and oxygenation levels in the brain during a Neurofeedback session. 

 “The use of HEG in our Neurofeedback training sessions allows us to better target the areas of the brain that are not functioning at normal levels,” said Dr. Sanford J. Silverman, Ph.D., founder of the Center. “The goal of Neurofeedback is to exercise the brain in a specific way and create new connections between neurons that carry information to other areas of the brain. In patients with ADD/ADHD, learning disabilities and other disorders, we typically see less activity in certain areas of the brain. Our program trains the brain to re-activate these areas. It’s like taking your brain to the gym.”

 According to Dr. Silverman, adding HEG to the Center’s training program was part of his ongoing effort to offer the most comprehensive treatment plan available to train the brain in a variety of modalities.  The Center, which combines psychology, cutting-edge science and technology to treat a variety of disorders, is one of only five providers in Arizona that offers HEG.

 According to client surveys, 80 percent of the Center’s patients notice immediate improvement in their ability to focus and concentrate. “We have found that while our program works as a supplement to other therapies, in many cases it’s actually an alternative to medication for ADD/ADHD and other disorders,” said Dr. Silverman. “It allows our patients to realize more thorough and long-term results. In some cases, we find significant breakthroughs where other forms of treatment have not worked.”

 About the Center for Attention Deficit and Learning Disorders

Located in Scottsdale, Ariz., the Center for Attention Deficit and Learning Disorders combines psychology, science and technology into effective treatment for children and adults with ADD/ADHD and other clinical disorders. In conjunction with traditional psychotherapy, Dr. Silverman utilizes Neurofeedback, Quantitative EEG (Brain Mapping), Hemoencephalography (HEG), Interactive Metronome®, and SMART Brain Games (developed by NASA) to create a customized treatment program that targets the needs of each individual. For more information about the Center, please visit www.centerforadd-az.com or call (480) 314-4299.

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Slimmer Silhouette invites women who give for a living to also take care of their health in 2010

PHOENIX, Ariz. – Slimmer Silhouette is excited to announce the Perfect 10 Challenge, an engaging health and life-makeover challenge for 2010 that encourages women in leadership positions at charities and non-profit organizations nationwide to champion their cause by taking better care of themselves. In January, ten women will be selected from applicants nationwide to take on the challenge, which includes life coaching, nutrition and fitness coaching, and a weekly Slimmer Silhouette™ body wrap.  The grand prize winner will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Disneyworld, a year’s supply of the body wrap system, a cash prize, a beauty makeover, as well as a donation and valuable exposure for their organization. Total combined value of all prizes is over $22,000.

“The saying goes that the most beautiful women are a ‘Perfect 10,’” said Meggie Hale, founder of Slimmer Silhouette.  “We are searching for the ‘Perfect 10′ women whose giving spirit and internal beauty impact the world in a positive way.  However, they’re often so busy caring for others that proper health, nutrition and external beauty often become secondary priorities. Through the Perfect 10 Challenge, Slimmer Silhouette intends to give back to these women in hopes that they’ll all discover that in taking care of themselves they will have even more to give.”

Slimmer Silhouette encourages members within charities and non-profit organizations nationwide to nominate a woman in a leadership position within their organization whom they feel deserves to be a part of this health and beauty transformation.  Contestants will be selected by the Slimmer Silhouette executive team based upon their application. For more details on this challenge, visit www.perfect10challenge.com.

About Slimmer Silhouette™ Slimmer Body Wrap

Headquartered in Tempe, Ariz., Slimmer Silhouette was founded by a team of women with combined backgrounds in beauty products and healthcare with passion for helping others. Their collective team desire is to promote a healthy lifestyle and beauty both inside and out. Slimmer Silhouette Slimmer Body Wrap™ offers a cost-effective, spa-quality body wrapping system that sheds inches fast and is made for use at home. Unlike water-loss wraps, their proprietary mineral solution used with special wrapping bandages helps draw out impurities surrounding fat cells, muscle and skin tissue, resulting in compaction of the tissues, the diminished appearance of cellulite, with the added bonus of inch reduction.

For more information about the Slimmer Silhouette home body wrap system, you can visit: www.SlimmerSilhouette.com or to follow the Perfect 10 Challenge visit us on Facebook as Slimmer Silhouette.

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PHOENIX, Ariz. (December 4, 2009) – It happens every year. After over indulging in turkey, mashed potatoes and pies on Thanksgiving and eating leftovers for a week straight, many are suddenly panicked wondering how they’re going to look their best for all those holiday parties. A body wrap is a popular new way to shed inches and impurities fast, but a trip to the spa may not be in their budget this year. As a result, many are turning to do-it-yourself alternatives such as Slimmer Silhouette™ Slimmer Body Wraps which offer a cost-effective, spa-quality body wrapping system that sheds inches fast and is made for use at home.

“Slimmer Silhouette Slimmer Body Wraps mineral-based system is unlike the many dehydrating water-loss wraps on the market,” said Meggie Hale, the founder of Slimmer Silhouette.  “Our high-grade proprietary mineral solution encourages the release of impurities and contaminants that clog pores, build up in the body over time, and distort the body’s appearance.  Our specially formulated mineral solution combined with wrapping bandages draws out impurities surrounding fat cells, muscle and skin tissue, resulting in compaction of the tissues, the diminished appearance of cellulite, and the added bonus of inch reduction.”

Not only does this wrap system offer inch loss, but many Slimmer Silhouette customers also report the following additional health benefits: 

• Tightening and toning of the skin
• Improved body contour and curve definition; lifting thighs, buttocks, breasts
• Minimized appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and cellulite
• Softer, smoother skin
• Relief from muscular tension and pressure in the joints
• Improved mental clarity
• Stress relief and relaxation
• More restful sleep

This unique body wrapping system is also a safe alternative to liposuction, far less costly, and requires no subsequent “down time.” The cost effective Slimmer Body Wraps kit includes 12 wraps (several weeks of supplies) and averages $21 per wrap – far less than the cost of a comparable body wrap treatment at a spa or resort.  Also, X percent of December sales will be donated to Toys for Tots, a children’s charity.

“Our team is deeply committed to promoting a healthy lifestyle and beauty both inside and out. While our wraps can help you look fantastic in that party dress by shedding inches, we encourage a holistic approach to looking and feeling one’s best.  That certainly includes good nutrition and exercise with regular wraps,” said Hale. 

For more than three decades Hale has been a leader and visionary, marrying the fields of healing and beauty. Hale has personally reaped the benefits of her wrap system, dropping 6 sizes in less than six weeks, another 6 sizes over time-equaling a total of 12 sizes and is still seeing the inches melt away.

For more information, or to order online, visit: www.SlimmerSilhouette.com.  

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See today’s coverage in the Scottsdale section of the Arizona Republic!

Scottsdale, Ariz. (Nov. 12, 2009) – Privada, the luxury gated enclave in North Scottsdale, is going Green and Solar with all new homes offered in the community. The builder, Monarch Privada Construction, LLC, has made a significant commitment to protecting the planet by building homes that are more energy efficient, comfortable and durable than other homes.  In fact, the new homes come with a guarantee of heating and cooling energy usage. Environments for Living®, a third party energy certification program, reports that the homes are up to 71 percent more energy efficient than other new code-compliant homes, and up to 99 percent more energy efficient than the average ten year old home.

 “We have made a considerable commitment to creating a community that is in harmony with the beautiful Sonoran desert at our doorstep,” said Peter Burger, president of Monarch Privada Construction LLC.  “We have scoured the industry for resources to build the most energy efficient homes in the market while minimizing the impact on the environment and on the bank account.”

The new homes at Privada will reduce the carbon footprint by up to 66 percent over other conventional code-compliant homes. A carbon footprint is a measure of the impact our activities have on the environment, and in particular climate change. It relates to the amount of greenhouse gases produced in our day-to-day lives through such things as burning fossil fuels for electricity, heating and transportation.

 Additionally Privada is making standard on all new homes a new solar electric system that will deliver up to 65 percent of the home’s energy needs, making them “Near Zero” homes. Echo™ Solar System is a complete photovoltaic solar solution that produces enough electricity to run appliances, heat water for bathing, as well as heat the pool and spa, and even home heating and home cooling. “With Echo, Privada gives the homeowner the power to do it all; the power to save money and secure their energy needs into the future, and the power to conserve the natural beauty of the desert,” said Gordon Handelsman, president of PVT Solar, the provider of the Echo™ Solar System.

All of the new homes are being constructed in association with the City of Scottsdale Advanced Green Building Program.  The homes have also been awarded the Diamond Level, the highest level of achievement from Environments for Living®, a national construction program that looks at the home as a system of systems and helps builders construct homes that are more energy efficient, comfortable and durable than conventional code-built homes. Privada is also an APS Energy Star® and Solar Community.

 Specific examples of Privada’s commitment to energy efficiency and green building are:

 ▪ “Near Zero” energy usage

▪ Solar electric system that delivers up to 65% of the home’s energy needs

▪ Insulation and framing techniques that minimize voids

▪ Fresh air delivery system means less dust, fewer odors and remarkably comfortable temperatures

▪ High efficiency HVAC systems with 16-Seer dual stage air conditioning along with 95 percent direct vent furnaces 

▪ Low-E energy efficient wood and aluminum clad windows 

▪ 60 to 70 percent of all exterior walls are double framed and provided for deep recessed windows and added insulation

▪ State of the art insulation systems which provide for an exceptional thermal envelope

▪ High efficiency solar water heaters with recirculation system for quick demand

▪ Low-flow plumbing fixtures

▪ Energy Star front loading washer

▪ Energy efficient dishwasher

▪ Foam roofing system provides for a greater thermal barrier and reduces heating and cooling demand

▪ Over a 30 percent reduction in water consumption compared to other code-compliant homes

▪ Irrigation fertilization systems that reduce water consumption

▪ Smart Irrigation Systems monitor weather conditions

▪ Xeriscape (use of low water consuming plants and gardening practices that support water conservation)

▪ High efficiency pool pump reduces energy by 30 to 90 percent over traditional pool pumps

Resources:

Privada:  PrivadaPinnaclePeak.com

Monarch Privada Construction, LLC:  Monarchllc.com

City of Scottsdale Green Building Program: ScottsdaleAZ.gov/greenbuilding

Environments for Living®: EnvironmentsForLiving.com

PVT Solar: PVTSolar.com

Energy Star®: EnergyStar.gov

Arizona Public Service: aps.com

Media Contact:

Martha Moyer Wagoner, Master Planned Communications, LLC

602.861.8006    martha@masterplannedcommunications.com