From Stephen Clifford, Registered Investment Advisor Representative
The Winfield Group - Scottsdale, Arizona
In today's digital age, many individuals live at least a part of their life online. Whether you share your life with others through e-mail, Facebook posts, and tweets, or simply have a number of online, password protected accounts, you'll want to make plans for the disposition of all of your digital assets in the event of your death or incapacity.
January is buzzing with exciting events all around Phoenix, from a delicious "Street Eats" Food Truck Festival, to an International Motorcycle Show. Let your kids transform themselves into superheroes at the Amazing Arizona Comic Con, where Kid's Day is all about those little fans out there. These fun events are perfect for any age, so check out AFM's top picks for 10 Things To Do This Weekend in Phoenix: Family Edition for the weekend of Jan. 24-26.
Winter may still be upon us but with weather like this there's no way you can avoid these top Valley events! Fill 2014 with some of your greatest moments and with the most memorable company. From the happiest 5k around to an educating dance and film festival, you're sure to finish January off right. Here are our picks for the top things to do this weekend, Jan. 23-Jan. 26.
Kathy Shayna Shocket has the inside scoop on the stories that make headlines.
Kathy takes you behind the scenes with the celebs and VIPs at Barrett-Jackson.
Seymour is an eight-year-old English Labrador Retriever and Moose is an eight-year-old Chihuahua.
From Stephen Clifford, Registered Investment Advisor Representative
The Winfield Group - Scottsdale, Arizona
The Federal Reserve has said it expects to begin raising its target rate sometime in 2014. Since bond prices fall when interest rates rise, it may be a good time to pay increased attention to any fixed-income investments you have. Here are some factors to consider when you review your portfolio.
The Purple Society is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization focused on changing the prognosis of pediatric cancers, while educating and connecting families of childhood cancer patients worldwide. Anthony Conti, co-founder, shared with us the heartwarming history of The Purple Society and how its outreach has grown.
AFM: How did the Purple Society begin?
AC: My daughter, Nitalia Conti, was diagnosed at the age of 12 with a cancerous brain tumor. During her many long stays in the hospital, she saw firsthand the many children without any resources. Many of the families left to fight all alone. Families where being neglected due to insurance and financial issues, and many people where left distraught with no concise answers from doctors. “We need to figure out how to get resources for every family,” she said to me. Thus began The Purple Society. We started going room to room to visit families and provide love, support, and resources. Since then, we have helped thousands of kids across the country and worldwide fight this horrendous disease.
AFM: What kind of resources do you provide for families of childhood cancer patients?
AC: Our organization is very research oriented. Childhood cancer receives the least amount of research funding of all cancers. We stay abreast of clinical trials, new treatment techniques, and the most cutting-edge treatment centers across the world. Educating families on clinical trials and advances in treatment options are a few of the very valuable services we offer. Everything we do is always 100 percent free to the families. Our Web site, www.werpurple.org, also has a plethora of web tools to help families make educated decisions about the options for their child. Since many regional hospitals are not equipped with extensive care resources, we also try to facilitate getting children to hospitals where they can receive the best care and outcome. We understand that a little goes a long way and although we are a small organization, we do try to help the families financially with everyday expenses as well.
AFM: Can you explain more about the Purple Power Rover?
AC: My wife and I bought a Land Rover for our family vehicle years before Nitalia was ever diagnosed. Nitalia loved the truck and would always say that she wanted it to be her’s when she got her license. Nitalia earned her angel wings before getting her driver’s license, and her truck just sat in storage waiting for the opportunity to represent her dream. When the foundation started spreading across the country, we decided to use the truck in a way that would honor Nitalia’s memory. We wrapped it with The Purple Society logo and pictures of Nitalia and began using the car for events and hospital visits. Chances are you will see The Purple Power Rover delivering “Nitalia’s Purple Goodies” to oncology units across the valley. Partnering with local businesses, we deliver food and drinks to families who are in the hospital and can’t afford to eat away from home. The Purple Power Rover helps us to accomplish that as well as many of our other programs.
AFM: How has the Purple Society affected the Valley?
AC: The Purple Society is the first childhood cancer foundation in the Valley that not only educates Arizona families, but also those fighting childhood cancer worldwide. The organization was founded by a 12-year-old hometown girl with a lot of love and passion for other children fighting the same battle. Childhood cancer families need support. They need to know that someone understands what they are going through; someone that has walked in their shoes and knows how to navigate the frightening world of childhood cancer. We try to help every child in the Valley that has been diagnosed by attending doctor visits and chemo sessions. Parents aren’t always sure what to do and we help them understand their options.
AFM: How can the community get involved with Purple Society?
AC: Our annually walk, “Walk 4 Purple,” happens in September which is Childhood Cancer Awareness month. We use the walk to raise funds and spread awareness. Last year three states held the “Walk 4 Purple,” and we hope to expand that to four states this year. With more than 50 local volunteers, all of whom are involved in our various programs, we are able to keep Nitalia’s dream alive and help so many families. We are always welcoming more volunteers to the Purple Family. They just need to have a passion for saving children and changing lives…Remember, Nitalia always said: One Person CAN Make A Difference!
Baron Jabik may only weigh 11-pounds but this compact canine tends to think he’s a big dog. The purebred Miniature Pinscher struts around like a soldier, barking orders and investigating everything (including unloaded groceries) and when he finds something intriguing he comes to a screeching halt (often times his back paws come up off the ground).
The 2014 Waste Management Phoenix Open is finally here! From what to wear, to how to be polite in those huge crowds, we've narrowed down a few etiquette tips courtesy of David Engram, Mirabel Golf Club's Head Golf Professional.
This weekend is jam-packed with annual events that Valley families can’t get enough of. Join the excitement at the Phoenix Open or fund a great cause at the Bloom/Van Omen Super Bowl Party. Here are AFM's top picks for 10 Things To Do This Weekend in Phoenix: Family Edition for the weekend of Jan. 31-Feb. 2.
If you already have plans for this weekend, we strongly suggest rewriting your agenda to make room for some of the haute-est Valley events! From a decadent chocolate festival devised to ease your most fanatical cravings to a stadium filled with roaring sport-enthused fans, your weekend standards will never be the same. Here are our picks for the top things to do this weekend Jan. 30-Feb. 2.
Kathy Shayna Shocket has the inside scoop on the stories that make headlines.
Kathy's sneak peak of Richard Lewis' Super Bowl ad and behind the scenes of his Scottsdale visit.
Mylee is a two-year-old Dachshund mix and Rian is a five-year-old purebred German Shepherd.
Dana Campbell Saylor is the CEO of Arizona YWCA Metropolitan Phoenix, an organization dedicated to eliminating discrimination and promoting peace and justice for all. Here, AFM interviews Saylor on their programs, the upcoming 2014 Tribute to Leadership Gala, and how they continue to empower women all over the Valley every day.
AFM: How does the Arizona YWCA Metropolitan Phoenix help women from all around the Valley?
DS: We are the oldest women's organization in Arizona, and strive to eliminate discrimination and empower women to grow both personally and professionally. We want women to achieve their full potential, and we help them with our wide range of programs. We educate them on managing finances, and give them tools that help women learn not only how money works, but how to become self-sufficient and break the cycle of poverty. One of the women we have worked with was a single mom in the projects. We helped her develop goals, a budget, and credit to get out of debt and create a better life for her and her child. Last December, I was informed she bought her first home, and is exceeding the goals she made when she first began working with us. We are an organization that continues to care about the wellbeing of our clients.
AFM: What other programs do your mentors teach women about?
DS: We also have a Women's Empowerment Lecture series, where we deal with issues that women and their families face. We teach young women how to make better choices for themselves, and give them the confidence they need, for example, in a job interview. Unlike men, women have the feeling of being so happy to have received a job offer at all, that they do not possess the skills or self-esteem to negotiate a starting salary. We support giving women the knowledge and skills it takes to succeed in the professional world.
AFM: Tell us about the upcoming Tribute to Leadership Gala.
DS: On Feb. 1, we will be hosting our annual gala at the Ritz-Carlton, Phoenix where we recognize outstanding individuals in our community who embody the YW's mission of eliminating discrimination and giving women the tools they need to feel empowered. A few of our 2014 Tribute to Leadership Honorees include Mrs. McCain of the McCain Institute, and Chevy Humphrey of the Arizona Science Center. For a full list of our honorees, please visit our website at www.ywcaaz.org. This event is our main fundraiser for other popular programs that we offer, such as the 'Meals on Wheels' program where we deliver warm and fresh food to the elderly and disabled every day.
Individual tickets are $350, or a table of eight for $3500. To order tickets, contact Regina Edwards at regina.edwards@ywcaaz.org.
The last several years have done wonders for building awareness around the importance of early detection of breast cancer. The public has an understanding like never before of the life-saving measures that self-breast exams and regular mammograms can have on a woman’s health.
While early detection and regular checks are incredibly important, many women are often baffled about what to do once they discover what they’ve been checking for – a lump in the breast. Many find themselves asking what happens next. Do I call my doctor immediately? What can I expect after that call? What are the chances this is cancer?
As a radiologist specializing in breast imaging for EVDI Medical Imaging, I’m often one of the first doctors that women see, usually after being seen by their primary doctor. I hear first-hand the number of questions they have after finding a lump in their breast.
Below are five steps you can expect after you find a lump that will help give you an understanding of what lies ahead:
1. Call your primary physician. When doing your monthly self-breast exam, call your primary care physician if you feel any unusual changes in your breasts. It is important to start with your primary physician first, rather than calling a breast imaging center or a surgeon, because these specialists often require a referral. In addition, your primary physician will help you determine if this next step is even necessary. Once you have made this first call, your primary physician will guide you on what to do next.
2. Book an appointment with a referred specialist. As mentioned above, your primary physician will advise you on next steps. This will usually involve a mammogram, a breast ultrasound or both. A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast that can help determine if there is an abnormality associated with your lump. More importantly, the mammogram is used to screen the rest of the breast tissue for anything abnormal that cannot be felt. An ultrasound looks inside the breast by using soundwaves and can usually help breast imaging specialists determine if a lump is normal breast tissue, a liquid-filled cyst or a solid mass. Depending on an individual’s age and situation, one or both of these studies is usually needed to determine if the lump is concerning or not. Those results will determine if a future action, such as a biopsy, is needed.
3. Get a second opinion. Once the results of a mammogram, an ultrasound, or a biopsy are available, a doctor should be able to tell you if the lump is benign or cancerous. If it is normal or benign, a doctor will usually not recommend any further action; rather, he or she will likely encourage you to keep an eye on it and schedule a follow-up appointment. Sometimes an examination by a breast surgeon is recommended despite normal tests. For individuals who receive a breast cancer diagnosis, it is always wise to get a second opinion from other breast cancer specialists before scheduling surgery, beginning radiation or undergoing chemotherapy.
4. Become as knowledgeable as possible. Whether the lump is benign or cancerous, be sure to become knowledgeable about the next steps with your doctor and specialists. This means coming to doctor appointments with a written list of any questions, asking for informational pamphlets and chatting with other women who have been through a similar scenario. It is often helpful to bring a friend or family member with you as a second pair of “ears”. Be sure you are proactive in learning about your condition, which will help you make better decisions.
5. Check in regularly. Your doctor will have recommendations for the frequency of follow-up appointments or future procedures. It is important to follow through on scheduling these during the recommended time period for optimal health. Even if you have a cancer in remission, be sure to stay current on regular check-ups to make sure the cancer has not come back. Early detection of breast cancer is the key to a good outcome.
Dr. Thuy Vo is a radiologist specializing in breast imaging for EVDI Medical Imaging, the Valley’s leading imaging center. Visit http://www.evdi.com/.
From Stephen Clifford, Registered Investment Advisor Representative
The Winfield Group - Scottsdale, Arizona
The word "millionaire" typically conjures up images of a lavish, jet-setting lifestyle, but behind the scenes, that may not always be the case. Like Warren Buffett, who famously still lives in the relatively modest house in Omaha, Nebraska, that he bought in 1958 for $31,500, many millionaires (and billionaires) live a modest, if not downright frugal lifestyle--a lifestyle that may have helped them become millionaires in the first place.
Trigger is a brown and white speckled 4-year-old, purebred, German Short haired pointer.
Envisioning a world where all LGBTQ youth and young adults are embraced for who they are, actively involved in their communities, and empowered to become influential leaders, is the purpose behind what one•n•ten stands for. This nonprofit organization has spent the last 20 years encouraging and empowering the LGBTQ community. Linda Elliot, the executive director, gave us more insight about the organization’s involvement in the Valley.
AFM: one•n•ten is a very unique name. Tell us about how this organization started.
LE: one•n•ten was founded in 1993 by a group of community members to provide a safe and welcoming space for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning (LGBTQ) youth. one•n•ten enhances lives by providing empowering social and service programs that promote self-expression, self-acceptance, leadership development and healthy life choices. When founded, it was generally accepted that about 1 in 10 people were gay or lesbian.
AFM: What age range do you normally work with?
LE: Our youth range from 14-24 years old, although at our OUTdoor Camp, youth as young as 11 are participants. 40 percent of all homeless youth are LGBTQ, yet they only represent 5-10 percent of the youth population. It is a critical problem that we have begun to address through our supportive housing program. We currently have 15 youth in this program, and except for three who came into the program late last year, all are employed, in school, or both. By the end of summer we will have 25-30 youth in the housing program.
AFM: What kind of programs have you created for the youth and young adults involved in your organization?
LE: Since moving to our new 3000-sq.-ft. Youth Center in 2012, we have been able to greatly expand our programs and services. We have provided programming on suicide prevention and HIV prevention for many years and have offered OUTdoor Camp each summer for the last 6 years. In the last two years, we have added Q High, a high school diploma program for youth who have dropped out of school because they did not feel safe; Promise of a New Day supportive housing program for homeless LGBTQ youth; and arts, music, dance, poetry, and physical recreation have also been added to our programs. We are developing a Learning Lab to provide job readiness skills for our at-risk youth.
AFM: Can you tell me more about the 5th Annual Fresh Brunch?
LE: Our 5th Annual Fresh Brunch will be held Feb. 16 at the Arizona Biltmore Resort in the Frank Lloyd Wright Ballroom. We expect 1,000 guests at the event which will feature entertainment by our youth, a live and silent Auction. Wells Fargo is the presenting sponsor. For tickets visit www.onenten.org.
AFM: How has one•n•ten impacted the Valley?
LE: We have provided a critical resource to LGBTQ youth in the Valley and served almost 2,500 youth with various programs and services. LGBTQ youth are eight times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers so our suicide prevention, self-acceptance and OUTdoor Camp programs truly save lives. In short, one•n•ten provides support, friendship, resources and hope to youth who have been abused, marginalized or rejected because of who they are.
Tis a merry weekend with events all around the Valley, like ye old Renaissance Festival, Glendale's delicious Chocolate Affaire, and the vibrant Parada del Sol Parade. Read more to see AFM's top finds for fun, unique things to do for families in Phoenix. Huzzah!
Q&A with Kaine Fisher, Chairman of Rose Law Group Family Law Department
“It has now been 3 weeks since I filed for divorce. I have small children with my spouse. Our emotions are running high and things have become nasty. I really want to make sure I do the right thing by my children. I don’t want them to be screwed up after the dust settles. Can you lend any guidance?”
