by Bill Petus | Apr 19, 2023 | Community Services
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — One of the tastiest annual traditions, AJ’s The Art of Wine and Tastes of Summer, is returning next month to Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts.
AJ’s Fine Foods will present the fundraiser from noon to 3 p.m. May 20, 2023, for Scottsdale Arts, the nonprofit arts organization that operates the center. This annual affair is an opportunity to taste a curated list of wines along with epicurean pairings in an entertaining setting while supporting the arts.
The tasting list is hand-selected by AJ’s Cellar Masters and features selections from the store’s Summer Wine Spectacular and Love of…® Rosé selections. Between tastings, guests will be invited to partake in a silent auction offering fine wines, elaborate gift baskets, culinary accessories and other items from AJ’s and its partners. Attendees planning to stock their wine cellars will save 25% on orders of six or more bottles at the event.
Proceeds from AJ’s The Art of Wine and Tastes of Summer benefits programming offered by Scottsdale Arts and its branches: Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA), Scottsdale Public Art, Scottsdale Arts Learning & Innovation, Canal Convergence and Civic Center Live!
“We’re delighted to welcome AJ’s Fine Foods back for another delectable serving of The Art of Wine and Tastes of Summer,” said Erin Krivanek, director of development for Scottsdale Arts. “This annual celebration of the best wines and luxurious pairings is an important fundraiser for the diverse artistic and educational programs we offer throughout Scottsdale.”
AJ’s Fine Foods is a destination for upscale gourmet products throughout the greater Phoenix area. Its boutique-like atmosphere offers a wide range of unique food items, products and services.
“This is one of our favorite events of the year!” said Jayson Mead, AJ’s vice president. “It brings together our love of community, the arts and a celebration of our wide assortment of epicurean delicacies, from wine to one-of-a-kind giftables and everything culinary in between.”
Tickets to AJ’s The Art of Wine and Tastes of Summer are $50 to $75. VIP early entry begins at noon on May 20 while general entry begins at 1 p.m. Learn more at ScottsdaleArts.org/events. For additional information AJ’s Fine Foods visit AJsFineFoods.com.
by Bill Petus | Apr 19, 2023 | Community Services
In celebration of Earth Day this Saturday, Vali Homes invites the public to tour a unique home built specifically to optimize the residents’ health in the Sonoran Desert. This new Phoenix home blends new technologies with traditional ancient building techniques and scientific principles such as Biomimicry to bring the best of the outdoors inside while sealing out allergens, noise, and toxins. Scientific experts will be available to explain the green living space and what goes into building a green living environment.
First-of-its-kind sustainable house completed in Phoenix.
- Perfect Air Quality With a built-in CO2 Meter, this sophisticated air filtration system adjusts when it senses unhealthy contaminants like cooking food and cleans the air immediately.
- Framed Wool and Wood Wool from New Zealand sheep fills these walls rather than toxic spray foam insulation and OSB board. Gutex wood-fiber boards from Germany protect the home from leaks and moisture that can lead to mold and health problems.
- Designed to last 100+ years- This home is built with data from over 10,000 homes and the 5 Factors of Good Building.
- Designed to mimic the Saguaro cactus The home was built to be compatible with Phoenix’s unique Sonoran Desert climate including the use of wide-ranging and scientifically tested principles such as Biophilia, Biomimicry, and Passive House.
- Leading-edge efficiency standards Vali Homes’ high-efficiency standards allow homeowners to save close to $800 a month, thanks to lower utility and maintenance costs.
Who: Vali Homes scientists and architects will be present for interviews and to give walk-throughs of the house.
When: 1-3 p.m. Saturday, April 22 (Earth Day)
Where: 1740 E. Ocotillo Road, Unit 1, Phoenix, AZ 85016
2023’s Earth Day theme is “Invest in Our Planet”. This tour will educate visitors and explain why many modern energy-efficient homes can actually create unhealthy living conditions and how they can use scientific principles to upgrade their homes.
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About Vali Homes:
Vali Homes LLC is a development company and sustainability consultancy group focused on creating healthier homes with a focus on contemporary design. From energy efficiency to aesthetics, Vali Homes designs and builds the highest-quality homes from combined expertise in architecture, science, and nature while using a wide range and scientifically tested principles such as Biophilia, Biomimicry, Passive House, and other sustainability-driven concepts. Vali Homes’ leaders have years of experience testing and honing holistically good building methods based on data from 10,000 homes to formulate scientific guides to building a healthy, comfortable, and low-carbon home. Vali’s scientifically based methodology and high ethical standards are helping to revolutionize the future of housing while ensuring structures can be enjoyed by future generations.
by Bill Petus | Dec 27, 2021 | Community Services
Tempe, AZ (December 27, 2021) – The Valley construction industry has come together to build a special Christmas for hundreds of children in need through the Arizona Builders Alliance’s (ABA) annual toy drive. Approximately 150 construction companies, including Rosendin, JE Dunn Construction, McCarthy Building Companies, and Hensel Phelps, and their employees donated tons of toys and $50,000+ to the 13th Annual ABA Community Service Board’s 2021 Toy Drive to donate to five nonprofit organizations all serving underprivileged children in Arizona.
The benefiting organizations included Sunshine Acres Children’s Home, Sunshine Residential Homes, Sequoia Charter School, Santo Niño Catholic Community, and ASA Now. Toys were presented to children at Sunshine Acres Children’s Home in Mesa during their annual Christmas Party, in which each child received $125 worth of toys from the wish lists that each put together. Children opened their presents, sang carols, played games, and got to meet with Santa and Mrs. Claus while celebrating the joy of the holiday. The ABA delivering Christmas cheer at this party has become a staple in the Sunshine Acres community.
“Running the annual toy drive and visiting Sunshine Acres never stops being rewarding,” says Erica Lange, ABA Vice President. “We see the way the children at the home remember us year after year. We have even had children grow up to pursue a career in the construction industry and join the ABA because of the impact we made on them each Christmas.”
Arizona’s construction industry also collected truckloads of gifts and toys for Sunshine Residential Homes in Glendale, Sequoia Charter School in Mesa, and Santo Niño Catholic Community in Phoenix. These charities serve children who are separated from their parents, survived abuse and neglect, or whose families cannot afford to buy Christmas gifts. The ABA also donated $5000 in toys to ASA Now, an organization that advocates, supports, and assists children and families impacted by foster care.
“This year, Rosendin got the opportunity to adopt a third-grade classroom at Sequoia Charter School and deliver gifts to them specialized from each student’s wish list,” said Aimee Olmedo, Rosendin Outreach Director, and ABA Community Service Board member. “It was so rewarding to see the smiles on their faces when we finally got to give them the gifts we had been collecting for weeks in preparation. As we collaborate with our fellow construction companies for this event every year, I am grateful to be a part of such a giving industry.”
About Arizona Builders Alliance:
The ABA exists for the purpose of advancing the productivity and profitability of our members and the construction industry. The ABA is an affiliation of the Associated Builders & Contractors, Inc. and the Associated General Contractors of America. Celebrating its 25th year in 2019, the ABA is proud to service the construction industry through advocacy, education, and networking opportunities in the state of Arizona. To learn more, visit us at www.azbuilders.org or call us at (602) 274-8222.
About Rosendin:
Rosendin, headquartered in San Jose, is one of the largest employee-owned electrical contractors in the United States, employing over 7,000 people, with revenues upwards of $2 billion. Established in 1919, Rosendin remains proud of our more than 100 years of building quality electrical and communications installations and value for our clients but, most importantly, for building people within our community and our company. At Rosendin, we foster a culture of diversity, inclusion, and shared ownership. For more information, visit www.rosendin.com
by Bill Petus | Jul 6, 2020 | Community Services
For more than 100 years, Lions clubs have touched the lives of millions by taking on some of the biggest challenges facing humanity. Lions are men and women who volunteer where they live, strengthening communities and lifting up the people they serve. As the world’s largest service organization, Lions Clubs International remains committed to safely serving during COVID-19. Click HERE is learn more
by Bill Petus | Mar 24, 2020 | Community Services
“We’re all in this together” is the phrase that everyone hears now. And it is so true. We have to look out for our neighbors and them for us as we go through this Covid-19 crisis. And many business owners are accommodating this “Safer at Home” status that we are in by doing special things, like special exclusive store hours for seniors, home delivery, donating a portion of their sales receipts to help those in need, providing items for “Grab N Go” breakfasts and lunches for kids out of school, and more. If your business is doing something to help, let the Valley know by putting your message in a 30-second announcement on 96.5FM and sending it out to over 50,000 listeners. You can purchase these right now for the discounted price of only $25 per spot ( minimum 4 spots per business), which will include helping you to put your message in announcement form and voicing it ( recording the actual message). If interested please call 480-319-6565 or email [email protected].
