Page 14 March 2015 Mindful in the classroom By Christina Surrano Arcadia schools are fortunate to have many talented and dedicated teachers. This month, Amanda Goossen, managing editor of Arcadia News , surprised Michele Brick of Arcadia Montessori in her classroom. Amanda presented Mrs. Brick with the Teachers We Love award. Her awed preschool students were able to share the moment. Former student, Mason Sluyk and his mother, Kim nominated Mrs. Brick for the award. Kim said of Mrs. Brick, “She has a special way of managing a group of 3- to 5-year-old children. It really is quite amazing!” After 26 years of teaching, driven by a calling she felt before she began her college education, it’s easy to imagine that she has developed some fine-tuned skills. But there is something beyond what one might expect that she is able to bring to her class. Most dedicated teachers want to instill a lifelong love of learning in their students. Mrs. Brick continues to set this example herself. Her interest in self- improvement through meditation and yoga, eventually led her to complete the training to become a yoga teacher at the Chopra Center University in Carlsbad, California. The practice of breathing exercises, meditation and yoga are tools not only valued by spiritual gurus, but highly successful executives, entrepreneurs and athletes as well. Mrs. Brick’s yoga instructor training involved all of these techniques, which can bring about better focus, performance and contentment. Her students benefit not only from her improved teaching that is the result of her personal yoga practice, but also from the yoga they get to do together in the classroom. When asked what her teaching has taught her about herself, Mrs. Brick shared, “There really are no mistakes in life, there are only lessons. Things happen, you move on, they change you and you learn from your mistakes.” When parents ask her what they can do for their children at home, her advice is to let the children learn practical life lessons, involving them in what you, the parent, do. She adds that children also learn by example. Teachers chosen for the Arcadia News Teachers We Love Award receive an Arcadia News tote and T-shirt, a $125.00 gift certificate from Salon Sandoval, a gift certificate for dinner for two at The Henry and an invitation to an end of the year luncheon for the year’s winners at The Henry. To nominate your teacher visit arcadianews.com. Kim Sluyk was so impressed with her son’s Montessori teacher last year, she recently nominated her for the Teachers We Love award. Teachers We Love Mrs. Brick takes time on the playground with Mason, who is no longer in her class but still part of her day. Helping Buyers and Sellers Find their Dream Home 7656 E. Rancho Vista Drive, Scottsdale I have lived in Arcadia for over 13 years and have longtime connections at Hopi, Ingleside, Arcadia High School, Arizona School for the Arts and Prince of Peace preschool and church. I live, breathe and run in Arcadia every day! Fabulous opportunity to bring Mom and Dad closer to you and their grandchildren! This charming home in the Active Adult Community (Age 55 and up) of Historic Villa Monterey offers 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and 1,890 square feet. Private back patio boasts two tangerine trees and plenty of room for outdoor entertaining. Minutes to Arcadia, Fashion Square, Old Town and Scottsdale Waterfront. MLS 5223018 Emily Whitwell 480-216-1443 Emily.whitwell@bhhsaz.com www.emilywhitwell.com A BREAKDOWN IS NEVER LUCKY. SCHEDULE YOUR SUMMER TUNE-UP! Family Owned & Operated Licensed, Bonded & Insured Service & Install on all Makes & Models Free Estimates on New Equipment RESIDENTAL & COMRAL REBATES & CREDITS AVAILABLE! ITAL NEW ENVINENTALY FIEY /C SE! ROC Licenses: 80131, 80132, 80133 R E F R I G E R AT I O N A I R C O N D I T I O N I N G R E S I D E N T I A L C O M M E R C I A L 3231 East Washington 602-957-3745 www.AccuTempAZ.com Bill Murley, President ACCUTEMP IS AN APS/SRP QUALIFIED CONTRACTOR /C • HETIG • LOW EMP • I MIN & MOR!
Page 15 March 2015 Behind the Business By Rachael Bouley The story behind TableGarden, a local business that makes and sells raised gardening beds, began 2 1/2 years ago with a husband wanting to help out his wife. Robert Yen, a Phoenix-based lawyer, was not looking to establish a business, but rather find a solution for his wife, Li Yen. He had noticed that, as an avid gardener, she was constantly bending and kneeling while tending to their vegetable garden. “As I watched her stooping down to plant, it struck me how awkward gardening can be, especially for people with a bad back, knees or physical limitations,” Yen said. When she expressed her desire for a raised garden bed, Yen set out to find one, to no avail. “Not finding anything, my wife challenged me to make one. I like a challenge,” Yen said. Yen accepted the challenge, and despite little experience with designing and building, he drew up plans and went to a hardware store to gather supplies. He returned home and got to work on creating a mobile, raised gardening bed to make his wife’s hobby easier. This side project became an obsession for him, and he went above and beyond as he created 10 prototypes in an effort to find the most functional design. After he achieved the ideal table, he made several more for his house. His family members began asking him to create tables for them, and that’s when he began to think about the numerous people who could benefit from the product. “I enlisted the help of a childhood friend who is an architect and developer,” Yen said. “Together we designed a table that was easier to build, ship and assemble.” Today, Yen and his business partner, Alan Tang, make each table from sustainable redwood and absorbent felt comprised of recycled water bottles. The design is patented, and they have created a KinderGarden for young children, so they can experience the joys of gardening, too. Now, the Yen’s front yard is complete with six TableGardens, full of delicious and healthy vegetables. Even the family dogs join in the gardening fun, waiting under the tables for treats in the form of small tomatoes. For Yen, the best part of the business is getting to interact with customers who are excited about gardening and growing their own vegetables in a comfortable fashion. They all bond over a love of gardening and planting. To find out more about TableGarden visit tablegarden.net. Side project becomes successful TableGarden business 6119 N 5 TH PLACE | $679,900 3,046 Square Feet | 13,878 Square Foot Lot Completely remodeled home in an amazing neighborhood in the Central Corridor. 4 bed, 3 bath split floor plan with high end finishes throughout. CALL FOR PRIVATE SHOWING LUXURY REMODEL IN CENTRAL CORRIDOR 6804 E GOLD DUST AVE | $674,900 2,426 Square Feet | 35,444 Square Foot Lot Fully remodeled 2,426 square foot home with 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms situated on a large corner lot with a pool, RV gate, and more. LUXURY REMODEL IN PARADISE VALLEY 5431 E ROCKRIDGE ROAD | CALL FOR PRICING Acre+ Lot | 4 Bedrooms | 4,242 Square Feet Gorilla Capital purchases properties with cash, requiring no concessions, inspections, or repairs, and then renovates them into remarkable homes. If you or someone you know is interested in Gorilla Capital and what we can do for you, contact John today! JOHN KLOCEK 602.639.0088 jklocek@gorillacapital.com gorillacapital.com