Issuu

D E C E M B E R 2 02 1 | TH E W I N TE R + R E V E L I S S U E

Merry & Bright

LIFESTYLE LETTER

DECEMBER 2021 PUBLISHER

Sherry York | sherry.york@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Happy Everything Holidays!

Rebecca L. Rhoades | rebecca.rhoades@lifestylepubs.com

FRIENDS,

L AYO UT DESIGNER

AD DESIGNER

Whitney Lockhart

Dani Moore

Here come Hanukkah, Christmas, New Year's Eve and more. Many of us will get to gather with friends and family in person this year. However you celebrate your holidays, I hope you are able to take some time to slow down, connect and recharge. It's the season for parties, friends, family, food, gifts and fun. But it's also the time

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Alison Bailin Batz, Allison Gibeson, Geri Koeppel CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Janie Jones, Mindy Wester

of year that we can truly make a difference to others if we'll look around to find a person, family or organization to help. In this issue, we'll introduce you to Ahwatukee resident Jim Kebert and share the many organizations that the Fiesta Bowl gives to. We highlight some auto dealerships and the local charities that they are involved with as well as the general managers' picks for the luxury cars they would each choose to gift a loved one. Finally, we are so proud to feature the incredible giving that our own parent company, City Lifestyle, does. Our friend Mindy Wester shares her gorgeous tablescapes and gives some practical ideas on how you can prepare for the holidays. Our gift guide shows some incredible ideas that you can shop for locally, which is such a win.

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

Finally, you'll get to meet the folks at Amadio Ranch. Perhaps you'll consider incorporating some of their goodies into one of your meals this season.

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

We hope you love this issue and that it inspires you in some way — to give, to celebrate or to show someone love. Be blessed, 514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

Sherry York, Publisher

CityLifestyle.com/Ahwatukee ON THE COVER Holiday Decor to Inspire PHOTOGRAPHY BY MINDY WESTER 4

City Lifestyle Ahwatukee | December 2021

Proverbs 3:5-6 City Lifestyle Ahwatukee™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Ahwatukee area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in City LifestyleAhwatukee™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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INSIDE THE ISSUE DECEMBER 2021

FEATURES 9 Farm to (Holiday) Table Make Flavor the Star of Your Holiday Feast with Farm-Fresh Ingredients from Amadio Ranch

12 Setting the Scene Creating a Stylish and Welcoming Holiday Home is Easy with These Helpful Tips

24 If Wishes Had Wheels Five Local Car Dealers Share Which Vehicles They’d Give to Their Loved Ones — Big Red Bow Included

28 Gratefully Giving Away Lifestyle Publications is Giving

12 9

$300,000 to Neighbors in Need this Christmas Season

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Culinary Creations

Open House

20 Hometown Hero 24 Driver’s Notebook 28 Giving Back 33 Realty Report 34 Lifestyle Calendar

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City Lifestyle Ahwatukee | December 2021

City Lifestyle YOUR DIGITAL DESTINATION FOR LOCAL LIVING

CULINARY CREATIONS

MAKE FLAVOR THE STAR OF YOUR HOLIDAY FEAST WITH FARM-FRESH INGREDIENTS FROM AMADIO RANCH

fa r m to ( hol iday) ta ble ARTICLE GERI KOEPPEL

IF YOU’RE LOOKING TO JAZZ UP YOUR HOLIDAY DINNERS THIS YEAR AND MAYBE START SOME NEW TRADITIONS, AMADIO RANCH HERITAGE FARM HAS A BUSHEL OF IDEAS FOR YOU. Christina Amadio and her husband, Eric, run the 1.5-acre Laveen farm and also sell their produce, honey, jams, pies and more at weekly pop-up markets in Ahwatukee, Gilbert and Phoenix. “Eric and I are very hands-on,” Christina says. “We run the whole farm and have family members and very good friends who work for us and help us. Everything is very simply made with very natural ingredients.” People line up at the Ahwatukee farm stand all year for their pies, made by hand using an old family recipe. They have an extensive selection, from classics like apple, blueberry and pecan to regional delicacies, such as strawberry rhubarb and key lime. The couple make about 2,000 pies for the December holidays. And while Christina doesn’t whip up a huge holiday meal, she has recommendations for how to add a locavore twist to your family recipes. Amadio Ranch makes three types of honey — Laveen alfalfa, Laveen mesquite and a wildflower from Texas — that can sweeten up everything from sweet potatoes to after-dinner coffee and tea. For a ham glaze, try the mildly flavored mesquite, or, she adds, “If you want to go for a smoky taste, go for a wildflower.” Another idea is to combine honey with their apricot jam for a ham or turkey glaze.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Ahwatukee

CULINARY CREATIONS (CONTINUED)

GET THE GOODS

+ AHWATUKEE POP-UP MARKET: 3:30-6:30 p.m. Fridays

+ GILBERT POP-UP MARKET: 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays

+ UPTOWN FARMERS MARKET: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays Pre-order online at amadioranch.com to pick up, and many pies can be shipped. Check the website for details on holiday pie pick-up days and times in December. The farm stand in Laveen is open 24/7, 365 days a year. For the appetizer tray, they have an extensive line of pickles, including pickled okra and beets, which make for a nice color contrast. Christina suggests using garlic dill pickles in potato salad, or for more zip, try the jalapeño dill. Other appetizer ideas: Pair baked brie with cherry jam or hot peach preserves, or use plum butter on a cracker or as a dip for fresh vegetables. Making tamales for Christmas? Amadio Ranch offers peach or chile relleno salsa, perfect for topping those treats. The peach salsa also adds a sweet note to salads and fish tacos, if you’re going for a lighter take. For desserts (besides their pies), Christina says, “People like to make the little butter cookies with jam in the middle, so you’ve got all kinds of variety,” from berry to mango. “Then we have our FROG preserves — fig, raspberry, orange and ginger. That just says ‘the holidays.’ That’s an old-world holiday taste right there on its own.”

City Lifestyle Ahwatukee | December 2021

AMADIO RANCH’S SUGAR COOKIES + 1 cup margarine (not butter) + 3/4 cup vegetable oil + 2 eggs + 1 cup sugar + 1 cup powdered sugar + 1 teaspoon salt + 1/2 teaspoon vanilla + 4 cups flour + 1 teaspoon baking soda + 1 teaspoon cream of tartar + Colored sugar for decoration Cream together margarine, vegetable oil, eggs, sugar, powdered sugar, salt and vanilla. Add flour, baking soda and cream of tartar. Mix well. Take tablespoon-size scoop of dough and roll into a ball. Press dough down with the bottom of a glass dipped in colored sugar.

“Er ic a nd I a re ver y ha nds- on. We r u n the whole fa r m. Ever y th i ng is ver y si mply made w ith ver y nat u ra l i ngred ients.” — Ch r ist i na A mad io

Bake at 375 degrees for 8-9 minutes until bottom of cookie is light brown. CityLifestyle.com/Ahwatukee

OPEN HOUSE

SETTING THE SCENE AS A STAY-AT-HOME MOM OF FOUR BOYS, MINDY WESTER IS ALWAYS LOOKING FOR WAYS TO ADD A FEMININE TOUCH TO HER HOME. Using items that she already owned and transforming thrifted and sale items, she realized she had a knack for decorating — and when it comes to the holiday season, she loves to go all out. The local influencer first got involved with social media about four years ago by creating letterboard quotes of the funny things her kids said that she would share on Instagram. She quickly built up a following. Now, she’s sharing her design touch in the hopes of that everyone can make their surroundings a little bit more delightful. “I discovered that I really like making my house look prettier,” she says. “I decided to start sharing my decorating tips because I realized that the kids were getting older, and I wouldn’t have as much humor coming from a toddler. So I went into decor. Decorating is a creative outlet of my motherhood.”

City Lifestyle Ahwatukee | December 2021

CREATING A STYLISH AND WELCOMING HOLIDAY HOME IS EASY WITH THESE HELPFUL TIPS

HOLIDAYS ARTICLE REBECCA L. RHOADES

PHOTOGRAPHY MINDY WESTER

MIX AND MATCH

Instead of using a complete set of chinaware, Wester

mixes dishes that she uses every day with ones she found at Goodwill to create a visually striking place setting. Metallic trim adds a touch of glam to the table. In each bowl, she adds a small ornament that guests can take with them when they leave.

LOOK UP Don’t forget to decorate your light fixtures. Faux greenery and simple strands of plastic beads can elevate a not-so-exciting chandelier.

ADD NATURE “I used antlers on the tree and repeated them on the tablescape,” Wester says. Save money by using faux evergreen boughs layered with pine cones and beads in white and gold for a vignette that is easy to accomplish but looks expensive. Wester also recommends using sprigs of desert broom. “It looks like a tree branch, but it’s a common weed,” she notes.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Ahwatukee

DECORATING OPEN HOUSE (CONTINUED)

This year, Wester decided to forgo the traditional greens

and reds of Christmas and instead selected a soft, flirty color scheme that includes silvers, golds and various shades of blush. “People get sick of the same thing year after year. I always did red and green, and it’s what the fam-

ALL ABOUT ANGLES

ily always wanted, but this year I decided to try something

Add some unexpected drama by draping your table

a little different,” she explains. “I love blush. It’s so subtle

runner across the corner of the table. Wester used a

and not offensive, but it’s also unexpected. I’ve seen a lot of

sheer fabric she found at Hobby Lobby. “I measured

unexpected color palettes this year, including blues, which

my table and added about 3 feet of extra material that

are usually associated with Hannukah.”

would drape off the side,” she explains.

Wester is always on the lookout throughout the year for decor items that she can incorporate into her holiday designs. Inexpensive thrift store candleholders, large swaths of fabric, cardboard boxes from arts and craft stores, even found items, such as pine cones, are given new life through her creative vision. “Last year, I used butcher paper as a table runner,” she remarks. “I just laid it across the table. You can write Bible verses, Psalms or even song lyrics on it.

LITTLE TOUCHES, BIG IMPACT Wester topped a sideboard mirror with a faux evergreen garland and a string of bells that she used on her stairway last year. “Instead of draping it evenly across, hang it asymmetrically. It gives it a more dramatic appearance,” she suggests. “And command hooks are key. They don’t take the paint off your walls or ruin the finish on furniture.”

City Lifestyle Ahwatukee | December 2021

FRESH COLORS Pink is typically not associated with Christmas, but Wester created this stunning centerpiece with a mix of festive pink-, purple- and blush-colored candle-

TABLESCAPE

sticks. “It’s fun to try something a little different,” she

says. She collected the brass-hued candleholders at Goodwill and spray painted them to match.

ELEMENT OF SURPRISE

Using wreaths from Target’s Dollar Spot and white rib-

bon, Wester added a pop of elegance to simple dining chairs. “The cheap wreaths and nice ribbon look rich

together,” she explains. “I didn’t even tie a bow. I literally just crimped the ribbon and let it flow.”

MEET THE DESIGNER

Mindy Wester is a stay-at-home mom of four boys,

including twins. You can find more of her decorating tips on Instagram at @house_on_oak_hill.

“You have to be able to see the possibility of what something could become,” she continues. “Spray paint is my best friend. Something might look ugly when you first see it, but if it has good shape and structure, it can easily be changed into something beautiful. I usually do my Christmas shopping after the holidays, and I get whatever the general public doesn’t want. Get it for cheap, and then you can embellish it later.” And don’t overlook Mother Nature’s offerings. “Adding nature into your home makes it feel more special,” Wester adds. “Gather branches and plant leaves from an area park or wash. Bake orange slices and add them to your tablescape, or string popcorn on your tree. It’s attainable décor that’s not necessarily over-the-top Christmas-y but instead simply unexpectedly beautiful.”

CityLifestyle.com/Ahwatukee

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RALLY EARRINGS Navajo jeweler Michelle Lee, born and raised in Arizona, makes various colors of hand-beaded hoops with 55-millimeter silver-plated stainless steel and glass beads using two primary patterns.

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ARTICLE GERI KOEPPEL

City Lifestyle Ahwatukee | December 2021

SOUTH MOUNTAIN PARK AND PRESERVE BOOK Subtitled “A Guide to the Trails, Plants, and Animals in Phoenix’s Most Popular City Park,” this work by Ahwatukee’s Andrew Lenartz is a loving tribute to the community’s focal point, weaving in history, geology, biology and more. CHANGI NGHAN DS .COM , $19.95

Ahwatukee’s only brewery offers 32-ounce crowlers of its beloved beers to go. Pick up seasonal selections for stocking stuffers, or leave one for Santa—he’s sure to put you on the “nice” list, despite the naughty name. WICKED - B BS .COM , $9

Sara Lima’s eye-catching glass flowers adorn many an Ahwatukee yard and home. The self-taught artist won first place at an international glass art show.

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WINE BAR GIFT CARD With its shareable plates, laid-back patio, live music, and stellar selection of wines and craft beer, The Cellar is one of the most popular hangouts in the community. Buy a $100 gift certificate in December and get an extra $20.

CityLifestyle.com/Ahwatukee

HOMETOWN HERO

AHWATUKEE RESIDENT JIM KEBERT SCORES TOUCHDOWN FOR COMMUNITY THROUGH VOLUNTEERISM WITH FIESTA BOWL

more than a game THERE ARE FEW THINGS JIM KEBERT LOVES MORE THAN LIVING IN AHWATUKEE, WHERE HE HAS BEEN A RESIDENT SINCE 1986. At the top of his list is being a Fiesta Bowl Yellow Jacket Committee Member since 1999. Named the Fiesta Bowl’s Frank Snell Lifetime Achievement Award Winner for his two-decade dedication to the organization, Kebert is proud of the philanthropic impact the Fiesta Bowl has FIESTA BOWL KABOOM PLAYGROUND BUILDS

In honor of the upcoming PlayStation Fiesta Bowl,

In 2016, the Bowl partnered with KABOOM!, a

which will take place on Jan. 1. 2022, at State Farm

national nonprofit that builds playgrounds in under-

Stadium, Kebert shares some of the lesser-known

served communities, and committed to building two

community projects he and his committee have accom-

local playgrounds a year, with the goal of providing

plished in recent years:

a safe space for kids throughout the entire state of Arizona. To date, they’ve built 10 playgrounds statewide,

DESERT FINANCIAL FIESTA BOWL CHARITIES

including the most recent build to support A New Leaf’s

WISHES FOR TEACHERS

East Valley After School Program.

In what has become an annual tradition to honor, support and celebrate Arizona’s teachers, this program

ARIZONA MILK PRODUCERS FIESTA BOWL

has granted $4.7 million to more than 1,200 Arizona

YOUTH FOOTBALL CLINIC

teachers, impacting over 500,000 children across the

Each year, kids ages 7-14 participate in this free non-

state since its inception. The 2021 Virtual Draft Day

contact clinic to learn more than just the fundamentals

event presented by SRP, which took place over three

(though those are taught as well). Participants spend the

days in November, granted 400 K-12 public and charter

day learning, practicing and going through various drills

school teachers each a $2,500 wish to implement in

while developing confidence, a strong work ethic and

their classrooms.

motivation that will help them succeed on and off the field.

FIESTA BOWL CHARITABLE GIVING PROGRAM

PANDEMIC RELIEF

At the heart of the Fiesta Bowl is a simple mission: to

Amid COVID-19, Fiesta Bowl Charities donated

enhance organizations that contribute to the success of

50,000-plus pieces of personal protective equipment,

their communities through youth, sports and education.

provided nearly 3.75 million meals to those in need,

In 2021 alone, Fiesta Bowl Charities selected 51 Arizona

supported more than 688,000 youth through grant

nonprofits to receive grants, including A New Leaf,

programs and personally touched nearly 50 local non-

Ability360, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley, Gabrielle’s

profits via time and financial contributions.

Angels, HopeKids, Playworks and Ryan House, impacting more than 575,000 individuals in the process. 20

City Lifestyle Ahwatukee | December 2021

For more information on Kebert’s work with the Fiesta Bowl and its impact, visit fiestabowl.org.

ARTICLE ALISON BAILIN BATZ

had across Arizona.

CityLifestyle.com/Ahwatukee

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DRIVER’S NOTEBOOK ARTICLE REBECCA L. RHOADES

WE’VE ALL SEEN THE TV ADS. You know, the ones in which happy couples surprise each other, or their unsuspecting teens, with the gift of a $50,000 red ribbon-wrapped luxury vehicle. That’s because the holiday season is a time when dreams become realities — including the giving and receiving of gifts that go vroom. A shiny new vehicle is more than a fantasy gift for some Americans. According to The New York Times, gift sales make up 10 percent or more of December sales for some automakers — especially those that offer luxury cars. Lexus started the cars-with-bows phenomenon in 1999 with its “December to Remember” campaign. Other luxury brands that show up on lists for Santa include Mercedes, BMW, Audi, Jaguar and Land Rover. Are you thinking of giving your significant other the ultimate Christmas gift? To help you decided, we asked the general managers at five of the top local dealerships — Chapman BMW Chandler, Jaguar Land Rover Chandler, Audi Chandler, MercedesBenz of Chandler and Lexus of Chandler — what vehicles they would give to their loved ones. You can’t go wrong with these experts’ recommendations. And you’ll feel good knowing that your purchase gives back to the community. On the following pages, we share the dealers’ picks and learn about the local charities their companies support. Whatever car you pick, don’t forget the gigantic bow!

City Lifestyle Ahwatukee | December 2021

FIVE LOCAL CAR DEALERS SHARE WHICH VEHICLES THEY’D GIVE TO THEIR LOVED ONES — BIG RED BOW INCLUDED

If Wishes Had Wheels

AUDI R8 SPYDER V10 PLUS

AARON SCOTT ENRIQUEZ, GENERAL MANAGER AUDI CHANDLER

What’s more thrilling than an everyday supercar? How about a convertible roadster supercar that combines sportiness with elegance? “There aren’t too many words that can describe the thrill of getting behind the wheel of this car,” Aaron Scott Enriquez says. “The R8 is a direct reflection of how much engineering our brand puts into design and performance.” The Audi R8 Spyder V10 Plus is the most powerful production Audi available, and with a 562 horsepower V-10 engine, it is for designed for someone who loves power and speed. Adds Enriquez, “Most buyers describe this car as a dream come true.” Starting at $160,900. Audi Chandler is part of the Penske Automotive Group and actively participates in the company’s many charitable activities, including Bosom Buddies of Arizona, Paralyzed Veterans of America and Toys for Tots.

BMW M5 SHANE O’HANRAHAN, GENERAL MANAGER CHAPMAN BMW CHANDLER The BMW M5 is back and better than ever. The high-performance sports sedan boasts a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine, allowing it to achieve supercar levels of performance. “This car is the perfect size and very stylish,” Shane O’Hanrahan says. “It has 50/50 weight distribution for optimal handling and an engine designed to perform. It’s a car that checks all the boxes and something you look forward to driving every day.” Starting at $103,500. Each Chapman dealership is encouraged to give back through its Chapman Cares corporate initiative. Chapman BMW Chandler actively helps out a number of local nonprofits, including Altered Tails, Feeding America-St. Mary’s Food Bank, United Food Bank, AZCEND and Toys for Tots. “We also sponsor two to four families in need each Christmas,” O’Hanrahan notes.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Ahwatukee

DRIVER’S NOTEBOOK (CONTINUED)

J A G U A R F -T Y P E BOBBY PERICH, GENERAL MANAGER JAGUAR LAND ROVER CHANDLER With its classically designed body and V-8-only engine options, the F-Type is a throwback to the days when cars had personality and panache. “The Jaguar F-Type is a true sports car,” Bobby Perich says, who notes that the cockpit is modeled after those of military fighter jets. “Driving this is pure synergy, combining the driver, the machine and the road. The car is so responsive and true.” The F-Type is available in coupe and convertible configurations and an array of eye-catching hues, including the iconic British Racing Green. It’s sure to please the pickiest person on your gift list. Starting at $71,300. Jaguar Land Rover Chandler is part of the Penske Automotive Group and actively participates in the company’s many charitable activities as previously detailed.

LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER SPORT BOBBY PERICH, GENERAL MANAGER JAGUAR LAND ROVER CHANDLER If your loved one has craved the opulence and prestige of a Land Rover, this muscular model will make his or her dreams come true. “To me, the Range Rover Sport is the sweet spot for SUVs on the market,” Bobby Perich says. “It has all the luxury you would want, as well as all the off-road capabilities you need.” Perich points to the luxury vehicle’s striking contemporary styling, available in seven trim levels, that will turn heads upon arrival. “It’s the best-looking and most influential SUV on the road,” he adds. The spacious, luxury-lined cabin can seat up to seven and it’s loaded with top-of-the-line standard features, such as leather upholstery, a dual touch-screen high-definition infotainment system, front seats with massage functionality, an intuitive steering wheel and forward collision warning. Starting at $70,900. Jaguar Land Rover Chandler is part of the Penske Automotive Group and actively participates in the company’s many charitable activities as previously detailed.

City Lifestyle Ahwatukee | December 2021

LEXUS GX RANDALL USERY, GENERAL MANAGER LEXUS OF CHANDLER Whether you’re driving the kids to soccer practice or tacking some off-road trails, this seven-passenger SUV will get you where you need to go in style. Randall Usery purchased the 2021 model for his wife. “Safety is first,” he says. “This solidly built vehicle handles extremely well for a large SUV and also has great road-hugging capabilities.” With a 4.6-liter V-8, the GX is smooth on pavement yet equally as comfortable in the great outdoors. And with a 10.3-inch high-resolution touchscreen multimedia display with navigation, you’ll never have to worry about getting lost. “The ride and quietness of the vehicle are the among the best out there, and the technology is very easy to operate,” Usery says. “Overall, it’s just a standout type of vehicle. If you ever drive one, you’ll be hooked.” Starting at $55,425. Lexus of Chandler is part of the Penske Automotive Group and actively participates in the company’s many charitable activities as previously detailed.

MERCEDES-BENZ GLE350 JAMES KELLEY, GENERAL MANAGER MERCEDES-BENZ OF CHANDLER Janis Joplin was ahead of the holiday car-buying trend when in 1970 she sang, “Oh Lord, won’t you buy me a Mercedes Benz.” This luxurious and spacious midsize SUV features the style and off-road capabilities of many of its SUV rivals but for thousands less. “The GLE350 combines sporty looks with great safety features and plenty of space for all your family needs,” James Kelley says. “It has a very high-tech cabin with a digital dash and many connectivity features.” The dual 12.3-inch infotainment displays allow drivers to interact with the system using Mercedes’ proprietary voice-recognition experience that connects to Google or Siri. Apple CarPlay/Andriod Auto integration and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot are all standard, making keeping up with communications while on the go a little easier. Starting at $63,950. Mercedes-Benz of Chandler is part of the Penske Automotive Group and actively participates in the company’s many charitable activities as previously detailed.

CityLifestyle.com/Ahwatukee

GIVING BACK

Gratefully

ARTICLE ALLISON GIBESON PHOTOGRAPHY JANIE JONES

GIVING AWAY AFTER A SUCCESSFUL CAMPAIGN LAST YEAR, LIFESTYLE PUBLICATIONS IS GIVING $300,000 TO RECIPIENTS IN NEED THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON AND BEYOND... AND WE NEED YOUR HELP!

ABOUT SIX YEARS AGO ANNA SAROL, THE DAUGHTER OF A SINGLE MOTHER, WAS PARALYZED IN A GYMNASTICS ACCIDENT WHEN SHE WAS A FRESHMAN IN HIGH SCHOOL, BUT UNTIL LAST YEAR SHE DID NOT HAVE A STAIRLIFT IN HER HOME. The stairlift was made possible when Lifestyle Publications gave her family $10,000. Anna Sarol

“I watched my community come together to help me get this equipment to my house, and words can’t explain how appreciative my family and I are,” Anna says. The money for Anna’s stairlift was part of a giveaway campaign from the company during the 2020 Christmas season that benefited more than 80 recipients across the country with a final distribution of $250,000 throughout the year. When the company opened nominations, they were flooded with submissions. Community leaders such as judges, police officers, teachers, nurses, social workers, mentors and readers like you nominated people that were in need of assistance. As the eyes and ears of the community, these readers were able to help identify people who might have otherwise gone unnoticed or unrecognized. One such nominee was Kathy*, an aunt who is raising her three young relatives. The children came from an abusive situation, and Kathy, a single guardian, works tirelessly to provide for them. Nevertheless, the family was already living in poverty despite her working seven days a week when Kathy lost her job during the pandemic. She resorted to selling tamales to help pay the rent.

City Lifestyle Ahwatukee | December 2021

When a case manager with a Big Brothers Big Sisters foster youth mentoring program heard about Lifestyle’s campaign and call for nominations, she quickly thought of Kathy. “When I shared the news that Kathy was selected and would be receiving $3,000, she cried, screamed, and was in disbelief,” the case manager said. “She immediately wanted to give back to me and the donor by providing endless tamales. This funding allowed the children to have a small Christmas tree for the first time ever. Kathy was able to pay her rent and utilities for three months, and the children were able to experience a holiday season in peace without financial stressors.”

“This funding allowed the children to have a small Christmas tree for the first time ever. Kathy was able to pay her rent and utilities for three months, and the children were able to experience a holiday season in peace without financial stressors.” CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Ahwatukee

GIVING BACK (CONTINUED)

WE NEED YOUR HELP TO GIVE AWAY $3OO,OOO This year the company will have nominations for the giveaway open from December 1-15, 2021. To submit a nomination, follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram and fill out the form found in the bio link. The amount given to each recipient will be based on need. The leaders of Lifestyle Publications believe God has blessed them with their company’s continued success, so they in turn wish to be a blessing and encouragement to others as they increase the amount of this year’s giveaway to those in need to $300,000 for the year.

In yet another case, Emily* who worked as a janitor at a school, was a recipient and was struggling to afford simply buying groceries for her children. Before the ongoing difficulties of the pandemic even started, a tornado destroyed the school she worked at just a couple weeks before the initial shutdown in March 2020 which resulted in a loss of income for her. Emily was incredibly surprised and grateful to receive assistance from the giveaway. *Names changed for privacy 30

City Lifestyle Ahwatukee | December 2021

Nominate HERE! Follow @citylifestyle on Instagram

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Give the Gift of Fashion with a Clothes Minded gift card.

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Buy one gift card for $50+ and receive a $10 gift card free with code SPREADJOY. Offer ends December 31, 2021.

CityLifestyle.com/Ahwatukee

NICOLE STEVENS REALTOR

YOUR WAY HOME Nicole Stevens, Realtor

602.810.4825 NicoleStevensRealtor.org SA652967000

REALTY REPORT

AHWATUKEE

REALTY REPORT

NEIGHBORHOOD

ORIGINAL PRICE

SOLD PRICE

%SOLD/ORIG

DOM

BDRMS

BATHS

Ahwatukee Foothills

$557,500

$572,500

102%

Lakewood

$599,900

$592,500

98%

Granite Pass

$575,000

$520,000

90%

Foothills

$600,000

$625,000

104%

Summit

$1,100,000

$1,125,000

102%

Augusta

$525,000

100%

Pointe South Mountain

$569,900

$585,000

102%

Mountain Park Ranch

$720,000

$725,000

101%

2.5

Oasis at the Foothills

$529,900

$570,000

107%

Lakewood

$600,000

$705,000

117%

NICOLE STEVENS REALTOR

Call for a complimentary market analysis of your home

ARE YOU CONSIDERING BUYING OR SELLING REAL ESTATE? 602.810.4825 ◆ NicoleStevensRealtor.org ◆ LIC#SA65296700

CityLifestyle.com/Ahwatukee

DECEMBER

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

SUNDAYS

Scottsdale Resort at McCormick

variety show featuring a cast of more

Ranch on Sunday, Dec. 5 at 10 a.m.

than 100 dancers, singers, a horse

AHWATUKEE FARMERS’ MARKET

This annual event raises critical funds

and carriage, special guest perform-

needed to support services and pro-

ers and a champion hoop dancer.

Ahwatukee Swim & Tennis Center,

grams to continue to provide for pets

chandlercenter.org

4700 Warner Road

and people in our community. To pur-

You’ll find the freshest local seasonal

chase tickets, visit lostourhome.org.

produce, herbs, flowers, value-added foods, fresh baked goods, natural meats and seafood, as well as a selection of local arts and crafts. 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

THROUGH JAN 2 CHRISTMAS AT THE PRINCESS

18, 19 THE NUTCRACKER

Madison Center for the Arts, 5601 N.

CHRISTMAS AT THE PETERSEN HOUSE

16th St., Phoenix

Petersen House Museum, 1414 W.

Enjoy the 22nd annual production of

Southern Ave., Tempe

this holiday classic, presented by the

Experience a Tempe Christmas tra-

Ahwatukee Foothills Ballet. All of the

dition by visiting the Petersen House

performers are ages 3-19. Tickets are

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, 7575 E.

Museum. Celebrating turn-of-the-cen-

available at themadison.org.

Princess Drive, Scottsdale

tury style with a Danish flair in honor of

Rediscover the magic of Christmas this

Niels Petersen, the house will be fes-

winter as the resort transforms into an

tively decorated for the holiday season.

enchanting holiday wonderland with

Enjoy refreshments and activities and

festive decorations and over 6 million

learn about the history as you tour the

sparkling LED lights. Activities include

house. tempe.gov/petersenhouse

ice skating, light shows, making s’mores, kid-friendly entertainment and photos with Santa. scottsdaleprincess.com.

THROUGH JAN 31 ZOOLIGHTS

26-JAN 2 SNOW WEEK

Arizona Science Center, 600 E. Washington St., Phoenix

9-19

Arizona Science Center’s Snow Week

ARIZONA’S GRAND CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR: CELEBRATION OF CHRISTMAS

ily will love. Enjoy subzero science

returns for its 10th celebration with a blizzard of activities the whole famwith dazzling demonstrations on the hour, snowy skating on SPR Canyon

Dream City Church, 13613 N. Cave

Terrace, and even build your own

Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin

Creek Road, Phoenix

snowpal! Snow Week activities are

Parkway, Phoenix

This Broadway-style musical the-

included with general admission to

The Valley’s most cherished holiday

ater performance features a full live

the Science Center. azscience.org

tradition is back with millions of twin-

orchestra and state-of-the-art tech-

kling lights, dazzling animal sculp-

nology with incredible special effects.

tures and the Wildlife Lantern Safari,

Culminating in a beautiful nativity

featuring 66 creatures. This year

with a majestic kings’ procession, this

adds Cruise ZooLights, a drive-thru

year’s show includes exciting new

experience. Tickets are $20 and must

dance numbers, professional acro-

be purchased at phoenixzoo.org.

batic silk artists, awe-inspiring aerial stunts and so much more. Tickets

available at dreamcitychurch.us.

11-19

HOLIDAY CHAMPAGNE BRUNCH & AUCTION

Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch, 7700 E. McCormick Parkway, Scottsdale

Would you like to get in touch with

Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N.

us? We would love to hear from you!

Chandler Ave., Chandler

12th Annual Holiday Champagne

Tempe Dance Academy’s annual

Ahwatukee using the Get In Touch

Brunch & Auction is coming to the

holiday presentation is an energetic

link and let us know what you think.

Lost

SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS

our

Home

Pet

Rescue’s

City Lifestyle Ahwatukee | December 2021

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