Cultivate Your Healthiest Year Yet
THE HEALTH AND WELLNESS ISSUE
JA N UA RY 2 02 6
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LIFESTYLE LETTER
From the Ground Up The holidays are synonymous with decadent, indulgent food—which I absolutely adore—but I'm excited about leaning into fresh, whole foods for 2026. Our modern lives are always rushing to convenience, so there is something deeply gratifying about planting, growing and eating your own food. I got the chance to visit with Anessa, our expert for our cover story, during our photoshoot, and her passion for growing food and sharing her bounty with others—she sent me home with fragrant dill, beautiful basil, sweet carrots, crunchy lettuce and more—was inspirational. So much so that I bought my own garden box and planted tomatoes, carrots, zucchini, basil and cucumbers of my own (with far less success, to be sure, but I’m learning). And taking the fruits of your labor into the kitchen and transforming them into a nourishing meal that feeds your family? It’s incredibly satisfying to know that you grew this, you made this, and your family is all the more healthy for it. In this issue, we explore refreshing our skincare routines to ensure we look and feel our best now and well into the future. We sat down with Zachary Novak from Verbena, The Salon to learn where we should focus our efforts, which ingredients do the most work and why skincare really is self-care. We also spoke with Justin Chase, CEO of Solari Crisis & Human Services, about the importance of caring for our mental health and how, now more than ever, it's a subject garnering much-needed attention. As we prioritize physical wellness through nutrition and skincare, mental health deserves equal care and consideration. Whether you're planting seeds in garden soil or in the hearts of the little lives you're raising, the intention you set today shapes the harvest you'll reap tomorrow. May your table be full and your connections abundant. Here’s to the best year yet!
January 2026 PUBLISHER
Sherry York | sherry.york@citylifestyle.com E D I TO R
Beth Del Ville | beth.delville@citylifestyle.com S O C I AL M E D I A C O O R D I N ATO R
Stephanie Slezak CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Alison Stanton, Ana Meyer, Angela Broockerd, Sherry York, Beth Del Ville C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R S
Stephanie Slezak, Janie Jones
Corporate Team CEO Steven Schowengerdt President Matthew Perry COO David Stetler CRO Jamie Pentz CoS Janeane Thompson AD DESIGNER Zach Miller LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick
BETH DEL VILLE, EDITOR @ A H W AT U K E E C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com//franchise. Proverbs 3:5-6 Ahwatukee City Lifestyle™ 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
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MEET MATEO - AHWATUKEE LOCAL, YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR & SALON OWNER “BORN AND RAISED IN THE VALLEY AND A PROUD GRADUATE OF DESERT VISTA HIGH SCHOOL, I OPENED VERBENA, THE SALON AT JUST 21 YEARS OLD TO CREATE A SPACE WHERE BEAUTY, WELLNESS, AND COMMUNITY MEET”
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inside the issue JANUARY 20 2 6 | HEA LT H & W EL L N ES S
10 22
16 Featured
10 12 16 22 6
Prioritizing Mental Health
How the conversation around mental wellness is changing lives
Future-Proof Your Skin Tips for a radiant 2026 and beyond
12 On the Cover
Departments
How sweet it is to grow your own food. Learn more about cultivating your garden and harvesting the fruits of your labor on page 16.
4
Lifestyle Letter
8
Business Monthly
10
Must See LIFE + CULTURE
12
Local Limelight HEALTH + WELLNESS
16
Eat Right EDUCATION
22
Happy Hour FOOD + BEVERAGE
From Garden to Table
How to start a food farm in the Arizona desert
Have A Fresh New Year
Nutrious and delicious flavored water infused with antioxidants and vitamins for a healthier you
Photography: Stephanie Slezak
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Expert Help WELLNESS
32
Events
JANUARY 2026
business monthly A ROUNDUP OF NEWS F R O M LO C A L B U S I N E S S E S
School of Rock Comes to Ahwatukee School of Rock brings its revolutionary music education approach to Ahwatukee. The new location, 800 N 54th St. between Ray Rd. and Chandler Blvd. in Chandler, opened in December and brings expert instructors and student musicians together to learn to read and play music by ear. Students can learn guitar, bass, keyboard, drums and vocals across genres and perform together at local venues. Other offerings include week-long camps focused on specific artists, songwriting and music production. SchoolOfRock. com/Locations/Ahwatukee
Want to be featured? G E T I N T O U C H AT CIT YLIFEST YLE .COM/ A H W AT U K E E
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B USIN E SS M ON T H LY
Happy New Year from Desert Dentistry
Dr Zineldine | Dr Mayorga | Dr Villalobos | Dr Westby
Start The New Year With Your Best And Brightest Smile Yet. Our doctors and team want to wish you and your family a happy and healthy 2026. Make a point this year to take excellent care of your oral health and let your best smile shine. Call today to schedule checkups for you entire family throughout this year to be able to have the most convenient appointment for each of you.
desertdentistry.com info@desertdentistry.com | 480.706.4600 4609 E Chandler Blvd. Phoenix, AZ 85048
PRIORITIZING
Mental
ARTICLE BY SHERRY YORK PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY SOLARI CRISIS & HUMAN SERVICES
H E A LT H
How the conversation around mental wellness is changing lives
As 2026 begins and many consider exercise routines or healthier eating, mental health deserves equal attention. Mental health has moved from a taboo subject to an essential wellness priority. Since the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline launched nationally in July 2022, crisis calls have climbed steadily each year, and not just from people in acute danger. People are reaching out earlier, says Justin Chase, CEO of Solari Crisis & Human Services, which answers all 988 calls in Arizona, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. "This tells us that individuals see mental health as something to value, monitor and seek support for, in the same way they would care for their physical health." That shift represents a fundamental change in the approach to wellness. What was once rarely discussed is now recognized as crucial to quality of life, with many seeking support from counselors or therapists as part of routine self-care. Our psychological well-being affects every area of life, for both present and future selves. Supporting this growing acceptance means caring for ourselves and loved ones, and using available services when needed. Solari has been at the forefront of this evolution for nearly two decades. The organization offers crisis support via telephone, text or chat through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, with the option of dispatching mobile crisis units for in-person support. Additional services include a warm line for peer support, a hotline for domestic violence survivors (SAFEDVS) and 211 Arizona, which connects
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M UST SE E | L I FE + C ULTU RE
people to local resources. All services are free and confidential, available around the clock in English and Spanish and, through real-time translation assistance, in more than 100 other languages. "Solari has always been rooted in the belief that mental health is central to overall well-being, and for nearly two decades we've been honored to serve as a trusted partner in crisis care in our state," Chase says. "What has changed in recent years in the environment around us, as public acceptance of mental health support has grown, our role has expanded dramatically.” The numbers tell a compelling story. In 2024, Solari answered over 500,000 crisis calls in Arizona, reflecting a 45 percent increase in volume since 988 became available. Chase and other experts attribute these changes to the pandemic. "When in-person services were disrupted, telehealth became a lifeline, and people who might never have considered therapy before suddenly had access to it from their own homes," Chase says. "That shift made care more approachable and helped normalize the seeking of support. The isolation and stress of the pandemic forced many of us to confront just how critical mental health is, often for the first time in such a visible way." Chase's own path reflects this change in access systems. He started his career as a social worker but quickly recognized the need for infrastructure that could help more people compassionately and effectively. Moving into leadership allowed him to deliver
“No matter how heavy life feels, there is always someone ready Justin Chase, CEO of Solari Crisis & Human Services
to listen, to care and to help light the
care on a larger scale, and when the opportunity came to join Solari, Chase says it felt like the perfect intersection of purpose and possibility. "We at Solari have been pleased to see a significant shift in the mental health landscape, both in terms of demand and the kinds of services people are looking for," he says. "Mental health is becoming a larger part of people's lives as awareness grows and stigma declines, and we're seeing that reflected in both national and local trends,” Chase shares. He says surveys show over 60 percent of adults feel comfortable discussing mental health publicly, and more than two-thirds of Americans are aware of 988 services. For those looking to prioritize mental health in the new year, Chase recommends starting small. "Small, consistent steps matter: building routines of self-care that include rest, exercise, healthy eating and time with supportive people can make a big difference," he says. "Reaching out early, whether it's talking to a trusted friend, using a warm line or connecting with a counselor, helps keep challenges from escalating into a crisis." The broader cultural conversation matters too. "Public education, media coverage and individuals and families who share their stories have also helped normalize mental health as part of overall health," Chase says. "No matter how heavy life feels, there is always someone ready to listen, to care and to help light the way forward. Reaching out for help is not a sign of weakness, but of incredible strength." To support Solari’s work of providing critical safety nets for our community, visit Solari-Inc.org/Donate.
way forward.”
Solari-Inc.org JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/A HWAT UKE E
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Future-Proof Your Skin TIPS FOR A RADIANT 2026 AND BEYOND
The new year inspires a fresh start, especially for outdated routines. A successful skincare resolution requires more than a new jar of cream—we need a strategy that addresses our needs now and into the future. Zachary Novak, Salon Manager at Verbena the Salon, shares how to future-proof your skin for 2026 and beyond. According to Novak, the secret to long-term radiance is balance—protecting your skin externally while supporting it from within. DON'T NEGLECT THE BARRIER As we refresh our routines, Novak notes that the biggest mistake people make is trying to "reset" their skin with harsh correction. In January, many people default to over-exfoliation, which strips away essential lipids needed to hold moisture. "Think of January as the month to repair and fortify," he advises. "Your skin needs barrier repair more than it needs correction." Novak's two non-negotiable rules for Arizona living are to always apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every morning and to lock in hydration with rich lipids. Arizona's UV index remains high year-round. Consistent sun protection is the single best anti-aging step you can take. And our low humidity makes humectants (like Hyaluronic Acid) less effective unless they are sealed. Novak recommends applying a water-binding serum immediately after cleansing, then locking it in with a moisturizer rich in ceramides or squalane to prevent transepidermal water loss.
ARTICLE BY BETH DEL VILLE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEPHANIE SLEZAK
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LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | HEALT H + WE LLN E SS
INGREDIENTS FOR THE LONG-TERM To build skin resilience, Novak recommends shifting from quick fixes to longterm investments. His essential ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid: “[It] creates an internal reservoir, able to bind up to a thousand times its weight in water, keeping skin supple and supporting barrier repair." Antioxidants: "Ingredients such as green tea or ferulic acid neutralize free radicals before they damage collagen or DNA, effectively slowing the visible effects of aging." Vitamins A, C, E and K: "They work synergistically. Vitamin A (retinoids) encourages cell turnover and collagen renewal; Vitamin C brightens and strengthens; Vitamin E protects lipids and calms irritation; and Vitamin K helps reduce redness and supports microcirculation." For incorporating powerful actives like retinoids, Novak stresses that the goal is sustainable results. Start slow—two or three nights a week—and never layer strong actives on the same night. SKINCARE IS SELF-CARE While the right products are vital, Novak maintains that you can't separate the skin from the person living in it. The gut-skin axis is a perfect example: "The skin is reactive; it mirrors what's happening inside your body," Novak says. By building resilience to daily tension through regular movement or mindfulness, you prevent that inflammation from manifesting visually. This is why Novak says the most valuable habit is a solid, consistent routine which aligns with the skin's natural circadian rhythm, maximizing its repair cycle. "In the morning, it sets the tone for your day; you're choosing to show up for yourself," he explains. "In the evening, it's your signal to slow down." The evening cleanse is actually Novak's favorite moment in his personal skincare routine: "There is just nothing more relieving than 'washing the day off' before bed," he shares.
To achieve radiant skin, Novak’s advice is simple: be consistent, protect diligently and remember that professional treatments are the transformation, but at-home care is the maintenance. CONTINUED >
JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/A HWAT UKE E
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“Our skin is quite literally what we present to the world, so when it’s in balance and we feel good about how we look; we can show up as our best selves.” - Zachary Novak, Verbena, The Salon
QUICK TAKES FOR A CONFIDENT GLOW Novak says he believes the best skincare investments fall in three categories: protection, hydration and targeted repair. He also discusses common pitfalls: "The biggest waste of money in skincare isn't a specific product, it's misaligned expectations." Duplicating steps or chasing trends distracts from the core goal. Instead, invest in habits that pay dividends: consistent hydration, both inside and out; green tea, especially matcha, for a boost (“It’s one of the few beverages with real clinical support for skin health,” says Novak); and the confidence that comes with having great skin. "Our skin is quite literally what we present to the world, so when it's in balance and we feel good about how we look; we can show up as our best selves." To achieve radiant skin, Novak's advice is simple: be consistent, protect diligently and remember that professional treatments are the transformation, but at-home care is the maintenance. At Verbena The Salon's new location, they now offer skincare treatments featuring [comfort zone] products. The Hydra Glow facial, Novak’s personal favorite, is designed to deliver “that soft, luminous finish that only true moisture balance can create.” To try one of their new skincare services, book your first treatment with Novak and mention this article to receive 20% off. VerbenaTheSalon.com | (480) 744-5371 3145 E. Chandler Blvd. #104, Phoenix 85048
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LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | HEALT H + WE LLN E SS
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TO TABLE
FROM GARDEN
H O W TO S TA R T A F O O D FA R M I N TH E A RIZO N A DES ERT
ARTICLE BY ALISON STANTON PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEPHANIE SLEZAK
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EAT R IGH T | EDUCATI O N
“THE BIGGEST THING I TELL PEOPLE IS TO START SMALL.”
As people who try to grow their own food in their Ahwatukee backyards often discover, the intense summer temperatures can make gardening incredibly challenging. But as Anessa York, a successful home gardener notes, with the right planning, preparation and products, it is very possible to grow your very own food farm – even when the Mercury climbs into the triple digits. “I’ve been very focused on year-round desert gardening for the past four years and my passion keeps growing!” York says. “I started with a single 20-foot raised bed in the backyard, and it’s grown into a little ‘food farm’ with four raised beds, right outside my home office door.” York graciously agreed to answer our questions about everything Ahwatukee gardeners need to know to be a successful gardener, even during the dog days of summer. Q: For someone who is new to gardening in the Valley, what is the best way to get started? A: The biggest thing I tell people is to start small. You don’t need a huge garden to grow real food – one raised bed or a few containers are CONTINUED > JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/A HWAT UKE E
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“EARLY MORNING OR LATE EVENING WATERING IS BEST, SO THE WATER ACTUALLY HAS TIME TO SOAK IN WITHOUT EITHER EVAPORATING OR ACTING AS A MAGNIFYING GLASS FOR THE SUN TO AFFECT YOUR PLANTS.”
plenty to learn what works in your space. Healthy soil is everything here. Our native soil is hard and alkaline, so adding compost makes all the difference. Also, pay close attention to sunlight. Most veggies need lots of it, but during our brutal summers, even sun-lovers appreciate shade. This summer I had 70 percent shade cloth covering my garden beds and it allowed my veggies to thrive, even in this heat! Q: When should we grow certain types of fruits, vegetables and herbs for the best results? A: In the spring, you can grow tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, melons, Armenian cucumbers, beans, squash, zucchini, basil, dill, parsley and cilantro. In the summer, I grow peppers, sweet potatoes, yardlong beans, more melons and Armenian cucumber, and basil, rosemary and thyme continue to do well, with some shade. Between late September and November, I will grow even more Armenian cucumbers, leafy greens like lettuce, spinach and bok choy, root crops like carrots, beets, radishes and parsnips, and basil, cilantro, parsley, chives and dill.
In the winter, your leafy greens will continue to grow, along with your root crops. You can also grow leeks, onions and garlic and the same herbs you grew in the fall. Some crops, like citrus, figs, and many perennial herbs, can thrive year-round with proper care. Q: How can we plan our garden based on the seasons? A: Timing is everything in desert gardening. My favorite guide is the Low Desert Planting and Harvest Calendar that you can download from UrbanFarm.org. This calendar has been created with our very specific low desert climate in mind and outlines every two weeks what you can plant by seed, transplant or harvest. When you master the timing, your garden really responds. Q: What about the crazy heat in the summer? Will plants actually grow then? A: Our summers will test any gardener, which is why timing is key, along with shade! Early morning or late evening watering is best, so the water actually has time to soak in without either evaporating or acting as a magnifying glass for the sun to affect your plants. CONTINUED >
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EAT R IGH T | EDUCATI O N
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I use drip tape to deep water my beds and it’s installed in rows so that there isn’t a dry patch in my garden beds. If you are watering by hand, deep watering every few days works far better than quick daily sprinkles. Shade cloth and mulch are your best friends in our summer, as they both protect the roots and keep everything from frying. Q: What are some of your favorite resources and local nurseries? A: In addition to Urban Farm, I also love what the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension (Extension.Arizona.Edu/Topics/Urban-Horticulture) puts out for urban gardening and horticulture – it’s super practical and science‑based. As for local nurseries, I really love Arizona Worm Farm and Green Life By Shamus O’Leary. Q: What advice do you have for people who feel like they will never have a green thumb? A: If you haven’t killed a few plants, you’re not gardening yet. It’s part of the process. The desert can feel unforgiving at first, but once you learn the timing and watering rhythm, it’s actually one of the most productive climates to grow in, with multiple seasons. Start small, celebrate the wins, and keep experimenting – that’s the fun of it. And don’t forget to put a comfy stool in your garden, when shaded it’s a lovely place to sit and watch the bees and butterflies make magic happen as your garden blooms and grows. Follow York on Instagram @FreshFromRedmon
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EAT R IGH T | EDUCATI O N
“SHADE CLOTH AND MULCH ARE YOUR BEST FRIENDS IN OUR SUMMER, AS THEY BOTH PROTECT THE ROOTS AND KEEP EVERYTHING FROM FRYING.”
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ARTICLE BY ANA MEYER PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
HAVE A FRESH NEW YEAR! NUTRITIOUS AND DELICIOUS FLAVORED WATER INFUSED
WITH ANTIOXIDANTS AND VITAMINS FOR A HEALTHIER YOU!
If there is one change you can make for your overall health, it is to drink more water! Our bodies need water. Water helps fuel every cell, tissue, and organ, keeps you hydrated, and helps with weight loss, healthy skin, bone health, and digestion. Take it to the next level and create infusion beverages by mixing and adding these ingredients to your water. Fruits, vegetables, and herbs are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals. You will love the flavors and the added health benefits!
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BLUEBERRY & ORANGE INFUSED WATER:
STRAWBERRY & ORANGE INFUSED WATER:
INGREDIENTS • 1 ½ cups of blueberries • ½ cup sliced thin orange rounds • 8 cups filtered water
INGREDIENTS • 1 ½ cups of diced strawberries • ½ cup sliced thin orange rounds • 8 cups filtered water
DIRECTIONS Pour ingredients into a pitcher. Refrigerate for 3 hours.
DIRECTIONS Pour ingredients into a pitcher. Refrigerate for 3 hours.
H AP PY H OU R | FO O D + BE VE RAGE
ORANGE, LEMON & LIME INFUSED WATER:
CUCUMBER, LEMON, AND MINT INFUSED WATER:
INGREDIENTS • ¼ cup sliced thin lemon rounds • ¼ cup sliced thin lime rounds • ½ cup sliced thin orange rounds • 8 cups filtered water
INGREDIENTS • 1 cup of sliced thin cucumber rounds • ½ cup sliced thin lemon or lime rounds • 10 mint leaves • 8 cups filtered water
DIRECTIONS Pour ingredients into a pitcher. Refrigerate for 3 hours.
DIRECTIONS Pour ingredients into a pitcher. Refrigerate for 3 hours. CONTINUED >
JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/A HWAT UKE E
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BENEFITS: • Blueberries: Low in sugar and high in antioxidants, blueberries are very nutrient-dense and contain fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K and manganese. They can help with bones, skin, and blood pressure health. • Cucumbers: Cucumbers are about 95 percent water, have antioxidants that help lower blood pressure, contain vitamin A and are high in vitamin K. • Lemon/limes: Both are high in vitamin C, an antioxidant, which can benefit your skin, blood pressure and immune system. • Mint leaves: Mint’s anti-inflammatory properties can help your digestion, fresh breath and are rich in nutrients and antioxidants. • Oranges: Loaded with vitamin C, which can help your skin and immune system. They are anti-inflammatory and have potassium which can help with blood pressure levels and calcium for healthy bones. • Strawberries: Are loaded with antioxidants, low in sugar, may help improve blood sugar and cholesterol, and inflammation. Strawberries are rich in phytochemicals, vitamin C, vitamin A and potassium. Try these delicious and healthy recipes or choose your ingredients and create your own!
“You will love the flavors and the added health benefits!” 24
H AP PY H OU R | FO O D + BE VE RAGE
JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/A HWAT UKE E
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The New Frontier of Health U N D E R S TA N D I N G T H E “WHY” BEHIND WELLNESS ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES AND PROVIDED
AN INTERVIEW WITH DR. KYLE GILLETT
Why do so many people feel exhausted, foggy, or unwell, even when their medical tests insist everything is “fine”? Why are we prescribed quick fixes instead of being given real answers? Across modern medicine, a shift is happening. More patients are demanding real explanations, and more clinicians are rethinking what “healthcare” should actually mean. Leading that shift is Dr. Kyle Gillett, a dual board-certified physician in Family Medicine and Obesity Medicine and an expert in metabolic, hormonal, and preventive health. Through his clinic, research, and The Gillett Health Podcast, he’s become a trusted voice for people seeking science-based, root-cause solutions rather than symptom-based band-aids. “Functional medicine is really ‘root cause medicine,’” Dr. Gillett often says. “It’s about asking why the problem exists and not just quieting the noise.” In this Q&A, Dr. Gillett breaks down the most common questions he hears from patients and offers simple, actionable guidance anyone can begin using today.
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EXP E RT H E LP | W EL L NESS
1. “WHY DO I FEEL AWFUL EVEN THOUGH MY LABS ARE ‘NORMAL’?”
Dr. Gillett: I like to say, “There is no such thing as ‘we’ve done everything.’” We can always dig deeper. Often, the labs ordered are the wrong type of assay, or important markers like ferritin or SHBG—which binds testosterone and estrogen—are completely missed. Beyond lab work, there are other factors: mitochondrial health, sleep quality, mental health, and even how sensitive your dopamine and serotonin receptors are. “Normal” labs do not always equal normal physiology for you.
2. “HOW DO I FIX MY ENERGY, BRAIN FOG, OR SLEEP WITHOUT 20 MEDICATIONS?”
Dr. Gillett: Start with a good, comprehensive lab panel to assess nutrients and hormones. Then build the foundation with sleep. My favorite tool is the 10/3/2/1/0 rule: • 10 hours before bed: No caffeine • 3 hours: Avoid large meals and alcohol • 2 hours: No vigorous exercise • 1 hour: No bright blue or white light • 0: No snoozing and no inconsistent sleep/wake times Aim for 7+ hours of high-quality sleep. When sleep improves, energy almost always follows.
3. “IS MY GUT ACTUALLY CAUSING ALL THESE OTHER PROBLEMS?”
Dr. Gillett: Gut health influences most major health issues, but it’s rarely the only problem. Diet is my second pillar of health for a reason. Exercise, sleep, and stress reduction all improve gut function too. Even simple tools like self-hypnotherapy apps can reduce gut-related symptoms.
4. “WHAT CAN I DO RIGHT NOW, TODAY, TO START FEELING BETTER?”
Dr. Gillett: Focus on the pillars of health: diet, exercise, sleep, stress, sunlight, social connection, and spiritual health. Treat them like habits and find ways to make them enjoyable or easy to start. Supplements and medications are supportive tools, not substitutes. Think of them like turbo chargers: they enhance a system that’s already functioning.
A FINAL WORD FROM DR. GILLETT
“The goal isn’t to tell people what to do, rather it’s to give them the information they need to decide what’s best for themselves.” By understanding the why behind your symptoms, labs, and lifestyle choices, you become the driver, not the passenger, of your health journey.
“I believe that true innovation requires a commitment to constructive self-criticism to continuously raise the standard of care.”
New Year. New Chapter. Unfiltered conversations for designing what’s next– in family, lifestyle, and business.
Love this interview with Dr. Gillett? Hear the full conversation in our premiere episode.
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JANUARY 2026
events A SELECTION OF U P C O M I N G LO C A L E V E N T S
SUNDAYS
Ahwatukee Farmers Market Ahwatukee Swim and Tennis Club | 9:00 AM The Ahwatukee Farmers Market brings together fresh food, arts and crafts, food trucks and more for this signature weekly community event. January continues winter hours for the market, running from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through May. For more information, visit ArizonaCommunityFarmersMarkets. com/Ahwatukee-Farmers-Market. JANUARY 16TH-18TH
Arizona Balloon Classic Wild Horse Pass Festival Grounds | Chandler, Arizona
Jewelry you’ll love. CUSTOM DESIGN | APPRAISALS FINE JEWELRY | REPAIRS | BRIDAL WATCHES | ESTATE/VINTAGE
WWW.MYRANDAFINEJEWELRY.COM STORE: 480-901-9819 | DIRECT: 602-677-1132 5055 W RAY ROAD, STE. 5, CHANDLER, AZ 85226
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Celebrating its 15th anniversary, the Arizona Balloon Classic returns for 2026. From 7 a.m. - 9 a.m. daily, guests can watch the sky fill with colorful hot air balloons. Desert Glows takes place on Friday and Saturday evening, featuring tethered hot air balloons that illuminate the night sky. Other events and entertainment are available all weekend, weather permitting. ABCFest.com JANUARY 17TH - 25TH
Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction Westworld of Scottsdale The Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction returns to Scottsdale for the annual nine-day automotive lifestyle event. The event kicks off with Family Day and STEMfest on Saturday, January 17, and continues throughout the week with activities and interactive exhibits for all ages. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit Barrett-Jackson.com. CONTINUED >
GAMEDAY IS A
HONEYBAKED DAY! Hosting or at the game, put out a game winning spread with HoneyBaked
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events
CONTINUED
JANUARY 24 TH
Diplo’s Run Club Margaret T. Hance Park | 9:00 AM Join the Phoenix debut of Diplo’s Run Club, where running, music and community converge. The 5K run will take you through the Roosevelt Arts District and city streets with downtown skyline views and the post-race concert featuring Diplo and friends will keep the party going all day long. For more information and to register, visit DiplosRunClub.com/Phoenix. JANUARY 24 TH-25TH
Tempe Blooms Downtown Tempe Stroll down flower-filled streets of Downtown Tempe and delight in awe-inspiring real flower installations created by local floral designers, watch live mural painting, and shop vendors while enjoying live music at this unique event. Create your own bouquet and try snacks and drinks while the children discover and play in the kids area. For more information visit DowntownTempe.com/ Events/Tempe-Blooms. JANUARY 25TH
Blade Runner Live Mesa Arts Center Experience the cult classic “Blade Runner” presented in its 2007 Final Cut edition while the iconic score is performed live and in sync by The Avex Ensemble. Tickets start at $62.50 for this cinematic and musical experience. For tickets and details, visit MesaArtsCenter.com.
Want to be featured? G E T I N T O U C H AT CIT YLIFEST YLE .COM/ A H W AT U K E E
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