Ahwatukee, AZ July 2025

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Where Will Curiosity Take You?

July is here, and with it comes a sense of adventure!

This month, our "Explore" issue is all about embracing that spirit and venturing into the unknown – whether that means trying a new hiking trail (albeit in the early morning hours), discovering a hidden gem or two around the Valley, or simply stepping outside your comfort zone.

Here in Ahwatukee, July also means it’s time for our kiddos to head back to school - which can be an adventure in its own right. My son is heading to middle school, and he couldn’t be more excited to explore all that his new school has to offer - from classes to sports to a brand-new campus.

We've packed this issue with stories and tips to inspire your next adventure. From the breathtaking photography of the Pacific Northwest to exploring the universal language of music with The Phoenix Symphony, we're hoping to ignite your curiosity and get you moving.

For me, July has always been a time of exploration. I remember, shortly before we were married, my husband and I took off on a road trip up the California coast. We visited our favorite Southern California haunts, ate our way through Solvang, explored the Hearst Castle, took in the majestic landscapes of Big Sur, and so much more. Our rental car had a sunroof and each day we would open it wide, roll down the windows and enjoy the fresh ocean air, keeping pace with California Condors flying overhead, and chasing sunsets to our next overnight stay. It’s still one of my most favorite adventures, when it was just the two of us, and it proves that those unexpected moments often lead to the greatest memories.

So, as you flip through these pages, I encourage you to not only enjoy the stories but also to think about how you can create your own moments of exploration this month. Where will your curiosity take you?

Happy exploring!

DEL VILLE, EDITOR

July 2025

PUBLISHER

Sherry York | sherry.york@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Beth Del Ville | beth.delville@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Alison Stanton, Gretchen Pahia, Kris Ann Valdez, Beth Del Ville

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Shannon Liebrock, Stephanie Slezak

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

COO Matthew Perry

CRO Jamie Pentz

VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson

VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders

AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto

LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick

Learn

An Oregon Adventure

Photographer

Your Health,

Mindy Zonts

business monthly

A ROUNDUP OF NEWS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES

Stella's Ice Cream Now Open

Ice cream and cookies and brownies - oh, my! Stella’s Ice Cream recently opened its second Arizona location. The dessert shop is now in Ahwatukee, located at 4901 E Ray Road, just north of AMC Ahwatukee 24. Enjoy homemade ice cream in a variety of flavors, freshly made waffle cones, cookies and brownies. Find out more on Instagram at @StellasIceCreamAhwatukee.

Pure Barre Opens New Ahwatukee Studio

Pure Barre, a boutique fitness studio that offers classes focusing on low-impact, small movements that target strength, cardio and flexibility for people of all levels, recently opened its new location at 4206 E Chandler Blvd., Suite 8, just east of CK Tavern & Grill. To learn more about their classes and to sign up, visit PureBarre.com

An Oregon Adventure

PHOTOGRAPHER SHANNON LIEBROCK FULFILLED HER DREAM OF VISITING MULTNOMAH FALLS AND THE OREGON COAST

For as long as she can remember, Shannon Liebrock has loved to collect photographs of waterfalls.

Liebrock, who has worked as a professional photographer for over 30 years, has always dreamed of traveling to Oregon to see some of the state’s many incredible waterfalls.

“I specialize in taking photos of college and high school sports, high school senior photos and family photography,” the mom of three and grandmother of two says, adding that while she loves her job, landscape photography is her favorite hobby. “Photography is not just a job to me, it’s a passion. It is my happy place.”

When Liebrock was deciding where to go on vacation last summer, it didn’t take long to settle on a weekend trip to the Beaver State.

Liebrock and her family began their Oregon adventure at Multnomah Falls, which is the tallest year-round waterfall in the state, and one of the tallest in the United States. Located about a half hour away from Portland, visitors enjoy breathtaking views of the 620-foot falls, which are fed by underground springs from nearby Larch Mountain.

As a fan of waterfalls, seeing Multnomah Falls in person was definitely a dream come true for Liebrock.

“Multnomah Falls was our favorite but if you’re planning to go, get there early as it gets very crowded,” Liebrock says, adding that she captured as many photos of the incredible waterfall as she could.

Next up was a visit to Silver Falls State Park, which features a family-friendly, 7-mile looping trail with views of 10 beautiful waterfalls.

“The hike was easily accessible for families, and I highly recommend it,” Liebrock says.

Liebrock then headed west to the Oregon coast, a location that has been on her bucket list for some time.

After photographing some lovely waterfalls near Seaside, Liebrock and her family went north to Cannon Beach and Astoria.

“Seaside is great for families with several arcades, shops and an old carousel for kids with amazing seafood restaurants,” Liebrock says, adding that while Cannon Beach and Astoria are not home to any waterfalls, they are definitely worth exploring.

“Astoria is an adorable town and has the house that the movie The Goonies was filmed at, and several quaint breweries.”

In just two days, Liebrock says she and her family got to see 15 incredible waterfalls.

Amazingly, Liebrock didn’t experience any of the rain for which Oregon is famous. “We had unbelievable weather without a drop of rain,” she says, adding that the trip was everything she hoped it would be and more.

“I would definitely go back. Oregon is one of the most beautiful places I have been to,” she says.

LiebrockPhotography.com Instagram @LiebrockPhotography1

ARTICLE BY GRETCHEN PAHIA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEPHANIE SLEZAK

MINDY ZONTS OF PRIME IV HYDRATION HELPS PATIENTS CHART A NEW COURSE FOR WELL-BEING

YOUR HEALTH, REDISCOVERED

In a time when healthcare is too often a matter of disease treatment, Family Nurse Practitioner Mindy Zonts is putting her clinical experience, compassion for people, and dedication to

and support their health journey from beginning to end.”

That philosophy thrives at Prime IV, specializing in IV nutrient therapy and vitamin injections. It delivers quick,

“I’VE ALWAYS BELIEVED THAT THE BEST

CARE

COMES FROM TRULY SEEING THE WHOLE PERSON.”

integrative wellness at the forefront, helping patients explore a growing and innovative model for health.

Zonts has a well of experience from years working in acute care, where the pace is fast, the stakes are high, and the time spent with patients can be brief. While she gained valuable lessons in traditional healthcare settings, witnessing healthcare's reactive nature drove her to proactive, patient-centered care at Prime IV Hydration, a wellness spa redefining preventive health.

Caring for others is personal for Zonts, who is a deeply committed mother of six, two of whom were adopted. To Zonts, empathetic, whole-person care philosophy stems from parenting.

“I’ve always believed that the best care comes from truly seeing the whole person,” Zonts says. “My experience as both a clinician and a mom has helped me understand how important it is to meet people where they are

lasting wellness benefits directly into the bloodstream.

So what is IV therapy, and why are so many people turning to this alternative medicine practice? "IV nutrient therapy provides maximum absorption of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients," Zonts explains. "In contrast to oral supplements that have to go through the digestive process, IV therapy avoids that process altogether, pumping nutrients directly into the bloodstream. That means that patients are likely to see faster results and greater digestibility.”

Patients gain advantages: more energy, focused thinking, greater immunity, hydration, faster recovery. It's a favorite among successful athletes, business leaders, parents and anyone feeling fatigued or in ill health.

Beyond the science, the Prime IV experience sets it apart. “When you become a patient of Prime IV, it's not about walking in to receive a

treatment, it's about being treated in a personal manner,” explains Zonts. “We listen, we learn about the patient's particular needs, and we personalize your therapy and treatment.”

This personalized treatment is especially important given the often-stressful lifestyles many people face daily. “Our patients are proactive,” shares Zonts. “They are interested in feeling better today and being healthy down the road— and we have the resources to help them do it."

Besides traditional vitamin drips, Prime IV also offers advanced treatments like NAD+ therapy and peptide therapy— two growing pillars in the field of regenerative and longevity medicine. "NAD+ is a coenzyme that's critical to energy production and cell repair," Zonts explains. "It's been shown to preserve brain function, boost energy and even reverse some of the effects of aging."

While Prime IV treatments are optional and not typically reimbursed by standard insurance, many clients pay for their sessions with Health Savings Accounts (HSA) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA). "We make it easy by sending them paperwork and itemized receipts so they can be reimbursed," Zonts shares.

For Zonts, the decision to become part of the Prime IV family wasn't just a career change, it was a calling. “I chose Prime IV because it encompasses all the things I care about including evidence-based medicine, individualized care, and having the authority to actually make a difference in individuals' lives. It is where I can help people not only feel better, but become their best.”

In a world of burnout, stress and chronic fatigue, Prime IV and Zonts offer refreshing relief: a compassionate journey to wellness that fits your life—and prepares you to thrive. PrimeIVHydration.com

THE PHOENIX SYMPHONY’S JOURNEY FROM GRASSROOTS TO RENOWNED

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY THE PHOENIX SYMPHONY

Celebrating over 75 years of bringing world-class music to Arizona

In the 1940s, Phoenix’s population was less than 100,000. The occasional saguaro served as a lamppost, whiskey and wine sold for a whopping 10 cents, and the Phoenix Street Railway operated streetcars for 33 miles. But times were changing fast. World War II turned agricultural Phoenix into an industrial hub, expanding the population by 63 percent.

This growth explosion brought new culture to the city, too. In May 1947 the Phoenix Symphony Association organized to create an orchestra. Most of the 77 orchestra members were selected among local Phoenix talent, but John Barnett, the director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, was hired as the first conductor. He recruited several L.A. musicians to help fill out the remaining chairs. Imagine the dedication—commuting regularly between the still-developing Phoenix and the burgeoning metropolis of Los Angeles!

On November 10 of that year, the ragtag group of musicians took the stage of the Phoenix Union High School gymnasium to perform Tchaikovsky’s Symphony no. 5. Harvey Zorn, principal oboe, played the first concert “A” note. As it drifted through the air, in a space lacking state-of-the-art acoustics or plush-cushioned seats, could anyone have predicted the Symphony’s future success?

For the first 25 years, performances were held in that very gym. But the 1972 construction of Symphony Hall marked a coming of age for the Symphony. Today, they are Arizona’s only full-time, professional symphony orchestra and largest performing arts group.

The Phoenix Symphony’s mission is to “provide extraordinary musical experiences that inspire and advance our community, enriching the lives of people of all ages and backgrounds.” This mission is evident in the ambitious milestones the Symphony has achieved since its inception more than 75 years ago, including hiring the youngest music director of a major American symphony (James Sedares), winning accolades like the prestigious ECHO Award, and hosting world-renowned guest conductors and artists. Among these household names are Yo-Yo Ma, Emanuel Ax, and Evelyn Glennie.

The Symphony’s artistic excellence expands into their community engagement and education programs, too. Think of the sheer impact: their Learning Institute reaches more than 125,000 students, teachers, and families each year with school-based concerts, STEM education, and a cross-cultural residency with the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. And their Health Initiative provides live, interactive in-home performances for hospice patients, hospitals, and homeless shelters.

The orchestra even collaborates with other local organizations, such as Ballet Arizona, the Heard Museum, and the AZ Science Center.

Every year, the Symphony offers seasonal programs— from Classics to the Pops—to appeal to the Valley’s diverse tastes.

The 2025-2026 season is a carefully curated exploration of the journey music takes us on. It features 40 plus concerts spanning films, popular music, and the classics. There’s much to thrill film lovers, including Danny Elfman’s Music from the Films of Tim Burton, Back to the Future, and Star Wars: Return of the Jedi . Pop lovers likely want to indulge in Dolly Parton’s Threads: My Songs in Symphony, Sinatra & Beyond, featuring Tony DeSare, or The Music of Elton John starring Michael Cavanaugh. Of course, the classics are represented too, everything from Mozart to Tchaikovsky. And would the holidays be complete without Home Alone or Handel’s Messiah in concert?

There are many ways to enjoy the Symphony. One of the best ways is through the “Create Your Own Subscription,” which allows you to select any four performances to attend across the different concerts.

Since its humble origins in a high school gymnasium, the Symphony has become a cultural cornerstone of artistic excellence and community connection in the Valley of the Sun. Whether you’re a lifelong devotee or a curious newcomer, the Symphony promises an extraordinary musical journey.

CreativeIceCubes FOR SUMMER

Stay Cool with Fun Infused Ice Recipes

ARTICLE BY BAILEY HALL

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Summer can be sweltering, but you can beat the heat with these fun and refreshing infused ice recipes. Not only are they a great way to stay cool, but they also add a delightful twist to your favorite beverages.

Coffee Ice Cubes for Iced Coffee

Transform your iced coffee experience by using coffee ice cubes. This simple trick ensures your drink stays strong and flavorful without getting watered down.

Ingredients:

• Freshly brewed coffee

Instructions:

1. Brew Coffee: Make a pot of your favorite coffee.

2. Cool and Freeze: Allow the coffee to cool, then pour it into an ice cube tray and freeze.

3. Serve: Add the coffee ice cubes to your iced coffee for a rich, undiluted flavor.

Edible Flower Ice

Create stunning and elegant ice cubes using edible flowers. These pretty ice cubes are perfect for special occasions or adding a touch of beauty to everyday drinks.

Ingredients:

• Edible flowers

• Water

Instructions:

1. Prep the Flowers: Rinse the edible flowers thoroughly.

2. Fill the Tray: Place the flowers in an ice cube tray, filling each compartment halfway with water.

3. Freeze Partially: Freeze until the water is just starting to set, then fill the rest of the tray with water to fully submerge the flowers. This helps keep the flowers centered in the cubes.

4. Freeze Completely: Freeze until solid.

5. Serve: Use these beautiful ice cubes in your favorite drinks for a floral touch.

These infused ice recipes are not only practical but also add an extra layer of enjoyment to your summer beverages. Enjoy these refreshing and creative ways to stay cool all season long!

KOOB S T O TAKEYOU AWAY

I ASKED MY EXPAT AND TRAVEL-SAVVY FRIENDS TO RECOMMEND BOOKS TO TAKE ME FAR AWAY. HERE YOU GO!

ARTICLE BY SUE G. COLLINS

Blue Latitudes

BY TONY HORWITZ

Blue Latitudes: Boldly Going Where Captain Cook Has Gone Before. The Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist travels to various parts of the world, following in the footsteps of explorer James Cook.

The Island of Missing Trees

BY ELIF

SHAFAK

It is 1974 on the island of Cyprus. Two teenagers, from opposite sides of a divided land, meet at a tavern in the city they both call home. The tavern is the only place that Kostas, who is Greek and Christian, and Defne, who is Turkish and Muslim, can meet, in secret, hidden beneath the blackened beams from which hang garlands of garlic, chili peppers and wild herbs. This is where one can find the best food in town, the best music, the best wine. But there is something else to the place: it makes one forget, even if for just a few hours, the world outside and its immoderate sorrows.

The Corfu Trilogy

BY GERALD DURRELL

Three classic tales of childhood on an island paradise -  My Family and Other Animals, Birds, Beasts and Relatives and The

Garden of the Gods by Gerald Durrell - are available in a single edition for the first time in The Corfu Trilogy

Just before the Second World War the Durrell family decamped to the glorious, sun-soaked island of Corfu, where the youngest of the four children, ten-year-old Gerald, discovered his passion for animals: toads and tortoises, bats and butterflies, scorpions and octopuses. Through glorious silver-green olive groves and across brilliant-white beaches Gerry pursued his obsession . . . causing hilarity and mayhem in his ever-tolerant family.

Cutting for Stone

BY ABRAHAM VERGHESE

Cutting for Stone is a novel written by Ethiopian-born, Indian-American medical doctor and author Abraham Verghese. It is a saga of twin brothers, orphaned by their mother’s death at their births and forsaken by their father.

The Museum of Innocence

BY ORHAN PAMUK

The author is a Nobel-laureate Turkish novelist. The book, set in Istanbul between 1975 and 1984, is an account of the love story between the wealthy businessman Kemal and a poorer distant relative of his, Füsun.

LAYERED WITH FRESH FRUIT, AIRY CAKE AND WHIPPED CREAM, THESE PARFAITS ARE A PURE DELIGHT

A Patriotic Parfait SWEET TREAT

Light up your 4th of July celebration with a dessert that’s as patriotic as it is delicious! This easy-to-make treat comes together in a (firework’s) flash using fresh berries, pillowy pound cake and creamy whipped cream. Assembling this show-stopping dessert is a breeze. We’ve used strawberries and blueberries for that classic look, but don’t hesitate to toss in raspberries or blackberries for extra flair. And if you’re looking for a lighter touch, angel food cake is just the thing. Or, if you want to go that extra mile, try making homemade whipped cream. No matter how you serve it, this parfait is sure to help set the scene for making summer memories, while sharing a bit of sweetness with the people you love.

ARTICLE BY BETH DEL VILLE

• 2 pints of strawberries, halved

• 2 6-ounce containers of blueberries

• 2 cups of whipped cream

• 1 lb. pound cake, cut into stars with a small cookie cutter

• Mint springs, for garnish (optional)

directions:

Step 1. Place a layer of pound cake stars in the bottom of your serving glass.

Step 2. Top with a layer of blueberries. Then add a layer of whipped cream.

Step 3. Follow with a layer of sliced strawberries and another layer of whipped cream.

Step 4. Continue to layer until the serving glass is full. Top with extra berries and a single pound cake star. Add a spring of mint, if desired.

SWEET TREAT ingredients:

Family vacations, trips to the water parks, the zoo, and the super fun slumber parties, it’s easy to skip brushing. Re-establishing a dental routine helps kids maintain preventive care at home—brush twice a day, floss once. Regular dental visits are essential throughout the year, so let Desert Dentistry get you and your family back on track! Back-to-school checkups are particularly crucial in combating cavities, the most prevalent chronic disease among school-age children. Prevention and early detection can prevent pain, eating difficulties, speaking issues, and school absences.

SUNDAYS

Ahwatukee Farmers Market

Ahwatukee Swim & Tennis Center | 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

The Ahwatukee Farmers Market brings together fresh food, arts and crafts, food trucks and more at this signature weekly community event. June begins summer hours for the market, running from 8 to 11 a.m. through September. For more information, visit ArizonaCommunityFarmersMarkets. com/Ahwatukee-Farmers-Market

JULY 4TH

4th of July

Children’s Parade

Foothills Baptist Church | 8:15 AM

This annual parade begins at Foothills Baptist Church and travels down Thunderhill Road. Decorate bikes, trikes, scooters, wagons and baby strollers in red, white and blue. A family celebration will follow, with free hot dogs, snow cones, slides, a DJ and more. Prizes will be awarded for best decorations, best dressed and spirit.  For more information, visit AhwatukeeChamber.com

JULY 4TH

Fabulous Phoenix 4th

Steele Indian School Park | 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM

This free, family-friendly event boasts one of the largest fireworks shows in the Southwest. Fabulous Phoenix 4th features local artists, food vendors, arts and crafts, a children’s play area and more. For more information, visit Phoenix.gov and search “Fabulous Phoenix 4th.”

Couture Glow. Clinical Care.

JULY 18TH & 19TH

Morgan Wallen “I’m The Problem" Tour

State Farm Stadium

Morgan Wallen’s “I’m The Problem" Tour makes its way to the Valley for two performances, with special guests Miranda Lambert performing on July 18, and Brooks & Dunn performing on July 19. Ella Langley opens both shows. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit StateFarmStadium.com

JULY 22ND - AUGUST 3RD

Moulin Rouge!

The Musical

ASU Gammage

Moulin Rouge! The Musical invites you into a world of splendor and romance, of eye-popping excess, of glitz, grandeur and glory. Baz Luhrmann’s revolutionary film comes to life onstage as part of Broadway Across America. For tickets and showtimes, visit ASUGammage.com

JULY 25TH

Disney Descendants/Zombies “Worlds Collide Tour” PHX Arena, formerly Footprint Center | 7:00 PM

This one-of-a-kind interactive live concert experience will celebrate the high-energy music from Disney’s “Descendants” and “Zombies” franchises, inspiring families and fans of all ages to dance, sing and engage with their favorite stars. Performers include Joshua Colley, Mekonnen Knife, Kylie Cantrall, Freya Skye, Malia Baker, Malachi Barton and Dara Reneé. For more information, visit FootprintCenter.com