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Make an appointment now. cityofhope.org/phoenix
I’m writing this as I sit on an airplane, thousands of feet in the air, heading home from a trip that was almost a year in the making (you try coordinating six busy adults’ schedules to all get away at the same time!).
I’d met up with my college housemates for a weekend. We’d arrived from around the country, using a year of milestone birthdays as the catalyst to finally get together. It had been a few years since we’d all seen each other—and many more since we’d graduated college.
The conversations flowed easily, from catching up on families and work to reminiscing about old adventures, and soon we were creating new memories together (might I recommend the walking ghost tour in Savannah, Georgia?).
It may sound corny, but spending time with old friends—who knew you when, who accept you unconditionally, and who always make you laugh—is truly good for the soul.
It’s so easy for time to speed by. I know for me, the days and years flew as I was consumed with children, work, and simply getting through each day. But this weekend reminded me how important it is to make the time to nurture both ourselves and our longtime friendships.
Yes, true friends will always be there, and it doesn’t matter how much time has passed—you pick up right where you left off. But making the time to reconnect and to share a meal, a story, or a laugh, fills a part of us that nothing else quite can.
The holidays are a time of connection. Whether you’re connecting with loved ones, your community through small acts of kindness, or your dreams and hopes for the year ahead, remember that it’s these moments that make life so meaningful.
As 2025 winds down into a whirlwind of celebrations and to-do lists, I hope you find time to enjoy your loved ones and friends, both old and new, near and far. After all, isn’t that what life’s about?
Happy holidays, Happy New Year, and here’s to a wonderful 2026!
Yours,
MICHELLE GLICKSMAN, EDITOR @CHANDLERCITYLIFESTYLE
December 2025
PUBLISHER
Joyce Selk | joyce.selk@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Michelle Glicksman
michelle.glicksman@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANTS
Jessica Bush | jessica.bush@citylifestyle.com
Christina Larson | christina.larson@citylifestyle.com
Skye Wagner | skye.wagner@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Angela Broockerd, Alison Stanton
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Lindsay Borg, Janie Jones
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
We work mainly with women who find themselves suddenly single.
Women who are scared.
Women who feel like they don’t know anything about finance.
Women who don’t want to be taken advantage of.
Women who don’t want to be judged.
Women who just need someone to help.
I work with
who come in heavy and leave my office lighter.
That’s the
1: The Amy Jones Group sponsored the Women Empowered Fall Social: DREAM, held at Seville Golf & Country Club. 2: The young women of the Chandler Service Club at the 2025 Flower Girl Tea. 3: Chandler Center for the Arts’ 12th Annual Center Stage Gala presented by Big Two Toyota of Chandler. 4: The team from the Amy Jones Group supports Downtown Chandler’s Dollarmania event. 5: Mayor Kevin Hartke, Sandra Bassett, and Michelle Mac Lennan pose with Business Arts Award honoree Michael Pollack. 6: The Arians Family Foundation Sip and Shop fundraiser was a success, raising awareness for child advocacy. 7: The TomKat Shoppe hosted a special night with S.P.E.A.K for the Arians Family Foundation to benefit foster kids.
At CHoP Chandler, every plate tells a story—and some stories change week to week. With the launch of its “Cut of the Week” program, Executive Chef Diego Caballero invites guests to experience the art of the steakhouse reimagined. Each week features a different premium cut, hand-selected from local purveyors and prepared with the wood-fired finesse that defines CHoP’s culinary identity. ChopChandler.com
Taroko Sports is bringing its innovative tech-enhanced batting
Photography by Michael Anthony
Community on Purpose and the Amy Jones Group Named Best of Chandler 2025
Community on Purpose and the Amy Jones Group celebrated being named Best of Chandler 2025. The allwomen real-estate team continues to serve families across the East Valley through real estate and community involvement—hosting drives, volunteer projects, and educational events that make an impact year-round. For partnership or volunteer opportunities, contact info@amyjonesgroup.com.
Photography courtesy Amy Jones Group
cage and entertainment destination to Chandler. The 18,273-squarefoot entertainment complex at The Shoppes at Casa Paloma marks the brand’s third U.S. venue and second Arizona location. Central to the experience are cutting-edge batting cages equipped with advanced tracking technology that provides instant performance analytics and interactive scoring systems. There is also an arcade, mini bowling lanes, and more. Open 24/7. TarokoSports.com Scan
The Arizona Supreme Court recognized Chandler Municipal Court as a recipient of the Strategic Agenda Award for Advancement in Technology, honoring the court’s innovative Instant Language Assistant program. Each year, the Arizona Supreme Court honors court programs and individuals across the state that advance the goals outlined in the Chief Justice’s five-year strategic plan. Chandler Municipal Court was recognized for its technology-driven approach to improving accessibility and customer service for limited English-speaking residents. ChandlerAZ.gov/court
Brewer Science, Inc., a global leader in developing and manufacturing next-generation materials and processes for the microelectronics and optoelectronics industries, opened a new office and lab in Chandler: the Brewer Science Arizona Innovation Center. This strengthens the company’s proximity to key customers, partners, and research collaborators, while providing direct access to local talent. It will serve as both a collaborative research space and a customer engagement hub. BrewerScience.com
Simpson Strong-Tie, one of the world’s largest suppliers of structural building products, is expanding its Chandler operations for the third time, recently signing a 67,000-square-foot lease at 2850 S. Cooper Road. The facility will include a training center, small manufacturing department, and warehousing. The company has continued to grow its Chandler footprint since first locating here approximately 12 years ago, starting with 22,000 square feet. Simpson Strong-Tie plans to occupy the new location later this fall. StrongTie.com
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The Chandler Cultural Foundation has two new board members for its managing board: Eric Piepenbrink and Kimberly McCarthy. Appointed by Mayor Kevin Hartke, both individuals bring professional expertise, community leadership, and a passion for the arts to strengthen the foundation’s mission to connect culture to the community in Chandler. Eric Piepenbrink is vice president of student services at the University of Arizona Global Campus, while Kimberly McCarthy is the contract manager at United Behavioral Health-Optum.
Photography courtesy Chandler Center for the Arts
that runs from 6 to 9 p.m. at Dr. A.J. Chandler Park West, Crust Lawn, and San Marcos Place Colonnade. The free evening event spotlights the best of local art, music, handmade goods, and interactive exhibits. From eclectic artwork and one-ofa-kind finds to street performers and community engagement spaces, there’s something for all ages to enjoy. The event launched in mid-October and runs through May 2026. DowntownChandler.org
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George & Gather, Downtown Chandler's all-day hangout featuring gourmet, seed oil-free, from-scratch fare served daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, recently launched happy hour. Happy hour is available Monday through Friday from 3 to 5 p.m., bar seating and community top table only. Specials include the option to turn any pizza on the menu into a Pizzettas for $12 (6” personal pizza); cocktails for $12; and draft beer, house red, and wine by the glass for $6. GeorgeAndGather.com
NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION KEEPS THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS ALIVE ALL YEAR
“When you give, it multiplies. It inspires others to do the same.”
One Christmas season when Jeffrey Biggs was a child, his parents told him and his siblings not to expect any gifts that year due to financial reasons.
When the family returned home from church that afternoon, there were several bags of gifts waiting for them on their doorstep.
“I’ll never forget that feeling of surprise, gratitude, and love—knowing that someone out there cared enough to do that for us,” Biggs says. “Then, about five years ago, my family went through something similar. Finances were tight again, and one evening a family we didn’t even know showed up with gifts for our children.”
Through his career as a registered behavior technician, Biggs’ experiences working with children and adults with special needs—as well as his volunteer work playing Santa at churches and
neighborhood events—have continued to show him firsthand how powerful the joy of giving and helping others can be.
All of these experiences made such a significant and lasting impression on Biggs that he was inspired to start The Kringle Cause, a nonprofit organization that believes the spirit of Christmas is something that lives on all year long through acts of kindness.
As Biggs notes, The Kringle Cause’s missions are to brighten the lives of children and to support parents who are feeling overwhelmed by caring for a child with complex needs.
“Through The Kringle Cause, we bring handcrafted gifts and personal visits to children facing intellectual, physical, and life-threatening health challenges, as well as those in foster care or experiencing homelessness,” Biggs says. “Every delivery
“Every delivery is a reminder that they matter—that someone sees and celebrates them.”
is a reminder that they matter—that someone sees and celebrates them.”
In order to accomplish this goal, Biggs is currently assembling a team of E.L.F.s—or Envoys of Love & Friendship—who are young adults with disabilities who help design, craft, and package the gifts that they deliver.
To give exhausted parents a needed break, The Kringle Cause partners with local businesses to give parents opportunities to decompress—whether it’s a dinner for two, a spa treatment, or simply a moment to breathe and feel seen.
Because Biggs understands that big goals are accomplished with small steps, he is keeping his nonprofit focused on manageable tasks.
“Right now, my immediate goal is to finish transforming my garage into our first working shop. That’s where our E.L.F.s will begin handcrafting toys, ornaments, and gifts using modern tools like laser cutters, 3D printers, and CNC machines,” he says. “From there, we’ll grow into a dedicated facility with space not only for production, but also for life skills and employment training for our E.L.F.s—things like budgeting, communication, and interview skills.”
Looking ahead, Biggs is planning a number of inclusive fundraising events, including a Kringle Cause Classic Putt-Putt Golf Tournament in the spring, Bingo Bells & Beach Towels in July, a Celebration of Movement event in the fall, and the annual State of the Pole Gala in January of 2027.
“Each one of these events will be designed so people of all abilities can participate and feel included,” he says, adding that there are a wide variety of other ways that people from throughout the East Valley can get involved.
“We’re currently looking for board members and committee members, especially for our fundraising, programs, and social media and marketing committees. We’d love volunteers who enjoy event planning, grant-writing or just want to help us connect with the community,” Biggs says. “We’re also hoping to find a few board members with legal or accounting backgrounds to help us maintain strong transparency and compliance as we grow.”
Donations of materials, equipment, or funds are also all welcome, and they will all be used to directly support the mission of The Kringle Cause.
“Even simply sharing our story helps. At the end of the day, we believe everyone has a little ‘Kringle’ in them—the power to make a difference through kindness,” he says.
To help keep the spirit of giving alive year-round, The Kringle Cause is also launching a Christmas Ornament Club
“Each month, members will receive a handmade ornament created by our E.L.F.s, using the tools and machines in our workshop,” Biggs says. “Along with each ornament comes a short note from the E.L.F. who helped make it—a small reminder that someone out there is creating joy for others.”
Biggs hopes The Kringle Cause and its mission of sharing kindness with others will be a beacon of hope and light every single day.
“The world feels heavy sometimes, but kindness is contagious. When you give, it multiplies. It inspires others to do the same, and eventually, it circles back to you,” he says. “That’s why we work year-round—to keep that Christmas spirit alive and help people remember that joy and compassion don’t have an expiration date.”
KringleCause.org
On Saturday morning, Dec. 13, members of the Exchange Club of Chandler and hundreds of volunteers will partner with the Valley of the Sun Cemetery and Mortuary, the Chandler Elks Lodge #2429, and the Phoenix Exchange Club to host the Wreaths Across America Day Event.
Members of the organizations and the volunteers will lay thousands of Remembrance wreaths on the graves of fallen heroes at the cemetery, while saying the name of each veteran aloud.
The wreath-laying event will be followed by a formal ceremony at 10 a.m. that honors each branch of the military, the active duty personnel in the military, and living veterans.
Mark Whitaker, a member of the Exchange Club of Chandler and the Wreaths Across America Day Event Chair, will be there.
As he walks through the cemetery on the December morning, he will not only think of those who paid the ultimate price for serving their country, but also of his late brother Michael Whitaker, who retired as a major from the U. S. Air Force.
“As a veteran, Michael brought the Wreaths Across America event to the Exchange Club of Chandler as an Americanism project to honor his fellow veterans,” Whitaker says. “I was fortunate to help Michael with the Wreaths Across America program for several years.”
ARTICLE BY ALISON STANTON PHOTOGRAPHY BY LINDSAY BORG
After his brother passed away, Mark, along with the other members of the Exchange Club of Chandler, which is a local chapter of the National Exchange Club, wanted to keep Michael’s spirit alive by continuing this patriotic project.
“While the Wreaths Across America Day Event is important to the Exchange Club of Chandler because of Michael’s legacy, it is even more important because it builds community here in Chandler and gives Chandler residents a way to come together to remember the service and sacrifice of Chandler veterans,” Whitaker notes. “We anticipate having hundreds of volunteers, so the wreath laying should be finished before the formal ceremony.”
Volunteers are also needed for the Exchange Club of Chandler’s many other ventures that take place during the year, Whitaker notes. In addition to the Wreaths Across America project, the local Chandler chapter of the Exchange Club stays busy all year long working on a number of projects.
As Whitaker notes, all local Exchange Clubs operate under four key Programs of Service: Americanism, Youth, Community Service, and a National Program of Service, which is Raising Awareness to Prevent Child Abuse.
“For example, in March, during Read Across America, the Chandler Exchange Club goes into a Chandler elementary school and reads to the children, and we take lunch to the teachers and staff,” Whitaker says. “We welcome those we call Friends of Exchange to volunteer to help us read to the kids.
“Every April, [which is] Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month, we partner with the Chandler Domestic Violence Commission to stand up the Field of Hope, which is a memorial to victims of child abuse, in Downtown Chandler.”
In May, club members select a senior who has overcome adversity to graduate and honor them with the Exchange Accepting the Challenge of Excellence (ACE) Award and give them a scholarship to help them continue their education.
“Each September, we help the Tempe Exchange Club stand up the 9/11 Memorial Healing Field® (a memorial to the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks) in Tempe Beach Park," he says. “In October, we honor Chandler first responders. We work with the Chandler Fire Department and Police Department to recognize the Exchange Club’s Chandler Firefighter and Police Officer of the Year.”
ChandlerExchangeClub.org; WreathsAcrossAmerica.org
Jewelry for everyone on your list at every price point can be found at MyrandaFineJewelry.com.
Taylor Swift All The Songs: The Story Behind Every Track by Damien Somville and Marine Benoit. $39; Amazon.com
3. Cayla Gray Velvet Rollerball Perfumes from The TomKat Shoppe in Downtown Ocotillo. $38; TheTomKatStudio.com
4. Customize a hat at Copper Brim Hat Bar in Downtown Chandler. $35$399; CopperBrimHatBar.com
5. Perfect sports outfits with SPF50 cooling technology by Lulu B. Skort: $78, polo shirt: $58, baller hat: $30. All from BoutiqueOnBoston.com in Downtown Chandler
1. American Football - The Ultimate Book by Alex von Kuczkowski. $40; Amazon.com
2. Rolling Stainless Steel Grill Basket (set of 2). $24; Amazon.com
3. 20”H Gold Deer Butler With Tray from The TomKat Shoppe in Downtown Ocotillo. $124.50; TheTomKatStudio.com
4. Assorted barware and cocktail accessories from The TomKat Shoppe in Downtown Ocotillo. $4-$30; TheTomKatStudio.com
5. The GrillBox is the ultimate grill-side organizer designed to keep tools, sauces, rubs, and must-haves right where you need them. $399; TheGrillBoxCompany.com
2.
3.
1. Custom gift baskets filled with locally made products from d’Vine Gourmet in Downtown Chandler. $30-$500; Stores.dVineGourmet.com
2. KneadAce Pro Sourdough Starter Jar. $39; KneadAce.com
3. 8” Alexander (Atlas) European Brass Salt and Pepper Mills ($99 each) on Gray Melange Scalloped Marble Tray ($49.50) from The TomKat Shoppe in Downtown Ocotillo. TheTomKatStudio.com
4. Treat your home to the first thing people see with a custom iron door. Starting at $3,999 from MyIrondoorCompany.com
5. iLive Pop-Up Movie Theater Kit, Projector, 120-Inch Inflatable Projection Screen, and Bluetooth Speaker. $299.99; ILiveElectronics.com 2
Data source: Arizona Regional MLS.
“What is Your Favorite Holiday Memory?”
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
“Every family has that one holiday tradition that never seems to fade, no matter how much the kids might groan about it. For my family, it began with my elementary school music teacher, who had us perform a festive take on the classic children’s tune about the farmer and his dog named Bingo—you know, the one that begins, ‘There was a farmer who had a dog, and Bingo was his name-O.’
In the song, you spell out B-I-N-G-O, then drop one letter each verse and replace it with a clap until you’re clapping all five times. My mom thought it was adorable and decided to make it ‘our thing.’
Each year, all the cousins, my brother, and I—five of us in total—were called to the front of the room during our big family gathering. The adults would sit on the couches, surrounded by all of our presents, eating my mom’s infamous sugar cookies, while we stood there in Santa hats, each holding a letter to spell S-A-N-T-A.
Then came our version of the song:
‘There was a man who had a beard, And Santa was his name-O!’
With each round, we’d drop a letter and clap instead, and as kids, we absolutely hated it. We’d laugh, roll our eyes, and secretly hope the song would end sooner.
enough kids,’ and honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
As much as I dreaded it growing up, I’ve realized Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas without it—a reminder that the best traditions are the ones that make us laugh, year after year.”
Fast-forward nearly 40 years, and the tradition still lives on. Now it’s the grandkids’ turn to take the spotlight, giggling through the same song while we cheer them on just like our parents once did for us. Somehow, I always get pulled in to help because ‘we never have CONTINUED >
—Jill Taylor, community relations director at Cadence Chandler
“EVERY FAMILY HAS THAT ONE HOLIDAY TRADITION THAT NEVER SEEMS TO FADE, NO MATTER
HOW MUCH THE KIDS MIGHT GROAN ABOUT IT.”
“My favorite holiday memory happens every year when my family and I travel up to Payson to cut down our own Christmas tree. We spend the day together in the forest, choosing the best one, then bring it back down to the valley to set up in our house. Once it’s up, we decorate it with all our special ornaments. To finish it, we set up our electric train that circles the tree. This tradition has always been my favorite and one I can look forward to.”
—Spencer Redmon, membership representative, Village Health Clubs & Spas
“‘I’m home.’
If you’ve ever been estranged from your child(ren), you know it’s one of the most heart-wrenching experiences a parent can endure. My daughter Sage and I were estranged for two and a half years—a season that was incredibly difficult for both of us.
Growing up, Sage would walk through the door after school or activities and call out, ‘I’m home!’
It was a simple phrase, but one that echoed love, safety, and connection. During our estrangement, I missed hearing those words more than I can express.
Then, on Christmas morning 2024, I heard those words again.
Sage has permitted me to share this story to offer hope to others who may be experiencing estrangement—especially during the holidays. Keep hoping. Keep praying. Keep loving.
This is my favorite holiday memory.”
—Kimberly Akers, co-owner of Amada Senior Care Phoenix and the East Valley
“We grew up in a small town and had a tight circle of about six families that we always hung out with. For New Year’s Day, every year we would get together and each family would bring a dish that represented good luck from their culture or hometown. My father’s family was from Quebec, so we had Tourtière, a savory meat pie traditionally made of pork or veal, potatoes, and spices. Impressive and easy to make, it is said to bring about the good luck of ‘having family return home’ for the holiday season. Delish!”
—Denise McCreery, owner, d’Vine Gourmet and Boutique on Boston
Graham cracker crust:
• 1 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbled
• 4 tablespoons sugar
• 5 tablespoons butter, melted
Cheesecake filling:
• 38 ounces cream cheese at room temperature
• 1 1/4 cups sugar
• 1/2 cup sour cream at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 4 large eggs at room temperature
1. Preheat oven to 350° F. Mix graham cracker crumbs together with sugar and melted butter until well incorporated. Press crust into the bottom and half way up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake 7 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside.
2. Reduce oven temperature to 325° F. In a large bowl, mix cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, sour cream and vanilla. Mix again until incorporated.
3. Crack eggs into a small bowl, and using a fork, beat until mixed. With the mixer on low, slowly pour in the eggs into the cream cheese mixture and stir. Pour filling into the center of the graham cracker crust and gently smooth the top.
4. Bake for 30 minutes at 325° F. Reduce temperature to 250° F and continue cooking for 45 minutes more. Once done, turn oven off and keep cheesecake inside for another 30 minutes. Bring cheesecake to room temperature on the counter (3-4 hours) before covering with plastic wrap and place in the fridge.
To add a festive flair, adorn with berries, fresh herbs or drizzle with a sauce.
To add a festive flair, adorn with berries, fresh herbs or drizzle with a sauce.
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING
THROUGH FEBRUARY 1ST
Sonoran Shapes + Structures: Desert-Inspired Architecture and Design
Chandler Museum
This exhibit highlights a variety of examples of how organic architects and designers have treated the local landscape as their artistic muse. From the clean lines of Frank Lloyd Wright to the curves and arcs of Paolo Soleri, the Sonoran Desert has inspired generations of creatives. Developed in partnership with the Organic Architecture + Design Archives (OA+D). ChandlerMuseum.org
DECEMBER 1ST-28TH
Christmas on the Farm
DH Farms, 209 N. 99th Ave., Phoenix Here, sparkling lights, festive music, and larger-than-life holiday experiences bring the spirit of Christmas to life. This immersive holiday celebration brought to you by DH Farms transforms the grounds into a winter wonderland. There’s Santa’s Village, light shows, a light maze, Gingerbread Village, the Grouchville Slide, the Tiny Tykes Christmas Shop, ice skating, the Elf’s Petting Zoo, a bounce area, and more. VisitDHFarms.com
DECEMBER 6TH
Downtown Chandler | 4:30 PM
Some things are simply synonymous with the holidays—pumpkin pie, peppermint mochas, gingerbread houses, and of course, the free City of Chandler’s Annual Tumbleweed Tree Lighting and Parade of Lights. Behold the iconic Tumbleweed Tree; visit with the jolly man himself, Santa; and enjoy musical performances and glowing pageantry of lights. It’s an evening of merriment the whole family can enjoy. ChandlerAZ.gov
CONTINUED
DECEMBER 6TH
FuelFest
Firebird Motorsports Park | 1:00 PM
FuelFest blends the enthusiast’s passion for the automotive world with appearances by Fast & Furious franchise stars Tyrese Gibson and Cody Walker; live-action drifting; fan ride-alongs; live music on multiple stages; a car show with more than 700 top custom, exotic, rare and exclusive show cars; dozens of custom exhibits; the new Taste of Tokyo showcase; and more. FuelFest.com
DECEMBER 6TH
Make and Take:
Perler
Vision Gallery | 11:30 AM
Get in the spirit with a fun holiday craft. Stop by Vision Gallery on Dec. 6 to make an ornament with fusible beads. This is a free, self-led activity for all ages, including adults. Children are welcome to participate with assistance from an adult. Registering is appreciated but drop-ins are welcome. VisionGallery.org
DECEMBER 13TH
Holiday Inn – Chandler | 9:00 AM
Celebrate local creativity and art at the Ocotillo Artists Group’s Holiday Art Show on Saturday, Dec. 13, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Chandler, 1200 W. Ocotillo Road. Shop original art, meet the artists, and support local talent. Find your perfect gifts. Free and open to the public. OcotilloArtistsGroup.com
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