Chandler, AZ February 2026

LIFESTYLE LETTER

Local Love

There’s something special about loving where you live—and in Chandler, that love shows up in a thousand meaningful ways. It’s in the small businesses that know your name, the artists who bring beauty to everyday spaces, and the moments—big and small—that mark life here.

This Local Love issue is our celebration of the people, places, and passions that make Chandler feel like home. We asked locals what they love most about this city, and their answers reminded us that community isn’t just a word—it’s the people and places.

In this issue, you’ll meet creative voices shaping Chandler’s art scene, discover a skin-care destination rooted in care and confidence, and explore how thoughtful craftsmanship—whether in fine jewelry or the art of charcuterie—adds richness to everyday life.

As Chandler continues to grow and change, with exciting redevelopment at Chandler Fashion Center and new energy across the city, what remains constant is the heart behind it all: local vision, local pride, and local love.

We hope this issue inspires you to support a neighbor, discover something new, and fall a little more in love with Chandler—again.

Yours,

MICHELLE GLICKSMAN, EDITOR @CHANDLERCITYLIFESTYLE

February 2026

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

Kristy Belley, Jordan Gray, Del Salisbury, Alison Stanton

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Lindsay Borg, Katie Levine Photography

Corporate Team

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.

3:5-6

Gagandeep “Gaugs” Singh, M.D. Chief of Surgery and Medical Director of Surgical Operations, City of Hope Phoenix

Pursuing cancer cures at the speed of life. City of Hope’s outcomes exceed national standards. That’s groundbreaking science you want on your side. As one of the nation’s largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations, a cancer free future is fueled by hope.

Make an appointment now. cityofhope.org/phoenix

city scene

1: Carissa Krausman, owner of Shoe Thrill, received the 2025 Small Business Proclamation from the City of Chandler. 2: Hundreds of kids enjoyed games, activities, and holiday fun at the Downtown Chandler Christmas Prancer Party! 3: Hundreds of kids enjoyed games, activities, and holiday fun at the Downtown Chandler Christmas Prancer Party! 4: Turkey Trot for Tiny Warriors was a family-friendly run supporting three local children bravely battling cancer. 5: The Tox Chandler held its first Holiday Social Open House. 6: The Tox Chandler’s staff held its first annual Holiday Social Open House. 7: The Amy Jones Group and Community On Purpose held a food drive at their 10th annual Fall Pie Event.

was a huge success!

selected as one of nine inspiring Maricopa County nonprofit leaders

Virginia

Class of Piper

10: Guests enjoying the Bitter Creek Band supporting a fundraising night out for ICAN. 11: Guests enjoying the Bitter Creek Band supporting a fundraising night out for ICAN. 12: ICAN’s Dream BIG event held at the Biltmore was a huge success! 13: Diamond Lake in Sun Lakes held its annual Christmas Walk, collecting food for AZCEND. 14: It was all things jewelry at Myranda Fine Jewelry’s Holiday Open House!

Amada Senior Care Sponsors Educational Sessions

Amada Senior Care is sponsoring educational sessions in the Valley. Understanding your options can make all the difference for you and your loved ones. Join their upcoming educational sessions to get answers to common questions, including what benefits are in your policy, when you should use it, why some people struggle with claims, and if you should cancel if premiums are increasing. Sessions are being held in Chandler, SanTan Mall area, and Scottsdale; Feb. 10, 19, 26, and March 4. AmadaPhoenix.com

Dr. A.J. Chandler Park was last renovated in 1986. Following the latest master plan, construction is now underway for renovations. The project includes the demolition of existing pavements, water features and structures, and the construction of new decorative hardscape plazas, relocated and new public art, park lighting, power infrastructure, and a new crosswalk signal at the existing Arizona Avenue pedestrian crossing. The project adds event lawns, seasonal plazas, seating and site furniture, park pavilions, restroom buildings, storage rooms, and more.  ChandlerAZ.gov/ downtownimprovements

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Chandler Cultural Foundation Receives Record Legacy Gift

The Chandler Cultural Foundation received a Legacy Gift of over $845,000 from the estate of Mariann and Craig Shields, devoted patrons, volunteers, and community supporters of the Chandler Center for the Arts. This transformational contribution, directed through the Shields' estate plan, is the largest single gift ever received by the foundation and will support arts experiences, performances, and programs for the Chandler community for years to come. ChandlerCenter.org

Courtesy Chandler Center for the Arts

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PLACES WE

IN CHANDLER! LOVE

We asked on our Instagram page: "What is your favorite local spot (think restaurant, bar, places around town, entertainment venues, retail shops, etc.) and tell us why." Here are the spots you love. (P.S.—Want to participate in upcoming issues? Don't forget to to follow us!)

"My favorite Chandler spot is Haia Studio because the classes are fun, challenging, and restorative, and the community there makes me feel loved and empowered!" — Megan Mahlandt

"My favorite thing to do in Chandler is to share lunch or dinner with dear family and friends at one of the many fabulous restaurants! Stone & Vine wins my vote because it is so close to me!"— Dr. Aubrey Young, Young Orthodontics

"Go to Downtown Chandler—[there's a] plethora of things to do. Farmers' Market on Saturday morning. Hike South Mountain."— The staff at Tutera Medical

"Talk about local love! Did you know that Downtown Chandler has CC&E’s that require all businesses on the historic square to be locally owned and operated? No national chains allowed, only AZ-based chains (Cheba, CHoP) and locally owned … almost all stores/restaurants you can find the owners working in the shop, every day. Talk about local love!! And did you know that at d'Vine Gourmet, we carry MORE than 100 local vendors/artists in our store?"— Denise McCreery, owner, d'Vine Gourmet and Boutique on Boston

"10:19 Coffee."— @lexismarin

"We love @thekindbean."— @chandlerazmoms

"@haiastudio is my fav"— @snatchpilates

"@haiastudio!!!"— @yogamarn

"We were just awarded Yelp's most liked businesses for 2025."—@thekindbean

"@haiastudio my favorite." — @courtneeeymarieee

"@nucafeco" — @nucafeco

"@haiastudio" — @megan.luciaaa

"... Haia Studio is my favorite local spot. First, it's the most welcoming studio you will ever go to. Carolina (the owner) lives in Chandler and has created a sanctuary for everybody who steps in her space. The classes are incredible!! Literally the best Pilates and yoga classes I've ever taken, and I've been doing yoga and Pilates for 20 years." — Marni Mendelsohn

"FIT4MOM Chandler launched in September 2025 in the middle of Downtown Chandler (Quarthaus/ Aristocrat). We provide functional strength training for moms-to-be and moms with their kiddos in tow! Womenfocused, women-owned, and familycentric. We need your help reaching more mamas to help them find their community here. Postpartum support and a sense of belonging in the midst of a new identity blossoming … it’s really the easiest thing to Love Local(ly)!" — Chelsie Murton, franchise owner

Home Is Where the Art Is

FOR THESE FOUR LOCAL ARTISTS, ART COMES FROM WITHIN

ARTICLE BY MICHELLE GLICKSMAN

MIGUEL ANGEL GODOY

PUBLIC MURALS, PAINTING, DRAWING, AND DIGITAL DESIGN

MIGUELANGELGODOY.COM

INSTAGRAM: @MIGUEL_ANGEL_GODOY

Miguel Angel Godoy’s recent work includes ongoing collaborations with the Phoenix Suns, from the 2023/24 El Valle City Edition uniforms and Ring of Honor portraits to a custom basketball for this season’s  30 Rocks on 30 Rock event. He is a residential art faculty at Estrella Mountain Community College. Influences like lowrider culture, Marvel comics, and hip-hop shaped his focus on identity, culture, and collective storytelling.

You knew you wanted to be an artist when: I realized drawing was how I made sense of the world before I had the language for it. Creating is something I have relied on since I was a child, long before it felt like a career. I started to focus on realism in high school, and when I found success in it is when I decided I could make a career out of it.

Is there a particular piece that feels like a turning point in your career? Leading my first large-scale community mural changed how I understood my role as an artist and teacher. It showed me that the process and the people involved mattered just as much or even more than the final image.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received as an artist? I have received so many gems of wisdom over the years. The one that has stuck with me the most is something my high school art teacher, Mr. William Joe Crawford, instilled in me as a student: “To be good is not enough, when you dream of being great.”

Finish this sentence: “Art should always ______.” Art should always carry the spirit of the object, the process, and the artist to the viewer.

HYEWON YOON

MIXED MEDIA ON CANVAS OR PANEL

HYEWONYOON.COM

INSTAGRAM: @HYEWONYOONART

Hyewon Yoon has been an artist for over 30 years, beginning her practice in South Korea, where she was born. She earned her Master of Fine Arts from the San Francisco Art Institute in 2005.

You knew you wanted to be an artist when: I knew I wanted to be an artist from a very young age, even as early as preschool. I loved drawing.

You’re inspired by: I am inspired by everything that I see and feel.  I am especially caught by things in nature.

Is there a particular piece that feels like a turning point in your career?  My turning point piece was my first pen drawing. I had worked primarily as an oil painter, but during my pregnancy, I became sensitive to oil paints, which led me to transition to pen. After that, I moved into mixed media.

Favorite piece that you’ve created? My favorite piece is my first large-scale pen drawing on paper, Abandoned Structures.

Finish this sentence: “Art should always ______.” Art should always come from the heart.

SHACHI KALE

WATER MEDIA ON PAPER, MIXED MEDIA, FIBER ART, AND PRINTMAKING

SHACHIKALE.COM

INSTAGRAM: @SHACHIDREAMS

Shachi Kale is a visual artist who has worked in the field of art and design for over three decades. Originally from India, she has lived in the Valley for 25 years, actively working in public art. She has also had several solo and group shows, in addition to being a graphic designer and children’s book illustrator.

You knew you wanted to be an artist when: I was 4! I have always made art and knew very early that this was what I’d do my whole life!

You’re inspired by: Folk art; the colors and textiles of India; nature, and its endless variety of patterns, shapes, and colors!

Is there a particular piece that feels like a turning point in your career? Learning to Breathe Underwater, a large watercolor

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received as an artist? The best advice I’ve ever received as an artist was to keep making work, no matter how small or insignificant. — Hyewon Yoon

Finish this sentence: Art should always . Art should always be for the artist/creator first! * I also don’t believe there can be any “should” when it comes to art ! — Shachi Kale

self-portrait with surreal elements, feels like an important moment in my artmaking. Both in terms of technique and the fact that it was the central piece from my first solo show! It was a reflection of a moment in time when I had young children and drowning in overwhelm was not an option. It was meditative, a message of hope for myself, and an exploration of portraiture with the kind of details that light me up!

KATHLEEN MARIE MCDERMOTT ESCOBEDO

PENCIL, WATERCOLOR, ACRYLIC, AND CLAY, PRIMARILY PORCELAIN PIECES THAT INCORPORATE SOME OF HER DRAWINGS ON THEM

KATHESCO@HOTMAIL.COM

Kathleen Marie McDermott Escobedois the oldest of six children and graduated from Arizona State University with a bachelor’s degree in education, minoring in art. She was born in Phoenix. You’re inspired by: I don’t have one specific point of inspiration as far as subject matter goes. I find that what hits me is more of the play of light and dark on an object. I am also drawn to what I consider the perfect composition. I see something that’s just begging to be remembered, I guess.

Is there a particular piece that feels like a turning point in your career? I’ve been asked about my career. I’ve never considered what I do as actually that. It’s what is the most fulfilling way I find to spend my time. I’m happiest with a brush, a pencil, or a chunk of clay in my hands. And the time just flies. If I sell something, that’s great—it means I can buy more supplies.

Finish this sentence: “Art should always ______.” “Art is what can’t fit inside a person. It’s the things that bubble over.”—Frederick Bachman

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received as an artist? When it’s going south, stop, put it away, and come back tomorrow. Keeping at it is just more that will have to be fixed later. — Kathleen Marie McDermott Escobedo

CHANDLER SESSION

Lunch and Learn Solera Community

February 10 | 12 PM – 1 PM San Tan Room 6360 S. Mountain Blvd, Chandler 85249

GILBERT/MESA SESSION

The Kiln

February 19 | 10 AM – 11 AM 2162 E Williams Field Rd., Suite 111, Gilbert, AZ 85295

Corrective and Results-Driven Skin Care

AZ Skin Rehab Offers Advanced Treatments to Help Skin Look and Feel Its Best

For over a decade, AZ Skin Rehab has provided customized treatments for people ranging in age from their teens to 60-plus and beyond.

The Chandler-based business offers a number of advanced treatments, including Procell™ Microchanneling, CoolJet Cold Plasma, Carboxy CO2 Facials, Hydrodermabrasion, Microdermabrasion, Dermaplaning, LED/Red Light Therapy, and customized treatment plans for acne, aging, and pigmentation.

Prior to opening AZ Skin Rehab, owner Faith Yanez had spent many years working in the corporate world.

“While that experience gave me a strong foundation, I’ve always been a people person, and I realized I was missing the personal connection and fulfillment that comes from working closely with others,” Yanez says. “I decided to return to school for aesthetics after realizing I could combine science, care, and human connection to truly change lives.”

As a licensed esthetician, certified acne expert, aging and pigmentation specialist, and an award-winning esthetician, Yanez is devoted to continually expanding and updating her treatments to reflect the advancements in the skincare industry.

“Although I’m well known for helping clients with acne, my passion extends to supporting people through all stages of their skin journey, whether that’s aging, pigmentation, sensitivity, or overall skin health,” she says. “Skin challenges often impact confidence in deeper ways, and being able to guide clients toward lasting results is what makes this work so meaningful to me.”

What helps to set AZ Skin Rehab apart, Yanez says, is her strong focus on results, education, and relationships with her valued clients.

ARTICLE BY ALISON STANTON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LINDSAY BORG

“Every treatment is customized. There are no one-size-fits-all facials. I take the time to understand each client’s skin, lifestyle, and goals so we can create realistic and long-term solutions,” she says, adding that this approach also results in corrective and results-driven skin-care solutions. “I’m especially proud that my business has grown entirely through client referrals and five-star reviews on Yelp and Google. Repeat clients also make up the majority of my practice. That trust means everything to me and reflects the care and consistency my clients experience.”

Yanez, who also serves as a judge and educator within the professional skincare industry, offers retail professional skincare lines at AZ Skin Rehab, including Face Reality, Skin Script, and Hale & Hush.

Currently, some of the most popular services at AZ Skin Rehab are the Procell™ Microchanneling, acne treatment programs, Hydrofacials/Hydrodermabrasion, anti-aging and skin-firming treatments, and pigmentation-focused services.

Looking back, Yanez is definitely pleased with her decision to leave the corporate world and to launch AZ Skin Rehab.

CONTINUED >

Whether she’s working with a teenager who is dealing with acne, a woman in her late 60s who is interested in anti-aging treatments, or anyone in between, Yanez takes a great deal of pride in her work.

“What I enjoy most is helping people feel confident again. Skin concerns can deeply affect self-esteem, and being able to support someone through that transformation, both physically and emotionally, is incredibly rewarding,” she says. “I also love continuing my education and bringing the most effective, safe treatments back to my clients.”

AZ Skin Rehab is located in Vesuvio Studios, 930 E. Warner Road, Studio 19.

AZSkinRehab.com

MORE TO LOVE

Chandler Fashion Center Reimagines Dining, Entertainment Offerings With Global Restaurant Additions, Major Redevelopment Project

Chandler Fashion Center is positioned to become the East Valley’s premier dining destination with a project that elevates the center’s culinary and retail mix inside and out. Now, the center is undergoing a redevelopment initiative to reinvigorate the dining and entertainment district near the Harkins Theatres on the south side of the property, according to Macerich, one of the nation’s leading owners,

ARTICLE

operators, and developers of one-of-a-kind retail and mixed-use properties in top markets.

“Chandler Fashion Center has a long history as a vibrant hub in the East Valley community,” says Monica Greenman, general manager of the shopping center. “As we approach our 25th year of operations, we’re affirming our continued focus on creating a welcoming gathering space where guests come to indulge in the community’s best food, entertainment, and shopping.”

DINING OFFERINGS

As part of the redevelopment project, Chandler Fashion Center will introduce a new mix of vibrant full-service restaurants and crave-worthy fast-casual concepts with expanded patios for all-season dining. The new dining lineup includes iconic Taiwanese restaurant brand Din Tai Fung, globally renowned for its handcrafted Xiao Long Bao or soup dumplings. With its signature exposed dumpling showcase kitchen and authentic flavors, Din Tai Fung promises an unforgettable hospitality experience, set to open in 2027. Additional culinary brands will be announced shortly.

REMODELED AND NEW AREAS

Additional highlights include a remodeled lower-level lawn and event area, designed to host a range of events, from live concerts and family-friendly gatherings to community celebrations. A new interactive splash pad will bring playful energy by day, transforming into a beautifully illuminated water feature at night. Guests can enjoy new shaded retreats surrounded by lush landscaping, cozy fire pits, and comfortable lounge seating, all thoughtfully curated to create a welcoming, garden-inspired atmosphere that invites visitors to relax, connect, and stay awhile.

The first step toward creating this engaging new courtyard gathering area is an inviting walking path that provides access from the east parking lot located between the new restaurants

and Macy’s. Construction began last month and is expected to result in minimal interruptions to the shopper experience.

NEW LOCATIONS

Chandler Fashion Center is continually evolving, bringing shoppers what they want, including the opening of Scheels in 2023 and more recently, prominent high-end brands such as gorjana, TravisMathew and Vuori. Soon, J.Crew Factory will add a new option for men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing, and Johnny Rockets will bring its classic flavors to the center’s food court.

Additionally, Chandler Fashion Center will welcome Seafood City, a first-to-market Filipino grocery store with a vibrant selection of in-house restaurants that will serve PanAsian savory dishes, bakery treats, and popular street foods. Attractions will include live tanks of fresh fish and crustaceans, complimentary cook-to-order service, and a one-of-akind catch-and-cook experience.

“As a retail hub serving a broad geographic region of the East Valley, Chandler Fashion Center continues to attract a strong mix of retailers that appeal to its dynamic shopper base,” says Kim Choukalas, senior vice president, leasing for Macerich. “As we continue to attract more of today’s most desired brands, we’re also conscious of a trend among shoppers who enjoy spending a day shopping their favorite stores, then

winding down with a memorable meal. This project marries the lines between shopping and dining, creating a holistic entertainment experience.”

MACERICH

Macerich’s retail real estate credentials in Arizona are unparalleled: The company dominates the retail landscape in Arizona with seven regional shopping centers in the Phoenix metro area. In all,

Macerich’s Arizona portfolio comprises over 7 million square feet and includes the most iconic and high-performing retail properties in the Southwest, including Arrowhead Towne Center, Chandler Fashion Center, Kierland Commons, and Scottsdale Fashion Square. These shopping centers and their retailers employ thousands of people and generate millions of dollars in revenue for their communities.

ShopChandlerFashionCenter.com

THE ART OF CHARCUTERIE

ARTICLE BY DEL SALISBURY FROM DELCHUTERIE

HOW YOU CAN MAKE BEAUTIFUL BOARDS FOR ANY OF YOUR UPCOMING EVENTS

“When making

your charcuterie

board, the 3 3 3 rule helps you along.”

Crafting a stunning charcuterie board is an art form that blends flavors, textures, and visual appeal into a culinary masterpiece. Local board artist Del Salisbury of DelChuterie shares some must-know tips.  When making your charcuterie board, the 3 3 3 rule helps you along: Select 3 meats, 3 cheeses, and 3 accompaniments. Depending on the size of your board, you can do less or more, allowing for adjustments to include fewer or more elements as needed. Whether you're hosting a casual gathering or an elegant soirée, a well-crafted charcuterie board is a delightful centerpiece that invites guests to indulge in a symphony of savory delights.

MEATS: Choose a variety of meats that are easy to eat with your fingers. Examples include Salami, Peperoni, Prosciutto, Soppressata, Mortadella.

CHEESE: Buy a variety of cheeses that range from mellow to sharp in flavor. Don’t get scared to experiment. Slice them into different shapes—rustic chunks, cubes, triangles, or wedges, or use a cookie cutter to make fun shapes or letters. Include a variety of hard/semi-hard cheeses like Manchego, Aged Cheddar, and Gouda, and soft/semi-soft cheeses like Brie, Goat Cheese, Havarti, or Blue Cheese.

BREAD & CRACKERS: At least 1 cracker per slice of meat. Crostini, water crackers, grain crackers, or thin slices of toasted baguettes are perfect for spreading and scooping!

FRUITS & NUTS: Fresh fruit like grapes, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, or even pear or apple slices add color and freshness. Dried apricots or dried mandarins are sweet and add a different texture. Nuts should be shelled and salted.

SWEETS:  Add something sweet, such as pepper jelly, fig jam (you can use any jam that you prefer), or a little bit of honey (spicy honey). Add a few chocolate-covered nuts and chocolate truffles to satisfy a sweet tooth!

PICKLES, OLIVES, & DIPS: Small bowls of black, green, and kalamata olives, cornichons (baby dill pickles), banana peppers, or other pickled vegetables and cranberry relish, some whole grain mustard, tapenade, pepper/eggplant spread, hummus, artichoke dip, or cream cheese dip.

HOW TO PUT TOGETHER THE BOARD: There is no wrong way. Have fun and get creative and don’t be scared to arrange the ingredients in any interesting way that inspires you.

Some things to remember: Cut fruit will deteriorate more quickly; nuts can get rancid in the fridge; nest to enjoy your board within 1-2 days of making it. Don’t forget the wine!!!

480.382.0230

IT Starts With the RING

How jewelry captures every chapter of your love story from the ‘Will

You’ to ‘Just Because’

ARTICLE BY KRISTY BELLEY PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATIE LEVINE & MYRANDA FINE JEWELRY

I recently had the opportunity to shop for wedding bands with my newly engaged daughter at Myranda Fine Jewelry. I wasn't expecting to be wiping away tears; however, watching my daughter’s face light up when she found "the one" for her fiancé absolutely got me. Myranda leaned in with a tissue and a knowing smile. "You know," she said, "the engagement and wedding bands are just the beginning of the story."

She is right. Jewelry becomes the punctuation marks in our love stories, marking chapters we never want to forget.

It all starts with the ring, of course. That moment when the world stops and you see that sparkle for the first time. Your hands shake. And suddenly you're wearing this beautiful symbol of forever that catches the light, and every time you glance down, your heart does a little flip. Whether you helped choose it or it was a complete surprise, that ring is your opening line, your "once upon a time," the moment when two people decide to write the rest of their story together.

Myranda North Molina specializes in creating these first chapters. Whether it's designing a custom engagement ring from scratch or selecting from her curated collection, she takes the time to understand each couple's love story so the piece truly reflects who they are together.

Then come the anniversaries. First anniversary, fifth, 10th, 25th. Each milestone deserves its own sparkle, its own memory. Maybe it's a diamond pendant that catches the light just like it did on your wedding day. Or a bracelet with stones that represent your children's birthdays. Perhaps it's an eternity band that wraps around your original engagement ring, showing how love has come full circle.

CONTINUED >

These anniversary pieces say, "We're even better than we started." They are tangible proof that the passion didn't fade after the honeymoon phase. It becomes deeper, richer, more layered with shared experiences, inside jokes, and quiet mornings over coffee. Anniversary gifts are the promise renewed. They are those precious moments given shape and sparkle

Stopping by Myranda's shop to select or design an anniversary piece can become its own tradition. She keeps notes on what you've loved before, understands your style, and can help build a collection that tells your story piece by piece, year by year.

But here's where our conversation that day really opened my eyes. "You know what's even more special than the anniversary pieces?" Myranda asked with that knowing smile. "The JUST BECAUSE gifts."

And she's absolutely right, again.

The "I saw this and thought of you" surprise. The "you've had a hard week" gesture. The "I know you said you didn't need anything, but ..." moment that shows someone was paying attention all along. These are the gifts that come with no occasion, no calendar reminder, no obligation. Just pure "I love you, and I'm thinking about you right now."

Maybe it's those earrings you admired months ago that he remembered. Perhaps it's updating a piece you inherited from your grandmother, transforming it into something you'll actually wear and treasure. The JUST BECAUSE gifts are the beautiful plot twists. They're the moments that make you stop and think about your love.

Myranda loves helping create these spontaneous expressions of love. "We take so much pride in our jewelry," she says. Whether the budget is a few hundred dollars or something more substantial, she ensures every piece is created with the same care as the wedding and engagement pieces, because these unplanned moments—they're the real keepers. They're what turns a good relationship into a great one.

So yes, it starts with the ring. That's the opening line. The anniversary gifts are the milestone markers, celebrating how far you've come. But the JUST BECAUSE gifts—those unexpected sparkles that arrive on ordinary Tuesdays— those are the heart of the story. The beautiful surprises that make the whole journey worth taking.

Every time my daughter's eyes will light up looking at her jewelry, I will be reminded: the best love stories aren't just about the grand gestures—they're about showing up, paying attention, and choosing each other again and again.

Myranda North Molina | Myranda Fine Jewelry

With over 25 years of experience in the jewelry industry, Myranda North Molina has built her reputation on creating meaningful pieces that tell each client's unique story. Myranda specializes in custom engagement rings, wedding bands, anniversary pieces, and those special "just because" gifts that make ordinary days extraordinary. What sets Myranda apart is her commitment to treating every client with the same care and attention, regardless of budget. "We take so much pride in our product that we build it and we back it," she says. Every piece comes with a lifetime guarantee.

480-901-9819 | myrandafinejewelry.com

“We take so much pride in our jewelry,”

Numbers Intimidate.

We

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

That’s the

A FOUR-SEASON ESCAPE

Tamarack Resort, Idaho’s Only Ski, Golf, and Lake Resort is Redefining Year-Round Adventure

ARTICLE BY JORDAN GRAY

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

With a “hoo aa!” and a “wahoo!,” you can “waltz” your way down the runs of Tamarack Resort.

“A lot of resorts bill themselves as four seasons, but there isn’t a whole lot to do during the spring and summers,” Tamarack Resort Managing Partner Gabriel Navarro says. “With Tamarack, it really is.”

“We are now focused on delivering a new meaningful amenity each year which further elevates the resort.”

— Gabriel Navarro

Promoting itself as America’s only ski, golf, and lake resort, Tamarack has undergone a renaissance since Navarro, his brother Marcel Navarro, and brother-in-law Martin Pico took full control in 2021 under their company, MMG Equity Partners.

That’s included things like the private Club at Tamarack, ski-in/ski-out condominiums, seven spots for food and drinks, and a hearty schedule of programming and events.

But while Tamarack is thriving now, its story can’t be told without visiting its checkered past.

TAMARACK, BEGIN AGAIN

Navarro’s initial Tamarack experience included standing outside what Valley County locals had dubbed “Tyvek Village.” Wrapped in the ubiquitous gray padding material, the shells of Tamarack’s Village Plaza remained just as they had before the resort went bankrupt in 2008.

“It was eerie almost when we walked through that Village the first time,” he says. “Although it had been sealed off for 10 years, it looked as if the construction workers had walked off the job just yesterday. Hammers, screwdrivers, the plans on the tables. So, the first visit was an interesting one.”

But that interest was key. The Floridabased MMG had become something of a player in the ski resort space after acquiring a portfolio of commercial properties (Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia, Mammoth in California, Copper in Colorado, Snowshoe Mountain Resort in West Virginia, and Stratton Mountain Resort in Vermont). When the Tamarack

opportunity came around, MMG partnered with other firms and created Tamarack Resort Holdings to acquire the resort.

And Tamarack, once shrouded in failure and polyethylene, started shaking off the dust.

COMPLETING THE VISION

“The first few years were challenging in that prospective purchasers of real estate were skeptical, having been a failed ski resort,” Navarro says. “Many wondered, ‘Was this new owner going to do what they say they are going to do?’”

Pieces of the resort were scattered across multiple entities, from the Seattle-based joint venture Banner/Sabey, which owned the Village, the homeowners who had control of mountain operations, and the hedge fund that controlled the water and sewers.

“Eighteen months later, we had worked through all of the pieces to be able to put Humpty Dumpty back together,” Navarro says. “My second trip out there, the family went out with me. It was neat, just walking them through the Village and laying out the vision, and then for them to go back two years later and see it complete. But again, we had the confidence, with the right partners and with the original general contractor on board, to finish what was the original master plan.”

That included things like reinstalling the Wildwood Lift in 2019, which had been repossessed and removed in 2012.

“We are now focused on delivering a new meaningful amenity each year which further elevates the resort,” Navarro says. “Six years later, having invested over $200 million in the resort, that skepticism is no longer there. Tamarack 2.0 is thriving.”

RUNNING A RESORT

“It's easier for my family to vacation there than it is for me, for sure,” Navarro says, with a laugh. “But as a resort owner, we are fortunate to have a good team on the ground, including Scott Turlington [the resort president] and Kara Finlay [chief operating and financial officer] who we could not do this without.”

Idaho has offered Navarro a new perspective on recreation as well.

“I was born and raised in Miami,” he says. “Miami's an amazing place, but it can be very pretentious at times. It was refreshing to connect with the homeowners and the families out in Tamarack who were just looking for a place with a laidback vibe and …to just make great memories with their families. It was enchanting, to be honest.”

Family is a guiding principle for Navarro.

“My wife, Claudia, and I could not be more proud of the three amazing young men [ages 22, 20, and 17] that we’ve raised—any business accomplishment pales in comparison to that achievement,” he says. “All my family is here in South Florida. My brother, my sister, my parents, the 10 kids between us. We all live within 10 minutes of each other—we are a very close family.”

The original family business, started by Navarro’s grandfather, was a chain of drugstores bearing the family’s last name. With the pivot to commercial and resort properties, the next generation has figured out how to hit their work life-balance.

“I spend a week a month [at Tamarack] for work,” Navarro says. “And then we vacation out there as a family in the summers and winters, with a few father-son, friends, and spring break trips in between. Six years ago, the resort business was certainly outside of our wheelhouse, but my brother, brother-in-law, and I have figured out how to best divide up the responsibilities amongst us. I personally am most involved in the real estate and marketing side of the business.”

Navarro also spends a lot of time talking with team members, homeowners, and club members.

“It's always helpful to hear from people on the ground, and people who live there, as to where there may be opportunities to improve,” Navarro says. “For a large and complex project like Tamarack, being able to have sole ownership and control, and be able to make decisions based on what is best for the long term, is important. My family and I look forward to owning Tamarack for generations.”

PLAYTIME

While Navarro does plenty of work to keep Tamarack up and running, he also takes the time to utilize what he and the rest of the Tamarack community have built.

“I was recently at Tamarack with my wife, two of our boys, and 10 of their friends on a golf trip,” he says. “They recount that it was the most active week of their lives: playing a round of golf in the morning, downhill biking in the afternoon, a twilight round of golf later in the day, and then wakeboarding and wake surfing until the sun set at 9 p.m., which is amazing. My wife’s favorite thing is to hop on an e-bike and bike around the resort for hours at a time. She enjoys the pickleball clinics and open play with the club, the yoga, and the fitness classes. You don't get bored at Tamarack, that's for sure. It's pretty neat in that sense.

“Tamarack is their happy place—there is nowhere they’d rather be. They’re all avid skiers, and the skiing at Tamarack is awesome, but there is so much to do in the summers that I’d say they almost prefer it more.”

‘WE’RE IN THE THIRD INNING’

“A lot of people from the Treasure Valley come out and they're blown away by how much we've done since their last visit out, or how different Tamarack is today from what they remember 10 years ago when it was Tyvek Village,” Navarro says.

Since restarting the resort, achievements have included a golf course and mid-mountain lodge in 2024, construction starting on a 100-slip marina on Lake Cascade in August, plans for a hotel and clubhouse over the next few years, and new real estate and communities coming online each year.

“Folks say, ‘Oh, I should have bought five years ago. I missed the boat.’ But the reality is, I think we're in the third inning. Every year, we'll continue to deliver a transformational addition to the resort. We've accomplished a lot in the last five years, but I'm equally excited as to what we'll do in the next 10.”

FEBRUARY 2026

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

FEBRUARY 6TH

Ailey II

Chandler Center for the Arts | 7:30 PM

Ailey II—the next generation of dance—is universally renowned for offering early-career dancers vital experience in becoming professional dancers. Ailey II is a modern dance company founded by the incomparable dancer Alvin Ailey. Under artistic director Francesca Harper, in her fourth season leading the company, Ailey II performs a dynamic program showcasing its prowess and "off-thecharts energy." ChandlerCenter.org

FEBRUARY 7TH

Daddy Daughter Dance

Chandler Community Center | 5:00 PM

Fathers and their little girls (ages 3-15) can create memories at the Daddy Daughter Valentine’s Dance. If dad is unavailable, moms or guardians are welcome to attend. There will be music, dancing, contests, crafts, and dinner. In addition, each pair will take home a keepsake photograph. Parents must register before the event. ChandlerAZ.gov

FEBRUARY 7TH

Less Is More, an Evening

With Joss Stone

Chandler Center for the Arts | 7:30 PM

Blending soul, R&B, and blues, Grammywinning British sensation Joss Stone captivates with powerful vocals and a signature sound that’s both timeless and fresh. Her performances range from heartfelt hits to high-energy anthems, showcasing her talent for merging rhythm with emotion. Whether delivering a tender ballad or an upbeat groove, she brings authenticity and depth to every song. ChandlerCenter.org

FEBRUARY 7TH

Mardi Gras Festival

Dr. A.J. Chandler Park Stage Plaza | 12:00 PM

The Mardi Gras Festival, presented by Angry Crab Shack, announces its inaugural year to celebrate hometown community, culture, and cuisine. The special event celebrates the traditions of Mardi Gras with the heart and soul of Creole flavor, with a Cajun twist, cuisine, activities, and entertainment. The event features live jazz, blues, zydeco, and contemporary swing revival bands. DowntownChandler.org

FEBRUARY 13TH

Patriotic Pickleball

Tumbleweed Park Pickleball Facility | 9:00 AM

Head to Tumbleweed Park Pickleball Facility and celebrate America's 250th birthday with some all-American fun on the pickleball courts. Join them for games and a red, white, and blue rally you won't forget. ChandlerAZ.gov

FEBRUARY 13TH - 15TH

Downtown Chandler Fine Art and Wine Festival

Dr. A.J. Chandler Park: Stage Plaza

This event returns to Chandler in partnership with Thunderbird Artists. Over 80 juried artists specializing in sensational oil paintings, life-size bronzes, luminous glass sculptures, pottery, metal creations, one-of-a-kind jewelry, photography, and mixed-media sculptures are on hand, showcasing and selling their creations. There will also be live music and wine tastings. ThunderbirdArtists.com

Kohler

Bathroom Design

Partner with the KOHLER® Signature Store design consultants to find innovative products, colors, materials, and finishes to bring your design dreams to life.

CONTINUED

FEBRUARY 14TH

Sons of Serendip

Chandler Center for the Arts | 7:30 PM

Billboard-charting quartet Sons of Serendip won the hearts of fans and judges alike on America's Got Talent with their ethereal pop music interpretations. This Valentine’s Day, treat your sweetheart to Sons of Serendip’s unique blend of vocals, harp, piano, and cello. Experience their beautiful arrangements of songs like “Somewhere Only We Know” and “Hallelujah” in a romantic evening of music. ChandlerCenter.org

FEBRUARY 19TH

Sonoran Sunset

Series - Chrome Rhino

Veterans Oasis Park | 6:00 PM

This month's free concert series features Chrome Rhino, a group inspired by energetic acts like Electric Light Orchestra and Alice Cooper. This Phoenix rock 'n' roll quartet balances its goofiness with intricate harmonies and tight musicianship. Bring blankets, chairs, and coolers. ChandlerAZ.gov

FEBRUARY 21ST

Chandler Innovation Fair

Dr. A.J. Chandler Park: Stage Plaza | 10:00 AM

Explore innovation at this event, which is free to attend. The fair showcases the businesses, artists, students, and innovators in the community as Chandler participates in the statewide Arizona SciTech Festival. The fair also partners with Chandler Unified School District’s Innovation Fair, which brings about greater district participation. ChandlerAZ.gov