You’re invited... invited...
Your support over the past five years has helped us outgrow our first clinic space — and now, we’re excited to welcome you to our new home!
we are thankful for you!
NSA HOUSE WARMING
Friday Nov 7 | 8am-3pm th
Our new place: 3766 N Investment Drive
E x p l o r e t h e e n d l e s s p o s s i b i l i t i e s
o f c u s t o m d e s i g n w i t h D a v i d A d a m s .
Dear Fayetteville,
To start, thank you for meeting me here again in my publisher column to read my two cents about what this time of year means and why I find myself especially thankful this time around.
When I think of the meaning of thankfulness, I always trace it back to the source of my gratitude which, for me, is my faith. I tend to unpack thankfulness by reflecting on the moments I’ve received grace I didn’t earn. Those experiences, where I feel undeserved of a positive outcome but am shown mercy anyway, leave a lasting impression. It is in that brokenness being met with healing that an unexplainable gratefulness takes root. From there, it grows into contentment. And from that contentment, I believe we experience the more outward expression of thankfulness.
This season, I feel waves of thankfulness as I reflect on the amazing business partners we get to work with and the incredible team that helps steward this publication here in Fayetteville. None of it would have happened without greater provision—and for that, I truly feel a sense of humility and deep gratitude as we publish our second November issue.
This month, we stick to that spirit by sharing stories that dig deep into our community. In “One Man Show,” we meet Joe Swink of Stay Swinky, the powerhouse booking hundreds of shows and helping shape the Fayetteville music scene. “A Home Away from Home” explores the culture and community behind the bar at Puritan Coffee & Beer. We take a look at the rebirth of a landmark in “A Fresh Chapter for East Fayetteville,” and the beloved local staple Rymolene’s Pies in “A Slice of Tradition.” We also share the powerful story of Will Lambley in “Rise Above,” and wrap with fall family fun in “Fayetteville in the Fall” and a look at @ TheGoodLifeNWA for everyday local inspiration.
Fayetteville, I’m thankful for you. Let’s walk into this season grounded, content, and ready to give thanks.
With gratitude,
November 2025
PUBLISHER
Gavin Magee | gavin.magee@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Sydney Sullivan | sydney.sullivan@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Clay Ridgeway | clay.ridgeway@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Kate Gryder | kategryder@outlook.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Maria Lanning, Will Newton, Sydney Sullivan, Hailey Smith
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Maria Lanning, Meredith Mashburn, Emma Nelson
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe
LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Brand new Confident Coffee is officially open in East Fayetteville. 2: Apple Seeds Teaching Farm is on a mission to inspire healthy living through garden-based education. 3: If you haven’t experienced a Golden Kolache, you must. 4: Check out a Houseshow this fall! 5: Rymolene’s Pies owner, Margaret, in action. 6: Have you called the Hogs this season? 7: Fall florals are now available at In Bloom.
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Discover the refined craftsmanship and timeless elegance of Marco Bicego’s newest collection. On Thursday, November 13th, from 8 - 10 PM, we invite you to enjoy a special culinary experience with Chef Miles James as you explore this stunning collection. Kindly RSVP to ensure your place at this exclusive showcase. 479-443-9289
We're so excited to share that Botox is now FDA-approved for the treatment of platysmal bands—those vertical neck lines that become more visible with age and muscle movement. These bands form when the platysma muscle in the neck contracts, creating tight cords that can age the appearance of the neck. With precise Botox injections, we can relax these muscles for a smoother, more youthful appearance in the neckline.
The Ozarks are alive with the sound of music. With the Walmart AMP in Rogers bringing household-recognized musicians to our backdoor and Fayettevillebased venues like George’s Majestic Lounge and Ozark Music Hall hosting beloved indie bands and hip-hop artists, it’s clear that the music scene in Northwest Arkansas is booming. But the region’s concert accessibility wouldn’t be possible without the bands and musicians who call Northwest Arkansas home and fill the stands. While there are a number of individuals working to book and support the local music community, several Northwest Arkansas bands are managed by one local legend: Joe Swink of Stay Swinky.
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“When I bring them to Fayetteville, my goal is to have a more established band on the bill and then a newer, local band open for them.”
— JOE SWINK
Stay Swinky, Swink’s concert management alias, began supporting local artists in 2022 after an eightmonth stint of designing posters and shooting photographs for bands in the local scene. Combined with marketing experience he gained from working as the social media manager for the University of Arkansas’ music department, a new career presented itself to Swink.
“I sat back and I was like, ‘you know what? I could book my own show!” I really wanted to bring some Little Rock bands up here to Fayetteville, so I set up my own show. From there, it just kind of snowballed and just got bigger and bigger,” Swink said.
Stay Swinky is operated solely by Swink. For each concert, he handles booking and scheduling the venue, designs the graphics for marketing materials and photographs each show. “I’m a one man show,” Swink said.
With three years of band management and concert booking under his belt, Swink has garnered quite the roster of bands and artists managed both in and out of Arkansas. He has booked over 550 shows since the genesis of Stay Swinky and has worked closely with popular local artists such as Sawyer Hill, Welles, Modeling, Thoughts on Bowling and Mildenhall. Additionally, he was responsible for securing
the opening band for the secret The All-American Rejects show at the Starlight Stadium in July.
Though his reputation has grown enough for him to be trusted with larger bands, Swink still sticks with his roots by working with bands looking to enter the scene. “I constantly have brand new bands hit me up on socials looking to have their first show or one of their first shows, and I’m always down to put them on. When I bring them to Fayetteville, my goal is to have a more established band on the bill and then a newer, local band open for them,” Swink said.
With Swink’s leadership, the musicians of Northwest Arkansas can count on a schedule of performances throughout the year; however, it’s the community of concert lovers that keep the music scene alive and booming. “At the end of the day, these concerts don’t happen if people don’t buy the tickets and show up,” Swink said.
As the Fayetteville music scene continues to receive support from the community, the scene can continue to thrive, ultimately bringing more concerts to the city and, if we’re lucky, popular bands from all over the country.
“If I could have Fall Out Boy play a more medium-sized venue like George’s, just once, I would cry,” Swink said.
Rymolene’s Pies has become a holiday staple in Northwest Arkansas, serving up everything from classic pies and savory pot pies to rich cheesecakes—the perfect finale to any Thanksgiving meal. At the heart of the shop is owner Margaret Burris, the woman behind the apron whose passion for baking is matched by the dedication of her talented team. Together, they craft dozens of pies each day, earning recognitions such as Best Pie in Northwest Arkansas, along with several other local honors. But pies are only part of the story. Beyond the sweet treats, Rymolene’s offers a hearty lunch menu that has become a favorite for locals. Sloppy joes, chicken salad, and an array of creative grilled cheeses—like jalapeño popper and pimento cheese—make for the perfect quick bite while picking up a pie for later. The shop’s name carries a special meaning. “Rymolene’s” comes from Margaret’s greatest inspiration, her children: RYan, MOrgan, and AlLENE. Every day, the name reminds her of who she is baking for and the purpose behind her craft. “I try to produce pies that are worthy of Rymolene, pies baked with time, care, and love,” she explains. After attending
Thanksgiving is a holiday built around tradition, gratitude, and, of course, pie. Any feast cannot be complete without a slice.
ARTICLE BY HAILEY SMITH
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMMA NELSON
culinary school for a few years, Margaret and her family decided that opening a shop was the natural next step. In 2018, Rymolene’s Pies officially opened its doors, quickly becoming a year-round favorite for both locals and visitors.
The menu features a thoughtful mix of classics and inventive flavors. Staples like Apple, Chocolate, and Coconut Cream remain consistent favorites, but Margaret is known just as much for her creativity. Some of her most talked-about recipes include Blueberry Goat Cheese, German Chocolate, and Vanilla Dr. Pepper Pecan. Many of these unique pies begin with a customer request, which Margaret transforms into something entirely her own. Step inside the shop and even the walls share a story. The space is decorated with gifts from customers who have become like family, from rolling pins and pie dishes to vintage kitchenware, each piece carrying its own history.
The busiest season of the year arrives in November. “That week, we come in Monday and don’t stop baking until Thursday,” Margaret says of Thanksgiving. She encourages customers to place holiday orders several days in advance, ensuring each dessert receives the care it deserves. Located on the corner of Wedington and I-49, Rymolene’s Pies welcomes guests with warmth, tradition, and the irresistible aroma of fresh-baked comfort this season.
Curating a space that gives our clients a sense of peace and comfort is our goal with every project.
PURITAN COFFEE & BEER IS CREATING A COMFORTABLE AND FUN WORKSPACE THAT ENCOURAGES FRIENDSHIPS.
There’s just something about Puritan Coffee & Beer that feels like home for everyone. Maybe it’s the natural daytime lighting that blends into comforting, low-light ambiance once the sun sets. It could be the slew of familiar faces always perched at a booth or table. Perhaps it’s the nostalgic movie that often can be found projected onto a screen as closing hours approach. Or, it could just be its diverse menu of coffees, teas, alcohol and food that customers can always expect to be delicious. Regardless of the reason, Puritan is a home away from home for many people of Northwest Arkansas – including the people on its payroll.
For those who have been following Puritan’s growth over the years, it’s clear that the establishment loves and supports its employees.
A scroll through the coffee shop’s eclectic Instagram account often showcases its employees and celebrates their work anniversaries. An entire wall is dedicated to displaying a collection of past and current Puritan employees as a public display of love for its staff. Puritan regulars start to see familiar faces from behind the bar spending their free evenings hanging with their co-workers as they make drinks for others.
Fayetteville City Lifestyle had the opportunity to meet with a few of the Puritan staff members to hear their personal experiences of what it’s like to work at a beloved Fayetteville staple whose caring management nurtures an environment of friendship, safety and thankfulness. Here’s what they had to say:
FROM AN OUTSIDE PERSPECTIVE, THE PURITAN TEAM SEEMS LIKE ONE GIANT FAMILY. IN WHAT WAYS DO YOU AND YOUR TEAM TRY TO CULTIVATE AN ENVIRONMENT THAT SUPPORTS THIS CAMARADERIE?
One of the most important things to us as a company here at Puritan is to create an environment that people, patrons and employees alike, feel comfortable and enjoy being in. Our team is extremely talented at making people feel welcome, whether that be familiar faces or first-timers. When new employees are brought in, we apply that same philosophy and friendly attitude, with the goal to make them feel like they belong.
PURITAN IS A VERY COMMUNITY-ORIENTED AND INVOLVED COFFEE SHOP. WHY WOULD YOU SAY IT’S IMPORTANT FOR LOCAL BUSINESSES TO SUPPORT ITS COMMUNITY?
Being a part of the Fayetteville community as a whole is important to us because community, generally, is a huge part of who we are. We love to support our small business friends on Dickson St., our friends in the Downtown Fayetteville community, and the entire Fayetteville community. We never want to isolate ourselves or come across as standoffish. Taking part in community events such as the recent Ride Your D*mn Bike Fest exposes us to people that normally wouldn’t visit our shop, while showing that our business wants to have community with the local events, shops, and figures that we support. We are very thankful for our local business partners and to be members of a strong Fayetteville community with them.
HOW DO YOU FEEL THAT “THIRD SPACES” ARE IMPORTANT FOR ONE’S WELL-BEING? HOW DO YOU HOPE THAT PURITAN CULTIVATES A COMFORTABLE PLACE THAT DRAWS PEOPLE IN TO REST, PLAY OR WORK?
Third spaces are highly beneficial for one’s well-being because they remove the responsibilities that come with being home or being at work while promoting relaxation, socialization, and play. We try to have a little bit of something for everyone as far as our space, menu, and events schedule goes. We have a large indoor seating space where guests can either find a table to work, cozy up in a corner with a book, or bring their friends and play games. Our patio is one of my favorite places to be (when the weather is nice enough, of course). The coffee menu and beer menu is diverse, and we can usually help people find exactly what they’re looking for. There is a niche for every person that walks in our door, and we are more than happy to assist people in finding theirs.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WORKING AT PURITAN, AND WHAT DREW YOU IN TO WORK THERE?
I’ve worked at Puritan for about 10 months, and at Garden Room, the event space behind Puritan, for a year and a half. Because I was working at Garden Room, I was spending a lot more time at Puritan and becoming friends with the other employees, and after hearing how much they loved working behind the bar, I decided to apply and was hired shortly after. I’ve been working in coffee for about 3 years now, at first just as a part time job through college but I loved it so much I stayed even after graduating.
WHAT IS IT ABOUT PURITAN THAT “FEELS LIKE HOME?”
I’ve spent a lot of time at Puritan in the past two years, hanging out there even when I’m not on the clock. Sitting at the bar, reading and chatting with whoever is working is one of my favorite things to do when I have a day off, which I think says a lot about how great the work environment is. Even if I go with the intention of sitting by myself to read or journal, I almost always run into someone I know and end up socializing instead. I think solely because of how much time I spend in that building, it has pretty much become my second home.
WHAT DOES YOUR IDEAL PLAYLIST LOOK LIKE WHEN SOUNDTRACKING YOUR SHIFT?
A lot of Clairo and a lot of Djo, but I do have a 20-hour playlist I continuously add to so I don’t get tired of listening to the same songs over and over. I also like to let whoever I’m working with pick the playlist so I can discover new music, and I feel like I’ve expanded my music taste quite a bit because all of my coworkers have such different playlists when they’re on aux.
WHAT IS IT ABOUT PURITAN THAT “FEELS LIKE HOME?”
So many of the people I care about in this town spend a lot of time at Puritan because it feels like our place to be in Fayetteville. There’s always a face you’ll know when you walk into Puritan.
FROM YOUR PERSPECTIVE, HOW DOES PURITAN STAND OUT FROM OTHER COFFEE SHOPS IN THE AREA?
Puritan’s versatility as a space in Fayetteville is its most apparent strength. There’s quiet corners to read a book or visit oneon-one with a friend. But there’s also spaces like the bar or the standing tables where more lively conversation is encouraged. Just look at Tuesdays at Puritan - the morning is one of the quietest times of the week, but by 6:00 p.m. the space is popping with people sharing beer pitchers and waiting for trivia to start. And through all that Puritan has to offer as a space, it still maintains a high level of quality when it comes to the service and products it offers which is essential in a town like Fayetteville that has such a rich coffee and bar culture.
WHAT’S A MEMORABLE MOMENT YOU’VE WITNESSED AT PURITAN – ON OR OFF THE CLOCK?
The night we brought back trivia after a year’s hiatus because of Covid was a night I’ll always look back on with fondness. I was so happy to see so many of our trivia regulars return after having been away so long.
WHAT IS IT ABOUT PURITAN THAT “FEELS LIKE HOME?”
When I was a regular I would always chat with the staff about books or music or life; so, when I started working here, everyone was excited, and it felt like I was behind the bar with all of my friends. Thankfully, it still feels that way. Part of the reason Puritan is such a comfort for all of the people that work here is because we all genuinely care about each other and enjoy working with each other. We have regulars that are also near and dear to us, and we know them by name and their orders. I hope that brings the feeling of “home” to them too.
WHAT’S A MEMORABLE MOMENT YOU’VE WITNESSED AT PURITAN – ON OR OFF THE CLOCK?
I think most of my favorite moments are the couple of hours before a trivia night when all of our regulars come in and sit at the bar in preparation, and I get to joke and laugh with them. Talking with folks at this job is one of the highlights, you meet so many interesting people. I was also asked to do a gender reveal for someone using our drinks, and that was special. They’re having a boy!
WHAT DOES YOUR IDEAL PLAYLIST LOOK LIKE WHEN SOUNDTRACKING YOUR SHIFT?
My favorite is a calm, folky/indie mix for my shifts. Lots of Bon Iver, Gregory Alan Isakov, Caamp, Hozier, etc.
FROM YOUR PERSPECTIVE, HOW DOES PURITAN STAND OUT FROM OTHER COFFEE SHOPS IN THE AREA?
Being so close to the university, our main crowd during the fall and spring tends to be students. But once summer hits and the students head home, the demographic shifts to mostly locals. You might think things would slow down without the student traffic, but the locals keep us just as busy! Summers at Puritan are actually my favorite. I really appreciate how much support we get from the local community. It gives the shop a different kind of energy, and it’s part of what makes Puritan so special.
WHAT’S A MEMORABLE MOMENT YOU’VE WITNESSED AT PURITAN – ON OR OFF THE CLOCK?
A few years ago, a customer came in who was preparing to propose to his girlfriend. He was on his way to meet her father to ask for her hand in marriage, and he asked me to put her dad’s coffee on his tab. When he came back to close it out, he told me the dad had said yes! It was such a sweet and special moment to share, even as a stranger. A few weeks later, he stopped in again to tell me he was about to propose — and then not long after, he came back with his fiancée!
WHAT DOES YOUR IDEAL PLAYLIST LOOK LIKE WHEN SOUNDTRACKING YOUR SHIFT?
The entire Tennis discography, Men I Trust, Faye Webster, Kate Bollinger, and Tame Impala.
FROM YOUR PERSPECTIVE, HOW DOES PURITAN STAND OUT FROM OTHER COFFEE SHOPS IN THE AREA?
I think Puritan is really a “third space” for a lot of people. We’re open super late and have time for it to switch from a coffee/ study zone to a “let’s go grab a drink and hang out” spot. It’s super versatile, and we really offer a wide range for all different people.
WHAT’S A MEMORABLE MOMENT YOU’VE WITNESSED AT PURITAN – ON OR OFF THE CLOCK?
Our Puritan Day of Fun 2024 was so memorable to me. We went out to the Buffalo River and all just spent the day hanging out, swimming, and connecting all together. A group of us camped afterwards, and I think when I look back on that day, it’s a highlight of the community feeling that Puritan gives me.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE DRINK TO MAKE OR TO RECOMMEND?
My favorite drink to make would have to be something simple like a hot mocha with cinnamon. The latte art practically draws itself. I recommend the Chi Chi Rodriguez to practically anyone who comes in. And if it’s fall, then I’m recommending you add pumpkin to make a Sad Girl Autumn.
Our mission is to provide exceptional pediatric dental and orthodontic care in a gentle and fun environment where kids feel safe and parents can relax.By building a foundation of trust, we strive to ensure that each child has the most positive experience possible.
From our playground waiting room to our friendly staff, we make sure that every kid from every background feels loved and welcomed We offer pediatric preventative & restorative services as well as orthodontics for children, teens, and adults
On the east side of Fayetteville, a familiar landmark is about to take on new life. The former Windwood Missionary Baptist Church, a 1970s building with strong bones and a history of gathering, is being transformed into something that will once again bring people together, only this time in a new and unexpected way.
Developer Cameron Clark of CJC Development and Matt Poe of Stoke Architecture have joined forces on a vision that blends preservation, creativity, and connection. Together, they are revitalizing the church into a neighborhood hub that celebrates community and fosters deeper bonds among neighbors. Their goal is to create a place where people can bring their whole life, whether that means sharing a meal, gathering with friends, or simply enjoying the view of Gulley Park just steps away. Unlike most projects, the building will not face the street. Instead, it will open toward the park, symbolizing its role as a gathering place centered on people rather than traffic. Plans include a covered balcony overlooking Gulley Park, a direct pathway connecting the property into the park itself, and flexible spaces that encourage everything from casual coffee to community events.
Inside, the vision is still taking shape, and the heart of the plan is clear: a place where neighbors can spend time together in meaningful ways. Upstairs will host a neighborhood restaurant, while downstairs will offer coworking space and room for small gatherings. Designed for everyone—from families with young children to retirees out for a morning walk—the
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space will adapt to the rhythm of daily life in the community. The project also includes eight townhomes, four two-story and four three-story, that tie directly into the church’s new role as a hub for connection. Together, the homes and community center create a walkable lifestyle where neighbors can knock on a door, bump into a friend, and share life more closely. Across the country, many communities are finding new ways to repurpose churches, and Fayetteville now has a rare example of its own.
As Fayetteville continues to grow, projects like this highlight what matters most: community, connection, and places that bring us together. This November, we can be thankful not just for new development, but for the renewed energy and culture it will bring to East Fayetteville. Soon you will be able to stop by for a cup of coffee, gather with friends overlooking Gulley Park, or simply appreciate the beauty of an old church given new life, this project is a reminder that being a neighbor means doing life together.
On a cold December night in 2018, under the stadium lights of a high school football game, player Will Lambley realized something was wrong. He couldn’t read the scoreboard. He looked to the sideline, and faces he had known for years were blurry. In the following months, these symptoms worsened and doctor visits increased. Each week, his vision slipped further away until one day the doctor confirmed what Will had feared: he was losing his sight. The diagnosis—Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy, a rare and irreversible disease. In an instant, the life he thought he knew was gone. Football dreams. Independence. The simple ability to recognize his teammates’ faces. Yet, for Will, this wasn’t the end of the story but rather the beginning of a new calling.
Will first heard this quote in 2019, just weeks after losing his vision, and it has framed the way he approaches each day since. His faith story began early—at just eight years old, he made a personal commitment to follow Christ. For years, though, he admits his identity was tangled in applause, approval, and performance. When blindness struck, the question came fast: Why me? Meeting daily with his football coach, he wrestled
“The only disability in life is a bad attitude.” – Dabo Swinney
with that question until his perspective began to shift. He started to see that even in the middle of uncertainty, his life still had purpose, and that what once felt like disqualification might actually become his greatest qualifier. “I realized it was okay to ask why,” Will recalls, “but I also needed to ask, what was this teaching me?” Only two weeks after losing his sight, a phone call from Arkansas Razorbacks head coach Chad Morris gave him both comfort and opportunity. Coach Morris invited him to share his story with the University of Arkansas football team, marking his first official speaking engagement.
Many people think resilience is about powering through pain. For Will, resilience is simpler and harder: it’s choosing every day to put one foot in front of the other and focus on helping just one person. “I tell the Razorback players, there have been thousands who wore this jersey, but you have the chance to make it not about you. Every single day, we have the choice to be a giver or a taker.” The community around him showed him what love
looks like—teammates who guided him on the field, friends who walked with him through uncertainty, and a university that welcomed him as family. It transformed his definition of strength.
Now 23, Will serves as an area representative for Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), carrying his message of faith and perseverance across Northwest Arkansas and beyond. From local locker rooms to large stages, his words are rooted in humility: “There’s nothing extraordinary about myself. You don’t have to be great to serve, but you have to serve to be great.” He encourages athletes to lead their own stories and reminds them that “life without Jesus is like a football without air.” For Will, adversity has become an avenue for ministry. “If I had to go blind but one person’s life was changed, I would do it all over again.” If he could go back to the high school version of himself—the boy who first noticed the scoreboard fading—Will would give this advice: “Take your hands off the wheel. Trust the Lord. He will show you unimaginable things.”
That trust has led him to unexpected places: speaking engagements across the region, a podcast he launched in 2023 called The Rise Above Podcast, and a platform that stretches far beyond Northwest Arkansas. You can follow his journey or even invite him to speak with your group, team, or organization at www.willlambley.com. But even with a growing reach, Will’s focus stays close to home—on one person, one day, one opportunity to serve. The theme of thankfulness takes on a deeper meaning in Will’s life. Gratitude, for him, isn’t rooted in circumstance but in perspective. He is thankful not in spite of his blindness, but through it. He is thankful for the coach who gave him his first stage, for the community that continues to rally around him, and for a faith that turned heartbreak into calling. Every time Will shares his story, he reminds others that adversity doesn’t have to be a setback. It can be the very soil where resilience takes root. His journey is proof that we can rise above hardship and choose gratitude in the face of loss.
“The only disability in life is a bad attitude.” For Will Lambley, this isn’t just a quote—it’s a way of living. And for Fayetteville, his story is a reminder that even in the darkest seasons, thankfulness can light the way forward.
The holidays have a way of calling us back to what matters most—faith, family, compassion, and the quiet but powerful act of giving. As lights go up and calendars fill, there are still many who sit in silence, carrying burdens too heavy to bear alone. But what if this season, you could be the spark that changes everything for someone else?
The founders of City Lifestyle, through their private foundation, are once again launching its annual Christmas Giving Campaign—a heartfelt effort to seek out and support individuals and families who have quietly fallen through the cracks. The mission is simple: to bring light, dignity, and hope to those who need it most.
Since its beginning just four years ago, this initiative has grown from a humble idea into a life-changing movement. Last Christmas alone, more than 200 families across the country received unexpected support—financial relief, but also something even more powerful.
“We don’t just send checks,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”
Together with City Lifestyle President Matthew Perry, Steven has helped shape this into a tradition that goes far beyond charity. “This is about community,” Matthew adds. “We believe we’ve been blessed, so now we get to be a blessing.”
Every story begins with a nomination. Often, it’s a neighbor, coworker, friend, or teacher—someone who’s been quietly carrying too much for too long. One past recipient, after receiving unexpected support during a time of deep personal struggle, wrote:
SCAN TO NOMINATE
“We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”
“Beyond the very practical solution of receiving funds to fix my car, this thing you guys worked together to do is bigger than that. I carry the Christmas card you sent in my purse. When things get really hard, I pull it out and remember what it felt like to be seen. That card represents hope— that change for the better is possible. I’m not sure how many people get to carry hope around in their purse. But I do.”
Another wrote in after her husband was diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer and unable to work:
“This support has blessed our family not only financially, but emotionally and spiritually as we trust God to meet our needs throughout this difficult time. Thank you to our anonymous friend and to your foundation. What a joy and gift to be part of God’s family!”
Each year brings countless stories like these—real lives touched by simple acts of kindness. Some use the funds to pay overdue bills, others to afford groceries, medication, or repairs. But no matter the circumstance, the impact is the same: hope is restored.
This season, you have the opportunity to be part of that. The campaign is now open to nominations—completely confidential and prayerfully considered. Whether it’s someone battling illness, facing unemployment, or just in need of a helping hand, you can bring them a moment of grace that will ripple far beyond Christmas morning.
“Knowing my mom was chosen filled my heart with indescribable joy,” said another past recipient. “Your generosity doesn’t just brighten her life; it inspires hope and faith in all of us. It enables her to stay in her home and get back on her feet.”
Nominations are open from November 1st to December 5th, 2025. To submit someone you know, simply scan the QR code or visit @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the nomination form in the bio.
This holiday season, let’s give more than gifts. Let’s give each other the gift of being seen. Because sometimes, the smallest gesture becomes someone’s greatest miracle.
To nominate someone in need, visit: KingdomBuildingFoundation.org or scan the QR code.
NOVEMBER 2025
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
NOVEMBER 7TH
Natural State Aesthetics
Housewarming Party
3766 N Investment Drive
Fayetteville, AR 72703 | 8:00 AM
Join Natural State Aesthetics for a festive day in their new space featuring Dodo coffee and Called By Colors. Led by Dr. Barron Heymann, NSA sets the gold standard in aesthetic care - from oculofacial surgery and injectables to laser hair removal and facials.
NOVEMBER 12TH
ULI Northwest Arkansas Place Summit
Fayetteville Town Center | 8:00 AM
Taking place Nov 12-14 this year, the Place Summit brings professionals together to shape exceptional places. This year’s keynote, Gregg Colburn, author of Homelessness is a Housing Problem, addresses critical housing challenges. Join thought-provoking sessions, regional tours, and networking opportunities. Learn more at placesummit.uli.org
NOVEMBER 21ST
Lights of the Ozarks Light Night 2025
Fayetteville Downtown Square 6:00 PM
The Lights of the Ozarks celebration kicks off on Friday, November 21—the evening before Thanksgiving—with Light Night, featuring a lively countdown and the ceremonial flip of the switch at 6:00 p.m., followed by live music and festivities.
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIA LANNING
Fall in Fayetteville offers plenty of ways for families to make the most of the season. Head out on the trails around Lake Fayetteville or Lake Wedington to soak in crisp air and fall colors. Spend a weekend morning at the Fayetteville Public Library, stocking up on fresh reads for the whole family. Take a stroll through downtown, wander the Square, explore the Ramble, or enjoy the University of Arkansas campus while the leaves are at their brightest. And be sure to carve out a date night: Fayetteville is full of cozy restaurants, lively bars, and performances at the Walton Arts Center. However you spend it, fall in the Ozarks is all about savoring time together and enjoying the beauty of the season.
And make sure to follow Maria’s @TheGoodLifeNWA on Instagram for daily inspiration on what to see, do, and explore across the region!
Local Realtor Maria shares her favorite Fayetteville activities to enjoy this autumn.
“As an NWA native with 10 years behind the chair, I’ve built my career around creativity, connection, and helping people feel their best. I’m always learning and seeking out education to better my craft. I specialize in curly hair, precision hair cutting, grey coverage, and lived-in color, but above all—I love finding solutions that make styling easier and more enjoyable for every client’s lifestyle. When I’m not in the salon, you can find me in the kitchen, working on a home project, or out in nature hiking, gardening, or mountain biking with my partner and his two kids. At home, we’re so loved by our two dogs, Astrid and Hushpuppy, and my cat, Catfish.”
Kyler is always welcoming new clients and would lov e to help you discover a style that makes you feel confident, effortless, and most importantly- you.
Birthday Perk! He is turning 30 → You get 30% off! Just book in November (for any future date!) and mention this ad!
Thursday November 13 10 – 8pm
Special evening with Chef Miles James from 5 – 8pm
Friday November 14 10 – 5:30pm
248 W Dickson Street, Fayetteville, AR 72701
