Queen Creek, AZ February 2026

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Matheson Dentistry

Loving Where You Live

February is often associated with hearts, roses, and outward expressions of love, but this past year has invited me to think about love in a more thoughtful way. As a newly married man, I am learning that love is not defined by grand moments, but by consistency, patience, and the choice to show up each day. It is built over time through shared values, trust, and the simple act of growing together.

That understanding of love has also shaped how I see the place we call home. Local love is woven into the everyday rhythms of Queen Creek. It lives in the relationships between neighbors, in families gathering for community events, and in the local businesses that form the backbone of our town. Even as Queen Creek continues to grow, there is a deep sense of care and connection that remains constant.

This issue is a reflection of that spirit. It highlights the people and stories that give Queen Creek its heart. To love where you live is to invest in it, to support it, and to take pride in being part of something shared. I am grateful to be building my life, my family, and this magazine here in Queen Creek.

Jackson York

February 2026

PUBLISHER

Jackson York | jackson.york@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Florence Daniels | florence.daniels@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Macie Smith | macie.smith@citylifestyle.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS

Kaeden Peterson, Ashley Blake

STAFF WRITERS

Jared Orr, Breanna Vega

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Garrett Johnson

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Jenny Kaufman, Alexxis Grant

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto

LAYOUT DESIGNER Lillian Gibbs

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick

1: Crush Kickball float for the Christmas parade. 2: Publisher Jackson York and his wife Jayleen along with Editor Florence Daniels and daughter Emilia. 3: Shannon and David Gillette 4: A little boy waiting for the Hometown Christmas Parade. 5: Santa Clause waving to crowds at the Queen Creek Hometown Parade. 6: Roots N' Boots represented at the Christmas Parade. 7: The Town Council riding in a vintage fire truck for the parade.

business monthly

BBB Awarded to Sarah Beth Herman and Dentistry Support

BBB Pacific Southwest, Central and Inland California (BBB) has named Dentistry Support® the winner of the 2025 BBB Torch Awards for Ethics in Arizona. The program raises awareness in marketplace ethics and recognizes businesses that operate with the highest levels of integrity. CEO Sarah Beth Herman, a five-time CEO, mentor, and host of No Silver Spoons® Podcast, shared her gratitude for this honor.

Queen Creek named Arizona's Biggest Boomtown

New research has revealed that Queen Creek is the biggest boomtown in the nation. The impressive growth and economic momentum compared to similar sized communities has rocketed Queen Creek to the top of the list. Queen Creek's population grew by 120% and the average income per capita rose by 65% over the last eight years.

The Local Jeweler Celebrates One Year

The Local Jeweler celebrated one year in Arizona. They invited residents and patrons to celebrate with a party at their location with discounts on their jewelry and more.

Straight from the Heart

Jewelry is more than a sparkler, it's a memory you wear.

ARTICLE BY FLORENCE DANIELS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALEXXIS GRANT

‘Jewelry is personal... it has to have a story to it.’ says Murat Ozuzun, owner of The Local Jeweler, alongside his wife Jennifer. To them, there is no question of the intimate meaning of jewelry, a piece that we wear close to our bodies as an expression of love as much as it is of style. ‘It’s very emotional.’ admits Jennifer. She says that watching her husband in action from choosing the stone, to sketching and designing a piece, to fashioning it by hand, emphasizes both the artistry as well as the passion behind the original pieces he sells in their store. ‘You can always tell good jewelry.’ Murat insists, ‘The best work comes from paying attention to the details.’

Murat and Jennifer originally had a jewelry store in Skagway, Alaska, catering to the tourism that came in from cruise ships. In fact, that is how they first met with Jennifer selling jewelry to tourists and Murat running his jewelry store. They soon blended business, romance, and family. However, when Covid hit and shut everything down, their business, like so many others, was deeply affected. They decided to make a move to Arizona and noticed a lack of jewelry stores in the area and decided to open their own. They found their current location and bought it sight unseen. Nevertheless, despite the uncertainty, Murat and Jennifer say that everything they do, including their marriage, is rooted in their faith.

‘God is at the center.’ Jennifer says, adding that it is the foundation that gets you through hard times. ‘Everything is about Him, He is first.’ Jennifer says, emphasizing that everything they do is done with ‘honesty and integrity to serve.’ Married for 12 years, they are the parents of three sons, and their business gets everyone involved. Their jewelry store is all about faith and family, with

“Their jewelry store is all about faith and family, with Murat adding... 'I always dream for the whole family, for the business.”

Murat adding they are top of mind for him, ‘I always dream for the whole family, for the business.’ Murat is originally from Turkey and moved to the United States in 1992. He began his apprenticeship in jewelry when he was 14, studying under a cousin of his who was already a jeweler. Eventually Murat worked and learned from the best jewelers in Los Angeles and now has over 40 years of experience in the industry.

Jennifer calls her husband ‘an artist’, not merely creating a unique piece of jewelry but ‘bringing it to life’. Often a customer comes in with an inherited item from a loved one who has passed on that needs adjusting or updating. Murat and Jennifer say they have seen ‘people in tears, remembering their loved ones.’ when they are reunited with a special piece of jewelry. Murat says that jewelry is ‘an investment in memories.’ Murat even made Jennifer’s engagement ring and that meaning behind the piece is one they know all too well for themselves.

Murat and Jennifer attend the Gem show in Tucson and hand select all the stones. Murat then designs and handcrafts each piece himself. Jewelry is important to the people who wear them, but clearly that passion starts in the workshop by jewelry makers like Murat. The story of each piece has quite a journey before it is even slipped on or clasped into place.

Pizza

Date Night

Take your partner out for some pizza making fun.

Going out to a romantic dinner with your plus one is a pretty standard way to celebrate Valentine’s. Yet how many of us go out and get the chance to eat what we make, maybe even learn a few things along the way? Pizza Date Night at the Queen Creek Olive Mill is a fun and unique event that blends a cooking class with a fine dining experience. Our publisher, Jackson York and his wife Jayleen, decided to test it out and report back their delicious findings.

To begin with, they were greeted with a glass of prosecco as they were checked in. A fun polaroid was taken of the couple to clip to their menu at their table, a little momento of the night. As they settled in they exchanged chit chat with fellow diners before owner of the Mill, Perry Rea, began an introduction to their night of pizza. Along with the Mill’s very own pizzaiolo, Augusto, they explained their dough process and how they make the pizza dough in their ‘dough room’, the only one of its kind in Arizona.

Before even touching a piece of dough, diners were given a quick example of the kneading technique and advice to keep the pizza simple so that the flavors truly stand out. In addition, a wine expert from Tucson also gave a brief tutorial on the wines to be

served that night including some Italian and Arizona based wines. Soon, diners got to be hands on at the pizza making station and create their very own personal pizza. Once their pizza was ready, they left staff to deliver the pizzas to the oven as they headed back to their tables for their dinner to begin.

Jackson and Jayleen said they enjoyed a starter of cranberry feta salad, which they said was delicious. Each plate was accompanied by a different glass of wine. Once their freshly baked pizzas arrived, Jackson said the dough itself was flavorful, crunchy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Jayleen said the added drizzle of the Mill’s own ‘Pizza Oil’ added another level of freshness and flavor. Finally, the dessert was a vanilla olive oil cake with cranberry compote and cranberry gelato. Everything was made in house and beautifully presented.

Jackson and Jayleen said that the entire evening was a fun bonding experience and the cooking class was easy and informative. Jayleen said the setting was romantic as they transformed the whole space with string lights, nice music, and lamps at each table. The final verdict was they would happily come back.

To book your tickets, grab them early at: www.queencreekolivemill.com

Teeing Up

ARTICLE BY FLORENCE DANIELS PHOTOGRAPHY BY ASHLEY BLAKE

Taking a swing for a good cause.

for Veterans

On a bright sunny day, the golf course at Encanterra Country Club is a paradise for the avid golfer. The Superstition Mountains are a stunning backdrop as James Weinmann takes a swing. Originally from Minnesota, he moved to Arizona in 2006, a far cry from the bitter cold of his home state. However, while James enjoys the warmer weather, he  first moved to Arizona for business reasons.

Yet deciding to settle in Queen Creek, in particular, came with other reasons. ‘I was drawn to Queen Creek by its unique balance of suburban living with a rural accessibility, particularly the parks, trails and golf courses.’ he says. Today, James

has made Encanterra and Queen Creek his home and has worked as a financial advisor with Edward Jones since 2014. Nevertheless, James said he still had a strong desire to make a difference and in the community. This led to his involvement in the annual golf charity event at Encanterra since 2022.

‘Along with my respect and appreciation of our veterans, and since I live in Encanterra, a natural outgrowth of my practice has been to serve both individual clients and the Encanterra community as a whole.  In short, It’s about making a positive impact.’ he says. The tournament begins with an honor guard playing the National Anthem followed by a flyover of military aircraft, the golf tournament itself, and then ends with a luncheon and awards ceremony.

James says the ‘tournament is a scramble format and is sprinkled with various side activities along the course.’ Each hole along the course is sponsored by various corporations or individuals. ‘Overall, the event has evolved into a very well organized, fun event, which supports a very noble cause – our veterans.’ says James, adding that ‘The day is a strong blend of reverence to our veterans and fun.’

In addition to his involvement, his firm, Edward Jones, also ‘prominently supports the event through sponsorship and has a strong presence on the course during the event. James believes it is through events such as these that he and others can show their gratitude. He says, ‘Our veterans ensure the protection of our way of life in this great country.’

Veteran’s Golf Tournament May 2, 2025 Registration opens at 7am. www. eccvets.org

ARTICLE BY GARRETT JOHNSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNY KAUFMAN

STRONGER Together

SHARED HEALTH AND WELLNESS PRACTICES FOR A LIFETIME OF VITALITY.

As a physical therapist and sports performance trainer, I see daily proof that movement is medicine—and that it works even better when shared. Couples who prioritize health together not only build stronger bodies, but also deepen trust, communication, and resilience. The goal isn’t athletic perfection; it’s sustainable vitality across the decades.

1. Train for Life, Not Just the Gym

Functional strength training is one of the most powerful tools couples can adopt. Think squats, lunges, pushes, pulls, and carries—movements that translate directly to daily life. Training together two to three times per week improves joint health, bone density, and balance while reducing injury risk. Partner circuits—alternating exercises or spotting one another—keep sessions efficient and engaging.

“Healthy couples don’t chase extremes; they build rhythms. Train smart, move often, recover well—and do it together.”

2. Walk With Purpose

Walking remains one of the most underrated wellness practices. A daily or near-daily walk improves cardiovascular health, supports joint mobility, and offers space for connection without distraction. Add variety by including hills, trails, or intervals of brisk walking. From a performance standpoint, walking also supports recovery, making it ideal on rest days.

3. Move Well Before You Move Hard

Mobility and flexibility work are essential, especially as bodies age. Ten minutes of joint mobility, stretching, or yoga in the morning or evening can dramatically improve posture, reduce stiffness, and prevent chronic pain. Couples can mirror each other’s movements or follow a simple routine together—consistency matters more than complexity.  Focus on helping each other create proper movement patterns and good technique as well, to ensure that exercise is helpful and not harmful.

4. Play Is Performance

Recreational activities—tennis, pickleball, cycling, swimming, hiking, or even dance classes— provide cardiovascular benefits while reinforcing coordination and agility. Play introduces unpredictability, which is excellent for brain health and long-term athleticism.

5. Recover Together

Quality sleep, hydration, and stress management are as important as exercise. Establish shared wind-down rituals: evening stretches, breathing exercises, or device-free time before bed. Recovery isn’t passive—it’s an active investment in longevity. Healthy couples don’t chase extremes; they build rhythms. Train smart, move often, recover well—and do it together. Over time, those shared habits become a powerful foundation for a long, active life side by side.

Garrett Johnson is a physical therapist based in Queen Creek with over nine years of experience in outpatient orthopedic care. He specializes in sports medicine, recovery, and athletic performance. Garrett has a background as a multi-sport athlete and coach, with experience that ranges from baseball and basketball to soccer and track and field. He earned his doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Montana. His approach involves tailoring care to each person’s objectives, abilities, and background.

www.sparaz.com

Instagram: @sparaz2024

LOVE AND COMPROMISE

Three local couples reveal the lessons that keep their love strong.

ARTICLE BY JARED ORR

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNY KAUFMAN

DANIEL AND TASHA CAVACO

After ten years of marriage, the Cavacos have discovered that their greatest strength comes from embracing their distinct roles. For Daniel, the key has been personal growth. "The biggest lesson I've learned is to focus on making yourself better," he says. Tasha's journey has taught her the power of partnership. "I've learned that I can't do it all myself... putting our relationship above the kids and prioritizing each other has changed everything."

TAMMY AND GIL FIGUEROA

For Tammy and Gil, love began with a mother's intuition. Tammy was working as a secretary at a real estate office where Gil's mom worked as a realtor. "She fixed us up!" Tammy recalls. The connection was instant. Forty-five years later, the Figueroas have learned that marriage requires looking beyond yourself. That compromise shows up in everyday moments, as the couple has learned that their individual priorities don't always align perfectly. But rather than letting differences divide them, the Figueroas have found their center. "God has played a huge part in our marriage," Tammy shares.

JARED AND BRITTNEY ORR

At the age of 15, Jared and Brittney met at church camp, where Jared performed in the talent show with his memorable toast tribute. Thanks to social media, that teenage connection blossomed into a relationship that led to marriage nine and a half years ago. For the Orrs, success comes from being each other's biggest advocates. "We need to look out for each other and be each other's biggest support and cheerleaders," they explain.

“Forty-five years later, the Figueroas have learned that marriage requires looking beyond yourself. That compromise shows up in everyday moments, as the couple has learned that their individual priorities don't always align perfectly.”

ARTICLE BY BREANN VEGA

Handcrafted Chocolate

Deliver some home made sweetness for the one you love.

Valentine’s Day is a time to enjoy the sweeter things in life. Love, companionship, and of course…chocolate. Enjoy treating your loved one to homemade chocolates with a twist. Choose a mold, choose a chocolate brand, melt and freeze – and voila – beautiful handcrafted chocolates that don’t break the bank. Don’t want to do the work yourself? Order with local, Breanna Vega and create your own magical Valentine’s chocolate box – all gluten free, dairy free and made with love.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 bag of hu chocolates

• 2-4 Tbsp. of Raw honey

• Optional: organic rice crisps or coconut to mix in

DIRECTIONS:

1. Fill a small pot with water and bring to a boil.

2. Prepare a medium bowl large enough to sit on top of the pot with the contents of the chocolate bag.

3. Turn down pot to low and stir chocolate until it melts.

4. Add 2-4 Tbsp. of the raw honey to the melted chocolate for sweetness.

5. (Optional) Stir in organic rice crisps or shredded coconut for texture and flavor.

6. Pour melted chocolate into desired molds.

7. Place molds in freezer for 20-40 minutes to harden.

8. Pop out molds and add a dash of natural mica glitter or shredded rose petals for presentation.

9. Assemble gift box with molds 10 minutes before gifting. Or inquire for a order of locally made chocolate at #homegrowninaz

FEBRUARY 2026

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

FEBRUARY 6TH

Love Bug Dance

Queen Creek Library Annex | 6:00 PM

Dance the night away at the annual Love Bug Dance from 6 - 8 p.m. Dress in your best and join for a special night of music, games, crafts, and lots of dancing. For ages 3-12 with a parent/guardian. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Register at www.queencreekaz.gov/

RecRegistration

FEBRUARY 7TH

Queen Creek

Family Market

Schnepf Farms | 9:00 AM

Spend the day discovering local treasures from dozens of amazing vendors, from handmade goods, home décor, boutique clothing, jewelry, tasty eats, and more. Free admission & parking make it the perfect weekend outing for the family, a friend, or enjoy a solo adventure. 9am - 2pm  www.queencreekfamilymarket.com

FEBRUARY 11TH

Pizza Date Night

Queen Creek Olive Mill | 6:30 PM

Indulge in a romantic evening of culinary delight at Pizza Date Night. Enjoy a hands-on, 3-course pizza-making experience led by our talented chef. You’ll learn how to stretch and toss your own dough, craft delicious pizzas, and enjoy expertly paired wines with each course. www.queencreekolivemill.com

FEBRUARY 12TH

Galentine’s Calligraphy for Beginners

Switch Brews | 6:00 PM

Join Sip and Script for a night of learning calligraphy from 6-7:30pm at Switch Brews Coffee House & Taproom for a festive workshop of Galentine’s fun and pretty lettering for beginners. www.sipandscript.com

FEBRUARY 13TH

Death by Chocolate

Kneader’s Bakery and Cafe 6:00 PM

An evening of chocolate tastings from 6-7pm at the Kneader’s Baker and Cafe on Rittenhouse Rd. Grab a date, a group of girlfriends for Galentine’s, or just bring yourself and join us for an evening of sampling chocolate pastries, the cherry edition. You must buy tickets at: www.eventbrite.com/e/ queen-creek-death-by-chocolatecherry-edition-tickets

FEBRUARY 26TH

Legally Blonde: The Musical

Queen Creek Performing Arts Center | 7:00 PM

Sorority President Elle Woods is anxiously awaiting a marriage proposal when her boyfriend, Warner, breaks up instead. Elle devises a plan to follow Warner to Harvard and prove that she is more than just a pretty face. To everyone’s surprise, she is accepted, and the rest, as they say, is history – or is it law? February 26-28th.  www.qcpac.com

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Take in sweeping alpine views

DIS COVER THE VALAIS REGION OF SWITZERLAND, WHERE ALPINE TRAILS, THERMAL SPRINGS, AND LOCAL TRADITIONS CREATE RESTORATIVE TRAVEL.

AN ALPINE ESCAPE

AN ALPINE ADVENTURE IN ALETSCH ARENA

An easy train ride from Zurich lands visitors in the Aletsch Arena, a high-alpine region on the south side of the Bernese Alps, home to three villages: Riederalp, Bettmeralp, and Fiescheralp. Known for its ski slopes in winter and hiking in summer, the area is entirely car-free, making walking and local buses the main modes of transportation through its quaint chalet-lined streets.

One of the main attractions of the ski-in/ski-out area is the Aletsch Glacier, the longest glacier in the Alps. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the 12-mile glacier is visible from several vantage points, shaping every experience in the area.

ARTICLE BY GABI DE LA ROSA

In Switzerland’s Valais region, wellness and adventure are always part of the same itinerary. Morning could bring a high-alpine hike, afternoon a soak in mineral-rich springs, and evening a table set with traditional cuisine, always including delicious wine and cheese. For travelers, the best part will be finding the perfect balance between exploring the outdoors and relaxing with wellness-infused activities in the heart of the Swiss Alps.

WHERE TO STAY

Located in the heart of Bettmeralp, Hotel Panorama provides no-fuss accommodations steps away from the picturesque Chapel Maria Zum Schnee. The hotel’s restaurant offers delicious regional cuisine, including raclette paired with Swiss wine. A good bottle of Pinot Noir or Gamay is also easy to come by because the Valais region of Switzerland is one of the largest wine-producing areas in the country, with vineyards dotting the steep slopes of the Rhône Valley. In addition to wine and cheese, eating cholera, a covered vegetable pie invented in the region during the cholera epidemic, is a must.

WHAT TO DO

Begin at Viewpoint Moosfluh, the closest and lowest vantage point of the Aletsch Glacier. From there, trailheads lead to Villa Cassel, once the home of a British financier and now a museum focused on history and conservation. The hike passes through a thousand-year-old forest with views of both the glacier and the Matterhorn.

Walk over Goms Bridge, a nearly 1,000-foot-long suspension bridge that connects two hiking areas over the Rhône River. For a final look at the majestic glacier, take the cable car to Viewpoint Eggishorn. At nearly 10,000 feet above sea level, it offers panoramic views of the Matterhorn, Mont Blanc, Jungfraujoch, or the “Top of Europe,” and the most comprehensive view of the Aletsch Glacier.