Ahwatukee, AZ May 2023

The Ladies’ Issue

“When passion, expertise and dedication come together, you have a Savvy Partnership!” — AMY RICHARDSON

SAVVY SOLUTIONS FOR TODAY’S REAL ESTATE MARKET

Buying and selling a home can be challenging. You need an agent who is laser-focused on your unique needs. Having lived and worked in Ahwatukee and the southeast valley for over 20 years, my passion for this community comes through in my warmth, work ethic, philanthropic endeavors, and connections with a clientele who are as committed to me as I am to them! From staging and prepping, to spearheading renovations, finding contractors and delivering expert market advice, I will dedicate myself to your project as if it were my own.

Give me a call or scan the code for a complimentary market analysis on your home and find out why important decisions demand Savvy Solutions.

real estate report

Rec ent ly so l d p roperties in Ahwa tu kee.

Praise For Incredible Women

I love this issue and the chance to celebrate all the fabulous women in our lives. Women bring beauty, kindness, and joy in abundant measure. They add a layer of richness to our world that is unique only to them.

May brings Mother's Day and the chance to herald our mothers, a role that is so crucial in our world, and its importance is often overlooked and under-celebrated. But women of all walks contribute to our lives in numerous waysother family members, teachers, friends, business owners, and community members can all be the special person who makes a difference for someone.

Like so many others, I lost my own mom many years ago. But I am incredibly blessed by my mother-in-law. I liked her instantly when I met her 23 years ago, and the time since has continued to reveal the things that make her so wonderful. She loves her family fiercely. She's a wife, mother, grandma, sister (to twelve!), aunt (to so many), and more. She's incredibly independent and can do absolutely anything. She once completed a marathon with next to no training. When I asked my husband if she'd be okay, he brushed me off with a laugh, saying there's nothing she doesn't finish. I think he referenced her Nebraska farm upbringing as the root of her work ethic. She can make the most ordinary thing look gorgeous, and who doesn't want more beauty in their life? This leads to her most treasured quality: she only sees the good in people. She wants the best for everyone and is generous with giving the benefit of the doubt. There is so much I strive to learn from her.

This issue brings stories of some marvelous women in our community who are doing amazing things. We think you'll be inspired. The rest of the pages have some special ideas designed for all of the ladies.

Let's all take this month as an opportunity to reach out to the women who mean so much in our lives, regardless of the role they play. Let them know how much they mean to you and that you are better because of them. Loving and lifting up other women is something that we all need more of.

Cheers to the ladies we love!

May 2023

PUBLISHER

Sherry York | sherry.york@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Beth Del Ville | beth.delville@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Jackson York | jackson.york@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Michelle Talsma Everson, Alison Bailin Batz, Amy Crist, Beth Del Ville

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Qiana Kelsch, Amy Crist

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

AD DESIGNER Hunter Richie

LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray

SHERRY YORK, PUBLISHER @AHWATUKEECITYLIFESTYLE

Photography: Qiana Kelsch

local experiences

The best places and things to do in our area.

There are so many wonderful places to explore in and around Ahwatukee. Grab your girlfriends and plan a day, night, or weekend out at any - or all! - of these local experiences.

Our Picks for The Gal Pals

JASMINE JO COFFEE & FLOWERS: The rose cake latte is my favorite. They also have light bites, the best of which is the avocado toast. 1334 E Chandler Blvd., #15, Phoenix

PERFECT PEAR: My favorite main dish is the Tukee Pear. Many of their food items have pear as an ingredient; so on-theme! 9845 S Priest Dr., Tempe

AJI SPA: They pair traditional spa treatments with Native American influences. I love taking advantage of their other amenities, too. 5594 W Wild Horse Pass Blvd., Phoenix

PILATES BY JEAN: Schedule a workout here, it is reformer Pilates done right.  3961 E Chandler Blvd., #110, Phoenix

CUPZ N’ CREPES: My fave is the cream cheese, banana, caramel crepe and they remember my order every time!  4804 E Chandler Blvd., #110, Phoenix

Scan

Kim Kendall is the owner of Clothes Minded, an online women’s boutique located right here in Ahwatukee. Kim has lived in Ahwatukee for 12 years and has three adult children. She and her family have a passion for supporting local and do so at every opportunity. Kim and her husband also love to travel in their spare time.

Jasmine Jo Coffee & Flowers

Diana Lopez, Sincerely Photo AZ

The Art of Connecting Communities

ARTICLE BY MICHELLE TALSMA EVERSON

“Money and titles, those are all great, but it’s passion that gets you up every morning,” says Colleen Jennings-Roggensack, an Ahwatukee resident of more than 30 years.

Jennings-Roggensack is vice president for Cultural Affairs for Arizona State University (ASU) and Executive Director of ASU Gammage. Her passion has transformed ASU Gammage into a highly respected theater and created several cultural participation programs that have fostered the theater’s mission of “connecting communities” over the last three decades.

Inspired by the connecting power of the arts, her contributions to the Valley’s arts and cultural scene are immense. JenningsRoggensack has helped to show the world that ASU Gammage is not just a venue for shows

and musicals, but a place for the community. Today, a variety of cultural participation programs that she fosters introduce thousands of local children to the live-theater and performing arts world.

Added to that, she has ushered in programs ranging from Military Family First Nights, which provide military families the opportunity to attend Broadway productions, to Journey Home, a four-week arts program for incarcerated women at the Maricopa County Estrella Jail. And with the introduction of artist residencies, creative professionals have a space to grow in their craft and share their works with students in workshops and master classes, according to ASU.

“I’ve been a part of ASU Gammage for more than half the life of the building,” she reflects.

Ahwatukee’s Colleen Jennings-Roggensack celebrates 30 years at ASU Gammage

Courtesy Christine Johnson

“I have a passion for my work and because of that I am grateful for the opportunities I have to share the power of the arts with others.”

One of Jennings-Roggensack’s proudest accomplishments is ASU Gammage’s relationship with Broadway Across America, the preeminent presenter of touring Broadway shows in North America, so that ASU Gammage now presents the best of Broadway.

“Broadway is the longest road in America,” she says. “It stretches from New York to Tempe and should be reflective of America.”

She is excited for the 2023-2024 ASU Gammage season that will include an array of diverse Broadway hits like “The Wiz,” “Hamilton,” “MJ the Musical,” “Tina,” and many more. “Every show this season features iconic stories full of heart,” Jennings-Roggensack says.

In addition to her work with ASU Gammage, according to the university, over the past 30 years, not only has Jennings-Roggensack transformed ASU Gammage, but she has left a larger cultural mark on the ASU community. She is recognized for her work with ASU Kerr, the ASU Homecoming Block Party, the ASU Annual MLK Celebration, ASU’s LIFT initiative, and the ASU 365 Community Union, among many other accolades.

None of this success would have been possible without Ahwatukee. “I love the ‘Tuk! We came to Ahwatukee in 1992 to have a fresh start and a place to raise our family,” she says.

Jennings-Roggensack is married to Dr. Kurt Roggensack, a volcanologist at ASU, and the proud mom of Kelsey Roggensack, her grown daughter who is an academic success in her own right.

“Ahwatukee was a wonderful place to raise her; her childhood here helped to guide her to become the successful young woman that she is today.”

And while she is excited to look back on an impressive career full of successful shows, partnerships, and countless accolades, she is even more excited to continue to inspire others.

“What we do at ASU Gammage brings joy and thought into other people’s lives, and I’m so grateful to wake up every morning and be able to do this,” she says. “However, it’s my team that makes everything happen. With our hard work and support from ASU President Michael Crow, we will continue our mission of connecting communities.”

Courtesy Tim Trumble

Courtesy of Shevett Studios

WHOA, PASO!

ARTICLE BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ

Emerging California wine region offers a perfect getaway for the girls

Seeking the perfect way to relax and reconnect with the ladies in your life?

Consider a girlfriend’s getaway to Paso Robles. The region is conveniently located between Los Angeles and San Francisco just a short drive from San Luis Obispo Airport, which has 90-minute flights from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport daily. In addition to being quickly accessible from the Valley, Paso

DAOU Vineyards at sunrise.

Photo courtesy of DAOU Vineyards

Robles is home to more than 200 wineries and 40,000 vineyard acres producing at least 60 types of varietals each year. And because one cannot live on wine alone, there are also dozens of accommodations, restaurants, and truly wonderful ways to bond with one’s besties between sips.

Chief among those outside-of-the-box offerings are at Cass Winery + Geneseo Inn. In addition to boasting a full-scale

vineyard, tasting room, and full-service restaurant, Cass also has an ultra-modern boutique hotel made from shipping containers and a series of outdoor adventures ranging from archery, ax throwing, and beekeeping to horseback riding, olive oil tasting, third-wheel motorbike tours, and cooking classes through its Camp Cass program. Think adult summer camp meets luxury wine retreat. CONTINUED >

Third-wheel tours at CASS Winery.

Photo courtesy of Cass Winery

Similarly, Allegretto Vineyard Resort is a multi-sensory mecca. Spread across 20 acres, the Tuscan-style resort features onsite dining, lush gardens, a sensational spa, private label wine tasting, meditation, yoga, art tours, and photo opportunities with George, the property’s resident Alpaca.

Paso also has several wineries with their own caves, notably Booker Vineyard. It sits along 100 acres of the western hills of Paso and features a variety of chambers within its caves of varying temperatures and sizes. Guests are offered tours inside followed by a sky-high elevator ride for a rooftop tasting experience that only just opened in 2020. Eberle Winery, whose namesake Gary Eberle is among those who put Paso on the map, also offers an incredible cave tour that culminates with an intimate VIP wine tasting in the cave grotto.

History buffs? Make a reservation at DAOU Vineyards, where guests learn how one family’s perseverance over generations led two brothers to realize their American dream with the opening of this expansive mountaintop winery.  The tasting room, complete with art installations tailor-made for photo opportunities, has regular flights as well as culinary enhancements. Pro tip: enjoy small bites and pairings at DAOU and then venture to Adelaida Vineyards & Winery next door, which offers a food and wine program meant to take a deep dive into how food and wine complement and impact each other in an intimate setting within its private Library Room. Le Cuvier Winery also features a bucket-list level culinary experience marrying wines fermented only with wild yeast from dry-farmed vineyards with five perfect bites of seasonal farm-to-table treats.

Need more musts? Do not pass up Paso’s epic wine train or more “spirited” offerings. Halter Ranch, a 2,700-acre nature estate dedicated to land, art, and (of course) wine, has an open-air train that journeys across its land on a private railway for the tour of a lifetime. The tour may be paired with a wine tasting and/or “nature-to-fork” luncheon or picnic. Barton Family Wines features traditional wine tasting but is also home to Grain + Vine Craft Distillery, which opened in 2022 and offers a taste of their specialty vodka, rum, whiskey, and gin as well as signature cocktails. Similarly, Bethel Rd. Handcrafted Spirits + Wine, one of the first businesses to acquire a distilling license in the county, offers Italianstyle grappa, gin, and brandy as well as wine, often with live music to boot.

Hungry for more? Paso has some of the premier standalone culinary spots in California, notably La Cosecha, Il Cortile Ristorante, Les Petites Canailles, and In Bloom.

For more, visit PasoWine.com .

Cass Winery + Geneseo Inn offers outdoor adventures ranging from archery and ax throwing to horseback riding and beekeeping.

Photo courtesy of Cass Winery

“Cass also has...a series of outdoor adventures ranging from archery, ax throwing, and beekeeping to horseback riding, olive oil tasting, third-wheel motorbike tours, and cooking classes through its Camp Cass program.”

Blissing out at the Allegretto Vineyard Resort Spa. Photo courtesy of Allegretto

Amy O. Duenas Carrie P. Cravatta

Dori L. Eden

GIVING BACK, TOGETHER

MOTHERS AND DAUGHTERS FROM THE NATIONAL CHARITY LEAGUE REFLECT ON PHILANTHROPY AND EACH OTHER

Dedicated to fostering mother-daughter relationships through community service, the National Charity League (NCL) is a philanthropic organization for mothers and their daughters in grades 7-12. The Ahwatukee Foothills chapter of National Charity League (AFNCL), on Instagram @NCL_Ahwatukee, boasts more than 200 active members who volunteer at more than 20 local philanthropies.

“Not only does AFNCL give back to the community, it provides our daughters with personal growth opportunities,” said AFNCL president Suzanne Rinker. “It’s rewarding to provide an opportunity for your daughter to enhance their leadership skills while at the same time serving the community through volunteerism – and with their mom in tow!”

Three of the AFNCL’s dynamic duos give their thoughts about the organization and the special bonds they share.

ARTICLE BY BETH DEL VILLE PHOTOGRAPHY BY QIANA KELSCH

SUZANNE RINKER AND CAROLINE COX

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO VOLUNTEER WITH AFNCL?

SR: Community service and volunteerism has always been something that is important to me. I believe wholeheartedly that in order to have a thriving community, you have to have members of the community who give back.

CC: The experience I get from helping people in need helps me gain a new perspective in life. I grew up very fortunate; being able to see firsthand the things other people don’t have really makes me realize the things I take for granted, and that is a gift you can’t get anywhere else outside of serving others.

TELL US ABOUT CAROLINE.

SR: Caroline is so unique – she is not afraid to be herself and is truly passionate, intelligent, kind, funny and so uniquely herself! And, she introduces me to lots of really awesome music!

TELL US ABOUT YOUR MOM.

CC: My mom is everything to me but I think most importantly she is a strong independent woman I have looked up to my entire life and will be able to look up to for the rest of my life. From inspiring my love for music by taking me to countless concerts of mine and her favorite bands, to encouraging me to pursue my love for science. CONTINUED >

Suzanne Rinker and Caroline Cox

ANGELICA GIGER AND FRANCESCA GIGER

HOW HAS AFNCL MADE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR LIFE?

AG: Ahwatukee is a community of strong, supportive and trusting mothers. I wanted to surround myself with these women and give back. Together we have a strong group of mothers that inspire each other. I love seeing the friendships of our daughters and how they also become confident young ladies that will be leading our communities one day.

FG: Besides philanthropy, it is a sisterhood. I already had friends that I knew from school and NCL has brought us closer. The great thing is that I have also made new friendships. I [will always be able to] count on my NCL sisters during high school, college and in the future.

WHAT IS THE MOST MEMORABLE TIME YOU HAVE HAD VOLUNTEERING TOGETHER?

AG: With such busy lives, I would say that every event is memorable with Francesca, and very special. We have great discussions on how we can become better and how we might have made a difference in someone’s life. It brings us closer and fills my heart!

FG: Whenever we help at St. Vincent De Paul’s, you realize how blessed we are and we get to help the homeless and prepare food together. I get to spend time with the kids.

WHAT DOES FRANCESCA MEAN TO YOU?

AG: She is like sunshine. She is my angel who inspires me to be better. She is filled with wisdom, kindness, compassion and courage.

WHAT DOES YOUR MOM MEAN TO YOU?

FG: She is my superhero and the person I look up to in life.

Francesca and Angelica Giger

JAMIE ERNST AND KYLIE ERNST

TELL US ABOUT THE MOST MEMORABLE TIME YOU HAD VOLUNTEERING TOGETHER.

JE: The first time we volunteered was with Lost Our Home Pet Rescue. Some were adorable puppies, and others were older or needed extra attention. Of course, Kylie loved them all. On the drive home, I asked her which dog she thought was the cutest. She responded: “There’s no such thing as an ugly dog, only ugly personalities.” That thoughtful perspective always stuck with me.

KE: Volunteering with my mom at Feed my Starving Children has probably had the biggest impact on me because

they make it easy to see just how much of an impact you’ve made on others. Together, we can provide thousands of meals for kids in underdeveloped countries, and volunteering there reminds me of how important it is to give back.

WHAT DOES KYLIE MEAN TO YOU?

JE: Kylie means the world to me, and I am in awe of her loyalty, her strength, her work ethic, everything. I’m excited for her to go to college in a few months, but I am going to miss her terribly.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR MOM.

KE: My mom means the absolute world to me. That’s all I can say without diminishing it. Being in NCL together has only brought us closer, and I’m really going to miss all the extra time with her that the organization has given us.

Kylie and Jamie Ernst

Past Meets Present

LEETIE LOVENDALE’S RETROINSPIRED TAKE ON MODERN JEWELRY

ARTICLE BY BETH DEL VILLE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TONIA JOHNSTON PHOTOGRAPHY

The right piece of jewelry can instantly elevate a look. And Heather DeSimone, East Valley resident, CEO and founder of jewelry line Leetie Lovendale, knows just how to make an outfit pop with her colorful and creative designs.

Founded in 2010 and named after her mother, the jewelry is made of sustainable materials like vintage Lucite from the 1960s through 1980s, along with hypoallergenic-plated metals, making them lightweight and safe for sensitive skin.

DeSimone cites Lilly Pulitzer as inspiration for Leetie Lovendale, along with the components of the jewelry themselves. “Our line is inspired by the materials we’ve collected, but also the era of fashion in which they were originally intended for,” she said. “The materials sort of speak to me and let me know how they want to be used.”

While many of her customers love to make a statement and are drawn to color, DeSimone says that minimalists can also find something special: “From retro multi-strand beaded necklaces that look very mid-mod, to layering paperclip necklaces, we cover lots of eras and styles.”

LeetieLovendale.com | @LeetieLovendale

| HEATHER DESIMONE

| CEO AND FOUNDER Leetie Lovendale CEO and Founder Heather DeSimone

| STYLE 1

On Jordan Smith: Teal and Blue Hinged Buckle Moonglow Earrings ($36) and Sapphire Frosted Sylvie Necklace ($68)

| STYLE 2

On Bailey Fox: Sparkling Waters Lucite Morgan Necklace ($48) and Blue Lollipop Cocktail Ring ($32).

| STYLE 3

On Ashlie Johnston: Teal Blue Opal Ice Chip Earrings ($18) and Mint Crackle Glitz Stretch Bauble Necklace ($42)

Make an Impact for Mom

Memorable ways to celebrate the mother figure in your life

The moms and the mother figures in our lives mean everything to us. They deserve the best every day, of course. But at least one day out of the year, we get to shower them with the same love and thoughtfulness they give to us so selflessly.

This year, we hope you’ll consider some memorable ways to make lasting memories with the mom or mother figure in your life. If you haven’t already planned something special, take a look at our list of ideas and circle your favorites. If you have kids, let them join in the fun too!

Whether you decide to spend a day at home or enjoy a day on the town, these innovative celebration ideas will include fun for the whole family and make Mom feel loved. Whatever activity or surprise you land on to show your mom, wife, sister or maternal figure your appreciation for all they do, the most important thing is that you all get to spend some quality time together.

Take a Flower Arranging Class Mother’s Day arrives just as spring is in full bloom. Take advantage of the season by going to a flower arranging class with mom.

Play a Family Board Game

If Mom likes strategizing, challenge her to a friendly board game competition. (And, no, you don’t have to let her win just because it’s Mother’s Day.)

Pick Your Own Fruit

This activity is especially fun if you have a lot of kids who want to get in on the action. Then, when you all get home, you can whip up a treat for Mom with your selections. (Maybe give her a strawberry in a Champagne glass while she waits.)

Book Her a Weekend Away

There’s no day like Mother’s Day to be impulsive! Book a weekend trip for the two of you at a cute B&B in a city Mom has always wanted to visit.

Complete a Jigsaw Puzzle

Find a puzzle with an image you know your mom will love (or make a custom one using a photo of the two of you) and put it together over wine and snacks. You’ll be amazed at how much chatting you can get done while puzzling.

Get Theater Tickets

Go to a play or a musical — lots of towns even host outdoor theater events.

Invite Her To High Tea

Whether you make the brews and treats yourself or head out to an official tea house, Mom will love sipping her beverage out of fancy china and snacking on tea sandwiches.

events

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

MAY 4TH

Phoenix Zoo Roars and Pours

PHOENIX ZOO | 5:30P.M. -

8:30 P.M.

At the Phoenix Zoo's Roars and Pours event, guests 21 and older can sip and stroll select zoo trails while enjoying craft brews, wine and food. Plus enjoy animal encounters, yard games, live music, entertainment and more. PhoenixZoo.org

MAY 16TH - JUNE 3RD

Ballet Arizona | An Evening at Desert Botanical Garden

DESERT BOTANICAL GARDEN |

8:00 PM

Surrounded by the matchless Desert Botanical Garden landscape with the setting sun as a backdrop, Ib Andersen’s vision for dance in the desert continues in 2023. Expect the unexpected as Ballet Arizona evolves, takes chances, and challenges the boundaries of contemporary ballet in the desert. BalletAZ.org

MAY 19TH - 28TH

Arizona Restaurant Week | Spring 2023

VARIOUS LOCATIONS

Enjoy the best that Arizona restaurants have to offer during Arizona Restaurant Week, a 10-day event that allows diners to enjoy meals for a fraction of the price. Threecourse prix-fixe menus are available for $33, $44 or $55 per person, depending on the restaurant. An average of 130 restaurants participate in the seasonal event. To learn more, visit ArizonaRestaurantWeek.com .

MAY 27TH - 28TH

You’ve Got a Friend, Songs of Carole King & James Taylor

PHOENIX THEATRE COMPANY

Part of the Phoenix Theatre's Concert Series, Kristen Drathman performs songs from Carole King, one of the most celebrated singer-songwriters of our time. With special guest Kyle Sorrell, featuring songs of James Taylor, listen to "One Fine Day", "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow", "Natural Woman", "You've Got A Friend", "How Sweet It Is", "Your Smiling Face" and others. PhoenixTheatre.com

MAY 28TH

PhxArt Family Funday

PHOENIX ART MUSEUM |

10:00 A.M - 5:00 P.M.

On May 28, Phoenix Art Museum hosts PhxArt Family Funday, an all-ages, free-access day with complimentary admission to every gallery, exhibition and arts-engagement programming suitable for visitors of all ages, interests, and abilities. PhxArt Family Fundays are made possible through the generosity of Presenting Sponsor Men’s Arts Council. PhxArt.org

MAY 30TH

"Summer Trees" Paint Nite at The Hub Grill and Bar

THE HUB BAR AND GRILL

AHWATUKEE | 7:00 PM

Pull up an easel and let your creative side come out to play. Guests will be guided through the painting process. This two-hour event is 21 and older. Tickets are $35 and include your paint supplies. Ticket prices do not include food or drink. To purchase tickets, visit PaintNite.com and search Summer Trees.

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Ahwatukee

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A Perfect Mother’s Day Brunch Basket

CREATE A CUSTOM GIFT FILLED WITH ALL HER FAVORITE THINGS

While mothers and mother-like figures can be different for everyone, Mother’s Day is the ideal time to treat the special woman (or women) in your life to a beautiful basket of hand-selected items just for them.

When it comes to making your own gift basket, the two most important things to consider are your theme and color story – they will help pull together a curated basket that is not only cohesive but personalized and memorable.

This year, I pulled together my favorite farmer’s market goodies for a relaxing Sunday brunch with my mom. I started with a basket that fits my mom’s style, knowing she will repurpose it around the house. I laid a coordinating tea towel in the basket as my liner and tucked in a charcuterie board for texture. From there, I added some delicious goodies to nibble on including fresh squeezed orange juice that I decanted into a beautiful glass carafe; croissants from Noble bakery; jars of local made jam and citrus candies; and a half dozen macarons for a post-brunch sweet treat.

For interest, I added a little gold spoon, knowing it will be perfect to dollop a little scoop of peach jam on those decadent buttery croissants.

Don’t forget to add a beautiful flower bouquet for that fresh-from-the-garden look. I picked up this gorgeous bundle that featured a mason jar wrapped in brown paper and twine.

For more inspiration, along with easy DIY projects and gifts, find Amy on Instagram: @aecrist.