Anthem, AZ June 2023

ENTERTAINMENT

MEET BRANDON DECKER OF THE DECKER BAND AND SEDONA SPIRIT WATER

SPORTS + RECREATION

VISIT SCENIC TANQUE VERDE RANCH NEAR TUCSON

EDUCATION

TAKE THE PLUNGE INTO THE MANY BENEFITS OF COLD HYDROTHERAPY WITH DANTE LOPRESTI

Founders Jay & Maria Toupin

Fathers and Father Figures, We Salute You!

Have you ever wondered, “Do fathers matter? What differences do I make in my home as a dad?” Let’s start with the simple answer — the importance of a father is tremendous! Fathers make countless differences in their home and family. However, how much impact you decide to make as a dad is entirely up to you!

Most of the memories of my Father are those of having fun and experiencing outings with our family. Although short lived, these are the memories from my childhood that I’ve hung on to and are the basis of how I wanted my children to feel every moment I’ve been given to spend with them.

A father’s gifts of quality time, life-giving words, and positive actions have a long-lasting impact on his children.

As I reflect on fatherhood this month, here are just a few of the ways dads can build up their home:

• A father’s strength can be powerful

• A dad’s words can be fueling and inspirational

• Hugs from a dad can be deeply comforting

• A dad’s smile can instill joy and confidence

• Time with a dad can be fun and productive

• A dad’s physicality can be challenging

• A dad’s guidance can be life-changing and foundational

• A father’s correction can be life-saving and life-giving

• Adventures with a dad can be exciting and memorable

Let your father or a father figure in your life know how much he matters to you. And if you are a dad, let us be the first to say - thank you. You are invaluable to the people who know and need you as well as the community around you.

Happy Father’s Day!

MEL FONSECA, PUBLISHER @ANTHEMCITYLIFESTYLE

June 2023

PUBLISHER

Mel Fonseca | mel.fonseca@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Alexandra James | alexandra.james@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

David James, Hannah Uhll, Dante LoPresti, Joyce Selk

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 Rachel Chrisman

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen

Proverbs 3:5-6

WISH Workforce Initiative Subsidy for Homeownership

First-time home buyer program

We understand that for low to moderate-income individuals and families, the journey to becoming a home buyer takes extraordinary hard work and determination. That's why we’re part of the WISH program.

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @anthemcitylifestyle

1: Desert Foothills Land Trust ribbon cutting to celebrate the conservation of nearly 30 acres.

2: Earth Day event at the Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion in the Carefree Desert Gardens. 3: CreaTyf Designs’ ribbon cutting with Anthem Chamber of Commerce

DESERT FOOTHILLS LAND TRUST

CITY OF CAREFREE

ANTHEM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

All Into Baseball

Super fun batting cages! Come up and rent gear for fast pitch and baseball and softball. Visit  www. allintobaseball.com to book your appointment. Pro-tip: write down the age group and ball speed in the appointment notes and the settings will be ready when you arrive. If you have any questions call the Batting and Pitching Cage Facility at 623248-5223. Batters up!

Want to be featured?

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

JUNE

local experiences

The best places and things to do in our area.

Grab your guys and plan a relaxed or adrenaline-induced day, weekend, or guys night out with any one of these local experiences made for the males.

Our Picks for The Man Clan

BATL SCOTTSDALE: BATL is the premier axe-throwing facility in Arizona. BATL Scottsdale is located in the Indian River Plaza, on the southwest corner of Thomas & Hayden. 7919 E Thomas Rd #102, Scottsdale, Arizona 85257

RANCHO MAÑANA GOLF CLUB : Rancho Mañana Golf Club features a par 70 championship course with dramatic elevation changes and unspoiled desert terrain.  5734 E Rancho Mañana Blvd, Cave Creek, Arizona 85331

THE DAISY MOUNTAIN RAILROAD : The Daisy Mountain Railroad in Anthem, Arizona is an exciting adventure for the whole family – kids and adults alike! 41703 N Gavilan Peak Parkway Anthem, Arizona 85086

STICKS GOLF & CIGAR LOUNGE: Sticks Golf & Cigar Lounge. Arizona’s only premier cigar lounge offering indoor golf & shooting. Join Us for a Unique Social & Entertainment Experience. 37555 Hum Road Suite 109, Carefree, Arizona 85377

THE MEADING ROOM : Visit The Meading Room and try one of the oldest alcoholic beverages- mead! Visit every second Saturday, 4pm to 7pm for live music and food! 6061 E Cave Creek Rd, Cave Creek , Arizona 85331

Want to recommend a local experience?

Scan the QR code and message us on Instagram.

Rancho Mañana Golf Club

The Art of Sustainable Masculinity

ARTICLE BY HANNAH UHLL | PHOTOGRAPHY BY VINCENT VALLEJO

In a world distracted by chaos and divided by beliefs, it’s easy to fall from our true nature. At what point did we lose our way, and how has this impacted modern-day men? The societal expectations that men must be strong, stoic, and unemotional promote anxiety, depression, and relational conflicts, to name a few. What if there’s a better way? Perhaps instead of expecting men to fit into the box society has created for them, we encourage them to instead embrace the art of sustainable masculinity.

Sustainable masculinity is an emerging concept that challenges the current narrative of what it means to be a man. It offers a pivot away from undue aggression,

emotional suppression, and dominance towards a more sustainable approach to masculine identity. This approach suggests masculine values shift to embrace vulnerability, empathy, and emotional intelligence with an emphasis on cultivating healthy relationships and a positive connection to the environment. Sustainable masculinity offers men the opportunity to be more firmly rooted in their innate masculine essence which in turn promotes confidence, leadership, and fortitude.

To appreciate the necessity of embracing sustainable masculinity, let’s reflect on the common narratives causing disconnection and suffering in the average man. Local men’s work facilitator Nathan

Nathan Kohlerman is dedicated to helping men become powerfully present

Sacred circle at a Rising Brotherhood workshop

A candid moment during a healing journey

Co-founder of Rising Brotherhood, Nathan Kohlerman.

Men supporting men

Kohlerman shares the four most common beliefs held by many of the men he works with: “I have to do it all alone”, “Nobody else understands”, “Personal struggle means weakness” and, “My worth as a man is determined by career success & financial stability”.

Kohlerman goes on to explain that many men live in a constant state of isolation and repression, finding their sense of purpose in what they do instead of who they truly are. When identity is placed in provision rather than presence, it drives a wedge between a man’s natural state of being and his ability to authentically express, relate and serve.

The principles of sustainable masculinity offer men the opportunity to genuinely relate to themselves and the world around them, creating the conditions for deeper fulfillment, clarity on their purpose, and a sense of connection and belonging. If you’re seeking a like-minded local community committed to masculine healing and brotherhood, consider reaching out to the co-founder of Rising Brotherhood, Nathan Kohlerman.

Nathan is a local men’s work facilitator dedicated to helping men overcome unnecessary mental suffering, achieve emotional mastery, and become powerfully present with their health, wealth & relationships. Kohlerman is a brother, father, son, and trailblazer in men’s work; inspired by his own trials and devotion to radical sovereignty of mind, body, and spirit. If you are interested in learning more or participating in men’s work, visit @RisingBrotherhood (local) or @sacredsons (international) on Instagram.

Men’s work refers to activities, discussions, and workshops designed to help men explore their emotions, beliefs, and behaviors. The byproduct of participating in this work is often a greater capacity for emotional connection, an ability to build healthier relationships, and the urge to become more engaged in the local community.

The positive impact men’s work can have on mental, emotional, and physical health is unmatched. Men are often socialized to suppress their emotions and avoid vulnerability, which ultimately leads to feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression. When men gather to learn, heal and grow together, they’re able to untangle the web of societal conditioning that contributes to an overall sense of repression. This type of brotherhood fosters a space to express emotion, process experiences, and build a sense of authentic connection with others.

Participating in physical activities such as team sports, weightlifting, martial arts, and outdoor activities with a group of men can help build a sense of camaraderie and accountability, which ultimately leads to increased intrinsic motivation and better physical performance.

Additionally, healthy brotherhood has a positive impact on relationships. Men report improved communication skills, greater emotional intelligence, and healthier boundaries which creates harmony in a multitude of relationships.

The positive impact of men’s work creates a ripple effect from the home to society at large. It is up to us to change the way things have been into the way things can be to create a safer, more compassionate, and just world for generations to come.

“Sustainable masculinity offers men the opportunity to be more firmly rooted in their innate masculine essence which in turn promotes confidence, leadership, and fortitude.”

Therapeutic exercise at Rising Brotherhood workshop

Active listening & community building Breath and reconnect

TANQUE VERDE RANCH

ARTICLE JOYCE SELK

I have never been to a dude ranch and I have to admit, I am not the “outdoorsy” type so I approached our trip to Tanque Verde Ranch with trepidation. Prior to my visit, my idea of a rustic ranch can best be described as a Motel 6 but I had never been to Tucson and the idea of a working guest ranch seemed like a chance to get out of my comfort zone. Traveling a few miles east of Tucson, the beauty of the Sonoran Desert and the Rincon Mountains provide a dramatic and scenic drive as the road suddenly comes to an end. You can turn right into Saguaro National Park East or left into the ranch with the Coronado National Forest just beyond.

This historic property began in the 1600’s with the Pima Indians. "Tanque Verde" means "green pool" named after the seasonal river that the Indians used as a source of water. Emilio Carrillo, a Mexican land owner from Santa Cruz moved his family to Tucson in 1856 and purchased the land in 1868 for ranching. After Carrillo's death in 1908 (from complications of being hanged from a beam in the current card room by bandits in 1904), his son sold the property to Jim Converse. Converse built the existing Ramada and in 1928 opened the ranch to guests from the East willing to pay to participate in everyday ranch activities. With this enthusiastic pool of labor and additional cash,

the ranch continued to expand both in tourism and cattle production. In 1945, Converse got drunk in a bar and accidentally shot a Mexican cowboy. Convicted of manslaughter, his enthusiasm for the ranch waned and he sold TVR to Brownie Cote in 1958, who continued to expand and develop the property as a resort and dude ranch. TVR continues to be run and maintained by the Cote family today.

The ranch alone encompasses some 60,000 acres, making it the largest in North America. The Santa Fe style architecture and the traditional adobe walls of the buildings blend nicely into the natural surroundings. There are 70 rooms scattered across the property, offering privacy and peaceful quiet.

Several rooms are housed in the original ranch bunkhouse, but we were led up a gravel road to one of the free standing casitas. Walking inside, the decor is all ranch but surprisingly luxurious with brick walls, wrought iron headboards and light fixtures, roughhewn wood furniture and Mexican tiles. Some rooms have a fireplace and/or Jacuzzi tubs. There is free Wi-Fi, but no TVs. Wait? No TV’s??? My feelings of angst started to return until we pulled back the curtains on the large picture windows to see one of the most amazing sunsets EVER!

We quickly learned we could be as busy as we wanted to be with something for everyone – even me! Activities for all ages are scheduled from 8am–9pm daily. A kids camp for ages 4-12 is also an option for younger guests.

If you are adventurous, miles of trails can be explored on foot, bike or horseback, with different rides available for beginners and more advanced riders. Wranglers also offer riding lessons for any skill level. If you really want the dude experience, cattle herding might be fun. Yoga classes as well as basketball, pickleball and tennis courts are also on site. For those who want a more relaxing visit to just enjoy the beautiful surroundings, the rooms are quiet with private patios facing the desert. An indoor pool, outdoor pool, Jacuzzis, fishing ponds,

nature walks, workshop classes and a full-service spa offer more ways to spend time. Other favorite activities include a morning horseback ride to a remote breakfast camp, where a hot meal is served. Or an afternoon ride with a picnic lunch. An evening barbecue cookout with bonfires and steak, beans, and all the fixings is also held weekly.

Three meals a day are included in the room rate and are served communally in the vast dining room. Live country music and dancing are part of the scene at The Dirty Dog Saloon in the evenings. You can even find a few TV’s in some of the community rooms but I must admit, I never looked at them even once.

If you are planning a family reunion, company gathering or wedding, be sure to check out the latest addition to the property, the newly completed Barn. This event space makes TVR the ultimate destination wedding or meeting venue. The Barn can accommodate up to 350 guests and its many features include a massive fireplace, rustic indoor-outdoor bar, and panoramic sliding doors. The beautiful desert and mountain views can’t be missed on the expansive exterior event lawn and outdoor stage area, which can accommodate another 350 guests.

If you are considering a family vacation or romantic getaway, Tanque Verde Ranch is the ultimate dude ranch offering the Old West experience with upscale accommodations, great service and all the modern day conveniences – except TV, which I never missed even for a minute!

LET THE BOTTLE FIND WHATEVER SHORE IT WILL.

BRANDON DECKER ON ART, ENTREPRENEURSHIP, AND FATHERHOOD.

I first met Brandon Decker on a dusky spring evening at Janey’s Coffeehouse in Cave Creek to purchase his hand-crafted perfume, Agua de Sedona, for my store, Desert Moon Market. He was headed to Tucson from Sedona, so we figured this would be a great chance to finally meet and test out the fragrance. He arrived effortlessly dressed, with a beautiful girl in tow, and a box of perfume in hand.

ARTICLE BY ALEXANDRA JAMES PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRANDON DECKER

Sedona Spirit Water offerings

I didn’t know much about Brandon prior to this first meeting, other than that he had crafted an insanely beautiful aroma that was sweeping the local boutique scene. I would later discover Decker is a bit of a multi-hyphenate. He’s not only a perfumer; he is also a musician, recording and performing his original songs as The Decker Band, and, most importantly, a father.

Brandon decided to start his body care company, Sedona Spirit Water, in 2020, when live entertainment was canceled indefinitely. Decker recalls, “I had spent my adult life as a touring musician and when that came to a halt, with all the uncertainty, I felt inspired to create something new. I spent months learning and became truly obsessed with creating a wonderful blend.”

In a time of confusion, Decker’s artistic spirit led him to blend uncertainty and aromatics into a bottle that transported him to new places when music was unable to. Now, his fragrances can be found in over 50 stores and counting. To achieve success as both an artist and an entrepreneur is unconventional, as it requires the belief that something can be made out of nothing, and the willingness to share it with the world.

Brandon Decker rockin’ out on stage

What I remember most about that first meeting was Decker’s genuine interest in me. It seemed he valued our connection as much, if not more, than the financial opportunity. While he is, perhaps somewhat to his chagrin, a businessman, he’s foremost an artist whose success can also be attributed to his ability to connect and inspire others. Decker is driven by a deep sense of purpose, as he explains, “[I feel] an imperative to do what I am inspired by. Mostly this has been to bring people together in a space of inspiration so that we may all feel inspired and hopeful.”

Decker’s creativity flows through all his endeavors. From crafting the perfect perfume blend to creating music, it’s clear Brandon Decker has followed the right muse. Yet, beyond his varied endeavors, fatherhood is his most cherished role. He says, “Fatherhood is everything to me. My son is my life. There is no love like it and nothing that touches it. He is my best friend and my inspiration. I am constantly challenged to be a better human in every way.”

Brandon Decker is a creative person who is passionate about his work and fatherhood. He has a successful body care line and enjoys creating music. He also cherishes his role as a father and finds inspiration in his son. It’s great to see that he is constantly challenged to be a better human in every way. As for what’s next for him, he said “I will let the bottle find whatever shore it will”.

The Decker Band is releasing their eighth studio album, Ouroboros, on June 9th. Visit www.deckermusic.org for more info. And check out the full Sedona Spirit Water line at www.sedonaspiritwater.com

Decker in Sedona, Az.

THE MARKET REPORT BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE TETSELL TEAM

When the Man Cave Becomes Home

When I was a kid I dreamed of having a workshop where I could tinker with all things mechanical, take my car to pieces, and spill the occasional bit of oil on the floor without my father going crazy. Thirty five years later, my dream has come true.

I moved to the USA in 2017 to set up a company specializing in wine walls. One thing that we build is cabinetry, and this requires a workshop. We had an office, but it was just an office, and as the company grew, it needed a proper workshop.

The workshop is a thinly veiled disguise for a man cave. It contains (almost) everything you could wish for. It has an office and a store room to keep all those tools that you still definitely need, or so you told yourself at the time. It has a table and chairs.

Naturally, it has a TV that is connected to a sound system, complete with

subwoofer and wall mounted speakers. A kettle for tea drinkers, and a coffee machine for the caffeine addicts has pride of place on top of the fridge.

The workshop must have an array of lethal tools, such as a table saw, radial saw, miter saw, and all manner of drilling apparatus. It needs an air compressor for the spray gun, and also the nail gun that is used for building cabinetry.

The floor should be epoxy sealed, so that when the inevitable oil spill occurs, it doesn't seep into the concrete and leave a nasty stain. It also makes for easy clean ups too.

And finally, the man cave, sorry, workshop, needs to be a place where you feel completely at home with your own company, and ready to take on the world when it comes to all things creative. It should be a personal and spiritual sanctuary.

Entertianment is a key ingredient to wood working.

Workshop must host an array of dangerous tools.

Precision is important in all elements of life.

It is essential that there is enough space to store toys.

is essential to the

The wine storage area

man cave.

COLD

PLUNGE BUST or

THE HEALTH CRAZE WORTH THE HYPE

ARTICLE BY DANTE LOPRESTI

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANTE LOPRESTI

Dante LoPresti bummin’

The other day, I saw an Instagram post of a young man, someone you’d expect to see on the cover of an outdoor magazine, handsome and fit holding up a sign reading, “You can cold plunge without posting about it.” If you’re familiar with the cold plunge craze, you know why that’s provocative. It’s like anything that becomes mainstream loses a bit of its luster.

Yet, this trend is worth the hype. Submerging your body in icecold water reduces inflammation, boosts the immune system, and tones the nervous system. I got into this incredible therapy when I hadn’t been treating my body that well. Over-indulging and staying up late had taken its toll; I was ready for a change. Now, cold water immersion is the cornerstone of my health practice.

This practice is proven to be especially beneficial for men because it jump-starts the endocrine system, boosting testosterone and dopamine levels. Considering the struggles men face today, such as plummeting hormones, and suicide rates, it’s no wonder men have jumped on the cold plunge bandwagon and want to share it on social media.

Getting into ice cold water may seem like the last thing you would want to do. It takes some willpower and fortitude to get into freezing water, let alone stay for a minute or more. However, the benefits far outweigh the discomfort and eventually your tolerance increases. Soon, it becomes one of the easiest difficult activities, so to speak, you can do to swiftly balance your mind and body.

If you want to get started, I highly recommend finding a way to build community around the practice. Visit Reconnect Mind & Body (www.thereconnectlife.com) in Mesa, and Optimyze (www. optimyze.me) in Scottsdale and Tempe. They are cold plunge trailblazers, also offering breathwork classes and other therapies. Also, check out @jared.b.light with @breathedeepr on Instagram, who offers pop-up classes around the valley.

Funny, our dining schedule is the same as yours.

events

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

JUNE 9TH

Friday Night Bull Riding & Mutton Bustin’

6823 E. CAVE CREEK ROAD, CAVE CREEK, ARIZONA, UNITED STATES | 8:00 PM

Every Friday night Bull Riding and Mutton Bustin’. Rounds at 8pm11pm. $20 to ride a bull, $5 for sheep riding! Tickets purchased at the gate for $10. Head over to  www.buffalochipsaloon.com for event details.

JUNE 21ST

Wednesday Night Steel Paintball Competition

10402 W CAREFREE HWY

PEORIA, AZ 85383 | 5:00 PM

Anytime Dining at Merrill Gardens

Senior Living. As you may have guessed, that means you can dine whenever you’d like and how often you’d like. So, go ahead, act like you own the place. It’ll be fun.

Each Wednesday night, Cowtown hosts a steel target pistol match. The match consists of 5 stages, ranging from 15 to 30 rounds per stage. Stages include both static and reactive targets. Match fees are $13 for Cowtown members and $15 for non-members. No pre-registration required for Wednesday Night Steel. To find out more go to  www.cowtownrange.com

JUNE 29TH

Beers and Brats at The Bearded Barber

3434 W ANTHEM WAY, ANTHEM, AZ 85086 | 5:00 PM

Beers and Brats, a taps takeover by Stiegl Beers. Tasting 5-8pm with Brats all day!

(623) 299-4939

merrillgardensanthem.com

2800 W Rose Canyon Circle Anthem, AZ 85086

Want to be featured?

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

Cave + Post

Hip western-style men’s boutique

ARTICLE BY ALEXANDRA JAMES | PHOTOGRAPHY BY PATRICK BURCH

One of the coolest menswear shops is Cave + Post Trading Co. in Phoenix. This eclectic store features popular brands like Freenote Cloth, Red Wing, Filson, Howler Brothers, Texas Standard, as well as thrifted one-of-a-kind items. Owners Patrick and Mary Burch have curated a totally unique western-themed offering of apparel, jewelry, home goods, personal care, and vintage items with an emphasis on American-made. This mercantile is a must for anyone looking for a great gift for Father’s Day this year. Head over to 509 W McDowell Rd, Unit 102, Phoenix, AZ 85003.

Display case with new and vintage pieces