Chandler, AZ December 2022

LIFE + CULTURE

FAMILY TRADITIONS

HOME + DESIGN

FUN GIFTS

FOOD + BEVERAGE

MAKING A BUTTER BOARD DECEMBER 2022

PRIVATE MEDICAL CARE

BIOIDENTICAL HORMONE REPLACEMENT

MEDICAL WEIGHT LOSS CLINIC

VEIN TREATMENT

CONTOURING & AESTHETIC SERVICES

DR. WISSAM FAYAD

Happy Holidays!

For me, it’s the smell of my mom’s holiday cookies. That’s how I know the holidays have arrived. She made them when I was growing up, making the dough ahead of time and freezing it so that my sister and I could then cut it into shapes and decorate it. There would be sugar sprinkles, regular sprinkles, frosting, and chocolate chips waiting to decorate with. The smell of those cookies always immediately makes me feel loved and wraps me in the warmth of family memories.

The holidays are here, and as the spirit of the season is among us, we often try to replicate what made it feel so magical to us in our youth. The traditions we set for our own families often mirror some of what we experienced as a child, whether it is the smells, the sounds, the lights, the holiday activities—or a combination of it all that reflects that best.

In addition to cookies, for us, it is also gathering for an afternoon of family time with grandparents, aunts, and cousins, and a pile of presents in the middle.

We also spend an evening as a family, dressed in pajamas and with cups of hot chocolate, driving around and looking at lights. And, we adopt a family to give them some cheer at the holidays, too.

This month, we wanted to highlight the magic of the season and what our city has to offer that helps spread holiday cheer. We include a feature on the event Christmas With the Clydesdales, feature some community members’ favorite holiday traditions, and have a gift guide with gift selections.

We also showcase a stunning home, show you how to create one of the hottest new trends—a butter board—and have a fun craft project.

While this season can be beautiful for some, it can be painful and lonely for others, especially those who have recently lost a loved one.  In the true spirit of the season, let’s take care of those in our community who need assistance or who are alone. My hope for you this season is that you feel love and peace, and that we all remember to take care of each other, extending grace, empathy, and love.

Happy holidays and see you in 2023!

Yours,

December 2022

PUBLISHER

Joyce Selk | joyce.selk@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Michelle Glicksman

michelle.glicksman@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Jen David | jen.david@citylifestyle.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Christina Larson | christina.larson@citylifestyle.com

AD DESIGNER

Hunter Richie

LAYOUT DESIGNER

Kelsey Proctor

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Alison Bailin Batz, LeAnn Parker, Alison Stanton

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Rochelle Perez

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Randy Radosevich

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

MICHELLE GLICKSMAN, EDITOR @CHANDLERCITYLIFESTYLE

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

1-2: Tarwater Elementary hosted a What on Earth?! themed Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (S.T.E.A.M.) Festival. 3-5: The City of Chandler held its Fall Employee Appreciation Luncheon to celebrate those who run the city. 6-7: Gabriel's Angels' Night of PAWSibilities gala provides funds to improve the lives of children through pet therapy interactions.

8: Gabriel's Angels' Night of PAWSibilities gala provides funds to improve the lives of children through pet therapy interactions. 9: Vivacity Auto Spa held it's 3rd Annual Haunted Car Wash to offer Chandlerites a spooky good time. 10: Congratulations to Hamilton High School (D1) for winning the 2022 AZPreps365 Badminton State Championships. 11: Hamilton High School's girls' golf team won the 2022 AZPreps365 D1 Golf State Championships—the first time in 12 years! 12-14: Celebrating at Chandler Traditional Academy - Liberty Campus’ 20th anniversary celebration.

15-16: Young Orthodontics celebrated Halloween with a pumpkin contest. 17-19: The Save Second Base pub crawl raised $15k for each of their two recipients. 20: The Chandler Chamber Leadership Class #38 celebrated two volunteer community projects with a ribbon-cutting. 21: The Chandler Chamber Leadership Class #38 transformed the backyard space of the nonprofit Live Love into an inviting oasis.

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

22-23: The two-day Chandler Asian Festival included cultural performances, an international fashion show, and more. 24: BackFit Health + Spine got into the Halloween spirit. 25-26: Enjoying the Chandler Cultural Foundation's annual Center Stage fundraising event. 27-28: Residents at Cadence Chandler dressed up and hosted a Halloween carnival for local neighborhood kids.

St. Mary-Basha Catholic School Wins a

for Arizona Education Award

Governor Doug Ducey joined Janine Yass, founder of The Yass Prize, to unveil the winners of the STOP for Arizona Education Awards, which rewards six Arizona education providers who best articulated how they would scale to meet the demands of a growing number of parents wishing to utilize the state’s Empowerment Scholarship Accounts. St. Mary-Basha Catholic School, a local elementary school, was awarded $200,000.

The Board of the Arizona Presenters Alliance has elected Chandler Center for the Arts' General Manager Michelle Mac Lennan as its president for a three-year term. The Arizona Presenters Alliance is a state-wide professional service organization founded in 2002 that is committed to the professional growth and leadership of the presenters of the performing arts in Arizona. Mac Lennan has served on the Arizona Presenters Alliance Board since 2007.

80.78 02.50 88.237.1617

New Housing Development to be Built for Seniors

The Chandler City Council recently approved a development agreement with Gorman and Company, LLC to co-develop Villas on McQueen, a five-acre site located at the southeast corner of McQueen Road and Chandler Boulevard. The project will include family and senior multifamily housing, which will be a mixture of sizes from one to five bedrooms. There will also be a community space and park. Seniors, persons with disabilities, and veterans will be given priority for housing.

We’re here FOR YOUR FELINE

BackFitHealth + Spine Adds Gina Wu to its Team

Have low back pain? BackFit Health + Spine recently added licensed acupuncturist Gina Wu, MSAOM (master of science in acupuncture and oriental medicine) to their Chandler location off of Ray Road and Dobson. Wu is available Mondays and Fridays, and Medicare now pays for up to 18 visits a year for pain. BackFitHealth.com

Scan

Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria Offers Special Limited Time-Only 'Lou’s White Pizza'

Lou Malnati's Pizzeria launched its first-ever deep-dish white pizza, Lou's White Pizza, available only through the end of this month. The white sauce for the special pizza is a Malnati family recipe called Louie

clinic cat, Sheba, is enjoying our holiday decorations while she greets all the other kitties coming into the only dedicated feline center in Chandler!

Chelsie Daniel, BVM&S MRCVS; Laura Diltz, DVM Kristy Sorenson, DVM; Andrea Stickland, DVM

Cream Sauce. Available in both deep dish and thin crust, Lou’s White Pizza is topped with mushrooms, spinach mix, red onions, and extra mozzarella cheese. LouMalnatis.com

SelectBlinds Opens Chandler Headquarters

Locally grown SelectBlinds, a custom online window-covering retailer, recently announced the grand opening of its new headquarters in Chandler. The new space is part of the San Tan Tech Center, located at 145 S. 79th St. The 29,526-squarefoot office will accommodate the company's future growth plans over the next five years. Currently, SelectBlinds employs over 100 people, but the new headquarters can accommodate upward of 300 people. SelectBlinds.com

Want to be featured?

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

IN THE SPIRIT

LOCAL BUSINESS OWNERS SHARE THEIR FAVORITE HOLIDAY TRADITIONS

’Tis the season not only of festivities, but also of traditions. No matter what you do—or don’t—to celebrate, it’s still easy to get into the spirit of the season. Whether it’s matching PJs, gift rituals, or foods they eat, each holds significant meaning.

To kick off the holiday season, we caught up with some of our community members to find out what tradition they most look forward to each year.

Maybe you have a similar tradition or maybe you are inspired by one of these. However you mark the season, we hope it’s meaningful and wonderful.

DR. DENISE GARCIA

Desert Eyesthetics

“Our family has an annual Christmas pajama party about a week before Christmas where we all come together, in our PJs, and celebrate with dinner and a gift exchange.  We love it! Everyone is comfortable and it makes it feel like it’s Christmas morning no matter what day of the week we celebrate.”

MINDY JONES

Amy Jones Group

“Our Chanukah tradition starts with sharing the story of the Maccabees, an inspiring tale of triumph and perseverance that led to the holiday as we celebrate it today. Each year we get together to make latkes, light the menorah, and play dreidel, a game of chance with a spinning top and a coveted pot of chocolate coins or  gelt. The tradition is to place our menorahs in the window for everyone to see, a reminder each year of our ability to practice our religion without fear of persecution. The holiday is light and fun, while the traditions are meaningful and rooted in a history I am proud to pass along to my son.”

JOYCE SELK

Chandler City Lifestyle

“Family has always been the most important part of Christmas and often means many traveling long distances to be together. Sometimes we come up with a crazy theme, like ugly Christmas sweaters. We always open gifts on Christmas morning but the night before has never taken much of a back seat. Christmas Eve has morphed into Chinese takeout for dinner, followed by everyone piling into the car to drive around and see Christmas lights so the ‘elves’ can come and fill the stockings. (An adult always found an excuse to stay behind so there were no disappointments and the ‘littles’ never seem to notice!) Returning home, we gather around the tree and take turns going through our stockings, youngest to oldest, and the adult ‘kids’ always have one, too! Christmas Eve is capped off with a late-night church service. We always go overboard on the stockings, and some years they seem to be better than the presents on Christmas morning!”

LIKE BUTTAH!

BUTTER BOARDS GO FROM TIKTOK TREND TO REAL-LIFE TABLES ACROSS CHANDLER

ARTICLE BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROCHELLE PEREZ

Bread’s best friend—butter—is having a moment.

Earlier this year, Brooklyn-based cook and popular food blogger Justine Doiron metaphorically broke the internet when she posted a TikTok video showing viewers how to make an updated twist on a traditional cheese or charcuterie board with butter as the primary ingredient.

Within hours of the post, the term “butter board” was trending worldwide. Both chefs and home cooks alike began making their own, both to share with diners and friends, as well as to post online themselves.

“Essentially, you are deconstructing bread and butter and adding accouterments,” says Christopher George, executive chef at Bottle & Bean Coffee House & Wine Shop ( Bottle-Bean.com). “Simply soften butter and then spread it over a cutting board or marble slab, and sprinkle it with various toppings, then pair it with one or many types of bread.”

According to George, who is hosting a hands-on butter board workshop at his restaurant on Dec. 3 at noon for $40 per person, the only limit is one’s imagination when it comes to butter designs, toppings, and breads.

“Layering a variety of flavors and textures is key so that every bite is different, so first-timers might want to consider herbs, citrus zest, fresh or dried fruit, marinated vegetables, crushed nuts, and even honey,” says George. “Ensure the bread complements the butter, as well as the toppings, and you are set.”

To live a healthy lifestyle you need to take care of your mind and body. At the Village we have everything you need in our clubs for complete wellness. We have yoga studios for your meditation practice, Spa & Salon for beauty and recovery, Med Spa, chiropractic care, physical therapy, and nutrition to ensure you are healthy and feeling your best.

DIY FIRE STARTERS

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY LEANN PARKER

These DIY fire starters are so cute, smell wonderful, and most importantly, do an amazing job at getting that fire blazing. They can be used for outdoor bonfires or indoor wood-burning fireplaces, and are perfect for holiday gifts, hostess gifts, and housewarming gifts, too.

CONTINUED >

FIRE STARTER INSTRUCTIONS

(Makes 12)

SUPPLIES NEEDED

• 12 pinecones (instructions on how to dry pinecones at SilvertoothHome. com/blog/pinecones-leaves)

• 12 slices of dried citrus (instructions on how to dry citrus at SilvertoothHome. com/blog/dried-citrus)

• 24 cinnamon sticks

• 12-24 whole star anise

• 24 dried bay leaves

• 12 tulip cupcake liners

• 1 lb. soy candle wax (give or take)

• 12 candle wicks (metal piece removed)

• 1 muffin pan

• Old cooking pot

• Disposable spoon

HOW TO ASSEMBLE

• Assemble your fire starters by lining the muffin pan with cupcake liners.

• Add natural elements into each cupcake liner.

• Add a candle wick into the center of each liner.

• Melt wax over low heat. Once the wax is clear, remove from the heat.

• Carefully pour melted wax into each liner up to 1/4 to 1/2 full.

• Let sit at room temperature for a few hours to harden.

• Remove fire starters from the muffin pan and they’re ready to use!

If you’re creating these fire starters for gifts, you can use the following items.

• White boxes (4-inch square)

• Striker paper stickers

• Flat place cards

• Matches

• Twine

• Dried citrus

Fulton Ranch Home Tempts Buyers with a Wide Variety of Sought-After Features

THE HOME, WHICH RECENTLY UNDERWENT A COMPLETE RENOVATION, INCLUDES HIGH-END FINISHES, FIXTURES, AND MORE

ARTICLE BY ALISON STANTON

Buyers who are looking for an exceptionally stunning and truly turnkey home need to look no further than 4830 S. California Place in Chandler.

The home, which is located in the popular lake-lined Fulton Ranch community, is currently for sale through Realty ONE Group. Featuring six bedrooms, four bathrooms, and a loft, this 4,100-squarefoot gem is situated on a generous 1/3 acre lot. One bedroom and bathroom are located downstairs, and the other five bedrooms, three full baths, and generous loft space are upstairs.

Tiffany LeDoux, a realtor with the Darwin Wall Team and listing agent for the home, says the California Place property boasts all of the features that are currently popular with buyers.

“Having just undergone a complete renovation, each space was tastefully designed with high-end finishes and fixtures throughout,” LeDoux says, adding that the kitchen was also opened up and expanded to maximize a true open concept, while also transforming it into a chef’s kitchen.

“The kitchen also boasts popular new white shaker soft-close cabinets, an oversized island with a wine fridge, and ample seating for families or entertaining.”

The addition of a beautiful new 16-foot sliding glass wall opens the living room up to the

backyard and pool area, helping to bring the outdoors inside.

The backyard features a covered patio area, as well as a newly resurfaced PebbleTec pool, which is perfect for swimming or splashing on hot days.

LeDoux says the home also features new elegant hardwood floors that anchor the design concept of the renovation.

“In addition, the redesigned master bath features exquisite tile work, an expanded shower with dual shower heads, a free-standing bathtub, and personal vanities. The design elements throughout the home will cater to even the choosiest of buyers,” she says.

For more information about the California Place property, contact LeDoux at 480.200.0173 or visit TiffanyLeDoux.com

WITH THE CLYDESDALES

THE USA CLYDESDALE PRESERVATION FOUNDATION HOSTS ITS ANNUAL CHRISTMAS EVENT THIS MONTH

ARTICLE BY ALISON STANTON

Making Christmas ornaments while listening to festive holiday music. Fun games for adults and kids alike.

Photo ops with beautiful Clydesdale horses.

These are just a few of the many activities that are included in the Old Fashioned Christmas Celebration, which is hosted by the USA Clydesdale Preservation Foundation.

The event will take place from 6-7:30 p.m. on Dec. 2-3 and Dec. 9-10 at 17208 E. Saragosa St. in Gilbert. Tickets are $15 and pre-registration is required.

Rebecca Stivers, USACPF director, says the nonprofit organization has hosted the annual Christmas event for eight years.

“Each year we add new and fun activities for the youth while retaining all the traditional Christmas activities,” she says, adding that the event will feature “Santa Why Can’t I Fly?”,  a new Christmas puppet show for kids. “There will also be Christmas sweets, hot chocolate, apple cider, and coffee served during the entire event at no charge. We have a silent auction, and many traditional activities like writing letters to Santa, making Christmas ornaments, Christmas music, and coloring Christmas pictures.”

Christmas music will play in the background, a Christmas movie will be shown in the arena, Christmas Game Land will include traditional games for all ages, and Mrs. Claus will read “The Night Before Christmas” to the children.

“Individual and family photos can be taken with the Clydesdales. There are also opportunities to spend time with the Clydesdales individually,” she says.

Stivers says the USA Clydesdale Preservation Foundation began in 2012 in Gilbert.

“Our responsibility as a 501(c)(3) is to provide hands-on experiences with the Clydesdales for the public and provide educational opportunities about the Clydesdales at all events,” she says, adding that there are always four to six Clydesdales housed at the barn.

“We also provide riding demonstrations at Western Pleasure and barrel racing. This is extremely important as they have been viewed in our history as just working draft horses. We also provide educational opportunities at schools and at our facility.”

Stivers says she is looking forward to the event, which offers plenty of traditional Christmas fun for people of all ages.

“We have visitors here at the Clydesdale foundation that haven’t missed a year. Of course, the Clydesdales keep bringing them back,” she says.

For more information or to register, call 602.803.4051 or visit SaveTheClydes.org

The City Lifestyle Giving Campaign

Now in its third year, the City Lifestyle Giving Campaign will give away $300,000 this holiday season to help individual community members who would benefit from a helping hand during their time of need. But they need YOUR HELP to make it happen! Maybe you know of a single parent struggling to provide, an elderly person who has experienced loss, a child enduring a health issue, a co-worker suffering a sudden, unexpected tragedy or a neighbor with a financial hardship who has fallen between the cracks of getting assistance. Chances are you know someone with a specific need—even if nobody else does.

To preserve and protect the dignity of every recipient, the City Lifestyle Giving Campaign is completely confidential. No identities will be revealed or publicized in ANY way. (Even those who nominate others may remain anonymous if they choose.)

Last year, City Lifestyle was able to give to more than 70 recipients all over the country by sending checks in the mail through New Year’s Eve. (This year, the goal is to double that number with checks ranging in amounts up to $3,000 each.) With nominations flooding in from community members and leaders such as judges, police officers, teachers, nurses, social workers, mentors and readers like you, we were able to reach people who might otherwise go unnoticed.

“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “This Giving Campaign is all about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them this holiday season.”

Together with Matthew Perry, Chief Sales Officer, Steven adds that the outpouring and gratitude from the recipients was overwhelming and affirmed that this is a tradition they want to continue.

“We believe God has blessed our company with continued success,” Matthew adds, “so we in turn want to be a blessing to others.”

City Lifestyle has also enacted an internal giving program whereby every employee in the company receives $100 to give away to someone in the community. “The idea is to encourage our employees to keep doing it on their own,” Steven says. “Taking care of one another and blessing others is so rewarding that it perpetuates a cycle of giving. It’s extremely important to me as a person and as a company to foster that culture of generosity.”

“This Giving Campaign is all about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them this holiday season.”

Where has the campaign gifted?

Follow

@citylifestyle

ALL FOR ONE. OF FUN FOR ALL. A COMMUNITY

WELCOME TO CHANDLER BMX, WHERE EVERYONE RIDES

More than the ultimate sport for wholesome fun, Chandler BMX is where strangers become fast friends and then family. And as an organization dedicated to fostering healthy competition and fair play, you’ll find that your new Chandler BMX family will be there to support you every step of the way. Love to tailgate? We do, too. Enjoy traveling? Explore racing opportunities from coast to coast. Ready to start making lifelong connections? Join us!

TRY CHANDLER BMX FOR FREE

Learn more at chandlerbmx.com. You belong here.

events

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

DECEMBER 1ST - JANUARY 2ND

SUGARLAND

DR A.J. CHANDLER PARK WEST

The Downtown Chandler Community Partnership celebrates the holiday season with SUGARLAND, a free, interactive display of life-sized holiday treats. There's a 14-foot star gazer lit box to walk through or take photos in, a candy cane sleigh, a life-sized cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows, giant gum drops, cookies, colorful swizzle sticks, candy canes, selfie stations, a 5-foot fruit roll-up slide, and more.

ChandlerAZ.gov

DECEMBER 3RD, 15TH

Butter Board Cooking Class and Wine Tasting Series

BOTTLE & BEAN

Bottle & Bean is offering two events this month. On Dec. 3, Chef Chris will demonstrate how to make a party-worthy butter board that's both delicious and photo-worthy. On Dec. 15, join in the next segment of the monthly Tastings With Tom Wine Series. Held in the private dining room, enjoy wine tastings paired with light bites, along with lively discussion about each wine.

Reservations: Bottle-Bean.com

DECEMBER 4TH, 11TH, 18TH

Ocotillo Farmers Market

DOWNTOWN OCOTILLO | 9:00 AM

The new weekly Downtown Ocotillo Farmers Market, held from 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m., features a variety of local goods, including agricultural products such as honey, eggs, and ranched meats, plus artisan salsas, hot sauces, jams, pickles, breads,

and bakery treats. The market also features handmade items by local artists and craft makers, chef demonstrations, educational presentations, and live music. DTOcotillo.com

DECEMBER 16TH

The Doo Wop Project Holiday Show

CHANDLER CENTER FOR THE ARTS | 7:30 PM

The Doo Wop Project boys will get you into the holiday spirit with their doo-wop versions of Old School holiday classics like The Drifters’ "White Christmas," The Temptations’ "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," and contemporary hits, like "This Christmas" and "Last Christmas." ChandlerCenter.org

DECEMBER 17TH

Wreaths Across America

VALLEY OF THE SUN MORTUARY AND CEMETERY | 9:00 AM

Wreaths Across America will be at Valley of the Sun Mortuary and Cemetery to remember and honor our veterans through the laying of remembrance wreaths on the graves of our country's fallen heroes, and the act of saying the name of each and every veteran aloud. Volunteers and donations are needed, as well. Volunteer arrival: 8 a.m., wreaths laid: 9 a.m., ceremony: 10 a.m. WreathsAcrossAmerica.com

DECEMBER 31ST

New Year's Eve Celebration! Broadway Showstoppers

CHANDLER CENTER FOR THE ARTS | 8:00 PM

Celebrate New Year’s Eve with the greatest hits from Broadway with six powerhouse vocalists and the Showtune Productions’ live orchestra. Featuring Showstoppers from “Jersey Boys,” “Mamma Mia,” “Chicago,” “Carole King’s Beautiful,” “Hair,” “Jesus Christ Superstar,” “Wicked,” “Les Miserables,” “Phanton of the Opera,” and many more. Ring in the New Year with great music, a champagne toast, and party favors. ChandlerCenter.org

THE LUXE GIFT GUIDE

Gifting Favorites From FOUND by Domestic Bliss Owner and Designer Kristin Alber

WHO: Kristin Alber

WHAT: Owner and designer

WHERE: FOUND by Domestic Bliss,  FoundDesign.co

ARTICLE BY BETH DEL VILLE

1. "All The Things" Notepad & Acrylic Tray Set

2. Barefoot Dreams Cozychic Blanket in Oyster

3. Antica Farmacista Bubble Bath in Desert Sage

4. Shea Butter Travel Hand Cream

5. HERMES Decorative Book Stack Set

6. Classic Gold Beaded Bracelets (sold individually)

7. Antica Farmacista Candle in Desert Sage

8. Ribbed Match Cloche

9. LAFCO Chamomile Lavender Diffuser

10. "It's In the Cards" Playing Card Game Set

11. Bandol Fluted Coupe

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WHO YOU WORK WITH MATTERS

“Cathy was extremely helpful to my daughter when she recently helped sell a home under very difficult circumstances. She is professional, caring, dedicated and trustworthy. I highly recommend her for selling or buying a home. Cathy stays current on listings and will work hard to meet your needs. Thank you, Cathy, for all your help and understanding for my daughter. I will refer you to friends and family.”

- MARSHA Y.