The Kids & Pets Issue







Over 19,000 successful stem cell transplants.
This issue holds a special place in my heart. Children are more than just the future—they are the heartbeat of our communities today. Their laughter, their curiosity, and their potential shape the world in ways we can’t fully measure.
As parents and caregivers, we put so much effort into nurturing their growth, teaching them, and investing in their futures. But let’s not forget that children also shape us—they bring joy, laughter, and meaning to our everyday lives.
But we also cannot overlook the powerful role pets play in our families. They offer unconditional love and teach us valuable lessons in empathy, responsibility, and companionship. The bond between kids and their pets can be transformative, fostering deep emotional connections that last a lifetime.
In my house, our dog rules the roost and is the receiver of the majority of hugs. For my kids, if it’s a choice between hugging me or the dog, well, you know which of us misses out! The bond my kids and our dog have warms my heart. She is the receiver of secrets and love (and many treats!).
At the core of both children and pets is a simple truth—they need us. Our care and attention shape who they become, and in turn, they shape us. This issue is dedicated to celebrating the kids and pets who fill our homes with joy and love.
I hope this month’s issue inspires you to pour a little extra love into the children and pets in your life. They are the ones who remind us of the simple joys and the importance of unconditional love.
Here’s to our future, our little ones, and the pets who make everything better. Cheers!
Yours,
MICHELLE GLICKSMAN, EDITOR @CHANDLERCITYLIFESTYLE
August 2025
PUBLISHER
Joyce Selk | joyce.selk@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Michelle Glicksman
michelle.glicksman@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANTS
Jessica Bush | jessica.bush@citylifestyle.com
Christina Larson | christina.larson@citylifestyle.com
Skye Wagner | skye.wagner@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Micaela Camacho, Alison Stanton
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
RESTORATIVE
1: Chandler Chamber welcomes Blue State Electric to the community with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. 2: Milkshake Factory opens its first Arizona location with a ribbon-cutting from the Chandler Chamber of Commerce. 3: Cadence Chandler residents enjoyed an afternoon full of musicmaking with Frank Thompson of AZ Rhythm Connection. 4: Chandler City Lifestyle’s 2025 Men of Chandler were honored by the Chandler Chamber at the June WIL luncheon. 5: Chandler Compadres "Give It All Back" 2025 by donating over $2.7 MILLION to local charities! 6: Chandler Compadres "Give It All Back" 2025 by donating over $2.7 MILLION to local charities! 7: The ICAN women enjoyed their donation from the Chandler Compadres at the "Give It All Back" 2025 event.
AUGUST 2025 Want to be seen in the magazine?
Tate O’Regan, a Chandler-based scout from Scouting Arizona, Grand Canyon Council (GCC) Troop 0283, recently revamped the Phon D Sutton Nature Trail for his Eagle Scout service project. O’Regan brought more than 25 volunteers to remove outdated interpretive trail signs and install 13 new informational posts. The group also reworked and re-signed 2.6 miles of the trail in just one day. These new posts will provide visitor information, including the site’s history, desert species adaptations, native wildlife, geology, and riparian ecology. O’Regan additionally raised funds to purchase and install a new bench along the trail, allowing hikers and bikers to sit and enjoy the beautiful scenery the Lower Salt River has to offer.
The
The Amy Jones Group was honored with the Gilbert Chamber Impact Award, which recognizes organizations that create a lasting, positive impact. Through their nonprofit Community on Purpose, this allwomen real estate team uplifts East Valley families with events, resources, and outreach. Their mission-driven approach to real estate continues to inspire those they serve. AmyJonesGroup.com
In 2015, Ocotillo Village Health Club & Spa opened its doors, blending luxury, wellness, and community. A decade later, it stands as a beacon of health in Chandler, where friendships flourish and goals are met. Members have grown stronger together, through sunrise yoga, spirited spin classes, and serene spa days. Celebrating 10 years of sweat, smiles, and self-care, Ocotillo Village remains more than a club; it’s a second home. Here's to the next 10! VillageClubs.com
Meet These 4 Local Kids and Their Beloved Pets
Whether it’s waking up at 6 a.m. to feed goats, spending time training a puppy, taking a cat for a walk in a cat stroller, or feeding a dog out of their hand, these kids love their pets and the time they spend with them. In this story, we shine a spotlight on the sweet and heartwarming connections local kids share with their beloved pets.
Pets: Luna, Daisy, and Taquito
“Kendra is a natural animal lover. She goes above and beyond to take care of her animals. She wakes up every morning at 6 a.m. to feed her goats. She’s always making sure they are brushed and getting enough cuddles.”—Submitted by Perla Galaviz, mom
Pet: Easter
“Easter is Ivy’s sweet and cuddly cat. She wakes Ivy up each morning with snuggles and sleeps next to her every night. Ivy loves taking Easter on walks in her cat stroller—Easter enjoys the fresh air, and Ivy loves sharing the adventure. Ivy adopted Easter around Easter in 2024 as a special gift from her aunt, which is how she got her name. Ever since, they’ve been best friends. Easter always waits by the door and purrs loudly when Ivy comes home. Their bond is full of love, and Ivy feels lucky to have such a special cat.”—Submitted by Caroline B Strok, mom
Pets: Quinny (brindle) and Kimber (fawn)
“I love our boxers because they have the funniest personalities, almost human-like. They are very smart, easy to train, and absolutely love to cuddle! I love watching Quinny (4 years old) teach Kimber (8 months old) how to grow up and help train her. They play and ‘box’ all of the time.”—Submitted by James Lewis
Pet: Moose
“My mom and dad brought Moose home when I was just weeks old! (They are brave ... new baby and new puppy at the same time). We are best friends! I love to feed Moose. He eats right out of my hand. I also like to check his teeth like my grandma. He lets me put my hand right in his mouth.”—Submitted by Dr. Aubrey Young
nonprofit helps captive elephants and the people who care for them around the world
From the time he was a young boy, Steve Koyle has loved elephants.
Koyle’s interest in elephants inspired him to earn a degree in zoology, and it also led him to a job in 2002 at the Phoenix Zoo, where he worked as an elephant keeper.
Around that time, Koyle heard tragic stories about captive elephants that were being mistreated.
Learning about these abused elephants impacted Koyle so deeply that it motivated him to take his love, appreciation, and respect of elephants to the next level and find tangible ways to help them.
“Throughout Southeast Asia particularly, the captive elephants are living a life of quiet desperation,” Koyle says. “It was my first trip to India in 2013 that really opened my eyes to the real-life suffering that captive elephants endure and still do. I knew that I had to do whatever I could to help, which led me to form my nonprofit Elephant Care Unchained in July of 2016.”
Elephant Care Unchained’s mission is to eliminate cruelty and improve elephant welfare in native countries.
Or, as Koyle poignantly puts it, “Helping today for those elephants fighting for their tomorrow.”
Through his work at his Chandlerbased nonprofit, Koyle and his team travel throughout Southeast Asia, helping captive elephants in India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Nepal, and Indonesia.
“We help all elephants and the people who care for them,” Koyle says. “For example, we help improve elephant facilities that support elephant welfare, we teach positive reinforcement training as well as target training, and we provide proper foot-care demonstrations and training. We have also supplied facilities with medical supplies and education materials.”
To date, Koyle estimates that Elephant Care Unchained has had a positive and direct impact on thousands of elephant lives. The nonprofit is also now globally recognized as an elephant care and welfare professional.
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“We live knowing that our intention is to simply help by whatever means possible—all to benefit the elephants’ lives.”
In order to fund their trips abroad and the work they do with elephants and their caretakers, Koyle and his team rely on financial support from donors.
“As a 501c3 nonprofit organization, it’s only through the generosity and trust of personal supporters, many of which are Arizonians, that we can do this valuable work,” he says. “Most places that we visit are unable or unwilling to pay some ‘strange Westerner’ to help their elephants. I decided years ago that the best, most honest and transparent way to help was to raise funds independently.”
While Koyle is immensely grateful for all of the donations Elephant Care Unchained has received so far, additional help is always needed. Donations can be made directly through the nonprofit’s website at ElephantCareUnchained.com.
For Koyle and his team, knowing that they are making a tangible difference in improving the lives of elephants is immensely rewarding.
“We have saved numerous elephants’ lives with our foot-trimming skills and programs,” he says. “We know that while we are at the facilities in Southeast Asia, we are giving the utmost care and attention to the elephants and staff and doing our best to overdeliver the quality of care and services. We live knowing that our intention is to simply help by whatever means possible—all to benefit the elephants’ lives.”
Information: Elephant Care Unchained, P.O. Box 1687, Chandler, AZ 85244, Steve.Koyle@ElephantCareUnchained.com, ElephantCareUnchained.com
Follow the nonprofit on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, TikTok and YouTube @ElephantCareUnchained.
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FRESH FINDS AND FAMILY FUN AT THE REVAMPED DOWNTOWN CHANDLER FARMERS MARKET
Fresh fruits and vegetables, grown by local farmers. Food trucks dishing out gourmet goodness. Artisan vendors, offering beautiful handcrafted items. A monthly Kids Day celebration on the first Saturday in May through October, with booths offering hands-on, family-friendly fun.
These are just a small sample of the many amazing highlights of the Downtown Chandler Farmers Market.
Since 2015, the Downtown Chandler Farmers Market has called Dr. A.J. Chandler Park home.
“If you’ve never been to the Downtown Chandler Farmers Market, this is your official invite. Come for the produce— stay for the community and good vibes.”
Earlier this year, the Downtown Chandler Community Partnership (DCCP) took management of the market, with Executive Director Rebecca Hill committed to keeping it thriving.
“I’m so excited to see Market Manager Natalie Mikszta and the team take this market and run with it in such a positive direction,” Hill says. “Under Natalie’s leadership, there are signs of growth!”
As Mikszta notes, the Downtown Chandler Farmers Market has been brought back to life and is now refreshed, reimagined, and buzzing with energy, community spirit, and plenty of fun.
“We’ve been focused on building something for everyone—families, foodies, dog lovers, you name it!” she says. “If you have a four-legged friend, bring 'em along. With plenty of grass and shaded spots, the market is a great hangout for pets, and you’ll find vendors selling treats and accessories just for them.
“Since taking over management, we’ve made it a priority to support and uplift our vendors—placing strong emphasis on communication, promotion, and the sustainability of small and micro businesses.”
In addition to increasing the variety of merchandise at the market by welcoming more than 40 new vendors, Mikszta says there is also a renewed emphasis on offering other activities for people of all ages to enjoy.
“We have continued to enhance the market experience with free yoga in the park every Saturday at 10 a.m., along with our monthly Kids Day activities, which are all about family fun,” Mikszta says.
“The market is a walkable and welcoming familyfriendly space where you’ll find a wide variety of local treasures.”
“Every first Saturday of the month in October through May, we feature around 15 booths dedicated to free, hands-on fun that encourages families to engage with local businesses and explore what Downtown Chandler has to offer,” she continues.
Activities include face painting, lawn games, a kids’ yoga flow session, and a fun scavenger hunt.
Later this year, Mikszta notes, the market will expand its programming even more to include Senior Days, Kid Entrepreneurs, and festive seasonal activities.
Mikszta and Hill are thrilled about the many positive changes that have been made to the Downtown Chandler Farmers Market, and how the revitalized event has quickly grown into a welcoming space for people to gather, support local businesses, and purchase a variety of amazing merchandise.
Mikszta also welcomes anyone who has not yet been to the market to come give it a try.
“If you’ve never been to the Downtown Chandler Farmers Market, this is your official invite. Come for the produce— stay for the community and good vibes,” she says. “The market is a walkable and welcoming family-friendly space where you’ll find a wide variety of local treasures. If you want a market day that feels more like a mini festival than a grocery run, come hang with us at the Downtown Chandler Farmers Market—your new favorite way to Saturday!”
Information:
The Downtown Chandler Farmers Market is held year-round, every Saturday, in Dr. A. J. Chandler Park West
9 a.m.–1 p.m. Oct. through May / 7-10 a.m. June through Sept.
ARTICLE BY MICAELA CAMACHO | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
GHOST RANCH EXOTICS OFFERS A ONE-OF-A-KIND PETTING ZOO EXPERIENCE
Just outside of Tucson, in the quiet town of Marana, there’s a place where kids can feed a porcupine, pet a capybara, and watch peacocks strut by while learning about animals from around the world. Ghost Ranch Exotics is a private zoo that offers something
to MacNeil, welcoming guests from across the country who are eager to meet the furry friends.
“Capybaras are incredibly sweet animals,” he says. “They love attention, and because we hand-raise all of our animals, they’re very used to people.”
“WHEN KIDS GET TO MEET
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different: a hands-on, heartwarming experience designed for connection and education.
“We wanted to build something where people could really connect with animals, not just see them from behind a fence,” says Kenneth MacNeil, owner.
That passion has turned into one of the most unique animal experiences in Arizona. Ghost Ranch Exotics offers private, educational tours where visitors can meet a variety of animals in an up-close, interactive setting. Each tour is led by a knowledgeable guide and includes plenty of time for feeding, petting, and asking questions.
The capybaras are the biggest draw. These large, gentle rodents from South America are known for their calm, social nature. Ghost Ranch Exotics is home to the largest capybara experience in the United States, according
In the summer, visitors can book special experiences with baby capybaras, getting the chance to interact with them during their most playful stage. It’s an opportunity that’s rare and unforgettable, especially for children.
But the capybaras are just part of the story. The ranch is also home to Patagonian maras, African porcupines, warthogs, emus, tortoises, goats, cows, a donkey, a water buffalo, and a red-rumped agouti. Colorful birds and peacocks wander the grounds, creating a lively and inviting atmosphere.
The MacNeils’ journey into exotic animal care started with a pet bug business, then expanded to a pet shop. As they added more animals to their property, they began visiting schools and libraries with mobile education programs. Eventually, they purchased land in Marana and transformed it into the ranch that exists today.
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Now, Ghost Ranch Exotics hosts field trips, after-school programs, birthday parties, and private events. They also bring the animals to others through mobile petting zoo packages, perfect for schools, community events, and family celebrations.
What sets the ranch apart is the level of care and connection, MacNeil says. Every animal is hand-raised, and every visitor is welcomed as a guest, not just a spectator.
“When kids get to meet animals up close, it sparks something special,” MacNeil says. “They ask questions, they get curious, and they start to care. That’s what we love about what we do.”
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ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD
BY JANIE JONES
PHOTOGRAPHY
There’s something truly special about inviting your child into the kitchen—not just for the cookies or cupcakes, but for the confidence, creativity, and connection that come with it. Cooking with your children isn’t just a fun way to pass the time; it’s an opportunity to build lifelong skills and memories that stick.
Sure, teaching a young child how to crack an egg or measure flour can test your patience—but hang in there. With a little trial and a fair amount of error, they’ll start to develop the fine motor skills that allow them to prep a recipe all on their own one day. The best part? They’ll gain confidence along the way, one scoop, stir, and sprinkle at a time.
Cooking together also taps into something a little magical—memory. The smell of cookies baking or chili simmering on the stove can instantly transport us back to childhood. That’s not just nostalgia talking—science backs it up. Our sense of smell is closely tied to autobiographical memory, especially memories formed early in life. So those sweet, savory scents? They’re more powerful than you might think.
The key is to start simple. Let your toddler play with mixing bowls, spoons, and measuring cups. These little moments of pretend play actually help build the fine motor skills needed for real kitchen tasks. Begin with small jobs—scooping flour, flattening cookie dough with a rolling pin—and gradually add more steps as your child becomes more confident.
It won’t be perfect. The flour might fly, the sugar might spill, and the measurements might be slightly off—and that’s okay. Embrace the mess, stay patient, and focus on the fun. A dash of encouragement and a sprinkle of praise go a long way in keeping your little chef engaged and excited.
Over time, you’ll see the magic unfold: a child who’s not only learning how to cook but also growing more independent, capable, and proud of what they’ve created. And who knows? Maybe one day, they’ll pass those same recipes—and memories—on to their own kids.
• 1 cup and 2 tablespoons white flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup oatmeal
• 4 tablespoons honey
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 4 tablespoons buttermilk
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• Optional: add 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg or cinnamon
1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
2. Put the oatmeal in a blender or food processor and pulse for about a minute, until it’s reduced to a rough powder. Add the ground oatmeal to the whole wheat and 1/2 cup of the white flour, baking soda and salt to the bowl of an electric mixer affixed with a paddle attachment, and turn on to mix. Add butter and blend on medium speed until the butter has been incorporated and the mix looks a little like wet sand. Add the buttermilk, vanilla, honey and almond extract and blend. If the dough looks too wet to roll, add the remaining flour 1/4 cup at a time until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the blender.
3. Turn the dough out onto a piece of plastic wrap and flatten into a disc. Cover completely and chill in the fridge for at least one hour, up to overnight.
4. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 400 degrees and place dough on a lightly floured surface (using the remaining 2 tablespoons of flour). Roll out until 1/8 inch thick. Cut out with desired cookie cutters and bake for five to seven minutes, based on your preference. Five minutes will get you a softer cracker, while seven will get you a crisp cracker.
Enjoy!
“Currently we have three teams, and we are growing to four teams for the fall and winter 2025 to 2026 season,” York says, adding that young basketball fans ages 9 through 14 are encouraged to join.
In addition, York notes, the current programming offers a comprehensive Basketball Academy at the Ocotillo Village.
“Our Junior Academy is for ages 5 through 8 and it meets on Mondays at 4 p.m., our Skills Academy is Mondays at 5 p.m. and is for kids 9 to 12, and our Elite Academy is Mondays and Tuesdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. for ages 13 and up,” he says.
THE OCOTILLO VILLAGE HEALTH CLUB & SPA IS HOME TO THE GREAT TRAINING X VILLAGE BASKETBALL PROGRAM
Kids and young teens who are looking to develop skills and build friendships as part of a basketball team are welcome to join the program at the Ocotillo Village Health Club & Spa.
As Head Coach Tyree York, who also manages the basketball programming, notes, the “Great Training X Village Basketball Program” began in April of 2024.
Depending on their skill levels, York says kids who are in the basketball program also compete in local and regional leagues, as well as tournaments.
While developing their skills as basketball players and being part of a quality program are definitely key benefits to being part of the Great Training X Village Basketball Program, York says the experience goes well beyond the basketball court.
“Our kids are also learning life skills and building lasting friendships. The growth we have seen is incredible,” he notes, emphasizing the program’s dedication to playing at a higher level.
The program is currently available to Village Club members and limited nonmembers. Contact Coach York at 480.400.0971 or TYork@DMBClubs.com for more information about joining.
ARTICLE BY BAILEY HALL | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
THROW A PAWSOME BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR YOUR FURRY FRIEND
Create delightful DIY party favors for your dog guests by filling small bags or boxes with goodies. Include a tennis ball for playtime fun and a selection of treats for them to enjoy. You can also add a small toy or chew for variety. These favors ensure that every pup goes home happy and tired from all the play and treats.
Keep the human guests happy with a creative Treat Station for Owners. Use brand new, clean dog food bowls as serving dishes for snacks like chips, pretzels, and candies. Arrange the bowls on a table with a festive tablecloth and some dog-themed decorations. Label each bowl with fun names like “Puppy Chow” for trail mix or “Doggie Biscuits” for cookies.
A birthday party isn’t complete without a cake, even for dogs! To make a dog-friendly birthday cake, start with ingredients like peanut butter, bananas, and carrots. Mix 1 cup of flour, 1/4 cup of rolled oats, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of cinnamon in one bowl. In another bowl, blend 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce, 1/4 cup of peanut butter, 1 mashed banana, and 1/2 cup of grated carrots. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, then pour the batter into a greased cake pan. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes. Let it cool, then frost with a mixture of Greek yogurt and peanut butter. Decorate with dog treats and serve to your excited pup!
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Offering Arizona’s largest selection of single and double iron doors, wine cellar doors, pivot doors, barn doors, aluminum slider doors and bi-fold doors, every door we build is customized to meet our clients’ needs. We handcraft each door with only the highest-quality materials to ensure your door is built to last.
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
AUGUST 1ST, 8TH, 22ND, & 29TH Free Summer Concert Series
Chandler Center for the Arts | 7:30 PM Join Chandler Center for the Arts for the last of these free summer concerts. Aug. 1: Painted Soul. Aug. 8: Christie Huff. Aug. 22: Jácome Flamenco ¡Baile! Aug. 29: AJ Odneal. Seating is first-come, first-seated. ChandlerCenter.org
AUGUST 7TH & 8TH
Chandler Community Center 10:00 AM
Do you juggle, sing, dance, or play an instrument? Share your talent with the community. The All Ages Talent Show welcomes performers of all ages and all talents. Registration is required—sign up at ChandlerAZ.gov/ events/all-ages-talent-show-auditions. The show will be Sept. 12.
AUGUST 9TH RAD Bowl-A-Thon
AMF Chandler Lanes | 10:30 AM
Strike up some fun with Recreation and Athletics for Individuals with Disabilities (RAD) during its annual fundraising event benefiting Chandler's Adaptive Recreation participants. Grab your socks and favorite bowling ball and head to Chandler AMF Lanes for the annual RAD Bowl-A-Thon. Register to bowl, collect pledges, or donate. ChandlerAZ.gov
AUGUST 16TH
Water You Doing Pop-Up
Desert Oasis Aquatic Center | 12:00 PM
Make a splash at this Water You Doing Pop-Up event. Enjoy free entry from noon - 2 p.m. and participate in fun water safety activities and public swim. Participate in reach and throw activities, and learn about the importance of barriers and adult supervision. ChandlerAZ.gov
AUGUST 21ST
Back:
Galveston Elementary | 2:00 PM
Join the Amy Jones Group at Galveston Elementary to help local families with back-to-school clothing support. Volunteers will help unload, sort, and assist families as they shop donated clothing. For more information, email morgan@amyjonesgroup.com.
AUGUST 28TH
Business Mixer + ICAN Fundraiser
Expansive Mesa | 4:00 PM
Network with local professionals while supporting ICAN’s youth programs. Entry is free with a $50 gift card donation to ICAN. Hosted by the Amy Jones Group at Expansive Mesa. For more information, email morgan@amyjonesgroup.com.