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The Season of Gratitude and Giving
As fall settles into the East Valley and the holiday season begins, November invites us to pause, reflect, and give thanks for the people, places, and moments that make life in Gilbert so meaningful. It’s a time to slow down, take stock of our blessings, and look for ways we can share them with others.
At Gilbert City Lifestyle, giving back is at the heart of what we do. We’re passionate about celebrat ing our community and spotlighting the individuals and businesses making a difference every day. This month, we’ve rounded up inspiring stories that capture the spirit of generosity, neighbors lending a hand, local organizations creating impact, and businesses leading with heart.
Thanksgiving reminds us that gratitude is more than a feeling; it’s an opportunity to act. Whether it’s packing meal boxes at a local food pantry, donating to a cause close to your heart, or volunteering your time to support families in need, each act of service strengthens the bonds that make our community so special.
As you flip through these pages, I hope you’re inspired to reflect on what you’re thankful for and consider how you might give back this season. Because here in Gilbert, generosity isn’t reserved for the holidays; it’s part of who we are all year long.
Wishing you a meaningful Thanksgiving filled with gratitude, connection, and opportunities to make a difference.
Origen Gilbert just unveiled a new menu including its first-ever kids menu. The new menu takes a Yucateco Mexican twist on some classics.
New Menu Items to include:
• Pasta Yucatán
• Ensalada di Búfala
• Lobster Jambalaya Rice
• Chile Nogada
• Dubai Brownie
Photography by Origen - Gilbert
Gilbert’s locally owned Senor Rio Tequila partners with We Care Crusade
We Care Crusade is on a mission to make a difference one child at a time, one family at a time, to lighten their life with some form of relief medically, physically and or emotionally.
Senor Rio Tequila is a tequila with a cause. 1 bottle, 1 family, 1 child at a time. Señor Rio Tequila pledges to donate $1.00 for every bottle sold to We Care Crusade which helps children with special needs.
Scan to read more
Pinners Conference Returns to Scottsdale
Pinners Conference — the two-day experience that brings online inspiration to life through more than 120 creative, educational expert-led classes and an enormous shopping exhibition featuring over 300 vendor booths — has announced the dates of its Arizona conference. The weekend-long event takes place at WestWorld of Scottsdale, located at 16601 N. Pima Rd., on Friday, Nov. 14 and Saturday, Nov. 15. Pinners welcomes creatives, enthusiastic learners and shoppers seeking one-of-a-kind treasures.
KICKING THROUGH CHANGE AND LEGACY
Inside Matt Prater’s journey of grit, gratitude, and lasting impact.
ARTICLE BY KYLIE STRAWN-BADGER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATI PRATER
After nearly two decades in the NFL, kicker Matt Prater continues to prove that resilience, discipline, and heart are just as essential as talent. This season, he’s stepping into a new chapter with the Buffalo Bills, a move that’s challenged him to adjust not only as an athlete but as a father and husband.
“If I’m still able to do it and have an opportunity to keep playing, I’m gonna keep trying to go as long as I can.”
The transition has been anything but simple.
“The biggest change,” Prater reflects, “has been going from being a full-time dad, coach, and being in Gilbert with my kids and wife every day to being across the country, back in the middle of a season with no training camp, away from my family in a new place I’m not familiar with.”
It’s a glimpse into the personal sacrifices that come with professional sports, the constant balancing act between passion and presence.
Still, on the field, his focus hasn’t wavered. Prater’s career has always been marked by determination, from early setbacks to record-breaking triumphs. One moment stands above the rest, the day he set the record for the most 50-yard field goals in NFL history.
“That was the record I’d been chasing for a long time,” he says. “It defines me as a player because I’ve never given up; it shows what hard work and dedication can lead to.”
It’s a milestone that captures everything about his approach to the game: consistency, longevity, and belief.
Over the years, Prater has suited up for several franchises: Denver, Detroit, Arizona, and now Buffalo, each stop shaping his perspective as a player and professional. “Every place has its pros and cons,” he explains. “Some places you’re playing outside with tough conditions, or you could be in a dome. There are good and bad experiences everywhere, but as I’ve gotten older, I look at it as a business and as a coach.”
CONTINUED >
What keeps him motivated after all these years? The answer is simple: competition and family. “I love to compete,” Prater says. “If I’m still able to do it and have an opportunity to keep playing, I’m gonna keep trying to go as long as I can.” But behind every game, every kick, is his greatest inspiration: the people waiting at home. “Another big motivation for me is my family,” he adds. “My wife Kati has been through a lot of these moments, and now all my kids are old enough to remember them. It was really cool, they were there to see me get lifted up in the first game back.”
Off the field, giving back has always been part of Prater’s DNA. Though he’s still working on launching his own foundation, one focused on youth sports and development, he’s spent his career jumping in wherever he’s needed. “I like to do anything and everything for my team and teammates if asked,” he says. He’s also lent his support to causes close to teammates, including Madelyn’s Fund, created by Andy Lee to support NICU families. For Prater, those opportunities are personal, especially when they lead to lasting connections. He recalls one of his most meaningful moments: meeting a young boy named Will through the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
“I went to his school, met his family, and spent the day with them,” Prater shares. “It ended up turning into a friendship over the years. Unfortunately, he passed last year. He
“I’ve had ups and downs throughout my career and been told I can’t do it. But I’ve always believed in myself, and my family has always believed in me.”
was a really special kid and is deeply missed.” It’s a reminder that football is more than stats or scoreboards; it’s about impact. That same sense of purpose drives his message to young athletes: keep going. “I’ve had ups and downs throughout my career and been told I can’t do it,” he admits. “I’ve always believed in myself, and my family has always believed in me. I’ve proved all the haters wrong and worked really hard. Even at 41, I still
try to be one of the best.” As for the future, Prater knows his connection to football won’t end when his playing days do. “I think at this point I’m always gonna be around football,” he says. “I started coaching my son’s team two years ago, and I really love it.”
From record-breaking kicks to friendships that last beyond the field, Matt Prater’s legacy is built on heart, humility, and the quiet strength of someone who never stopped believing.
Gilbert Power Couples
We’re celebrating local love in our February 2026 issue by featuring inspiring Power Couples from our community. If you know a duo who balances life, love, and leadership, we want to hear their story. Nominate a couple who deserves the spotlight in our upcoming Local Love Issue. Scan the QR code to submit your nominations!
Nominations Close 11/15/2025
GUIDING FAMILIES THROUGH Senior Living
HELPING VALLEY FAMILIES FIND TRUSTED, PERSONALIZED SENIOR CARE SOLUTIONS WITH HEART
ARTICLE BY GRETCHEN PAHIA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATIE LEVINE PHOTOGRAPHY
When valley families are looking for the right senior living arrangement, Lauren Miller is a go-to expert. A mother of three sons and new grandmother, Lauren, has called Gilbert home for 25 years. “I love everything Gilbert has to offer, the hometown feel, the parks, events, and the great downtown,” she says.
Even when Lauren was younger, she was drawn to helping others, exploring careers in teaching, nursing, and social work. She eventually trained as a physical therapist assistant, blending all her paths into a career spanning nearly three decades. “I’ve worked in hospitals, rehab facilities, outpatient clinics, and home health,” she says. “Those hundreds of home health visits taught me about longterm care options and the differences in quality between them.”
Lauren’s patience and listening skills are some of her best traits, and she has become invaluable in the valley for senior placement. “I can get a sense of a family’s needs very quickly and come up with a plan of action,” she explains. “This is useful when a client needs to move within a day or two.”.
In 2015 Lauren started Sonoran Senior Placement, providing personal hands-on support to seniors and their families seeking long-term living options. “Our goal is to help families locate communities based on their specific medical, social, financial, and logistical needs,” Lauren explains. “Our service is free to clients, as we’re usually compensated by those senior communities with a finder’s fee.”
Lauren’s knowledge of the discharge planning process in hospitals grew out of her background as a physical therapist assistant. She often worked with patients whose families realized they could no longer go home safely. “Prior to discharge, therapy teams recommend a safe plan, and a referral agent walks the family through next steps,” she says. “Hearing that a loved one cannot return home is typically upsetting news. I assured families there were plenty of great options, even in small home environments.”
Lauren’s business mentor introduced her to the senior placement industry, and after she had earned her certification as a Senior Advisor, a Dementia Practitioner, and a Placement and Referral Specialist, she opened Sonoran Senior Placement. “It was the best decision,” she says.
“I love being a business owner while helping others.”
explains. Other times it’s needed when cognitive or physical decline happens, and they may need hands-on care or oversight. Such as after hospital stays, falls, or medical issues.
Lauren emphasizes the assistance that her agency provides during difficult transitions. “We take you step by step,” she says. “Sometimes placement comes after a crisis. With our help, family members have time to nurture while we sort out alternatives. In Gilbert, there are nearly 200 residential assisted living homes, the majority of which don’t have websites.
“I’m blessed to serve families across the valley and guide them through this next chapter.”
For families working to find a safer home environment for a loved one, Lauren defines senior placement as having an advocate who can condense a complex and stressful process. “We narrow down choices to find the best fit,” she says. “I love visiting clients after they’ve moved into an active community and hearing, ‘I wish I’d done it sooner.’”
Senior living is at times opted for by families wanting to simplify life. “Many seniors downsize and enjoy communities that help them by eliminating yard work, cooking, and household chores while keeping them engaged socially,” Lauren
Searching on their own, families may end up seeing only a small part of what is available.”.
Her services also spare families from multiple moves and unite them with trusted professionals.
“I collaborate with home health providers, hospice, estate planning attorneys, transportation companies, senior movers, support groups, Medicaid specialists, and medical equipment companies,” Lauren says. “This makes the move seamless in every way.”
Lauren serves on the board of the Professional Association of Senior Referral Specialists (PASRS), pushing for high standards in senior care. She credits her overall success to careful listening and caring for others.
“I’m blessed to serve families across the valley and guide them through this next chapter,” she shares. “Every client has unique needs, and helping them navigate this transition is both an honor and a privilege.”
E
We’re on the hunt for Gilbert’s Most Eligible Singl es to feature in an upcoming issue. Think The Bachelor or Bachelorette, but local. Know someone who deserves the spotlight? Scan the QR code to nominate them! Nominations Close 11/15/2025
ME
Check Out Our Instagram for behind the scenes
SCAN
LIGHT THE WORLDGiving Machine Season
Transform
lives locally and globally through one extraordinary vending machine
ARTICLE BY KRISTY BELLEY
Positive Paths
#PositivePaths positivepathsaz.org
Positive Paths supports East Valley women in need by providing a life-bridge to economic stability, personal growth, and professional achievement. Your donations make a significant difference, enabling them to continue this vital work and transform lives in our community.
Imagine walking up to what looks like a vending machine, but instead of selecting chips or candy, you’re choosing to send a goat to a family in need, provide clean water to a village, or put school supplies in a child’s hands. That’s the magic happening in Gilbert from November 17th through December 31st, when the Giving Machine arrives to turn ordinary shopping into extraordinary giving.
Since 2017, these remarkable machines have facilitated over $32 million in donations worldwide, and this year more than 500 local and international nonprofits are participating. What makes it even better? The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints covers all operational costs, which means 100% of every donation goes directly to the cause you select. Every. Single. Penny.
Gilbert’s Giving Machine will feature carefully selected charities making a difference both around the globe and right here in our own community. Whether you’re passionate about fighting hunger, delivering clean water, supporting education, or bringing smiles to children’s faces, you’ll find a cause that speaks to your heart. Before you visit, take a few minutes to learn about these incredible organizations - each one represents urgent needs and real solutions that transform lives in powerful ways.
Here’s what makes this experience so special: the joy works both ways. You walk away with a full heart knowing your gift is changing someone’s life, while someone somewhere receives exactly what they need. It’s the kind of shopping spree where everyone wins, and no wrapping paper is required.
Mark your calendar for November 17th and discover how one small act of kindness can create ripples of hope that reach far beyond what any vending machine has ever done before.
Light the World by visiting the Giving Machine this Christmas in Gilbert, Arizona DATES: Nov 17-Dec 31, 2025 | LOCATION: Gilbert Water Tower Plaza 45 W Page Ave, Gilbert, AZ 85233
LAUREN’S INSTITUTE FOR EDUCATION | #LAURENSINSTITUTE | LAURENSINSTITUTE.ORG
Lauren's Institute for Education (L.I.F.E.) empowers children and adults with developmental disabilities through extraordinary educational and therapeutic services. Using a transdisciplinary approach, L.I.F.E. integrates multiple perspectives to create personalized treatment plans that go beyond traditional care, helping individuals reach their fullest potential in both center-based and community settings.
PAZ DE CRISTO COMMUNITY CENTER |
#PAZDECRISTOAZ | PAZDECRISTO.ORG
Paz de Cristo provides peace and hope for those facing hunger, poverty, and homelessness. Serving 14,000+ men, women, children, veterans, and seniors annually, we offer hot meals, food boxes, showers, clothing, job assistance, bus passes, Arizona IDs, mail service, and comprehensive support to help people rebuild their lives.
LUTHERAN SOCIAL SERVICES OF THE SOUTHWEST | #PARTNERSINACTION | LSS-SW.ORG
Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest (LSS-SW) serves 27,000 people annually across Arizona, providing dignity and opportunity to at-risk families, foster children, older adults, people with disabilities, and refugees. Recent achievements include placing 1,500 foster children in safe homes, delivering 70,000 meals, and offering vital resources through Family Resource Centers and resettlement programs
DAYS FOR GIRLS | #DAYSFORGIRLS | WWW.DAYSFORGIRLS.ORG
Days for Girls International tackles period poverty affecting 500 million women and girls worldwide. Through innovative menstrual health solutions, education, and advocacy, DfG helps girls stay in school and reach their full potential. Supported by volunteers and community partnerships across 145+ countries, they shatter stigma and create lasting change in schools, workplaces, and humanitarian settings.
ONE SMALL STEP | #ONESMALLSTEPAZ | ONESMALLSTEPAZ.ORG
Our vision: ensuring every person and family in our service area has the clothing they need to secure employment, succeed in school, maintain health and hygiene, and feel socially accepted. No one should be held back by lack of proper clothing. We help children, families, and individuals living in poverty to attain a more productive life by providing quality clothes, shoes, and other support services.
MENTORS INTERNATIONAL | #MENTORSINTERNATIONAL | MENTORSINTERNATIONAL.ORG
Your gift can launch a family’s journey toward self-reliance. Baby goats, sewing kits, and other opportunities from Mentors International come with training and mentoring that empower families to build sustainable businesses. For more than 30 years, Mentors International has walked alongside families in Latin America, Africa, and Asia, helping them rise from poverty with dignity.
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FARM & FAMILY
ARTICLE BY KRISTY BELLEY PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATIE LEVINE PHOTOGRAPHY
HOW THE JOHNSTON FAMILY TURNED FARMLAND INTO LEGACY AND A FAMILY MOTTO
Sit down with Joe Johnston and his sons William and James at any of their Gilbert establishments, and you’ll quickly discover something: This family doesn’t just build restaurants and developments, they build community, one family dinner at a time, one field trip for local students, one act of radical generosity at a time.
Their story isn’t what you’d expect. It’s funnier, more human, and infinitely more relatable than the typical “successful family” narrative. It involves career paths that are completely swapped, a wife’s brilliant 10-minute rule, annual badminton tournaments where nobody’s actually good, and the kind of parenting that makes six-year-olds beg to wash dishes.
When Dreams Trade Places
“I was hell-bent on not doing anything in a restaurant,” James admits, laughing. “I wanted to make furniture. That was my dream.”
William, meanwhile, wanted to be a chef and run a restaurant.
Every summer growing up, the boys got a choice: work the farm or work the restaurant.
James chose the farm. Every. Single. Summer. William chose the restaurant. Every. Single. Summer.
"WE LIVE IN A WORLD THAT'S pretty lonely.
Fast forward to today: James owns Fire & Brimstone and Cream of the Crop Ice Cream, both beloved for their creative menus and warm atmospheres. William runs major development projects including Epicenter, having left restaurant management years ago.
“Did I know it was going to happen?” Joe asks rhetorically. “No. Really, no.”
James: “I went to college for industrial design, got a job at an architect firm, and couldn’t do the desk thing all day. It was driving me crazy. I worked unpaid internships during the day and had to make money at night, so I went to work at Liberty Market. I loved it. I was like, oh my gosh, I just wasted four years of my life. So I worked there for nine years until I could afford to open my own place. Met my wife there too.”
William: “I still love cooking. I was GM of Liberty for four years. But I realized it wasn’t a career I wanted to be in forever. An opportunity came up to work on the development side, and from there I just blossomed into everything else.”
The irony isn’t lost on any of them. Sometimes destiny shows up wearing the wrong nametag.
The Target Years and Other Lessons
Let’s talk about the Johnston approach to childhood. No video games. Half an hour of TV per day. And absolutely no adult buying of toys at Target, no matter how much you begged. James: “Mom would say, ‘If you want that, make your own money and buy it.’ Which at the time didn’t make sense.
We’re like, well, you can buy it for me now if you want to.”
But here’s what they did get: The family built Vespas together. James still has the Mustang they constructed from the ground up. And perhaps most importantly, they learned that “Not my problem” wasn’t cruelty, but rather a curriculum.
William: “Even at work, when we worked at a business that dad owned or was a partner in, if we had any issues and complained to him, he would say, ‘Not my problem. Go talk to the person ahead of you and deal with it yourself.’ Because if he just fixed everything for us, we would never learn how to solve our own issues.”
William started as a dishwasher at Farm Grill for an entire year, despite having culinary skills. “It made me understand the importance of every position in the restaurant. Sometimes those who are the anonymous people within an organization carry the biggest burden load. Having that empathy and kindness was huge. Good things come from effort -they aren’t just handed to us.”
Now William’s children are already asking when he can start working. “I’ve told my kids, you’re gonna have to be a dishwasher. Go talk to Uncle James. They can’t wait.”
James: “My kids ask, can they work? They’re excited to work because they understand it’s an important part of being a Johnston.”
The cycle continues, grease and all.
The Gift That Changed Everything
In 2015, the Johnston family did something that would make most developers choke on their coffee: They donated their farmland to create the Arizona Urban Agriculture Foundation, preserving it in perpetuity as an urban farm in Agritopia.
When Gilbert was exploding with growth and developers were paying astronomical sums, the Johnstons chose preservation over profit.
"MY kids ASK, CAN THEY WORK?
They're excited TO WORK BECAUSE THEY understand IT'S AN important part OF BEING A Johnston ."
Joe: “The family is not owners of it anymore. We just support the foundation through our for-profit businesses. It’s the idea of stewardship—leaving things better than we found it. Keeping this a farm forever at the scale it was probably wasn’t the best stewardship role. So as we morph with the times, we do it in a way that’s best for the community and not just ourselves.”
Now all three host educational field trips regularly, James with culinary and agriculture high school students, William & Joe with college groups, their cousin Annie with elementary kids.
James: “Grandpa was very generous. If you’re blessed in a way, it’s your responsibility to bless other people too. That’s always been a common thread for all of us.”
The Sacred 10-Minute Rule
Despite countless expansion opportunities, both sons operate under an ironclad rule: Joe’s wife’s brilliant 10-minute rule. No business ventures more than 10 minutes from home.
James: “My goal was to make enough money to be comfortable and have enough time with my family. People ask us to open other Fire & Brimstones elsewhere.
I’d probably never do it. The goal was good home life and family life. I still love coming to work, but I’m not here as long as I used to be because I don’t need to be. To make my life more complicated for money that doesn’t really benefit our family—that’s where I’m at.”
So when asked about Queen Creek? “No,” Joe says simply. “The rule is the rule.”
William: “Quality of life is super important. I coach basketball for the middle school at Gilbert Christian. My daughter’s almost 14. Time flies. Sometimes being overly busy just for the sake of being busy when it’s not necessary—you have to recognize that. Money is important, but excess isn’t always.”
They’ve turned down opportunities that would make most entrepreneurs salivate. But they’ve never missed family dinner at 5:30.
James: “This is one of the few places where I see kids outside still playing in the front street. Our kids run around with neighbor kids. We have a ladder over our fence to the neighbors behind us. Kids just run around being kids.”
Badminton, Chess, and Being a Good Neighbor
Every year in Sedona at Orchard Canyon, the Johnston family brings out a portable badminton set.
James: “It can get a little heated. The kids get frustrated. We do it once a year. None of us are great. But we want to be.”
William: “We’re not really competitive. We’re collaborative. If it’s chess, JoJo’s going to win probably.” (Joe strategically joined the Gilbert Chess Club in high school instead of PE. “It was air-conditioned,” he explains pragmatically.)
The family motto, from their Scottish heritage, is “Never unprepared.” But their lived motto comes from something deeper.
Joe: “Home is more like a village here. It’s the people we have around us, the relationships. I never feel like an anonymous person because I always run into people we know and love. Our church is here, our work, our friends, our family. It’s a rich tapestry of village life.”
His 50th high school reunion is coming up. He never left Gilbert. His sons never left. His grandchildren are growing up on the same soil.
William: “The intentionality behind what we do isn’t just to make money. The goal is to make people feel like they’re seen and special. We live in a world that’s pretty lonely. We try to create spaces where people feel connected, part of the greater fold of Gilbert and not just anonymous.”
“HAVING THAT empathy AND kindness WAS HUGE. Good things COME FROM effort -THEY AREN'T JUST handed to US.”
James: “When I was younger, I wanted Fire & Brimstone to be the coolest new place, which it was for a bit. But the value is when you become an establishment where normal, everyday folks come in. We try to have something for everybody. We don’t want anybody to feel out of place.”
When asked what Gilbert needs as it grows, their answers reveal everything:
William: “Be good neighbors. Just being welcoming and supportive and kind. That’s what makes Gilbert special.”
Joe: “Everybody taking pride in their own neighborhood, picking up trash, plucking weeds. Don’t assume somebody else is going to do it. Just do it yourself.”
James: “More parks for kids. Not huge ones, just little spaces. Having more stuff for kids to do would be nice.”
The Johnstons are terrible at badminton. They gave away a fortune in farmland. They refuse to expand beyond 10 minutes. They make their kids wash dishes and build cars and earn their own toy money.
And that’s exactly why, when you visit any of their establishments, from Liberty Market to Joe’s BBQ to Fire & Brimstone - you don’t just taste great food. You taste home.
Visit the Johnston family’s Gilbert establishments: Liberty Market, Joe’s BBQ, Joe’s Farm Grill at Agritopia, and Fire & Brimstone, Cream of the Crop Ice Cream, Topo, or shop and eat at the Epicenter. Just don’t ask them to open in Queen Creek.
Through our Helping Heroes Program, it’s my honor to give back by offering special incentives to those who have already given so much. Whether you’re currently serving or have served in the past, this program rewards you with meaningful savings when buying or selling a home. We continue to update these rewards to reflect the current real estate market, ensuring our heroes receive the recognition—and the practical support—they deserve.
"As a busy school teacher and mom, buying a home felt overwhelming. Jeremy guided us through the process with grace, efficiency, and care. With his ability to find creative solutions and a clearly defined plan, I felt at ease and confident that we would find our new home - and we did! Jeremy had the experience and programs that fit our life. He has a gift for making Real Estate personal, simple, and smart.”
“It’s your story, let’s write it together.”
If you or someone you know is a local hero, connect with us! We’ll share how our Helping Heroes Program can make a difference in your next move.
CAMELIA & SAWYER - GILBERT
Finding My Purpose
MILITARY VALUES GUIDE HOW I SERVE MY COMMUNITY TODAY
The Marine Corps taught me integrity, discipline, and service matter I grew up in North Phoenix with supportive parents and a promising future ahead. College was always the plan, but while I enjoyed classes and friendships, I couldn’t shake the feeling something was missing. I wanted purpose—something bigger than myself.
Gilbert & Phoenix Metro Veterans Events - November 2025:
• Veterans Day Parade - Downtown Gilbert - November 11, 9:00 AM Join the community honoring service members with marching bands, veteran organizations, and local groups celebrating those who served our nation with pride and dedication.
• Heroes Recognition Ceremony - Gilbert Veterans Oasis Park - November 11, 11:00 AM A moving tribute featuring keynote speakers, military honors, and wreath-laying commemorating veterans’ sacrifice.
• Phoenix Veterans Day Concert - Margaret T. Hance Park - November 9, 6:00 PM Enjoy patriotic performances by local musicians and symphony orchestra under the stars.
• Mesa Veterans Memorial Service - Mesa AmphitheatreNovember 11, 10:00 AM Solemn remembrance ceremony with military color guard, 21-gun salute, and personal stories from local veterans sharing their experiences.
• Chandler Community Breakfast for VeteransChandler Community Center - November 11, 7:00 AM Complimentary breakfast honoring veterans and active military with community leaders. Registration required.
• Scottsdale Salute to Service 5K Run - Scottsdale Civic Center - November 9, 8:00 AM Family-friendly run/ walk benefiting veteran organizations. Medals for participants, live entertainment, and vendor booths.
ARTICLE BY Jeremy Fierstein
Meet Jeremy Fierstein, a proud Gilbert "close to" native who's watched the Southeast Valley transform from tranquil dairy farms to thriving metropolis over more years than he cares to remember. This former Marine brings military dedication and persistence to every transaction. After polishing corporate leadership skills, Jeremy entered real estate combining imagination with service, earning Million Dollar Producer honors and consistent Top 2% Realtor® recognition.
That clarity came when I reconnected with a friend who’d just returned from Naval Boot Camp. His stories about discipline and finding meaning through service resonated deeply. I visited recruiters from every branch, but the Marine Corps struck a chord. They set a higher bar, and I realized that was the challenge I needed.
Leaving for Boot Camp was one of the most intimidating days of my life. I thought I understood independence when I left for college, but this was entirely different. It opened my eyes to just how much more I was capable of.
Those early months weren’t just about drills or rifles. They were about reshaping how I saw myself. I began to understand integrity—not as an idea, but as a way of living. I learned what it meant to commit fully, even when things were difficult.
“The Marine Corps taught me integrity, discipline, and service matter. Show up early. Be prepared. Approach each day with the mindset that it deserves your best.”
The guys I trained with quickly became more than fellow recruits. We were from different backgrounds with different reasons for joining, but shared challenges bonded us in ways that are hard to describe. Whether we were cleaning rifles late into the night or pushing through another exhausting day, we leaned on each other.
The discipline, integrity, and resilience I learned as a Marine still guide me today as a local real estate agent here in Gilbert. They remind me to serve my clients with honesty and preparedness, to approach every challenge with commitment. This Veteran’s Day, I want to thank those who’ve worn the uniform, and also the doctors, firefighters, nurses, teachers, and others in our community who dedicate themselves to something bigger. They carry forward the spirit of service that binds us all.
ARTICLE BY KYLIE STRAWN-BADGER
Holiday Markets Around Town
WE HAVE ROUNDED UP THE GO-TO HOLIDAY MARKETS THIS YEAR
Holiday Kick-Off & Merry and Bright Night
Experience the magic at two Made With Love holiday markets: November 28–29 from 9am–2pm and December 5–6 from 5–9pm, featuring 170 vendors, food trucks, festive surprises, and plenty of holiday cheer.
Peppermint Lane Holiday Market
Mark your calendar for December 4–6, 9am–5pm, for a festive outdoor market filled with holiday cheer, local vendors, unique gifts, and seasonal surprises, perfect for finding special treasures and celebrating the season.
PS I Love AZ Holiday Market
Celebrate the season at this festive holiday market November 28–29, 10am–4pm at Arizona Athletic Grounds in Mesa. Shop unique gifts, support local vendors, and enjoy a joyful atmosphere perfect for holiday fun and family outings.
Hazel Avenue Holiday Market
Join the festive fun December 6, 10am–4pm at Gilbert Regional Park for a joyful holiday market featuring local vendors, handmade gifts, seasonal treats, and family-friendly activities, perfect for holiday shopping and community cheer.
Sugarplums Market
Happening November 9–11, 9am–5pm at 7316 E Ray Rd, Mesa. Enjoy free entry to this festive market with 100+ vendors, food trucks, piercings, tattoos, a hat bar, permanent jewelry, and personalized holiday gifts.
A TWIST ON TRADITION
Warm up this season with a creamy, dreamy twist on classic hot chocolate, crafted with white chocolate, vanilla, and indulgent boozy marshmallows.
ARTICLE BY LIQUID CATERERS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ETHAN BEAZLEY
White Hot Chocolate Recipe:
Combine 2 cups milk (whole or alternative) and ½ cup heavy cream (optional) in a saucepan. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until hot but not boiling. Reduce heat and add ½ cup white chocolate chips (or chopped bar), stirring until smooth. Stir in ½ teaspoon vanilla extract. Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream, white chocolate shavings, coconut, or Twisted Mallow’s boozy marshmallows. Insider tip: (Locally owned Twisted Mallow can customize your marshmallows for a special event)
Flavor Variations:
• Peppermint: Add ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract or a candy cane.
• Spiced: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom.
• Salted Caramel: Drizzle with caramel and sprinkle sea salt.
Boozy Marshmallows | (by Twisted Mallow):
Boil ½ cup water, ½ cup corn syrup, 2 cups sugar, ½ tsp salt to 240°F. In a bowl, mix ½ cup Baileys with 40g gelatin. Slowly pour hot syrup into mixer, beat 10 minutes. Spread in oiled pan, set 6–12 hrs, cut, coat with powdered sugar. Store airtight up to 8 weeks.
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H O P E
with YOU
The holidays have a way of calling us back to what matters most—faith, family, compassion, and the quiet but powerful act of giving. As lights go up and calendars fill, there are still many who sit in silence, carrying burdens too heavy to bear alone. But what if this season, you could be the spark that changes everything for someone else?
The founders of City Lifestyle, through their private foundation, are once again launching its annual Christmas Giving Campaign—a heartfelt effort to seek out and support individuals and families who have quietly fallen through the cracks. The mission is simple: to bring light, dignity, and hope to those who need it most.
Since its beginning just four years ago, this initiative has grown from a humble idea into a life-changing movement. Last Christmas alone, more than 200 families across the country received unexpected support—financial relief, but also something even more powerful.
“We don’t just send checks,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”
Together with City Lifestyle President Matthew Perry, Steven has helped shape this into a tradition that goes far beyond charity. “This is about community,” Matthew adds. “We believe we’ve been blessed, so now we get to be a blessing.”
Every story begins with a nomination. Often, it’s a neighbor, coworker, friend, or teacher—someone who’s been quietly carrying too much for too long. One past recipient, after receiving unexpected support during a time of deep personal struggle, wrote:
SCAN TO NOMINATE
“We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”
“Beyond the very practical solution of receiving funds to fix my car, this thing you guys worked together to do is bigger than that. I carry the Christmas card you sent in my purse. When things get really hard, I pull it out and remember what it felt like to be seen. That card represents hope— that change for the better is possible. I’m not sure how many people get to carry hope around in their purse. But I do.”
Another wrote in after her husband was diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer and unable to work:
“This support has blessed our family not only financially, but emotionally and spiritually as we trust God to meet our needs throughout this difficult time. Thank you to our anonymous friend and to your foundation. What a joy and gift to be part of God’s family!”
Each year brings countless stories like these—real lives touched by simple acts of kindness. Some use the funds to pay overdue bills, others to afford groceries, medication, or repairs. But no matter the circumstance, the impact is the same: hope is restored.
This season, you have the opportunity to be part of that. The campaign is now open to nominations—completely confidential and prayerfully considered. Whether it’s someone battling illness, facing unemployment, or just in need of a helping hand, you can bring them a moment of grace that will ripple far beyond Christmas morning.
“Knowing my mom was chosen filled my heart with indescribable joy,” said another past recipient. “Your generosity doesn’t just brighten her life; it inspires hope and faith in all of us. It enables her to stay in her home and get back on her feet.”
Nominations are open from November 1st to December 5th, 2025. To submit someone you know, simply scan the QR code or visit @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the nomination form in the bio.
This holiday season, let’s give more than gifts. Let’s give each other the gift of being seen. Because sometimes, the smallest gesture becomes someone’s greatest miracle.
To nominate someone in need, visit: KingdomBuildingFoundation.org or scan the QR code.
SEASONAL
a simpler
RECIPES BY BRITTANY MEADTH
PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMILY MERRILL
ARTICLE BY SAMANTHA DURBIN
HONEY ROASTED CARROTS WITH LABNEH AND FRESH DILL
Ingredients: 10 carrots, ½ cup fresh dill, 3 sprigs of thyme, 1 cup labneh, 2 tablespoons honey, 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 400° F
2. Wash, peel, and prep your carrots. If carrots are skinny, you can peel them and place them onto a cookie sheet. If the carrots are thicker in diameter you can cut them lengthwise into halves.
3. Drizzle honey and olive oil over carrots on baking sheet. Use your hands to make sure the carrots are properly coated on all sides.
4. Add salt and pepper
5. Bake in the oven at 400° F for about 25-30 minutes
6. Take them out of the oven and set aside
CRISPY POTATOES
7. On a large serving plate add about a cup (or more) of labneh. My favorite is called Luretik.
8. Add your carrots then freshly chopped dill and thyme to the top
9. Drizzle a good olive oil over the whole thing
Hosting Tip: “Ask for help from the right people. Some people aren’t going to be comfortable making bread rolls or a dessert, but maybe they’re great at making salad. Others can be asked to bring drinks or clean afterward. Nobody is a mindreader—don’t be afraid to set up a spreadsheet where they can sign up!”
2. In a large Dutch oven, bring water, baking soda, and salt to a boil. Place unpeeled potatoes into the water and reduce the heat to medium-low. Once the potatoes are soft to touch (20-25 min), drain and let sit for 10 minutes.
3. On a cutting board, grab a potato and use any large object (wine bottle, glass jar) and smash down the potato. Do this gently and have a spatula close by to transfer to
HONEYNUT SQUASH
a baking dish. Once you have smashed all the potatoes, add salt and olive oil.
4. Place in oven and roast for 20 minutes or until crispy
5. Top with the garlic, rosemary, and fresh chives
Cooking tip: “I don’t peel my potatoes because who really has time for that? The secret to this recipe: baking soda. The baking soda makes the water alkaline which helps break down the surface of the potatoes, making them very crispy and very delicious.”
2. Slice the squashes in half, remove all the seeds
3. Add olive oil, salt, and pepper and roast for 30 minutes
4. Add smoked paprika and pomegranates to serve
Hosting tip: “It’s all in the way you present it to kids…when you ask your kids to join, try not to make it sound like a punishment. Emphasize that they have a responsibility prepping really yummy food. Include a special drink for the kids while they’re helping, like spiced apple cider. Adjust your expectations to allow for extra mess, extra time, and know it won’t turn out exactly as if you had done it yourself. But the tradeoff of creating happy memories is 100% worth it.”
FLAVORS
FLAVORS
Hosting tip: “It’s all in the way you present it to kids…when you ask your kids to join, try not to make it sound like a punishment. Emphasize that they have a responsibility prepping really yummy food. Include a special drink for the kids while they’re helping, like spiced apple cider. Adjust your expectations to allow for extra mess, extra time, and know it won’t turn out exactly as if you had done it yourself. But the tradeoff of creating happy memories is 100% worth it.”
CARAMEL CHEESECAKE
Ingredients
Crust
• 12 graham crackers
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1⁄4 cup brown sugar
Filling
• 4 sticks of cream cheese (room temp)
• 1-1⁄2 cup sugar
• 5 large eggs (room temp)
Directions
Preheat oven to 350° F
Crust
• 2-1⁄2 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• zest of whole lemon
Caramel
• 1-1⁄4 cup sugar
• 1-1⁄3 cup water
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 cup unsalted or salted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1. In a food processor, add the graham crackers, butter, and brown sugar. Blend until sand-like texture.
2. In a springform pan, add parchment paper and butter the sides
3. Place crust into the pan and pat down to form a smooth base
4. Set in the fridge and chill for 15 minutes
Filling
1. Add the cream cheese to a standing mixer. Make sure it’s room temperature—this is an important step!
2. With your whisk attachment on medium speed, mix the cream cheese. Once it becomes fluffy, add the sugar and one egg at a time. Scrape down sides as needed.
3. Remove the pan with the crust from the fridge, add the batter to the pan, and place into your preheated oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
4. Remove from the oven and let sit. Once cool, cover and place in the fridge.
Caramel
1. In a saucepan, add the sugar and water. Whisk until the sugar is dissolved. Keep heat on medium. Watch the sugar water—it will slowly go from a light brown to a rich amber color.
2 . Once it turns amber in color, add the heavy whipping cream and butter and whisk
3. Turn the heat off and let sit for 5 minutes
4. Remove cheesecake from the fridge and add the caramel to the top
Tips on meal prepping for less stress
ARTICLE BY ALISON STANTON
Let’s face it: hosting Thanksgiving dinner can be stressful.
Between grocery shopping, house cleaning, cooking and baking, it’s no wonder the day devoted to giving thanks can feel a tad daunting.
Here’s some very welcome good news: whether this is your first holiday hosting rodeo or you’ve stuffed many a turkey over the years, you can knock out most of the Thanksgiving meal prep work in advance – some of it two weeks before the big day.
To make this year’s Thanksgiving meal easier and more enjoyable, consider the following timeline of tips.
2 WEEKS BEFORE
Create Your Thanksgiving Menu
• Print out the recipes you plan to use – this will be much easier than constantly tapping your phone to prevent the screen from going dark or scrolling when your hands are covered with flour or onions.
• Using your menu and printed out recipes as a guide, compose a complete shopping list.
• Double check your supply of herbs and spices to see what you have on hand –even the ones you are pretty sure you have enough of, like salt and pepper (this tip comes from personal experience!).
• Shop for all non-perishable and frozen food items. Basically, if it doesn’t need to be stored in the fridge, or if it doesn’t have a short shelf life, it’s going in the cart.
• Plan three easy and tasty dinners for the days leading up to Thanksgiving and purchase those ingredients during your shopping trip. Or plan at least one night of takeout. CONTINUED >
4-5 DAYS BEFORE
Clean & Organize, Buy Fresh Groceries
• Clean your home completely, enlisting family members to help. Then, as the big day approaches, you can touch up as needed.
• Finish your grocery shopping for fresh vegetables like potatoes, onions and carrots and other items not purchased earlier.
• Go through your fridge and toss any old, expired condiments, leftovers and mysterious food items that no one is eating. This will free up valuable real estate for your various dishes.
2-3 DAYS BEFORE
Prep Meals & Set the Table
• Wash and chop all veggies and place the prepped produce into plastic baggies or airtight food storage containers. If some recipes call for “minced onion” and others require “chopped onion,” label the bags accordingly.
• Set the table, and include the empty serving dishes. This will help you figure out ahead of time where the larger dishes can go (and if they will all fit!) Add Post-It notes to the empty dishes to remind you what will go in what. Use a clean sheet to cover everything and keep it all dustfree until Thursday. You can also do this for a buffet.
• Gather all needed serving spoons and other serving pieces.
• Pre-measure herbs and spices for your recipes and store them in labeled small plastic bags with the name of the dish they are for and what’s in the baggies. You can also do the same for any flour, sugar or other non-perishable ingredients you’ll use in your dishes.
1 DAY BEFORE
Tidy, Prepare Dishes & Drinks
• Do a quick clean and tidy around the home; for instance, run the vacuum and shine up the bathrooms.
• If you haven’t already done so, bake your pies, or, at the very least, prepare your pie dough. Wrap the dough in plastic and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble and bake the pies.
• Make the mashed potatoes. Bonus tip: on Thanksgiving, put the potatoes into a slow cooker and heat them up using the “warm” setting.
• Prepare the gravy. If you have a second slow cooker, it too can be warmed up this way on Thanksgiving. This will also help free up pots, pans and burners on the stove!
• Set up a separate drink station where guests can help themselves or someone can serve them away from the kitchen. Stock it with glasses of different sizes, napkins, bottle and can openers and straws.
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For busy professionals, parents, and anyone who values both their health and their time, Discover Strength is the smartest way to train. You’ll look better, feel stronger, and live healthier— all without spending hours in the gym.
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LEARN MORE
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
NOVEMBER 1ST
Whiskey Under the Stars
Agritopia Farm | 3000 East Ray Road Gilbert | 4:00 PM
Whiskey Under the Stars is a premium tasting experience designed for whiskey enthusiasts and those who appreciate the finer things in life, celebrating small-batch distillers, rich storytelling, and refined pairings. Set under string lights and stars in a charming garden venue, this evening blends bold spirits with soulful sounds.
NOVEMBER 5TH
Gilbert City Lifestyle
Happy Hour
Kiln | 2162 East Williams Field Road #Suite #111, Gilbert | 4:00 PM
Local Business Owners and Entrepreneurs are invited to join us at Kiln Gilbert for an evening of connection, creativity, and celebration. We’re toasting the release of our November issue. Come meet the families and friends that graciously shared their lives with us.
NOVEMBER 8TH
Community Give Back Event
2425 S. Stearman, Chandler | 9:00 AM
Free for all ages to attend! Event features a classic car show, bouncy houses and activities for the kids, vendors, food trucks, music and more. Guests are encouraged to give back to our community in two ways - by bringing canned goods to support Chandler nonprofit, Matthew’s Crossing’s food bank, or by donating blood at Vitalant’s mobile unit.
NOVEMBER 8TH
Party In The Park
Gilbert Regional Park | 3005 E Queen Creek Rd, Gilbert
Gilbert Regional Park will be hosting Party in the Park on November 8, 2025!
Lineup includes Pitbull, Shaggy, Baby Bash, Shaggy, Ginuwine, Ying Yang Twins, and MIMS. Event will include interactive art installations, local food vendors, full service bars, and more.
NOVEMBER 8TH
Movie Night in the Orchard
Agritopia Farm | 3000 East Ray Road, Gilbert | 6:00 PM
Join Agritopia for Movie Night in the Orchard! Bring your blanket, chairs and your favorite snack. The weather will be perfect and the community spirit will be flowing.
NOVEMBER 11TH
Veterans Day Breakfast
Gilbert Community Center | 130 N. Oak Street, Gilbert | 8:30 AM
Join The Town of Gilbert for our annual Veterans Day Breakfast, a heartfelt celebration honoring those who have served. Open to all ages, this special event features live music, crafts, and a meaningful ceremony dedicated to our Senior Veterans.
NOVEMBER 11TH
Veterans Day Ceremony & Classic and Custom Car Show
Water Tower Plaza | 45 W Page Ave, Gilbert | 3:00 PM
This free community observance will feature heartfelt tributes from special guest speakers, musical performances by local schools, and military displays for all ages to enjoy.
Let go of the day’s stresses as we observe the birds’ last feeding of the day! Sometimes there is frenzied activity
Kohler Bathroom Design
Partner with the KOHLER® Signature Store design consultants to find innovative products, colors, materials, and finishes to bring your design dreams to life.
Create Festive Moments, One Piece at a Time.
Nov. 21 – 23
Gilbert Days Parade & Rodeo
Heritage District, Horseshoe Park & Equestrian Centre
Nov. 29
Dec. 1
Dec. 12 - 22
First and Third
Saturdays through March
Select Dates, November through March
Small Business Saturday
Water Tower Holiday Lighting
Water Tower Plaza
Riparian After Dark
Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch
Gilbert Art Walk
Heritage District, Downtown Gilbert
Made with Love Markets
Gilbert Civic Center
before sunset to find a safe roosting place from owls and other predators. If you are not an early morning person, this is a good event for you!
NOVEMBER 18TH
DEBx
Tempe Center for the Arts | 700 W Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe
If you had 8 minutes to change the world, what would you say? At DEBx, you’ll hear bold, compelling talks on mental health that just might shift your perspective—and your life. Come ready to feel, think, and be inspired. All proceeds benefit Amplify Voices.
NOVEMBER 21ST-22ND
Gilbert Days Festival
Gilbert Regional Park | 3005 E Queen Creek Rd, Gilbert
Join The Town of Gilbert at Gilbert Regional Park for live music, food and drinks, local shopping, and family fun this fall! Presented by Earnhardt Auto Centers and Haydon Companies, LLC.
NOVEMBER 22ND
Gilbert Days Parade
Gilbert Heritage District | Higley Road, Gilbert | 8:30 AM
The annual Gilbert Days Parade, presented by Earnhardt Auto Centers and the Gilbert Half Marathon, invites the community to celebrate this year’s event, featuring more than 80 impressive floats and parade entries.
After you call it a day, make it a night! An unforgettable evening in Mesa starting at 5pm . Explore Main & Macdonald Streets, where local vendors will showcase unique, handmade treasures. Stroll through the downtown shops, savor delicious dinners, sip on refreshing drinks, and share the experience with friends. Don’t miss this perfect blend of shopping, dining, and fun!
