LIFE + CULTURE
6 INVESTMENT BOOKS TO READ NOW
EQUINE THERAPY HONORS VETERANS TRAVEL
INVEST IN TIME AWAY
Investing in North Peoria
Investing—it’s a word that immediately brings to mind stocks, real estate, and financial planning. And while those are essential components for wealth management, the heart of true investing extends far beyond numbers on a spreadsheet. This month, we’re exploring what it really means to invest—not just in wealth but in our community, health, families, and ourselves.
I see the power of investment all around us. My beautiful mom invests in caring for my dad. Her dedication to him, his healing, and the stability of our family is priceless.
Local entrepreneurs pour their passion into businesses that serve our neighborhoods. Parents dedicate their time to shaping the next generation. Neighbors commit to building a strong, supportive community. Each of us, in our own way, makes choices every day that determine the future we are creating—not just financially but holistically.
This issue of North Peoria Lifestyle is dedicated to the many facets of investing. It features stories of individuals and local businesses making an impact. We’ll also highlight ways to invest in well-being, as the greatest returns come when we care for our minds, bodies, and relationships.
As we navigate this journey together, I encourage you to consider what investment means. Is it time spent with family? A leap of faith into a new career? Giving back to a cause that speaks to your heart? Whatever it is, may this issue inspire you to invest wisely, not just for today, but for a future filled with prosperity, purpose, and connection.
Here’s to investing in all the things that matter most!
JULIE LACROIX, PUBLISHER @NORTHPEORIALIFESTYLE
April 2025
PUBLISHER
Julie LaCroix | julie.lacroix@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Susan Lanier-Graham
susan.lanier-graham@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Nichole Eckman | nichole.eckman@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Nichole Eckman | nichole.eckman@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Jen David | jen.david@citylifestyle.com
COPY EDITOR
Mimi Slawoff | mslawoff@gmail.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Angel Fuchs, Ashley Hathaway, Susan Lanier-Graham, Gretchen Pahia, Rebecca Taig
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Ashley Hathaway, Susan Lanier-Graham, Christopher Oshana, Rebecca Taig
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Zach Miller
LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
Putting Loved Ones First
INVESTING IN QUALITY SENIOR CARE FOR YOUR LOVED ONES
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY ASHLEY HATHAWAY
Nick Ratiu Ratiu walks with a resident at the Aspire Living Facility in Arrowhead
Finding the proper care for an aging loved one can be daunting. The search for appropriate senior living often involves navigating complex emotional, logistical, and financial challenges.
After years of working in IT, finance, and management, Nick Ratiu noticed a significant gap in how families search for senior living options. Families often struggle to navigate a fragmented, outdated system. Motivated to improve this experience, he founded Loved Ones First (LovedOnesFirst.com), a senior living referral company. It offers a streamlined service that combines compassion, expertise, and innovation for families seeking quality senior care.
WHAT IS LOVED ONES FIRST?
The core mission of Loved Ones First is to help seniors and their families find appropriate care, whether for Independent Living, Assisted Living, or Memory Care. The service is designed to address both practical and emotional needs, ensuring a smooth and dignified transition.
Loved Ones First focuses on three primary types of senior living: Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care. These communities vary in size and offerings, from large facilities to smaller group homes. Ratiu’s personalized approach ensures families find the right fit for their loved ones based on health needs, financial situation, and personal preferences.
THE SELECTION PROCESS
The process begins with assessing needs, where Ratiu gathers information on the senior’s health, cognitive status, mobility, and social preferences. Next, he works with families to determine financial considerations and helps them explore funding options such as Medicaid, veteran programs, and other assistance programs.
The focus shifts to location preferences once health and financial details are reviewed. Proximity to family, medical services, and community resources can significantly impact a senior’s well-being. Ratiu helps families identify facilities that meet these logistical needs while considering the senior’s emotional connection to the area.
Choosing the right facility goes beyond location and cost. Ratiu personally visits and evaluates each potential community, considering key factors like
staff-to-resident ratios, cleanliness, and quality of care. He also reviews state audits to ensure the facilities meet regulatory standards.
IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS
Cultural and lifestyle preferences are also an important consideration. Whether the senior prefers a petfriendly environment, specific activities, or language support, Ratiu ensures the community meets these needs. Additionally, future planning is critical; Ratiu helps families choose a facility that can accommodate evolving care needs over time.
Safety is paramount for families seeking memory care. Ratiu evaluates security measures, such as secure perimeters and emergency response systems, to ensure that residents are safe and well-cared for.
Ratiu also educates families on the emotional journey of transitioning a loved one to senior living. Many families feel guilt or anxiety, but he reminds them that this change can offer a new chapter of social engagement, safety, and professional care.
Many families are surprised by the cost difference between staying home and moving into a senior community. Ratiu breaks down the costs, showing that the total cost of maintaining a home can sometimes be higher than moving to a senior community. Moreover, he emphasizes the value of senior living communities, where amenities like meals, housekeeping, fitness programs, and social activities contribute to a higher quality of life.
ONGOING SUPPORT
Unlike some services, Loved Ones First offers ongoing support even after placement. Ratiu advocates for families, helping with negotiations, addressing issues that arise post-move, and ensuring long-term satisfaction. His extensive network of trusted partners— including financial advisors, elder law attorneys, and senior real estate professionals—ensures that families receive comprehensive, holistic support.
By leveraging Ratiu’s financial expertise, Loved Ones First transforms the senior living placement process by offering tailored, compassionate service. Families can trust Ratiu to simplify a complex process and ensure their loved ones receive the care they deserve.
LEARN MORE: Contact Nick Ratiu at 602.412.3233 or via email at nick@lovedonesfirst.com.
Investing in Those Who Serve
First Page Organization Offers a New Beginning to Veterans, First Responders, and Children
There are countless ways people invest in their local community. Amanda Tallman founded First Page (First-Page.org) to invest in veterans, first responders, and children. Creating First Page was near and dear to Tallman’s heart. “The name First Page was inspired by a profound personal loss,” shares Tallman, a US Army veteran. “In the aftermath, a friend shared that the last page doesn’t define you.”
This resonated deeply, and she created a volunteer-run nonprofit organization that offers veterans, first responders, and children a new beginning—a First Page
“I wanted to build community and resilience, highlighting that the last page doesn’t define us, but that our legacy can still leave an impact.”
EQUINE-ASSISTED LEARNING
Through classes, programs, and retreats, First Page strives to help veterans and first responders regain a sense of purpose after leaving service and offer children positive role models.
One of First Page's newest programs is Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL). This structured, experiential approach involves horse interactions to develop personal strengths, emotional regulation, and people skills. Unlike therapy, EAL is not clinical but focuses on learning and personal growth through interactions with horses as co-facilitators.
ARTICLE BY GRETCHEN PAHIA PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRISTOPHER OSHANA
“EAL sessions involve various activities designed to encourage self-awareness, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving,” says Tallman.
Tallman chose horses because they are highly intuitive and respond to nonverbal cues, making them powerful learning partners. The program is open to veterans, first responders, children, teens, families, and community groups.
2ND ANNUAL DR. ADAM MCCRAY VETERAN NONPROFIT RAFFLE RUN
Another facet of the organization is to partner with community members for events to promote available resources. One such event is the upcoming 2nd Annual Dr. Adam McCray Veteran Nonprofit Raffle Run. First Page is teaming up with Soldiers Best Friend (SoldiersBestFriend.org). This organization benefits veterans living with combat-related Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or Traumatic
Brain Injury by providing them with service or therapeutic companion dogs, many of which are rescued from local shelters.
The Raffle Run promotes and identifies mental health resources in the West Valley. Proceeds support First Page and Soldiers' Best Friend. This year's event will be held on Memorial Day, May 26, starting at the Vietnam Veterans Trail in Peoria. The Trilogy Veterans Club will lead participants up the hill, where local Navy veteran, Dick Nalbert, will play the National Anthem and Taps on his saxophone, followed by a few guest speakers.
Afterward, participants will head down the hill and receive a raffle ticket before visiting one of three veteran resource locations: the VA Veterans Center, Soldiers Best Friend, or First Page. At these locations,
participants will learn about the services offered and how they are helping veterans today. They will receive an additional raffle ticket at each location. Participants may drop off a monetary donation at Soldiers Best Friend and First Page.
After the run, everyone will meet at Cross Eyed Crickets sports bar for complimentary appetizers and the raffle drawing. Tickets are $25, and the event is open to the public.
GETTING INVOLVED WITH FIRST PAGE
There are several ways to get involved with First Page. You can volunteer your time, sponsor a workshop, or host a team-building event for your business.
Tallman refused to allow her health struggles after her service to define her. “Just like I tell those who come to First Page, the last page does not define you. I could not change what happened, but I could decide what to do next.”
She looks forward to helping more veterans, first responders, and children find strength, connection, and the support they need to write their next chapter.
Note: Photos by Christopher "Boats" Oshana via Unsplash.com @boats
Live the SLO Life
INVEST TIME AWAY TO DISCOVER A SLOWER PACE OF LIFE IN SAN LUIS OBISPO
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY SUSAN LANIER-GRAHAM
Photo courtesy Visit SLO
San Luis Obispo (VisitSLO.com)—SLO to the locals—is on California’s scenic Central Coast in a valley at the base of the Santa Lucia Mountain Range. While SLO is a playful acronym, I discovered it also embodies this charming city’s laid-back vibe, which allowed me to slow down and relax. SLO offers year-round sunshine and a warm Mediterranean marine climate. Best of all, you can be in the heart of Central Coast wine country via a nonstop 90-minute flight from Phoenix.
EXPLORING DOWNTOWN SLO
My husband and I wandered through the heart of downtown, soaking up the cultural and artistic pulse of the city. We discovered delightful treasures at Ah Louis General Store, picked up ethically sourced finds at HumanKind Fair Trade, and even lost track of time browsing through the eclectic selection at Boo Boo Records.
Wander down alleyways, where you'll find more treasures. One of our favorites was Secret Garden Tea & Herbs Shop, which added a touch of whimsy to our afternoon. While it sounds silly, you must find Bubblegum Alley. This 70-foot-long wall is off Higuera Street, between Garden and Broad. It is a quirky, unforgettable snapshot of local life.
Stop by Mission Plaza, home to Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa. Dating back to 1772, the working parish church offers daily tours that showcase the area’s history.
SLO FOOD
You won’t go hungry in SLO. We enjoyed brunch at Seeds, a vibrant eatery that transformed from a simple juice bar into a creative brunch and lunch haven known for its creative toast options and coffee. I recommend Scout Coffee Co. at 1130 Garden Street
Photo courtesy Visit SLO
Photo courtesy Garden Street Inn
Photo courtesy Garden Street Inn
Photo courtesy Madonna Inn
downtown for an afternoon pick-me-up. The lovely brick walls and fun atmosphere draw you in, but the scratch pastries and craft coffee keep you there.
You really must sample authentic Santa Maria-style BBQ at Old SLO BBQ. And, if you’re in town on a Thursday evening, save time to explore the Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market along six blocks of Higuera Street. You’ll find local produce, crafts, and cuisine.
Plan to make the 6-minute drive to Madonna Inn Copper Cafe (open all day) or Alex Madonna’s Gold Rush Steak House at The Madonna Inn (MadonnaInn.com). It’s an unforgettable experience. Save room for the legendary pink champagne cake.
WINES OF SLO
No trip to the Central Coast would be complete without sampling San Luis Obispo County wines. Home to 16 American Viticultural Areas (AVAs), SLO County boasts wines from Paso Robles, Santa Margarita Ranch, Edna Valley, and more. We headed to Region (DrinkRegion.com), where we explored the local wine culture.
Region offers more than 50 local San Luis Obispo County wines, all available through an innovative self-serve push-button system
that dispenses a taste or a glass of wine. We sampled wines at one location we couldn’t have tasted without visiting multiple wineries. I love bubbles and was thrilled to discover Club Bubbly (ClubBubbly.com) in SLO. This lovely little bubble bar is a treasure. What started in 2016 as a wine club is now open to the public from its tasting room in the Creamery Marketplace downtown. Along with tasting flights, you can find bottles of sparkling wine and champagne you don’t see on the grocery store shelves. And they ship!
A SLO STAY
Granada Hotel & Bistro (GranadaHotelAndBistro.com) offers an industrial chic vibe. Even if you don’t stay here, I recommend stopping for dinner or a nightcap. The Bistro opens at 4 p.m. during the week and offers an Apéro menu from 4 to 5 p.m., featuring small bites, cocktails, beer, and wine. Dinner starts at 5 p.m. and features fresh Central Coast flavors.
However, my favorite thing about the Granada Hotel & Bistro was the nightcap menu. I sipped an Ultraviolet Rosé Brut from Napa while my husband ordered the Midnight Velvet, which features bourbon and sherry. We snacked on tuna tataki and house frites. CONTINUED >
We stayed at Garden Street Inn (GardenStreetInn.com), a comfortable and welcoming Victorian boutique hotel built in 1887. The Goldtree family, German Jewish immigrants who helped establish successful businesses in the area, built the Italianate/Queen Anne home. The house then became home to the McCaffrey family, who founded one of the city’s first breweries. After several ownership changes, it became a bed and breakfast in 1989.
Garden Street Inn, now part of the Kirkwood Collection, is in the heart of downtown. Before exploring, you’ll want to get up early to savor the homemade breakfast.
Every step in SLO reaffirmed that travel here isn’t just about sightseeing—it’s a transformative experience that nurtures the soul.
about the author:
In addition to being the Managing Editor for North Peoria Lifestyle, Susan Lanier-Graham is the publisher of Wander With Wonder, an award-winning digital travel publication. She has been traveling and writing for the past three decades. Read more travel adventures at WanderWithWonder.com.
Captions, page 18, left to right from top left: Library at Garden Street Inn | Garden State Inn Accommodations | Wine at Region | Secret Garden Tea & Herbs | Pink Champagne cake | Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa | Bubblegum Alley | Bubble Club
This page, top: Region wine dispensers. Bottom: Madonna Inn
ARIZONA | NEW MEXICO | COLORADO | UTAH
Go Ahead and Indulge in These Delicious Gluten-Free Cookies
Pistachio Chocolate Chunk
WET INGREDIENTS
• 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, browned (140g weighed before browning and 115g after browning)
• ¾ cup (150g) dark brown sugar
• ¼ cup (50g) cane sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
DRY INGREDIENTS
• 1¼ cups (170g) Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free 1 to 1 Baking Flour
• ¼ cup (25g) almond flour
• ¾ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup (130g) 70%+ dark chocolate, chopped, plus additional to add on top before baking
• 2/3 cup (75g) roasted and salted pistachios, finely chopped (plus more for sprinkling on top)
• flaky sea salt for sprinkling on top
The richness of the chocolate perfectly complements the nutty sweetness and slight saltiness of pistachios.
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Melt butter in a light-colored skillet or saucepan over medium-low heat. Using a rubber spatula, stir continuously as the butter begins to foam. Continue to stir until the butter turns a rich amber color and gives off a nutty aroma, then remove pan from heat. Quickly pour butter into a stand mixer bowl or a large mixing bowl. Make sure to scrape all the toasty brown bits from the bottom of the pan and into the bowl. Let brown butter cool for 15-20 minutes.
2. While butter cools, finely chop pistachios into small pieces. If using a bar of chocolate, cut the bar into small chunks. If using Ghiradelli dark chocolate wafers, weigh 130 grams and set aside.
3. Once butter has cooled, add regular cane sugar and dark brown sugar to the bowl. Mix with a whisk attachment on medium speed for 1 minute.
4. Add egg, egg yolk, and extracts. Whisk until just combined; do not over mix. Turn off the mixer.
5. Whisk together gluten-free flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium-sized bowl. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix on low speed until combined.
6. Using a rubber spatula, fold chopped chocolate and chopped pistachios into the dough.
7. Use a large cookie scoop (2 tablespoon size) and scoop cookie dough into 40-gram balls (weigh on a food scale). Cover and chill cookie dough balls in an airtight container for at least 2 hours. (If chilling
longer than 2 hours, let the dough come to room temperature for 20 minutes before baking.
8. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll each dough ball between your palms until smooth, and then place six balls onto a prepared baking sheet. Top each with a few extra pieces of chocolate, then put the baking sheet in the oven for 9-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center looks pale and slightly underdone.
9. Remove tray from the oven and sprinkle the top of each cookie with finely chopped pistachios and flaky sea salt. (To achieve perfectly round cookies, place a large cookie cutter over the top of each cookie and gently swirl in a circular motion until they form a perfect circle.) Let cookies cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheets before transferring to a wire rack.
NOTES
• Refrigerate the dough for two hours. Chilling the gluten-free flour helps hydrate the dough, resulting in a less grainy cookie. The longer the chilling, the more enhanced the flavors.
• Use a kitchen scale to measure.
• Chocolate. Use a 70-72% dark chocolate bar or Ghiradelli’s 72% Cacao Dark Chocolate Premium Baking Chips.
Rugged, Stylish SUV
2025 CHEVROLET EQUINOX ACTIV AWD IS A SMART FAMILY INVESTMENT
The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV AWD compact SUV is a showstopper on the road. With its exclusive redesigned front grille, all-terrain tires, and slightly lifted suspension, it is designed for adventurous drivers who desire luxury, class, and practicality.
As a long-time Chevrolet owner, I was impressed with the aesthetics and upgrades offered in the 2025 Equinox. I drove a Reef Blue Metallic model with an eye-catching white top. The Maple Sugar interior with suede microfiber looked and felt rich and luxurious. The cabin was spacious and comfortable, and the rear seats had ample leg room.
The dashboard features two digital displays with a large central touchscreen and a Google-based interface. It is seamlessly integrated with Google Maps, allowing for easy navigation at a glance.
ARTICLE BY ANGEL FUCHS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHEVROLET
The 2025 Equinox ACTIV AWD comes standard with Chevy Safety Assist3, which features automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, front pedestrian braking, a following distance indicator, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, and InteliBeam. It also features Teen Driver, a built-in feature that provides an in-vehicle report card and activates safety systems, such as Audio Volume Limit and Speed Warning.
The Equinox ACTIV AWD is powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 175 horsepower.
24 MPG City | 29 MPG Highway
MSRP: $35,000 | Price as Tested: $39,875
BEST INVESTMENT BOOKS TO READ
THESE INVESTMENT BOOKS CAN HELP YOU STAY UP-TO-DATE ON THE LATEST FINANCIAL TRENDS
ARTICLE BY SUSAN LANIER-GRAHAM
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SIMON AND SCHUSTER
Investing in your future is critical yet complicated. While reaching out to qualified professionals is vital—whether you’re building your business, investing in your financial security, or planning for retirement—doing some of your own research is often helpful.
We checked out some of the top investment books that help you better understand how to invest in your future and build wealth.
1 2 3 4 5 6
ONE UP ON WALL STREET
One Up On Wall Street: How to Use What You Already Know to Make Money in the Market by Peter Lynch with John Rothchild. Peter Lynch explains average investors’ advantages over professionals and how they can use these advantages to achieve financial success.
HOW TO INVEST
How to Invest: Navigating the Brave New World of Personal Investment, part of Economist Books, by Peter Stanyer, Masood Javaid, and Stephe Satchell. A dynamic new guide to personal investment for the era of cryptocurrencies and personal trading platforms.
POWER YOUR PROFITS
Power Your Profits: How to Take Your Business from $10,000 to $10,000,000 by Susie Carder. While not a traditional book on investments, Power Your Profits helps you discover how to take your business from startup mode to the multi-million-dollar mark.
THE WEALTH DECISION
The Wealth Decision: 10 Simple Steps to Achieve Financial Freedom and Build Generational Wealth by Dominique Broadway. A roadmap for becoming a millionaire and building the foundation of generational wealth from a self-made, first-generation multimillionaire.
THE WOLF OF INVESTING
The Wolf of Investing: My Insider’s Playbook for Making a Fortune on Wall Street by Jordan Belfort. From the investment guru and author of The Wolf of Wall Street, this is a witty and clear-eyed guide for anyone who wants to play the stock market to their advantage and learn the secrets of a top Wall Street investor.
HOW TO INVEST
How to Invest: Masters on the Craft by David M. Rubenstein. This book is a master class on investing, featuring conversations with the biggest names in finance. Brought to you by the legendary cofounder of The Carlyle Group, David M. Rubenstein.
APRIL 1ST
Peoria Party in the Park
Centennial Plaza Park | 5:00 PM
Peoria's Party in the Park offers a FREE fun-filled experience for the whole family! Celebrate Cinco de Mayo and Mother's Day with crafts, food trucks, a night market, Nerf Wars, and a free movie under the stars. Register today at IPlayMovies4You.com
APRIL 5TH
Sweet to the Soul Spring Market
Peoria Sports Complex | 9:00 AM
Celebrate the start of spring at the Sweet to the Soul Spring Market. Discover unique hand-crafted finds from over 200 vendors and savor delicious treats from food trucks. Join the community for a morning of shopping, food, and good vibes. Learn more at SweetToTheSoulBoutique.com
APRIL 6TH AND 13TH
Spring Serenade
Paloma Community Park | 4:00 PM
Enjoy Spring Serenade at Paloma Community Park in Peoria! Bring your blankets and chairs for an afternoon of music with the Pearl Ridge Band (April 6th) and Cross Town Players (April 13th). Enjoy the beautiful outdoor setting, grab a bite from local food trucks, and relax with your neighbors. Learn more at PeoriaAZ.gov
STAY CONNECTED TO YOUR COMMUNITY
A SUCCESSFUL RETIREMENT.
APRIL 18TH
5th Annual Charity Gold Tournament 2025
Briarwood Country Club | 7:00 AM Golf, network, and give back! Join the Peoria Chamber's 5th Annual Charity Golf Tournament at Briarwood Country Club on April 18th. Support first responders and non-profits while enjoying a day on the course. Register today at PeoriaChamber.com/Events.
APRIL 19TH
Dolly Sanchez Easter Celebration
Peoria Sports Complex | 9:00 AM
Celebrate Easter a week early at the 49th Annual Dolly Sanchez Easter Celebration. Enjoy festive entertainment, family fun, and Cottontail Lane—a delightful egg-collecting experience for kids. Learn more at PeoriaAZ.gov.
MAY 26TH
2nd Annual Dr. Adam McCray Veteran Nonprofit Raffle Run
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Trailhead | 8:00 AM
Honor veterans at the 2nd Annual Dr. Adam McCray Veteran Nonprofit Raffle Run this Memorial Day. Meet at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Trailhead at 8 a.m. for a hike, music, and speakers. Stop at the three checkpoints to grab a ticket, then head to Cross Eyed Crickets for appetizers and raffle drawing. See more in the article on page 12.
