Paradise Valley, AZ December 2025 by City Lifestyle

A VeryBella Season

A MODERN CLASSIC

FOR THE DESERT WINTER

This December, experience the gift of intentional luxury. Conceived by Folklore Interior Design Studio , the newly constructed estate pairs timeless architecture with modern living.

Expansive glass walls open to breathtaking mountain views, while curated interiors featuring a hidden chef’s kitchen, dual custom closets, and a private wellness suite create a sanctuary of calm sophistication. A rare residence that celebrates design, light, and the beauty of the season.

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PARADISE

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Come Home to a Desert Paradise

Imagine living in a new home community in Rancho Mirage, California—where the crown jewel is dazzling Cotino® Bay. A place where parks and a promenade beckon. A place where the voluntary private club offers active amenities, such as water sports and pickleball, and Disney programming. Where shopping and dining are just around the corner. And, the Disney touch is at the heart of it all.

October 2025 Market Snapshot

Median sales price holds steady around $450,000 with slight increases across the Phoenix area. Months of supply sits between 4.0 and 4.8, trending toward a balanced market. Phoenix metro recorded 6,000+ homes sold, up 6.1% year over year, with ~9,600 new listings and a 23–24% increase in active inventory, giving buyers more options than last year.

Homes are spending 54–86 days on market, and the list-to-sold price ratio remains ~96.8 percent when priced correctly. The market continues its shift toward balance, supported by strong luxury performance in Phoenix and Scottsdale.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Inventory is up, offering buyers greater choice and negotiation room. Prices remain stable, demand is steady, and the overall market pace has slowed, allowing buyers more time to decide. Mid-October 2025 was projected as one of the best windows to buy thanks to increased inventory and reduced competition.

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Put pain-free living at the top of your holiday wish list.

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Bring in a new toy to our clinic that will be donated to the Child Crisis Center of Arizona and receive a complimentary MLS-M7 laser session. A gift for your healing and theirs.

Dr. Ashu Goyle | Integrated Spine, Pain & Wellness

Let Your Heart Be Light

This month’s issue celebrates what makes the holidays meaningful, the traditions we keep, the ones we create, and the moments that remind us why it all matters. I’m especially excited to feature Brie and Nikki Garcia on our cover. Arizona-raised and family-centered, they shared their own holiday rituals, inspiring me to reflect on mine.

As a kid, the holidays were eight crazy nights and a letter to Santa, my parents assuring me that Santa loves all kids, no matter their background. It was joining my mom and sisters to sing at nursing homes, bringing a little light to those who might be lonely. Those memories shaped what the holidays still mean to me: connection, compassion, and finding joy in the smallest moments.

Now, as a mom, the holidays have become about the traditions we’ve built together. In our home, we find our light amidst a glimmering Christmas tree and glistening menorah. Our ornaments tell a story, some handmade by the kids, others collected through the years. We spin dreidels and fill stockings, and always find a way to give back, teaching our boys that there’s a deeper joy in giving than receiving. It’s not about choosing one tradition or another, but about creating something that feels like us.

This issue is simply uplifting. For many, this is the happiest time of the year, and for others, it can be a season of searching. Inside, we share stories that spark hope, purpose, and connection. We also celebrate 40 years of the Christmas Angel program, a beautiful reminder of how generous our community truly is, and one our family is proud to be part of.

And don’t miss our City Scene section, featuring some photos from our PVCL family night at the Miracle League! If you haven’t checked it out, it’s a wonderful opportunity to give back through America’s favorite pastime and experience pure joy in its truest form.

We even walk down nostalgia row with Winnie Cooper herself, actress Danica McKellar, now a Christmas movie superstar and one to add to this year’s watch list. You’ll also meet the Pratt Brothers and read (or sing?) their story in a way it’s never been told until now. It’s a fun issue filled with heart, hope, and a whole lot of holiday spirit.

May your light shine bright this season and guide you into the new year with joy and purpose. From our family to yours, happy holidays and cheers to 2026!

NADINE BUBECK, PUBLISHER @PARADISEVALLEYCITYLIFESTYLE

PUBLISHER

Nadine Bubeck | nadine.bubeck@citylifestyle.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Maddox Cherry | maddox.cherry@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

David J. Dobrusin, CPA, CFP®, Elisabeth Pickle, JD

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Zach Miller

December 2025 Visit our Instagram

LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.

IT’S MORE THAN A WORKOUT.

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NOVEMBER 24 – JANUARY 4

Glide into the holiday season with our Ho Holidays roller rink experience, where retro charm meets festive fun. Lace up your skates, sip a seasonal cocktail and celebrate the holidays with vintage ﬂair at this one-of-a-kind winter wonderland.

Visit hotelvalleyho.com/hoholidays for tickets.

DECEMBER 2025

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: Heart Ball Addressing Luncheon; 66th Heart Ball Executive Team- Paradise Valley Country Club 2: Honor Health NICU Tea and Luncheon Board, Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort 3: WNBA star Sophie Cunningham hit the fast lane as an honorary Pace Car Driver at the NASCAR Cup Championship in Phoenix 4: Honor Health NICU Tea and Luncheon Board, Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort 5: Actress Sydney Sweeney and WNBA’s Sophie Cunningham, NASCAR Cup Series Championship, Phoenix 6: NICU Graduates at the Honor Health NICU Tea and Luncheon Board- Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort 7:

Hunkapi’s Open Your Heart Gala 2025 (Emcee Carey Peña & Hunkapi Founder Terra Schaad)

@SOPHIE_CHAM

BLAIRE HAWES

DANA GIBBONS

SCOTT FOUST STUDIOS

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8: Mayor Lisa Borowsky, alice + olivia founder Stacey Bendet, Kyrsten Sinema- Scottsdale event benefitting Vincere Foundation 9: Youth volunteers joined Miracle League Arizona players for PVCL Night, sharing a memorable evening under the lights 10: PVCL Night with Miracle League Arizona. Thank you to NBC 12’s Cam Cox for joining! 11: PVCL night with Miracle League Arizona, spending time as Big Buddies. Season runs through mid-December 12: PVCL proudly partnered with Alice + Olivia founder Stacey Bendet (Sept 2024 cover) for her 2025 Scottsdale event 13: PVCL Night with Miracle League Arizona, a nonprofit bringing baseball to players of all abilities 14: The Center for the Rights of Abused Children; An Evening with Actress Nia Vardalos (center with board members)

BREANNA JOHNSON/BFA.COM

BREANNA

SCOTTSDALE

15: October Barrett-Jackson VIP Opening; Craig Jackson, Jordan Rose, Rob Walton 16: October Barrett-Jackson VIP Opening; Joel Barthelemy, Shannon Barthelemy, Jen Moser, Brent Moser 17: Colleen McKeown, Pat Bondurant , Vera Gebran, Debra Boblitt- Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels’ Night of Hope Gala

It begins the way every great holiday story should, with family, tradition, and a glass of Bonita Bonita in hand.

Talking to Brie Garcia feels like catching up with an old friend over vino. The former WWE superstar turned winemaker and mom radiates warmth, wit, and effortless sparkle.

Together with her twin sister and BFF Nikki, Brie has lived a life big enough for its own franchise; wrestling fame, reality TV stardom, bestselling author status, and now, Bonita Bonita Wines. Their latest chapter is a toast to sisterhood, reinvention, and savoring the good stuff.

FROM THE VALLEY TO THE VINEYARD, THE GARCIA SISTERS ARE POURING PURE CHRISTMAS MAGIC

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIANA CALDERON

ARTICLE BY NADINE BUBECK

“We’re always be Arizona girls at heart,” says Brie.

Brie and Nikki’s stories may unfold in Napa now, but when they talk about the Valley, it’s as if they’re describing an old friend.

“We live in Northern California now, but nothing compares to the smell of desert rain.”

Brie and Nikki grew up in Scottsdale, where the sunsets painted the desert gold and the community felt like one big neighborhood.

“Phoenix has changed so much, but it still feels small to me.”

Their mother and brother still live here, giving the sisters every reason to return home often.

“It’s always a fun excuse to go back home. We’ve been doing many wine events, and anytime someone calls and asks if I can have dinner in Arizona, I don’t even need to know the details. I just say yes,” says Brie.

During the pandemic, Brie and Nikki found themselves side by side again, living next door to each other in Arcadia. Both were pregnant. Both were baking bread. Both were searching for what came next.

“We had these companies but didn’t live near any of them. We wanted to be hands-on. Napa just made sense.”

The move turned out to be more than a business decision. It became a turning point.

“Napa is lovely; it’s a warm and wonderful community.”

It’s that same warmth and togetherness that the sisters carry into the holidays.

“Christmas is not what’s under the tree, but who’s sitting at the table.”

Brie’s voice lifts when she talks about her favorite family tradition.

“When I was a little girl, my grandparents started this tradition called the ‘Drummer Boy Dinner.’ It was magical. They would set this long table covered in my grandmother’s best china, crystal glasses, and the most beautiful centerpiece. For one night, all the grandkids sat at the adult table and the adults sat where we usually did. It was the only time of year we were treated like grown-ups.”

She pauses, remembering the smell of her grandmother’s spaghetti sauce filling the house.

“Right before dinner, we’d line up from youngest to oldest and follow my grandfather through the house as he led us to each nativity scene. The Drummer Boy led the parade. We’d march and sing and laugh.”

Now, Brie keeps that magic alive for her own family.

CONTINUED >

AUSTIN BATES Licensed Mortgage Loan Officer

CLOSING LOANS.

“Austin

“CHRISTMAS IS ABOUT CONNECTION. NOT WHAT’S UNDER THE TREE, BUT WHO’S AT THE TABLE.”

“I host it every year. Nikki, my mom, my brother, and our kids all get in line for the Drummer Boy march. I make my grandmother’s spaghetti sauce and meatballs, and we recreate that same table. It’s my favorite.”

Her voice lingers on the memory.

“It’s not about what’s wrapped. It’s about who’s present.”

And the best gift? Sisterhood.

“Always,” she says when asked if she and Nikki were best friends growing up. “We were typical sisters. We fought, but we were inseparable. We played soccer for the Sereno Golden Eagles and were super athletic, but we also loved to perform. When our parents had parties, we’d beg to perform

at intermission. We’d dress up as the Spice Girls. I was Posh, Nikki was Sporty. We’d lip sync and dance. No one was surprised when we became wrestlers. It was the perfect mix of athleticism and entertainment.”

She reflects on the adrenaline of those early years.

“WrestleMania was my favorite match. It’s the grandest stage of all. But if I could go back, I’d do it differently. We played too much by the rules back then. There were moves we wanted to do that they told us not to, and I wish we’d said, no, we’re doing it.”

Her laugh is unguarded.

“As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that you have to listen to your instincts and not

worry about what people think. That’s the beauty of turning forty. You stop caring about outside opinions. It’s freeing.”

When the topic turns to reality television, her answer is immediate.

“Getting married on reality television… I never thought I’d do that. The best part was showcasing magical Sedona to the world. And being part of Total Divas created a bond that still exists today.”

Brie’s life now looks different, but it’s just as full.

“I’m a hands-on mom. I shuffle them to-and-from school and coach their sports. I want them to remember that mom was always there. I want them to have a normal, grounded childhood.”

Her eyes brighten when she talks about Bonita Bonita, the wine brand that has become both her creative outlet and next chapter.

“It’s been such a big year. We’re back in Total Wine and More, and we’re coming to Arizona soon. Restaurants all over are calling. It’s surreal and exactly where Nikki and I dreamed we’d be.”

The Bonita Bonita tasting room in downtown Napa has become her second home, part European speakeasy, part family scrapbook. It also made the perfect backdrop for their PVCL cover-shoot.

“When people walk into our tasting room, it’s an escape. We designed it cozy and full of heart, with photos of our family on the walls.”

She laughs when asked what she pairs wine with.

“I’m a cheese board girl, but I had to go gluten-free and dairy-free because of allergies. So now I do pickles, crackers, different

spreads, and sliced meats. I still make boards though. During the holidays, I’ll add sugared cranberries, rosemary sprigs, and little touches of red and green. I love hosting.”

As the conversation turns toward what’s next, Brie lights up with excitement.

“We’re big on vision boards… we do one every year. Bonita Bonita is growing, and personally, I’ve been working on a YouTube series called ‘Hi, My Name Is Brie’ about gardening and my passions. I keep hoping the Magnolia Network will call me… I even DMed Joanna Gaines. No response yet.”

She smiles again.

“Nikki and I also want to get back into hosting. There’s potential talk of a new reality project, the right kind of one. Stay tuned.”

As the conversation winds down, Brie’s excitement for what’s next turns tender. Talk of new shows and future dreams gives way to memories that anchor her, and the people and traditions that remind her what matters most.

“My grandmother passed away recently at 92. She was the kindest human. She taught me compassion, love, and grace, even when people didn’t deserve it. She lived through so much and still saw the best in everyone. I talked to her every other day. It’s been hard losing that, but I try to carry her lessons in everything I do. Every year when I set the table for the Drummer Boy Dinner, I think of her. Her presence is everywhere.”

When asked if there is anything the world doesn’t know about her, Brie laughs.

“What you see is who I am. I think that’s why people have stayed with Nikki and me all these years, through wrestling, reality TV, the podcast, and now wine. We’ve never pretended to be anyone else.”

Her favorite Christmas movie is Elf. Her favorite holiday song is Canon in D.

“It gives me chills every time.”

And just like that, the story ends the way it began, with warmth, gratitude, and a glass of Bonita Bonita. A reminder that the best stories, like the best holidays, are the ones poured from the heart.

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A COMMUNITY FOR WOMEN WHO SLEIGH.

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How the Pratt Brothers Built Christmas

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY

KYLE AND SAMMY PRATT

In a backyard of dreams beneath Arizona stars, Two brothers found magic, no matter how far. No sleighbells or fortune, no spotlight or fame, Just Kyle and Sammy, two hearts in the game.

Long before a single light ever flickered, Kyle and Sammy Pratt believed in magic. Not the kind that comes from a snow globe, but the kind you build with your own two hands.

As kids, their favorite place wasn’t the beach or the mountains. It was Disneyland. Every year, their parents gave them a choice between a gift or a trip, and every year they picked the same thing.

“Disneyland was our escape,” Sammy says. “It was where we could breathe, imagine, and just be happy.”

(A HOLIDAY STORY TOLD IN LIGHT AND VERSE)

“IF I COULD TELL MY YOUNGER SELF ONE THING, IT’S THAT HE DIDN’T NEED TO FIT IN. HE JUST NEEDED TO BUILD HIS OWN WORLD.”

Their father once told them, you’ve got what it takes, But money’s not magic, it’s heart that creates.

So they painted and hammered through long summer nights, Turning coffee can savings to shimmering lights.

For Kyle, that magic was personal.

“I was overweight as a kid, and I was bullied. I didn’t have many friends. I was homeschooled for a while and spent a lot of time alone. Disneyland was the one place where I could breathe. That feeling of safety and wonder… I never forgot it. I wanted to give it back to other people.”

From hurt came a mission, from darkness came drive,

To help others feel seen, to keep joy alive.

He carried that spark through each season and year,

A promise to others: you’re welcome here.

Back home in Paradise Valley, the brothers wanted to bring that feeling home. Their dad told them they could use the yard, but not a penny of his money.

“He said if we wanted something, we had to earn it,” Kyle recalls. “So we worked summer jobs, saved every dollar, and spent it all on wood, paint, and lights.”

They called their first show Christmas Forever. The audience that night was small but mighty. Their parents. And the mailman. Each summer they gathered, a summit of dreams, With pencils and papers and wild, glowing schemes.

Every summer became sacred. They called it The Pratt Brothers Summit. They would list fifty ideas, circle three, and dedicate the next year to making them real.

Fifty ideas, three circled in red,

A year of creation for stories ahead.

The lights grew brighter. The shows became grander. Word spread quickly, and by 2019, cars lined their street from end to end. Families drank cocoa. Children danced in the glow.

Not everyone loved the commotion (hence some neighbors and lawsuits), but their father’s words stayed true. “If you’re doing something special,” he told them, “someone will always complain. Keep going.”

From humble beginnings to crowds on their street, The laughter grew louder, the joy more complete.

A sea full of headlights, a holiday stage, Two dreamers still building with wonder and age.

CONTINUED >

By 2020, 5,0000 people filled their block in a single night. News cameras rolled. ABC called again about The Great Christmas Light Fight. In fact, every year since 2016, the brothers had turned down the network’s offer. This time, however, they said yes.

From wheelchairs came motors, from failure came spark,

They built their own ride to light up the dark.

It broke and it mended, again and again,

A story of grit and of family and men.

“We studied how the early Disneyland rides worked,” Sammy says. “We wanted to wow ABC, so we built a train using old electric wheelchairs. It broke a hundred times and we fixed it a hundred and one.”

They filmed in the Arizona heat, dressed for Christmas, surrounded by fake snow. When the judge handed them the trophy, it felt like their father’s lessons had come to life.

“He made us earn everything,” Kyle says. “And that made it real.”

A trophy in hand but a heart still on fire,

They dreamed of a world that could grow even higher.

From a front yard in town to a grand Christmas land,

They carried the glow with their own steady hands.

With their winnings, they moved to Rawhide in Chandler and created The Pratt Brothers Christmas Experience.

What started with plywood and coffee cans became seven million lights, train rides, cookie decorating, snowfall shows, live music, and a nightly parade.

“It’s not about how big it is,” Kyle says. “It’s about the heart. If a kid misses the train, I’ll take them myself. It’s about making memories.”

CONTINUED >

Ten years of believing, of laughter and song, Of proving that heart has been guiding them strong.

Each summer they gather with notebooks and cheer, Still dreaming like children, still building each year.

This year marks their tenth anniversary, celebrated with The Battle for Christmas, a live stunt show about two brothers restoring light to a quiet town.

In a full-circle moment, they’re even bringing back Billy and the Hillbillies, the same band they grew up watching at Disneyland.

“When I saw them setting up, I just froze,” Kyle says. “That’s when I realized we had recreated the joy we felt as kids.”

Their mom bakes the gingerbread, their dad gives advice, Build something they’ll feel, not just something nice.

They smile and remember how far they have come,

Two brothers, one dream, and the love of their mom.

They still hold their Pratt Brothers Summit every summer. They still build everything by hand. Their mom still decorates with them each December. Their dad still tells them to think bigger, dream bolder, and stay grounded.

“We’ll always do Christmas,” Sammy says. “But next up is Halloween. And someday, a theme park. It’s not a dream. It’s a plan.”

Kyle nods. “If I could tell my younger self one thing, it’s that he didn’t need to fit in. He just needed to build his own world.”

And he did.

Because for the Pratt Brothers, Christmas is more than a show, It’s the light that keeps shining wherever they go.

A story of heart, of belief, and of home,

A promise that magic will find those who roam.

And if you hold on when the world feels unknown,

The light, just like Christmas, will lead you back home.

prattbrotherschristmas.com

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DOES HANUKKAH The Italian

Inspired by his Grandma Alba, Chef Joey Brings Nostalgia and Lotsa Latkes to The Delicatessen

He’s Catholic, Sicilian, and famous for burrata, not brisket. But in true Joey Maggiore fashion, he’s managed to make schmaltz sexy.

“Why the Jewish deli?” he says, grinning. “Why not? I’m a New York kid.”

CONTINUED >

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH VITEL PHOTOGRAPHY

Chef Joey made his name on pasta and tequila at The Italiano and The Mexicano. Now he is winning hearts with schmaltz, spuds, and serious chutzpah.

“My family came from Sicily to New York, and everyone worked in and out of the delicatessens. Many of my friends were Jewish. I went to Bar Mitzvahs every weekend, or they came to my house for good Italian food. The Jews and the Italians, we’re together, baby.”

He laughs, his voice rising with that New York rhythm.

Originally, he wanted to name his spot Patsy’s, after his grandfather Pasquale, a butcher who worked the deli counters of New York.

“We couldn’t get the name, so we said let’s just call it The Delicatessen,” he says. “It’s simple. It’s nostalgic. It feels like home.”

And that is exactly what The Delicatessen is, a love letter to comfort food and culture. The air smells like pastrami and black pepper, and the tables are filled with everyone from kids to bubbes.

“My grandma Alba used to make latkes all the time,” Joey says. “I still don’t know why. She’d fry them right next to the chicken cutlets. We called them ‘lackeys’ when we were kids. Onions, matzo meal, potatoes, black pepper. We smoke the black pepper here and cook them in schmaltz. That’s the chicken fat. The good stuff.”

He grins.

“It’s probably not kosher, but it’s delicious.”

At The Delicatessen, Joey does what he does best. He makes people feel at home. His menu is part Italian soul, part Jewish nostalgia, and all heart. And the latkes are served with both sour cream and applesauce.

“I’m a sour cream guy, but my wife loves the apple,” he says.

Baked goods like hamantashen are served year-round, the bagel bar is worth bragging about and the pastrami, Joey says, is his pride and joy.

“We brine it for seven days, smoke it for twelve hours, and steam it for two more,” he says. “When people walk in, they say, ‘We needed this.’ There’s nothing like it in Arizona. A lot of New Yorkers live here, and this brings them right back. You can taste the nostalgia.”

Ask him about Hanukkah, and Joey’s humor takes over.

“How many days of Hanukkah?” we ask.

“Twelve,” he says proudly.

“That’s Christmas,” we laugh.

“Oh right, eight. I knew that.”

He throws up his hands, smiling.

At its core, The Delicatessen isn’t about rules or religion. It’s about heart and humor and food that feels like family.

“Best bagels in town. Best pastrami in town. Best latkes in town,” he says. “Come on in... it’s Hanukkah, Joey style. That’s love, baby.”

CONTINUED >

LIVE WITH INTENTION, BUILD WITH INTEGRITY

Grandma Alba’s OG LATKES

Serves: 8–10 | Time: 45 minutes

INGREDIENTS METHOD

• 6 lbs russet potatoes (peeled and grated)

• 2 medium white onions (grated and caramelized)

• 6 large eggs

• ½ cup all-purpose flour

• ½ cup matzo meal

• 2 tsp salt, to taste

• 2 tsp black pepper, to taste

• 1 tbsp baking powder

• 1 cup buttermilk

• Schmaltz (rendered chicken fat), for frying

1. Peel and grate potatoes, then soak in salted cold water for 10 minutes to release starch. Drain and squeeze dry with a towel or cheesecloth.

2. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, flour, matzo meal, baking powder, salt, pepper, and buttermilk. Add potatoes and onions; mix well.

3. Heat ½ inch of schmaltz in a skillet over medium-high heat (350°F). Drop ¼-cup portions, flatten gently, and fry 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown.

4. Drain on paper towels or a rack and season with salt while hot. Serve crisp and warm.

831(b) ADMIN MITIGATE RISK THROUGH TAX-DEFERRED DOLLARS

831(b)

Tax code passed by Congress in 1986

Owner contributions tax deductible

Tax-deferred income to incentivize self-insuring unfunded liabilities

IRS Safe Harbors

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SIMILARITIES

401(k)

Tax code passed by Congress in 1978

Owner contributions tax deductible

Owner contributions tax deductible Tax-deferred income to incentivize retirement savings

Tax-deferred income to incentivize retirement savings

IRS Safe Harbors

Contribution limits & distribution requirements

Must meet certain guidelines: 4-Part Test

Requires 3rd Party Admin: SRA

• Preparation of risk mitigation plan documents

• Monitoring compliance with rules & regulations

• Approval of transactions

• Annual compliance filings

• Approval of transactions

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Contribution limits & distribution requirements

Must meet certain guidelines: ERISA

Requires 3rd Party Admin

• Preparation of investment plan documents

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• Approval of transactions

• Annual compliance filings

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40 YEARS OF CHRISTMAS ANGELS

Meet the Arizona Angel Who Started it All

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY

It began with a question.

What if every child in need could wake up to a gift on Christmas morning?

Forty years later, that question has become one of Arizona’s most enduring holiday traditions.

The Christmas Angel program, now celebrating its 40th anniversary, continues to bring hope, dignity, and joy to thousands of families across the state. What started as a small experiment in a single mall has grown into a movement that defines the season for an entire community.

At the center of it all is Marlene Klotz Collins, who helped dream it up in 1986 and, four decades later, is still leading the charge with the same devotion and heart.

“It never entered my mind we might be doing it 40 years later and how many children would be affected,” she says. “We just wanted to make Christmas brighter for children who might otherwise go without. It started as an idea. Now it is a legacy.”

At the time, Marlene was the new community relations director for 3TV and a member of The Salvation Army’s Phoenix Advisory Board. A few creative minds gathered to brainstorm ways to bring holiday joy to local families. Someone mentioned a radio promotion that had decorated trees with tags for cats and dogs to help a shelter. That simple spark of an idea led to a new thought: what if we did this for children?

MARLENE KLOTZ COLLINS/SCOTT JOHNSON

That December, three Christmas trees stood inside Chris Town Mall surrounded by a white picket fence. Each branch held paper angels with the name and wish of a child.

“We had no idea if it would work, but people showed up. They took the tags, bought the toys, and by the end of the season, we had gifts for 3,200 children. The community’s response was overwhelming.”

Phoenix was growing quickly in the mid-80s, and so was the need. The Salvation Army had long provided toys for families in need, but resources were stretched thin. The Christmas Angel program gave people an immediate and tangible way to help.

“Every person who took a tag became part of something bigger than themselves,” Marlene says.

The following year, the program expanded to Paradise Valley Mall and Metrocenter. It didn’t take long for the idea to spread across the Valley.

“Every mall we approached wanted an Angel Tree. Every family wanted to give. It struck a chord because everyone could relate to it,” she says.

By the 1990s, Christmas Angel had become part of Arizona’s holiday rhythm. Corporate offices began hosting their own trees. Small businesses joined in. Now, several corporations host Christmas Angel trees in their offices, and some adopt and shop for several hundred Angels a year. What began with 3,200 children now serves more than 50,000 every year.

“It’s extraordinary to see what this community can do. No matter how the world changes, people still want to give.”

What most people never see is the heart behind the scenes. Each toy that leaves the mall begins a journey to one of several points of distribution, the largest being The Salvation Army’s central warehouse in downtown Phoenix. Toys donated at five of the ten participating malls are delivered to this site, where hundreds of volunteers transform generosity into magic.

“Every single toy is handled with care,” Marlene explains. “The night before each of the eleven days of distribution, about 135 volunteers gather in the warehouse to unload, sort, and organize toys according to family codes. Fourteen long rows of shelving stretch across the space, lined with labeled bags for every family, with numbers that correlate with the codes on all the bags.”

Volunteers check to ensure every child in every family is accounted for, packaging bags for hundreds of families nightly, and having them ready for pickup the following day. It is an enormous, Santa-esque operation.

“Over eleven days, we serve nearly 900 families a day. That’s about 30,000 children through our central location. When parents arrive to pick up their gifts, you can see the gratitude on their faces. For many of them, this is the only way they can give their children a Christmas.”

The families who come through those doors represent the heart of Arizona. Many are working parents balancing multiple jobs while trying to keep up with rising rent, grocery costs, and medical bills. Others are single parents, grandparents raising grandchildren, or families recovering from job loss or domestic violence.

“These are families doing everything right but still struggling… They just need a little help.”

When the program began, the need was simpler. It was about toys and holiday cheer. Today, it is part of a larger picture of survival and hope.

“Families now face so many layers of hardship. The holidays can be overwhelming when you are just trying to keep the lights on. This program gives them a moment of relief and reason to smile.”

She remembers moments that have stayed with her forever.

“One year I got a call from a teenage girl who had just moved here from South Africa,” Marlene says. “She told me she wanted her family to adopt an angel the next year, so she took a jar and labeled it ‘A Dime A Day.’ They saved ten cents every day for a year and by Christmas had enough to buy gifts for another child. That story still brings me to tears.”

There are also moments of quiet grace.

“Two dear friends of mine have supported this program since the very beginning,” she says. “Whenever we’ve run short on toys, I call them and within hours a check arrives. No questions. Just love.”

Over the years, Marlene has seen generations return.

“I meet parents who tell me their own parents brought them to the trees when they were children, and now they bring their kids. That’s when you realize this has become part of people’s lives.”

Inside the warehouse, the spirit of giving fills every corner. Volunteers laugh, cry, and share stories as they work side by side. Each gift bag represents a moment of kindness waiting to happen.

“It is hard work, but it is sacred work,” Marlene says. “You can feel the presence of something greater than all of us.”

What began with three trees now stretches across ten malls in the Valley and beyond, touching families from Prescott to Flagstaff. Yet, the program has never lost its soul. Every gift is tracked, every child accounted for, every family treated with care.

“The integrity of the process means everything.”

She pauses for a moment and smiles.

“When I see those trees filled with angel tags, I think about every child represented there. Each one has a story, a dream, a hope. And somewhere out there, someone will answer it.”

Even after forty years, Marlene is still in the warehouse… still beside the trees, still guiding volunteers with warmth and purpose.

“People ask me when I will slow down, but how could I? This is part of me. It is part of Arizona.”

“It’s truly a team effort. I am so humbled and blessed to have seen the program grow into what it has become today. This is what Christmas is all about.”

salvationarmyphoenix.org/christmas-angel

J PERRY

NAVIGATING WEALTH WITH NATASHA

Have You Checked Your Financial Plan Twice?

Before the ball drops, take a moment to review your financial picture. The holidays are busy, but they’re also the perfect time to pause, reflect, and make sure your money is working as hard as you do.

Year-end moves to consider that can make a big difference:

• Max out retirement contributions & Health Savings Accounts (HSAs).

• Review realized gains and losses for potential tax opportunities.

• Revisit your charitable giving plans and ensure contributions are completed by December 31.

• Confirm beneficiaries and update your goals for the year ahead.

These simple steps can help you enter 2026 feeling organized, confident, and in control. The result? Less stress, more confidence, & a strong financial plan.

PEOPLE ARE OUR PURPOSE

Inside and Outside the Courtroom

A VOICE THAT’S HEARD

Advocacy that ensures your story is told and your needs are understood.

Our work doesn’t end when the case is closed. At K Durham Law PLLC, we believe a strong community is built on justice, compassion, and action. That’s why we not only fight tirelessly for our clients in injury and accident cases, but we also invest our time and resources into local causes—from charity drives to safety education events. When you choose us, you’re choosing a law firm that puts people first, always. Because protecting your rights is just part of how we protect our community.

Get In Touch

Call (480) 820-9090 or scan the QR code for your free consultation with K Durham Law PLLC community we call home.

A FAIR FIGHT

Tireless legal representation against those who have wronged you.

A SAFER COMMUNITY

Commitment to safety initiatives that beneﬁt everyone.

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

The Gift of Belonging

THREE GIGI’S PLAYHOUSE FAMILIES OPEN UP ABOUT LOVE, PERSPECTIVE, AND THE DEEPER MEANING OF THE SEASON

A HOLIDAY MESSAGE FROM KATIE FIREDANCING

Our daughter Rynn, age 3, has Down syndrome. Rynn lights up when she hears a song, and her happiest moments are when she’s surrounded by her people, dancing around the house.

“We want people to know that just because our family may look different, there is no less joy in it. In fact, there may be even more.”

Being Rynn’s mom has changed the way I see the holidays. She reminds us to be more present and to find joy in small, simple moments. Her world moves at a different pace, and in that quiet, we find peace.

This season, we’re grateful for GiGi’s Playhouse, a place of comfort and growth for us. Rynn has gained confidence, social skills, and a sense of belonging. It has become an essential part of our journey.

My hope this season is that our story reminds others that people are more alike than different.

CONTINUED >

A HOLIDAY MESSAGE FROM MARLENE AND BARRY SCHATZMAN

Our son Brett is 33 years old and has Down syndrome. He loves being around people and has a gift for connecting with kind hearts.

We love the holiday season. We bake cookies, sing songs while Brett plays his instruments, light the menorah, and help decorate his sister and brother-in-law’s tree. Brett loves being an uncle!

The season always reminds us to slow down and savor the moment. Every day, he teaches us to find joy and gratitude in small things.

When the holidays end, he looks forward to January and the GiGi’s Playhouse Gala. In fact, people at Gigi’s call him “The Mayor” because he is truly their biggest fan. He is a proud GiGiU graduate, a Studio Café intern, and a dedicated GiGi Gala committee member. Watching him thrive has brought our family tremendous joy and pride. We want people to know that just because our family may look different, there is no less joy in it. In fact, there may be even more.

A HOLIDAY MESSAGE FROM VIVIAN IZGUERRA

Our daughter Amoure is 12 years old and has Down syndrome. She is calm, happy, and full of light. Music is her joy. Whenever she listens, you can see it in her face and feel it in the room.

For us, the holidays are filled with family, friends, and tradition. We celebrate with the flavors and customs of both Venezuela and Mexico, and we always find time to be together. Each year we see Amoure understand and enjoy the season a little more, and that is the greatest gift.

Being her mom has changed the way I see life and the holidays. She has taught me to step back and see beauty in simplicity.

My hope is that when people hear our story, they are reminded to be kind, to look deeper, and to find meaning in every moment.

GiGi’s Playhouse has been part of our lives for 10 years and has become an extension of our family. It has given Amoure a place to grow and belong, and it has given our family love, friendship, and endless support.

SEASON OF SPARKLE

THE DIAMONDS GIRL BRINGS HER BRILLIANCE TO THE VALLEY

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

The Valley is about to sparkle.

Tracey Ellison, known to more than one million followers as @TheDiamondsGirl, is coming to AZ for the Myranda Fine Jewelry Holiday Open House, and if you’re reading this, you’re invited.

@TheDiamondsGirl

Known across the globe for her impeccable taste, signature authenticity, and front row access to the world’s most exclusive jewels, Tracey is bringing her brilliance to the Valley for one unforgettable celebration.

Tracey has spent more than a decade redefining what it means to be a jewelry influencer. A beloved friend of many celebs, her feed is a passport through the world’s most coveted collections, spanning Geneva, Hong Kong, Doha, and Las Vegas. But behind the glitter is a story rooted in heart and history.

“Growing up in South Africa, diamonds were always part of life,” she says. “They made national headlines. Every birthday, every occasion was celebrated with jewelry. I would spend hours playing with my mom’s pieces, and to this day, I wear them to keep her close.”

After years in the corporate world, Tracey turned her lifelong passion into purpose.

“My first paycheck went to a pair of tiny diamond studs. Fast forward a decade, and I was craving something that spoke to my heart. In 2012, I started an Instagram page, and The Diamonds Girl was born.”

Diamonds, with an “s,” because everyone should have more than one. Plural.

What began as a creative outlet became a global brand. Tracey’s genuine enthusiasm quickly drew the attention of luxury houses like Graff, Harry Winston, and Chopard, along with collectors and fans worldwide.

“My followers see the real me. Even though I am showcasing diamonds worth millions, I still get just as excited about each piece.”

Her mission extends beyond glamour.

“I have studied gemology and learned from experts to understand the journey of each stone. It’s about transparency, sustainability, and craftsmanship.”

“Jewelry represents a moment, memory, or someone we love. That is what makes it timeless.”

Tracey’s work has taken her from diamond mines in Botswana to emerald fields in Colombia and sapphire mines in Sri Lanka. Next up, Japan’s pearl farms. But this month, Tracey’s journey brings her to Arizona for a reunion with her longtime friend and collaborator, jeweler Myranda North Molina.

“I first met Myranda before the pandemic at the Centurion Jewelry Show in Phoenix,” she says. “She was so genuine. Over time, she became both a friend and my personal jeweler.”

—TRACEY ELLISON

Myranda Molina

@TheDiamondsGirl

For Myranda, that same connection defines her brand.

“Jewelry is a staple in your wardrobe,” Myranda says. “It is a forever piece that you never tire of. Classic jewelry is defined by timeless elegance, simplicity, and versatility.”

Inside her Valley boutique, every display is thoughtfully curated.

“We arrange by color. We separate vintage pieces that tell a story and feature new designs in our main case daily.”

Myranda’s Candy Gemstone Collection reflects her current inspiration: bold, colorful, and alive.

“I specialize in all colors of diamonds from across the world and have hand selected the rarest sapphires from Sri Lanka for each piece. Each stone speaks to me. It dances, and the design forms around it.”

Her collections range from bespoke bridal pieces to attainable everyday luxuries, with a full in-house design department and an onsite repair department.

“Whether your budget is a few hundred or unlimited, I love finding the perfect piece. We can resize, clean, or completely redesign jewelry.”

Among her most distinctive works are yellow, pink, and champagne diamonds, as well as her signature Floating Diamond Collection, where stones appear to hover weightlessly along a chain.

“Collectors today are defining their own heirlooms,” Myranda says. “They are buying what they love, pieces that hold meaning, not just monetary value.”

Tracey agrees.

“Jewelry tells a story. Each piece represents a moment, a memory, or someone we love. That is what makes it timeless.”

CONTINUED >

@TheDiamondsGirl

THE MYRANDA FINE JEWELRY HOLIDAY CELEBRATION

December 5–6, Noon to 5 PM

Celebrate the two year anniversary of Myranda Fine Jewelry’s flagship boutique with champagne, raffles, music, and a special appearance by Tracey Ellison, The Diamonds Girl. The event will feature new collections, including designs by Sig Ward, the jeweler to the stars.

No RSVP required

myrandafinejewelry.com

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A Very Cordially Christmas

NINE BEAUTIFULLY CURATED GIFTS FOR EVERYONE ON YOUR LIST

This season, Phoenix shopping destination Cordially celebrates the art of giving beautifully. From elevated men’s essentials, chic treasures for her, and whimsical finds for kids, every gift is intentionally chosen for its story, craftsmanship, and charm. Discover curated pieces you won’t find anywhere else; barware that wows, self-care that soothes, keepsakes that spark connection. With select personalization options and an edit inspired by Valley style and spirit, here are unique gifting ideas for everyone on your list.

1. Toast in timeless style with Bloomingville barware, Venetian glass, and The Art of Martinis. | 2. Celebrate the season in style with Christy Alvarado Designs, Dean Davidson, and Inspired Bracelets, where every sparkle tells a story. | 3. Elevate the man cave with Vital Industries glassware, Gentleman Jack, and mezcal sophistication in leather. | 4. Indulge the senses with Cereria Molla elegance, Chez Gagné charm, and European-inspired aromatic luxury. | 5. Host in style with Beatriz Ball serveware, Graza olive oil, and Finch & Fennel flavor. | 6. Celebrate champagne culture with Veuve Clicquot, Tart by Taylor, and a touch of French decadence. 7. Bring game night glamour with Marre Sweet, Palm Royale, and Snoop Dogg’s playful mahjong spirit. | 8. Give joy in soft pastels with Cuddle + Kind, Jellycat, and creative Ooly treasures. | 9. Curate culinary charm with Finch & Fennel, KampsWoods, and marble-clad charcuterie perfection for gatherings. cordiallyphoenix.com

Now accepting group reservations

From ‘Wonder Years’ Sweetheart to Christmas Queen, Danica McKellar Proves the Magic Never Fades

For many of us, she will always be Winnie Cooper... the girl next door with the brown eyes, the quiet strength, and the late 80s and early 90s warmth you can still feel on rewatch. But here is the part that sneaks up on you.

Winnie Cooper just turned 50.

Danica McKellar has written 12 books that have helped kids fall in love with math. She has also starred in 12 Christmas movies. In fact, she wrote the story for her newest one, Have We Met This Christmas?, debuting this month. She produces. She parents. She bakes Yule log cakes from scratch. She homeschools her son. She goes live on X with fans during premieres and stays connected with the audience that has grown up alongside her.

Our dear Winnie grew up, but she is very much still here.

Danica laughs when she says it out loud. Forty years on television. Twenty years writing math books. Now she is creating and producing her own holiday stories, and she marked the milestone of turning 50 with a dance party in Nashville.

“I had a big party with a bunch of friends. I love ballroom dancing, so I actually put together a performance for my guests. We had a salsa lesson for everybody. So fun.”

Her latest film, Have We Met This Christmas?, carries that same sense of joy and renewal. She didn’t just star in it, she wrote it.

“It was going to be my first novel, and Great American Family channel wanted to make a movie out of it. I’d written the entire outline already, and then they brought on a screenwriter, and the two of us together wrote the script in 12 days... crazy.”

In the story, she plays a woman who loses her memory in a car accident and ends up back in front of the one who once broke her heart.

“I’ve always wanted to play a character who has amnesia. I’ve always thought it would be interesting to have no idea who I am and have to figure out what it means to be a person if you don’t have any memories.”

The setup gives her character a second chance at love and gives the story its heart.

“Without giving it away, the conflict comes naturally. You totally understand why my character feels betrayed. You totally understand why he does what he does. And you totally understand why she ultimately forgives him.”

Danica believes Christmas movies are more than comfort.

On Set: Have We Met This Christmas?

“I feel like I’m living the life Winnie Cooper might have lived.”

“Many people consider Christmas movies just an escape. While that is partially true, I don’t believe that’s their biggest value. I believe their biggest value is in modeling good behavior, modeling feel-good stories, and also giving people inspiration for some fun family Christmas traditions. Ultimately, these movies help create bonds in your family over the holidays.”

That love of connection extends to her own life.

“I just love the holiday-time family togetherness. I love that people travel to see each other.” And eat.

“I’m not a baker at all,” she says, laughing. “So it takes me half a day to make my annual Yule Log Cake following my mom’s recipe step-by-step.”

She also makes ornaments with her son, Draco. It started when he was a baby and they never stopped.

“When he was really little, he was super into garbage cans. We made a little trash can ornament together, and it’s really sweet to have them pile on the tree.”

Her son is now 15, and that milestone is another one she treasures.

“He’s my only child, and fifteen is getting close to 18. I want to soak up every moment I can with him amidst my busy life.”

A life that started to the tune of “With a Little Help from My Friends.”

“I’ll go into a store or a restaurant, and just a few minutes later, The Wonder Years theme song will start playing,” she says. “And I’m like, okay, well, that’s hilarious. Thank you. Whoever did that, it’s very funny.” Does it still hit her?

Danica & Son Draco

“For sure,” she says. “It’s amazing to me how many warm and fuzzy feelings that show holds for so many people. I feel really blessed to have been a part of something like that.”

In fact, she credits Winnie with shaping more than her career.

“I think playing a wholesome character with integrity from a young age was really good for me. It definitely colored the way I play my roles even today. It’s about being a person who tries their best to do the right thing. Not always necessarily doing the right thing, but always trying.”

That sense of purpose led her to her second legacy, math.

Right after The Wonder Years, she stepped back from acting and enrolled at UCLA to study mathematics.

“For me, it was really important to take that break from acting and discover this other thing that made me feel like a rock star,” she says. “Doing well on a math test and getting accolades from professors really meant a lot. They were like, you have a gift.”

It was a turning point.

“I needed to find out who else I was aside from Winnie. When you hear about child actors going the wrong way, a lot of that comes from not knowing what your value would be without that show. For me, math gave me that answer.”

She helped prove a new theorem, testified before Congress about keeping girls in math, and went on to write books that make the subject less intimidating and more joyful. Her latest, I Love You 100, is her twelfth.

CONTINUED >

Danica's New Book

“This book is for kindergartners, teaching them how to count to 100,” she says. “And it’s all in the context of a story of unconditional love from a mother to her child.” (Hint-hint: a good stocking stuffer.)

Twelve books. Twelve Christmas movies. Twelve years with her husband.

“It’s a year of numbers,” she says. When she looks ahead, she doesn’t talk about reinvention. She talks about recommitting.

“Resolutions… no. I don’t like to say here’s a new thing and I’m never going to do this again. Instead, I am recommitting to myself to be healthy and recommitting to my faith.”

If Winnie could see Danica now?

“I think she’d be very proud,” she says. “Especially with the math books. I feel like I’m living the life Winnie Cooper might have lived.”

And maybe that is why it still feels so personal, seeing her at 50. She let us grow up with her, and somehow, she’s still the girl who makes everything feel a little warmer. The one who reminds us that wonder doesn’t fade, it just grows… especially at Christmas.

Have We Met This Christmas? premieres December 13th on the Great American Family channel and will also stream on Pureflix.

On Set: Have We Met This Christmas?

ARTICLE BY ELISABETH PICKLE, JD

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY THE MINDFUL COUNSEL

A LEGAL ROADMAP FOR YOUR SECOND ACT

REINVENTING AT 40

“THE

There’s something about hitting that 40-year mark. For many, it’s not a midlife crisis but rather a midlife awakening. A quiet (or not-so-quiet) pull to reinvent, to finally pursue the passion you’ve kept on the shelf. And for a growing number of people, that means entrepreneurship.

If your New Year resolution is reinvention, this is the moment a lot of

they’ve considered confidentiality and ownership. Even a simple nondisclosure agreement (NDA) can save you from headaches down the road.

STEP 2: CHOOSE THE RIGHT ENTITY STRUCTURE

If you’re in your 40s or 50s, you’re not starting from zero. You likely have

MOST SUCCESSFUL ENTREPRENEURS THINK BEYOND LAUNCH.”

people choose to actually build the thing instead of just talk about it.

I see it every day in my practice. As an attorney who works with founders, I’ve become a front-row witness to the power of second acts. These are people who’ve built successful careers, raised families, invested wisely, and now they’re ready to build something that feels like theirs. But here’s the truth: passion is the fuel, not the foundation. The foundation must be legal.

So where do you start? Here’s a step-by-step roadmap I share with my clients who are reinventing themselves mid-career.

STEP 1: PROTECT YOUR IDEA BEFORE YOU SHARE IT

Before you begin the process of filing paperwork, it’s important to consider the first real legal move: protecting your idea. Too often, people rush to tell friends, hire help, or spend money before

assets, investments, maybe even a family depending on you. That changes the equation. An LLC or S-Corp isn’t just a box to check; it’s a shield to protect your personal wealth from business risks.

STEP 3: FORMALIZE THE BUSINESS THE RIGHT WAY

In Arizona, it’s surprisingly easy to file an LLC, which is why many people do it incorrectly. Skipping steps like an operating agreement or proper filings can expose you later. The most common mistake I see is treating formation as a formality instead of a strategy.

STEP 4: SAFEGUARD YOUR BRAND EARLY

If you’re creating a brand you want to last, trademark protection isn’t optional, it’s essential. I’ve seen too many entrepreneurs fall in love with a name or logo, only to find out it’s already taken. Registering early is cheaper than rebranding later.

STEP 5: CONTRACTS ARE NON-NEGOTIABLE

Even solo entrepreneurs need contracts. At minimum, you should have client agreements, independent contractor agreements, and clear terms for anyone you bring into your venture.

Think of contracts as guardrails: they prevent misunderstandings and protect relationships.

STEP 6: DON’T OVERLOOK COMPLIANCE

Licenses, permits, and professional regulations are the details that derail launches if ignored. The best businesses I’ve seen are the ones that treat compliance as part of the launch checklist, not as an afterthought.

STEP 7: GET YOUR FINANCIAL HOUSE IN ORDER

Open a separate business account, get an EIN, and understand your tax structure. These steps may not feel exciting, but they’re the difference between a business that thrives and one that creates liability.

STEP 8: PREPARE FOR PEOPLE PROBLEMS

The moment you bring in partners, employees, or contractors, you need documents in place. The importance of partnership agreements, employment policies, and independent contractor terms should not be understated. I tell clients: handshake deals end friendships, while written agreements preserve them.

STEP 9: INSURE WHAT YOU’VE BUILT

If you already have wealth, don’t leave it exposed. Business liability, errors and omissions, and key person insurance can safeguard your assets and your family’s future.

STEP 10: FUTURE-PROOF WITH SUCCESSION & ESTATE PLANNING

The most successful entrepreneurs think beyond launch. They ask: What happens if I step away, retire, or even pass away unexpectedly? Succession planning isn’t just for Fortune 500 companies, but rather for anyone building something worth protecting.

If you’re starting a business in your 40s or 50s, chances are you already have assets, family responsibilities, and an estate plan (or the need for one). Integrating your business into your trust or will ensures your loved ones aren’t left with a legal tangle. A well-drafted estate plan can dictate who inherits your company, how ownership transfers, and even who has authority to make decisions if you’re incapacitated. Pair that with regular legal reviews such as compliance systems, updated contracts, and annual “legal health checks,” and you’ve got true futureproofing. The earlier you set these habits, the more freedom you’ll have to focus on growth and legacy.

LOOKING AHEAD

As we move into 2026, the biggest trend I see is entrepreneurs treating legal infrastructure as part of their brand. Founders know that credibility, professionalism, and protection aren’t just about avoiding lawsuits, they’re about creating businesses that attract investors, partners, and clients who trust them.

MY BEST ADVICE FOR REINVENTION

If you’re standing on the edge of your second act, here’s what I’ll tell you: Start with courage, but don’t skip the legal foundation. Reinvention works best when it’s protected. Build boldly, but build wisely.

themindfulcounsel.com

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FLI PPING THESCRIPTONMIDLIFE

Last month, three dynamic panelists from Los Angeles, New York, and Scottsdale gathered under one Arizona roof for an evening of connection and conversation, flipping the script on what midlife truly means.

Hosted by The Center for Jewish Philanthropy, the Navigating Midlife panel invited women to share, listen, and connect through stories of confidence, reinvention, and purpose.

“With our Women IN Philanthropy group, we have an opportunity to continue inspiring the next generation of women leaders to stand up and be counted and heard in their respective philanthropic journeys,” says Gail Baer, CJP’s Chief Philanthropy Officer. “We felt particularly compelled to create this fall community event, Navigating Midlife, after hearing from so many they were craving a chance to stand in solidarity, celebrate, and discuss this transformative chapter in life in a meaningful and fun way.”

Now, we’re bringing their insights to you.

AS A NEW YEAR BEGINS, THREE WOMEN CHALLENGE THE MYTHS OF MIDLIFE AND SHARE WHAT IT REALLY MEANS TO EVOLVE

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Harmonie Krieger Podcaster,

Life Coach, and Reality TV Personality

YOU ENCOURAGE WOMEN TO LET GO OF TIMELINES. WHY?

Because the moment you stop living by a timeline, you start living by desire. Timelines create pressure and block joy.

WHAT IS YOUR TAKE ON FRIENDSHIPS IN MIDLIFE?

They evolve, and that is healthy. Some deepen, some fade, and that is just energy realigning. When you surround yourself with people who match your frequency, life expands. I have learned that if it is not adding to your peace, it is taking from it.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST FREEING PART OF THIS CHAPTER FOR YOU?

Self-awareness. Every heartbreak and challenge has become fuel for growth. I have learned to trust that the unknown is divine, that God always has a plan, and that my energy is my compass. Living that truth is pure freedom.

Dina Aronson

Co-Editor, “Midlife Private Parts”

YOU’VE SAID MIDLIFE ISN’T A CRISIS BUT A POWERFUL TURNING POINT. WHAT DOES SHIFTING THAT NARRATIVE ACTUALLY LOOK LIKE?

It starts with speaking up. Women over 40 make up a quarter of the U.S. population, yet we remain underrepresented and often misrepresented in media. The only way to rewrite that is to tell our own stories, replacing fear and decline with truth and texture. When we do, we show that midlife isn’t the end of relevance, it is the start of self-definition.

YOU TALK ABOUT EDITING YOUR CIRCLE IN MIDLIFE. WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED ABOUT FRIENDSHIP IN THIS SEASON?

Midlife brings honesty. Some relationships run their course, and that is okay. Time becomes our most precious resource, so we start to prioritize people who energize us and reflect who we are now. Taking stock of our relationships is not loss; it is self-care and expansion.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST LIBERATING CHANGE YOU HAVE EXPERIENCED YOURSELF?

Letting go of what others think. That single shift opened every creative door I had been afraid to walk through. The freedom that comes with caring less about perception and more about purpose is unmatched.

Dr. Sharon Stills

Scottsdale-based Pro-Aging Physician and Wellness Expert

YOU CALL YOURSELF A PRO-AGING DOCTOR. WHAT DOES THAT MINDSET CHANGE IN PRACTICE?

It changes everything. Why be against something that is happening anyway? Aging gives us wisdom, freedom, and, yes, better sexual health. I see women in their 50s and 60s who feel stronger and more grounded than ever because they have learned to say no, nourish themselves, and honor what is sacred about this phase.

HOW DO YOU APPROACH RELATIONSHIPS DIFFERENTLY NOW?

Every relationship deserves its own review. Some need a gentle shift while others require distance. I have had conversations that begin with, “I love you, but I am not gossiping anymore,” because protecting your peace is vital. The people you spend time with become your energy, so choose wisely.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST EMPOWERING MOMENT IN MIDLIFE?

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to celebrate entering menopause. It was my way of showing that I am not slowing down. Menopause is not an ending. It is the beginning of a sacred second act.

COMMON MISTAKES MADE BEFORE & AFTER STEM CELL THERAPY

By Dr. Adam Loiacono, PT, DPT, SCS, CSCS

Regenerative treatments succeed when the body is prepared to receive them. Think of it like planting seeds. Even the highest quality seeds cannot thrive without the right soil, environment, and care.

1. Skipping the Prep Phase

Before treatment, your body needs a foundation for healing. Reducing inflammation, managing stress, and building tissue capacity through targeted strength, mobility, and circulation work all help create that environment. When inflammation or stress is high, cells work harder to stabilize the system instead of repairing it.

2. Doing Too Much Too Soon

Recovery should mirror post-surgical rehab: slow, progressive, and intentional. In the early phase, the focus is calming inflammation and resetting the immune system. Tissue rebuilding comes later. Overdoing it too quickly is like shaking a foundation before it sets. Movement is essential, but precision outweighs intensity.

3. Ignoring Stress and Recovery

Poor sleep, overtraining, and chronic stress directly interfere with the body’s ability to regenerate. Prioritizing rest, nutrition, breathwork, and relaxation creates the internal environment needed for long-term results.

Regenerative therapy is an investment in your biology.

Respecting both the preparation and the recovery phases teaches your body how to heal more efficiently, perform better, and stay resilient for the long run.

Located in Punta Pacificia, the Beverly Hills of Panama City, Auragens offers a world-class regenerative medicine experience on the 48th floor of the Oceania Business Plaza and alongside Pacífica Salud Hospital, a Johns Hopkins International affiliate.

Dr. Adam Loiacono, PT, DPT, SCS, CSCS

Welcome to the beginning.

Learn more: adamloiacono.com/work-with-adam www.auragens.com v theauragens

Recognized as the Top Stem Cell Treatment Center in the world, we combine award-winning innovation, proven science, and personalized care to help your body heal and thrive.

Luxurious suites. An in-house ISO lab. A center designed for exceptional outcomes. Welcome to the beginning.

Love, Actually

WHY THE HOLIDAYS ARE THE PERFECT TIME TO RESTART

Every December, beneath the glow of lights and clink of champagne, a quieter truth lingers. For some, it is not the most wonderful time of year, but the loneliest. According to Gallup, nearly one in five Americans feel alone most days, proof that even in a connected world, real connection is rare.

For those facing new chapters after loss, divorce, or years of putting others first, the season can magnify both gratitude and absence. But Scottsdale matchmaker and dating stylist Cat Cantrill believes it can also be a reset for the heart.

Her clients are accomplished professionals who have mastered everything but love. With a background in neuroscience, psychology, and human behavior, she helps them rebuild from within.

“The holidays are when people remember what it feels like to want something deeper, and if you can sit with that longing instead of rushing to fill it, you are already becoming magnetic,” says Cat.

Here are her ten insights for a looking-for-love holiday restart.

1. THE BEST TIME TO FALL IN LOVE IS WHEN YOU STOP PERFORMING.

“The holidays disarm people. When you’re surrounded by nostalgia, reflection, and family, your emotional walls soften. You start wanting connection, not distraction.”

Cat says that an energy shift- from control to curiositychanges everything.

“When you’re curious instead of cautious, you listen differently. You stop analyzing and start feeling. That’s when real connection begins.”

2. CHARISMA ISN’T ABOUT CHARM, IT’S ABOUT CALM.

“People think confidence is how loud or visible you are. It’s not. It’s how safe others feel around you. Regulated energy is magnetic. Calm attracts because calm feels safe.”

Cat calls it “nervous system chemistry.”

“If you can stay grounded in yourself… not anxious… people sense it instantly. The right ones move closer.”

Cat Cantrill, Scottsdale Matchmaker

3. THE REAL GLOW-UP IS EMOTIONAL AVAILABILITY.

“Emotional availability is the new luxury. It’s someone who knows how to be present without needing control.”

She helps clients distinguish between chemistry and compatibility.

“Butterflies aren’t always a green flag. Sometimes they’re anxiety dressed as excitement. Real attraction feels peaceful, not performative.”

4. HEALING IS THE NEW FLIRTING.

After divorce or loss, she urges clients not to rush.

“You don’t need to be ‘over it.’ You just need to be self-aware enough not to bleed on someone who didn’t cut you.”

“Healing means you can go on a date, stay curious, and still feel like yourself, even if it doesn’t go anywhere. You’re not trying to be chosen; you’re choosing.”

5. ATTRACTION FOLLOWS AUTHENTICITY.

“The Valley is stunning, but it can also be performative. People curate their lives like storefronts. But connection happens when you stop performing and start being.”

Her advice: “Your mask might attract attention, but your truth builds connection.”

6. LOVE NOW BELONGS TO THE EMOTIONALLY FLUENT.

“Emotional literacy is the new status symbol. We’ve evolved past games. People want clarity, not mystery.”

In her experience, the most successful daters know how to name what they feel and hold space for others to do the same.

“That’s emotional safety... what everyone’s craving.”

7. CONNECTION HIDES IN YOUR THIRD PLACE.

Cat often helps clients rediscover what she calls their “third place;” a space outside of work and home that nurtures community.

“Love shows up where your nervous system relaxes. A cooking class, a hiking group, a volunteer shift. When you live a life you love, you stop searching and start attracting.”

CONTINUED >

ROOFING THAT RISES ABOVE

“Emotional literacy is the new status symbol. We’ve evolved past games. People want clarity, not mystery. In fact, the biggest shift comes when you realize you’re not broken, you’re just patterned. The moment you start choosing peace over intensity, your love life recalibrates.”

8. TECHNOLOGY CAN’T REPLACE PRESENCE.

Apps are tools, not solutions.

“You can swipe your way into intimacy and meet someone online, but true connection happens in real time.”

Her rule for clients: “Use apps to expand your world, not shrink your heart.”

9. SLOW LOVE IS THE QUIET REVOLUTION.

“Fast attraction burns out. Slow love lasts. We’re seeing people reject instant gratification and return to intentional connection.”

She predicts that the future of dating will prize emotional safety over excitement.

“The adrenaline fades, but peace stays. Calm is the new chemistry.”

10. YOU’RE NOT BROKEN, YOU’RE PATTERNED.

“The biggest shift comes when you realize you’re not broken, you’re just patterned. You’re repeating what feels familiar, even when it hurts.”

Her philosophy: “The moment you start choosing peace over intensity, your love life recalibrates.”

It’s not sentiment, it’s wisdom. After years of watching people rebuild, she knows love begins where self-acceptance does.

“When you finally come home to yourself, love always knows where to find you.”

scottsdalematchmaker.com

As a family-owned practice, we’ve been creating happy, healthy smiles for generations Our team treats your kids like our own- gentle, caring and committed to excellence. With gratitude, Your Doctors

Affiliated Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics is a specialized dental practice offering pediatric care for children starting at one year of age, as well as orthodontic treatment for patients of all ages. For years, our team has been providing quality care and exceptional service, ensuring our patients a lifetime of dental health.

THE FUTURE OF FEELING BETTER

Carrie Bordinko M.D., Owner and CEO, Benessair Health

As we step into 2026, I believe everyone should experience photobiomodulation, often called red light therapy. It is one of the most underrated tools for energy, recovery, and longevity. Just twenty minutes in a medical grade bed delivers a full body cellular reset. Most patients notice better sleep, improved focus, faster muscle recovery, and an elevated mood. It is an effortless, restorative practice that helps you feel better and function better without disrupting your routine.

THE FUTURE OF FEELING BETTER

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is another treatment gaining attention for its recovery and longevity benefits, but what many do not realize is how deeply it supports cognitive and emotional health. Patients often describe leaving the chamber feeling clear headed, calm, and creatively recharged. There is a mental reset that happens when your brain finally has space to breathe away from the noise of technology. I also see better sleep, improved stress resilience, and sharper focus. It is as restorative for the mind as it is for the body.

At the end of the year, when energy dips and stress peaks, I always return to oxygen and light. A few sessions of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy combined with photobiomodulation can reset energy, enhance sleep, and clear mental fog. Add hydration through a tailored IV infusion and gentle movement such as low impact strength training, and you create a reset that truly replenishes your system. It is less about doing more and more about giving your body space to recover and rebuild.

If you want to approach wellness differently this year, start by listening to your body before it demands your attention. Preventative medicine is proactive, not reactive. It is about optimizing how you function today to prevent problems tomorrow. Wellness is not about perfection, it is about consistency and curiosity. Lab work alone will not get you to your longevity goals.

True wellness is not a quick fix. You must prioritize the time for it because wellness is not something you achieve once, it is something you maintain. At Benessair, we design treatment plans that evolve with each patient’s goals, whether that is longevity, mental clarity, or physical recovery. You deserve to feel your best now, not just avoid feeling worse later.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

BECOMING, NOT JUST DOING

Coley Arnold, Owner of The Foundress

Many people set resolutions from a place of pressure or comparison. I’ve learned that the healthiest way to approach a new year’s reset is to find what truly works for you. It can be a single word, a phrase, or concrete goals... but if it doesn’t feel aligned, it won’t last. Instead of asking what you want to do, ask who you want to become. From there, build small, actionable habits and rituals that bring that version of yourself to life each day.

As entrepreneurs, we often let work spill into every corner of life. The shift happens when we focus on who we want to be, not just what we want to accomplish. I’m a founder, but I’m also a mom, and one of my goals is to be fully present in both. That means setting clear boundaries around work hours, putting my phone away when I’m with my kids, and remembering that most “emergencies” can wait. If we don’t care for ourselves, we burn out... and nothing thrives from burnout.

Community is another essential piece of the puzzle. Building a business can feel lonely, but surrounding yourself with people who understand the highs and lows of entrepreneurship is vital. The right community doesn’t just support you emotionally; it accelerates your growth by connecting you to the right people. The saying “your network is your net worth” couldn’t be more true. My greatest growth this year came from the connections within mine.

Clarity and alignment anchor it all. I once spent three million dollars on a project that was completely out of alignment. When your values, goals, and actions don’t match, everything drifts off course. Getting honest about what truly matters, and who you really are, is the greatest shortcut to success.

After more than a decade of building, pivoting, and mentoring, the resolution I encourage every woman entrepreneur to make isn’t about business, it’s about self. Become your own best friend. Learn what makes you unique, what makes you tick. When you truly know yourself, you become unstoppable.

CONTINUED

CREATING ALIGNMENT IN A SEASON OF CHANGE

Alaine K. Nolt, Certified Transformational Health & Life Coach

Every January, people crave a fresh start, but real change rarely happens overnight. I’ve learned that transformation begins long before the calendar flips. About 80% of resolutions fade by February because we expect instant results instead of building alignment.

Lasting momentum isn’t about willpower. It’s about alignment between who you are and what you value. When your actions reflect your truth, follow-through feels natural. Change becomes part of you rather than something you chase.

The holidays can make that balance tricky. They ask us to hold everything together while we smile, host, and care for everyone else. It’s easy to feel invisible. That’s why I remind myself and my clients that staying grounded isn’t about doing more. It’s about choosing what matters most. Among all the “have tos,” focus on the few things that actually bring light to your life.

Give yourself grace when you begin. One choice at a time, choose yourself and your goal over the quick comfort of old habits. Let yourself feel what success feels like right now. When you do, the process softens. You stay more relaxed, more connected, and more consistent.

You don’t need a date to begin. Start now with less pressure. Start small, because every choice counts. And most importantly, start aligned so you can feel the joy in your own growth. When you honor what lights you up, the season feels less like pressure and more like peace.

A FRESH START FOR YOUR SPACE AND MIND

Abby Kahn, Owner, Abbsolutely Organized At the start of a new year, many people feel pressure to “get organized,” but I always remind clients that organization does not happen overnight. Start small. Set a timer for twenty minutes a day to declutter. Those short, consistent bursts create lasting change without feeling overwhelming.

December often highlights the excess... gifts, décor, and stuff everywhere. After the holidays, I help clients edit their spaces and pack everything away in an organized way. Whether decorations are stored in a storage unit or garage, we make sure everything is labeled and easy to access so that next year it is simple to set back up.

One of the most overlooked spaces that makes a big difference in daily life is the drop zone. It could be as simple as hooks on the wall, a mail tray, or a dish to hold your keys. A designated spot for everything helps streamline your routine, gets you out the door faster, and makes coming home calmer.

Many people think organizing is about bins and labels, but it is really about behavior. The most organized homes belong to people who are willing to declutter. Having less means organizing less, and less stuff naturally leads to less overwhelm.

As for my philosophy, I always encourage families to focus on what brings value and joy. Give experiences instead of gifts, or consider gifting loved ones a session with Abbsolutely Organized to start the new year refreshed and ready.

Dr.

Her concierge practice focuses on

Members enjoy direct access to Dr. James via phone, text, email, or video visits—ensuring ongoing support and continuity of care beyond the traditional office setting

12 Holiday Heart Health Reminders

1. Cold Weather Raises Blood Pressure

Vessels constrict in the cold, increasing cardiac workload. Even a small temperature drop can spike BP.

2. December Has More Heart Attacks Than Any Other Month

Stress, travel, heavy meals, and disrupted routines all elevate risk especially for those with existing factors.

3. Don’t Ignore “Holiday Fatigue”

Jaw tightness, nausea, back pain, shortness of breath, and unusual exhaustion can be early cardiac signs, especially in women.

4. Alcohol Dehydrates the Heart

Hydrate before and after drinking. Even mild dehydration increases heart rate and strain.

5. Salt Sneaks In Everywhere

Holiday dishes are often loaded with hidden sodium, which can elevate BP within hours.

6. Sleep Drops, Risk Rises

Shortened sleep increases inflammation and cortisol, directly impacting heart rhythm and blood pressure.

7. Travel Slows Circulation

Long flights or drives raise clot risk. Walk every hour and stay hydrated.

8. Stress Hits the Heart Harder Than Sugar

Emotional stress releases adrenaline and cortisol, which can trigger arrhythmias and elevated BP.

9. Movement After Meals Matters

A 10–15 minute walk lowers glucose spikes by up to 30 percent, easing cardiac load.

10. Medications Must Stay Consistent

Missed doses of statins, BP meds, or thyroid meds can elevate risk in as little as 48 hours.

11. Inflammation Spikes During the Holidays

Sugar, alcohol, and poor sleep create a perfect storm for arterial inflammation.

12. Prevention Is Still the Best Gift

A simple checkup can uncover silent risks like high calcium scores or hidden arrhythmias.

Your 2025 Year-End Financial Playbook

Smart

Moves for Business Owners and Individuals

As 2025 winds down, many high-income earners and entrepreneurs are asking the same question: What can I do before December 31st to reduce taxes, protect wealth, and set up for a strong 2026?

Whether you run a business, manage substantial investments, or both, the final weeks of the year offer some of the most valuable planning opportunities. Below, I break down key year-end strategies for high earners and business owners providing practical moves to make now, before the window closes.

WHAT YEAR-END STRATEGIES SHOULD INDIVIDUALS CONSIDER?

Think of this as the “clean-up and optimize” season for your financial life. A few key actions: Harvest tax losses and rebalance portfolios. Trim under-performers to offset gains elsewhere and reset allocations while maintaining long-term targets.

Maximize retirement contributions. Fund 401(k)s, IRAs, HSAs, and backdoor Roths before the deadline. For high earners, consider a Mega Backdoor Roth or after-tax 401(k) strategy.

Accelerate charitable giving. If you plan to give, “bunch” donations into a single year for a bigger deduction or use a donor-advised fund (DAF) to get the deduction now and give later. Review estate and gifting strategies. With the estate tax exemption close to $14 million per person, take this opportunity to gift assets or fund irrevocable trusts while limits are high.

ARTICLE BY DAVID J. DOBRUSIN, CPA, CFP®

Evaluate Roth conversions. If your income will drop in 2026 or after retirement, a conversion may make sense this year while tax rates remain low.

HOW CAN BUSINESS OWNERS LOWER TAXES BEFORE YEAR-END?

Business owners have unique levers to pull. The goal: reduce taxable income and build personal wealth at the same time.

Defer income, accelerate expenses. If you operate on a cash basis, pay year-end bonuses, equipment costs, or vendor bills before December 31st. Delay invoicing until January where possible.

100% bonus depreciation is back. Leverage bonus depreciation and Section 179 deductions so making qualified equipment purchases now can yield larger deductions.

Max out retirement plans. Solo 401(k)s, SEP IRAs, or even cash-balance pension plans allow substantial deductions for owners while funding retirement.

David J. Dobrusin, CPA, CFP® & Family

Review entity structure. With the Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction set to continue, now’s the time to evaluate whether your S Corp, partnership, or C Corp setup is still the most tax efficient.

Consider a year-end profit-sharing contribution. It rewards your team and generates a deductible expense.

ARE THERE OVERLAPPING STRATEGIES FOR INDIVIDUALS AND BUSINESS OWNERS?

Definitely, and that’s where integrated planning shines.

Charitable giving through a business. Donating appreciated stock or company assets can reduce both corporate and personal tax exposure.

Family employment. Paying children legitimately involved in the business can shift income to lower brackets while funding Roth IRAs or 529 plans.

Health reimbursement or defined benefit plans. These can offer both tax advantages and meaningful employee benefits.

Business succession meets estate planning. Transferring ownership interests gradually or via trusts before 2026 can lock in today’s higher exemptions while aligning with long-term goals.

BEYOND TAXES, WHAT STRATEGIC FINANCIAL REVIEWS SHOULD BE DONE BEFORE YEAR-END?

Investment review: Ensure portfolios align with risk tolerance, liquidity needs, and after-tax efficiency.

Insurance check-up: Review life, disability, and liability coverage to protect wealth and business continuity.

Cash flow planning: Reassess cash reserves, especially if interest rates shift or your business has cyclical income.

Succession and exit strategy: Begin planning now if a sale or transition is on the horizon within the next few years.

David J. Dobrusin, CPA, CFP®

WHAT ARE SOME MISTAKES TAXPAYERS AND BUSINESS OWNERS MAKE AT YEAR-END?

Waiting until tax season. The most powerful strategies; gifting, depreciation, retirement funding, and charitable deductions require action before December 31st. Once the calendar flips, options shrink dramatically.

Not coordinating your financial professionals. Meeting with your CPA, financial advisor, or attorney individually helps but having them work together is far more effective. Choosing a firm that offers integrated tax, financial, and legal services ensures nothing falls through the cracks and your overall strategy stays aligned.

ANY CLOSING ADVICE FOR THE VALLEY’S ESTEEMED BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL COMMUNITY?

The end of the year shouldn’t be about scrambling; it should be about strategy. High-income earners and entrepreneurs have more moving parts than ever: business income, investment gains, complex tax law, and estate considerations. A proactive year end strategy can create a seamless, tax-efficient plan that preserves wealth and prepares you for the next chapter.

If you don’t have someone to help you implement these strategies, or simply want a second opinion on your current plan, reach out for a complimentary consultation before year-end. Remember, November and December are for tax planning, while January is for tax preparation. The best results come from acting early, not after the year is over.

David J. Dobrusin is a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Financial Planner® specializing in integrated tax, financial planning, and investment management for entrepreneurs and highnet-worth families throughout the Valley.

•

CLAYS F

On October 25th, the Pearce Family Foundation hosted its 11th Annual Clays for a Cause at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility, and the event completely sold out.

Participants began the morning with breakfast and coffee before heading to the range for a day of competition.

Following the shoot, guests gathered for lunch, awards, and a raffle. Thanks to the generous support of attendees, the event raised essential funds to help provide service dogs for Arizona veterans living with PTSD. Each clay that broke marked another step toward hope and healing for those who have served our country.

The Pearce Family Foundation wanted to thank the companies, teams, and donators who made this year’s Clays For A Cause possible. From sponsoring stations to donating raffle items, their support made a big difference and helped make the event a success. Their generosity continues to make it possible to give back to Arizona veterans.

The Road to Italy Begins in Scottsdale

Under the Arizona sun, Louie Vito trains for one more Olympic run

It’s 80 degrees in Scottsdale, and Louie Vito is training for the Winter Olympics.

He laughs at the contrast.

The snowboarder who grew up on a 290-foot hill in Ohio now calls the desert home. Louie is preparing for his next Olympic run, one that will take him to Italy in 2026.

At 37, Louie has already lived every dream a snowboarder could imagine. He has stood on podiums, traveled the world, and pushed the limits of a sport that rewards risk. But the spark is still there. What drives him now is not glory, it is gratitude.

“I’m incredibly grateful and excited for another chance to compete in the Olympics. At this stage, having the opportunity to represent Italy and to do so on home soil is truly special.”

This next run is about passion, the same kind that first pulled him toward snow as a kid from the Midwest.

“There wasn’t one defining moment that made me go for it again. It really comes down to my continued love and passion for snowboarding and competition.

The grind takes a real toll on my body, but as long as that passion is still there, every bit of it is worth it.”

Behind the Olympic highlight reels lies a world few ever see. There are sleepless travel days, missed holidays, and constant pressure to perform at the highest level in front of the world.

“I’ve long been my own toughest critic. When you reach the Games, you’ve already put in years of work. That’s when you have to remind yourself to enjoy it.”

Louie helped shape modern snowboarding. In 2009, he became the first rider to land a frontside double cork 1080 in competition, later linking three and then four double corks in one run.

“Now triple corks are normal. It’s crazy how far snowboarding has come and how young some of these kids are doing such technical tricks.”

He knows he’s competing against a new generation, but he sees that as motivation, not pressure.

“It’s tougher personally when you’ve spent parts of your career helping shape the sport. But no one else has been doing it at my age or for as long as I have.”

CONTINUED >

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY

LOUIE VITO

Credit: @mikedawsy

His life in Scottsdale is disciplined and precise. The mountain has been replaced with strength training, stretching, and recovery work that would impress any professional athlete.

“If I have something going on, I wake up earlier to make sure I get it in. It sets me up mentally for everything else. I use a Bemer device every morning and night. It’s part of my recovery.”

Living in the desert has also given him balance.

“It actually forces me to take a break. For the longest time I would just ride nonstop; my body needs time to decompress.”

But when he returns to the snow, it feels like home.

“Every time I’m in the halfpipe, there’s a rush.”

For 2026, he wants to make it count. His last Olympics, held under strict pandemic protocols, felt sterile and incomplete.

“Making another Olympics is obviously a huge goal. But to be there again with my family will be incredible. Beijing didn’t feel like a normal Olympics with all the restrictions, so this one will mean even more. And Hailey has never been to the Olympics with me before.”

Married to professional golfer Hailey Ostrom, Louie might surprise those who imagine Olympic athletes as fearless... because before every run, he still feels it.

“I play my music pretty loud. I focus straight ahead, not on the crowd or anyone else. I tighten my bindings, make the sign of the cross, and go. You’re constantly facing fear and pushing yourself to attempt tricks that could go wrong in an instant. The difference between good riders and great ones comes down to work ethic and mindset.”

That philosophy is something he carries beyond the halfpipe. He says the discipline of snowboarding has shaped everything else about his life.

“I do workouts six days a week and that really is my focus.”

In the off-season, his focus shifts to rebuilding strength and restoring his body after long months on the mountain. And the Scottsdale sun offers a welcome change from the snow.

“I miss the mountains a lot, but I’m still in them for most of the year. I love coming back to Scottsdale. The weather is amazing

after being in the cold, and it’s great to reset. Plus, Scottsdale has some of my favorite restaurants.”

Louie still sees himself as that kid from Ohio who fell in love with snowboarding before it was even an Olympic sport.

“When I started snowboarding, I never even thought of it as a career because it wasn’t an Olympic sport at the time. Some of the people I used to compete with are now coaches. It’s wild to look back, especially when you realize a lot of the kids competing now weren’t even born yet.”

He has a message for new riders starting out.

“Have fun and enjoy it. Look for ways to improve every time you ride, even on bad weather days. Take care of your body and accept that injuries happen. They’re part of it.”

Five Olympics in, Louie Vito knows the medals fade and the seasons change, but the passion never does. The snow still calls. The mountains still matter. And in a city where winter never comes, he is already preparing for his next run toward history.

FIREPLACE SEASON IS CALLING

INSIDE THE HALFPIPE

Louie Vito on what snowboarding really teaches you

Snowboarding is less about fearlessness and more about focus. He says the halfpipe is a mirror that exposes how you think under pressure. Balance isn’t just physical; it’s emotional control. The best riders aren’t chasing air; they’re chasing awareness. Mastery, he says, starts in your head before your board ever leaves the ground. IG @louievito

DEAR MATCHMAKER

by Cat Cantrill

I’m Cat Cantrill, a professional matchmaker and dating coach helping singles find meaningful relationships since 2015.

With a background in psychology and sociology, I combine relationship science with intuition and empathy to guide clients through the realities of modern dating. My coaching focuses on authenticity, clarity, and confidence, helping professionals understand what they truly want in a partner and how to attract it.

In 2021, I launched Dear Matchmaker, a podcast now ranked in the top 5% globally for its honest, heartfelt approach to love and connection. I have been featured in Fortune Magazine, DatingAdvice.com, and on CBS and PBS, but my greatest reward remains the relationships I help bring to life.

Services include:

• Matchmaking

• Dating Consulting

• Styling for Dating

• Private Rolodex Membership

Each experience is personalized, private, and designed to help you find the relationship you truly deserve.

Give yourself the gift of connection this season.

Visit scottsdalematchmaker.com or call to schedule your complimentary consultation. Submit it anonymously to “Dear Matchmaker” at team@scottsdalematchmaker.com -your question could be featured in an upcoming issue! www.scottsdalematchmaker.com

Jack Hurley

IN ARIZONA, BASEBALL NEVER REALLY ENDS

The Arizona Fall League has wrapped for the year, but the spirit of the season still lingers across the Valley’s quiet diamonds. Each fall, young players from all 30 Major League affiliates gather on local fields to chase the next level of their dream.

Tickets are $14, the pace is easy, and the atmosphere is pure Arizona. It’s the only minor or winter league in the country that combines players from all 30 Major League organizations; each team playing within 30 miles of the others. There are no major headlines; only repetition, correction, and the belief that persistence will pay off.

The league’s legacy stretches far beyond the minor leagues. Even Michael Jordan once played for the Scottsdale Scorpions while briefly pursuing baseball... a reminder that greatness in any form begins with humility and hard work. That same drive runs through every player who steps onto an Arizona Fall League field.

THE SEASON BETWEEN SEASONS

Jack Hurley, a 22-year-old outfielder in the Diamondbacks organization, saw the Fall League as both a challenge and a reminder of why he started.

“I still have a lot of work to do to get to the next level. That is the whole process of the minor leagues. I put my trust into the Diamondbacks and their developers and just try to become a better baseball player every day.”

Raised in State College, Pennsylvania, Jack learned early from his father, who played at Penn State, what it means to work for something bigger than yourself.

“My dad and my mom shaped me into who I am. All the credit to them.”

After his years at Virginia Tech, Jack carried that same mindset into professional baseball.

“Whoever wanted to take me, I was going to be full of gratitude. I’m just glad I am with the Diamondbacks.”

His fall was focused on staying healthy, fine-tuning his swing, and soaking up every bit of knowledge from the players ahead of him.

Practicing at Salt River Fields gave him the chance to learn from big-leaguers up close.

“I got to pick Corbin Carroll’s brain. We talked about approach and scouting. That stuff sticks with you.”

As the year winds down, Jack is already setting his sights on what is next.

“There were a lot of ups and downs. I want to focus on the ups and learn from the downs. Swinging at the right pitches, getting the ball in the air, and having fun competing. I am optimistic heading into next year.”

PHOENIX VALLEY SOCCER CLUB

Kyle Amendt

Kyle Amendt, a right-handed pitcher in the same organization, understands that mindset. His journey included junior col lege in Iowa, a transfer to Dallas Baptist University, and a torn UCL that forced him to sit out an entire year. That experi ence reshaped his view of success.

“I missed three months this year with a shoulder injury, so proving that I can stay ready means everything.”

His pregame ritual is quiet and simple.

“Before a game, I get in the hot tub, make a ham and cheese sandwich, listen to worship music, and read my Bible. Then it’s game time.”

He still remembers the feeling of closing out a one-run championship game in college.

“I struck the last guy out on a fastball up in the zone. Everyone ran out of the dugout. It was awesome.”

The moment is a reminder of why he keeps going.

“It’s all the little decisions that build into the big ones. This is a game that not a lot of people get to play, so every day you just stay thankful.”

The Arizona Fall League remains a mirror for baseball’s truth; no shortcuts, only moments to prove yourself.

For Jack and Kyle, the Fall League was more than development. It was a lesson in patience and perspective; a reminder that progress is built through habits, not hype. As the new year begins, the message endures: stay consistent, stay healthy, and keep going. The fields may be quiet now, but spring training will soon return to the Valley, and the dream keeps moving closer to reality.

Exhausted from holding it all together?

You’re strong. You’ve always figured it out.

But lately… mornings start with stress instead of ease. And decisions you used to make confidently now come with doubt.

Your body feels the weight of responsibility.

Your patience is thin.

And it’s getting harder to hide how much this is taking from you.

Most women tell me the same thing in our first conversation:

“I can’t believe I’m saying this out loud.”

And by the end:

“I feel lighter; things finally make sense.”

This isn’t about pretending you’re fine. It’s about taking your life back... one aligned choice at a time.

Age Less. Live More.

-Alaine Nolt

Ready to create calm and clarity in your life?

Call or text now to schedule your complimentary Breakthrough Session.

Text: 719-238-4635 | www.alainenolt.com

Alaine Nolt is a transformational coach who helps individuals 45+ move from burnout to clarity Through personalized coaching and lifestyle design, she helps clients reclaim their energy, create meaningful change, and experience more peace and purpose in their lives.

NOW is the perfect time.

Play & Stay offers a curated, supervised space for ages 0–6 to learn and play.

Work & Stay sits just steps away, providing parents a quiet lounge with private offices, coffee, and livestream peace of mind.

www.playandstayaz.com | (480) 278-7769 9159 E Talking Stick Wy, Scottsdale, AZ

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DERRICK SPENCER

Christmas With The Murrays

KYLER’S MOM SHARES HEARTFELT MEMORIES OF FAITH, FAMILY, AND FOOTBALL

It’s Christmas morning in the Murray house, and Missy can still picture it perfectly.

“I see pure joy wrapped in red and green. Kyler running into the living room in his pajamas, wide-eyed with excitement, surrounded by warmth, laughter, and family. Kevin and I on the couch with coffee, watching him take it all in, always grateful and thoughtful even as a child.”

For the Murrays, Christmas was never about the biggest gifts under the tree.

“Absolutely, it was the most wonderful time of the year. It was a time of togetherness and gratitude. We didn’t focus on material things. It was about being present, celebrating faith, and remembering how fortunate we were.”

Some memories stand out, like the year Kyler got a basketball hoop for the driveway.

“He couldn’t wait to try it out, but the first thing he did was invite his sister to play with him. That gift summed him up. Competitive, joyful, and kind-hearted.”

The holidays were a time of tradition, tree decorating, Christmas music, baking cookies, and giving back as a family.

“We always donated a gift together. It was important to us that our kids understood the meaning of giving.”

Around the dinner table, there was laughter, faith, and home cooking.

“We had turkey, mac and cheese, green beans, sweet potatoes, and pie. We would pray together, share what we were thankful for, and enjoy the comfort of being together. It was simple but meaningful.”

Football, of course, was always part of the day.

“HE COULDN’T WAIT TO TRY IT OUT, BUT THE FIRST THING HE DID WAS INVITE HIS SISTER TO PLAY WITH HIM. THAT GIFT SUMMED HIM UP. COMPETITIVE, JOYFUL, AND KIND-HEARTED.”

“Between bowl games on TV and throwing the ball in the yard, football was part of Christmas. Kyler’s love for the game showed early. He was always moving, competing, and smiling.”

Now that Kyler is grown and playing under bright NFL lights, Christmas looks a little different, but the spirit remains the same.

“It’s evolved with his schedule, but the heart of it hasn’t changed. Whether we’re together in person or over FaceTime, we keep the same traditions, family, faith, food, and gratitude. The location may change, but the love does not.”

Watching her son live out his dream has been both humbling and surreal.

“From backyard games to the NFL stage, we’ve watched him stay true to himself and his values. As parents, we’re proud not just of his success but of the man he’s become.”

Game days still bring nerves, no matter how many times she’s sat in the stands.

“Always a little. That mom instinct never goes away. I cheer, I pray, and I take in every moment, proud and grateful to watch him do what he loves.”

From the stands, Missy watches with two hearts, one as a mother, one as a fan.

“I see my son, the person, but also the athlete. I’m proud of his professionalism, his leadership, and his heart. Every game reminds me how far he’s come.”

Provided: Maxx MGMT

QUESTIONS WI TH CHEFADRIA

In true PVCL fashion, every month we play a game of 21 Questions with an esteemed Valley chef. This month, we’re spot-

lighting Chef Adrian, who leads the kitchen at Catch Scottsdale. Catch Scottsdale is now open at Fashion Square, bringing the signature style, spirit, and vibrant energy of CATCH to the heart of the Valley.

The 12,000-square-foot restaurant features a globally inspired menu of seafood, sushi, and steak, paired with an energetic vibe and elevated service. Signature dishes like the iconic Catch Roll, Truffle Sashimi, and Wagyu Fried Rice join a premium sushi program sourced directly from Tokyo’s Toyosu Market and the interactive Japanese Wagyu Hot Rock experience. Guests can also enjoy handcrafted cocktails, a bespoke martini service, and a curated selection of globally sourced wines.

Here’s the lowdown, straight from Chef Adrian.

1:1 with the Chef Behind Scottsdale’s Catch of the Valley PHOTOGRAPHY BY

1. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST THOUGHT WHEN YOU HEARD CATCH WAS COMING TO SCOTTSDALE AND THAT YOU’D BE LEADING THE KITCHEN?

Very excited! As a former ASU Sun Devil, it was thrilling to come back to the Valley.

2. IN THREE WORDS, HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE ENERGY OF CATCH SCOTTSDALE?

Exquisite. Vibrant. Thoughtful.

3. WHAT’S THE ONE DISH THAT PERFECTLY CAPTURES THE VIBE OF THE RESTAURANT?

Truffle Sashimi.

4. YOU’VE LED CULINARY PROGRAMS GENERATING OVER $24 MILLION ANNUALLY. WHAT’S YOUR SECRET TO KEEPING BOTH CREATIVITY AND CONSISTENCY ALIVE AT THAT SCALE?

It starts with a belief bigger than any one person. It’s about collaboration and staying connected to each other.

CONTINUED >

5. WHAT’S THE BIGGEST LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED FROM WORKING IN MICHELIN-STARRED KITCHENS?

Discipline. There are no great restaurants without consistency, and consistency over time beats talent alone.

6. WHAT’S SOMETHING DINERS WOULD BE SURPRISED TO LEARN ABOUT YOU BEHIND THE PASS?

I have had the pleasure of working across a total of 11 Michelin stars.

7. IF WE CAUGHT YOU COOKING AT HOME, WHAT WOULD WE FIND ON THE STOVE?

Steak or fish, but most likely a steak.

8. YOU ACHIEVED A YEAR OF ZERO STAFF TURNOVER. HOW DO YOU KEEP A TEAM MOTIVATED IN AN INDUSTRY KNOWN FOR BURNOUT?

Care. At Catch we are all about our employees, whether that’s special weekly employee meals, healthy drinks and snacks, or monthly programs that highlight employees. We know that in order to be great, it starts with recognition for those who lead by example.

9. WHICH INGREDIENT DO YOU HAVE THE MOST FUN EXPERIMENTING WITH RIGHT NOW?

Because of our relationship with the Toyosu Market, fish at the moment has been our main source of fun.

10. HOW DOES THE SCOTTSDALE DINING SCENE COMPARE TO OTHER CITIES YOU’VE COOKED IN?

I personally feel it’s a unique location with a lot of similarities to Dallas and Los Angeles.

LASTING WELLNESS CENTER

Learn more by reaching out.

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11. WHEN GUESTS WALK INTO CATCH FOR THE FIRST TIME, WHAT DO YOU HOPE THEY FEEL BEFORE THEY EVEN TASTE THE FOOD?

A sense of genuine care. From the warm welcome to the moment your server greets you at the table, we hope guests feel the intent and connection we lead with.

12. HOW DO YOU BALANCE SPECTACLE WITH SUBSTANCE ON THE PLATE?

For us, it starts with intent. While some dishes have a touch of theatrical flair, it’s really about engaging more than just taste and sight. We try to create a full sensory experience that fully immerses the guest in what they see and taste.

13. YOU’VE BEEN CALLED A RISING CHEF. WHAT DOES THAT TITLE MEAN TO YOU?

I guess in some sense a form of validation. But it also reminds me that there is still a lot more work to be done.

14. WHAT’S YOUR PERSONAL “CATCH MOMENT;” A MEMORY FROM THE KITCHEN YOU’LL NEVER FORGET?

There are so many but I would say the opening night of our Miami location. It was a full circle moment of great food, great service, and a great vibe.

15. WHAT ARE THREE MUST-EAT ITEMS ON THE CATCH MENU? Truffle Sashimi, Catch Roll, and Hit Me Cake.

16. WHAT’S THE DISH THAT MOST SURPRISES GUESTS ONCE THEY TRY IT?

The Truffle Mushroom Spaghetti. Even people who say they do not like mushrooms end up loving it once they try it.

17. WHICH ITEM ON THE MENU BEST REPRESENTS YOUR PERSONAL STYLE AS A CHEF?

I would say the Truffle Mushroom Pasta and our Fish section. The Truffle Mushroom Spaghetti represents my past experience — heavy French cooking. Then our Fish section because of our commitment to sustainability and sourcing the best fish possible.

18. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PLATE TO WATCH GUESTS REACT TO WHEN IT HITS THE TABLE?

The Hit Me Cake. It’s a magical moment every time I watch our guests hit it. It reminds me of my kids the first time they got to crack it.

19. WHAT’S THE MOST LUXURIOUS INGREDIENT FEATURED ON THE CATCH SCOTTSDALE MENU RIGHT NOW?

All of the fish we bring in from the Toyosu Market really speaks volumes about our commitment to quality. And all of the Wagyu we serve really makes me proud to work for Catch.

20. HOW OFTEN DO YOU ROTATE OR EVOLVE THE MENU, AND WHAT INSPIRES THOSE CHANGES?

We are always trying new dishes and looking for ways to elevate the guest experience, so it’s important that we’re constantly seeking out new and extraordinary products. Collaboration is where the inspiration comes from; being around each other and exchanging ideas is when we really start cooking with gas.

21. WHAT SEASONAL INGREDIENT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT INCORPORATING NEXT?

Fresh winter truffles. It’s the season for white and black truffles so guests should expect for these to be popping up in our dining rooms very soon.

catchrestaurants.com/ location/catch-scottsdale

Plan. Protect. Empower.

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LEGAL & FINANCIAL MASTERY

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L to R: Matt Gimmelli, Financial Advisor; Teri Kelley, Financial Advisor; Dylan Cooper Hoffman, Financial Advisor; Megan Osbrink, Financial Advisor

AMERICANO CHRISTMAS CRAVINGS

A renewed space, a seasonal shift, and a holiday menu worth savoring

Following a stunning design transformation, The Americano, North Scottsdale’s modern Italianinspired steakhouse, has reopened with a revitalized atmosphere and renewed sense of energy.

The renewed tone carries into the kitchen, where Food Network Chefs Beau MacMillan and Peter McQuaid have crafted a winter menu that balances comfort and creativity.

“Winter, to me, is about slowing down,” says Chef Peter. “It’s the time for food that feels generous and layered.”

That philosophy shows through in every dish.

The Colorado Lamb Shank arrives braised to tenderness, surrounded by porcini braised lentils and coffee roasted carrots, brightened with sage salsa verde and crispy garlic. The Wagyu Beef Cheek Tortellini reveals hours of patience in its red wine braised filling, finished with horseradish, crispy shallots, and a hint of truffle. The Paccheri, a rustic pasta folded with guanciale, slow braised pork sugo, and whipped ricotta, leans into the season’s comfort and warmth.

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY THE AMERICANO

“This season leans into dishes with soul. Sage, rosemary, truffle, and red wine... ingredients that make you want to gather.”

For dessert, indulgence is intentional. The Bourbon Vanilla Cheesecake, topped with caramelized apples and brown butter crumble, captures the cozy sweetness of winter evenings.

“We want our desserts to feel nostalgic and celebratory.”

And the cocktail list will quench your thirst carrying that same sense of balance and seasonality. The Midnight Runner combines Mount Gay Black Barrel rum, coffee infused Meletti, Don Zolio Oloroso sherry, banana, lemon, and nutmeg for a moody, fireside sip. The Isla Lucia brings brightness and spice with Tequila Ocho Blanco, spiced pear liqueur, guava, honey, and lime.

Whether it’s routine screening or complex liver care, Dr. Anil Seetharam brings academic-level precision, a gentle bedside manner, and a passion for prevention.

• Advanced diagnostics and treatment in GI and liver disease

• Colonoscopy and upper endoscopy performed at Scottsdale Endoscopy Center; an award-winning private and efficient facility

• Focused on keeping you healthy before issues arise

• Highly recommended by patients and peers alike

INTRODUCING

MOBILE PEDIATRIC CONCIERGE CARE

New 100% In-Home Pediatric Concierge Membership All ages newborn to 18 Comprehensive pediatric care delivered entirely in your home. Includes all well checks, sick visits, and follow-ups, with office visits available if preferred.

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From Paradise Valley to Paradise Island

Inside The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort, Bahamas

PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE OCEAN CLUB, A FOUR SEASONS RESORT, BAHAMAS

In the 2006 Bond film Casino Royale, Daniel Craig emerged from the turquoise waters of Paradise Island, his footsteps leading across the sand and into legend. That unforgettable scene was filmed at The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort, a setting so iconic it needed no introduction. It was here that Bond ordered his signature Vesper, setting the tone for an era of sophistication and allure.

Today, that spirit lingers in the resort’s Martini Bar, where Keith Cash has been behind the counter for thirty-five years. The world seems to slow as he stirs and strains, recreating the same Vesper that once shimmered on screen or shaking his signature Passionfruit Chili Martini. The bar still hums with that cinematic energy, a place where glamour meets ease and every sip feels like a scene in progress.

Long before it became Bond’s playground, The Ocean Club had already defined Bahamian glamour. That single cinematic moment simply revealed what insiders always knew: this is where timeless grace meets tropical allure.

For more than sixty years, The Ocean Club has been the crown jewel of Paradise Island, Nassau. It sits quietly on thirty-five acres of manicured gardens and pristine shoreline, with just 107 rooms, suites, and villas that promise total privacy. Palm trees sway gently in the breeze, white sands stretch endlessly in both directions, and the water is the color of glassblown aquamarine.

The first impression is sensory. The air carries hints of jasmine and salt. Wooden shutters open to reveal views that dissolve into horizon. Service is instinctive and deeply personal, yet never intrusive. The resort’s story spans decades of royalty, celebrities, and global icons, yet the spirit here remains rooted in serenity and soul.

The centerpiece of the property is its Versaillesinspired garden, a living work of art. Tiered lawns lead to a centuries-old French cloister, marble statues glint in the sunlight, and the air feels still in the most luxurious way. Guests wander slowly here, many barefoot, drawn by the sound of fountains and the promise of ocean beyond.

The dining experience is as legendary as the view. DUNE by Jean-Georges is the culinary heart of the resort, perched atop a natural bluff overlooking the Atlantic. Bahamian Executive Chef Lester Dean brings a sense of place to Michelin-caliber cuisine, merging French technique with island ingredients. Fresh snapper ceviche, spiny lobster scented with chili and lime, and slow-roasted lamb wrapped in banana leaf feel as indulgent as they do artful.

For something casual yet refined, Ocean Blu offers elegant open-air dining with a Mediterranean twist, while the Pool Terrace Café serves light bites and handcrafted cocktails beside the infinity pool.

The pools are pure poetry. The Ocean Pool unfolds toward the horizon, its infinity edge blending seamlessly into the sea beyond. Guests lounge beneath palm fronds with chilled cocktails in hand as waves whisper just below. The adults-only Versailles Pool sits tucked within the gardens, a sanctuary framed by statuary and stone. Families gravitate to the Lagoon Pool, where zero-entry shallows and cascading waterfalls create a space that feels both playful and serene.

BORN FREE CHARTERS

If The Ocean Club is the crown jewel of Paradise Island, Born Free Charters is the gateway to adventure beyond it. Cruise through turquoise waters on a private speedboat, exploring hidden cays, snorkeling coral reefs, and swimming with the world-famous pigs. Each journey blends luxury, island spirit, and pure Bahamian magic. bornfreecharters.com

Beyond the water, active travelers find their rhythm. Tennis players have access to three Har-Tru courts with lessons available, while golfers can tee off at the adjacent Ocean Club Golf Course, an eighteen-hole championship layout designed by Tom Weiskopf. The fairways unfold like green ribbons along the sea, offering views so stunning they almost distract from the game.

Adventure extends beyond the resort as well. Diving and snorkeling excursions reveal vibrant coral reefs. Luxury yacht charters and deep-sea fishing trips offer open-water thrills. Boutique shopping and entertainment are nearby, yet The Ocean Club always feels worlds away.

Families are beautifully woven into the experience. The complimentary Kids For All Seasons program invites children ages four to twelve to explore island life through art projects, nature walks, and hands-on adventures that spark imagination. It is a space of discovery and joy, where young guests connect with the natural world while adults rediscover the art of slowing down.

Guests of The Ocean Club also enjoy complimentary access to the neighboring Atlantis Resort, just a few minutes away by car with private Four Seasons transportation included. Families can spend the day racing down waterslides, floating through lazy rivers, and exploring one of the world’s largest marine habitats. After a fun-filled day, families can return to the calm embrace of The Ocean Club, where seclusion and stillness wait beneath the palms. It is the best of both worlds, a day of adventure followed by an evening of peace.

The rooms and suites reflect the hues of the island itself, soft coral, sun-washed sand, and pale aqua. The recently refreshed Crescent Wing features sweeping ocean views from private terraces, while the Hartford Wing offers a serene garden escape centered around a fountain courtyard. For the ultimate stay, the resort’s beachfront villas and bungalows feature private plunge pools and pathways that lead directly to the sand. Hammocks line the lawns, swaying gently in the breeze and inviting guests to linger between sea and sky.

fourseasons.com/oceanclub

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Cocopah’s Best of 2025

The verdict is in: Cocopah students share their 2025 faves as we wrap up the year

ARTICLE BY COCOPAH MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT COUNCIL

As 2025 comes to a close, we asked Cocopah Middle School’s student council to take the lead and poll the school. With the principal’s green-light, sixth, seventh, and eighth graders weighed in on the Best of 2025, sharing their favorites across sports, style, music, and more. Want to dive inside the minds of middle schoolers? The student council gathered the responses, tallied the votes, and here’s what they found.

Does your middle or high school Student Council want to contribute? We love supporting young journalists. Email nadine.bubeck@citylifestyle.com

Corbin Carroll came out on top, with plenty of support for Cristiano Ronaldo, Devin Booker, LeBron James, Saquon Barkley, and basketballer Paige Bueckers.

Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers took first place for best burger, followed by Chick-fil-A, Chipotle, and In-N-Out.

Benson Boone led the playlists, with Kendrick Lamar and Drake close behind.

Student favorites included Quarterback, F1, Happy Gilmore 2, K-Pop Demon Hunters, Outer Banks, and SpongeBob.

The smiley, skull, and crying faces topped text threads across campus.

ASU earned top marks for school spirit, with Alabama and Ohio State close behind. U of A also made a strong showing among fans.

Baggy jeans ruled, with oversized and boxy fits taking over the hallways. Athletic wear stayed strong as an everyday staple, and as for favorite store, Brandy Melville was the clear winner.

ATHLETE OF 2025

FAVORITE ARIZONA RESTAURANT TOP MUSIC ARTIST TOP SHOW OR MOVIE MOST USED EMOJI

FAVORITE COLLEGE FOR SPORTS FASHION TREND OF THE YEAR

James Patrick Photography

Young Buck Sports Management

Credit: Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers

Purely PVCL

This Month in PVCL

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH VITEL PHOTOGRAPHY

YOU’RE INVITED...

PVCL AND CHEF JOEY MAGGIORE

LIGHT UP HANUKKAH ITALIAN STYLE

Join the PVCL family and Chef Joey himself for Latkes, Dreidels & Light, an all-inclusive family-friendly evening filled with laughter, love, some latkes, and a little Italian chutzpah.

December 16 | Starts at 5:30 p.m. | Menorah lighting at 6:15 p.m.

If you’re reading this, you’re invited. Bring the fam!

The Delicatessen by Chef Joey Maggiore 12811 N Tatum Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85032

NOW WITH NADINE PODCAST

Each week, our PVCL owner and publisher Nadine Bubeck takes you beyond the pages of the magazine through her nationally syndicated podcast, Now with Nadine. Spanning athletes, actors, and esteemed entrepreneurs, every episode offers a candid, behind-the-scenes look at their journeys, challenges, and triumphs.

New to the pod: Gene Simmons, AQ Shipley and The Pratt Brothers.

Now streaming everywhere!

PVCL HOLIDAY PERKS

For the month of December only

Swysh Den

Enjoy your first basketball training session free when you mention PVCL.

Tom Gilleon Gift Collection

10% off jigsaw puzzles and greeting cards from the Tom Gilleon Gift Collection.

Use code PVCL at checkout: kingarts.co/collections/gift-shop

Southwest Spine and Sports

Receive a complimentary first session of EMsculpt (an $850 value) when you mention PVCL.

Larry Smith Fitness

Looking to stay strong through the holidays? Mention PVCL for a group class special with one of the Valley’s best.

Pure Glow Biltmore

Mention PVCL and get an extra $10 off.

Garage Boutique & Concept Store

Mention PVCL and receive 10% off your purchase.

Myranda Fine Jewelry

Mention PVCL and enjoy 20% off natural diamond stud earrings.

Sydney G Salon

Get $50 off your next service at Sydney G Salon when you mention PVCL after your appointment.

D1 Arcadia

Mention PVCL for 25% off your first month at D1 Arcadia.

Arcadia Sample Sale

At the next in-person Arcadia Sample Sale, mention PVCL for 10% off.

Ho Holidays at Hotel Valley Ho

Lace up for the season’s most festive roller rink experience as the iconic OH Pool transforms into a retro winter wonderland. Tickets are free for hotel guests and $25 for locals.

As The Seasons Change, So Are We.

We’re thrilled to share our new chapter as Preferred Plastic Surgery, now located at 8994 E Desert Cove Avenue in Scottsdale.

Dr. Samuel DeVictor is not just a facial plastic surgeon; he’s a dedicated practitioner who views his profession as an art form.

Now partnering with Dr. Marc Malek, Dr. DeVictor’s practice has expanded into a beautiful new facility featuring a state-of-the-art surgery center & Med Spa.

(480) 551-2040

New name. New space. Same trusted care.