GERBER INJURY LAW
The Arizona Personal Injury Law Firm Where Everybody Knows Your Name
At Gerber Injury Law, our commitment to excellence extends far beyond the courtroom. We are not just a law firm; we are a ded icated member of the community we serve. Our passion for justice is paralleled by our deep-rooted commitment to making a positive impact in our local community.
How Can Our Lawyers Help You?
Hiring a Phoenix personal injury lawyer to oversee your case can be the best decision you make after an accident. You cannot tru st an insurance company to handle your claim fairly unless you have a lawyer p rotecting your best interests. Insurance companies are more interested in their bo ttom line than your recovery.
“I Remain Committed To The Highest In Client Service.”
– Ken Gerber
Request Your Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has been injured, don’t hesitate to contact our attorneys today!
When you get into an accident, you need professiona ls you trust to see you through to the other side. Insurance companies, cla ims adjusters, and bill collectors may bombard you with phone calls in the aftermath of an accident – all while you are trying to deal with personal injuries and emotional distress. A local lawyer that knows the roads in Surprise is key. Hir ing a Surprise, Arizona trial lawyer can help you successfully resolve your case and obtain the compensation you need to move forward.
At Gerber Injury Law, we have helped clients achieve justice and fair recoveries for their injuries for nearly 30 years. Clients throughout Arizona trust us with their most complex cases.
“You’re more than a client, you’re family.”
-Mgean Gerber
Celebrating The Little Things
November always feels like a season of reflection. As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, we’re reminded to slow down and take notice of what truly matters. Gratitude doesn’t have to be complicated, it’s often found in the people who surround us. The laughter of friends gathered in the living room, the quiet support of family during challenging days, or even a simple phone call that brightens an afternoon, these are the gifts that give this season its meaning. This issue is about celebrating those connections. Inside, you’ll discover inspiring stories that honor community, features that highlight ways to nurture relationships, and thoughtful pieces designed to help you approach the season with presence and joy. November is also a time to acknowledge not just what we have, but who we have. Those who walk beside us, cheer us on, and remind us that we are never alone. As we move into the heart of the holiday season, may you find yourself surrounded by love, lifted by friendship, and grounded in gratitude for the little moments that make life full.
SAVANNAH MORELLO, PUBLISHER ASSISTANT @SURPRISECITYLIFESTYLE
November 2025
PUBLISHER
Faith Morello | faith.morello@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Savannah Morello | savannah.morello@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Kylie Strawn-Badger
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Fighter Country Foundation, Lisa Roux
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad
LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
Kohler Bathroom Design
Saddle Mountain Brewing Company - Raising money for first responders
Brews with the Bravest Beer Festival hits Goodyear Ballpark on November 22! They have live music all day, food trucks, shopping vendors, fine line tattoos, and a kids’ corner alongside the collab brew. Saddle Mountain Brewing has made over $10,000 for Goodyear firefighters in under 2 years! Proceeds benefit firefighters statewide, for the whole family, while supporting Arizona’s bravest!
Photography by John Acosta
AZ Wax & Glow, bringing expert skincare and beauty services to the community! Licensed aesthetician McKenna graduated from WestMEC’s Aesthetics program after mentorship and training, she’s passionate about helping clients feel their best. They offer facials, waxing, and even permanent jewelry. Outside the studio, Stacey enjoys nail care, long walks with her pups, and quality time with her sisters, boyfriend, and family. Step into AZ Wax & Glow for confidence, care, and a radiant glow!
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Photography by AZ Wax & Glow
Desert Farm LightsBack For Another Season
Bring family and friends for a magical holiday experience at Desert Farm Lights. Explore over 20 attractions, including the Candy Cane Maze, Jolly Journey Train, Santa photos, carousel rides, giant slides, fire pits, the Grinch Lair, and live entertainment. With dozens of photo opportunities and festive fun for all ages, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the season together!
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ARTICLE BY KYLIE STRAWN-BADGER
Where to give locally
WE’VE ROUNDED UP OUR TOP 6 PLACES FOR GIVING BACK
Benevilla
Recognizing that caring for older adults extends to the entire family, this 501(c)(3) nonprofit serves seniors, caregivers, and families through adult day services, family support, and volunteer outreach, remaining a vital part of the West Valley community.
Fighter Country Foundation West Valley Mavericks
With a mission to enhance the West Valley, this 501(c)(3) nonprofit advances four pillars: charity, community, culture, and commerce, fostering giving, local support, and growth to create a vibrant, prosperous future for generations to come
Hope’s Closet
A social enterprise thrift store owned by New Life Center, this 501(c)(3) nonprofit provides free clothing and furnishings for shelter residents while proceeds fund operations supporting families and survivors of domestic violence.
Dedicated to enhancing the morale, well-being, culture, tradition, and sustainability of Luke Air Force Base, this 501(c)(3) nonprofit works with base leadership to support airmen, their families, and the programs that strengthen their community.
Packages From Home
Serving active-duty U.S. military stationed or deployed overseas, including K9 teams, as well as homeless, transitioning, and at-risk veterans, this organization provides requested food, hygiene, and entertainment items to boost morale, improve quality of life, and show appreciation.
A DEFINING MOMENT that changed everything
HOW ONE LIFE-ALTERING DAY SPARKED RESILIENCE, GRATITUDE, AND GREATER PURPOSE
ARTICLE BY KYLIE STRAWN-BADGER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LISA ROUX
At Shooter’s World, every lane tells a story, one built on discipline, service, and second chances. But for owners Phil and Lisa Roux, one moment on a February afternoon in 2021 became the defining chapter, turning tragedy into purpose, pain into progress, and survival into a calling.
It began with a conversation that seemed casual at the time. Phil, a lifelong motorcycle enthusiast, struck up a chat with a Ducati representative who happened to be one of the brand’s lead designers. They swapped stories about bikes and performance, and Phil halfjoked about improvements he’d make to a certain model. Months later, he got a call from his friend John Lester at RideNow Chandler. “Hey Phil, I’ve got a motorcycle here with your name on it.” Phil was stunned. The Ducati designer had followed through. That afternoon, Phil drove to RideNow, signed the papers, and rode home on his brand-new bike. It wasn’t his first motorcycle; Phil is always buying and selling bikes, but this one felt special. It felt like a reward, a nod to years of hard work building Shooter’s World into one of Arizona’s premier shooting destinations.
The next afternoon, February 6th, he decided to take it out again. Business at the Peoria range was booming, and after helping the team through a busy stretch, Phil wanted to log a few easy miles before heading to Cabela’s. The sun was out, the roads were clear—it felt like freedom. But just a few miles from the range, everything changed. Heading down Northern Avenue, Phil spotted a truck that had lost its trailer, blocking traffic. With his background in law enforcement, he didn’t hesitate
to stop and help. Along with three other men, he started lifting the trailer back into place. In seconds, tragedy struck. An 18-year-old driver, impaired and impatient, swerved around traffic and collided with a parked trailer, striking four men working nearby. Phil was critically injured and rushed to the hospital, where a team of specialists worked tirelessly to save his life.
As he fought to stay conscious, Phil made one final phone call, just to hear his wife Lisa’s voice. “All I could say was, ‘I’m sorry. I got hit,’” he remembers.
After multiple surgeries and weeks in intensive care, Phil faced an uphill battle. Doctors warned his recovery would take months in a wheelchair. But Phil refused to accept those odds. With Lisa by his side every step of the way, advocating for his care and providing unwavering support, he pushed forward with determination.
Three weeks later, Phil stood for the first time. A few weeks after that, he walked. By June 2021, he attended his son’s wedding without a cane.
seasoned shooters alike find a safe, welcoming environment guided by expert staff.
The accident also unlocked a new mission: Southwest Armor Technologies (SWAT Armor). Before the crash, Phil had been developing innovations in body armor alongside his business partner, Travis Leibold, Chief Strategy Officer of SWAT Armor and a 10-year Operations Manager and head buyer for Shooter’s World. After the accident, Phil and Travis joined forces with Dr. Richard Sue, the pulmonologist who helped save Phil’s life and also a Phoenix SWAT surgeon and Navy Lieutenant Commander. Together, they are designing next-generation armor to reduce blunt trauma and save lives, work that has already earned multiple patents and national attention. “I survived for a reason,” Phil says. “Now I get to use that reason to protect others.”
“That day didn’t end our story. It gave it new meaning.”
— Lisa Roux
“Pain became progress,” Phil says. “Every ache meant I was healing.”
Today, his story stands as a powerful testament to resilience, love, and the strength of the human spirit.
That same spring, still in recovery, Phil and Lisa signed the lease for their next chapter: the Shooter’s World Goodyear location. The retail store opened in October 2021, and the range followed in August 2022. Today, Shooter’s World stands as more than a range, it’s a place where beginners, families, and
Today, the couple balances Shooter’s World and SWAT Armor with two new ventures: FlowState Innovations, a software company launched with business partner Chris Birchby, a 10-year IT and Marketing Director for Shooter’s World; and Subtle Savage, an apparel line inspired by resilience. But the core of everything remains gratitude, for faith, for family, for another chance. “Every day since the accident feels like bonus time,” Lisa says. “We don’t take a single moment for granted.” From that surprise call at RideNow to a recovery that defied the odds, Phil’s story isn’t just about surviving. It’s about transformation, of perspective, of purpose, and of what it means to live fully. “That day didn’t end our story,” Lisa adds. “It gave it new meaning.”
The Merchantile of Scottsdale 3965 North Brown Ave Scottsdale, AZ 85251
The Merchantile of Phoenix 730 E Missouri Ave Phoenix, AZ 85014
The Merchantile of 5th Ave 7046 E 5th Ave Scottsdale, AZ 85251
THE PERFECT FALL TREAT
ACORN DONUT HOLES
ARTICLE BY MADELINE LEBLANC
As the vibrant colors of summer slowly yield to the warm and earthy hues of autumn, there’s a distinct charm in the air at the arrival of fall. It’s a season filled with the crisp rustling of leaves, cozy sweaters, and the promise of pumpkin-spiced everything. What better way to embrace the changing seasons than by indulging in a delightful treat that captures the essence of both summer’s sweetness and fall’s rich flavors?
My recipe for “Acorn Donut Holes” combines the light, airy sweetness of summer donuts with the warm, comforting tones of fall. Grab your ingredients and let’s get started!
Ingredients:
• Donut holes
• Melting chocolates
• Fall sprinkles
• Pretzels
Instructions:
1. Pour your fall sprinkles into a small bowl for dipping. Lay wax paper down.
2. In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the melting chocolates in the microwave, about 15-20 seconds. Carefully watch to ensure they don’t burn.
3. Dip the top of each donut hole into the melted chocolate, covering about halfway down the donut.
4. After dipping, immediately dip the chocolate-covered portion of the donut hole into the bowl of sprinkles, coating it with the fall sprinkles.
5. Insert a pretzel into the top of the “acorn” to create the acorn stem.
6. Carefully place the decorated acorn donut holes on the wax paper to let them cool and allow the chocolate to set.
7. Once the chocolate has hardened, your acorn donut holes are ready to enjoy!
These delightful treats are perfect for fall and make for a fun and tasty dessert or snack. Enjoy!
letter from the PUBLISHER
As the crisp air settles in and the holiday season draws near, I find myself reflecting on all that I am grateful for. This month’s issue is especially dear to my heart, as it is centered around the simple yet powerful theme of thankfulness. I am thankful every day for the gift of creating this magazine, a place where stories, inspiration, and community come together. I’m deeply grateful to our partners who help bring this community together. Your support, collaboration, and trust mean the world to us. We are truly grateful for the role you play in our journey, and we look forward to continuing to grow and succeed together. And you, our readers, who make this journey meaningful and possible. Your continued support is what truly allows us to continue growing and sharing. I am endlessly grateful for my loving husband and daughters, whose kindness, strength, and spirit fill my life with purpose and happiness. Their love and the bond we share are blessings I cherish every day. I am also deeply thankful for the family and friends who surround us with unwavering support, joy, and encouragement. Together, they remind me how truly rich life is when filled with love and gratitude. As you turn through these pages, I hope you find a moment to pause, reflect, and celebrate the blessings in your own life, both big and small. May this season remind us all that gratitude has the power to brighten even the simplest of days.
Faith Morello, Publisher
HOW COMMUNITY, COMPASSION, AND TRADITION STRENGTHEN THE MISSION AT LUKE AIR FORCE BASE.
Beyond the Flight Line
ARTICLE BY KYLIE STRAWN-BADGER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY FIGHTER COUNTRY FOUNDATION
Missions succeed not just because of skill, but because of the people and the community that stand behind them.
At the heart of the West Valley, Luke Air Force
Base stands as a symbol of precision, progress, and purpose. Known as the Air Force’s premier training center for the F-35, Luke is home to seven active F-35 squadrons and hosts several international partners. Each day, the base buzzes with activity, from the roar of takeoffs to the steady rhythm of training that prepares pilots for missions worldwide.
While Luke’s mission is global, its heart is local. The base supports a powerful economic and cultural presence in Arizona, serving thousands of airmen, their families, and retirees. With over 127,000 medical beneficiaries, 573 dorm rooms, and a Child Development Center serving 234 children, Luke operates like a small city, one dedicated to readiness, service, and community.
Supporting that mission behind the scenes is the Fighter Country Foundation, a one-of-a-kind nonprofit focused exclusively on enhancing the quality of life for Luke’s airmen, their families, and base personnel. The organization partners closely with base leadership to meet needs that military budgets often can’t, bridging the gap between duty and daily life.
Fighter Country’s initiatives are both impactful and heartfelt. The beloved Pilot for a Day program gives children a once-in-a-lifetime experience as an honorary fighter pilot, complete with flight suits, call signs, and keepsake photos. Seasonal traditions, such as the Dorm Dweller Holiday Party, bring joy and connection to young airmen far from
home. At the same time, financial education workshops, family retreats, and care package drives support service members during every season of life, including the airmen deployed this holiday season. These programs are more than gestures; they are lifelines of encouragement and reminders that the community stands firmly behind those who serve.
Beyond programming, the Foundation invests in projects that create lasting change across the base. Under the guidance of its board members, Fighter Country has funded shaded dining areas for maintainers working on the flight line, upgraded staff spaces at the Child Development Center, and transformed unused facilities into essential spaces, like the newly opened on-base food pantry, providing everyday support to airmen and their families.
One significant project stemmed from a simple yet powerful observation: one of the new fighter squadron buildings lacked a bar, a crucial gathering space deeply rooted in Air Force tradition. Historically, these squadron bars have been where pilots debrief after flights, share lessons, honor fallen comrades, and build the camaraderie essential to their mission. Recognizing the importance of preserving that tradition, Fighter Country Foundation stepped in to design and build a bar within the squadron. More than just a place to gather, it now serves as a hub for mentorship, connection, and culture, where new pilots learn from seasoned instructors and where the bonds that define military brotherhood and sisterhood are strengthened beyond the flight line.
The Foundation’s most ambitious effort to date is now underway: a $2.4 million, 7,000-square-foot Honor Guard facility designed to serve as one of only two regional training headquarters in the Air Force. Once complete, the building will provide the 33-member Luke Honor Guard, which performs more than 1,300 ceremonies each year, including 1,100 military funerals, a dedicated home to train, prepare, and honor those who have served. For years, the Honor Guard has worked from temporary and shared spaces; this facility will finally provide the dignified environment their solemn mission deserves.
Each project reflects the Foundation’s philosophy: to identify where needs intersect with opportunities and to respond with compassion, creativity, and lasting impact. From infrastructure improvements to morale-boosting programs, every initiative is designed to make life at Luke not only manageable but meaningful.
Luke Air Force Base continues to expand its impact both in the skies and on the ground. Pilots here learn not only to fly the world’s most advanced aircraft but also to lead with excellence, teamwork, and integrity. Training at Luke prepares them to handle
high-pressure missions, foster international cooperation, and carry forward the Air Force’s proud legacy of innovation and courage.
From advanced flight operations and global partnerships to local engagement and economic development, Luke remains a cornerstone of Arizona’s identity and a source of national pride. The presence of the base strengthens the region’s infrastructure and fosters connections between the military and civilian communities through events, volunteerism, and mutual respect.
Together, Luke Air Force Base and the Fighter Country Foundation represent a partnership built on purpose, one that blends strength with compassion. As the base trains the next generation of fighter pilots, the Foundation ensures their families and communities have the support, resources, and sense of belonging they need to thrive.
From the roar of engines overhead to the quiet acts of service behind the scenes, this collaboration proves that missions succeed not just because of skill, but because of the people and the community that stand behind them.
Every initiative is designed to make life at Luke not only manageable but meaningful.
H O P E
Begins with YOU
The holidays have a way of calling us back to what matters most—faith, family, compassion, and the quiet but powerful act of giving. As lights go up and calendars fill, there are still many who sit in silence, carrying burdens too heavy to bear alone. But what if this season, you could be the spark that changes everything for someone else?
The founders of City Lifestyle, through their private foundation, are once again launching its annual Christmas Giving Campaign—a heartfelt effort to seek out and support individuals and families who have quietly fallen through the cracks. The mission is simple: to bring light, dignity, and hope to those who need it most.
Since its beginning just four years ago, this initiative has grown from a humble idea into a life-changing movement. Last Christmas alone, more than 200 families across the country received unexpected support—financial relief, but also something even more powerful.
“We don’t just send checks,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”
Together with City Lifestyle President Matthew Perry, Steven has helped shape this into a tradition that goes far beyond charity. “This is about community,” Matthew adds. “We believe we’ve been blessed, so now we get to be a blessing.”
Every story begins with a nomination. Often, it’s a neighbor, coworker, friend, or teacher—someone who’s been quietly carrying too much for too long. One past recipient, after receiving unexpected support during a time of deep personal struggle, wrote:
SCAN TO NOMINATE
“We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”
“Beyond the very practical solution of receiving funds to fix my car, this thing you guys worked together to do is bigger than that. I carry the Christmas card you sent in my purse. When things get really hard, I pull it out and remember what it felt like to be seen. That card represents hope— that change for the better is possible. I’m not sure how many people get to carry hope around in their purse. But I do.”
Another wrote in after her husband was diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer and unable to work:
“This support has blessed our family not only financially, but emotionally and spiritually as we trust God to meet our needs throughout this difficult time. Thank you to our anonymous friend and to your foundation. What a joy and gift to be part of God’s family!”
Each year brings countless stories like these—real lives touched by simple acts of kindness. Some use the funds to pay overdue bills, others to afford groceries, medication, or repairs. But no matter the circumstance, the impact is the same: hope is restored.
This season, you have the opportunity to be part of that. The campaign is now open to nominations—completely confidential and prayerfully considered. Whether it’s someone battling illness, facing unemployment, or just in need of a helping hand, you can bring them a moment of grace that will ripple far beyond Christmas morning.
“Knowing my mom was chosen filled my heart with indescribable joy,” said another past recipient. “Your generosity doesn’t just brighten her life; it inspires hope and faith in all of us. It enables her to stay in her home and get back on her feet.”
Nominations are open from November 1st to December 5th, 2025. To submit someone you know, simply scan the QR code or visit @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the nomination form in the bio.
This holiday season, let’s give more than gifts. Let’s give each other the gift of being seen. Because sometimes, the smallest gesture becomes someone’s greatest miracle.
To nominate someone in need, visit: KingdomBuildingFoundation.org or scan the QR code.
NOVEMBER 2025
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
NOVEMBER 2ND
Nascar Championships
Phoenix Raceway | 7602 Jimmie Johnson Dr., Avondale, AZ | 1:00 PM
Experience the thrill of the last NASCAR Cup Series Championship at Phoenix Raceway before it moves to a new track. Don’t just watch history be there.The NASCAR Championships are coming to Phoenix Raceway. Witness the roar, the rivalries, and the crowning of a champion live!
NOVEMBER 8TH
Margarita Madness
Mark Coronado Park | 15960 N Bullard Ave., Surprise, AZ | 4:00 PM
Margaritas, food, music, shopping, and fun. What more can you ask for? Food trucks, live music, axe throwing, bounce houses, Photo Booth, a petting zoo and so much more! Bring your family and friends and enjoy the night.
NOVEMBER 11TH
Surprise Veteran’s Day Parade
15960 N Bullard Ave., | Surprise, AZ, 10:00 AM
Come cheer on community floats, bands, dancers, and more! Enjoy food trucks, inflatables and yard games, beer garden, a live band, and so much more. This year’s event has been expanded to celebrate and honor our veterans in a big way while continuing the countdown to America’s 250th birthday. Don’t miss this special community tradition!
NOVEMBER 18TH
Festival Of Trees Prescott
Sam Hill Warehouse | 232 N Granite St., Prescott, AZ 86301 | 6:00 PM
Come see the beautifully decorated forest of Christmas trees and wreaths. You can shop the trees and wreaths, vote for your favorites, visit with Santa, and make craft ornaments. Come and see the beautiful Christmas trees and wreaths this November!
CONTINUED
NOVEMBER 21ST
Desert Farm Lights
14629 W Peoria Ave., Surprise | 5:00 PM
Step into holiday magic with over 20+ attractions including Candy Cane Maze, Santa photos, train rides, giant slides, carousel, live entertainment, fire pits, and more! Enjoy wagon rides, cookie decorating and festive treats like hot cocoa, and s’mores. A night of lights, laughter, and family fun in the desert!
NOVEMBER 22ND
Brews With The BravestSaddle Mountain Brewing Company
1933 S Ballpark Way, Lot #4, Goodyear, AZ 85338 | 2:00 PM
Join us for Brews with the Bravest Festival — a day of craft beer, food trucks, live music, shopping, kids fun, and firefighter competitions! Proceeds will benefit the Arizona Firefighter’s Foundation. Celebrate community, and cheer on Arizona’s bravest. Enjoy a festival full of energy, and pride.
