Issuu

ENTERTAINMENT

TEM PE’ S BEST-KEPT SECRETS A R T S + C U LT U R E

ART GALLERI ES TO KNOW LI F E + C U LTU R E

A N EW HO M E FO R TH E ATER

D E C E M B E R 2 02 3

Custom Closets Organization Systems Design & Installation

LB CLOSETS

We Design Closet Organization Systems that Shift Your Home from Cluttered Chaos to a Peaceful Paradise. We provide 3D renderings for your custom closets, office, pantry or garage! Locally family owned and operated, since 1996.

20% OFF. Schedule Your Free Design Consultation Today lbclosets.com | 602.962.9741 | 1750 S. Feliz, Tempe, Arizona 85281

LIFESTYLE LETTER

Hello, Tempe!

December 2023 PUBLISHER

Wendy Bates wendy.bates@citylifestyle.com EDITOR

Hello, Tempe! Last month on this page you met Wendy Bates, the amazing owner and publisher of Tempe City Lifestyle. I am honored to work with Wendy to help her put together this magazine each month as its editor. My role is to help find and bring you all the amazing news, stories, and unique insights into Tempe as we can. We are very excited to do that! Tempe is an amazing place, filled with amazing people and businesses. While we’re out meeting so many of you and scoping out interesting stories, we’d also love to hear from you. My inbox is always open! For this issue, we asked some residents to share what they think is Tempe’s best-kept secret. Read their answers on page 14. We also share news about Tempe Center for the Arts and Arizona Theatre Company, Pronto by Serrano’s, and more. As for me personally, I know exactly what Tempe’s best-kept secret is—you. Thank you for being part of this community and this magazine. We look forward to being part of your lives for many years to come. Happy December and happy holidays!

Michelle Glicksman michelle.glicksman@citylifestyle.com

Yours, MICHELLE GLICKSMAN, EDITOR @TEMPECIT YLIFEST YLEMAGA ZINE

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh

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

Scan QR code to visit our Instagram CIT YLIFEST YLE.COM/ TEMPE |

Proverbs 3:5-6 Tempe City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Tempe area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Tempe City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the

L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

DECEMBER 2023

inside the issue The Holidays & Giving Issue

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

14 What is Tempe’s Best-Kept Secret?

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Locally Sourced ENT ERTA I NM E N T

Open House LI FE + C U LT U R E

Local’s Choice A RTS + C U LT U R E

Hot Spot FO O D + B EV ER AGE

Giving Back LI FE + C U LT U R E

Hosting Tips FO O D + B EV ER AG E

Events

Happy Hour FO O D + B EV ER AG E

We Asked Members of Our Community for Their Thoughts. Here’s What They Had to Say

18 Welcome Home

Arizona Theatre Company Settles in at Tempe Center for the Arts

20 Artfully Enticing

Art Galleries in Tempe Showcase Thought-Provoking Works and Incredible Talent

24 Fresh, Flavorful, and Familiar

The Serrano Family’s Latest Venture Brings Their Popular Family Recipes to Tempe

DECEMBER 2023

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen. 1

6 CEPAND ALIZADEH

CEPAND ALIZADEH

1-2: The ribbon-cutting for Arizona Theatre Company at Tempe Center for the Arts. 3: Bill and Susan Carlson at the GAIN event at Warner Ranch. 4: Tempe Council Members Berdetta Hodge and Randy Keating at the GAIN event at Warner Ranch. 5: Realtor Brooke Bogart, McGruff the Crime Dog, and Vice Mayor Jennifer Adams at the GAIN event at Warner Ranch. 6: Realtor Brooke Bogart with Keller WIlliams East Valley and Kyrene de las Manitas teacher Lisa Sellers. 7: The NCL East Valley Chapter honored its members for community service provided to a variety of agencies.

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @tempecitylifestylemagazine

C I T Y SC E N E

M A K E YO U R H O M E T H E

merriest of them all with a stunning new floor!

Offering the finest in flooring solutions.

NOW OPEN! AZFLOORINGANDFINISHES.COM 480.200.0068 931 E. ELLIOT ROAD, STE 117 TEMPE, AZ 85284

D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / T E M P E

DECEMBER 2023

business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses. Bouldering Project is a Unique New Space Bouldering Project recently chose Tempe for its 11th location in the nation—and the first for Arizona. The locale is an inclusive gym and community space that features expansive indoor climbing walls, yoga and fitness, and youth programming. Bouldering Project also offers options such as parent’s night out, birthday parties, after-school climbing clubs, and youth camps. The 53,000-square-foot facility includes over 19,000 square feet of bouldering terrain, as well as a yoga and fitness studio, and multi-use fitness spaces. ArizonaBoulderingProject.com

Escapology Opens in Tempe Marketplace Escapology, a popular national escape room venue with 73 locations around the world, recently opened in Tempe Marketplace. The 4,500-square-foot space features five live interactive experiences played in private groups of up to eight people. Participants in the 60-minute adventures solve puzzles, open locks, and discover secret rooms while trying to escape. Each room is controlled by gamemasters tasked with supplying clues and offering support to players throughout the experience. The location also features KIDS MODE, an option for children. Facebook.com/escapologytempe

National Fall Prevention Month Fyzical Therapy & Balance Centers celebrated National Fall Prevention Month. Falling among older adults aged 65 and over is common, costly, and preventable. They celebrated many patients who have recovered from falling and are back to living a healthy and strong lifestyle. Fyzical.com/tempe-south-az

B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

Lupe Camargo Elected to Girl Scouts of the USA National Board of Directors For the first time in 50 years, the Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council (GSACPC) has national board representation. GSACPC recently announced that long-time board member and immediate past-chair Lupe Carmargo was elected to the Girl Scouts of the USA national board of directors. Camargo was elected during the organization’s 56th National Council Session, a triennial business meeting, which has been held since 1915. The 30-member national board of directors manages the organization’s governance, legal, and fiduciary responsibilities. GirlScoutsAZ.org

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Tempe

D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / T E M P E

COME #GETPRIMED coming soon to Tempe

COMING JANUARY 2024

50% OFF FIRST MONTH’S MEMBERSHIP

1825 E Guadalupe rd. ste.206

©PING 2023

1828 E University Dr Suite 4, Tempe, AZ 85281 www.allaboutgolf.com 480-699-7863

I F YO U A R E READING THIS...

Ready to Feel Better Today?

S O I S YO U R B E S T C L I E N T.

Experience Extraordinary East-West Integrative Acupuncture Health Care!

2 OU T OF 3 of our readers regularly purchase from our ads.

“Dr. Anna @ Yin Rising is kind, professional and effective! She has healed so much of my chronic, acute, and minor pains ranging from shoulder, neck, back, to calming my nervous system down when overloaded with anxiety and stress.”

-P.B.

480.206.6199

ADVERTISE WITH TEmpE CITy LIfESTyLE™ CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/TEMpE

$10 off for New Patients

www.yinrising.com 6101 S Rural Rd Suite 112, Tempe, Arizona 85284

D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / T E M P E

What is Tempe’s BestKept Secret? We Asked Members of Our Community for Their Thoughts. Here’s What They Had to Say

LOCA LLY SOU R CE D | ENTE RTAI NME NT

DAVID JOHN KEY

Director of Business Development, Tempe Chamber

“Tempe’s best-kept secret is ReVibeU Wellness Spa. The relaxing experience of float therapy isn’t what you think of while passing through the bustling streets around ASU’s campus, so it’s easy to miss it on the northeast corner of University and Rural. Their team is incredible—from ownership to the front desk—and having a membership there the past two years has done wonders for my physical and mental health.”

CYNTHIA BROWN, REALTOR

Coldwell Banker Realty Tempe-Ahwatukee

“The best-kept secret in my community is the Great Harvest Bread Company, located at Warner and McClintock. This place makes the freshest sandwiches, homemade soups, and baked goodies I’ve ever had. My go-to sandwich is the Louisiana chicken salad on rye. They also offer take-home dried soup kits that are easy to make and well-seasoned. We’re hooked on the jambalaya and gumbo! So easy to make that even my kids can whip up a batch.”

CHRISTINE BUDNIK

Events & Marketing Coordinator, Jeremiah’s Italian Ice

“Tempe’s best-kept secret is the PTO, staff, and families of Kyrene de la Mariposa. I was a member of the PTO before, during, and after covid. Our school community was able to not only bring much-loved events back for the students but also introduce some new ones, too, like Trunk or Treat and Spring Fling. The Mariposa families are very involved and Principal Spencer Fallgatter is the best!”

DR. SHERRILL

Pediatric Dental Specialists

“I am on the board of directors for the East Valley Chapter of National Charity League and at our kick-off meeting we gave awards out for philanthropy served and it was the most ever our chapter served. Lots of girls volunteered enough to earn Presidential Volunteer Service Medals.”

KAREN BORN

Tempe Floral Designer, Fred’s Flowers

“My family moved to Tempe when I was 4 years old and I am still so proud to call this community home. If you don’t know about Tempe Town Lake, you’re missing out. It’s a wonderful place to spend the day enjoying the various festivals and local restaurants. Enjoy the pedestrian bridge linking the two sides of the lake to the extensive bike paths.” D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / T E M P E

Mr. Handyman® will do the work!

Say hello to Mr. Handyman and goodbye to th ® Mr. Handyman to-do list! Mr. Handyman is the most trusted professional you can call for all your househol will do the work! and Say hello maintenance to Mr. Handyman andrepairs. goodbye to that to-do list! Mr. Handyman is the most trusted professional you can call for all your household To-Do List: maintenance and repairs.

To-Do List: Install Shelving Install Smoke Detector

50 50OFF

OFF YOUR NEXT

Repair Kitchen Drywall Fix Cabinet Hinge

Grout Tile Floor

Paint Living Room

Powerwash Deck

Install Backsplash

TO-DO YOUR NEXT LIST! TO-DO LIST! Minimum of 4 hours. Offer valid on one per household.

Cannot be combined with any other discount.

Minimum of 4 hours.Valid Offeronly valid at on participating one per household. No cash value. locations. Cannot be combined with any other discount. No cash value. Valid only at participating locations. ROC # 345292

CARING & COMPASSIONATE PEDIATRIC DENTAL CARE Our amazing pediatric dental team is specially trained and dedicated to giving your child the best dental care. We offer flexible scheduling, early and late appointments, kids’ dental emergency appointments, and orthodontic services.

cchewchew.net

www.chewchew.net 16

GILBERT

CHANDLER

2550 E. Guadalupe Rd. Ste 101

2955 W. Elliot Rd. Ste. 4

480-558-0777

480-839-0777

More Than a Fabric Store

INSPIR ED

INTER IOR S

Welcome Home

ARIZONA THEATRE COMPANY SETTLES IN AT TEMPE CENTER FOR THE ARTS

ARTICLE BY MICHELLE GLICKSMAN

O PE N H OU SE | L IFE + CU LTURE

A scene from Barefoot in the Park. Photo by Tim Fuller

TEMPE CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Arizona Theatre Company (ATC) has a new place it’s calling home—the iconic Tempe Center for the Arts (ATC). “ATC is the state’s official theater company, and as such, brings a high level of excellence to their productions,” says Brendan Ross, deputy community services director, arts and culture, City of Tempe. “The quality of acting, direction, production, and design are all exceptional, and they present many Tony Award-winning artists as part of their season. Similarly, TCA has won numerous awards for its state-of-the-art architecture, and it continues to serve as an iconic hub for arts and culture within our community.” ATC’s first show at TCA was Neil Simon’s Barefoot in the Park in October, where the audience was “dazzled by the largest set we have ever seen on TCA’s stage,” says Ross. TCA not only offers a Broadway-size theater but a stunning lakeside location, with windows that

showcase a reflecting pond, Tempe Town Lake, and the buttes of Papago Park. TCA also offers a variety of other shows, from national touring acts to local musicians. “Theatre brings inspiration, beauty, and entertainment to our lives in so many ways. This is an exciting partnership that we are embarking on together with ATC. It means that we will have more than 80 new shows a year at TCA for people to come enjoy and have a great night out together in one of the Valley’s finest arts venues,” says Ross. TempeCenterForTheArts.com Dec. 3: Kat Edmonson: Holiday Swingin’ presented by TCA Dec. 7: 48 LIVE: Jarabe Mexicano Dec. 9-30: ATC’s Scrooge: The Musical Dec. 16: OXDX Native Holiday Market

D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / T E M P E

ARTFULLY ENTICING ARTICLE BY MICHELLE GLICKSMAN

Moments, Memory and Time: The Designer by artist Corinne Geertsen

ART GALLERIES IN TEMPE SHOWCASE THOUGHT-PROVOKING WORKS AND INCREDIBLE TALENT

Michelle Dock Senior visual arts curator, Gallery @ TCA WHAT MAKES THE GALLERY AT TCA UNIQUE? At our core, the Gallery at TCA’s focus is making the work of Arizona artists approachable and accessible. We are committed to showcasing local talent and creating a warm and welcoming environment for unique artistic experiences in the Valley. Additionally, I believe our free admission and programs are a great value for visitors seeking opportunities to learn and grow.

WHAT KINDS OF WORKS/ARTISTS ARE GENERALLY SHOWN? Would it be too much to say everything? Over our 16-year history, we have explored many ideas and community topics. We pick three exhibition themes each that reflect interests and current events. Our goal is to seek out the artists and artworks that help tell those stories from various points of view. I often tell our team members and volunteers that there will be something in each exhibition for someone. Visitors will find an artwork(s) that speaks to them and stays in their thoughts long after the visit. But what resonates with one person may not speak in the same way to another. That’s kind of the fun part of curating—finding the puzzle pieces (or artworks) that build on one another to convey an idea or ask a question.

LOCA L’S CH OICE | ARTS + CULTURE

WHAT ARE THE FOUR GALLERIES AT ASU? The School of Art Galleries showcase the work of students, faculty, alumni, and visiting artists from multiple areas of the school: animation, ceramics, expanded arts, painting and drawing, photography, printmaking, sculpture, and textiles.

WHAT MAKES THEM UNIQUE? The galleries are educational spaces that provide students with opportunities to curate and organize exhibitions and engage with the local arts scene.

WHY ARE THEY SPECIAL FOR THE COMMUNITY? Our exhibitions present an opportunity to see new, experimental work by emerging artists that addresses today’s pressing challenges, shapes the cultural narratives of our time, and influences the systems that define our world.

CURRENTLY ON VIEW? On view Dec.11–Jan.10 at Harry Wood Gallery: The Winter BFA Juried Exhibition features a selection of works submitted by School of Art undergraduate students.

Mikey Estes Galleries director, ASU School of Art

ANYTHING ELSE WE SHOULD KNOW? Step and Northlight Galleries are in the Phoenix Warehouse District. Exhibition receptions are on First and Third Fridays. CONTINUED >

D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / T E M P E

“That’s kind of the fun part of curating—finding the puzzle pieces (or artworks) that build on one another to convey an idea or ask a question.” THERE ARE TWO LOCATIONS OF ASU ART MUSEUM—CAN YOU DESCRIBE EACH? The ASU Art Museum has two locations: one location is the renowned Antoine Predock-designed building at the Nelson Fine Arts Center on the ASU Tempe campus, and the second location is the Ceramics Research Center at the Brickyard in downtown Tempe.

WHAT TYPES AND GENRES OF ART ARE FEATURED? Largely focused on contemporary art, spotlighting underrepresented artists and themes of social justice and community wellbeing.

WHAT MAKES EACH LOCATION UNIQUE FROM OTHER GALLERIES? What if centering social justice restored public trust in museums? What if museums, designed to honor objects, change their model to honor people? With a social justice and equity lens and the experimental, scholarly nature of the university art museum, ASU will have a meteoric impact on museums in the future. ASU Art Museum is free admission always!

CURRENTLY ON VIEW? Making Visible (Jan. 14 - April 2024); Everything is a Little Fuzzy (July 22 - Dec. 31); Crafting Resistance (Aug. 19 - July 14, 2024); Luis Rivera Jimenez: A Brief Proposal on Race and Cultural Cosplay (Aug. 19 - Dec. 31); and Contours: The Essential Form (Sept. 30 - March 31).

ANYTHING ELSE WE SHOULD KNOW? The museum collection was founded in 1950 with a generous donation of largely American and Mexican artworks by a prominent local attorney named Oliver B. James.

LOCA L’S CH OICE | ARTS + CULTURE

Ibrahim Said (b. 1976), Adobe Palms #1, 2022, Stoneware, glaze, 24 x 11". Adobe Palms #2, 2022. Photo by Tim Trumble

Nayeli Lopez Communications program coordinator, ASU Art Museum

Taking Care of You

Like Family

CYNTHIA BROWN, REALTOR® Coldwell Banker Realty

C. 602.538.0953 | O. 480.496.0901

cynthia.brown@cbrealty.com | www.cynthiabsellshomes.com 1720 E Warner Rd STE 20| Tempe, AZ 85284 | License: #SA578330000

A Beautiful Smile is Always in Style Personalized care and advanced solutions for every smile.

CALL TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY!

DR. DANIEL J. LYU 480.812.8088 | www.cereusdental.com 2181 E Warner Rd, Tempe, Arizona 85284 | V @cereusdentalcare

D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / T E M P E

Sarah Serrano-Licht, general manager of Pronto, with the seven Serrano sibling owners.

Fresh, Flavorful, and Familiar The Serrano Family’s Latest Venture Brings Their Popular Family Recipes to Tempe ARTICLE BY MICHELLE GLICKSMAN | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF PRONTO BY SERRANO’S The Serrano family has a long history in the Valley. They opened their first business—a dry goods business called the Serrano Brothers Popular Store—in Chandler in 1919. That eventually evolved into multiple locations of Serrano’s Department Stores. In 1979, Ernie and Eva Serrano made the decision to open a restaurant in Downtown Chandler using family recipes passed down over the generations. Since that time, the restaurant business has evolved and been passed down to their adult children—Ric Serrano, Ernie Serrano, Theresa Serrano-Keel, Lorraine Serrano, Billy Serrano, Lisa Chavez, and Carolyn Serrano—who now own and

operate four Serrano’s locations in the East Valley as well as Pronto, the family’s newest venture, which is a fast-casual concept in Tempe.

CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE CONCEPT BEHIND PRONTO BY SERRANO’S? Pronto offers build-your-own combos featuring burritos, tacos, nachos, salads, bowls, and more, as well as some featured dishes, including quesabirria tacos, fish tacos, and Stephanie’s stacked enchiladas. Favorite Serrano staples like machaca, shredded chicken, asada steak, al pastor chicken, and tomatillo CONTINUED >

H OT SP OT | FOOD + BEV E RAGE

Sarah Serrano-Licht with Catrina the robot. D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / T E M P E

“Any important family gathering or event revolved around a delicious meal and we took that to heart. We always wanted our restaurants to be a place where your important life events were celebrated with food around our dining tables.”

pork are offered as protein options, along with a variety of customizable toppings and sauces. Customers can also add the famous Serrano’s bean dip, chips, and salsa to their orders if desired.

WHY FAST-CASUAL VS. DINE-IN? Patrons can still dine in; however, they order at the counter. The goal is to provide the same Sonoran-style cuisine Serrano’s fans have come to love at a lower price point and with quicker turnaround time than the full-service restaurants that rely on servers.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE MENU? Pronto’s menu focuses on “fresh, flavorful, and familiar.” With our customizable menu options, you can eat here dozens of times and never have the same thing twice.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR MOST POPULAR MENU ITEMS? Our Taco Tuesday special featuring two soft tacos Pronto’s way for $5 is popular, and our fish tacos and Stephanie’s stacked enchiladas have been popular. Our customers indicated they were missing crispy tacos, so we recently introduced new rolled crispy tacos to our menu.

DO YOU HAVE OPTIONS FOR ANY DIETARY NEEDS, SUCH AS VEGAN OR GLUTEN-FREE? We have many gluten-free options, including all of our proteins, marinades, and sauces. Our rice and bean options are also naturally gluten-free, and many of our sides and toppings are, as well. We can easily swap ingredients to make most dishes gluten-free if they are not already. Pronto also offers hearty

H OT SP OT | FOOD + BEV E RAGE

vegan/vegetarian protein options like fajita grilled peppers, onions, and chiles, vegan, and dairy-free cauliflower rice, and slowcooked black and pinto beans.

WHAT SETS THIS RESTAURANT APART FROM OTHER RESTAURANTS IN TEMPE? We may be the only restaurant in Tempe to have a robot, named Catrina, aid our team! We use her as a food runner and kids especially seem to enjoy having her deliver their meals. When you dine in at Pronto, you are helping to support a small, family-owned and -operated business that has been a part of the East Valley fabric since 1919. Additionally, the quality of our food— based on original recipes from our own family’s kitchen—is superior to what you get at other fast-casual concepts.

YOU DO A LOT OF FUNDRAISERS … CAN YOU SHARE A FEW AND WHY YOU CHOOSE TO GIVE BACK IN GENERAL? As part of our faith, we were raised to give back to those in need whenever possible. Our family and restaurants have been feeding the homeless via St. Vincent de Paul every month for the past two decades. We also partner every October with Check for a Lump to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer research because our sister, Stephanie, passed away from breast cancer shortly after we celebrated our 100th anniversary as a family-owned business in 2019. Additionally, we always support the Arizona Law Enforcement Outreach and Support’s (LEOS) annual Shop with a Cop event in Chandler every Christmas, personally serving breakfast burritos to the kids and law enforcement members in attendance. ProntoAZ.com

NEOS MED SPA B E AU T Y B E G I N S T H E M OM E N T YOU D E C I D E T O B E Y O U R S E L F. Skin Treatments

Facials

B12 + Nutrient Shots

Botox

Filler

Laser Hair Removal

Weight Loss + Semaglutide /ozempic Photofacial/IPL/BBL

ASK US ABOUT OUR MONTHLY SKINCARE CLUB

neosmedspa.com | 480.425.7662 | 1730 E Warner Rd Unit 3, Tempe | @neosmedspa

Don’t miss out on your benefits! Make sure to schedule an appointment and use them before the end of the year!

USE YOUR BENEFITS

480-806-2162 7511 S McClintock Dr #101, Tempe, AZ 85283 tempeeyecareassociates.com D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / T E M P E

The City Lifestyle

Giving Campaign

2023 28

G IV IN G BAC K | L IFE + CULTURE

“

This Giving Campaign is all about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them this holiday season.”

The annual City Lifestyle Giving Campaign is in its 4th year. Last holiday season we gave away over $300,000 to help 116 individuals and families in need, but we need your help to make it happen again this year. With nominations flooding in from community members and leaders such as judges, police officers, teachers, nurses, social workers, mentors and readers like you, we were able to reach people who might otherwise go unnoticed. Perhaps you know of a single parent struggling to provide for their family, an elderly person who has experienced loss, someone enduring a health issue, a co-worker suffering a sudden, unexpected tragedy or a neighbor with a financial hardship who has fallen between the cracks of getting assistance. Chances are you know someone with a specific need, even if no one else does. “We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “This Giving Campaign is about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them during this holiday season.” “We believe God has blessed our company with continued success, so we in turn want to be a blessing to others,” Matthew Perry, President of City Lifestyle adds. City Lifestyle has also enacted an internal giving program whereby every employee in the company receives $100 to give away to someone in the community. “The idea is to encourage our employees to keep giving on their own,” Steven says. “Taking care of one another and blessing others is truly rewarding and it perpetuates a cycle of giving. It’s extremely important to me as a person and as a company to foster a culture of generosity.”

Scan Code to

Nominate Nominations accepted Nov. 27 – Dec. 10, 2023

Follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram for reminders! To submit a nomination, follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram and fill out the form found in the bio link. All entries will be read, and because this is not a raffle, there is no need to nominate someone more than once. The amount given to each recipient will be based on need. All nominations and recipients will be kept confidential. D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / T E M P E

Holiday Entertaining Boards The holidays are here and entertaining is in full swing. If you are looking for the perfect appetizer to easily feed a crowd these simple and beautiful boards are sure to please.

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

H OST IN G T IP S | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

Tips for creating the perfect board: • Start with the larger items first and build around those. If you are using jars on the board, place those first. • Be sure to have enough to fill the space. it is best to overfill so that the board doesn’t look sparse. Stack, stack and stack some more. • Use a variety of colors and textures when choosing the foods you want to use. Pick cheese with color and patterns, fruits and veggies that come in a variety of textures and colors and a protein that can make a statement. • Be sure to place similar colors in away from each other to help give symmetry.

Holiday Wreath Charcuterie Board • • • • •

Fig Jelly Honey Variety of Cheeses Salami or meat of choice Olives (provide a variety)

• Walnuts, Pecans, Pistachios and any favorite nut • Grapes, berries, persimmon • Crackers

Place the jars of sauces and olives on the board first. Next place the cheeses on opposing sides. Add meats and fruits next. Layer in crackers, nuts and seeds and fill in any spots with extra nuts. Use fresh Rosemary or fresh greenery to add wreath accent in the center of the charcuterie board. Garnish with fresh cranberries.

D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / T E M P E

DECEMBER 2023

events A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area. DE C E M BE R 1 STJAN UA RY 1 4 T H

ZooLights

DE C E M BE R 1 ST2ND, 8T H- 9 T H , 1 5T H - 1 6T H , 1 9 T H- 2 3 RD, 2 6T H - 3 0 T H

Las Noches de las Luminarias

D E C E M BE R 1 ST- 3 RD

D E C E M BE R 1 ST- 3 1 ST

D EC E M BE R 9 T H

PHOEN IX ZOO | 5:30 PM This holiday tradition is back at the Phoenix Zoo. View nearly four million lights, hundreds of dazzling displays, new Wildlife Lanterns, and the return of the tallest floating tree in North America showcasing original music and a synchronized light show. There's also a s'mores station, Glow Garden, and a 200-foot-long light tunnel. Santa, too. PhoenixZoo.org

DES ERT BOTAN ICAL GAR DEN Enjoy an evening filled with sparkling luminaria-lit trails and twinkling holiday lights. Musical performances, entertainment, and festive food and drinks available for a picture-perfect night. Plus, experience Fernando Botero: El Maestro in the garden and in Dorrance Hall, where a harmony of color and beauty come together in paintings, drawings, and monumental sculpture. DBG.org

Tempe Fall Festival of the Arts

DOW N TOWN TEMPE This three-day street fair, art walk, and pop-up market consistently ranks among the Top 20 Art Festivals in the nation by Sunshine Artist. More than 350 artists from around the country line Mill Avenue and the surrounding streets, presenting unique and handmade artwork that offers visitors a distinctive shopping experience. Food, music, a kids' zone, and more, too. TempeFestivalOfTheArts.com

World of Illumination

T EMPE DIABLO STADIUM | 6:00 P M Drive through millions of lights at the holiday event of the year. World of Illumination returns to Tempe Diablo Stadium for a supersonic holiday road trip. Climb aboard a cosmic sleigh with your host Shiny the Star on a mystical holiday invasion that is out of this world. The mile-long journey features millions of colorful lights and enchanting holiday music. WorldOfIllumination.com

Local Love: Holiday Market

T RACY DEMPS EY OR IG IN ALS /O DV WI NE S , 1 325 W. UNI V E R S I T Y | 1 0 :0 0 A M At this holiday market, Tracy Dempsey Originals will have a bakery full of treats and a selection of artisan cheeses and sister shop ODV Wines will be showcasing—and sampling—a variety of wines. Also on hand will be Blue Watermelon Project, Twisted Union Wine Co., Carolina’s Chocolate, Additions to Daily Living, Midge Chocolate, The Sober Somm, and What’s Brewing AZ. TracyDempseyOriginals.com D EC E M BE R 9 T H

Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade

T EMPE TOWN LAKE | 4:00 PM The Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade is the Valley's most unique holiday event and celebrated tradition. Enjoy holiday shopping, festive eats and treats, a dazzling boat parade featuring boats of all shapes and sizes, and a spectacular fireworks show. This family-friendly event is free. DowntownTempe.com

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Tempe

EVE N TS

DECEMBER 2023

MARKET REPORT This week the median list price for Tempe, AZ 85284 is $665,000 with the market action index hovering around 52. This is less than last month's market action index of 58. Inventory has increased to 27.

Seller's Market

As the market continues to cool off, some is a seasonal occurrence, and other is a result of the higher interest rates. Although the market appears to be heading toward a balanced or a buyer's market, the inventory remains historically low. A slight shift in the interest rates or another world event could quickly propel the market back to a strong seller's market.

Let’s Connect! READY TO SELL?

READY TO BUY?

Looking to Buy or Sell? Call Us - there is a reason we are amongst the top Realtors in the state and nation!

602.509.5533

Scan here to find out how much your home is worth

Scan here to find your dream home in our listings

Brooke@Look2Brooke.com www.Look2Brooke.com

The Market Report on this page was last updated in November 2023. Please note that information may have changed since that time, and it is advisable to verify any critical details or seek the most current information from reliable sources.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

The Naughty List INGREDIENTS • Bronson’s Original Punch 2oz • Laird’s Applejack 1oz • El Guapo Creole Orgeat .50oz • El Guapo Holiday Bitters 6 dashes • Cranberry Juice 2oz.

Recipe courtesy of Libations

H AP PY H OU R | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Combine all ingredients, shake vigorously and pour over crushed ice. 2. Garnish with lemon wheel & cranberries.

EXPERIENCE THE

Ultimate

Shower Remodels Tub-to-Shower Conversion | Roll-in Showers Lifetime Manufacturer’s Warranty

BATHROOM TRANSFORMATION WITH OUR TUB-TO-SHOWER CONVERSION EXPERTISE

New Bathroom Conversions In 1-2 Days!

Ask About Our Financing Options! Never Scrub Grout Again - Get the Look of Granite or Marble for a Fraction of the Cost!

CALL TODAY! 480.757.2353

CustomConceptsHomeRemodeling.com

Durable Acrylic Means NO Mold, Mildew or Maintenance!