Frontdoors Magazine November/December 2020 Issue

NOV/DEC 2020 VOLUME 18, ISSUE 8

APERSPECTIVE Fresh Fry’s Food Stores president Monica Garnes talks about hunger, food waste and being a leader in a tumultuous year

SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESS + AUNT RITA’S + JEWISH FAMILY & CHILDREN’S SERVICE

In every crisis there is opportunity, and out of necessity, we innovate.

During these challenging times we have been adapting new ways to bring joy and inspiration to our community when it is most needed.

Understanding the challenges ahead, Jacquie and Bennett Dorrance, have made a challenge gift of more than $250,000 to Ballet Arizona to help us navigate the financial crisis presented to us by the global pandemic COVID-19.

With this incredible gift as the foundation, the Dorrances are asking you to join them in raising $1,000,000 in recovery and resiliency funding to provide Ballet Arizona a financial bridge to the other side of this pandemic. Please help be our bridge to ensure Ballet Arizona is here for future generations.

#onlyanintermission

DONATE TODAY!

Visit balletaz.org/support/be-our-bridge or mail Director of Development Jami Kozemczak, Ballet Arizona, 2835 E. Washington St., Phoenix, Arizona 85034 | Tel: 602.343.6520

WHEN YOU LIFT UP ONE, YOU LIFT UP ALL Giving back. It’s long been a cornerstone of our company and our employees. Whether it be through charitable giving or volunteering with a nonprofit or an organization that needs help. We’re proud to play a part in making our community stronger.

www.bokfinancial.com Christine Nowaczyk | Cnowaczyk@bokf.com © 2020. Services provided by BOKF, NA. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender

. BOKF, NA is a subsidiary of BOK Financial Corporation.

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On the Cover Monica Garnes, President of Fry’s Food Stores

Photo: Marion Rhoades Photography

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LIFE CAN CHANGE PRETTY QUICKLY. LET US HANDLE THE OTHER STUFF, SO YOU DON’T MISS WHAT MATTERS MOST.

TABLE OF CONTENTS {nov/dec 2020, volume 18, issue 8} WHAT YOU’RE SAYING..............06 Reader feedback EDITOR’S NOTE............................. 07 Celebrate and Brighten 10 QUESTIONS WITH.................08 Glen Spencer, executive director of Aunt Rita’s Foundation BOOKMARKED...............................11 Dr. Richard Sagar, president of Ballet Etudes board of directors

08

OFFICE DOORS..............................12 Gail Baer, vice president of philanthropic services at Jewish Family + Children’s Service KEY TO THE GOOD LIFE............16 Just Try It — Baby Foot Peel A 2ND ACT..........................................18 Flinn Foundation advances Arizona, and never forgets the fun

18

COVER STORY...............................22 Monica Garnes takes stock of Fry’s Zero Hunger / Zero Waste initiative and being a leader in a tumultuous year NEXT DOORS................................. 28 Local businesses show resiliency — but have a long road ahead STYLE UNLOCKED.......................32 Jane Christensen creates a world of warmth and wonder over the holidays CHARITY SPOTLIGHT............... 36 Cortney’s Place KITCHEN DOORS......................... 38 Let’s Eat! OPEN DOORS................................ 42 The 2020 Frontdoors Gift Guide CHEERS TO THE CHAIR............ 43 October — Debbie Allford CHEERS TO THE CHAIR............ 45 November — Kristine McIver

22 NONPROFIT AND COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS FEATURED IN THIS ISSUE + Aunt

+ HonorHealth

+ Ballet

Rita’s Etudes + Cortney’s Place + Flinn Foundation

+ Jewish

Foundation Family + Children’s Service + Local First Arizona + Phoenix Boys Choir

WHAT YOU’RE SAYING {reader feedback}

HOPE

“ How wonderful to read about such incredible philanthropy during this time of crisis.

Your issues are very uplifting. KUDOS to your team.”

— PAULA CULLISON

Your neighbor sharing a lasting stake in the county’s future.

We are in this together.

Enriching Health, Well-Being, and Opportunity for the People of Maricopa County.

“ I love seeing Arizona come together like this!”

— CASSIE HEPLER

“ During this time, voices like yours mean a great deal to those of us working in arts and culture. Much appreciated.”

— SARA JAYNE WHITE

pipertrust.org

© 2020 Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust

Send Your Comments To: publisher@frontdoorsmagazine.com

EDITOR’S NOTE {on the job}

CELEBRATE AND BRIGHTEN

H

Here we are, staring at the last two months of 2020,

to extend our respect by honoring these frontline

a year that brought pain, change and reflection. How

workers who are helping to keep our families fed by

do we cap off a year a lot of us would like to forget? In

allowing us to shop in safety and peace.

Frontdoors fashion — by celebrating the people and

Speaking of peace, how can we up the calm

organizations that make the Valley of the Sun a better

quotient at this hectic time of year? Check out how

place to live, and finding ways to make our readers’

Jane Christensen is doing it by leaning in on beloved

lives a little brighter.

traditions (page 32).

Falling squarely in the first category are Glen

Looking for new ways to celebrate? Turn to page

Spencer, the CEO of Aunt Rita’s, and Gail Baer, the vice

38 for suggestions for food gifts and holiday meals.

president of philanthropic services at Jewish Family +

And when it comes to perfect presents, publisher

Children’s Service, who talk about how their nonprofits

Andrea Tyler Evans has you covered with prezzies

have worked to deliver services and raise funds during

that are sure to please (page 42).

a pandemic.

Meanwhile, in the make-lives-brighter column, Dr. Richard Sagar, the board president of Ballet Etudes, shares how to get a Nutcracker fix in a year

Of course, as Tom Evans reminds us, one of the best gifts you can give this year is one that supports a local business (page 28).

Got more goodwill to spread? Consider a

when the beloved ballet won’t be performed live. And

donation to a qualifying Arizona charity. In the special

Flinn Foundation president and CEO Tammy McLeod

Arizona Tax Credit Giving Guide in this issue, you’ll

reminds us that keeping fun on the agenda is always

find a selection of qualified nonprofits, foster care

a smart idea.

charities, school tuition organizations and public

I had the pleasure of interviewing Monica Garnes, the president of Fry’s Food Stores, about the

schools that could use your support.

In all, we hope these stories offer inspiration and

tremendous responsibility of feeding our communities

hope as we close out the year. On behalf of myself

and reducing waste while keeping stores open and

and the whole Frontdoors team, we wish you good

shoppers and employees safe in a pandemic. It’s time

health and peace in the New Year.

Karen Werner | EDITOR

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10 QUESTIONS {fascinating people}

GLEN SPENCER Executive director of Aunt Rita’s Foundation

1

Tell us about

yourself.

I’m very fortunate to be working in my second career as an HIV community leader following my own diagnosis in 2002, which ended my first career.

I will live to see an end to the HIV epidemic! I’m also fortunate to have been partnered for 17 years, and we love to travel and socialize with our friends.

2

You were diagnosed with AIDS in 2002. Take us back to when you received the diagnosis.

I was very sick, with multiple opportunistic infections along with wasting syndrome. I honestly did not know if I would make it, but thankfully my recovery was steady and sure. After two years of taking more than 20 medications per day, I was free of the opportunistic infections and beginning to recover. After three years, I returned to work in my second career.

3

How did you find meaning in the diagnosis?

Through community. The HIV service community is amazing. I have met so many wonderful people along the way and have been fortunate to help. All of these people are my inspiration.

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Glen Spencer has been involved in HIV and AIDS issues in Arizona since 2002, following his own AIDS diagnosis.

4

How long have you been involved with Aunt Rita’s?

I first became involved with Aunt Rita’s in 2007, when I joined the board of directors and continued through the end of 2011. I was the emcee of AIDS Walk Arizona for three years, and then became the executive director in 2016.

5

How does the organization serve the community?

Aunt Rita’s is both a philanthropic organization and a programmatic HIV service organization. We raise money on behalf of HIV service organizations in Arizona, and since 2005 have grant-funded more than $2.1 million. We also engage the community with extensive education, HIV testing services, information and referral and advocacy.

6

Normalizing HIV testing is part of Aunt Rita’s mission. Tell us about GetTestedAZ.org.

We launched our HIV testing initiatives in 2018 with our home HIV testing program, and in 2019 began a partnership with Sonora Quest Laboratories and Albertsons/Safeway pharmacies. Through these testing initiatives, at-risk individuals across Arizona can receive a free HIV test, either in the privacy of their own home or at a trusted partner. These initiatives are designed to eliminate the stigma of HIV testing and increase the availability and accessibility of testing.

7

How many people in Arizona currently live with HIV/AIDS, and what are some of the biggest challenges they face?

Currently, about 19,000 people in Arizona live with HIV. Engaging HIV-positive patients in medical care is the primary goal of the HIV service community.

Overcoming stigma and a host of social issues (homelessness, mental health, substance use) are our primary challenges to maintain patient care.

8

What are your goals for Aunt Rita’s?

We are developing programming to support the rapidly growing population of older HIV-positive adults. These individuals will be utilizing traditional aging services in the near future, and there is a great need to increase the knowledge and understanding of the unique needs of this population among aging service providers.

AIDS Walk 2020 Countdown to Zero, the largest gathering in Arizona to advance HIV & AIDS funding and awareness, took place in February.

9

How has the COVID-19 crisis affected the work you do?

Our home HIV test kit program has exploded with activity during COVID-19, and we have had to seek additional funding to maintain the operations — which we have! We have also had to reinvent our fundraising events as virtual events and are working hard to overcome reduced giving due to the economic challenges so many are facing.

10

Is there anything else you’d like readers to know about you?

That I love what I do!

To learn more, go to auntritas.org.

Aunt Rita’s RED Brunch 2019 included a viewing of the AIDS Memorial Quilt (below), while the Red Is the Night 2019 fundraiser had a speakeasy theme (right).

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every gift helps

an Arizona family

Habitat for Humanity is a qualifying charitable non-profit and giving $35 a month can get you up to $400 back on your Arizona State taxes. Sign up to give monthly at habitatcaz.org

BOOKMARKED {what are you reading?}

DR. RICHARD SAGAR President of Ballet Etudes board of directors

Since 1986, Ballet Etudes has brightened the holiday season for thousands through its staging of “The Nutcracker.” However, faced with the COVID-19 pandemic, the company made the difficult decision to cancel the ballet for 2020. To keep the beloved tradition alive, Dr. Sagar has a reading suggestion.

RECOMMENDS:

“The Nutcracker and the Mouse King: The Graphic Novel” by E. T. A. Hoffmann, illustrated and adapted by Natalie Andrewson

H I S TA K E “This graphic novel version of the original 1816 story on which the Tchaikovsky ballet is based draws more details from the original and creates an engaging reading adventure. Author Natalie Andrewson tells the story of Marie (aka Clara) and her dream adventures with the Nutcracker prince. Familiar characters appear, including Herr Drosselmeyer, pesky brother Fritz, and the evil Mouse King.

I enjoyed the retelling of the story in a graphic format. The illustrations were colorful, and I appreciated the diversity of the characters. Since children who have seen the ballet often want to learn more about the story, I recommend this adaptation for older children and younger teens, along with any adults who still enjoy the magic of this tale.”

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OFFICE DOORS {valley changemakers}

A DAY WITH GAIL BAER Vice president of philanthropic services at Jewish Family + Children’s Service

As told to | Julie Coleman

5 a.m. >> FAMILY FIRST TO START THE DAY

10 a.m. >> BRIGHT SPOTS + SILVER LININGS

I’m an early bird and have been ever since I was a kid.

I work out in the morning, either a run or some kind of strength training at home. When it’s light out, my husband and I walk our dog, Odie. I also take time to go through my personal email and call my parents, who live in Bethesda, Maryland, to catch up.

We are beginning to plan our annual Brighter Tomorrow Luncheon, scheduled for Jan. 29, 2021. This event will look different because we are conducting it virtually, which we’ve never done before. In our meeting, we discuss online content for videos that highlight JFCS’s response to COVID and how that affected our community. From the very beginning, JFCS was well-positioned to respond quickly because we address situations with vulnerable populations, and our infrastructure already had the flexibility to convert from in-person services to mostly virtual with little transition time. One of the silver linings of this new event format is that the hotel ballroom’s capacity no longer limits attendance, and there is no cost for an individual to join us. So, with a virtual event, there are some wonderful ways we can reach out that we never took advantage of before.

8 a.m. >> A PLAN OF ATTACK … FOR GOOD My day consists of a lot of meetings and working on many projects. As my day begins, I organize what I want to accomplish and the donors I want to contact. If something is difficult or complex, I want to get a good handle on that earlier in the day. In my role, I’m in charge of fundraising and marketing for the entire agency. This means being accountable and communicating well with a diverse donor pool and the 40,000 individuals we serve every year.

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11 a.m. >> ACCELLERATING CHANGE

1 p.m. >> SEEING + HEARING = CONNECTING

At the start of the pandemic, we quickly ramped up to make sure our clients got the care they needed, regardless of where they were or their family’s circumstances. This meant accelerating our telehealth program, which was in our strategic plan to equip the entire agency with by 2022. This involved a lot of planning and investment in infrastructures, such as licenses and connections. We had to raise significant money for upfront and recurring costs, and two major donors helped us move this forward very quickly. One of the other bright spots we’re seeing is that because of offering telehealth so widely at JFCS, the percentage of kept appointments has increased by 20 percent.

This is wonderful because it means we can reach more people and remove barriers to care, such as childcare and transportation. Any significant issue that prevents someone from keeping their mental health or primary care appointment is now solved.

My role’s primary focus is to interface with donors, and what’s been challenging is that we’ve had to figure out different ways to communicate and get our message across. There’s an art and science to this in a normal environment; the art and science to that interface in a pandemic is even more complicated. An advantage is that most everyone is at home, so people are much easier to reach. I typically have one or two Zoom meetings a day with donors, and there’s also a lot of phone calls. Phone calls now last much longer, which fills me up because we’re all missing and desiring that human connection. The gold nugget in this job is that you develop so many personal relationships and friends. This fills my glass half-full versus half-empty.

An active lifestyle promotes a healthy mind and body.

That’s why JFCS hosts a variety of senior programs, including storytelling workshops (below) and belly dancing lessons (right). Note: These photos were taken prior to social distancing guidelines.

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Studies show that animalassisted therapy helps lower cortisol levels in the brain, reduces blood pressure and heart rate, eases anxiety, and increases endorphins and oxytocin. JFCS employs therapists, clinicians, psychiatrists and nurse practitioners who serve more than 12,000 people across the Valley every year.

2 p.m. >> STAYING THE COURSE

4:30 p.m. >> PARTNERSHIP WITH A SPARK

I’m talking to a potential donor regarding a gift for the $600,000 expansion of our West Valley clinic to include primary medical care. JFCS is still moving forward with this project that we had on the calendar.

We’re doubling the current space’s footprint, adding medical and lab equipment, creating larger spaces for patient rooms and play therapy, and separate waiting areas for sick individuals. This is the fourth center where we have integrated behavioral health and primary medical care.

We are working on a few projects with the Hillel Jewish Student Center at Arizona State University.

They’re providing tech-savvy volunteers to help our clients get comfortable with the platforms they’re using, particularly our older adult creative aging classes, Memory Cafes, and supporting our behavioral health clients. We’re also discussing a partnership where JFCS provides Safe Talk Training, which teaches individuals to be a suicide alert helper who looks for signs, knows what to do, and who to contact for professional help.

Each year, JFCS hosts an eight-month professional leadership program. This volunteer opportunity brings together philanthropically-minded professionals from the metro-Phoenix community that have a passion for social service.

6:30 p.m. >> FILLING HEART + BODY After work, I love to cook dinner. I love, love, love to cook using vegetables from the garden in our backyard! It’s fun and relaxing, and a way for me to create and control. One thing I’ve realized is that, despite my husband and I being empty nesters for five years, I have not mastered quantity adjustments and still cook for five people. While I cook dinner, I FaceTime with my three kids, who live in Chicago, San Francisco and Seattle. After dinner, I like to watch “PBS NewsHour” with Judy Woodruff and “The Crown.”

To learn more, go to jfcsaz.org.

Julie Coleman | CONTRIBUTING WRITER

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Use your Arizona Charitable Tax Credit to provide

a Safe Home, Nutritious Meals, Community-based Healthcare, and Support for Family Caregivers throughout Arizona!

Donations made to FSL qualify for the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit.

Up to $400 for single filers / $800 for joint filers. (QCO: 20199) Call 602-285-1800 or go online to make your donation today!

www.FSL.org

KEY TO THE GOOD LIFE {what’s trending}

JUST TRY IT – BABY FOOT PEEL What Is Just Try It?

By Laura Beardsley, Allison Irwin, Gretchen Schubert and Lindsey Williams

W

e all recently — and somewhat skeptically — tried the trending “Baby Foot” peel and we’re here to tell you, it totally works.

After about two to three weeks of INTENSE sloughing and shedding, each of us was pleasantly surprised and happily shocked as we admired our soft, smooth, callusfree feet. Baby Foot claims, “It’s not meant to look pretty, it’s meant to work.” And they are not kidding! While some of our feet started the peeling process at different times (some took three days, some took seven), we all experienced significant peeling and sloughing. Because of this, our advice is to do it in the winter when your feet are mostly covered up. Happy peeling!

In the world we live in, we are overwhelmed by choices.

Everywhere we look, we see new products, fashion trends, recipes, travel destinations, kitchen gadgets, you name it.

We all want to “just try it” … but is it worth it? Most people don’t have that kind of time or money. That’s where we come in. Think of us as four new friends trying the latest and greatest and giving you our honest reviews.

THE PURPOSE // To get rid of unsightly, dead skin

cells on your feet. According to Baby Foot, those cells can build up over time and contribute to numerous problems associated with the soles of your feet, such as painful cracks.

WHAT’S IN IT? // A bunch of stuff that helps exfoliate all the dead stuff and put moisture in at the same time.

Ingredients include fruit acids, glycolic and citric acid, alcohol, salicylic and lactic acids as well as isopropyl.

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HOW DOES IT WORK? // Each ingredient has

its own specific purpose. The fruit acids penetrate the dead layers of skin and help break up the elements that hold those layers together. Then, the alcohol makes those cells soft, while the salicylic and lactic acids create the flaking effect that is cringe-worthy, yet amazing. Here are our reviews.

LINDSEY: I was expecting something dramatic to

happen sooner than it did and was convinced that it didn’t work. But sure enough, after about eight or nine days, my feet started to peel massively. After most of the dead skin was off, I got a pedicure and the soak and scrub left my feet feeling amazingly soft.

Highly recommend doing this once every couple of months for maintenance. Just don’t plan on wearing foot-showing shoes for a good week or two after the treatment. (And don’t do it the weekend before your beach vacay.)

ALLISON: It’s like a sleeper try. For days and days, even for more than a week, you wait and there’s nothing. And then it all comes off and you feel like a shedding snake. It’s a twice-a-year must!

LAURA: We did it in the summer (which I don’t

BOTTOM LINE

GRETCHEN: I followed the directions to a T. I

The process leaves feet and skin undamaged and, after a few weeks of pretty intense peeling and flaking, reveals fresh, healthy skin. As advertised, it leaves your feet beautiful and baby smooth.

recommend) as we were wearing flip-flops a lot and our feet looked gross during peeling. But I was swimming with my kids daily during the peeling process, and I found that any moisture helped the peeling. If you do it in the winter, it says to soak your feet every night and I would definitely do that. At the end of the peel, when I couldn’t take it any longer, I took my foot rasp and got some of the skin off, then went and got a pedicure to get a “finished” look. My feet truly were baby soft! soaked my feet every night and didn’t touch or mess with my feet during the peeling. I did not experience significant peeling like the other girls. My heels hardened and turned black. I thought it wasn’t working and was terrified by my feet! Then, finally, 10 days in, I soaked my feet, grabbed my foot file and went to town and it ALL CAME OFF. It was amazing. My feet were incredibly soft and the result was fabulous. I have worked to maintain it with lotion and socks ever since, and it has worked. I definitely would try this again!

To learn more, go to justtryit.com.

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An accomplished private-sector executive and community leader, Tammy McLeod became president and CEO of the Flinn Foundation in 2017.

A 2ND ACT {helping is healing}

HOME (STATE) IMPROVEMENT Flinn Foundation advances Arizona, and never forgets the fun Judy Pearson | Contributing Writer

“W

hat comes next?” Tammy McLeod pondered this question posed by a friend one day at lunch. She had enjoyed her work as an executive with Arizona Public Service but felt in her heart that there would be one more career move in her future. “I have an idea for you,” the friend said and told McLeod about the Flinn Foundation.

The foundation was established in 1965 as a privately endowed grantmaking organization to improve the quality of life in Arizona to benefit future generations. McLeod became its president and CEO in 2017.

The Flinn Foundation’s work includes five pillars:

1 2 3 4 5

Bioscience, building Arizona as a global center for research and commercialization in the biosciences, and a leader in areas like precision medicine

Flinn Scholars, providing world-class undergraduate education in partnership with Arizona’s public universities

Arts and Culture, improving the financial and creative health of the state’s arts and culture organizations The Arizona Center for Civic Leadership, strengthening leadership statewide The Flinn Educational Conference Center, which is available at no charge to qualified nonprofits whose work is within one of the foundation’s specific areas of interests listed above. (The Conference Center is currently closed due to COVID.)

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Through its programs, the Flinn Foundation aims to advance the state’s bioscience sector, provide a top-notch education to high-achieving students at an Arizona public university, boost the fiscal and creative capacity of the state’s arts and culture organizations, and develop future state-level civic leaders.

“Dr. Robert Flinn was very innovative. And Irene Flinn was a lover of the arts,” McLeod said. “Everything we do is clearly directed toward our mission. Across all of our programs, we focus on creating leadership and convening conversations in order to cause something to happen that otherwise might not have.”

Flinn Foundation serves the entire state.

“Currently,” McLeod said, “a Flinn grant is assisting ASU’s Luminosity Lab to find novel ways to sanitize personal protective equipment. F.A.B.R.I.C. (the Fashion and Business Resource Innovation Center) in Tempe received another grant to make specialized hospital gowns. We also funded much of the testing currently being done for COVID, particularly in Native populations.”

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Their scholarship program was set up so that Arizona would retain the best and brightest students at its state universities. Because of its success, some of those students have gone on to be Rhodes and Fulbright scholars. And the Arizona Board of Regents counts two Flinn Scholars among its members. Likewise, their Center for Civic Leadership has produced many of the candidates running for public office this year.

McLeod’s next project is focused on improving the continuity between their programs. “Why couldn’t Flinn scholars also become civic leaders?” she asks. “Why couldn’t civic leaders participate in a program with bioscience? I think moving horizontally between our programs has lots of exciting opportunities.”

There are several reasons why the Flinn Foundation is unique among Arizona’s many esteemed foundations. Some of the most noticeable are found in its list of core values: candor, trust, innovation, empathy and fun. Trust and innovation are common values, but the other three stand out and beg the question, why?

“Candor because it’s important to get to the point, whether that’s making a statement or pursuing a goal,” McLeod said. “Empathy because giving grants is one thing, but we don’t just want to pass out money. We want to work with grantees to understand them and fill a need that will really help advance something, striving to do it through a lens of equity. And fun? Who doesn’t want to have fun!”

Their COVID Zoom staff meetings have featured themes that put fun in the spotlight. Bringing a picture of their pet (or putting that pet on camera), wearing a funny hat, sharing a much-loved artifact in their home, or showing pictures from summer vacations — each of these has been a great way to de-stress and remember the importance of laughter.

SHE CAN’T FIGHT ABUSE. BUT WE CAN.

YOUR TAX DOLLARS CAN SAVE LIVES. Abuse and neglect are all too real in Arizona. But this tax season, you can help. Take advantage of the Arizona Income Tax Credit for Qualifying Foster Care Charitable Organizations.

YOU CAN SAVE UP TO $1,000. HERE’S HOW:

1. DONATE at GenJustice.org/donate or text “GenJustice” to 41444.

Fun seems to be a recurring theme for McLeod, not just during challenging times, but any time. Going back to that lunch with her friend, now nearly five years ago, she recalled the ingredients for whatever her next step might be. She didn’t want to leave APS just for the sake of leaving; she loved her job.

“I wanted something on my horizon that would meet my needs and objectives,” she said. “And be a lot of fun!”

It appears that mission has been accomplished.

To learn more about the Flinn Foundation, go to flinn.org.

2. CLAIM the tax credit on Form 352 with GenJustice Qualifying Number 10053.

Want to make an impact? Scan this QR code to donate.

Judy Pearson | CONTRIBUTING WRITER Half Page Vertical: 3.625” w x 10.25” h, no bleed

COVER STORY {by karen werner}

APERSPECTIVE Fresh Monica Garnes takes stock of Fry’s Zero Hunger/ Zero Waste initiative and being a leader in a tumultuous year

I

n 1960, Fry’s opened its first grocery store in Phoenix at Seventh Street and Missouri Avenue. Today, Fry’s has 123 locations across Arizona and employs 21,000 people, making it the state’s fifth-largest employer. But for all its success, no one could have predicted how the supermarket chain would be celebrating its 60th anniversary this year.

New sanitizing protocols, special shopping hours for seniors, supply chain challenges, employees acknowledged as “essential workers” in the state’s economy — Fry’s has remained nimble throughout the many months of the COVID-19 pandemic, providing some stability for its communities in these challenging times.

“I think about the amazing responsibility we have to ensure that people have food on their tables,” said Monica Garnes, the president of Fry’s Food Stores.

“We have found a way to adjust to the new normal and still show up in ways that everyone needs us to show up.”

Garnes became president of Fry’s in 2018, but, in many ways, she’s trained her whole life for this moment. A native of Columbus, Ohio, she received a scholarship to the University of Rhode Island, where she was a four-year starter, and two-year captain, of the university’s women’s basketball team. After earning a degree in business management, Garnes moved back to Columbus and started working for The Kroger Co. in its management training program.

Since then, over the last 25 years, she’s had almost every job in the grocery field and at the corporate office. Store manager, human resource coordinator, produce buyer, public affairs/media relations manager, district manager, and produce manager — Garnes has done it all. She served as VP of merchandising for Fry’s Food Stores in Phoenix and corporate VP of produce and floral merchandise in Cincinnati, Ohio. “I’ve had numerous careers inside of the Kroger families and great mentors along the way,” she said.

More Than

11M

Meals Donated in 2019

“We have found a way to adjust to the new normal and still show up in ways that everyone needs us to show up.”

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1 8 out of

Americans struggles with hunger.

Yet, 40% of food produced in the U.S. is thrown away.

“The thing that has evolved since I started with the company is finding great partnerships to be able to divert food that may have been wasted in the past.”

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peaking of mentors, Garnes takes her role as mentor seriously and encourages others to consider working in a field that she concedes isn’t exactly the sexiest.

“We have doctors who work for Fry’s and Kroger.

We have engineers, food technology people, you name it,” she said. “If you’re not afraid of new opportunities and pushing yourself outside your comfort zone, the sky’s the limit in terms of potential roles you can have within our company.”

Another perk of working at Fry’s? A chance to take on huge societal problems — namely, food insecurity and food waste. There’s a fundamental absurdity baked into the grocery business. One in eight Americans struggles with hunger. Yet, 40 percent of food produced in the U.S. is thrown away. Fry’s is working to end hunger in our community by 2025 through its Zero Hunger / Zero Waste initiative, which was introduced three years ago.

G

Through campaigns, food drives and their Food Rescue program, Fry’s donated more than 11 million meals to hungry families in 2019. “Whether it’s rescuing healthy, nutritious food from our stores that typically may have been thrown out, or donating items that have damaged packaging, like a dented can, and through food drives, we’re able to partner with food banks and feed families,” Garnes said.

On the flip-side is waste, which Fry’s is also working to address. “We’ve diverted 69 percent of our food waste from landfills, sending it to livestock feeding or composting programs,” Garnes said. Fry’s has also made a big push on recycling, with nearly 90 million pounds of cardboard and plastics recycled last year.

“The thing that has evolved since I started with the company is finding great partnerships to be able to divert food that may have been wasted in the past,” Garnes said.

Those partners appreciate Fry’s efforts. “Fry’s is an integral part of the Arizona community and deserves the highest praise,” said Todd Cooley, manager of corporate development at St. Vincent de Paul. “Fry’s Zero Hunger / Zero Waste initiative aligns so well with SVdP’s Feed. Clothe. House.

Heal. mission and, because of that, together we can make a difference.”

arnes’s task, then, is to amass a team with the spirit to push hard to meet some audacious goals. “How do we think about eliminating hunger in the communities that we call home, for Fry’s and the entire Kroger family of stores, and also eliminating waste in our company by 2025?” she asked.

Of course, the pandemic hasn’t made those goals easier. COVID has ushered in a slew of changes that makes feeding the community and combating hunger more critical, while also making it more challenging.

“A top priority for us is the safety of our associates and our customers. So we have looked for ways to create the safest space for associates to work and for customers to shop,” Garnes said. “Along the way, it’s meant simplifying processes, removing layers and being able to move at a speed that we may never have thought possible in the past.”

Of course, all of those changes have meant added stress and Garnes says they’re all trying to adjust. “I think about our associates who have been doing amazing work in our stores. And then let’s add on the fact that they may now be homeschooling children,” she said. “We are trying to find the balance of supporting people for what they need, not only professionally here at Fry’s, but in their personal lives as well.”

107M Pounds of Total Waste Diverted From Landfills

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t’s a balancing act Garnes is attempting herself. A huge sports fan, Garnes would typically be supporting the Phoenix Mercury, cheering on college football, traveling and dining out with friends. But this year, she’s spending her spare time more contemplatively. “I’ve had more time to read, and I’ve started meditating throughout COVID. I call it the calm in the chaos,” she said.

As role model, mentor and supporter, Garnes has striven to project that calm in this most chaotic of years.

She’s worked to create an environment where people can be their best, while allowing and addressing vulnerability in the workplace. “I pride myself on listening to ideas and opinions, creating an environment where all feel valued and respected, so people don’t have that fear of failure,” she said.

Bringing her whole, authentic self to the workplace is vital to Garnes. As a Black woman, she takes representation seriously. “The more that you can see people who look like you achieving success, the more it makes you feel that anything’s possible,” she said. “I represent myself and people of color with pride and believe I have a responsibility to help our organization — not just at Fry’s, but at Kroger — to ensure that we’re creating an inclusive and diverse environment for all associates and customers.”

Over the past few months, she has been moved by the remarkable ways the community has come together at Fry’s. Team members supporting each other. Customers marching through stores with signs saying, “Thank you!”

“It’s been amazing,” she said. “Our purpose is to feed the human spirit and it’s been an uplifting journey to be involved in leading such an amazing group of associates that have stepped up and cared for our communities day after day.”

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“Our purpose is to feed the human spirit and it’s been an uplifting journey to be involved in leading such an amazing group of associates.”

Birthdays, weddings, funerals, graduations — most of life’s milestones involve food. So as the holidays near, Garnes knows Fry’s will be part of celebrating cherished traditions, and also making new ones. Her mom, dad and brother still live in Columbus, while her sister lives in New York. Over the holidays, they come together — sometimes in Arizona, sometimes in Ohio. “It’s the fun of being together, sharing our favorite foods, being grateful and saying prayers prior to eating for all the blessings we have in our lives,” she said.

This year, as it celebrates its 60th anniversary, Fry’s is especially honored to serve the community. Many families that typically would go away for Thanksgiving, Hanukkah or Christmas will be starting new traditions. “Fry’s is going to be here for you,” Garnes said. “As people are looking for normalcy during unprecedented times, your local grocery store is as normal as it gets. Being able to see your regular associates that wait on you, or friends in your community — we are honored that we can be a stable force for the community.”

A spike in COVID cases forced Miracle Mile Deli to make the tough decision to close its doors temporarily this summer. But the family-owned business found proactive ways to reopen and keep patrons and staff safe.

NEXT DOORS {ahead of the curve}

LOCAL BUSINESSES SHOW RESILIENCY —

BUT HAVE A LONG ROAD AHEAD Now more than ever, it’s important to shop local Tom Evans | Contributing Editor

I

worry about things, and there’s a lot to worry about right now. So recently, it occurred to me to worry about small businesses. As the owners of a small business ourselves, the missus and I try to do everything we can to shop local, eat local and do all of those good things.

When the pandemic hit, it had a massive effect on small businesses, particularly in the retail or hospitality space. Fortunately, private and public resources were made available to help some businesses make it through. But it occurred to me, a lot of those funds have dried up — and we’re nowhere near the end of all this.

So what happens now for our small business community?

“There are still a lot of unknowns,” Thomas Barr, executive director of Local First Arizona, told me.

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“There’s not been another package of support from the federal government. The small businesses that have stuck around and fought through the past few months are evaluating the environment daily,” he said. “Will there be a second wave of federal funds?

What resources will become available, and when?

Will people feel safe shopping for the holidays?

When will we return to a time when events happen again?”

You know how you spent the lockdown doing a sourdough starter or playing board games with the kids or whatever you did that you finally had time to get around doing? One of the ways the community responded was to embrace local businesses to help them make it through.

But just like with that sourdough starter or new workout plan, it seems like there’s been some fatigue setting in about making sure people shop local.

“We saw this incredible two- to three-month period where there was a huge push in dining local, and you saw it all over social media and on TV and radio,” said Josh Garcia, vice president of Miracle Mile Deli. “It was awesome to see this community come together — but I feel like that has dropped off just a little bit.”

Miracle Mile Deli is a Phoenix institution — it’s a three-generation family-owned business in its 71st year of operation. During the height of the spike of COVID-19 cases in the summer, it did something it had never done before.

It closed.

“For the first time in our 71-year history, we shut down everything, not because of COVID infecting the restaurant, but because none of us felt comfortable being at work,” Garcia said. Fortunately, they were able to modify their operations, continue to focus on safety, and reopened the restaurant after a couple of weeks.

“I’ve related this to riding a surfboard,” Garcia said.

“When you’re riding a wave, that surfboard has to be constantly moving, or you’re going to wipe out. That’s how this has been for us.”

Barr said that it’s the uncertainty that has been so challenging for many small business owners as they’ve worked to navigate the pandemic.

“All of these things are out of their hands — they’re in the virus’s control,” Barr said. “A lot of people are asking, ‘Do I stick with my business and see it through?’

If so, they need resources for debt restructuring and pivoting their business model. Or they say, ‘Do I get out now?’ which is a real reality.”

Local First Arizona wasn’t built with a pandemic in mind. Still, they did find themselves uniquely equipped to jump in and help local businesses. They started by creating the Small Business Relief Fund, which has distributed more than $13 million in the community. They also took a leadership role in connecting businesses with expertise and resources that helped tap into the Payroll Protection Program or Economic Injury Disaster Loans, which have helped many companies stay afloat.

But the most critical need of small businesses in our community right now is a simple one — customers.

“I ask people to think about when they used to walk into their favorite coffee shop and restaurant,” Barr said.

“They’d see plaques of T-ball teams or Scouts or clubs that this small business sponsored. That’s because small businesses have always stepped up and supported our community. Now is the time we have to step up for them.

If we don’t, they’re not going to be there in the long-term.” (continued)

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Picking up, getting delivery and ordering gift cards are some of the ways the community has stepped up to help local restaurants.

Barr pointed out that there’s some good news out there. Some service industries have done particularly well during the pandemic. And as Arizona’s weather improves into the fall, winter and spring, businesses will be able to expand their footprints outdoors. But there’s still a long way to go, and no end in sight.

“You’ll hear different things, depending on the source right now,” Barr said. “Some sources report the economy is doing great and booming back.

Others might be more doom and gloom and say things are bad and will take years to come back. I think we’re in between.

“We have a community of entrepreneurs whose job is to adapt, and I’ve seen more success stories of businesses rising to the occasion, pivoting, working hard and maintaining and sustaining themselves — more than businesses that are not doing that. Unfortunately, we are losing some businesses, and there is a path to recovery that is going to take some time.”

Garcia said that you’re not going to hear complaints from many small business owners because of the pride they have in what they do — but the hurt is real, as is the need for support.

“Long-term, there are so many questions about the future, and I think the only way we can feel good about what the future holds is with the community’s support,” he said. “We’re nothing without our customers. The big chains are going to survive — they have plenty of money and investors. People need to support the local businesses that they want to survive. Without that support, these businesses might not stick around another six months or a year.”

Tom Evans | CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

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STYLE UNLOCKED {living fashionably}

IT TAKES A VILLAGE JANE CHRISTENSEN CREATES A WORLD OF WARMTH AND WONDER OVER THE HOLIDAYS McKenna Wesley | Contributing Writer

W

hen Jane Christensen’s oldest son, Cooper, was a boy, he went to a friend’s house and saw their holiday village. The festive scene of holiday houses, winter landscaping and figurines captured his heart. Soon the Christensen family was building their own collection of ornately crafted decorations.

“It quickly became an addiction and it has been so much fun building a make-believe town with lots of special people, unusual themes and unique houses,” Christensen said. “We’ve added and added until the collection has literally taken over several rooms in our home.”

Christensen typically starts cajoling the family to pull the decorations out of the garage before Thanksgiving. “It takes all day to get everything out and prepared to assemble,” she said.

Next comes the fun of creating the village, which the family adds to each year. “Cooper’s favorite is the ski hill, along with the candy factory, Santa’s car wash and The Night Before Christmas house,” Christensen said.

It’s no surprise Christensen plays the lead in orchestrating the family festivities each year. After all, she plays a similar role in our community. She has chaired prestigious charity events such as the

Photos by Jillian Rivera Photography

Phoenix Heart Ball, Author’s Luncheon and SAARC Community Breakfast, to name a few. When she gets involved with a cause, she jumps in and doesn’t flinch at working hard. Many charities have benefited from her focus, fundraising and care over the years.

Christensen is the CEO and founder of Omni Bioceutical Innovations, which provides cutting-edge anti-aging products and serums. While successful in both her career and philanthropic pursuits, the most important roles in Christensen’s life are wife, mother and grandmother. And the holidays are a time to bring all the facets of her life together.

“The holidays are a time of celebration, family and friends,” she said. “It’s when I reflect with gratitude about how blessed I am to have so many special people in my life. My husband and I look forward to our family traditions of get-togethers, special meals, decorating and experiencing the holidays, especially through the eyes of the children in our families.”

As busy as the holidays can be, Christensen credits this time of year for creating some of her most precious memories. “Baking together with my boys, setting up our holiday village with them, and now with my grandchildren — it’s something I look forward to every year,” she said.

Another tradition the family looks forward to is their annual game of Santa’s Grab Bag. They collect about 40 to 50 goofy items and place them in a large red felt bag. They hide one large bill in one of the items and then toss in lots of one-dollar bills.

Everyone takes turns grabbing an item or some of the loose money. “Over the years, the prizes have become wilder and wilder and the laughs louder and louder,” Christensen said. (continued)

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CHECKING IN WITH...

STYLE UNLOCKED

(continued)

KIESHA McFADDEN

MARKET UPDATE /// According to Freddie Mac, on Oct. 22, the average for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage dropped to 2.8 percent from 2.81 percent with an average 0.6 point. (A point is a fee buyers pay, typically amounting to 1 percent of the loan, to get a better rate.) The average rate is well below the 3.75 percent level of one year ago, and the lowest since Freddie Mac began conducting the survey 49 years ago.

Existing-home sales rose 21 percent compared to one year ago to an annual rate of 6.54 million in September and up 9.4 percent, even compared to August 2020.

According to the National Association of Realtors, the median existing-home sales price rose 15 percent from one year ago to $311,800 in September. Houses are selling fast too, with 71 percent selling in less than one month in September.

Due to the fast pace of home sales, there’s a record low number of homes available on the market. According to the NAR, if the sales pace continues, the 1.47 million homes on the market now will be gone in 2.7 months.

TOP FIVE REASONS TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF RECORD-LOW INTEREST RATES: 1. Upgrade to a bigger home for the same payment 2. Do a cash-back refinance for home improvements 3. Refinance and add a pool 4. Consolidate your debt and eliminate stress 5. Lower your payment / Save thousands in interest

Although the children are now grown and many have families of their own, they still ask to play the game every year. “It’s the highlight of the day and a way to laugh and enjoy one another,” Christensen said.

This year, the holidays will take on special meaning. Christensen isn’t planning to buy lots of presents, believing that time together is the most precious gift. Instead of focusing on material things, Christensen will be hugging her family tight, praying for those who have lost loved ones, anonymously buying gifts and meals for those in need, savoring an extra piece of pie and enjoying her warm decorations.

Especially the holiday village.

GIVING BACK ///

This year has been a challenging journey for everyone in our country. But it has also been a catalyst for many of us to reflect on how fortunate we are and the blessings we have in our lives, like family and friends that often go overlooked when we get lost in the hubbub of our daily lives. With the holidays approaching, I would like to challenge everyone to look outside of themselves and see what we can do to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate in our communities.

16930 E. Palisades Blvd., Fountain Hills, AZ 85268 NMLS #1467650

KIESHA MCFADDEN | 480.252.9365 Kiesha@TolisMortgageUSA.com NMLS #198458

McKenna Wesley | CONTRIBUTING WRITER

One-of-a-kind gifts, virtual shopping and a million other ways to find some holiday sparkle...

THIS IS HOW WE CELEBRATE

Assael

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CHARITY SPOTLIGHT {giving back}

INCREASING

INDEPENDENCE Courtney’s Place helps adults with special needs develop abilities, confidence and social skills

By Karen Werner

ORGANIZATION:

ORIGIN:

Cortney’s Place

In 1985, Jim and Cindy Carpenter welcomed their first child, Cortney.

Despite being born with congenital nervous system malformations that left her unable to walk, talk or care for herself, Cortney faced each challenge with strength and determination. When she turned 22, Cortney “aged out” of the school-based program she had attended, so the Carpenters started searching for a safe, nurturing day program for her. Unfortunately, they discovered that most day programs were underfunded, uninviting and offered only limited activities. As a result, in 2007, the Carpenters founded Cortney’s Foundation, which became Cortney’s Place in 2018. Today, Cortney’s Place offers a meaningful community-based day program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

LEADERSHIP: Founders: Jim and Cindy Carpenter Executive director: Chasidy Gray

ANNUAL BUDGET: $1.2 million

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Cortney’s Place offers a meaningful community-based day program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

KNOWN FOR: Providing an inclusive and stimulating environment that truly looks and feels unique. With curriculum offerings such as music therapy, healthy cooking, hydrotherapy, pet therapy, art and technology classes, Cortney’s Place helps to ensure that students are stimulated cognitively, physically and socially while assisting them in meeting personal goals and becoming more self-sufficient.

CHALLENGES DURING COVID-19: The friendships Cortney’s Place students build with each other are special, and it’s been a challenge to enforce social distancing to keep students and staff safe.

Fortunately, Cortney’s Place has been able to create online classes to keep everyone connected.

To learn more, go to cortneysplace.org.

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KITCHEN DOORS {let’s eat}

’ TIS THE SEASON TO SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES PROUD MEMBER:

The holiday season is an excellent time to support local businesses and buy unique gifts for colleagues, family and friends. Here are some ideas from Local First Arizona members.

PROUD MEMBER OF:

SEE SALT

SPHINX DATE CO.

seesalttaste.com

PROUD MEMBER OF:

Founded by a mother and daughter in 2013, See Salt offers organic finishing salt in several flavors with French fleur de sel as the base. See Salt’s fleur de sel, which means flower of salt in French, is hand-harvested off the coast of Île de Ré, France, which is famous for its salt marshes.

Ideal for holiday gifts, See Salt variety packs are $38 and contain three 1.5-ounce jars. The French Kitchen Staples variety pack includes Signature Fleur de Sel, Fleur de Sel + Herbes de Provence ideal for vegetables and poultry, and Fleur de Sel + Pepper.

The Citrus variety pack includes Fleur de Sel + Lemon, which can be used on everything from vegetables to seafood, Fleur de Sel + Cayenne/Lime, which offers a hint of heat and lime zest, and Fleur de Sel + Orange Bitters with cocktail bitters and a hint of ginger that complements dark chocolate and libations. See Salt also sells its salts individually.

PIE SNOB

sphinxdateranch.com

An Arizona favorite for more than 65 years, Sphinx Date Co. offers locally grown dates, dried fruits, nuts and gift baskets featuring local products. Gift items include the Prickly Pear Gift Box ($45), including barbecue sauce and jelly, several baskets with Arizona wines and sweets, and the Grill Master Gift Basket ($69.95) with local barbecue sauce, seasoning and rubs, and Sphinx Date Co.’s own date hot sauce. Visit the Palm & Pantry store in Scottsdale to create a custom gift basket or order online to have items shipped.

KETTLE HEROES kettleheroes.com

piesnob.com

Pies are a perfect holiday gift for family, friends and hosts. Located in Arcadia, Pie Snob has a variety of festive pies ranging in price from $24 to $30. Favorites include pumpkin pie, pecan pie, and Pie Snob’s bestselling apple crumb pie with tart apples, cinnamon spice and their signature crumb topping. Unique flavors include green chili apple, chocolate pecan and pumpkin praline.

Based in Tempe, Kettle Heroes was founded in 2013 by two brothers who wanted to make a difference.

The company regularly gives back to the community through donations benefiting a variety of charitable organizations. Featuring local, allnatural ingredients, Kettle Heroes popcorn and kettle corn flavors include caramel apple pie, pumpkin pie, prickly pear and aged white cheddar. Holiday gift tins are available starting at $39.99 with three flavors and can be shipped nationwide.

(continued)

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YOUR TAX DOLLARS HELP TO CREATE:

strong families. supported communities. happy, healthy kids.

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KITCHEN DOORS (continued)

HO-HOHOLIDAY DINING For those who want to leave the holiday cooking to the pros, options abound, from dine-in to takeout, from casual to upscale.

CHOMPIE’S A Valley favorite since 1979 with multiple locations, Chompie’s is offering Thanksgiving to-go meals as well as a la carte items for takeout and curbside pickup. Full meals start at $219.99 and serve 12 to 15 people, including a whole oven-roasted turkey, homemade stuffing, sides, rolls and pies.

Whole turkeys, sides and desserts are available a la carte, including stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes, cranberry relish, homestyle green beans, a variety of pies and pumpkin pie crème brulée.

Chompie’s will be open on Thanksgiving for dine-in service from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering a traditional meal with all the trimmings for $20.99 per person and $9.99 for kids under 10. Individual dinners are also available for takeout.

Hanukkah takes place December 10-18 and Chompie’s is offering a takeout dinner for eight for $219.99, including matzo ball soup, choice of brisket, roasted chicken or ovenroasted turkey breast with challah stuffing, potato latkes, and apple strudel and rugelach.

From December 20-January 1, Chompie’s offers a Chrismukkah feast for $22.99 per person and $10.49 for children under 10. The Chrismukkah feast includes challah rolls, pickle tray, choice of entrée, including buttermilk fried chicken, turkey, brisket or salmon, plus sides and dessert.

To view holiday menus, visit chompies.com.

ELEMENTS Several of the Valley’s beautiful resorts offer high-end holiday dining. Elements at Sanctuary Resort in Paradise Valley is offering a four-course, prix-fixe menu ranging from a traditional turkey dinner with chestnut stuffing, mashed potatoes and cranberry-apple relish, to unique options such as roasted vegetable Wellington, grilled filet of beef, pecan-crusted swordfish, Moroccan spiced lamb shank and butternut squash ravioli. Decadent desserts include brownie pecan pie, pumpkin spice crème brulée and butterscotch cheesecake. The meal is $125 per person and $45 for children ages 6-12.

Another Thanksgiving option at Sanctuary is a private feast during a stay in one of the Villas at Sanctuary, the resort’s collection of luxury homes. Sanctuary will also offer special menus on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. For more information and reservations, call 855.245.2051.

J&G STEAKHOUSE J&G Steakhouse at The Phoenician is offering a three-course Thanksgiving meal for $65 featuring turkey with the trimmings, including mushroom and chestnut stuffing and caramelized Brussels sprouts, and pumpkin cheesecake for dessert. J&G will also be offering festive prix-fixe menus for Christmas and New Year’s Eve. For more information, call 480.214.8000.

RITA’S CANTINA Rita’s Cantina at JW Marriott Camelback Inn in Scottsdale is offering a three-course prix-fixe menu from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day, including butternut squash bisque, oven-roasted turkey, grilled asparagus with shrimp and lobster gremolata and pumpkin tart with charred meringue. The cost is $75 for adults and $25 for children 12 and under.

To make a reservation, call 480.948.1700.

Shoshana Leon | CONTRIBUTING WRITER

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OPEN DOORS {publisher’s page}

THE 2020 FRONTDOORS

GIFT GUIDE

By Andrea Tyler Evans

Once again, the Frontdoors team has been out and about (with masks on), searching for a local spin on gift-giving for the holiday season. Now more than ever, let’s take time to support the small businesses in our community so they can keep giving back too.

HOSTESS GIFTS Hand-Poured Candles While we may not be able to gather for dinner parties this holiday season, dropping off surprises to the front doors of friends and family will be the ultimate virtual hostess gift.

Scottsdale-based Dog Candle Company has the perfect collection of scented candles to stock up on for impromptu giving all season long. The Spiced candle is a blend of pumpkin, hazelnut and ginger; the Cozy candle is filled with apple, clove and maple; and the Tart candle smells of cranberry, citrus and spice. And if you’re looking for a fun holiday craft, they sell Pour Your Own Candle Kits in 18 different scents! The Fall Collection candles are $22 each and available at dogcandleco.com.

UNIQUELY ARIZONA Horizon Collection Catch-All Tray Based in Tempe, Wood Evolution crafts recycled wood coasters, cutting boards, natural wood trays, and acrylic-pour pieces that make stunning gifts for the home. All of their wood pieces are finished with a foodsafe oil that emphasizes the wood’s natural beauty. This stylish tray boasts oak, blue-gray and gold pigmented resin edges that meet the cherry wood center like the earth and the sky.

Dimensions: 8.5” x 6.5” x 0.75.” Available online for $55. wood-evolution.com.

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FRONTDOORS MEDIA

FRAGRANCE FOR ALL

CHEERS TO THE CHAIR

Play Red by Comme des Garçons You can find the warm and complex Play Red unisex fragrance as well as several other unique finds by Comme des Garçons at the upscale lifestyle shop Now or Never, located at the corner of Central and Roosevelt in downtown Phoenix.

Owners Jason Shelby and Wade Parkins have curated a fantastic selection from brands like MM6 Maison Margiela, KARA, Rachel Comey and the iconic Italian brand Kartell. It’s worth a visit for the hard-to-buy-for family member. Available in-store or online for $110: nowornever.shop.

IMPRESSIVE SWEETS

{Society of Chairs}

Congratulations to our October Honoree!

Debbie Allford

Festive Cake Pops These lovely little treats make the perfect stocking stuffers, neighborhood treats and teacher gifts.

Meet Rachel Burton of Sweet Hellos in Avondale and get your order for her darling custom cake pops. One look at her Facebook account and you will see that the options are endless. Cake flavors include vanilla, chocolate, red velvet and spice cake and the finished product comes ready to be displayed. Call to get your order in early! One dozen custom pops starts at $24. Contact Rachel via facebook/mysweethellos or 928.278.7517. (continued)

Chair of Night of Gold 2020 To learn more about Allford and her service to HonorHealth Foundation, go to frontdoorsmedia.com/cheerstothechairs Frontdoors is proud to recognize those who volunteer their time, treasure and talents to support local organizations in a leadership role.

Brought to you by:

Custom Logo Gifts to Brand Your Cause and Define Your Event CharityCharms.com

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OPEN DOORS (continued)

HAPPY HOWLIDAYS! Gifts for Your Best Bud Happy Trails Barkery has been crafting healthy, wholesome dog treats since 2011 and knows how to go all out for the holidays all year round. These beautifully hand-decorated cookie treats are made with all-natural peanut butter, wheat flour and yogurt-based frostings and colors. Their website also includes cakes and special treats with allergies in mind. Cookie bags are $15 each and come with seven different cookies. Check out happytailsbarkery.co to order or look up where to find their products around the Valley.

CHEERS TO THE CHAIR {Society of Chairs}

Congratulations to our November Honoree!

FRESH & HEALTHY Local Produce Delivered There’s a new, customizable produce delivery service in town, and the Bird Dog Produce Gift Basket is not only priced right at $40 but the perfect gift that’s sure to be appreciated. Each basket contains a pineapple, three Honeycrisp apples, two Granny Smith apples, three oranges, four kiwis, a bunch of grapes, a banana bunch and a seasonal treat.

You’ll want to check out all of their offerings for your family too.

Order by 1 p.m. for next-day delivery in the Valley, Monday through Friday. birddogproduce.com.

I hope you can enjoy some retail therapy during the coming weeks and make someone special in your life smile with a surprise from our picks this holiday season.

Andrea

Kristine McIver Chair of “Sing On September” Virtual Fundraiser To learn more about McIver and her service to Phoenix Boys Choir, go to frontdoorsmedia.com/cheerstothechairs Frontdoors is proud to recognize those who volunteer their time, treasure and talents to support local organizations in a leadership role.

Brought to you by:

Custom Logo Gifts to Brand Your Cause and Define Your Event CharityCharms.com

Andrea Tyler Evans | PUBLISHER FRONTDOORS MEDIA

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CONNECTING WOMEN WHERE THEY WORK, LIVE OR PLAY Join us where you live, work or play to connect with like-minded women to share information, ideas, contacts and opportunities.

Learn more at: eastvalleywomen.org | centralphoenixwomen.org womenofscottsdale.org | northvalleywomen.org

In Studio + Virtual We're Back WE'RE EXCITED TO WELCOME YOU BACK TO THE SPARKLE BAR AS WE OPERATE AT LIMITED CAPACITY TO ENSURE EVERYONE'S SAFETY.

BY APPOINTMENT, IN STUDIO, ON LOCATION AND VIRTUALLY. Visit thesparklebar.com for more information

Portraits, Events & Commercial MarionRhoadesPhotography.com - 602.677.3985