For Over 40 Years
Mike Mendoza | Rob Castellini | Josh Mendoza
Ahwatukee’s #1 Team
Investing in What Matters Most
I came across this idea – one that may not be novel, but one that really speaks to me lately – that the new measure of wealth isn't solely monetary. True wealth extends beyond financial gain, encompassing the luxury of time, the benefit of travel, the importance of good health and the preciousness of family and friends. This concept resonated with me deeply. Just as Dr. Gary Chapman identified five love languages – words of affirmation, acts of service, receiving gifts, quality time, and physical touch – we can also consider our "investment languages." To some, their primary focus may be financial security; for others, it's investing in their health and well-being. For me, my "investment language" is quality time.
Just recently, I sat down with my son and went through his bookshelf which had been overflowing. We took each book off the shelf and determined if it was something he wanted to keep or part with. After we amassed a large collection, we packed the books up in reusable bags and took a trip to Changing Hands Bookstore to see what they would buy. The wait time was over an hour, so we walked the aisles together, revisiting favorite series and discovering new authors. We strolled through the cookbook section and talked about our favorite foods. We meandered into Wildflower next door for a sweet treat. We spent an entire lovely afternoon together and neither one of us looked at a device (which is a huge feat for a video game-loving tween). The day wasn’t particularly exciting or noteworthy, but it’s a memory I’ll cherish for a lifetime. This simple act of spending quality time together felt incredibly valuable, a true investment in our relationship.
This month, we're exploring the art of investing – not just in the stock market, but in the things that enrich our lives. From cultivating a kitchen stocked with high-quality, non-toxic cookware to appreciating the enduring value of heirloom jewelry, this issue delves into the importance of making thoughtful investments that enhance our health and well-being.
We hope this issue inspires you to think beyond investments as being purely financial, and to focus on all the meaningful ways that we can invest in ourselves, our family and friends, our community. What we devote to these areas can provide a pretty spectacular return on investment.
April 2025
PUBLISHER
Sherry York | sherry.york@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Beth Del Ville | beth.delville@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Emily Schlorf, Alison Stanton, Kris Ann Valdez, Beth Del Ville
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Stephanie Slezak, Christine Johnson
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Zach Miller
LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick
BETH DEL VILLE, EDITOR @AHWATUKEECITYLIFESTYLE
Proverbs 3:5-6
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Tiffany Lacy Clark & Robert Hughes attend the 2025 Inspiring Hope Gala benefiting Solari Crisis and Human Services. 2: Laboraex Abeita, Angelina Steel, Diana Brandt and Hännah Foote at the Inspiring Hope Gala. 3: Debbie Hollis & Charles Bradley celebrate the successful fundraising efforts at the Inspiring Hope Gala. 4: Solari board member Ashley Bridwell and Danny Nehaffey at the event. 5: Guests enjoy the cocktail hour at the 2025 Inspiring Hope Gala at the Phoenician. 6: Letitia Frye, “Auctiontainer” for the evening, inspires the crowd to raise funds at the event. 7: Solari CEO Justin Chase and his family, from left, Sally, Landon, Logan and Emma. Photography by Stephanie Slezak
TAYLOR AASAND MPH, RDN, CEDS
Do you:
Struggle with body Image?
Feel like you need to be on a diet and you are dreading it?
Have an eating disorder?
Feel frustrated with meeting previous providers in the past who made you feel ashamed or bad about your food choices?
Want to find joy around food or movement?
Feel like you don’t know where to start with food, cooking or meal planning?
“FOOD IS COMPLICATED AND SO IS YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH IT.”
If you can relate to any of the above or are curious to learn more, use the QR code.
A
t o f i n a l l y f e e l l i k e y o u r
b e s t s e l f f r o m t h e i n s i d e o u t !
A ROUNDUP OF NEWS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES
American Way Pasta Opens at Ahawatukee Mercado
Handcrafted pasta and tableside cacio e pepe are just two of the specialties guests will find at the new American Way Pasta, located in the Ahwatukee Mercado plaza. The eatery, headed by chef Osmany Diaz and Jose Chavez, features a variety of dishes, from Roman favorites like carbonara, to risotto and filet mignon. They offer a curated selection of wines, cocktails and mocktails, and lunch specials are available on select days. @AmericanWayPasta
“YOU ALREADY KNOW HOW TO LOSE WEIGHT, I’LL TEACH YOU HOW TO EAT.”
Scan to read more
Chaston Liberty Celebrates New Location
Chaston Liberty, a local business that offers tax-related support for small businesses as well as coaching and consulting, recently celebrated their grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for their new location at 11022 S. 51st Street, Suite 101 in Ahwatukee. James Chaston, CPA and owner of Chaston Liberty, has more than 25 years of experience, is an Ahwatukee resident and graduate of Arizona State University, and is dedicated to supporting startups and small businesses. ChastonLiberty.com | 602.942.4100
Dr. Kristen Mayorga
DIVERSIFY YOUR PORTFOLIO OF KNOWLEDGE
Do you remember the feeling from elementary school when the fog of a difficult concept finally began to lift? What about the wave of accomplishment experienced after mastering a new recipe, figuring out how to strum the chords to your favorite song or constructing an IKEA shelf sans leftover screws?
As unrelated as those experiences may seem, they share a commonality: it feels good to learn. The benefits of learning are long-lasting too. From delaying dementia to boosting motivation, the time and effort dedicated to expanding one’s mind is always well spent.
Interested in investing in your knowledge but don’t know where to start? Here are some ideas.
LEARN A LANGUAGE
Whether you boast a 400-day streak on Duolingo or enroll in a beginner’s class, adding another language to your lexicon doesn’t just make ordering tapas on vacation easier.
In addition to opening the door to richer cultural opportunities and understanding, language acquisition can do wonders for your brain. New experiences push neurons to form new connections, which improve your brain’s lifelong capacity to adapt to situations.
And as anyone who’s attempted to learn another language knows, language study is nothing but new experiences: new sounds to attempt, new grammar rules to abide by, new cultural norms to comprehend. As a result, your brain becomes better equipped to handle whatever curveballs life may throw at you — from unexpected changes to brain injuries.
And while learning a language seems like a daunting task, studies show that the brain benefits from language study regardless of proficiency. So redownload Duolingo, start listening to a language podcast during your commute, or take a language course at your local community college. Your brain will thank you!
REAP WHAT YOU SEW
There’s arguably no greater act of self love than following through on the commitments you set for yourself. One way you can get better at keeping your goals is by regularly challenging yourself to learn new hobbies or skills — from sewing to playing the saxophone — and then sticking to them.
Take woodworking for example. If you’ve always had an eye for shaker boxes and rocking chairs, the feeling of enrolling in a sixweek course and then showing up week after week for yourself may be as thrilling as your cherry wood keepsake.
This may be one reason people with hobbies tend to have lower rates of depression,
although other contributing factors likely include a sense of community, regular cognitive stimulation and practiced mindfulness. If you have yet to find a hobby that excites you, try browsing local fitness studios, art centers and event pages to spark some inspiration.
NEW EXPERIENCES PUSH NEURONS TO FORM NEW CONNECTIONS, WHICH IMPROVE YOUR BRAIN’S LIFELONG CAPACITY TO ADAPT TO SITUATIONS...AS A RESULT, YOUR BRAIN BECOMES BETTER EQUIPPED TO HANDLE WHATEVER CURVEBALLS
LIFE MAY THROW AT YOU.
UPSKILL AT WORK
It’s no secret that the higher your degree is, the better compensated you can expect to be. In fact, according to a 2015 study, individuals with college and graduate degrees make hundreds of thousands more in a lifetime than those with just a high school diploma.
But formal education isn’t the only way to develop professionally. A cursory scroll on LinkedIn can show how low-pressure lifelong learning can be. Plus, the resources available are abundant, from online certifications to bite-sized LinkedIn Learning courses and TED Talks.
The practice of perpetual career development, also known as “upskilling,” doesn’t just make you better at what you do. It may have the power to save your job too.
A SOUND INVESTMENT
Whether your motivation for learning something new is tied to brain health, fulfillment or increasing your paycheck, you can rest easy knowing that investing in your knowledge is a gift that will keep on giving for the rest of your days.
Preventative
Restorative
Mouthguards
Special
Emergency
ARTICLE BY KRIS ANN VALDEZ
BY STEPHANIE SLEZAK
APPRAISING AND PRESERVING YOUR FAMILY HEIRLOOMS
HIDDEN TREASURES
PHOTOGRAPHY
An oil painting that once graced a great-grandparent’s wall, an antiquated diamond ring passed down from a great aunt, a rare coin from a father’s private collection—these heir-
While many heirlooms are imbued with meaning, it’s not always as clear when these legacy pieces also hold significant monetary value. Myranda shares how a woman sold her best
MYRANDA EMPHASIZES THE IMPORTANCE OF HAVING PIECES EVALUATED AND APPRAISED.
looms and treasures are often symbols of a family’s stories, traditions and values. But, as generations pass, the sentimental significance of these objects often becomes lost or forgotten.
This potential loss of value, both sentimental and financial, is precisely what drove Myranda of Myranda Fine Jewelry to her profession, where she evaluates and appraises gems, jewelry, rare coins and silver. Myranda says she chose this career path because, as a frequenter of estate sales, she observed how often people received less than fair market value for their treasures, underselling them to estate buyers or auction houses.
Today, Myranda is known in the industry for her honesty, empathy and a keen eye for detail. She tirelessly works to ensure her clients get the best possible price for their treasures, which is why many of them travel worldwide, from Idaho to London to consult with her and her team.
friend a ring from her mother's collection for $40,000. Myranda, recognizing its potential value, advised the buyer to have it appraised. The ring turned out to be worth $200,000. Despite the significant difference, the seller honored the original agreement, saying it was what her mother would have wanted. "Let me tell you," Myranda says, "she [the buyer] got a great deal."
But not every experience is as rewarding. Another time, a woman came to Myranda with five Rolex watches, their boxes and paperwork included. The woman had gone through a difficult time, and the watches were all she had left to pay the bills. Myranda evaluated them, only to discover they were all fakes. "It was a hard conversation," she says, expressing how delicately she handles these moments.
The unknowns about a piece's potential value are a vital factor in why Myranda emphasizes the importance of having pieces evaluated and appraised.
She shares several key steps for preserving and protecting heirlooms.
First, have your items appraised. But be leery of inflated appraisals; unfortunately, they are common—sometimes appraising an item three to five times higher than its true value. Myranda recommends getting a trusted appraisal for a true sense of your treasure’s fair market value.
An accurate evaluation of an item will provide invaluable knowledge about your piece. It’s also essential for insurance purposes, preventing overpayment of premiums for exaggerated values and ensuring adequate compensation in case of loss. Myranda suggests insuring anything over $5,000.
In addition, properly store your heirlooms because time can be unkind to even the sturdiest treasures. Sunlight fades delicate fabrics, while humidity can warp wooden furniture and tarnish jewelry. Whenever possible, items should be stored in a vault or safe, along with original documentation, including receipts and certificates. Once a year, have your pieces evaluated and serviced to keep them in good condition. Just like a car needs regular maintenance, jewelry should be checked for loose stones, worn prongs and other potential problems.
Remember to include your heirlooms in a will or estate plan to avoid confusion
A selection of antique brooches from the early 1900s.
A vintage squashblossom necklace featuring Sleeping Beauty turquoise.
HEIRLOOMS AND TREASURES ARE OFTEN SYMBOLS OF A FAMILY’S STORIES...
and potential conflict among heirs. It’s important to keep a detailed inventory of your pieces and your wishes for their distribution—saving your heirs from dealing with unknowns.
Finally, if you’ve inherited items and want to sell them, take your time when making decisions to avoid clouded judgment caused by emotional attachment. And don’t be afraid to ask questions of a jeweler— are they going to consign or broker your objects? It’s important to be comfortable with your decision, so work with a team that recognizes the worth of your pieces.
At Myranda's Fine Jewelry, whether you're curious about a $100 piece or a million-dollar collection, Myranda and her team are dedicated to creating a welcoming atmosphere inspired by their passion for the industry. Stop by for a complimentary consultation, enjoy a glass of champagne and discover your heirlooms’ hidden value. If your treasures are not within their expertise, Myranda has many connections in the industry and can recommend you to other appraisers.
Having your heirlooms appraised often offers a newfound appreciation for them— and a story to share with future generations.
A vintage star ring.
A painted snake bracelet from the 1940s and vintage button pearl and black onyx ring.
More than 21 gemstones set in a museum-quality gold bracelet.
Everyone needs support at times, and when those moments come, Solari is here to respond Our compassionate and trained specialists offer free and confidential services through our 988 crisis line
“My wife was in a dark place so I called in and spoke with someone who was very helpful. She kept my wife from doing something drastic I’m really grateful ”
-Crisis Line Caller
As a nonprofit organization, Solari relies on the generous support of individuals and organizations to help us continue to provide our critical services.
Scan the QR Code to make a donation today
SOLARI CRISIS & HUMAN SERVICES HAS AN EMPLOYEE-FIRST WORK CULTURE
Investing in People Pays Positive Dividends
ARTICLE BY ALISON STANTON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRISTINE JOHNSON
“... having a workplace with an employee-forward work culture is a game-changer.”
Solari Crisis & Human Services, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides community-based crisis intervention services and a wide range of mental health services, opened its doors in 2007 with one key mission in mind: Inspiring hope.
As Manager of Marketing Laboraex Abeita notes, the East Valley nonprofit, which also answers all calls made in Arizona to 988, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, as well as to the statewide crisis line, is equally devoted to achieving this goal both externally and internally.
“This means that we want every member of our team to feel valued and inspired in the work they do, especially because our programs are designed to help those in need,” Abeita says, adding that Solari’s trained and caring crisis specialists, who are available 24/7/365, responded to more than 500,000 calls in 2024.
To help ensure that the health and well-being of its entire team of employees is a priority, Solari has embraced an “employee-first” work culture.
“The work that is done here at Solari is around the clock, and that means employees can become burnt out if not given the support and flexibility needed to enjoy their lives,” Abeita says.
For example, he notes, employees who are on-site can take a break whenever they feel the need and decompress in one of the many “compassion rooms” located throughout the office space.
“For employees who are working remotely, there are employee wellness programs that provide 24/7 mental health support, as well as life coaching and mental wellness resources,” Abeita says.
“In addition, the paid time off and hybrid work opportunities allow employees to truly enjoy a great work-life balance. These are only a few of the many
incredible employee benefits and support systems that Solari provides to our team.”
Solari’s investment in its work culture and commitment to the well-being of its employees has paid off in a variety of positive ways.
“We have seen the benefits of our work culture through the powerful and inspiring actions of our employees. Our employees have published books, speak publicly, lead trainings, and so much more for our community,” Abeita says.
Solari has also received a number of awards for its positive work culture. The nonprofit received the “Top Workplaces” recognition from The Arizona Republic in 2023 and 2024, and was named one of the “Top 10 Remote Workplaces in the United States” by Energage in 2024.
“We’ve also been recognized as a ‘Best Place to Work’ by the Phoenix Business Journal in 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022! In addition, we have also received many other recognitions that can be viewed on our website,” Abeita shares.
Abeita says he and everyone at Solari are proud of their supportive work culture, and the way it benefits everyone at the nonprofit.
“From the perspective of the employee, having a workplace with an employee-forward work culture is a game-changer. Prioritizing the health and well-being of employees has been shown to increase productivity, company loyalty and overall success of company goals,” he says.
“From the perspective of the employer, Solari knows that the success of our organization doesn’t happen without the amazing individuals that make up our employee base.”
Solari-Inc.org
Cravatta
CRAFTED FOR A LIFETIME: The Value of Quality Cookware
If the kitchen is the heart of the home, a space where memories are made and culinary creations come to life, then it stands to reason that investing wisely in your cookware is a smart move. It can significantly enhance your cooking experience and elevate your meals.
While Instagram-worthy and budget-friendly options may seem appealing, investing in high-quality cookware offers numerous long-term benefits.
Durability. High-quality cookware is built to last. Unlike budget-friendly options that may warp, rust or lose their non-stick coating, well-made pieces can withstand years of regular use. This translates into long-term savings and reduces the need for frequent replacements.
Healthier Cooking. Many budget-friendly options contain harmful chemicals like PFOA and PTFE. By opting for non-toxic materials like ceramic or stainless steel, you ensure you're cooking healthy meals for yourself and your family.
Improved Cooking Performance. High-quality cookware heats evenly and efficiently, allowing for better control and more consistent results. This translates to tastier meals and a more enjoyable cooking experience. Evenly distributed heat
Your guide to choosing the best quality tools for your kitchen
ARTICLE BY BETH DEL VILLE
allows you to sear a steak to perfection, sauté vegetables without burning them and simmer sauces to the ideal consistency.
Enhanced Culinary Skills. Cooking with high-quality tools can inspire creativity and elevate your skills. The responsiveness of a well-crafted pan or professional chef’s knife encourages experimentation and refines your techniques.
When deciding where to start when investing in your kitchen cookware, there are a few essentials that are not to be missed.
First, pick up a set of stainless steel pots and pans that include a variety of sizes and shapes (with lids!) to suit your cooking needs.
Then, consider purchasing a high-quality Dutch oven. This versatile workhorse can be used for braising, stewing, roasting and even making bread. With beautiful and brightly hued options, it can add a splash of color to your kitchen.
Next, look at picking up a cast iron skillet—it’s a classic for a reason. Cast iron skillets are incredible durable when cared-for properly, and can be used for searing steaks, baking cornbread and even making delicious desserts.
You can’t go wrong investing in an excellent set of knives. Not only do quality, sharp knives make cooking safer and more efficient, they can also make the process of prepping more enjoyable. Just make sure to keep them in good working order.
Wooden utensils and cutting boards are non-toxic and beautiful pieces to add to your kitchen. Butcher block cutting boards safeguard knives and provide a stable surface for chopping and slicing, while wooden utensils will protect pots and pans. Be sure to use a food-grade mineral oil regularly to keep wood pieces looking their best and performing at their peak.
When investing in cookware, consider heritage brands like Le Creuset, All-Clad and Staub. They are known for their exceptional quality, craftsmanship and durability.
Investing in quality cookware is an investment in yourself, your family and your overall enjoyment of cooking. By choosing long-lasting, high-performing pieces, you'll be creating a kitchen that sparks culinary creativity with products that can last a lifetime.
Our favorites for purchasing investment cooking essentials and kitchenware
Made In Chef-designed cookware crafted in the U.S. and Europe. MadeInCookware.com
Le Creuset
Legendary colorful enameled cast iron cookware and bakeware. LeCreuset.com
All-Clad
A go-to for stainless steel kitchen essentials. All-Clad.com Caraway Safer-for-you nonstick cookware. CarawayHome.com
Vitamix
The classic investment mixer. Vitamix.com
John Boos
One of the country’s oldest hardwood butcher boards manufacturers. JohnBoos.com
Staub
Heirloom-quality French cast iron cookware and ceramic bakeware. Staub.com
Breville
An Australian brand of high-end kitchen and cooking appliances. Breville.com
EVERY SUNDAY
Ahwatukee
Farmers Market
Ahwatukee Swim & Tennis Center | 9:00 AM
Every Sunday, the Ahwatukee Farmers Market brings together a selection of local artists and makers, food, produce and more. Enjoy all that is available at this long-running community event. For more information, visit ArizonaCommunityFarmersMarkets.com
APRIL 4TH
Light Up Ahwatukee Beer and Wine Gala
Foothills Golf Club
2025 marks the 28th anniversary of this 21+ event. The gala is an evening of fundraising, and features an all-inclusive ticket for unlimited beer and wine varieties curated by the board president/sommelier. Attendees will enjoy a diverse selection of libations, live music, 20 casino tables and games, multiple raffle prizes, exciting wine pulls and more. LightUpAhwatukee.org
APRIL 5TH
The Great Ahwatukee Easter Egg Hunt 2025
Kyrene de la Estrella | 10:00 AM
Bring your little ones (and their own baskets!) to collect as many eggs as they can during the thrilling annual egg hunt, which is broken down by age group. Enjoy bounce houses, food trucks, face painting, kids’ crafts, pictures with the Easter Bunny and more. For more information, search “The Great Ahwatukee Easter Egg Hunt 2025” on Facebook.com.
APRIL 18TH
Ahwatukee Eats
Desert Dentistry | 5:00 PM
Attend this monthly event for delicious food and wonderful community. A host of food trucks serving a variety of delectable eats will be in attendance, along with family-friendly fun for all. Find out more on Instagram @AhwatukeeEats
APRIL 19TH
Ahwatukee Easter
Parade & Spring Festival and Craft Fair
Warner Road and 48th Street | 10:00 AM
Join in the fun at the 49th annual Ahwatukee Easter Parade, presented by the Kiwanis Club of Ahwatukee, one of the longest-running community parades in the Valley. More than 75 parade entries will move north along 48th Street from Warner Road to Elliot Road. The annual Spring Festival and Craft Fair follows the parade, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. AhwatukeeEasterParade
APRIL 26TH
Scottsdale Jazz Festival
Scottsdale Civic Center | 3:00 PM
The Scottsdale Jazz Festival is back and honors legendary musician and producer Quincy Adams. The dynamic lineup includes celebrated artists like Richard Elliot and Rick Braun, Dan Pinson and his All-Star Band, featuring David Baradic, a former pianist with the Quincy Jones Orchestra, two-time Grammy-winning bassist Mel Brown and Grammy-nominated producer and drummer John Herrera. Gates open at 3 p.m. ScottsdaleJazzFest.org
