November— Thankful
Shopping local is a way to thank your neighbors and reward your community every day of the year. This month, however, is a special time in our publication’s journey to reflect on what being thankful really means.
When we count our blessings, we often think of family, friends, and health. When asked what we are thankful for, that one important thing pops into our minds. For my family this year, it is certainly the good news of our beloved patriarch's health being restored. What is it that is most important to your family?
You may wonder why a magazine cares so much about giving thanks. Well, this local editorial team is a part of your community. We feature local people, businesses, and attractions—all of these employ us, educate us, entertain us, and introduce us. We are so thankful for the fabric that YOU, our neighbors, weave together daily to make our community a wonderful place to live.
Turn the pages to read about some incredible local entrepreneurs in our “Thankful” issue. See the tremendous efforts and impacts they are making for us. If you haven't yet, you can also find other ways to jump into the community yourself. We love offering ideas for volunteering, helping, and activating the good around you.
We count our blessings with you this month, our dear readers. We appreciate your local efforts, whether shopping local, volunteering, or helping this community in any way. One final thought, and the most important one, is that we are so thankful for you.
JULIE LACROIX, PUBLISHER @NORTHPEORIALIFESTYLE
November 2024
PUBLISHER
Julie LaCroix | julie.lacroix@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Susan Lanier-Graham
susan.lanier-graham@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Nichole Eckman | nichole.eckman@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Nichole Eckman | nichole.eckman@citylifestyle.com
COPY EDITOR
Mimi Slawoff | mslwoff@gmail.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Jen David | jen.david@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Alison Bailin Batz, Angela Broockerd, Angel Fuchs, Susan Lanier-Graham, Gretchen Pahia
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Janie Jones
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman
LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
Proverbs 3:5-6
SUPPORTING OUR CHILDREN
Volunteers Join Local Nonprofit to Benefit Children in the West Valley
ARTICLE
Partnerships and programs are among the best things about our Peoria community. We have impressive philanthropic endeavors, including the noteworthy Peoria Diamond Club (PeoriaDiamondClub.org). The club is a 501(c)(3) organization that supports community programs that educate and enrich children’s lives. Through partnerships, sponsorships, donations, and volunteer efforts, Peoria Diamond Club (PDC) raises funds for local youth charities and organizations.
BY GRETCHEN PAHIA PHOTOGRAPHY BY PEORIA DIAMOND CLUB
“We are one team with one dream: helping kids.”
AN ORGANIZATION WITH HEART
Peoria Diamond Club was established in 1993 in response to the desires of the San Diego Padres, Seattle Mariners, and the City of Peoria to partner with a nonprofit organization during Spring Training.
Executive Director Rebecca Wright explains that volunteers are at the heart of everything PDC accomplishes.
“Our volunteers, aka Red Shirts, participate in the daily operation of the Seattle Mariners and San Diego Padres Spring Training at the Peoria Sports Complex."
“Now, 32 years later," she explains, "Spring Training continues to be our largest fundraiser for the Peoria Diamond Club."
Wright, who was recently named the Executive Director, is no stranger to the organization. For the previous three years, she served as the volunteer
coordinator. Before that, she had 20 years of nonprofit experience as a staff member, board member, and volunteer in the areas of child welfare, behavioral health, and equine therapy. She has dedicated two terms to AmeriCorps, recently serving in Arizona and providing financial literacy education to foster care youth.
When the organization started, it had about 90 volunteers to assist with Spring Training. Today, more than 350 volunteers give their time to help it accomplish its mission of supporting youth programs in the West Valley and enriching children’s futures for generations to come.
PDC is always looking for volunteers, especially for the upcoming Spring Training season, which will kick off in February 2025. Details about volunteering are on the PDC website.
A YEAR-LONG MISSION
The Peoria Diamond Club offers many benefits to the local community, including contributions to youth organizations. According to Wright, it is an integral part of their work.
“We support programs that help hundreds of thousands of children in areas such as education support, arts and education, grief and trauma support, chronic illnesses, and food insecurities,” she explains.
In addition to Spring Training, the Peoria Diamond Club hosts special events and programs throughout the year to raise financial support for youth programs and to increase community awareness.
Volunteers support various community events at the Peoria Sports Complex, many of which offer free activities for residents.
PDC hosts a spring fundraiser to support its programs. It also holds an annual toy drive during the holidays, accepting donations of unwrapped toys at the Peoria Sports Complex lobby. The group is holding its 27th annual toy drive this holiday season and hopes it will be the best yet.
PEORIA DIAMOND CLUB GRANT PROGRAM
Proceeds from the sponsorships and revenues generated throughout Spring Training are donated to community programs through the PDC’s highly successful grant program.
Grants are awarded in various amounts of financial assistance to West Valley youth programs to develop educational, athletic, therapeutic, and fine art goals through sponsored or directed activities.
Over the years, the organization has given more than $2.3 million to West Valley children and programs. Wright hopes to continue that growing trend of giving back to the community.
“Our vision is to help children in our communities reach their full potential by supporting
organizations that meet their fundamental needs and foster success through educational, therapeutic, wellness, and fine arts programs.”
“As the new executive director, I look forward to expanding our reach and awareness, highlighting how we support the youth in our community. We invite the community to join our team as sponsors or volunteers.”
CELEBRATING THE 2023-24 GIVING YEAR
During the 2023-24 year, PDC recognized programs that supported organizations dedicated to helping children in foster care, youth experiencing terminal illness, and teenagers experiencing food insecurity.
PDC also provides scholarships to deserving students. Each year, the Emerging Leader scholarship program honors students who excel in leadership, education, and community involvement. PDC awards a scholarship to one
promoting 8th grader from each of the 33 Peoria Unified School District Elementary schools and one graduating senior from each of the eight PUSD high schools.
Public donations helped support 48 youth programs in the 2023-24 Giving Year.
A PARTNERSHIP FOR EVERYONE
Wright believes PDC offers as much to the volunteers as it does to the recipients.
“Our partnership with the City of Peoria, Seattle Mariners, and the San Diego Padres provides opportunities for adults in the community to stay active and engaged with others while giving their time, talent, experience, and heart to the mission of the Peoria Diamond Club.”
For Wright, the premise is pretty simple: “We are one team with one dream: helping kids.”
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Creative Peoria Kids
PEORIA CITY COUNCIL ANNOUNCES
ANNUAL LIBRARY CARD DESIGN AND STORYWALK CONTEST WINNERS
ARTICLE BY SUSAN LANIER-GRAHAM
Peoria has some creative young people, and the City Council recently honored that by announcing the winners of two annual contests held in partnership with The Friends of the Peoria Public Library to promote literacy and showcase creativity in the arts.
LIBRARY CARD DESIGN CONTEST
The 19th Annual Library Card Design contest invites kids in two age categories (5-11 and 12-17) to design a card around this year's theme: Adventure Begins at Your Library.
The two winners receive a $100 gift card and have their designs on library cards. Pranitha Senthill was the youth winner while Tessa Caplan won in the teen category.
STORYWALK STORY WRITING CONTEST
The StoryWalk Story Writing Contest recognizes young writers by featuring their original picture books at all three StoryWalk locations in Peoria. There were three categories: Group 1 for ages 6 to 8, Group 2 for Ages 9 and 10, and Group 3 for ages 11 and 12.
THIS YEAR'S WINNERS:
GROUP 1:
• 1st Place: Harper Egea, "Lucas the Owl"
• 2nd Place: Harper Adler, "If You Wish Upon an Animal"
• 3rd Place: Everly Mauldin, "How the Bees Saved Their Honey" GROUP 2:
• 1st Place: Sierra Sheidenberger, "The Fox Escapes"
• 2nd Place: Sedona Winger, "The Adventures of Loki Howleen Fun"
• 3rd Place: Audree Adler, "Daisy" GROUP 3:
• 1st Place: Sedona Sheidenberger, "The Test of Tech"
• 2nd Place: Sophia Marro, "Freddy and Fionas Adventure"
• 3rd Place: Zev Johnson, "The World According to Sasquatch the Mouse"
Sunrise Mountain Library.
Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham
The 2024 winners
Design by Tessa Caplan
Design by Pranitha Senthill
ARTICLE BY ANGEL FUCHS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CATHERINE MEDINA
FAMILY FOUNDATIONS
MEET CATHERINE MEDINA, WHOSE FAMILY’S 40-YEAR LEGACY HAS HELPED SHAPE HER CAREER AND COMMUNITY SERVICE
There are many reasons to be thankful for family. They form the foundation of emotional, social, and moral development. They offer guidance and stability and pass down traditions, values, and wisdom. Such is the case for one local woman and the legacy her family has created. At only 30 years old, Catherine Medina is the owner and managing attorney of Medina Family Law Associates in Glendale (MMAZLawFirm. com). Medina started working for a local law firm just out of law school.
“My family has always been available to support me. Without their advice and connections, I wouldn't be where I am today.”
Within a few months, she learned her boss planned to retire, so with some encouragement from colleagues and family, she decided to buy the firm. It took a lot of discipline, ambition, and determination to purchase a law firm at such a young age, and Medina attributes that gumption to her large, close-knit family.
“In our home, no goal was too ambitious,” says Medina. “Growing up, I never felt that what I wanted was out of reach, and I always had support from my family that helped set me up for success.”
The Medinas have owned and operated a concrete company, Medina Concrete & Construction (MedinaConcrete.net), for over 40 years and have made many meaningful connections over the decades. As long-time Glendale residents and business owners, they are pillars of the community.
When Medina was a child, her grandfather purchased a street and some undeveloped land in the area so his children and their families could build their own houses.
“We call it the Medina family compound, and I grew up surrounded by my uncles, aunts, grandparents, and cousins,” Medina explains. “Being around them so much has given me many of the core values that enable me to practice family law today.”
Medina Family
ARTICLE BY GRETCHEN PAHIA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY PHOENIX CHILDREN'S
Donation A Life-Saving
A caring and philanthropic West Valley family has donated $5 million to Phoenix Children’s Foundation (PhoenixChildrensFoundation.org). When Jerry and Vickie Moyes discovered that Phoenix Children’s Hospital was constructing the Arrowhead Campus in Glendale, they recognized a chance to make a meaningful difference. In late 2023, they donated the money to assist with the hospital's continued efforts of providing world-class pediatric care and support to young patients and their families.
THE MOYES FAMILY
The Moyeses have lived in Arizona since 1966 and have a large family—10 adopted children, 22 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren—so it is no surprise their kindness and generosity would ensure families get the dedicated care and support they need for healthcare issues.
When the new Arrowhead location was announced, the Moyeses felt the pull to make the special donation to help with the healthcare needs of children. “We wanted to do something that's important and will benefit children and families for a long time,” explains Jerry. “We drive by the new Phoenix Children’s Hospital that's going in up there, and we're very excited about supporting that. We're excited to see the progress that will bring.”
BENEFITS TO PHOENIX CHILDREN’S
The Phoenix Children’s Foundation received the donation and expressed their gratitude to the couple.
“We are profoundly grateful to Jerry and Vickie Moyes for their incredible generosity and unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of children,” says Steve Schnall, Senior VP and Chief Development Officer of Phoenix Children’s Foundation.
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“Their donation will make a lasting impact in the lives of countless young patients and their families, providing them with hope, healing, and support.”
As a special way to commemorate the occasion, the Phoenix Children’s Foundation announced that they will honor the pair with a permanent display. Their names will be featured on the new hospital’s exterior as a symbol of their enduring commitment to the health and well-being of children across the valley and their families.
ABOUT
PHOENIX CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL AND THE PHOENIX CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL FOUNDATION
Phoenix Children’s Hospital (PhoenixChildrens.org) became a “hospital within a hospital” at the Good Samaritan Hospital 40 years ago. Then, 20 years later, it became Arizona’s first and only freestanding pediatric hospital. Today, 40 service sites help children across the state, and two additional hospitals are opening up, including the one in Arrowhead. Phoenix Children’s is uniquely equipped to address the needs of children and their families.
Phoenix Children’s Hospital Foundation is a nonprofit organization that fosters philanthropic support from people, organizations, and corporate partners committed to the same mission as Phoenix Children’s Hospital. The mission is to advance hope, healing, and the best health care for children and their families. Phoenix Children’s Hospital is one of the nation’s leading pediatric health systems and offers more than 170 family-centered care programs that are fully or partially funded by donations, such as the one made by the Moyes family. If you are interested in ways you can help, visit PhoenixChildrensFoundation.org/ways-to-give.
Postino, Blanco, and North Italia Coming to Peoria
The Park at 83 Debuts Three of the Valley's Favorite Eateries
Common Bond Development Group recently announced the forthcoming completion of development and construction at their 2.66-acre Peoria retail development, The Park at 83, located steps away from the main stadium of the Peoria Sports Complex.
The Park at 83 will feature the first-ever West Valley locations for three popular local restaurants: Postino WineCafé, North Italia, and Blanco Cocina + Cantina. It will also feature a 2-acre tree-laden park that’ll come alive with community events, brand activations, outdoor concerts, makers’ markets, movie nights, and more.
North Italia (NorthItalia.com), a Scottsdale-born modern Italian restaurant concept known for elevated, crave-worthy dishes in a comfortable dining environment, debuted its Peoria location on October 9. Guests can expect seasonally inspired scratch-made dishes, a robust selection of beverages, and sports-themed décor throughout the space as a nod to its proximity to the baseball fields.
Blanco Cocina + Cantina (BlancoCocina Cantina.com) is more than your typical Mexican restaurant: it’s an escape from the ordinary, a happy
hour hangout, a place to sit back and recharge. The laid-back party atmosphere, perfect for sipping the day away, serves crave-able dishes, housemade margaritas, and fan-favorite local beers alongside staple dishes and seasonal favorites.
Postino Wine Cafe (PostinoWineCafe. com), the all-day restaurant and wine bar known for its cult-like following, welcoming hospitality, and locally inspired spaces, features a new cocktail menu and weekend brunch at its Peoria location.
ARTICLE BY SUSAN
Luxury Electric Sedan
MERCEDES 2024 EQE 350 4MATIC SEDAN ELECTRIFIES YOUR DRIVE
I recently tested the 2024 Mercedes EQE 350 4MATIC sedan. It was the ideal blend of luxury, power, technology, and environmental-friendliness with classic Mercedes innovation.
REFINED DESIGN
The EQE 350 feels spacious yet sporty and handles like a dream. The aerodynamic design features a smooth undercarriage and nominal front openings. The flush door handles offer a sleek design, and the aerodynamics provide one of the quietest drives I’ve experienced.
The EQE cabin is sleek, sporty, and beautiful. It is a high-tech dream with sleek displays and customizable ambient lighting.
SAFETY FIRST
You won't sacrifice safety for luxury in the EQE 350. The Car-to-X Communication alerts a central notification system of dangers and can assist everything from hazard flashers to windshield wipers.
ARTICLE BY SUSAN LANIER-GRAHAM
PRE-SAFE can detect an upcoming crash, adjust seats and seat belts, and close the windows and sunroof.
REDEFINED LUXURY
The EQE 350 exudes luxury. The front seats offer 12-way power adjustments with memory. The seat kinetics makes tiny lumbar support adjustments as you drive to prevent fatigue. Choose the massage mode to replicate a hot stone effect.
ELECTRIFYING POWER
The 288-horsepower all-wheel drive has a 280-mile range. It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 6 seconds.
MSRP: $77,900 | Price as tested: $97,615
Find out more at Mercedes-Benz of Arrowhead (ArrowheadMB.com).
Breathtaking Asian Luminous Art Installation
First-Ever Tianyu Lights Festival Comes to West Valley
ARTICLE BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ PHOTOGRAPHY BY TIANYU LIGHTS FESTIVAL
The Tianyu Lights Festival (TianyuCulture.us/phoenix), an enchanting nighttime walk-through experience for all ages that brings nature and art together through awe-inspiring visual, cultural, and light effects, is coming to the Valley for the first time from October 25, 2024, to January 5, 2025.
The festival will take place at Camelback Ranch every Wednesday to Sunday from 5:30 to 10:30 P.M., and it will feature more than 40 sets of larger-than-life lantern sculptures crafted by skilled artisans using metal, steel, fabric, and LED lights.
FOUR CAPTIVATING THEMES
• Illuminated Forest: Guests entering the festival are welcomed by an illuminated forest showcasing critters and plants from wetlands, deserts, and rainforests.
• Fairy Tale Wonderland: Next, guests are treated to a whimsical wonderland with unicorns, fairies, and fire-breathing dragons.
• Panda Land: Panda Land boasts a kid-friendly stretch of panda sculptures, many animated to encourage interaction and photos, connecting the event to its Asian roots.
• Ocean World: End your visit with an ocean-themed odyssey with breathtaking displays of common and endangered sea animals, concluding with a 100-foot shark tunnel.
The Festival features a marketplace where guests can shop for souvenirs and handicrafts. A food court area offers various food and drinks for purchase.
giving dip -
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD I PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
Fall is synonymous with gathering with friends and family and enjoying time together. Whether it is for Thanksgiving, a football watch party or a simple fall gathering, these easy appetizer dips are the perfect shareable snack to share.
fig & honey brie
The perfect cheesy fall dip that is both savory and sweet. The chopped pecans add a subtle crunch that makes this irresistible.
ingredients:
• 8 ounce brie wheel
• 1/3 cup fig spread or jam
• ¼ cup pecans
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh parsley
directions: Place brie in a baking dish. Spread the fig spread on top of brie and sprinkle with chopped pecans. Drizzle with honey. Add fresh herbs, and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Serve with pita chips or crackers.
garlic herb
feta dip
This savory dip is quick and easy to assemble and is perfect to serve with fresh veggies or crackers of any kind.
ingredients:
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 whole garlic bulb, roasted
• 1 ¼ cup feta cheese
• 3 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon dill
• 1 teaspoon parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
directions:
First, cut the head off of the top of the garlic bulb, and drizzle olive oil on top. Wrap in foil, and place it in an oven heated to 425 degrees. Roast for 30 minutes or until soft. Squeeze roasted garlic into a bowl, and set aside. Next, add the yogurt, feta, lemon juice, salt, pepper and water in a blender and lightly blend. Add the roasted garlic and blend until smooth. Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with fresh herbs. Serve with crackers or fresh vegetables. Enjoy!
ingredients:
• 8 ounces softened cream cheese
• 1 can pumpkin puree
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
directions: Place cream cheese in a microwave safe bowl, and soften for 30 seconds. Add brown sugar and blend with a hand mixer until smooth. Add in pumpkin and blend until combined. Mix in heavy whipping cream and mix on high for 2 minutes. Next, stir in pumpkin pie spice. Serve with sliced apples, pretzels, graham crackers or vanilla wafers.
creamy pumpkin cheesecake dip
Nothing screams fall quite like the flavor of pumpkin. This lightly sweet dip takes just a few minutes to make and is perfect for any fall get-together.
