Thankful for You
This month the holiday season is upon us. We turn our thoughts to planning gatherings, putting up decorations, and the welcome relief of cooler temperatures. Thanksgiving, a holiday that Abraham Lincoln formalized after the conclusion of the Civil War, is uniquely American. The focus is often on food and family, however, the notion of unity and giving thanks is perhaps just as important.
In Queen Creek, we have so much to be thankful for. So as you laden the table with traditional offerings of turkey and cranberry, we hope to highlight some of the people and things in town that help make it so special. We are grateful too, as we celebrate our magazine's second year. Our goal has always been to celebrate Queen Creek and connect readers to their community and their neighbors. Our partners, who help to make our magazine possible, deserve our thanks as well amid their continuing support.
We have stuffed these pages with stories of inspiration, from twins who scoot as a sport to an aspiring beauty queen. We also want to take this time to say thank you to our veterans and first responders and show you ways in which you can show that gratitude. Finally, check out the recipe for apple pie care of an original homesteading family here in Queen Creek.
Thank you for letting us be a part of Queen Creek and we wish you all a very happy Thanksgiving!
FLORENCE
DANIELS, EDITOR
November 2024
PUBLISHER
Brad Schnepf | brad.schnepf@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Florence Daniels | florence.daniels@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Kaeden Peterson
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Kimberly Heywood | shademarketingaz@gmail.com
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Ffion Thomas
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto
LAYOUT DESIGNER Lillian Gibbs
A Slice of Queen Creek
An
A Thankful Table
Ivy
Carrie
Liam
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Watermelon eating contest at Founder’s Day. 2: Sack races at Founder’s Day. 3: Garlic Festival at Queen Creek Olive Mill. 4: Rodeo Sweethearts pose with a founding father. 5: Booths at the pop up event next to Sweet Creek Boutique. 6: Pop up event at Americano Ammunition Coffee. 7: Garlic varieties for sale at the Garlic Festival.
F. THOMAS
K. PETERSON
F. THOMAS
MAKING SPIRITS BRIGHT
business monthly
Harry Potter and The Cursed Child Comes to Queen Creek
Queen Creek High School Theatre Company is proud to announce that they will be performing Harry Potter and the Cursed Child November 1st and 2nd, 7th through 9th. They were selected after entering a national contest and are now the only school in Arizona and out of twenty-nine in the whole country to put on this production. This is fun for the whole family. Tickets can be purchased at www.gofan.co/app/school/AZ11995?activity=Performing%20Arts
School of Rock Queen Creek Pre-Enrolling.
Scheduled to celebrate their grand opening November 9th, the School of Rock Queen Creek is taking pre-enrollment for their music instruction. They combine one on one lessons with group band practices. You can choose from guitar, piano, drum, voice lessons and more. www.schoolofrock.com
Veterans Day Event at It's Your Time Dental.
On November 8th, It's Your Time Dental will be celebrating their 2nd anniversary by hosting a free day of dentistry for Veterans, with a priority to those Veterans who do not have any kind of current dental coverage. www.itsyourtimedental.com
Photography by K. Peterson
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A Slice of Queen Creek
AN APPLE PIE RECIPE COURTESY OF AN ORIGINAL QUEEN CREEK HOMESTEADING FAMILY.
ARTICLE BY FLORENCE DANIELS
Margaret Ellsworth, otherwise known affectionately as ‘Nonnie’ to her family, really loved cooking. She could be up early baking or preparing breakfast, sometimes for a crowd as big as twenty. At a time when they lived far from the conveniences of shops and restaurants, food came straight from the farm to the kitchen in the 1940’s and 50’s in Queen Creek. Nonnie was a talented chef whipping up everything from soups, to roasts, and desserts. From her extensive recipe book we chose this humble apple pie recipe to include at your table, knowing that it is not only an American staple, but comes from one of the founding families of our town. Take some sweet inspiration and a little bit of history this Thanksgiving and add it to your plate.
ingredients
• 2 1/2 cups flour
• 1 cup of shortening
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/3 to 1/2 cup cold water
• 1 Tbsp. vinegar
For the filling:
• 3 Granny Smith apples
• 2 Gala apples
• 2 Tbsp. flour
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp. nutmeg
• 1 Tbsp. cinnamon
• pinch of salt
• 1 1/2 tsp. lemon juice
• 2 Tbsp. butter
• 1 egg yolk
directions
1. Mix egg, water, and vinegar then add the remaining ingredients for the crust until it resembles corn meal. Set aside.
2. preheat the oven to 400 degrees Farenheit. Peel and core the apples, thinly slice them. Pour lemon juice over them.
3. In a separate bowl mix flour, sugars, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt. Then pour over apples and mix with hands until coated.
4. Cut dough in half and place one aside, rolling out the other until it is the size of your pan.
5. Place dough in pan, pour apple filling on top, then cut up butter and place on top of apples.
6. Roll out other half of dough and place on top of apples.
7. Pinch the edges all around, then whip the egg yolk and brush it on top of the crust.
8. Poke holes into the top before baking for 20-25 minutes. When crust is golden lower to 350 degrees and bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly.
QUEEN CREEK APPLE PIE
SHOWING SUPPORT FOR ARMED FORCES AND FIRST RESPONDERS IS EASY. Thankful for
ARTICLE BY FLORENCE DANIELS
Many of us may feel gratitude for our military but don’t exactly know how to express it.
Jennifer Hilderbrand is the president of the Hope Foundation which helps veterans and first responders pay for their counseling needs. She is also running the Ruck4Freedom , a 5K, 10K, or half marathon that will be held on November 16th at Horseshoe Park. When you register you will be joining a community of active military, veterans, first responders, and their families and friends to show your gratitude for their sacrifices and incredible work. You also have the option to carry a rucksack of 15 pounds or more in the tradition of the military.
Jennifer was inspired to get involved when her eldest son enlisted in the armed forces, something she knew nothing about and so embarked on immersing herself in the culture and the lingo. She acquainted herself with other families in a bid to join a community. What she discovered was a stark contrast behind the meaning of soldier versus civilian. She listened and learned of the daily sacrifices her son and others were making so that the rest of us could enjoy our freedom and way of life.
As Jennifer grew more aware of the demands on soldiers and their families, she also learned of the battles that continued for many even after coming home from a war zone. This is why it is so important for our servicemen and women to get the help they want and need, regardless of insurance or cost. The Hope Foundation donates money to financially support the counseling services even if they might be out of network or the co-pay is too high.
Similarly, the Ruck4Freedom is a way to bring the community together, highlight our veterans, and give thanks to our hard won freedoms. The registration fee will be donated to the Hope Foundation and Ryan Bader’s ‘Outdoor Experiences for All’, in which for the past five years he has taken disabled veterans into the outdoors for some nature and camaraderie. Ryan said of Jennifer’s work, ‘...she has been gracious enough to split the money between those two organizations. Definitely sign up and come Ruck with us.’
Many of us may feel gratitude for our military but don’t exactly know how to express it. Jennifer has made it easy and even fun to be able to show your thanks in a meaningful way. You can register and join the Ruck4Freedom, right up to the morning of the event. You can also donate and help to pay the fee for any military member who participates, you can also become a sponsor, purchase a military sign in someone’s name, or even volunteer your time at the event. Better yet, you can spread the word and make everyone in your circle aware of this great cause and the many ways to help.
If you or your family has no experience with the military, Jennifer says you can still stand shoulder to shoulder with our service members and first responders. Jennifer’s own son is home after he completed 9 months in Afghanistan and is now a husband and father of two. She wants to see others flourish and get the support they need to re-enter civilian life.
www.ruck4freedom.org www.hopefoundationgives.org
ARTICLE BY FLORENCE DANIELS
Table
Ivy and Sage bring you some inspiration this Thanksgiving.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAEDEN PETERSON
Visual merchandising manager, Sandy Sylvester, of Ivy and Sage created a Thanksgiving table scape to inspire your own this holiday. Using a color scheme of orange, gold, green, white, and black, the effect is traditional and classic. She used pumpkins, leaves, pinecones, tapers and a custom floral piece. The look is layered and warm. Sandy’s top tip is ‘Go with what you love’.
www.ivyandsagelifestyleco.com
Location: KB Homes The Enclaves at Sonrisa
French Twist
ARTICLE BY FLORENCE DANIELS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAEDEN PETERSON
Carrie Schnepf brings her appreciation for French baking to Queen Creek.
Eclairs
For their 10th wedding anniversary, Carrie and Mark Schnepf spent two weeks driving around France. By chance, they came across the town of Antibes in southern France and she has been returning every year since. Carrie says the old town is 'so quaint, so French', filled with boulangeries, cobblestone streets, a flower cart, and someone playing the accordion.
During the summer, Carrie takes a break from helping to run Schnepf Farm, and spends a month learning all she can about French baking from Christian Cottard in his pattisserie in Antibes. Cottard is known as one of the top pastry chefs in France and Carrie volunteers in his kitchen in order to master recipes and improve her technique. She clearly admires the French approach which she says is a 'science and an art', using simple, fresh ingredients and less waste.
Bustling in the Schnepf Bakery back in Queen Creek she and her baker, Liz, create delicious breadsticks, decadent eclairs, quiches, and baguettes which they sell Thursday - Sunday 8am-2pm. Everything is made from scratch, even the cream and chocolate ganache used in the eclairs. Carrie not only has brought back her knowledge but also some of the tools and spices from the markets in Antibes.
The bakery also offers an array of freshly baked pies for the holidays which are available for online order up to the day before Thanksgiving. Flavors like pumpkin, pecan, caramel apple, cherry and more are on display and ready for pick up. For Thanksgiving, Carrie says she is happy to hand over the cooking to her husband and daughter for the day. Meanwhile, she gives thanks for her 'family, her great employees, and a fun business.'
For a taste of France in Queen Creek take a short trip to Schnepf Bakery.
www.schnepffarms.com
Carrie Schnepf
Carrie and Liz with quiches.
America the Beautiful
Our publisher, Brad Schnepf and his wife, Wendy, had one goal: to see Mount Rushmore. Their plans would involve an RV, a map, and a desire to reintroduce themselves to their country along the way. It wasn’t a meticulously planned route, it was more like a ‘day by day’ strategy, allowing for an open mind and a bit of curiosity to help lead the way. They knew that it would involve about 3,500 miles, one month, and end up crossing eight states. Brad said he lived by, what he calls, the ‘Rule of Three’: 300 miles a day, 3 hours of driving, and arrive at your destination by 3pm.
Using an app on his phone to find RV parks along the way, they first headed to Santa Fe and Taos, New Mexico. The architecture, the food, and the handmade Native American jewelry were all inspiring and beautiful. From there, they headed to Colorado Springs, Colorado stopping at Pike’s Peak and Loveland which was a charming small town where they spent two nights. Next was Lusk, Wyoming, another small town bursting with personality. Devoid of any chain stores, a throwback bar, and a ‘hamburger to die for’, it also had old fashioned rodeo grounds in the center.
ARTICLE BY FLORENCE DANIELS
Mount Rushmore
They then spent a couple of nights in Custer, South Dakota where they toured the Wild Horse Monument. Located in the Black Hills, it was named after Lt. Colonel George Armstrong Custer, who led an expedition there in 1874. Finally, they reached Mount Rushmore which Brad said was ‘not as big as he imagined it would be, but no less impressive’. Commissioned by Charles Rushmore and depicting Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln, the mountain face stands 60 feet high.
Brad also noted that there were two nearby attractions that were a must see. Custer State Park is filled with wildlife, hiking, swimming, and buffalo sightings. A drive that Brad couldn’t recommend enough was Needle Highway. Offering spectacular views, rock formations, and two narrow tunnels, the detour was fascinating and a delightful discovery amid their adventures.
Turning back around, they moved on to Deadwood, South Dakota, home of Wild Bill Hilcock and Calamity Jane. The town is orientated to tourists, but still quirky with a bar in every boutique shop. They then traveled through Billings, Montana and stopped at a town named Red Lodge. Brad calls this town the ‘best kept secret’. Red Lodge is a ski town that Brad said had the best steak dinner he has ever had. They then left through Bear Tooth Highway, another scenic drive over a mountain pass that is 60 miles of switchback roads.
Hitting up Livingston, Bozeman, Butte, and Missoula, they then turned south into Idaho into a town named Salmon. In this town of 3,500 and a main street only 3 blocks long, Salmon left a clear impression on Brad. They stayed in cabins that were owned by a cowboy with a handlebar mustache and a big personality. He works as an auctioneer and entertained the Schnepfs with his stories. He convinced them to stay on to see the rodeo in which the local cowboys from the neighboring cattle ranches competed.
From there they reached Tremonton, Utah, another small town which then opened into the Salt Lake area. They headed out to Mammoth Creek and faced such high winds that they made an unexpected stop at Beaver, Utah which had the most amazing Creamery with fresh cheese. At last, they reached Arizona and concluded their adventures. However, Brad said he walked away feeling more connected to his fellow Americans and the small towns dotted along the way. Brad expressed an appreciation, even awe, for the beauty and vast landscape that he would never have seen from a plane.
If the beating heart of American values and freedom ever seem faded or on the verge of extinction, consider hitting the road like Brad and Wendy and re-acquainting yourself with the land, the people, and the spirit of America.
BRAD SCHNEPF
Publisher | @queencreekcitylifestyle CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/QueenCreek
Brad and Wendy Schnepf's Top Towns and Sights
• Santa Fe and Taos, New Mexico
• Colorado Springs, Colorado
• Pike's Peak
• Loveland, Colorado
• Lusk, Wyoming
• Custer, South Dakota
• Wild Horse Monument
• Custer State Park
• Needle Highway
• Mount Rushmore
• Deadwood, South Dakota
• Red Lodge, Montana
• Bear Tooth Highway
• Salmon, Idaho
• Tremonton, Utah
• Beaver, Utah
Brad Schnepf, photo by Kaeden Peterson.
A QUEEN IN QUEEN CREEK
Lincoln Leckwold is an energetic and funny seven year old. She is also the 2nd runner up in the National American Miss competition which was held over the summer. Her placement has earned her the chance to represent Queen Creek at the ‘I Am’ Nationals in Orlando in November. It is an impressive start considering it was her first ever beauty pageant.’I thought why not.’ her mom, Aftin, said of their first foray into the pageant world. Luckily for Lincoln, her three aunts had previously competed and were able to provide guidance.
Even at this age, skills like public speaking, poise, memorization, confidence, and makeup free beauty are expected. In addition, every contestant is asked to donate to a charity. Lincoln chose to give to a local reading program. The competition gives out over $500,000 in scholarships and prizes. Clearly, the pageants are more than just skin deep.
Lincoln says she has loved the dresses and friendships she has made. As to her future, she wants to run an animal rescue one day. For Thanksgiving they will spend it together at home, and Lincoln says she is most grateful for her ‘friends and family’.
To follow Lincoln's journey and watch her wear the sash for Queen Creek at Nationals which will be broadcast on television and social media, check out her Instagram at linkyfromqueencreeky
ARTICLE BY FLORENCE DANIELS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAEDEN PETERSON
Lincoln Leckwold
Lincoln Leckwold
ARTICLE BY FLORENCE DANIELS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAEDEN PETERSON
Twins The Keffer
Liam and Kayde Keffer of San Tan Valley are 15 year old twins who share many things, including a passion for scootering, a sport rapidly growing in popularity. Yet they insist they have their differences too, from their hairstyles to their scootering style. Kayde is ‘regular’ while Liam is what is known as ‘goofy’. Originally they followed in their dad’s footsteps by pursuing track and field. However, when Covid shut down many sports, the twins looked for something they could still pursue and get out some energy. They got into scootering partly because the skate parks were open and partly because they had an older brother who was already into action sports. Eventually, they began to take it more seriously and now they practice 2-3 hours a day working on their tricks and jumps. Their mother, Lisa, says the boys are driven to compete
LIAM AND KAYDE ARE SCOOTERING THEIR WAY TO NEW HEIGHTS.
Kayde and Liam Keffer
because they come from a long line of athletes and competitors. Astonishingly, their 90 year old grandfather still competes in the Senior Olympics in the sport of javelin.
The twins also spur one another to push the boundaries of what they can achieve. Their ambitions have taken them all the way to Italy in September to compete at the World Skate Games. They were two of just four teens nationwide selected to represent the States. They learned a lot during their first major event in Europe, including the level of competition and the mentality needed to win. Liam called it ‘eye-opening’ and the experience only made him want to compete more. Meanwhile, they also got the chance to see Italy’s architecture and try the food too. Kayde said he was ‘amazed’ to see sights like the Coliseum in person.
Their life can seem rather unconventional in order to accommodate their sport. Their mom homeschools them so that they have the flexibility to travel for events. Kayde admits that this can often mean other teens find it hard to relate to them. Nevertheless, both Kayde and Liam are hoping that scootering is recognized as an Olympic sport and that, one day, they might take their scooters to the Olympics. Until then, they will be perfecting their skills, working on new tricks until the next World Skate Games in 2026.
Despite the impressive achievements and opportunities the Keffer twins have had through their sport, they have had misfortune too. Last year, their father,
Steve Keffer, passed away after collapsing from a cardiac arrest. As a firefighter he had just come off a deployment fighting a wildfire when he was preparing to return to the field. Liam recalls his father as ‘very loving’ and always making time for them despite his hectic work schedule. Kayde said his dad always put family first and ‘loved watching us’, adding that their stunts would often ‘blow his mind’.
Lisa has had to adjust being without her partner of 27 years. She says that they have had support from the Gary Sinise Foundation which helps military and first responders and their families by providing community, covering costs, and more. Lisa says it has helped to meet other families and honor the work of heroes. Liam and Kayde are still quite young and have already been through so much. When asked what were they most thankful for this Thanksgiving, they did not hesitate and pointed to their mom.
You can follow Liam and Kayde and their incredible journey by following them on their social media. Instagram: thekeffertwins YouTube: The Keffer Krew
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!
NO ONE CARES MORE THAN BURK BROTHERS
NOVEMBER 9TH
Queen Creek
Pancake Breakfast
Horseshoe Park and Equestrian Centre | 9:00 AM
The Queen Creek Town Council invites you to a delicious breakfast of IHOP pancakes and Starbucks coffee. This is an opportunity to meet and greet with council members and fellow residents and neighbors. Learn about upcoming projects and events and ask questions. There will be plenty of fun for the whole family too.
NOVEMBER 9TH
Queen Creek
Family Market
Schnepf Farms | 9:00 AM
The Family Market will be held at Schnepf Farms on the 9th and the 23rd of November from 9am -2pm. Entry and parking is free. Enjoy local vendors selling soaps, jewelry, artwork, kids items, food trucks, wood signs, home decor, and more. www.queencreekfamilymarket.com
NOVEMBER 11TH
8th Annual Veteran’s Day Celebration
San Tan Memorial Gardens at Schnepf Farms | 9:00 AM
Join for this free event to honor and remember our veterans from 9am-10am. The event will include a 30 minute ceremony, followed by a flyover, light refreshments, and patriotic music.
CONTINUED >
WE BRING YOUR IDEAS TO LIFE
NOVEMBER 15TH
Vintage & Vino Holiday Market10 Year Anniversary
Horseshoe Park and Equestrian Center | 3:00 PM
This 3-day event begins on Friday, November 15th from 3pm-8pm, the 16th from 9am-4pm, and the 17th from 10am-2pm. Get in the spirit of gifting and shop a variety of local vendors for unique and beautiful products from artists and more. There will be plenty to see and do so bring a friend to this annual Holiday Market.
NOVEMBER 16TH
Ruck 4 Freedom
Horseshoe Park & Equestrian Center | 8:00 AM
This is an honorary Ruck to support active duty military, veterans, and first responders to show gratitude for our armed forces and ou freedom. Participants will have the option to wear a weighted backpack and join in a 5K or 10K Ruck walk. Registration begins at 7am and the ruck starts at 8am. www.ruck4freedom.org
NOVEMBER 29TH
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast
Queen Creek Performing Arts Center | 7:00 PM
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast is full of your favorite characters like Belle, the Beast, Lumiere and Chip. Join them in their enchanting tale and hear all the classic songs featured from the hit animated musical! Come and “Be Our Guest” as you experience this touching story of love, friendship and magic. www.qcpac.com
