I am so glad to meet you!
I’m so thrilled to introduce myself as the editor of Surprise City Lifestyle! It’s an incredible honor to be part of a community as vibrant and welcoming as ours, and I’m beyond excited to share the amazing stories and happenings that make this area so special.
This month, we’re showcasing some truly inspiring features that celebrate the heart and soul of Surprise. One of our highlights is Spencer’s Place, a community coffee shop that goes above and beyond to create meaningful connections and opportunities. We also have an insightful story about Andre Pennington, whose dedication to estate planning is helping local families protect what matters most. And for those who love a touch of comfort, we’ve included a delightful cinnamon latte recipe that will make your mornings even cozier as the temperatures start to dip.
Every page of this issue is filled with local flavor, from heartwarming community initiatives to creative ideas that will inspire you at home. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to spotlight the incredible people, businesses, and events that make Surprise such a wonderful place to live, work, and grow.
Thank you for being part of this journey. I can’t wait to continue to share more amazing stories with you and bring the best of our community to these pages each month.
KYLIE STRAWN-BADGER, EDITORIAL COORDINATOR @SURPRISECITYLIFESTYLE
November 2024
PUBLISHER
Faith Morello | faith.morello@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Kylie Strawn-Badger | kylie.strawn@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Kylie Strawn-Badger
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Andre Pennington, Nichole Eckman
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman
LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley
city scene
WHERE
NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1 – 4: Surprise Fire-Medical Department connects with students about exciting career opportunities, share insights in life-saving work, and highlight the importance of community engagement. 5 – 14: Surprise celebrates and connects with incredible women entrepreneurs and business leaders at our annual #AmericanBusinessWomensDay Event!
Photography by Surprise Economic Development
business monthly
Briarwood
Country Club has been purchased by Swing First Golf, LLC.
Briarwood Country Club in Sun City West, Arizona has been purchased by Swing First Golf, LLC. The new owners will be keeping the club private as their other courses are open to the public. Briarwood’s award winning golf course, Golf Shop and Driving Range will continue to be the cornerstone of operations but Briarwood’s full service bar, restaurant and social events will continue to make Briarwood a fun and unique destination in the West Valley.
Scan to read more
The 65th Annual Phoenix Heart Ball will be November 23, 2024
The 65th Annual Phoenix Heart Ball will be held at The Phoenician Resort. This prestigious event celebrates and supports 100 years of the American Heart Association’s work towards heart health and wellness. Join influential community members for an unforgettable evening dedicated to advancing cardiovascular research and education. Learn more about the event and the AHA’s impactful mission at phoenixheartball. heart.org. Together, we can help make a difference for heart health.
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Arizona Broadway Theatre releases their Fall Shows
Arizona Broadway Theatre invites you to experience the magic of live theater this fall with captivating performances of “Beauty & The Beast” and “Million Dollar Quartet.” As a non-profit, ABT enriches the community through entertainment, offering both season tickets and single-show options. Enjoy a delightful dining experience with their incredible salads before immersing yourself in these fall productions. Don’t miss the chance for a perfect night out—dinner and a show! Find more details at azbroadway.org .
Photography by Briarwood Country Club
MAKING SPIRITS BRIGHT
Each Christmas season, City Lifestyle gifts a significant amount to those who could use a little extra support. But we need your help to find them. Do you know someone facing tough times? Your nomination could make all the difference.
Scan below to nominate.
letter from the PUBLISHER
For me November is a bittersweet month of giving thanks. For many of us November is the time of year we reflect on what we are thankful for. Thirteen years ago on November 18th my family’s lives changed forever. With two young girls already we outnumbered ourselves and welcomed our beautiful twin girls into the world. Both girls were born early and both were born with a congenital heart defect. We spent the next six months in the Pediatric Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit. We endured open heart surgeries, life support machines and MIRACLES. I am thankful each and everyday for all four of my daughters and the privilege I have to be their Mother. I am thankful to their team of surgeons, cardiologists, all of their nurses and staff at CHOC Children’s Hospital who worked tirelessly, never leaving their side and never giving up. I am thankful to my husband for being my best friend and living this amazing crazy life with me and our girls. Everyday I get to wake up and be there Mother is another day I am thankful. As we all look forward to Thanksgiving and spending time with friends and family, I encourage everyone to take a moment and reflect on the things that you are thankful for, not just this month but everyday. I hope you all have a Happy Thanksgiving surrounded by those you love!
Faith Morello Publisher
A COFFEE SHOP CREATING OPPORTUNITIES AND FOSTERING INCLUSION FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH UNIQUE ABILITIES
Spencer’s Place started with a simple yet powerful idea: to provide meaningful employment to adults with unique abilities. The founder, a former special education teacher, saw her students eager for employment but facing repeated rejection after graduation. “I noticed my former students in their 20s were losing skills and extremely lonely,” she recalls. It was this realization that motivated her to create a place where these individuals could find both purpose and community—Spencer’s Place.
ARTICLE BY KYLIE STRAWN-BADGER PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICHOLE ECKMAN
Since its opening, Spencer’s Place has thrived thanks to the local community’s overwhelming support. People don’t just come for the specialty coffee, teas, lemonades, and pastries—they come for the mission. “They prefer to spend their money where they can tangibly see the benefits,” the founder explains. Community members have expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to be part of something greater, making Spencer’s Place a beloved local spot that stands out for more than just its drinks.
The impact Spencer’s Place has had on the community extends far beyond serving coffee. Every December, the
coffee shop sponsors multiple toy drives, including the Surprise Police toy drive, the KFLR radio toy drive for foster children, and one for the Nadaburg district. These initiatives are just one way Spencer’s Place strives to make a difference, encouraging patrons to get involved by donating toys or offering their time.
A major milestone for Spencer’s Place has been the opening of a second location in Cotton Lant. “Our Cotton Lant location is twice as big as our original shop,” the founder notes. The larger space offers ample room for events and houses a full-sized commercial kitchen, allowing
“SPENCER’S PLACE IS A SPECIALTY COFFEE SHOP WITH EXCELLENT PRODUCTS, MADE EVEN BETTER BY A JOYFUL, DEDICATED STAFF.”
for expanded offerings like breakfast and gluten-free pastries. More importantly, the kitchen serves as a teaching space for staff members, giving them new skills and a sense of pride in their work. The new location means more than just a bigger café; it represents greater opportunities for those with unique abilities to grow, learn, and contribute.
“Their confidence and skill sets have increased, and they are proud of their work!” Spencer’s Place is grateful for the chance to showcase what these
incredible individuals can do. The staff members have faced and overcome significant challenges to be employed, and their growing confidence is a testament to the supportive and inclusive environment Spencer’s Place has created. The shop is more than just a workplace—it’s a space where employees are empowered to learn, grow, and thrive.
For those who have never been, Spencer’s Place is described as more than a coffee shop. It’s a place where quality coffee meets purpose. “Spencer’s
Place is a specialty coffee shop with a great product enhanced by a staff that shows up every day with a joy that is contagious.” Visitors come not only for the delicious drinks but also for the warmth and spirit of the people behind the counter.
The mission of Spencer’s Place is supported through the Employed and Overjoyed Foundation, a nonprofit established to cover the unique financial needs of running the café. The foundation helps bridge the gap in funding, ensuring that Spencer’s Place can continue to provide essential job opportunities. “Our community can support this mission with their patronage, donations, as well as sharing our vision with friends and family,” says the founder.
Spencer’s Place isn’t just about serving coffee; it’s about creating opportunities, fostering inclusion, and celebrating everyone’s abilities. Every cup served here represents hope, empowerment, and a community that values the contribution of every individual. In a world that often overlooks those with unique abilities, Spencer’s Place is a reminder that everyone deserves a chance to shine.
dip -giving
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD 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.
garlic herb feta dip
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
fig & honey brie
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:
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!
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.
creamy pumpkin cheesecake dip
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.
ARTICLE BY KYLIE STRAWN-BADGER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
BEVERLY SHUMWAY AND ANDRE PENNINGTON
FAMILY FIRST
Andre Pennington’s Journey from Adversity to Advocacy
At 19, Andre Pennington found himself at a crossroads. Surrounded by negative influences, he realized that he needed a significant change. Despite the challenges, Andre was determined to forge a new path. At the time, he was attending junior college on a basketball scholarship, but life felt like it was unraveling. It was during this period that Andre turned to prayer and felt a calling to change course. He decided to aim high, choosing to pursue a career in law. From that moment, his journey to transform his life began.
CONTINUED >
Andre’s purpose became even more meaningful when his grandmother was diagnosed with dementia while he was in law school. Without any estate planning documents, his family struggled to help her, eventually losing nearly everything to the state. Today, as the founder of Pennington Law, Andre provides families with the security and peace of mind that his own family lacked.
The journey to building Pennington Law started humbly. Andre began his practice with two IKEA slabs of wood for a
desk and a $200 Walmart computer. With perseverance, he built his practice from the ground up, driven by the vision of creating a better life for himself and his family.
Growing up in a dysfunctional environment filled with instability fueled Andre’s determination to break the cycle. He was driven to “break the branch of my family tree and plant it somewhere healthier.” This vision motivated him through years of education, law school, and building a successful career.
“My
family is the heart of everything I do. Creating a home filled with love, opportunity, and security for my children is my greatest success, and I am endlessly thankful for it. Seeing my children thrive in a safe, nurturing environment fills me with gratitude and drives me to help other families achieve the same peace of mind and security.”
Andre is deeply thankful for the life he has built—not just for himself but for his family. Seeing his children thrive in an environment filled with love, opportunity, and security is his greatest accomplishment. He is proud to have created a stable, nurturing environment that contrasts with his own childhood.
The values that guide Andre, both as a parent and a professional, include perseverance, humility, integrity, and continuous growth. He believes in “being at least 1% better every day,” which helps him guide clients toward building a secure future.
When Andre isn’t practicing law, he enjoys spending quality time with his family, taking trips, playing sports with his children, and practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. These activities help him stay balanced and focused.
As a father, Andre is committed to creating a nurturing environment for his children and wants the same for his clients. His journey is one of breaking negative cycles, building a stable foundation for his family, and helping others secure their futures.
CINNAMON ROLL LATTE
ingredients:
• 2 Espresso Shots
• 1 Tablespoon Pumpkin Spice Syrup
• 1 Tablespoon Brown Sugar
• 8 oz Milk of Choice
• Pumpkin Spice Powder
A warm hug in a mug – perfect for those crisp fall mornings!
directions:
Step 1. In a 16oz oz mug add 1 Tablespoon of Pumpkin Spice Syrup and 1 Tablespoon Brown Sugar.
Step 2. Pour over the brewed Espresso and stir to combine.
Step 3. Warm or steam milk and pour into Espresso and top it off with a sprinkle of Pumpkin Pie Spice Powder.
To make this drink iced prepare as above but omit steamed or warmed milk for cold milk, stir well and pour over ice and enjoy.
ARTICLE BY SPENCER’S PLACE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICHOLE ECKMAN
HOW TO: seasonal home scents
PFUL TIPS A N D R E C IPES FROM S
Fall essential oil combinations provide a warm and cozy scent while also protecting from sickness prevalent in the colder season. Follow these oil combinations to create your own seasonal scent.
immune boost
DIRECTIONS :
Combine the following essential oils with a base oil (coconut oil).
INGREDIENTS:
• Cinnamon: Antibacterial; Antiviral
• Clove: Antibacterial; Antiseptic
• Lemon: Uplifts; Kills Bacteria Reduces Inflammation
• Oregano: Antimicrobial; Antioxidant
• Eucalyptus: Decongestant; Provides Healing
HOW TO USE:
Apply to wrists or feet. Do not use it on your face.
home defender
DIRECTIONS:
Combine the following essential oils.
INGREDIENTS:
• Orange: Reduces Stress; Antimicrobial
• Eucalyptus: Decongestant; Provides Healing
• Cinnamon: Antibacterial; Antiviral
• Black Pepper: Supports the Nervous System
• Clove: Antibacterial; Antiviral
• Rosemary: Reduces Stress; Helps with Respiratory fatigue
HOW TO USE:
Fill the diffuser with water and apply the desired amount of drops.
ARTICLE BY CELENA CISCO
Kohler Bathroom Design
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NOVEMBER 2024
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
NOVEMBER 2ND
16th Annual Dia De Los Muertos Festival
Avondale Goodyear Farms Historical Cemetery | 3900 N Santa Fe Trail, Litchfield Park | 5:00 PM
Ballet Folklorico Esperanza and the City of Avondale host a one-of-a-kind artistic and cultural event that is family friendly and free to the public, with live music, food trucks, arts and crafts, and a community ofrenda for all. If you have loved ones you’d like to honor and remember, bring their picture and place them on the community altar.
NOVEMBER 9TH
Margarita Madness
Mark Coronado Park Surprise | 15850 N Bullard Ave, Surprise | 4:00 PM
Margaritas, food, music, and more await! Enjoy food trucks, a shopping village, live music, axe throwing, photo booth, flower bar, cookie decorating, caricatures, face painting, bounce houses, pet-friendly fun, and paint & sip activities. Entry is $5, kids 10 & under free, and parking is free!
NOVEMBER 11TH
Veterans Day Parade
Surprise Recreation Campus | 15960 N Bullard Ave, Surprise | 10:00 AM
The parade will begin at 10 a.m. and be routed along Bullard Avenue between Paradise and Tierra Buena lanes. It will feature community floats, bands, dancers and more! A pancake breakfast, proudly served by the Surprise Police Department, will be available for purchase from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
CONTINUED
NOVEMBER 16TH
West Valley Heart Walk Team Abrazo
Goodyear Civic Square | 1900 N Civic Square Goodyear | 9:00 AM
Abrazo Health is partnering with the American Heart Association for the second annual West Valley Heart Walk. The West Valley Heart Walk will leverage the vital West Valley community’s strengths and its impact on local lives. It will raise money to fund research and education and advocate for heart health.
NOVEMBER 16TH
FORE! The Kids Golf Scramble
Coyote Lakes Golf Club | 18800 N Coyote Lakes Pkwy, Surprise | 7:00 AM
Join the Rotary Club of Surprise & Sun City West for a fun day on the links while supporting the local Club.
NOVEMBER 22ND – 24TH
Wigwam Holiday Festival of Arts
Wigwam Resort | 300 E Wigwam Blvd, Litchfield Park | 4:00 PM
Patrons will discover a diverse array of handcrafted artworks and unique creations from dozens of talented artists. This festival is a treasure trove of holiday gifts and artistic inspiration. Enjoy a glass of wine and soak in the festive atmosphere as you stroll through the picturesque grounds of the Wigwam Resort.
