Happy Holidays
As the saying goes, time flies when you’re having fun. And time sure has flown by this year—we can’t believe we’ve put together the final issue of Tempe City Lifestyle for 2024!
While the holidays are just now upon us, it feels like they’ve been here for a while—after all, Costco began showcasing gift items and holiday decorations in September!
I’ve always loved this time of year. The decorations, get-togethers, and, let’s be honest—who doesn’t enjoy receiving a present?
I also enjoy it because, among all the holiday hustle and bustle, people still slow down a bit. Working in the world of publishing brings a unique perspective. While we certainly don’t want to wish our lives away, we’re always looking toward the future. In August, we’re looking at winter clothes and holiday stories. And in December, we’re already working on February and March issues. Due to deadlines, we’re often already fast-forwarded to future months before the current month has even begun.
The fast-paced lifestyle this industry calls for can often make it difficult to take the time to enjoy what’s going on around us.
This December though, I’m making it a point to slow down, enjoy those around me, and participate in wrapping up the year with family and friends.
I hope that you do the same. Make the time to take in the holiday season, reflect on memories you hold closely in your heart, and keep the new ones you create in the present for as long as possible.
Attend some local holiday events, relax and lose yourself in a good book or relax with a massage, or give yourself the gift of time by letting Will Hren from Mr. Handyman take care of some of your to-do items.
Also, make sure to read about our giving campaign. Each year, City Lifestyle asks for stories about those in our community who need some extra help. As part of the community, we want to give back wherever we can. Send us a note so we can be there.
Enjoy the holidays—and we can’t wait to see you next year!
Yours,
MICHELLE GLICKSMAN, EDITOR @TEMPECITYLIFESTYLEMAGAZINE
December 2024
PUBLISHER
Wendy Bates
wendy.bates@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Michelle Glicksman
michelle.glicksman@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Alison Bailin Batz, Rylie Occhipinto, Melati Parker, Alison Stanton
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Brad Hendron, Shannon Ly
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe
LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
Diana Rieger & Dr. Annette Hobi
city scene
1: The team at AZ Flooring and Finishes: Jaiden Farr, Karen Lyda, and owner Michelle Hunt. 2: Michelle Hunt, owner AZ Flooring & Finishes, celebrates the one year anniversary with a ribbon-cutting celebration. 3: Diana Rieger with client Bambi Williams, celebrating the new location of Regen 33 & Love Skin Med Spa. 4: Dr. Kim Lopez, Dr. Annette Hobi, Priscilla Martinez, Diana Rieger, and Keianna Cox celebrate their grand opening. 5: Stephanie Levine, Realtor Brooke Bogart, and Nate Marino present a check to Kyrene de las Manitas at the GAIN community event. 6: Councilmember Berdetta Hodge, Body 20 owner Gerard Richards, and Vice Mayor Doreen Garlid at the GAIN event. 7: Mayor Corey Woods, Janet Hamiln, and Councilmember Nikki Amberg celebrating GAIN night in Warner Ranch.
8: Residents enjoyed booths, food, and live music at GAIN Night in Warner Ranch, hosted by Realtor Brooke Bogart. 9: Robin Arredondo-Savage, A & E owners Eddie and Zulema Valenzuela, and Tom Binge. 10: Celebrating the new Tempe location of A & E Builders.
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All things Merry and Bright
From festive catering to holiday events happening all month long, our new restaurant location is here to make your season sparkle! Follow us on social media and download the Chick-fil-A App to stay in the loop on all the holiday fun! Chick-fil-A Broadway at Priest 1139 W Broadway Road
Scan the QR code to follow us on Instagram @cfabroadwayatpriest
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SPIRIT OF THE SEASON
Revel in Tempe’s Best and Brightest Holiday Traditions
ARTICLE BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
The best gift one can give during the holiday season is time. Make the most of every celebratory second this year by bringing the family to one (or more) of Tempe’s long-standing holiday traditions. Here are some favorites.
Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade. Courtesy Tempe Tourism
“Expect boats of all shapes and sizes in procession, glowing with lights and holiday decor.”
FANTASY OF LIGHTS BOAT PARADE
Since 1999, Tempe Town Lake has hosted this unique take on a parade. This year, the annual holiday event will take place on Dec. 14, with vendors located throughout Tempe Beach Park beginning at 4 p.m. and the parade commencing on the water once it is dark. During the show, expect boats of all shapes and sizes in procession, glowing with lights and holiday decor, many also playing holiday music as they pass the crowds. After the final boat has glided past, the event concludes with prizes for the boats based on lights, design, costuming, color, and more, as well as a spectacular fireworks display. Before and after the parade, stop by Mill Avenue and view the decorations, including the 40-foot holiday tree at Centerpoint Plaza.
DowntownTempe.com
WORLD OF ILLUMINATION
Through Dec. 29, Tempe Diablo Stadium has been transformed into the World of Illumination, a family-friendly drive-through light show synced to holiday music. This year, the theme of the audio-visual extravaganza is Enchanted Safari. Hosted by Toukie Toucan, the one-mile ride transports families to the holidays, animal-style. Expect to jingle across the jungle as well as in the air and underwater via millions of twinkling light displays, seeing everything from a tunnel of tentacles to flying reindeer along the merry way. Tickets start at $39 per vehicle. WorldOfIllumination.com
CARIBBEAN CHRISTMAS 5K
On Dec. 21, the 8th Annual Caribbean Christmas 5K Run/Walk takes place along Tempe Beach Park.
World of Illumination. Courtesy World of Illumination
Top: Sea Life Arizona Aquarium. Courtesy Tempe Tourism
Bottom: Tempe Marketplace.
Courtesy Tempe Marketplace
Costumes are encouraged at this family-friendly tropical twist on the holiday season. And, a portion of the proceeds benefits Mission 22, a nonprofit offering treatment for issues that veterans are facing today. The entry fee includes the race, a commemorative bib, a finisher medal, and post-race goodies. Registration begins at $32.
131Events.com/caribbean-christmas-5k-az
SEA OF LIGHTS
Sea Life Arizona invites families to “shell-ebrate” the holidays with them again this year at Sea of Lights. This holiday light spectacular and “ho-ho-H20” boasts an imaginative indoor light display, along with the ocean’s most amazing creatures. On select weekends throughout December from 1 to 2 p.m., “SCUBA Claus” also returns to Sea Life. This reallife Santa Claus dives into the Ocean View exhibit to surprise the kids and pose for photos. Tickets start at $15.99 and include all holiday exhibits, as well as regular animal encounters, touchable tidepools, and creepy crawlies.
VisitSeaLife.com/arizona
TINSEL & TWILIGHT AT TEMPE MARKETPLACE
It is a holiday celebration unlike any other at Tempe Marketplace this December! Enjoy the new 50-foot Christmas tree through the new year, and free photos with Santa are available at The District Street. Additionally, from Dec. 13 through Christmas Eve, enjoy “12 Days a Snowfall,” with snow “magically” falling from the sky at select times nightly, giving everyone the chance to experience a true winter wonderland. The District Stage will be abuzz with a slew of holiday and community performances throughout the season as well, and Sip & Stroll returns as seven participating restaurants offer themed cocktails for purchase that can be enjoyed while wandering through the holiday decor and snow. Admission is free.
TempeMarketplace.com
And just outside of Tempe, take advantage of ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo, Las Noches de Las Luminarias at the Desert Botanical Garden, and Pratt Brothers Christmas at Rawhide.
Books, Blooms, and Friendship
ARTICLE BY MICHELLE GLICKSMAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHANNON LY
Melati Parker Creates a Community Space With Wijaya House
Melati Parker was busy with a fast-paced, intense IT career, a husband, and two young children. A native of Jakarta, Indonesia, who had grown up in Gilbert but then moved to Nashville, she was looking for something different, something slower and more fulfilling.
The family picked up and moved to Tempe, drawn by the schools and community.
Parker left her IT role, and self-reflection kept bringing her back to wanting to open a bookstore. Her dream, she says, was that she “wanted to bring a space that you could walk to, and bring your kids to. Where you could grab coffee, learn to arrange flowers, and meet a friend, or bring friends by who are visiting from out of town.”
She wanted “a place for the community to have.”
Parker, her husband Andy, and their two children found a space near Warner Road and McClintock Drive and went to work to create what is now Wijaya House, opening the doors in September 2023.
“Opening was a labor of love. The kids helped, Andy helped,” she says. “We opened in three months, and it was such an amazing accomplishment.”
Parker knew she wanted to offer more than just new books, so she also created a community book swap—on Sundays, bring in a book and take a different one at the swap for free—and added flower arranging classes, which are just $25 to $65 and are offered every Saturday.
“The goal is to be able to learn a skill and be less intimidated in learning a new skill,” she explains. “And touching flowers is a form of therapy.”
She also launched the Craft, Coffee, Book Club, where a $35 monthly membership includes a book, drinks, and a mimosa monthly, as well as other perks and discounts.
“I’m glad that we named it Wijaya because it’s more than just a bookshop, it’s an entire vibe. It’s something for your soul, a warm drink, food, a nourishing place.”
The newest addition is a service where she designs reading nooks and libraries for homes and businesses, with Wijaya House showcasing some of the custom furniture items she offers.
As for the locale’s name, Parker explains that not only does Wijaya mean “winning” in Indonesian, but it was the name of her childhood home in Jakarta.
“We had fresh fruit trees, flower gardens, and little baby chicks, ducks, and rabbits,” she says. “And there was always coffee and food being made. It was very homey, and I just had forever this vibe that I carried in my heart.
“I’m glad that we named it Wijaya because it’s more than just a bookshop; it’s an entire vibe. It’s something for your soul, a warm drink, food, a nourishing place.”
In addition to being a nourishing place for the area, Wijaya House has also become a nourishing place for Parker. Nine months after the bookstore
opened, Andy passed unexpectedly of a cardiac event. The community rallied around both her and the children.
“No one has really let off the kindness pedal,” she says with a hint of wonder in her voice. “Everyone is still really kind. It’s very surreal to experience that level of compassion and empathy. That’s what makes South Tempe super special.”
As much as they embrace her, she wants Wijaya House to embrace them back.
“The customers and the community are amazing,” she says. “I meet so many people who are going through all stages of life and it’s so different than how I used to spend my life. When I ran digital teams, it was fast-paced, aggressive, and transactional. Now, being an owner-operator, I don’t have quarterly metrics to meet, other than did I pay my rent, can I order more books, coffee, flowers, and can I keep the lights on. That brings a sense of peace that I hope people get when they walk in here. It’s not what can we get from each other but what can we learn from each other.”
WijayaHouse.com
“It’s not what can we get from each other but what can we learn from each other.”
On Their Radar
Book Suggestions From the Experts at Wijaya House
Have some downtime this holiday season? Maybe when you're on an airplane, relaxing on a beach, or curled up in bed at home? The team at Wijaya House shares some of their holiday/winter-themed recommendations. Find these at Wijaya House, WijayaHouse.com
1. Beartown by Fredrick Backman
This atmospheric novel transports you to a Swedish hockey forest town where everyone believes hockey is the most important thing in the world. It explores what happens when that belief is shattered.
2. Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors
A moving novel about three sisters dealing with the grief of losing their fourth sister. Stresses the importance of family while still staying true to yourself. Perfect for fans of Little Women
3. Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
Told over four short stories set at a cafe where you are able to travel back in time, but only once. Tackles the question of what would you do if you could go back but not change a thing.
4. The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin
A masterpiece of a science fiction novel to get lost in over the holidays, where you can examine philosophy through intricate world building and compelling characters. If you like Dune or Ender’s Game, you’ll devour this treasure of intentional language and sharp societal criticisms.
5. Go-To Dinners by Ina Garden
Curl up with the queen of holiday cooking and find new recipes to share with your loved ones. This book will be on your kitchen counter all year long.
ARTICLE BY RYLIE OCCHIPINTO AND MELATI PARKER
UNWIND AT THE RIVER MASSAGE
This Holiday Season, Give the Gift of Relaxation
ARTICLE BY ALISON STANTON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHANNON LY
“ OUR PRIORITY IS OUR CLIENTS’ WELL-BEING. WE WILL DO WHATEVER WE CAN TO MAKE THEM FEEL BETTER AFTER THEIR SESSION.”
On Oct. 28, 2023, The River Massage opened its doors at 1845 E. Broadway Road in Tempe.
Since then, the destination has quickly earned a reputation for its outstanding selection of massage services and enhancements like aromatherapy, as well as its distinctive approach to pricing.
“What sets us apart is that we charge clients based on the time they spend with the massage therapist rather than the specific modalities or techniques, or additional tools used during the session,” says JT Song, manager and lead licensed massage therapist. “Additionally, we do not offer memberships, as we want to
relieve clients of the financial stress and upselling pressures often associated with such programs.”
If a client requests aromatherapy, cupping, or another enhancement, Song says these are all included in the price of the massage.
“Our goal is to provide clients with the most comprehensive treatment possible without adding financial strain. Our priority is our clients’ well-being. We will do whatever we can to make them feel better after their session,” Song says.
While The River Massage offers a wide variety of massages, including Swedish and sports massages, Song says the
most popular options are the 60-minute deep tissue massage and the 90-minute custom massage.
Song says the 60-minute deep tissue massage is ideal for first-time clients or those who want to focus on one area with deep pressure.
“Although it is labeled as deep tissue, the pressure can always be adjusted to meet the client’s preference, as many individuals prefer a more intense massage experience,” she says.
The 90-minute custom massage is typically booked by clients who receive massages regularly.
Song says she appreciates the way The River Massage strives to create a safe and stress-free environment for its clients and massage therapists.
“Clients experience no surprises at checkout, and therapists are able to focus on their craft without the pressure of having to act as sales representatives,” she says.
For those who have never had a professional massage, the massage therapists take the time to speak with the client before the session to go over specific needs and describe what to expect.
“Also, we offer gift cards, both online and in-store. Clients can choose between virtual or physical gift cards, depending on their preference,” Song says.
TheRiverMassage.com
ARTICLE BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRAD HENDRON
VETERAN-OWNED MR. HANDYMAN IS A ONE-STOP SHOP FOR HOME MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR
‘WILL’ DO
From a young age, Will Hren loved working with his hands.
“My dad, who was a welder and fabricator, saw I had a natural talent for taking things apart and putting them back together early on,” says Hren. “So much so, he would even go to local auctions and get items most would sell for scrap to see me tinker around until I got it working again.”
military. In addition to working on the bomb squad, Hren carried out a series of successful confidential other projects and even assisted with secret service duties when presidents and presidential hopefuls—including George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton—were visiting Texas, where he was stationed.
By 1995, Hren completed his service. At the time, he also had an infant
“WE ALSO TAKE CARE OF SOME OF THE TOUGHER ITEMS ON THE ‘HONEY-DO’ LIST.”
By his teens, Hren could fix nearly anything, including small appliances and old cars.
But he did not immediately go into the handyman business.
First, he chose to serve his country.
“In middle school, my best friend’s brother served in the Army, where he worked on the bomb squad,” says Hren. “It sounded like the coolest job of all time.”
After high school, in 1987, Hren enlisted in the Air Force. It provided a direct route from basic training to bomb squad training.
As with small appliances and cars, Hren had a natural talent for working with bombs and other machinery, leading him to a successful first career in the
daughter and was eager to spend more time with the family.
“I wanted to find a second career that allowed me to work with my hands but a little closer to home,” he says. “So, I took an entry-level job as a laborer running a shovel at an asphalt plant.”
His talent was immediately evident. In short order, Hren was overseeing four of the companies’ large-scale plants, a role he continued for more than a decade before getting into construction with similar leadership roles, as well as work on light rails across the country.
By the early 2020s, Hren found himself traveling often again and—as a member of his company’s leadership team—no longer working much with his hands.
“So I decided to make a big change by starting my own business,” says Hren.
He began researching franchises that fit his skill set for two years before investing in Mr. Handyman of North Tempe and West Mesa in 2023.
Mr. Handyman was different from similar businesses in the area, many of which have owners sub-contract the work to others.
“Through Mr. Handyman, I have my own team who work for me who I am able to train and mentor, while getting coaching support from our franchisor every step of the way,” he says.
Now a year into the business, Mr. Handyman is thriving by offering expert services that range from small painting projects and appliance installation to drywall work and cabinet removal/installation.
“We also take care of some of the tougher items on the ‘honey do’ list, like repairing doors, small tile projects, helping make informed remodeling purchases, and ceiling fan installation,” says Hren.
No matter the project’s size, Mr. Handyman warranties its work and has a “done right” promise that Hren stands behind.
“We do the work until the customer is satisfied every time, no matter what,” says Hren.
Mr.Handyman.com/n-tempe-w-mesa
Sarah
Making Spirits
JOIN OUR MISSION TO SPREAD WARMTH AND COMPASSION BY NOMINATING SOMEONE WHO DESERVES A CHRISTMAS BLESSING
“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way.”
As the Christmas season approaches, we’re reminded of the power of community and kindness. This year, through City Lifestyle’s nonprofit, The Kingdom Building Foundation, we will help people who may be struggling quietly without the support they need. But we need your help to find them.
Over the past three years, this campaign has grown into something truly beautiful, touching the lives of more than 150 families nationwide last year alone. Each year, we’ve seen firsthand how generosity can bring relief, hope, and a renewed sense of faith in others.
One person we had the opportunity to help was an 11-year-old boy diagnosed with a rare eye cancer. After he had to undergo chemotherapy and surgery to remove his eye, his doctors recommended a prosthetic one, but insurance wouldn’t cover the cost, calling it “cosmetic.” When we heard his story, we knew we had to help. Because of this campaign, he got his prosthetic eye and a piece of his childhood back with it.
Another was a wife and mother of two who fought a yearlong health battle and was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Just days before Christmas, she underwent surgery but passed away due to complications. Before her surgery, she received one of our cards and, in tears, told us this gift gave her some peace, knowing her family would have help in the difficult times ahead. It wasn’t just about the financial support but knowing that someone cared.
These stories remind us why this campaign is so meaningful. It’s not just
about writing checks; it’s about telling people they aren’t forgotten and that someone is there to lend a hand. It’s about giving families a moment of relief when the world feels unbearable.
“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “This Giving Campaign is about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them this holiday season.”
Together with Matthew Perry, President, Steven adds that the gratitude from recipients was overwhelming, affirming this tradition’s importance. “We believe God has blessed our company with success,” Matthew adds, “so we want to be a blessing to others.”
We know many more people could use a little help this Christmas, and that’s where you come in. Do you know someone who could use a blessing? We want to hear about them.
To nominate someone, scan the QR code or follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the form in our bio. Nominations are open from November 27 to December 10, 2024. Let’s bring hope to those who need it most.
The City Lifestyle Giving Campaign is completely confidential. No identities will be revealed or publicized. All entries will be read, and selections and the amount given to each recipient will be based on the severity of the need. For more information, visit KingdomBuildingFoundation.org
DECEMBER 2024
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
THROUGH JANUARY 1ST
Light The World: Giving Machine
Hale Center Theater Courtyard
The public is invited to make a memory and a lasting impact by visiting the Giving Machine set up in the Hale Center Theater Courtyard. Instead of purchasing a candy bar or soda, you can donate an act of love and charity for your global community and local charities, including Tempe Community Action Agency and Aris Foundation, Inc. ArizonaGivingMachines.org
DECEMBER 1ST - 29TH
World of Illumination
Tempe Diablo Stadium
This mile-long drive-through light show offers a spectacular blend of lights and music, perfectly synced to your favorite holiday tunes. View exotic animals, fly with reindeer, and race a T-Rex. Watch out for the Tunnel of Tentacles, where sharks and jellyfish try to steal your holiday spirit. Your adventure wraps up at Santa’s Bazaar, where festive fun awaits. WorldOfIllumination.com
DECEMBER 1ST, 4TH, 5TH, 6TH
Stray Cat Theatre: Sweat
Tempe Center for the Arts
This Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Lynn Nottage takes place in the industrial town of Reading, Penn. Here, a group of friends spend their days on the factory floor and their nights sharing drinks, secrets, and laughs. But then layoffs and picket lines begin to erode their trust, and they find themselves pitted against each other in a scalding fight for self-preservation. TempeCenterForTheArts.com
GLITZY GIFTS GALORE
