Feeling Thankful
“Gratitude is one of the most powerful human emotions. Once expressed, it changes attitude, brightens outlook, and broadens our perspective.”—Germany Kent
Our November issue is dedicated to the season of gratitude. We asked local community and nonprofit leaders to share what they are thankful for this season—check out what they have to say. Josh Farley and his family at Redline Electric & Solar are thankful to be there for the community. You can read about the family-owned business in our story about them. Also, check out our delicious “Dip-Giving” recipes for your Thanksgiving table this holiday season.
For us, we have immense gratitude that we've had the opportunity to be a part of the Tempe community this past year. We are especially thankful for our advertising partners, who help bring this publication to your doorstep each month. They are a part of our vision and purpose of bringing inspiring stories and the good news of the community directly to you.
We have enjoyed getting to know all of you and sharing the stories that shape this community. Please don’t be a stranger—reach out to us anytime.
As always, thanks for reading!
Yours,
WENDY BATES, PUBLISHER
November 2024
PUBLISHER
Wendy Bates
wendy.bates@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Michelle Glicksman
michelle.glicksman@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Backcourt Marketing
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Angela Broockerd, Gretchen Pahia
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Brad Hendron, Janie Jones Photography
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
NEOS MED SPA
NEOS MED SPA will host a celebration to give thanks to our wonderful clients and community!
We will be celebrating with Scout & Cellar Wine, Wijaya House, Great Harvest Bread Co. and Drink Me Tea Room
November 14th, 2024 5:00-7:30pm
Collect & Stamp a Passport Card For Additional Offers Wine & Appetizers Goodie Bags Demos Special Event
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Having fun at the 2024 ASU Sun Devil Football Kickoff Luncheon. 2: Sparky was on hand at the luncheon at the San Tan Ford Club inside Mountain America Stadium. 3: ASU’s Athletic Director Graham Rossini at the 2024 ASU Sun Devil Football Kickoff Luncheon. 4: Tim Healey talked about the upcoming season during a Q & A with coaches and players. 5: Tempe Chamber of Commerce hosted the 2024 ASU Sun Devil Football Kickoff Luncheon presented by San Tan Ford. 6: The 2024 ASU Sun Devil Football Kickoff Luncheon presented by San Tan Ford. 7: Coach Dillingham shed light on the team’s 2024 outlook and discussed competition at key positions. Photography by Flash Photo Video
Better Buzz Coffee Roasters Opens in Tempe
Better Buzz Coffee Roasters recently opened its second Arizona location at 550 W. Elliot Road. The brand, which is certified by CCOF as an organic coffee roaster, is known for its small-batch coffee roasting and commitment to high-quality, fair trade beans. The menu features a selection of handcrafted drinks and made-to-order food. This new location—the first is in Uptown Phoenix—features a double drivethru. BetterBuzzCoffee.com
Summit Financial Solutions Celebrates 20 Years in Tempe
Summit Financial Solutions is celebrating 20 years of dedicated service in Tempe, marking a milestone of commitment to community and client success. The company offers comprehensive financial services tailored to individual needs. They integrate diverse perspectives and personalized strategies for every client, from families to businesses. Beyond financial expertise, the company actively engages in the community through charity events throughout the year. SummitFinancialSolutions.com
Tickets Now Available for the 41st Annual Don Carlos Humanitarian Awards
Join Tempe Community Council in honoring local humanitarians on Nov. 18. Tickets are now on sale for the 41st Annual Don Carlos Humanitarian Awards, a prestigious event where the community comes together to honor remarkable individuals who have made significant contributions to improving the lives of others in Tempe. Presented by Tempe Community Council (TCC) and sponsored by SRP, this year’s ceremony at SRP PERA Club will recognize Sharon S. Doyle, a dedicated community leader and advocate, as the Humanitarian of the Year. TempeCommunityCouncil.org
What Are You Thankful For This Year?
We Asked Members of Our Community for Their Thoughts. Here’s What They Had to Say
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Joe Forte
Executive Director, Keep Tempe Beautiful
"This year, I’m thankful for serving on the board of the Tempe Sister Cities organization. I’ve found an incredible group of committed community members who are dedicated to promoting peace and global understanding. It’s been inspiring to work with such passionate individuals. I’m also excited to share that applications for student delegates are now open! If you know any 11th graders who live in Tempe and are interested in an amazing cultural exchange opportunity, please pass along this information. It’s a life-changing experience!"
Octavia Harris, MA, MPA,CNP
Executive Director, Tempe Community Council
"As executive director of Tempe Community Council, a local nonprofit, I am truly thankful for the generosity of those who support our mission. Thanks to our community partners, we can continue offering vital programs like free tax assistance, youth services, and funding for numerous other human service programs, which strengthen Tempe as a whole. This spirit of giving plays a key role in creating opportunities for all residents. Together, we are fostering a community where everyone has the resources they need to thrive, and I’m grateful to be part of this shared effort."
Robin Arredondo-Savage
Tempe Business Owner, Past Tempe City Councilmember, Past Vice Mayor, and currently Tempe Chamber of Commerce Interim President/CEO
"Born and raised in Tempe, and having also raised my own family here, I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve my hometown. In this day and age, you might think it almost strange that I put down roots where I grew up. But the strong sense of community and shared values here shaped who I am, sparking my passion for public service. Being able to give back to the very place that nurtured this in me is an honor. I'm thankful for the life-long connections, the rich history, and the opportunity to help guide Tempe’s bright future."
Mayor Corey D. Woods
Mayor, City of Tempe Director, For Our City Tempe, Communications Director, JustServe.org
“This year and every year, I am incredibly thankful for family and friends. As cliché as it might sound, I’ve found that their support is the most important thing when you live a life of public service. I love my job, and it does require long hours. That’s why I genuinely value my family, friends, and neighbors who have always provided support, feedback, and guidance during my 12-plus years in elected office.”
Mckell Keeney
“Every day, I feel immense gratitude for the many blessings in my life. I am fortunate to live in a country that values freedom, allowing me to pursue happiness. Arizona, with its stunning natural beauty, is where I call home, specifically Tempe—a place where I’ve built lifelong friendships with people from all walks of life. I find joy in serving others through the amazing nonprofits in our community. I am deeply thankful for my family, for my faith in God, and for the gift of good health.”
Diana Rieger & Dr. Annette Hobi
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!
loaded hummus
This crowd-pleaser can be made in advance for easy entertaining.
hummus ingredients:
• 2 cans of garbanzo beans (chickpeas), drained
• Juice from one lemon (or ¼ cup)
• 1/3 cup water
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
toppings:
• Olives
• Cherry tomatoes
• Chickpeas
• Feta cheese
• Red onion
• Fresh Parsley
directions:
In a blender, add all of the ingredients except the olive oil and the toppings. Blend until smooth. Spread Hummus onto a plate or platter and top with chopped toppings. Serve with fresh bell peppers, zucchini, crackers and pita bread.
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.
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
ARTICLE BY GRETCHEN PAHIA
VALLEY ELECTRIC AND SOLAR COMPANY SHINES BRIGHT
FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESS BOOM
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRAD HENDRON
One Valley family-owned company has made it their mission to deliver high-quality electrical and solar options for homeowners Valley-wide. It began in 2009, when Joshua Farley created Redline Electric & Solar, a company that is committed to service, industry, and quality.
Farley gained many of his skills from his dad, Roy, who was a seasoned electrician himself. From an early age, he was able to work alongside his dad and learn not only the technical skills needed for the job but also a very strong work ethic. Those early experiences with his dad were some -
“NO MATTER THE SITUATION, WE WANT TO BE THERE FOR THE COMMUNITY.”
Kayla Friend, marketing director with Redline Electric & Solar, says their focus is not only on a quality product, but also service.
“We are a company that specializes in providing high-quality electrical services and solar energy solutions,” she says. “We offer a range of services, including electrical and solar installations, repairs, and maintenance for residential and commercial clients.”
According to the team at Redline, the company was established to bridge the gap between technical expertise and exceptional customer service.
“We want to be sure that every client gets personalized attention and the best possible solution for their needs,” shares Friend. “We can do that by using our mission to deliver awesome results by the way of our awesome team.”
thing that Farley was able to carry into his formative years and are certainly a driving force behind the creativity of Redline Electric & Solar.
The love of family and electrical work continues to this day. After Farley established Redline Electric & Solar, he brought in two of his nephews to help create a strong working environment. The family business ethic is something that Farley hopes to continue to showcase, encompassing hard work and dedication daily.
It wasn’t just his nephews that Farley brought into the fold, either. When he first launched Redline, his brother-in-law, Gavin, became his very first employee. After proving the startup’s potential, Farley was able to also convince his dad, Roy, to join the team.
Roy’s expertise also helped contribute significantly to the company’s overall growth.
“We are grateful that Roy was able to eventually retire with the satisfaction of knowing that he had left a lasting impact on both his family and the local community,” says Friend.
Redline Electric & Solar has been ranked #1 in AZ by Ranking Arizona and is also a five-time recipient of Inc. 5000’s fastest-growing private companies ranking.
When asked about his success, Farley says, “We know what it feels like to need help, and no matter the situation, we want to be there for the community.”
The company offers a wide range of comprehensive offerings, including electrical services such as ceiling fan installation, circuit breakers, electrical panels, electrical repairs, generators, and more. It isn’t just electrical work either, as Redline offers solar services including solar repair, design, installation, and inspections. They can do this for both residential and commercial customers.
IAmRedline.com
Photo provided
Photo provided
ARTICLE BY MICHELLE GLICKSMAN | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Social GETTING
TRYING TO INCREASE SOCIAL MEDIA ENGAGEMENT? EXPERT MEGAN FERGUSON SHARES HER INSIGHTS
Megan Ferguson knows social media. She’s the owner of Backcourt Marketing (BackcourtMarketing.com), a full-service social media marketing agency, and has been called upon to manage over 100 social media profiles for a variety of brands. Her marketing insights are published in at least three dozen outlets and she is the author of The Complete Playbook for Instagram Engagement
“Share
more pictures of yourself or your team! Seriously, the posts that feature your face are going to get significantly more engagement than the graphics, the links, the carousels, etc. People will better remember and positively respond to the authentic humans behind the brand.”
There are so many social media channels! Is it really important to be on all of them?
No. What’s important is to have a presence on the channels that the audience you want to reach is spending time on. Your time and efforts are valuable, so if you sell to a 55-plus demographic, don’t spend your time trying to figure out the TikTok algorithm. Consider who you want to get your brand message out to and pursue the channels that will offer you the right opportunities.
How often should someone post to make an impact?
We typically recommend showing up on social media at least three times per week to capture your audience’s attention consistently. But, post frequency varies depending on what your business goals are and the role that social media plays in your overall marketing strategy. If you want to be memorable and stand out above your competitors online, establish a consistency that works for you.
Which is more important—posts or Stories for Instagram/Facebook?
The Instagram accounts we work with that share Stories get at least three times more engagement than those that do not. If you don’t have the chance to post as often as you’d like, use Stories to fill in the gaps and continue to stay top of mind to your audience. They’re quicker and easier to share and you can use Stickers (like polls, questions, links, etc.) to further engage followers.
What is one tip you can share to boost engagement?
Share more pictures of yourself or your team! Seriously, the posts that feature your face are going to get significantly more engagement than the graphics, the links, the carousels, etc. People will better remember and positively respond to the authentic humans behind the brand. So, get your beautiful face out there!
RUFF AND READY
ALECA MAKES AN IMPACT
The Arizona Law Enforcement Canine Association (ALECA) was founded to bring together canine handlers across Arizona for the Desert Dog K9 Trials & Public Safety Expo. Now in its 21st year, this event has evolved into a significant public engagement and entertainment occasion. Through the support of sponsors, ALECA has expanded its mission to include top-tier training for law enforcement and the provision of life-saving medical and safety equipment for both canines and officers.
Photo by Frank Rau
Officer Michael Bloomer and his police K9, Chance
“The support we provide to our member agencies is vast,” says Tony Sanborn, president, ALECA. “We assist agencies in purchasing canines, paying for their training, buying medical equipment, and equipment for their vehicles. And of course, we provide ongoing rigorous training of our professional law enforcement K9 teams out there. Many don’t realize it takes years in the field before officers are invited to become K9 handlers. It’s intense, rugged duty, so our ongoing training is critical.”
ALECA also, with the support of Circle K, developed the Handler Trauma Kit (HTK). Designed to be worn under the vest, the HTK ensures handlers are always prepared for emergencies. The kit includes tools to manage common canine injuries, such as cactus needle removal and opioid ingestion. Over 400 kits have been distributed throughout Arizona, with plans for at least 120 more each year.
The HTK has gained attention for its effectiveness, leading to requests for similar kits for family pet emergencies.
Sanborn says the organization’s biggest impact on public safety and the community has been the Desert Dog K9 Trials (this year’s event was held Oct. 26-27 at WestWorld of Scottsdale).
“Thanks to our four-legged partners, the general public is keenly curious about all we do. We make more connections and build more bonds and public trust in that one weekend than any event all year,” says Sanborn. “It is the marquee event in Arizona for public safety appreciation. We’re proud of the results and feedback received from the thousands of guests who attend each year.”
ALECAPoliceK9.com
Photo by Frank Rau
Photo by Frank Rau
“We make more connections and build more bonds and public trust in that one weekend than any event all year.”
MEET
TEMPE POLICE OFFICER MICHAEL BLOOMER AND HIS POLICE K9, CHANCE
AS AN ALECA-TRAINED OFFICER HANDLER, WHAT IS THE BEST WAY YOU BELIEVE YOU’VE BEEN ABLE TO IMPACT THE COMMUNITY?
I’ve used the skills provided by ALECA training to help reduce crime by apprehending criminals who commit habitual crimes. This, in turn, also reduces violent crimes as the only type of criminals we use a K9 to apprehend are violent ones. I have also successfully used my K9 partner and training from ALECA to de-escalate many potentially violent situations.
WHAT IS ONE THING YOU TRAIN EVERY DOG TO DO?
One thing I would train every K9 to do is trust their handler. Once you have trust established with your K9 partner, he will do anything you ask.
HOW OLD IS THE AVERAGE POLICE K9? HOW OLD MUST THEY BE?
Most K9s are about 1 to 2 years old when they come to the police department. The average age can range quite a bit, but they typically work until they are about eight to 10 years old.
HOW MANY ACTIVE POLICE K9S ARE ON DUTY IN TEMPE?
The City of Tempe currently only has three active dual purpose K9s and four single purpose K9s. However, we have three in training and two more will be placed in training before the end of the year.
K9 Chance
Tempe Police K9 Chance
NOVEMBER 2024
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
The
NOVEMBER 1ST - 3RD
Color Purple
Tempe Center for the Arts
Black Theatre Troupe presents its upcoming production of the Tony Award-winning musical The Color Purple, based on Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. This soul-stirring musical chronicles the journey of Celie, a young African American woman in the early 20th-century South, who overcomes adversity, discovers her inner strength, and finds her voice. TempeCenterForTheArts.com
NOVEMBER 1ST - 3RD
Water Lantern Festival at Kiwanis Park
Kiwanis Park
This family-friendly event showcases the magic of thousands of lanterns as the soft lights reflect upon the water of Kiwanis Lake in Tempe. Tickets include the lantern kit, lantern retrieval, conversation cards, and more. WaterLanternFestival.com
NOVEMBER 11TH
Tempe Veterans Day Parade
ASU Gammage to Tempe Beach Park | 10:00 AM
Tempe hosts its Tempe Veterans Day Parade, which honors all military veterans. The parade begins at ASU Gammage and proceeds north on Mill Avenue, concluding at Tempe Beach Park on Mill Avenue and Rio Salado Parkway. Participants include members of the Tempe City Council, various Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, local school marching bands, community members, veterans groups, and many more. DowntownTempe.com
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