Arts + Culture

East Meets "West"

Desert Vista senior’s painting "We, The West" featured in prestigious 2024 National Congressional Art Competition Article by Kris Ann Valdez | Photography by Stephanie Slezak “Sooner or later things come to you if you work hard. And it’s great that there are things continually coming, and that there are still more to come.” – Alberto Mielgo   Every year, millions of visitors walk through Cannon Tunnel, the most traveled access point between the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S...

Life + Culture

The Healing Power of Community

By inviting people to join him for lunch every Friday at Philly’s Sports Grill, Mike Glynn has found support, encouragement and camaraderie Article by Alison Stanton | Photography by Stephanie Slezak Mike Glynn is living proof that when you are going through a really rough time, there is a community of people around you who is more than willing to lift you back up. In the spring of 2024, Glynn was feeling hopeless and depressed. To get out of the house, Glynn went to Philly’s Sports Grill in...

Entertainment

The Lead

Local reporter Jordan Bontke believes in sharing stories that make a difference Article by Alison Bailin Batz | Photography by Stephanie Slezak From a young age, ABC 15 reporter Jordan Bontke saw firsthand the importance of using one’s platform to help others.   “My father, who passed in 2019, was Santa for thousands of kids in Texas, which allowed me to see the power of lifting others up,” said Bontke, a Houston native whose father drove across Texas as Kris Kringle to spread holiday joy...

Food + Beverage

A Gastronomic Oasis Blooms at South Mountain

The Christofolos are the first family in farm-fresh Arizona cuisine Article by Alison Bailin Batz | Photography by Stephanie Slezak The Christofolos are building more than an edible empire.   The mother-son business – owned by epicurean entrepreneur Pat and chef Dustin Christofolo since 2012 after the duo worked on property for several years prior – is creating a seed-to-skillet culinary legacy the likes Arizona has never seen.   Pat got her start in the local food industry at a young age...

Fitness

Rebound to a Healthier, Happier You

Discover the joy of rebounding and experience the benefits of this low-impact, high-reward workout with Jess Hammer and Riah Adams, founders of Top Shelf Bounce Article by Kris Ann Valdez | Photography by Jess Hammer & Riah Adams Jess Hammer and Riah Adams of Top Shelf Bounce, a popular online platform that teaches rebounding, the low-impact exercise program performed on a mini-trampoline, say they have yet to meet someone who has tried it and isn't hooked. Hammer and Adams started rebounding...

Wellness

Health Benefits from the Sun

From boosting vitamin D production to improving sleep and more, the largest star in the solar system can help Article by Alison Stanton Living in a sunny climate, you have probably heard plenty of sound advice about avoiding the sun as much as possible. While the largest star in our solar system can definitely cause its share of serious health issues, current research has shown that very small amounts of sunlight – maybe 5 to 15 minutes a day – can be good for the body. Before we get into...

Fitness

Look Good Feel Good

Local brand Senita Athletics delivers high-quality, stylish and functional fitness apparel Article by Beth Del Ville | Photography by Provided by Senita Athletics chic and strong Founded right here in Arizona in 2015, Senita Athletics was created to provide not only affordable and high-quality gear, but a vibrant and supportive community as well. The brand has recently partnered with local Ahwatukee influencer, best-selling author Ashley Lemieux, and her sister, pre/postnatal fitness expert...

Education

Hair Goals

From root to tip, unlock the secrets to your healthiest hair and scalp Article by Beth Del Ville | Photography by Stephanie Slezak Maintaining a healthy head of hair is a lifelong journey. With a few simple tips and tricks, you can keep your hair looking and feeling its best at any age. We spoke with Mateo Wood, the salon owner of Ahwatukee’s renowned Verbena, The Salon and regional trainer for Davines, to get expert advice.   The Foundation of Hair Health: A Healthy Scalp A healthy...

Life + Culture

New Year, New Planner, New You

Put pen to paper with these pretty and practical agendas Article by Beth Del Ville | Photography by Provided Daily Spiral Planner by Sugar Paper is a hardcover, spiral-bound planner featuring a full page of planning for every weekday of the year. ($52) SugarPaper.com A digital calendar inspired by paper planners, Artful Agenda allows users to choose from various handwritings, font sizes and covers to customize their digital planner based on their own personal style. (Free to download...

Home + Design

All Through The House

Ahwatukee residents Loren and Robert Zeigler deck their halls in spectacular fashion Article by Beth Del Ville | Photography by Stephanie Slezak Each year as the holidays approach, the Ziegler home undergoes a stunning evolution. Starting November 1, Loren and Robert embark on a two-week labor of love to transform their beautiful Foothills home into a magical Christmas wonderland.   “The process of decorating is the joy for us,” says Loren. “Whether it’s placing each ornament on the tree or...