Arts + Culture

The Phoenix Symphony's Journey from Ragtag to Renowned

Celebrating over 75 years of bringing world-class music to Arizona Article by Kris Ann Valdez | Photography by Photography Provided by The Phoenix Symphony In the 1940s, Phoenix’s population was less than 100,000. The occasional saguaro served as a lamppost, whiskey and wine sold for a whopping 10 cents, and the Phoenix Street Railway operated streetcars for 33 miles. But times were changing fast. World War II turned agricultural Phoenix into an industrial hub, expanding the population by 63...

Travel

An Oregon Adventure

Photographer Shannon Liebrock fulfilled her dream of visiting Multnomah Falls and the Oregon coast Article by Alison Stanton | Photography by Shannon Liebrock For as long as she can remember, Shannon Liebrock has loved to collect photographs of waterfalls. Liebrock, who has worked as a professional photographer for over 30 years, has always dreamed of traveling to Oregon to see some of the state’s many incredible waterfalls. “I specialize in taking photos of college and high school sports...

Wellness

Your Health, Rediscovered

Mindy Zonts of Prime IV Hydration helps patients chart a new course for well-being Article by Gretchen Pahia | Photography by Stephanie Slezak In a time when healthcare is too often a matter of disease treatment, Family Nurse Practitioner Mindy Zonts is putting her clinical experience, compassion for people, and dedication to integrative wellness at the forefront, helping patients explore a growing and innovative model for health. Zonts has a well of experience from years working in acute...

Food + Beverage

A Patriotic Parfait

Layered with fresh fruit, airy cake and whipped cream, these parfaits are a pure delight Article by Beth Del Ville Light up your 4th of July celebration with a dessert that's as patriotic as it is delicious! This easy-to-make treat comes together in a (firework’s) flash using fresh berries, pillowy pound cake and creamy whipped cream. Assembling this show-stopping dessert is a breeze. We've used strawberries and blueberries for that classic look, but don't hesitate to toss in raspberries or...

Life + Culture

The Master Craftsman's Pour

James Lewis's passion for community and artisanry shapes both business and pleasure Article by Beth Del Ville | Photography by Stephanie Slezak Gates and bourbon. It might seem like an unlikely pairing, but for James Lewis, owner of Renovate Your Gate, they're both expressions of his passion for craftsmanship and excellence. He creates custom gates by day, and by night, explores the rich world of fine bourbon. His collection, largely amassed mostly in the first of his four years collecting...

Life + Culture

Building Boys into Leaders

Volunteerism and community drives boys team charity Article by Gretchen Pahia | Photography by Provided In the heart of Ahwatukee, there exists a special non-profit organization doing work to build the next generation of strong and thoughtful leaders, one volunteer hour at a time. Boys team charity ( boysteamcharity.org ) was founded nationally in 2001 and created by families who wanted to teach their sons the value of giving. Today, with 43 chapters across the country, boys team charity has...

Life + Culture

Andy Hayes: The Heart of Business in Ahwatukee

Get to know the head of the Ahwatukee Chamber who's proud to call Ahwatukee home Article by Alison Stanton | Photography by Stephanie Slezak As CEO and Executive Director of the Ahwatukee Chamber of Commerce, Andy Hayes is passionate about advocating for local businesses and helping them to succeed. Hayes’ interest in business was sparked when he was a student at Arizona State University. “I had a marketing and sales class that was taught by a young doctorate student named Jeff Conant,”...

Life + Culture

Fathers in Focus

How two professionals intentionally approach fatherhood despite demanding careers Article by Kris Ann Valdez | Photography by Stephanie Slezak The delicate balance between career and family is more precarious than ever, thanks to the constant accessibility of our digital lives. For Juan Roque and Joshua Wagner of Viking Law Group, a locally-based firm specializing in personal injury, prioritizing fatherhood despite their demanding careers is something they take very seriously. In a profession...

Style + Beauty

Rooted in Tradition

Mariah Abeita was inspired to open her own jewelry business to honor her Indigenous heritage Article by Alison Stanton | Photography by Stephanie Slezak For as long as she can remember, Mariah Abeita has loved anything to do with creativity and craftsmanship. When she was about 8 years old, Abeita, who is from the Navajo Tribe Diné, began making jewelry that was inspired by her Indigenous heritage and the stories behind the traditional designs. In 2020, Abeita, who teaches fifth grade at...

Wellness

From Passion to Practice

The journey of Dr. Kristen Mayorga Article by Gretchen Pahia | Photography by Stephanie Slezak From the beginning, Dr. Kristen Mayorga knew that she was interested in a career in medicine, and it was early on in her life where dentistry caught her attention. This was all thanks to her neighbor who was a dentist.   “He invited me to his office, allowing me to observe, assist and experience firsthand the intricacies of the profession. Through him, I was also introduced to many of his...