Life + Culture

ALL ABOARD!

Exploring History and Christmas Magic on the Verde Canyon Railroad Article by Noble Hathaway | Photography by Ashley Hathaway Just an hour and a half northwest of Phoenix, the Verde Canyon Railroad (VCRR) offers a unique glimpse into both the rich history of the region and the magic of seasonal celebrations. The train is powered by two FP7 locomotives, two of only ten remaining in North America. Built in 1953 for the Alaska Railroad, these classic engines first graced the VCRR tracks on March...

Local Services

Anthem Giving Circle

Empowering the Community One Purse at a Time Article by Ashley Hathaway | Photography by Ashley Hathaway The Anthem Giving Circle (AGC) is a remarkable collective of women dedicated to making a tangible difference in their local community. Through their mission of pooling time, talents, and resources, AGC focuses on supporting families in need, providing essential assistance like rent, utility bills, and medical expenses. Their annual fundraising event, "Purses for a Purpose," plays a...

Health + Wellness

Brainwaves of Generosity

GIVING, GRATITUDE, AND THE BRAIN Article by Mariellla De Angelis 'Tis the season of giving and holding hands around elegantly set tables, sharing sentiments of gratitude. Expressing thanks for family, friends, and thoughtful gifts is much more powerful than we are led to believe. Giving stimulates the reward centers of the brain, causing feelings of pleasure and satisfaction. Gratitude is not only an emotion but also a virtue, attitude, and coping mechanism. The beauty of gratitude lies in its...

Local Services

Foothills Food Bank

Fighting Hunger and Building Community Article by Ashley Hathaway | Photography by Foothills Food Bank In the North Valley, Foothills Food Bank & Resource Center stands as a source of hope for families facing food insecurity. Spanning a 200-square-mile area that includes Anthem, Black Canyon City, Cave Creek, and parts of North Phoenix and Scottsdale, the organization is dedicated to combating hunger with compassion and respect. Their mission goes beyond simply providing food; it aims to...