Life + Culture

The Man Behind the City

A Look at Dr. A.J. Chandler—Who He Was and How the City Came to Be Article by Sharon McCullough Ryan | Photography by Courtesy Chandler Museuem On May 16, 1912, when Arizona was a mere three months in to being the 48th state of the Union, Dr. A. J. Chandler was anxiously awaiting customers and potential residents to purchase lots in the fledgling town of Chandler. But let’s back up a bit. Who was Dr. Chandler?  Chandler was a bright, ambitious young man who was only 28 when he came to Arizona...

Food + Beverage

Style Meets Service

New Restaurant & Market Arrives in Downtown Chandler Article by Gretchen Pahia | Photography by Grace Stufkosky/Courtesy George & Gather The heart of Downtown Chandler is getting more local love and attention as there's an all-new, all-day destination featuring gourmet, from-scratch dining options. George & Gather Bar & Market, located at 336 S. Washington St., is housed in a restored former commercial space. Named after President George Washington, as well as the neighborhood it recenty...

Finance + Legal Services

More Than Just a Lawyer

How Bernard J. Johnsen is Making a Difference Article by Gretchen Pahia | Photography by Jett Arredondo Friendly, community-driven, and deeply passionate about his work, Bernard J. Johnsen isn’t just another attorney—he’s a trusted advocate for families and businesses navigating complex legal matters. As the founder and managing attorney of Praesidium Law, PLLC, Johnsen specializes in probate, trust, and business law. With years of experience as a litigator and estate planner, he’s licensed...

Education

Investing in Community

The Compadres Early Learning & Resource Center Opens at San Marcos Elementary School Photography by Courtesy Chandler Chamber For years, the Chandler Compadres, AZCEND, and the Chandler Unified School District (CUSD) have been working together to make the Compadres Early Learning & Resource Center a reality. In late January, it officially opened at San Marcos Elementary School. As an extension of AZCEND, a local nonprofit dedicated to supporting vulnerable populations, it will enhance family...

Life + Culture

Community on Purpose

A Mission to Make Giving Back a Way of Life Article by Alison Stanton | Photography by Provided In the heart of Chandler, Community on Purpose is redefining what it means to serve. Founded by local entrepreneur and philanthropist Mindy Jones, the nonprofit is built on the belief that giving back doesn’t happen by accident—it happens with intention. “People often say that community just happens ‘organically,’ but the truth is, it takes action, consistency, and a whole lot of heart,” Jones...

Life + Culture

Investing in People Pays Positive Dividends

Solari Crisis & Human Services Has an Employee-First Work Culture Article by Alison Stanton | Photography by Christine Johnson Solari Crisis & Human Services, a (501c3) nonprofit that provides community-based crisis intervention services and a wide range of mental health services, opened its doors in 2007 with one key mission in mind: Inspiring hope. As Manager of Marketing Laboraex Abeita notes, the East Valley nonprofit, which also answers all calls made in Arizona to 988, the National...

Home + Design

Splurge vs. Save

Design Finds to Elevate Your Home at Any Price Point Article by Beth Del Ville | Photography by RocketLister Let's be honest, creating a home that truly reflects your style can feel like an endless pursuit. But fear not, fellow design enthusiasts! You don't need to break the bank to achieve a sophisticated and stylish space. The key lies in a clever combination of high-end splurges and budget-friendly finds. Lisa Ryan Whyte of Whyte House Real Estate and Interior Design loves to incorporate...

Life + Culture

Fashion Through the Eyes of a Child

Article by Sarah Auffret | Photography by Provided In the eyes of a child, new clothes take on a special meaning when it’s the first day of school. Looking your best and feeling confident can be important. Several children are showing off what they picked to wear that first school day at Runway for Hope, a fashion show and luncheon sponsored by Assistance League of East Valley on March 1. The children will twirl down the runway in new uniforms, T-shirts, and pants like those provided by the...

Home + Design

Ask the Experts!

We Asked Our Local Home Industry Partners For the Most Current Intel on Their Industries. Here's What They Had to Say Photography by Provided Are there specific financial strategies or tools that can help make the transition between selling and buying smoother? Caroline Strok Owner/Broker, Ocotillo Home Lending OcotilloHomeLending.com "If you’re looking to sell your home and purchase another, review your overall financial situation to determine what you can qualify for and how...

Home + Design

A Charming New Shoppe

TomKat Design + Real Estate Expands With a Retail Store in Downtown Ocotillo Article by Kim Stoegbauer | Photography by Elizabeth Lawlor Downtown Ocotillo welcomed an exciting new addition with the opening of The TomKat Shoppe, a beautifully curated home and gift store adjacent to TomKat Design + Real Estate. After three years in this thriving center, the team at TomKat saw the perfect opportunity to expand when the suite next door became available, allowing them to bring their passion for...