Food + Beverage

Pop the Cork!

4 Must-Have Wines for Your Holiday Celebrations Article by Dena Roché For kids, the holidays are about presents, sweets, and school break. But for adults, the season is a time of friends, family, and parties. As you plan your holiday festivities and gift-giving, nothing elevates a celebration like a great bottle of wine. Whether you’re hosting the soiree or looking for the perfect hostess gift, we have four wines that pair perfectly with your holiday celebrations. Palmer Champagne Rosé...

Travel

Explore European Christmas Markets

A Christmas market river cruise takes you through the heart of Europe to experience these festive and iconic markets Article and Photography by Susan Lanier-Graham Twinkling lights, Christmas carols, and the smell of roasting chestnuts and spiced wine are hallmark features of Europe’s festive Christmas markets. Called Christkindlesmarkts in Germany, these holiday markets are a centuries-old European tradition. I took a Viking River Cruise ( VikingRiverCruises.com ) from Budapest, Hungary, to...

Life + Culture

Supporting Our Children

Volunteers Join Local Nonprofit to Benefit Children in the West Valley Article by Gretchen Pahia | Photography by Peoria Diamond Club Partnerships and programs are among the best things about our Peoria community. We have impressive philanthropic endeavors, including the noteworthy Peoria Diamond Club ( PeoriaDiamondClub.org ). The club is a 501(c)(3) organization that supports community programs that educate and enrich children’s lives. Through partnerships, sponsorships, donations, and...

Life + Culture

Postino, Blanco, and North Italia Coming to Peoria

The Park at 83 Debuts Three of the Valley's Favorite Eateries Article by Susan Lanier-Graham | Photography by Common Bond Development Group Common Bond Development Group recently announced the forthcoming completion of development and construction at their 2.66-acre Peoria retail development, The Park at 83, located steps away from the main stadium of the Peoria Sports Complex.  The Park at 83 will feature the first-ever West Valley locations for three popular local restaurants: Postino...

Life + Culture

A Life-Saving Donation

A West Valley family's $5 million donation to Phoenix Children's Foundation will help provide world-class pediatric care Article by Gretchen Pahia | Photography by Phoenix Children's A caring and philanthropic West Valley family has donated $5 million to Phoenix Children’s Foundation ( PhoenixChildrensFoundation.org ). When Jerry and Vickie Moyes discovered that Phoenix Children’s Hospital was constructing the Arrowhead Campus in Glendale, they recognized a chance to make a meaningful...

Arts + Culture

Creative Peoria Kids

Peoria City Council Announces Annual Library Card Design and StoryWalk Contest Winners Article by Susan Lanier-Graham Peoria has some creative young people, and the City Council recently honored that by announcing the winners of two annual contests held in partnership with The Friends of the Peoria Public Library to promote literacy and showcase creativity in the arts. Library Card Design Contest The 19th Annual Library Card Design contest invites kids in two age categories (5-11 and...

Auto + Marine

Luxury Electric Sedan

Mercedes 2024 EQE 350 4MATIC Sedan Electrifies Your Drive Article by Susan Lanier-Graham I recently tested the 2024 Mercedes EQE 350 4MATIC sedan. It was the ideal blend of luxury, power, technology, and environmental-friendliness with classic Mercedes innovation.  Refined Design The EQE 350 feels spacious yet sporty and handles like a dream. The aerodynamic design features a smooth undercarriage and nominal front openings. The flush door handles offer a sleek design, and the aerodynamics...

Arts + Culture

Breathtaking Asian Luminous Art Installation

First-Ever Tianyu Lights Festival Comes to West Valley Article by Alison Bailin Batz | Photography by Tianyu Lights Festival The Tianyu Lights Festival ( TianyuCulture.us/phoenix ), an enchanting nighttime walk-through experience for all ages that brings nature and art together through awe-inspiring visual, cultural, and light effects, is coming to the Valley for the first time from October 25, 2024, to January 5, 2025. The festival will take place at Camelback Ranch every Wednesday to...

Life + Culture

Family Foundations

Meet Catherine Medina, whose family’s 40-year legacy has helped shape her career and community service Article by Angel Fuchs | Photography by Catherine Medina There are many reasons to be thankful for family. They form the foundation of emotional, social, and moral development. They offer guidance and stability and pass down traditions, values, and wisdom. Such is the case for one local woman and the legacy her family has created. At only 30 years old, Catherine Medina is the owner and...

Food + Beverage

Southwest Style Chili

Chef Christopher McLean Shares His Favorite Chili Recipe Article by Chef Christopher McLean Chef Christopher McLean, Executive Chef and Beverage Director at The Wigam, says he once served his favorite chili recipe on a mountaintop to the cast and top crew of the Lone Ranger movie. It was also a favorite in a cooking class that Neil Armstrong attended in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Now, he wants to share it with you so you can enjoy Chef McLean's Southwest Style Chili.  Ingredients 1/2 onion ...