Sports + Recreation

Building Better Baseball

From professional baseball to mentoring youth, Nik Lubisich and Jace Fry give back through baseball. Article by Kylie Strawn-Badger | Photography by Danielle Muccillo Photography For Nik Lubisich and Jace Fry, baseball has given them far more than a career. It has brought relationships, opportunities, lessons in adversity and, ultimately, a chance to give those experiences back to the next generation. Today, that purpose comes to life at South West Athletic Center in Surprise, where they are...

Arts + Culture

Where Music Opens New Doors

A family vision creating connection, belonging and opportunity through music. Article by Kylie Strawn-Badger | Photography by Tones N Bones What began with a few teenagers, worship music, and an open backyard has grown into something Megan and Ken Gerber never quite planned but perhaps were always meant to create. Tones N Bones is a nonprofit centered around music, faith, and community, providing a place where young people can gather, musicians can develop their talents, and families can...

Local Services

Publisher Letter

Article and Photography by November invites us to slow down and reflect on the people and moments that make our lives meaningful. As we welcome our Thankful issue, my heart is full of gratitude for the blessings in my own life and for the community I have the privilege of serving. First and foremost, I am thankful for my family. My amazing husband and daughters are my greatest joy. Their love, encouragement, and the everyday moments we share mean more to me than words can express. Even when...

Food + Beverage

Turkey Pot Pie

A comforting family favorite that transforms Thanksgiving leftovers into a warm, savory meal everyone loves. Article and Photography by For our family, Thanksgiving leftovers are almost as anticipated as the big meal itself. This homemade turkey pot pie has become a favorite way to transform leftover turkey into something warm, comforting and completely new. Filled with tender turkey, vegetables and creamy goodness, it’s a tradition everyone looks forward to. Ingredients: 2 pie crusts...

Education

Leading Hope

Laurie Sicaeros Guides the Future of Cancer Care in Arizona Article by Kari Watts | Photography by Scott Foust Studios Cancer touches almost every family in some way. In Arizona, more than 40,000 people are diagnosed with cancer each year, creating an urgent need for advanced care, innovative treatments, and greater access to specialists across the state. As Arizona's population continues to grow and age, the demand for world-class cancer services has never been greater. Meeting that...

Local Services

Publisher Letter

Article and Photography by Some of my favorite memories have happened in our kitchen. With four daughters, a loving husband and a house that rarely feels quiet, there has always been something happening around the dinner table. Cooking together has given us more than just a meal it has given us time to slow down, laugh, talk about our days and simply be together. Over the years, our kitchen has seen everything from carefully planned family dinners to last minute meals, holiday baking and...

Food + Beverage

Beyond the Bean

Inside Crest Coffee Roasters’ Passion for Craft, Community & Innovation Article by Kylie Strawn-Badger | Photography by ROSE & RICH STUDIOS & CREST COFFEE There is something wonderfully uncomplicated about finding a really good cup of coffee. Maybe it is the first sip before the rest of the house wakes up, an iced coffee grabbed on the way somewhere, or the cup you linger over while talking with a friend much longer than planned. For Samuel and Savannah Sullivan, those everyday coffee moments...

Food + Beverage

The Art of Gathering

Graze Craze Brings Beautiful Boards and Effortless Entertaining to Surprise Article by Kylie Strawn-Badger Something about a beautifully arranged board immediately makes people want to gather around it. Maybe it is the freedom to try a little of everything, the conversations that happen while reaching for another piece of cheese, or the way an ordinary evening suddenly feels like an occasion. That easy, social style of entertaining is at the heart of Graze Craze, a new locally owned and...

Food + Beverage

Around the World in Surprise

A Global Culinary Journey, No Passport Required Article and Photography by Surprise is growing, and so is our appetite for something new. As new neighborhoods take shape and businesses continue to put down roots throughout the city, our local dining scene is becoming an increasingly diverse reflection of the people and cultures that now call the West Valley home. Today, exploring global cuisine doesn’t require a reservation in Scottsdale, a drive across the Valley or, thankfully, a passport...

Food + Beverage

Meet Us on the Patio

Cooler evenings, good company and some of Surprise’s favorite places to dine al fresco. Photography by QUENCH TAPS & TAPAS There’s something about October in Arizona that feels like an invitation to head outside. After months of escaping the summer heat, the evenings begin to cool, the sunsets arrive a little earlier and patio season finally makes its much-anticipated return. And in Surprise, there’s no shortage of places to pull up a chair. Whether it’s sharing tapas as the sun goes down...