Author: Joan Gibson

Stop into Churn for July flavors Tangerine Buttermilk and Goat Cheese, Honey & Pistachio. Sure, it’s hot outside, but these Valley shops are hitting the cool, sweet spot this summer with seasonal specials and regular fan favorites. So, whether you are celebrating National Ice Cream Day, July 17, or just in the mood for a sweet treat, here are four ways to chill out and satisfy your sweet tooth. Churn will offer their Tangerine Buttermilk and Goat Cheese, Honey & Pistachio (a fan favorite) flavors on their July seasonal menu. Guests can also cool down with a variety of sundaes,…

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Specializing in mesquite broiled burgers, The Original Hamburger Works has been a Phoenix mainstay for more than 40 years (photo by Kathryn M. Miller). By Kathryn M. Miller One hundred-twenty pounds of mesquite wood charcoal a day, a handful of dedicated employees and a passion for the restaurant business — just three of the ingredients that have kept Wesley Herrera, co-owner of The Original Hamburger Works, going the past couple of years. Originally opened in September 1977, and modeled after The Chuckbox in Tempe, The Original Hamburger Works has been a mainstay in Phoenix’s Encanto area for more than 40…

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Kahley with octopus fritto, left, steamed mussels braised in white wine with tomato nage and steak tartare served with squid ink tuille (photo by Marjorie Rice). By Marjorie Rice As a journalism student in Michigan, CJ Kahley, today chef de cuisine at Geordie’s in the Wrigley Mansion, wanted to be a travel writer, exploring different cultures through the lens of their cuisines. His career path took a turn when he entered culinary school to get a solid grounding in cooking. “Culinary school (Le Cordon Bleu in Las Vegas) is where the passion started,” Kahley said. “I realized I enjoyed being…

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Today, Maricopa County Animal Care and Control announced that its shelters are at capacity and it is in urgent need of residents to adopt and foster shelter animals. “Both our East and West Shelters are at maximum capacity. Currently we have more than 800 dogs in our shelters,” the County said in a released statement. “When we reach capacity, we have no choice but to double up kennels which can add unwanted stress on our dogs.” Animal Care and Control is mandated to accept all stray dogs so they are encouraging residents to adopt a new member of the family…

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Sunnyslope senior Fanny Salgado, who has volunteered at the Assistance League of Phoenix for the past two summers, gets as much back from her volunteer efforts as she gives (photo courtesy of Assistance League of Phoenix). By Kathryn M. Miller For the past two summers, Sunnyslope High School senior Fanny Salgado has volunteered at the Assistance League of Phoenix. The student says that she wanted to find a nonprofit that aligned with her personal goals and was welcoming, and the organization has been just that. Assistance League of Phoenix has been in the Valley since 1961. “Our mission is really…

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One hundred sixty days (and counting). That is how long this sweet pup has been in the care of the Arizona Humane Society (AHS), looking for his perfect forever home. Rocky is an absolutely handsome nine-year-old Staffordshire mix who was originally brought to AHS all the way back in February of this year as an owner surrender because his previous family could no longer care for him. Super wiggly and sweet, handsome Rocky loves to get pets, does well on a leash and loves to cuddle with his human friends. (photo courtesy of Arizona Humane Society). Although he can be…

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A Phoenix aquaponics garden (photo courtesy of City of Phoenix Office of Environmental Programs) Phoenix residents interested in learning how, and receiving support, to grow their own food, can take advantage of a program offered by the City of Phoenix Office of Environmental Programs. Through the Backyard Garden Program​, participants will receive, at no cost to them, a garden system, including training, support, and maintenance (as needed) for one year. American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds have already supplied 92 garden systems to community members in the first year. In year two, the program will provide 178 households with either a traditional…

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For the 21st year, RE/MAX Professionals will celebrate “Month of Miracles” throughout August to help raise awareness for Phoenix Children’s Hospital. “It’s a priority for RE/MAX Professionals to give back to the community in which we live and work,” said Nate Martinez, owner of RE/MAX Professionals “One hundred percent of the monies raised go toward life-saving treatments, medical equipment and valuable research, and it’s truly humbling to see their impact on our friends and neighbors.” During this year’s fundraising, the group will host a concert Aug. 12, with local talent Vedder Gabriel and Nashville star Ave Paige, who is this…

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Coronado Waterlilies recently joined the Downtown Phoenix Farmers Market, offering flora from a backyard pond in the Coronado neighborhood. Throughout the year, Valley farmers markets provide fresh fruits and vegetables, honey, baked goods, meats, hand-crafted items and more. Over the summer months, residents can visit three different markets to find goods grown or made by Arizona farmers and artisans. Visit the Roadrunner Park Farmers Market every Saturday morning from 7–11 a.m., June through September (8 a.m.–1 p.m., October through May). In addition, Roadrunner Park includes children’s playground with play equipment, a fishing pond, ducks and geese on premises, swimming pool,…

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Phoenix-based Fresh Cravings is asking for the community’s help to support local residents experiencing homelessness. From July 25–29, they are encouraging the community to donate travel sized toiletries and hygiene products to help fill kits to deliver to local shelters, including St. Vincent de Paul, Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS) and Phoenix Rescue Mission, with a goal to deliver 1,500 kits. This effort is through Fresh Cravings’ Salsabrate the Good giveback program and is in partnership with youth change-makers Jahkil Jackson of Project I AM in Chicago, and Khloe Thompson of Khloe Kares in LA. Items needed include travel sized (preferred) toothbrush, toothpaste, hand sanitizer, towelettes,…

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