This year, Wendy Hodgson, Desert Botanical Garden’s herbarium curator emerita and senior research botanist, is celebrating her 50th year with the organization. The longest-tenured employee at the Garden, Hodgson’s journey began in January of 1974, when she watched the Garden transform from staff working in makeshift trailers outside of Webster Auditorium to the world-class organization […]

1. Your next novel, “All This and More,” is about a woman who wins a chance to alter every mistake she’s made in her life. What is one thing you would ‘rewrite’ about your life? There is something I always go back to, and it is this story that my mom, Lin Sue Flood, told […]

Phoenix Children’s announced that West Valley residents Jerry and Vickie Moyes donated $5 million to the hospital, a gift that will profoundly impact its ability to provide world-class pediatric care and support to countless young patients and families. The Moyeses, who have lived in Arizona since 1966, are deeply committed to family and community service. […]

Fearless Kitty Rescue, a shelter dedicated to providing cats a safe place to stay until they find permanent homes, was named the Fountain Hills nonprofit of the year at the 50th Anniversary gala for the Fountain Hills Chamber of Commerce in May. “Fearless Kitty Rescue is very proud to accept this award on behalf of […]

Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council is celebrating the entrepreneurial success of Girl Scouts across central and northern Arizona after more than 3.4 million boxes of Girl Scout cookies were sold during the 2024 Cookie Season. Through their efforts, Girl Scouts developed key business skills and raised funds that stay 100 percent local to support a variety […]

Arizona’s newest cocktail spots include some sophisticated speakeasies reminiscent of hidden Prohibition-era establishments. Wander Speakeasy at Chateau Luxe, North Phoenix “I think what people like about speakeasies is the mystery that comes with them,” said Austin Cahill, general manager of Wander Speakeasy, which opened in March at Chateau Luxe, an event venue in North Phoenix. […]

According to the Mayo Clinic Health System, volunteering improves physical and mental health, provides a sense of purpose and increases social interaction. It also nurtures new relationships and helps build support systems based on common interests. Dennis Parker, an 86-year-old retiree, knows this from experience. He has volunteered for Duet: Partners In Health & Aging […]

Rainbow Ryders, the largest hot air balloon company in the Southwest, recently donated rides to five families impacted by pediatric cancer in collaboration with Arizona Cancer Foundation for Children. On June 5, National Hot Air Balloon Day, the participating families arrived at Rainbow Ryders’ Glendale location at dusk to experience a sunrise view from the […]

Jared Kittelson will become the next CEO of Foundation for Blind Children, effective July 1. Marc Ashton is retiring after 17 years leading FBC, and Jared’s succession will mark the end of a long transition and the start of a new era for FBC. Kittelson is taking charge of a unique organization, home to the […]

This week, the Arizona Restaurant Association announced the winners of its 10th annual Foodist Awards. This decade-long event recognizes the best of the best in a variety of categories that represent culinary excellence in the Arizona food and beverage industry. Finalists and winners in each category are chosen by peers and the dining community at […]