Arts + Culture

Policing & Pageants

Meet Candace Kanavel—Tempe Police Officer and Miss Arizona USA Article by Michelle Glicksman | Photography by Provided Candace Kanavel, a Tempe police officer and Miss Arizona USA 2023, grew up in San Jose, California as the youngest of four, with two older sisters and a brother. Her family was very involved in sports and her parents always encouraged them to pursue their passions. At 18, she moved to Arizona to attend Arizona State University (ASU). Here’s what happened next.   You have a...

Food + Beverage

Valentine's Day Date Ideas

Wow Your Date With One of These Local Activities Article by Michelle Glicksman A Swan Boat Sure there are regular pedal boats that you can rent to take onto Tempe Town Lake. But why not up the fun with a swan boat? Glide across the lake propelled by your own foot power. Add on the date night package for a box of chocolates and floral decorations. Boats4Rent.com   Escapology You must work together to solve puzzles—from finding hidden clues to cracking codes and more—and complete...

Health + Wellness

Helping People Thrive

NEOS MedSpa Offers the Latest and Best in Skincare and Wellness Article by Michelle Glicksman “I love the industry,” says Sharlene Taylor. “I feel like I’m meant to work in this field—bringing people together and helping with not only skincare esthetics but helping people thrive and be happy in the skin they are in.” Taylor is the owner of NEOS MedSpa, a medspa that offers laser hair removal, skin treatments, photo facials, microdermabrasion facials, Dysport injections, fillers, weight loss...

Life + Culture

Caring For the Community

Serving Up Meals and Friendships in Tempe Article and Photography by Jessica Parsons With all the flare of a hometown carnival—complete with music, cotton candy, popcorn, and salsa dancing—volunteers feed those experiencing food insecurity and homelessness in the most unique and festive setting. “This is our fun table,” Volunteer Manager Samantha Buffaloe explains. “Just because you’re experiencing homelessness doesn’t mean you don’t like to have fun,” she says. “That’s why we bring music...

Health + Wellness

Eye Do

Tempe Eyecare Associates is the Perfect Place for Eye Health Article by Michelle Glicksman | Photography by Justine Wallstrom “I was drawn to optometry because I wanted to study a refractive error. The optometric profession seemed the best choice to combine my interests, my personal condition, and my pursuit for a work/life balance,” says Dr. John N. Chisagis. The Ohio native moved to Arizona when he was in high school, later graduating from Arizona State University and then pursuing his...

Food + Beverage

Perfectly Picazzo’s

A Fusion Approach to Modern Italian Cuisine Made With Healthy Ingredients That Meets All Dietary Requirements Article by Michelle Glicksman | Photography by Provided Picazzo’s Healthy Italian Kitchen is an Arizona-based, family-owned and -operated restaurant with locations in Tempe, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Arrowhead, and Gilbert. The restaurant was created with a commitment to meet all guests’ dietary needs, from typical dishes to extensive vegan options, gluten-free options, and more...

Life + Culture

Giving Back

Keeping Tempe Beautiful Helps Shape Tempe Article by Michelle Glicksman | Photography by Joe Forte Local organization Keep Tempe Beautiful is a volunteer-run nonprofit dedicated to improving the quality of life in Tempe and the beautification of the city. We caught up with Joe Forte from the organization to chat about it. What is the vision of Keep Tempe Beautiful? Keep Tempe Beautiful creates opportunities to positively impact the environment for people who live, work, and play in Tempe...

Home + Design

Inspiring Design

What to Consider When Decorating for 2024 Article by Michelle Glicksman | Photography by Courtesy Aldrete Design At the boutique Aldrete Design Interiors, it’s all about life-inspired interior design. The Tempe interior design firm specializes in creating cohesive spaces, using textiles, well-thought-out furnishing, and curated decor. “We create timeless, inviting interiors that inspire a life well lived,” says Teresa Aldrete, owner/principal designer. Aldrete and Aldrete Design Interiors...

Health + Wellness

Face the World

Dr. Maurice E. Young Creates an All-Encompassing Aesthetics and Wellness Destination Article by Michelle Glicksman | Photography by Provided Maurice E. Young, MD, is a retired Air Force doctor with training in obstetrics and gynecology with primary care experience, urgent care/occupational and environmental medical experience, aesthetics injector experience, and is a former flight surgeon. Now, he’s the owner and medical director of Face The World Med Spa & DPC. Dr. Young was inspired to...

Life + Culture

Welcome Home

Arizona Theatre Company Settles in at Tempe Center for the Arts Article by Michelle Glicksman Arizona Theatre Company (ATC) has a new place it’s calling home—the iconic Tempe Center for the Arts (ATC). “ATC is the state’s official theater company, and as such, brings a high level of excellence to their productions,” says Brendan Ross, deputy community services director, arts and culture, City of Tempe. “The quality of acting, direction, production, and design are all exceptional, and they...