Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃🍂

As we gather around the table this week, it’s the perfect moment to pause and recognize all we have to be grateful for—love, friendships, our health, some time off, and the richness of family and friends who make our lives brighter.

This holiday is about more than just delicious trimmings. It’s also a time to think about the history of the holiday and the people around us—our neighbors, our community—and the ways we can lend a hand to make their holidays just as joyful. Whether it’s sharing a warm meal, donating to a local cause, or simply offering a kind word, small acts of kindness can go a long way.

So, enjoy the laughter, food, cozy, and crazy moments, and take a little time to reflect on the joy you bring to others.

From my family to yours, wishing you a Thanksgiving filled with love, warmth, and just the right amount of your favorite pie.

There will be no newsletter next week as I celebrate the holiday and a family wedding. (Congrats, Spence!)

With kindness,

Sarah

Local Eats & Treats

All this talk about Thanksgiving has made me hungry and got me thinking about some of my favorite foods right here in our district. Our local food scene has always been a point of pride, showcasing the talents of incredible chefs and the creativity of innovative restaurant groups. I still remember when Sam Fox opened his first restaurant and the first Postino’s transformed a rehabbed post office into a neighborhood favorite.

Below is a list of some of my favorite spots that came to mind. It’s not comprehensive by any means, but it’s a great starting point for exploring the culinary gems in our community.

Drop me the name of your favorite spot I can share and try!

Community Corner

Have you ever caught an episode of It Happens At STN? Every month community advocates come together to participate as the studio audience to hear from community leaders on key issues affecting, you guessed it, our communities.

I have been fortunate to attend two tapings, the most recent one featuring Keys to Change CEO Amy Schwabenlender and Director of Programs Richard Crews along with Nathan Smith, CEO of Central AZ Shelter Services (CASS), to discuss the looming financial cliff already forcing cutbacks for homeless services and providers.

It was also nice to listen to Dr. Velma Trayham, the new CEO of the Black Chamber of Arizona, on how the organization will navigate change moving forward under her leadership.