Community hero hits 1,000 volunteer hours at St. Mary’s Food BankABC15 Arizona in Phoenix (KNXV)+1

Details: A dedicated volunteer named Roger has logged over 1,000 hours helping at St. Mary’s Food Bank, serving his community through food distribution and support efforts. His commitment is spotlighted as an example of quiet, consistent service.

"Arizona's bright future is like a Phoenix rising from the ashes."

Upcoming Schedule

TAN Pre‑Launch Meetup: Adult Skate Night

• 📅 Date: Tomorrow

• 🕒 Time: 9:00 PM

• 📍 Location: Zoni Girls

• 🎟️ Admission: Check Eventbrite

• 📄 Details: A community meetup introducing TAN, with adult skating, music, mingling, and fun after dark.

Phoenix Business Community Activation

• 📅 Date: Tuesday, October 7

• 🕒 Time: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

• 📍 Location: Fair Trade Cafe, Phoenix

• 🎟️ Admission: (check registration)

• 📄 Details: A meetup for local business owners to connect, share ideas, and participate in community-driven business initiatives.

Connected Live – Growth‑driven Professional Networking Event

• 📅 Date: Tuesday, October 7

• 🕒 Time: 5:30 PM

• 📍 Location: Sunset Vista (West Phoenix region)

• 🎟️ Admission: (check listing)

• 📄 Details: A professional networking gathering focused on connection and growth, bringing together leaders across industries.

Boots & Roots: A Country Kinfolk Jam

• 📅 Date: (Likely Saturday)

• 🕒 Time: 6:00 PM

• 📍 Location: 7836 S 29th Ave

• 🎟️ Admission: Check listing

• 📄 Details: A laid-back country / folk music jam night — bring your friends, enjoy local performers, maybe even join in.

Tough Love Fest 2 (near Avondale / Phoenix region)

• 📅 Date: This week (check listing)

• 🕒 Time: See event page

• 📍 Location: Near Avondale / Phoenix area

• 🎟️ Admission: Ticketed

• 📄 Details: A festival featuring music, community, arts. BandsInTown lists “Tough Love Fest 2: Day 2” near Avondale.

Why did the sun go to school in Phoenix?

To get a little brighter!

Cold Drink: Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew

• 📝 Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cold brew coffee

  • 2 tbsp pumpkin puree

  • 1/4 cup heavy cream

  • 1 tbsp maple syrup

  • 1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice

  • Ice

• 🥄 Instructions:

  1. Blend pumpkin puree, heavy cream, maple syrup, and spice until frothy.

  2. Pour cold brew over ice in a glass.

  3. Top with pumpkin cream. Sprinkle extra spice on top if desired.

Hot Drink: Spiced Apple Cider

• 📝 Ingredients:

  • 4 cups apple cider

  • 1 orange (sliced)

  • 4 cinnamon sticks

  • 1 tsp whole cloves

  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg

• 🥄 Instructions:

  1. Add all ingredients to a pot.

  2. Simmer over low heat for 15–20 minutes.

  3. Strain and serve hot, garnished with orange slice or cinnamon stick.

Snack: Roasted Maple Cinnamon Pumpkin Seeds

• 📝 Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cleaned pumpkin seeds

  • 1 tbsp melted butter or coconut oil

  • 1 tbsp maple syrup

  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon

  • Pinch of salt

• 🥄 Instructions:

  1. Toss all ingredients in a bowl.

  2. Spread on a baking sheet and bake at 300°F for 20–25 minutes, stirring halfway.

  3. Let cool and enjoy crunchy!

Meal: Butternut Squash & Sausage Skillet

• 📝 Ingredients:

  • 1 lb Italian sausage

  • 1 small butternut squash (peeled, cubed)

  • 1/2 red onion (sliced)

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 tsp thyme

  • Salt & pepper to taste

• 🥄 Instructions:

  1. Brown sausage in a skillet, then set aside.

  2. In same pan, cook squash and onions with olive oil and thyme until soft (~12 min).

  3. Return sausage, stir together, and cook 3–5 more min. Serve warm.

Finance Story: The Rising Burden of Credit Card Debt + Local Push for Financial Literacy

A recent NPR / KJZZ article highlights the growing strain of credit card balances across America—credit card debt in the U.S. reached $1.21 trillion in Q2 2025, up ~5.9% year over year. KJZZ

In Arizona and Phoenix, efforts are underway to counter this trend through financial literacy programs. October is National Financial Planning Month, and local initiatives are helping children, teens, and families build stronger financial habits. ABC15 Arizona in Phoenix (KNXV)

The story underscores how many people feel trapped by mounting debt—with high interest rates making minimum payments barely dent the balance. It then frames local efforts as a hopeful counterbalance: teaching youth budgeting, saving, and basic financial skills to help the next generation avoid similar pitfalls. ABC15 Arizona in Phoenix (KNXV)+1