EastM V1N2 June/July 2019

V1N2 | JUNE/JULY 2019

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JUNE|JULY 2019

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JUNE|JULY 2019

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100 Guest Wedding Special

Golf Membership Special

ONLY $5299* FRI/SAT/SUN

1-YEAR TRIAL MEMBERSHIP

Includes: Wedding Coordinator • Wedding Rehearsal • Bride & Groom Get-Ready-Room with Complimentary Cheese, Crackers, & Champagne • Wedding Ceremony in Courtyard Rotunda or 18th Fairway + (Choice of 2 Arches, Chairs, and Water Station) • Reception Room for 5 hours • Upgraded Linens with 30 color choices • Choice of 3 Centerpieces • Appetizer for Cocktail Hour • Dinner Buffet • Champagne Toast • Cash Bar • Setup & Cleanup

The perfect opportunity to experience Red Mountain Ranch with no strings attached! Includes: Unlimited Golf • Unlimited Cart Trail Fees • Unlimited Use of Driving Range • Unlimited Use of Practice Facilities • Fitness Center (Group Fitness Classes) • Tennis Courts (Easy Online Reservation) • Junior Olympic Pool and Spa

OR BOOK MON-THURS AND GET IT FOR $4799!*

FOR A ONE-TIME LOW COST OF: FAMILY: $4950* | INDIVIDUAL: $3950*

Come check out our newly remodeled event space!

18-hole Pete Dye designed golf course 6 fully lit tennis courts Premier fitness center Junior olympic-sized pool & spa

THE PERFECT PLACE TO HOST ANY EVENT — BIRTHDAYS, CORPORATE FUNCTIONS, AND MORE!

TENNIS, FITNESS, AND POOL MEMBERSHIPS ALSO AVAILABLE!

LORIE DAVIS WEDDING COORDINATOR | MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR 480-396-7503 | LDAVIS@RMRCC.COM * Prices listed do not include tax or gratuities. Terms & conditions apply.

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IT’S A DRY HEAT!

I know, we all say it (or hear it), and usually there is an eye roll involved, but it is true. I recently went to visit family in North Carolina, and though it wasn’t even very hot, the humidity was dreadful. The 100+ degrees here just doesn’t seem as bad in comparison. After 14 years, one of my many reasons for loving it here is still that dry heat!

V1N2 | JUNE/JULY 2019 PUBLISHER | DESIGNER

Dara Fowler COPY EDITOR

As much as I personally embrace the hotter months here in Mesa, I am also very aware of the dangers. We all have to remain diligent, and remember to take extra precautions in the brutal desert sun. There are several stories in this issue about summer safety — please take the time to read them.

They are good reminders for protecting our families — keeping our precious children safe around water (page 22) and making sure our fur-babies don’t suffer heatstroke (page 23). You will also find information on staying hydrated, and how to keep cooling costs down.

“THERE ARE SHARKS IN THE SALT RIVER!” NO, NOT REALLY. BUT THAT’S WHAT I TOLD MY SON AFTER WE PULLED THIS BEAUTY OUT OF THE WATER.

If you’re ready for some great new adventures, but want to stay cool, check out all the indoor, air-conditioned activities for you and your family on page 42. Or, hit the water! My personal favorite summer pastime is standup paddleboarding, and anyone can do it. My dear friend and paddle guru, Suzi Amore, will tell you all about this amazing activity on page 30. And although there is no ocean required, there still may be sharks! I’m kidding of course, but you never know what you may find along the Salt River (wink, wink).

I really hope you enjoy this issue, and thank you for all the positive responses to the first one! I love hearing from you. I also want to thank my advertisers and welcome the new ones — I cannot do this without them. Please support our #FriendsOfEastM — together we can help our businesses succeed, strengthen our communities, nurture our families, and celebrate why we love it here!

All my best,

Rachel Baliff SOCIAL MEDIA

Delia Scegiel CONTRIBUTORS

Suzi Amore Nicole Denison Jon Englund Michelle Glicksman Alicia Goforth Andrea Gorman Bethanie Hestermann Frank Pabian Dena Roche Jessica Spencer Rosann Williams PHOTOGRAPHERS

Nate Amore Ted Deveraux Mikayla Devereux Denny Green William Lax Rob Monsipapa Steve Simpson

www.eastmmag.com Dara Fowler Publisher | Designer dara@eastmmag.com | 480.200.5286 PS: Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram!

Use hashtags #WeLoveItHere and #FriendsOfEastM

@eastmmagazine © 2019 All rights reserved EastM Media LLC. All material is copywritten and subject to approval before being reproduced. EastM is a free publication.

ARIZONA SERIES SPONSOR

2019-2020 SEASON SERIES TICKETS & RENEWALS ON SALE NOW! GET TICKETS AT MESAARTSCENTER.COM/NATGEOLIVE OR CALL 480-644-6500 JOEL SARTORE

BRENT STIRTON

BUILDING THE PHOTO ARK JOEL SARTORE | PHOTOGRAPHER NOV 20

AKASHINGA: THE BRAVE ONES DAMIEN MANDER | CONSERVATIONIST OCT 23

MBARI

SHANNON WILD

PURSUIT OF THE BLACK PANTHER SHANNON WILD | PHOTOGRAPHER & CINEMATOGRAPHER JAN 22

DESIGNED BY NATURE KAKANI KATIJA | BIOENGINEER & RESEARCH DIVER FEB 19

SUPPORTED BY WELLS FARGO

ONE EAST MAIN STREET MESA, AZ 85201 | MESAARTSCENTER.COM | 480-644-6500

ANDY MANN

FROM SUMMIT TO SEA ANDY MANN | FILMMAKER & PHOTOGRAPHER MAR 18

INSIDE 19

FAMILY & COMMUNITY

Behind Closed Doors A First For Mesa Protecting Our Families

calendar p21

20 21 22

FEATURE:

A Voice for the Voiceless

30 START HERE

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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Spartan Nation

ADVENTURE & WILDLIFE

Critter Corner: Bobcats Lower Salt River Restoration Doing Our Part

64 COMMUNITY PHOTOS

FEATURE:

66 LOOKING BACK

Experience even more adventures on a standup paddleboard

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A Bridge to the Past

24

A young singer spreads the word about child abuse

28 29 29

Get Hooked on SUP

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22

30

calendar When Doctors Don’t Know Hydration for Health Write it Down ACTIVE & STRONG

p39 38 39 40

FEATURE:

Stayin’ Active

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Too hot? Not for these activities

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56

calendar Humor for Life Anticipated Summer Movies From the Chef FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT

p49 48 49 51

FEATURE:

Olé! BBQ

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Jalapeno Bucks — Arizona’s largest BBQ joint

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HOME: INSIDE & OUT

Know Before You Throw Creating a Butterfly Garden 7 Tips to Keep Cooling Costs Low

56 56 57

FEATURE:

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Host the Ultimate Pool Party!

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5 steps to make a splash at your bash

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Enjoy summer with your peeps!

All scratch kitchen

Fresh, quality products at a low price.

day drinkers unite!

Home of the $3 Mimosa! And a full bar.

upbeat atmosphere

Dog-friendly patio, local artist display, vast music selection & super fun staff!

summer menu specials & extended happy hour!

Thursday, Friday & Saturday open ‘til 8pm with Happy Hour 2pm to close!

480.264.6832 | 6663 East McDowell Rd, #101

1 block west of Power, on McDowell whatscrackincafe.com | M-W 7-2, Th-Sat 7-8, Sun 7-4 eastmmag.com

JUNE|JULY 2019

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MORE THAN A GOLF COURSE!

GOLF

GOLF SHOP

DESIGNED BY ROBERT TRENT JONES JR., LAS SENDAS HAS BEEN RATED AS TOP 10 IN ARIZONA AND BEST GOLF COURSE IN THE EAST PHOENIX VALLEY.

OUR GOLF SHOP FEATURES THE LATEST IN GOLF TECHNOLOGY, VARIOUS LINES OF GOLF ATTIRE, GOLF BAGS, SHOES AND AN ENDLESS ARRAY OF GOLF SUPPLIES.

DINING

MEMEBERSHIPS

YOU CAN SELECT FROM SPECTACULAR AL FRESCO DINING WITH STUNNING PANORAMIC SUNSETS ON THE PATIO OR FOR SPORTS FANS WE HAVE HD TVS WITH HIGH TOP TABLES IN THE GRILLE.

LAS SENDAS HAS VARIOUS MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS TO CHOOSE FROM BOTH REFUNDABLE AND NON-REFUNDABLE. WE HAVE FULL, JUNIOR, PROXY, AND SOCIAL OPTIONS.

EVENTS

GOLF ACADEMY

WE OFFER A MAGNIFICENT VENUE FOR WEDDINGS, BIRTHDAYS, CORPORATE EVENTS, AND MORE. OUR EVENT CENTER, THE VISTAS PAVILION, IS ON AN ELEVATED MOUNTAIN LOCATION WITH DAZZLING WEST FACING VIEWS.

WE WILL HONE IN ON THE KEY ELEMENTS OF YOUR GAME, CUSTOMIZE AN INSTRUCTION PROGRAM SUITED FOR YOU AND MONITOR YOUR PROGRESS ALONG THE WAY. PROGRAMS ARE SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR GOLFERS OF ALL AGES!

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT OUR ADMINISTRATION AT 480-396-4000 EXT 221

WWW.LASSENDAS.COM

START HERE

big news!

Happy Pets Palace announces partnership with Dr. Ryan Ainsworth DVM Happy Pets Palace is proud to announce their partnership with Dr. Ryan Ainsworth, owner of Bark Avenue Pet Hospital, Mesa Northeast Animal Hospital, and Noe’s Ark Animal Hospital. As promoters of excellent care for dogs, this partnership is a complementary fit. Together, they will have a wider range of services available to customers.

Happy Pets Palace is committed to fun dog-dog group play in a safe and clean environment.

They improve dog socializing skills, provide mental and physical exercise, and daycare enrichment, at three East Valley locations. Live webcams give customers peace of mind.

Rebecca Sloan and Linda Huss, co-owners of Happy Pets Palace are excited to have Dr. Ainsworth as a new partner. Says Rebecca, “There are good synergies between our companies and our services complement each other very well.” Linda states, “We are excited to provide excellent dog care in the Phoenix East Valley area and for future growth opportunities in Arizona, Arkansas, and Texas.”

Happy Pets Palace Mesa and Chandler facilities offer group play for all size dogs while the Gilbert facility is exclusively for Toy Dog breeds and is staffed 24/7.

For more information on Happy Pets Palace visit happypetspalace.com

by the numbers:

SUMMER IN MESA

120°

record temp in Mesa

we average

our bodies lose

114 1 DAYS OVER 100°

MESA

ELECTRIC BILL

5.6% higher than national average

31% 10

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eastmmag.com

QUART PER HOUR

OF WATER

130°

surface temp needed

TO FRY AN EGG

20MINUTES to fry that egg

OF HOMES HAVE POOLS

It’s National

TOP: LINDA HUSS (LEFT) AND REBECCA SLOAN (RIGHT) ARE EXCITED TO WELCOME THEIR PARTNERSHIP WITH DR. RYAN AINSWORTH (CENTER).

ABOVE: FUR-FRIENDS ENJOY INDOOR/ OUTDOOR DOG BOARDING AND DAYCARE AT THE MESA LOCATION.

[ fill in the blank ]

Month!

No, that isn’t a mistake. I did not forget to add information. Most months have such a long list of observations — some ridiculous (My Dog Likes Spam Month) — that you can literally pick anything and fill in the blank.

Here are just a few options to celebrate in June: Men’s Health Month, Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness, Cancer from the Sun Awareness, Turkey Lovers Month (why not November?), National Candy Month, National Papayas Month (WTH?), African-American Music Appreciation Month, Fireworks Safety Month (makes sense!), National Month for Camping, Sports America Kids Month, Lane Courtesy Awareness (yeah, we need that every month), and… National Smiling Month :) Now, on to July... There isn’t enough room, so I will just mention my personal favotite — July is National Ice Cream Month! And in honor of this all important summertime (or anytime) treat, we found a new #FriendsOfEastM — Mesa Frozen Yogurt. And yes, I know it’s not technically ice cream, but it is close enough and just as yummy.

Plus, they are locally and family-owned for over 30 years, and are super excited to celebrate Ice Cream Month!

480-892-2557 | mesafrozenyogurt.com 1356 S Gilbert Road, #B-12 | Mesa, AZ 85204

get

15% OFF

your entire purchase

when you mention EastM throughout the month of July!

charity spotlight:

East Mesa Food Bank Currently in Arizona, 1 in 4 children don’t consistently get the food they need to grow and thrive. One thing we know is that children who are focused on their growling tummies can’t focus on learning. East Mesa Food Bank, along with the Association of Arizona Food Banks (AAFB), works to support our community in making sure kids get nutritional meals they need through the Summer Food Service Program and School Meal Provisions. Through these programs, they collaborate with food banks, government agencies, community organizations and schools, to establish a unified focus on creating a hunger-free Arizona.

REASON #2:

hiking buddies

AAFB distributed more than

175 MILLION POUNDS OF FOOD to Arizonans in all 15 counties.

In 2017, in collaboration with their five member food banks and 1,000 partner agencies, AAFB distributed more than 175 million pounds of food to Arizonans in all 15 counties.

AAFB maintains the largest database of emergency food options (food banks, pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and others that distribute emergency food) in Arizona.

This, in addition to a hotline, assists those in need in finding a nearby food bank. It can also support those looking to donate food or volunteer.

One of the best reasons for living in East Mesa is having the Tonto National Forest in my backyard! I love hiking and exploring our beautiful desert and all it has to offer.

Hiking and being out in nature makes my heart and soul “smile.” For me, it’s an adventure every time I go out, I never know what I might see, or who will cross my path — if I’m lucky, I get amazing desert dwellers as hiking buddies!

How you can help Holding a food drive for your local food bank is a simple and rewarding process. Contact East Mesa Food Bank to get the process started and start collecting much needed non-perishable food items such as canned meats, veggies, p.b. and dried fruits and nuts. If a food drive is not feasible, consider a fund drive and donate the funds to AAFB. For every $1 you raise, the food bank can purchase 9 pounds of food — which equates to 7 meals!

— Terri Lindsay, Las Sendas

what’s your reason?

FUN

FACT

azfoodbanks.org | 480-986-9827 | 752 S. Ellsworth, Mesa, AZ 85208

Tell us why you love it here! Send us your photos and short stories. We will spotlight one each issue.

Email them to love@eastmmag.com.

Tears contain a natural pain killer which reduces pain and IMPROVES YOUR MOOD. source: thefactsite.com

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CHECK EM OUT

business spotlight

i

’ ve heard of a place where the men stand tall and every woman can hold her own.

Victory and defeat abound here, but true courage in each is shown.*

For Dan Huber — professional MMA fighter, 2012 Grappling World Championships bronze medalist for Team USA, business owner, coach, father of three, and amateur poet — one of the life lessons taught at his Mesa gym, Spartan Nation Combatives and Fitness, is that there’s as much to learn in defeat as there is in victory. “Spartan Nation exists to emotionally balance, physically transform, and mentally elevate,” Huber says. “I built Spartan Nation so people can have a place to leave the problems in their world behind and be present in the moment.”

At 10-years-old, Huber’s first wrestling coach was his grandfather (a former collegiate-level wrestler), who taught him the sport’s basics on the living-room floor. Huber wrestled and played football at Mountain View High School, and in college, after being handed a flyer for an MMA club on the ASU campus, got up the courage to join. After beginning his MMA training in 2009, Huber was hooked, but not because he wanted to beat people up — though he’s done his fair share of that in the cage.

“Usually when people think of MMA, they think of cage fighting with a lot of tattoos and a lot of punching in the face,” Huber quips. “There’s so much more to it.” For Huber, combat sports engage mind, body, and spirit, forcing competitors to live in the here and now. The Mesa native wanted to help others discover mixed martial arts and, through it, their own potential, just as he had. He started teaching youth wrestling classes at a gymnastics studio and expanded from there, offering personal training sessions out of his garage and teaching group fitness classes at a CrossFit gym.

the nicest tough guy you’ll ever meet LOCAL MMA GYM PROMOTES CULTURE OF ACCEPTANCE, RESPONSIBILITY, AND ‘HUMBLE CONFIDENCE’

After building his reputation as a coach and a fighter, Huber felt ready to consolidate his efforts. *Spartan Nation by Dan Huber

BY BETHANIE HESTERMANN PHOTOS BY WILLIAM LAX

CHECK EM OUT

business spotlight

Spartan Nation Combatives opened its doors on Greenfield and University in January 2015, and ever since, Huber and team have been inviting members of the Mesa community to get past the MMA intimidation factor and “come find their greatness”.

Brock Hogan, 29, of East Mesa, says he did a lot of research before he walked into Huber’s gym, but as soon as he did, he knew it was the place for him.

“Not only was I taught proper form and technique with a very involved, one-on-one type of instructor, I was taught other crucial life tools, such as the importance of visualization and self-discipline,” Hogan says. “Long story short, seven months after joining Spartan Nation, I debuted in my amateur MMA fight and emerged victoriously with a secondround KO.” Huber vows to make every person who walks through the doors of Spartan Nation feel welcome. He also strives to make his gym a place for improvement in all aspects of life. “I want to help people find their greatness — and it doesn’t always have to be fitness-related or fight-related,” he says. “There’s so much more that comes from the training. It’s just confidence — confidence that spills out into the workplace, family life, being able to be bold with who you need to be bold with, and saying what you need to say.”

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Spartan Nation offers a wide variety of classes meant to appeal to people in all walks of life, including strength and conditioning classes, fight technique and fight fitness classes, youth classes, bootcamp classes, and women’s self-defense workshops. Some come to Spartan Nation for a good sweat; others come because they want to compete professionally, and all are welcome.

Patricia Phillips, a 49-year-old Las Sendas resident, took a women’s self-defense workshop at Spartan Nation. “I learned things I never thought I could possibly be capable of,” she says. “Dan’s style of teaching is patient, informative, and hands-on. You will walk away from this class feeling more confident and aware of your surroundings.”

Huber has created a gym culture that fosters kindness and promotes anti-bullying, personal responsibility, and humility. “As soon as someone new walks in the door, everyone’s very welcoming and understands that they’ve been there,” he says. “Here, everybody remembers when they started, and when they didn’t know anything. Because of that, there’s a humility, and that’s something I want to develop in the gym culture — something I call ‘humble confidence’. We want to develop humble confidence where people are willing to help out and not just point out people’s flaws, but help bring them up.”

... I was taught other crucial life tools, such as the importance of visualization and selfdiscipline

“

It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better.

The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood. — Theodore Roosevelt

CHECK EM OUT

business spotlight

Mesa resident, 34-year-old Tyler Leonhardt, says being a part of the community at Spartan Nation has changed his life for the better. “I have gained a humble confidence that I have never had before, increased my strength and durability, and even gained valuable insights on day-to-day life as I trained in skills to compete in wrestling and kickboxing.”

Huber built his gym for doers of deeds. “’The Man in the Arena’

by Teddy Roosevelt talks about the doers of deeds—people who are actually doing something, not the critics on the sidelines pointing fingers,” he explains. “The people who are wanting to make a change, the people who are looking for improvement in their lives — the doers of deeds — that’s who should come work out here.”

Spartan Nation is more than a gym, and it’s more than an MMA gym too. It offers a unique approach to wellness that addresses the whole self — mind, body, and spirit. It teaches values as exceptional as the man behind it, an MMA fighter with a heart of gold. Huber says if you walk through the doors of Spartan Nation, it could change your life. For many people, it has.

Bethanie Hestermann is a freelance writer and author from Arizona. She and her husband wrote Zoology for Kids and Marine Science for Kids.

I learned things I never thought I could possibly be capable of ...

CHANDLER’S

best kept secret

(480) 895-0916 | www.springfieldgolfresort.com

2 FOR 1 GREEN FEES

Including Riding Cart

MUST MENTION THIS AD. EXPIRES 8/31/19. CANNOT BE USED ON COURSE DECLARED HOLIDAYS OR COMBINED WITH OTHER DISCOUNTS/SPECIALS/LEAGUES/EVENTS. PRICE BASED UPON RACK RATE.

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FAMILY & COMMUNITY heroes | inspiration extraordinary kids pets education WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

Keep ‘em Cool!

Summer can be dangerous for our pets

p 23

KIDS! Would you like your voice to be heard?

Do you like to write?

We want to include a column written for kids

BY KIDS! Contact us for more information content@eastmmag.com 480-200-5286

FAMILY & COMMUNITY

Behind Closed Doors

From board meeting agendas to closed sessions, what you want to know about HOAs

BY ALICIA GOFORTH

What is the purpose of a board of directors’ meeting? Is it a time for the members to discuss what’s on their mind? Why does the board meet in a closed session? What are they discussing?

These are some of the questions raised by residents who live within communities governed by an HOA. The general purpose of the regular board meeting is to conduct the business of the board — a corporate business meeting of the association. An agenda of items is prepared and posted prior to the meeting, and only those topics are officially addressed. Most topics will cover review of financials, spending proposals, association policy, management and committee reports.

All members (owners of record) are invited to attend and, under Arizona law, may speak at designated times, typically at the beginning or end of the meeting. Members are also permitted to speak after board discussion on an action item and prior to a board vote.

It is recommended that the board provide a guideline for comments, as the meeting is not a forum for discussion or debate of non-agenda items. It is good practice for boards to hold town hall meetings to discuss specific topics and allow residents to ask questions and express suggestions and concerns. Additionally, if your community has an onsite management team, residents are encouraged to speak with them if they have comments or complaints.

In a closed session, only matters pertaining to one of the exceptions listed to the right may be discussed, and the board may not extend discussions outside of these matters. Furthermore, before entering into a closed session, the board must identify which exception authorizes the board to close the meeting.

All HOA members are encouraged to attend the board meetings so they are informed about the business operations of the association. If there is something you do not understand, ask questions. The more informed you are and the more you participate, the more pride you will have in your community.

Alicia Goforth is Vice President of the Board of Directors of the Las Sendas Community Association and practiced corporate law in the Midwest prior to moving to Arizona.

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THE MORE INFORMED YOU ARE AND THE MORE YOU PARTICIPATE, THE MORE PRIDE YOU WILL HAVE IN YOUR COMMUNITY. Under Arizona law, all meetings of the board are open to all members of the association. However, any portion of a meeting may be closed if that closed portion of the meeting is limited to consideration of one or more of the following: 1 | L egal advice from an attorney for the board or the association; 2 | P ending or contemplated litigation; 3 | P ersonal, health or financial information about an individual member of the association, an individual employee of the association or an individual employee of a contractor for the association, including records of the association directly related to the personal, health or financial information about an individual member of the association, an individual employee of the association or an individual employee of a contractor for the association; 4|M atters relating to the job performance of, compensation of, health records of or specific complaints against an individual employee of the association or an individual employee of a contractor of the association who works under the direction of the association; 5|D iscussion of a member’s appeal of any violation cited or penalty imposed by the association except on request of the affected member that the meeting be held in an open session.

A First for Mesa Visit Mesa has become the country’s first-ever destination marketing organization designated as a “Certified Autism Center” by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). This new distinction was a result of the organization’s staff and governing board of directors completing more than 100 hours of specialized training to help families and individuals with special needs prepare for their perfect vacation and enjoy the varied travel offerings that can be had in the East Valley city.

“Visit Mesa is thrilled to be a national leader in the visitor industry and invest in training to better serve individuals with autism,” said Marc Garcia, president & CEO of Visit Mesa. “As a parent of a child who was diagnosed on the spectrum, not only is this the right thing to do, it’s an effort we are very proud to ignite here in Mesa.”

The recognition enabled Visit Mesa to tap into a market with 32 million annual travelers — more than $262 billion is spent on autism-related services in the U.S. each year, according to IBCCES. Visit Mesa raised the bar even higher by requesting partner businesses in Mesa’s hospitality community to follow their lead to undergo autism training. Guest-facing staff at Mesa businesses are actively being approached and will complete autism sensitivity and awareness training within the next six months.

“Visit Mesa and its Board of Directors believe certification will serve this growing, yet underserved community. It’s an unmatched opportunity for Mesa to elevate our national travel brand and our destination promise,” Garcia said.

Following Visit Mesa’s lead, the Mesa Chamber of Commerce’s entire staff and Board has also completed the IBCCES training. Mesa Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities Department is in the process of training approximately 500 employees and was one of the first organizations to commit to the training. When complete, Mesa Parks will represent one of the largest investors into the program.

For almost 20 years, IBCCES has been the industry leader in autism training for licensed healthcare professionals and educators around the globe; they created training and certification programs after recognizing that many families with children who have special needs have limited travel options.

“We’re impressed with the dedication of the Visit Mesa staff and the entire community to better serve individuals on the autism spectrum. They are critical to accomplishing our mission of inclusivity for all families and they are a big part of this movement across the nation,” said Myron Pincomb, IBCCES Board Chairman.

what’s happenin’

community events | school performances | family fun

MONDAYS - THURSDAYS, STARTING JUNE 3

Kids in the Kitchen — Cooking Camp 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM | $199 The Vistas Pavilion at Las Sendas 7555 E Eagle Crest Dr, Mesa, AZ 85207 Looking for something entertaining but educational to keep your children occupied this summer? You can create the next junior master chef! Four-day classes begin June 3rd, run every Monday-Thursday through August. Reservations required. lassendas.com

MONDAY, JUNE 3 - FRIDAY, JUNE 7

JesterZ Youth and Teen Summer Camp 4:00 PM | $250 JesterZ Improv, 1061 N Dobson Rd #114, Mesa, AZ 85201 Summer Camp is a wonderful opportunity for your child to grow as an individual, work together as a team, and gain valuable life skills — all while having the time of their life!

Every day the kids will learn new improv lessons that apply to both the stage and life.

Lessons such as staying positive, listening, eye contact, communication skills, and empathy.

Everything that they learn is instrumental in their personal growth. jesterz.com SUNDAY, JUNE 9

Bark Bowl III - 9 Pin Tap Tournament 12:00 PM | $25 – $125 Mesa East Bowl, 9260 E Broadway Rd, Mesa, AZ 85208 For it’s 3rd year, this event benefits AZ Happy Tails, a nonprofit dog rescue. $25 per bowler (adults only) pays for 3 games, shoe rentals, pizza on each lane and donation to AZ Happy Tails. You can also sponsor a lane for $25 and a sign will be hung with your logo. It is a great opportunity to promote a business, pet or rescue! happytailsaz.org

TUESDAY, JUNE 11 AND TUESDAY, JULY 9

Lego Club & Game Night

by Central Phoenix Autism Network 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM | free MCC Red Mountain, 7110 E McKellips Rd, Mesa, AZ 85207 Come and play! We provide the Legos and you provide the kids.

Parents must supervise and the whole family is welcome. Do you have a favorite game you like to play? Bring it for even more fun. phxautism.org/lego-club SATURDAY, JUNE 15

Father & Daughter Hair Styling 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | $25 per child, Dads are free Babydoll Hair, 1310 E Southern Ave #106, Mesa, AZ 85204 You’re invited to enjoy a morning of hair braiding education with your li’l princess!

Join in the fun! This event is open to fathers and their daughters age 4-10 years. facebook.com/babydollhair

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FAMILY & COMMUNITY

what’s happenin’continued SATURDAY, JUNE 15

Kids’ Father’s Day Cake Class 10:00 AM | $35 East Valley Cake Decorating Supply 2820 E Broadway Rd, Mesa, AZ 85204 Kids will make a barbecue grill cake and a card for Father’s Day! etsy.com/listing/694468523

SATURDAY, JUNE 22

Petfest 2019 11:00 AM | $10 – $20 Delta Hotels Mesa, 200 N Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201 PetFest is an event created by animal lovers, for animal lovers.

This is an opportunity to meet some of your favorite animal related YouTube creators, as well as other people who share the same love for animals as you do. Everyone attending will be able to come out and enjoy a day full of animal related fun! We promise you that you will not be disappointed. petfestofficial.com

Protecting our families WATCH KIDS AROUND WATER! It is that time of year when you are going to see these warnings and statistics in many places, but it is always worth repeating.

Child drownings in Arizona are nearly twice the national average. According to the Arizona Child Fatality Review Team at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, we lose about 30 children per year in the state to drowning (this includes children and teenagers). Let’s all do what is necessary to get these numbers down. Here are some facts, misconceptions and tips: FACT: Drowning risk varies by age —

Infants to 1-year-olds are more likely to drown at home, like in a bathtub.

1 through 4-year-olds are more likely to drown in a pool.

5 through17-year-olds are more likely to drown in natural water.

MISCONCEPTIONS: SATURDAY, JUNE 29

Independence Day Family Event 7:00 AM | free Mesa Market Place Swap Meet 10550 E Baseline Rd, Mesa, AZ 85209 Kick off the Independence Day celebrations early! There will be face painting, balloon art, live music, prizes and more for the whole family to enjoy. mesamarket.com

If a child is drowning nearby, I would hear it.

REALITY: Drowning is silent. There can be very little splashing, waving or screaming.

I can leave a child alone in a pool for just a few minutes.

REALITY: Drowning is quick. Once a child begins to struggle, you may have less than a minute to react.

When present, a lifeguard is responsible for my child’s supervision.

SATURDAY, JULY 6

Kids Pinball Tournament 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM | free StarFighters Arcade 4840 E Jasmine St #102 Mesa, AZ 85205 Join us for our kids pinball tournament.

Free to enter for kids 16 and under.

Prizes for top 3 finishes and lots of fun!

Stay for the adult tournament later in the day. starfightersarcade.com

MONDAY, JULY 15 - FRIDAY, JULY 19

Dino Discovery Summer Camp 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM | $165/$135 Arizona Museum of Natural History 53 N. Macdonald, Mesa, AZ 85201 This camp engages children ages 6-10 in learning about the extraordinary age of the dinosaurs! Explore the science of paleontology and the history of the earth. Also learn about dinosaurs and other remarkable creatures who used to live here. arizonamuseumofnaturalhistory.org 22

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REALITY: Watching your child in the water is your responsibility. A lifeguard’s job is to enforce rules, scan, rescue and resuscitate.

I don’t need to worry about drowning — my child has had swim lessons.

REALITY: Swim lessons are essential, but skill level varies. A review of children who drowned in a pool revealed that 47% of 10 to 17-year-olds reportedly knew how to swim.

SUMMER IN ARIZONA CAN BE DANGEROUS, SO PLEASE BE DILIGENT — KEEP YOUR KIDS AND PETS SAFE!

WATER SAFETY TIPS: 1 | Always watch kids when they are in or around water, and do not become distracted. Keep young children within arm’s reach of an adult. Make sure older children swim with a partner every time.

2 | Teach children how to swim.

Every child is different, so enroll children in swim lessons when they are ready.

3 | Make sure kids develop these water survival skills: be able to step or jump into water over their head; return to the surface and float or tread water for one minute; turn around in a full circle and find an exit; swim 25 yards; and exit the water. If in a pool, the child should be able to exit without using the ladder.

4 | Install fences around home pools. A pool fence should surround all sides of the pool and be at least four feet tall with self-closing and selflatching gates.

5 | Empty kids’ pools after each use. Store them upside down so they don’t collect water.

6 | Know what to do in an emergency. Learning CPR and basic water rescue skills may help you save a child’s life.

KEEP PETS SAFE AND COOL The summer months can be uncomfortable — even dangerous — for pets and people. Follow these tips to ensure that the furry members of your family stay healthy and comfortable as temperatures rise.

NEVER EVER LEAVE YOUR PETS IN A PARKED CAR Not even for a minute. On a warm day, temperatures inside a vehicle can rise rapidly to dangerous levels. If the outside temperature is 85 degrees, the temperature inside a car, even with the windows opened slightly, will reach 102 degrees within 10 minutes. As our Mesa temperature is often above 100 in the summer, the interior of a car can reach 200 degrees, in minutes! Your pet may suffer irreversible organ damage or die.

LIMIT EXERCISE Take care when exercising your pup. Head out in the early morning or late evening hours, and stay off the asphalt — it will burn a dog’s paws — walk on grass or dirt if possible.

Keep an eye on short-nosed pets, who will have a much harder time breathing in extreme heat. Always carry plenty of water with you to keep your dog from dehydrating. And most importantly, adjust intensity and duration of exercise as they will not know when to slow down and will not be able to ask for help until it is too late.

USE SUNSCREEN Be especially careful with dogs that have short and/or lightcolored hair, as they are more susceptible to skin cancer. A sunscreen that is safe for babies is great for pets too!

REMEMBER:

Failure to provide a pet with adequate water, shelter, and/ or leaving a pet in a car on a hot day can lead to animal cruelty charges!

PROVIDE AMPLE SHADE AND WATER When outside, make sure pets have protection from heat and sun and plenty of fresh, cold water. Add ice to water when possible. Tree shade and tarps are ideal because they don’t obstruct air flow. A doghouse does not provide relief from heat; in fact, it makes it worse.

WATCH FOR SIGNS OF HEATSTROKE Some signs of heatstroke are heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, excessive thirst, lethargy, fever, lack of coordination, profuse salivation, vomiting, a deep red or purple tongue, seizure and unconsciousness.

HOW TO TREAT A PET SUFFERING FROM HEATSTROKE Move your pet into the shade or an air-conditioned area. Apply ice packs or cold towels to their head, neck and chest or run cool (not cold) water over them. Let them drink small amounts of cool water or lick ice cubes. Take them directly to a veterinarian.

Please visit www.azhumane.org for more information.

Also, PLEASE read about lifejackets and PFDs on page 35 to keep everyone safe on the lakes and river.

Worth repeating...

THE INTERIOR OF A CAR CAN REACH 200 DEGREES, IN MINUTES! eastmmag.com

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FAMILY & COMMUNITY

Voice

feature

a

The average 6th grader spends their day in school, with friends, pursuing hobbies and preoccupied by technology; but Rosevelt is not your average 6th grader. What makes Rosevelt Rawls unlike her peers is her deep compassion and incredible voice; both would have you believe she is far older than 12. She is currently the youngest ambassador of Childhelp, the largest nonprofit organization dedicated to the prevention and treatment of child abuse.

The Rawls family was introduced to Childhelp a year ago through the connection of a friend who passed along Rosevelt’s demo CD. Childhelp immediately called asking if she would consider becoming a youth ambassador. The opportunity to share her passion for singing and to support such a worthy cause was humbly accepted by the entire family. Birthday parties are now fundraisers and her free time is often filled with recording sessions, volunteering, and raising support and awareness. She joins the ranks of wellknown Childhelp ambassadors, such as Kathie Lee Gifford, Jayne Seymour, Cheryl Ladd, Betty White, John Stamos and Cameron Mathison among others.

for the

Voiceless A YOUNG SINGER SPREADS THE WORD ABOUT CHILD ABUSE

BY NICOLE DENISON | PHOTOS BY MARNEE MARRIOTT

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feature

it breaks my heart

to hear that children are being abused and dying. I’m using my voice to give kids silenced by abuse

a voice

“I’m only 12 and I love to sing. I love kids too, so it breaks my heart to hear that children are being abused and dying,” says Rosevelt. “I’m using my voice to give kids silenced by abuse a voice.”

Rosevelt is no stranger to the spotlight or stage, as her family owns and operates JesterZ Improv, where she has been raised to be bold, confident, strong and to roll with the punches. Certainly this has aided in her ability to perform for large audiences, carrying herself with the confidence of a long-time musician. Her YouTube channel hosts some of her work, including a playful duet with the legendary Dick Van Dyke and a jaw-dropping performance of The Greatest Showman’s Million Dreams at the Childhelp Diamond Anniversary Gala.

Her sweet spirit carries a powerful message, and through the #5toomany campaign that was plastered all over her social media pages in April — National Child Abuse Prevention Month — Rosevelt spread the word about child abuse. #5toomany focused on the statistic that every day 5 children die due to abuse or neglect. Her online campaign challenged us all to post a photo of ourselves with a heart in our hand, tag 5 friends, and donate $5.

Rosevelt and her family also donated 100% of all album sales back to Childhelp.

“She’s a 12-year-old girl with the voice of an angel and the heart of a warrior,” said Childhelp Co-Founder and President Yvonne Fedderson. “She wants to make the world a better place, one child at a time.”

As an ambassador she is using her voice, literally, to speak on behalf of those without one.

Nicole Denison is an International Project Manager for a local health and wellness company. Nicole’s background is in nonprofit and community outreach which she stays connected to through fundraising and advocacy through writing.

Rosevelt with her parents, Jef and Shurlin Rawls, at a Childhelp fundraiser concert and show held at JesterZ in April. The red hearts were part of the social media challenge for everyone to post a photo with the heart in their hand.

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ADVENTURE & WILDLIFE outdoor fun wildlife natural beauty environment

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Try it — You’ll be Hooked!

Your SUP adventure awaits

PHOTO BY NATE AMORE

ADVENTURE & WILDLIFE

critter

corner:

bobcats

Bobcats are Arizona’s most common wild feline, outnumbering the mountain lion. Part of the lynx family, they are found throughout the state at all elevations and landscapes — from the desert, to the rocky and forested areas. In East Mesa, it is certainly not unusual to find bobcats lounging and napping in our backyards, under bushes or by the pool. This is mostly due to our neighborhoods expanding into wildlife territory, which unfortunately is also a reason for their declining numbers, as humans encroach onto their natural habitat.

Bobcats are incredibly beautiful, and have colors from orange to gray, with black markings similar to a domestic tabby cat. They have pointed ears with tufts at the end and relatively short tails, which accounts for its name, “bobcat.”

Rest assured, bobcats do not attack people. In fact, bobcat attacks are virtually unknown; however, no one should ever attempt to touch or handle a wild bobcat or her kittens. They are actually very timid and typically avoid human contact, but do not let their relatively small size fool you — they are tremendously strong and can become ferocious when challenged. They are also very territorial and are generally found alone, although groups may consist of mating pairs, siblings, and mothers with kittens. Bobcats are nocturnal and most active from sunset to near sunrise, when they are hunting. Their diet consists of rabbits, rats, mice and small, wild game, but they are known to stalk and kill larger game including small deer. Keep in mind, though very unlikely, it is possible that free-roaming cats or small dogs left outside unattended might be taken as well.

Although the bobcat population is considered stable, their existence is being threatened. We encourage all to enjoy the beauty of these creatures, while protecting their habitats, so these elegant cats can continue to thrive in Arizona’s wild.

6 BOBCAT FACTS: 1|B reeding season is generally late winter to early spring.

2 | F emale bobcats raise their kittens alone for 9-12 months, nursing them for about two months.

3|B obcats weigh 12-30 pounds with an average adult length of 2-2.5 feet.

4|B obcats are often called “wildcats” as well.

5|W hen hunting, a bobcat delivers a deathblow with a leaping pounce that can cover ten feet.

6 | T he average lifespan of a bobcat in the wild is 10-12 years.

PHOTO BY DENNY GREEN

In Northeast Mesa

it is not unusual

to find bobcats in our backyards!

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PHOTO BY ROB MONSIPAPA

Doing Our Part Keeping natural areas clean and open for all to enjoy PHOTOS COURTESY OF DAVID TRONESS PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO BY WILLIAM LAX

Lower Salt River Restoration A LONG-TERM ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION PROJECT is underway on the Lower Salt River in the area of the 2017 Cactus Fire.

This project will restore 70 acres of riparian habitat along an 11-mile stretch of the river by removing exotic plant species and planting over 500,000 native plants.

The Northern Arizona University School of Forestry, employees of the Tonto National Forest and Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management are collaborating on the project made possible through funding from the National Forest Foundation.

The first phase was the removal of 50 acres of burned tamarisk/salt cedar and 20 acres of giant reed grass and the application of herbicides to stump cuts. Following the removal of exotic species, treated areas will be revegetated with native tree species such as cottonwood, willow and mesquite. In addition, seeding of native pollinator promoting shrubs and forbs will take place.

Invasive, non-native species compete with native plant species, limit natural regeneration, and increase susceptibility to wildfire. By removing these species and restoring native plant communities, this project has the potential to increase native plant regeneration, decrease the risk of wildfire, and enhance native riparian habitat for endangered species such as the southwestern willow flycatcher and the Yellow-Billed Cuckoo.

Some of the benefits from this project include improving wetland habitat conditions, providing opportunities for local school district students to participate in the planting of trees, presenting valuable areas for environmental education classes to participate in science projects, and creating watchable wildlife areas for bird watchers and citizen scientists.

This riparian improvement project meets the Southwestern Region’s focus on wetland habitat restoration and underscores the Tonto National Forest’s commitment to restoring native species’ regenerative processes along the Salt River.

Several weeks ago on Earth Day, EastM Magazine proudly cosponsored a Lower Salt River Cleanup.

Having an appreciation of, and responsibility for, our beautiful natural environment, is a huge part of this magazine’s mission statement. Partnering with Natural Restorations, with their passion for nature and dedication to our wilderness areas, was a true honor.

Natural Restorations is an Arizona-based nonprofit organization that removes trash, graffiti, and anything foreign to the environment from outdoor recreation and wilderness areas. They host volunteer cleanup events for community members, including youth volunteers, and they provide work in nature for military veterans on their Dedicated Restoration Team.

Their vision is to keep natural areas clean and open to the public. Natural Restorations believes outdoor restorations and education ensures everyone will always be able to enjoy our natural surroundings. The organization approaches every project with a commitment to long-term change and making lasting impacts in communities across the state.

in the last 4 years

357 TONS OF TRASH have been removed

In addition to hosting volunteer events, Natural Restorations launched a Dedicated Restoration Team in early 2017 that conducts restorations beyond the reach of most volunteers. The team works in areas that see repeated dumping, areas too remote or unsafe for volunteers, and areas too sensitive for a large number of people. The Dedicated Restoration Team expands the impact of their vision, and also provides contract work opportunities to military veterans.

The Earth Day event was also a celebration of Natural Restorations 4-year anniversary. In that time, they have removed over 357 tons of trash from Arizona’s outdoor areas and more than 28,018 square feet of graffiti from rocks and boulders! At this event, 329 volunteers, including 41 volunteers under the age of 18, removed 2,160 pounds of trash!

For more information about Natural Restorations and their events or volunteer programs, visit naturalrestorations.org

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ADVENTURE & WILDLIFE

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feature

get hooked on

SUP EXPERIENCE EVEN MORE OUTDOOR ADVENTURES ON A STANDUP PADDLEBOARD

BY SUZI AMORE

PHOTO BY TED DEVERAUX

PHOTO

BY NATE AMORE JUNE|JULY 2019 eastmmag.com

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feature

PHOTO BY TED DEVERAUX

PHOTO BY TED DEVERAUX

A board, paddle, PFD, and an attitude of pure enjoyment is all it takes.

PHOTO BY TED DEVERAUX

Envision a decade ago, on the tranquil and picturesque Saguaro Lake, north of Mesa, you are inquisitively watching, for the very first time, someone on a standup paddleboard. It is dusk, and a dark-haired woman is standing on what looks to be a surfboard gliding along the water. That beaming person is effortlessly stroking a long paddle side to side, floating on the surface, with the glowing sun setting on her back.

Standup paddling (or commonly called SUP) has come a long way since then. Present day, you will see hundreds of standup paddlers in Arizona, of all abilities, enjoying this diverse, easy to learn, and pleasurable way to discover exciting new adventures.

This year I personally celebrated the milestone of turning 50! I have been active since my teenage years, and had read of SUP in 2009, when I was searching for a water sport that I could enjoy here in the desert. A friend gave me a book by Laird Hamilton, a big wave surfer from Hawaii, and that is where I first learned about it. I was attracted to surfing, and growing up in New Jersey, I did not have a lot of opportunity to try it. After discovering SUP, I loved the aspect of drifting on top of the water, and especially being able to use your entire body as a vehicle for fun and fitness.

PHOTO BY NATE AMORE

And we are quite fortunate to have many bodies of calm water to paddle in Arizona.

Dating as far back as the 18th century, documented in Polynesia, standup paddling evolved into an actual sport in Hawaii in the early 2000s when famous surfers, along with Hamilton, paddled when the waves were nonexistent. They were searching for a fresh new way to enjoy the water. No surf is needed for this userfriendly, worldwide sport. And for those who do have the ocean and waves where they reside, standup paddling may provide more excitement, but also require a bit more skill and technical abilities.

There are a tremendous variety of SUPs for all skill levels, ages, sizes, and purpose of use. When you are first starting out, make sure it is a comfortable and successful experience by keeping these three things in mind: learn in calm, flat water, use the appropriate sized equipment — remember your personal flotation device (PFD), it is the law — and consult an experienced instructor.

It took about two minutes after stepping on top of my first board ten years ago, and heading out for my introductory paddle, to realize, “I can do this forever, especially in a state that has over

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ADVENTURE & WILDLIFE

feature

PHOTO BY NATE AMORE

PHOTO BY KATIE POLLAK

300 days of sunshine!” Everything was full on for me after that. I quickly planned a drive out to Southern California to purchase my first board, as we did not have NoSnow Standup Paddleboards in Mesa, or Riverbound Sports in Tempe, at the time.

After a swift ride back home to the desert to try out my first board, I started dreaming up all the diverse activity this shiny, red, 10’6 long x 32’ wide, floating platform could provide. There is no single word to describe the feelings this sport gives me. It is exhilarating to have many of my senses at play, with complete detachment from everything. It was instantaneous for me — pleasure, tranquility, and peace all came to mind and formed my belief of what SUP could do for me. All of this plus caloric expenditure, and musculoskeletal and cardiovascular conditioning. Wow! Hiking, stretching, and strength training did not have this profound effect, even though I still happily integrate those activities in between paddle outings.

Standup paddling is a great way for everyone to enjoy the outdoors. It is excellent for all ages because it is easy to learn, easy to store and transport, and comes in all sizes, lengths, styles and colors. They can be used like a kayak or

PHOTO BY NATE AMORE

canoe, but with just half the weight to carry. When packing gear and dry bags, everything will stay put on deck with adjustable tie downs, properly positioned on your board.

A board, paddle, PFD, and an attitude of pure enjoyment is all it takes. It is attainable for beginners even if you do not think you have good balance. You are 100% guaranteed to develop excellent balance with patience and time spent paddling. It is a natural, physiological occurrence that will strengthen the stabilizer muscles that are not engaged when on solid ground.

The East Valley has three outstanding and convenient places to drop in. The calm, quiet Lower Salt River, boatfilled Saguaro Lake and the magnificent Canyon Lake, which is a further drive east, but worth every scenic mile. They are all within 15-45 minutes, depending upon where you reside in East Mesa.

Standup paddleboards are now available to rent and buy at several locations. The closest store and outfitter you will find is NoSnow Standup Paddleboards in Mesa, owned by Court and Heather Fetter. “We quickly discovered that no ocean was required for SUP and that it was an excellent outdoor

You will acquire balance in more ways than one — physically, mentally, and a calm freedom — and develop different perspectives on nature and life itself.

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Life jackets save lives Standup paddling, kayaking, and boating are all fun and games, until they are not.

The water — whether ocean, river, lake or pond — can be dangerous and always deserves respect. It’s been proven time and time again that wearing a life jacket, also called a personal flotation device (PFD), can significantly increase your rate of survival should something unexpected happen.

PHOTO BY TED DEVERAUX

activity option for the hot desert summers here,” said Heather. “There are seven lakes and one river within an hour of Metro Phoenix. The body/ mind/health benefits of standup paddling soon took off through word of mouth and our NoSnow community was born.”

“Here we are eight summers later, still growing exponentially with a core group of over 600 active paddlers ranging in age from 6- to 75years-old,” added Court.

But — fair warning — the second I stood on my first SUP years ago, I was hooked for life! You will be too! If you have the mindset of standing up (not falling down), so you shall standup forever.

You will acquire balance in more ways than one — physically, mentally, and a calm freedom — and develop different perspectives on nature and life itself. This is why I continue to love the sport and why my husband Nate and I are up to nine SUP boards and counting. Similar to a fascination with owning different pairs of shoes, you never know what kind of exciting and colorful SUP occasion you will find yourself in.

Suzi Amore is a contributing writer, expert fitness instructor and standup paddle educator. Follow her on FB @suziamore.

A PFD doesn’t just dramatically increase your chances for survival, it also buys you time — falling into the water without a life jacket requires you to exert energy to keep yourself afloat while you await assistance.

Wearing one nearly eliminates expending that energy, as it does the work for you.

Arizona law requires the following with respect to personal flotation devices/life jackets: All children 12 years of age and younger must wear a U.S. Coast Guard– approved Type I, II, or III life jacket (PFD) while underway on any vessel.

“No one thinks twice now about strapping their kid into a child safety seat or wearing a seatbelt, so why would it be any different with a life jacket?” said Tom Dardis, a Coast Guard boating safety specialist.

LOOKING FOR GROUP PADDLES? NoSnow Paddleboards hosts a variety of fun paddles all summer!

Including: • Tuesday Night Skills • Friday Night Happy Hour • Full Moon Floats • Sunday Sunrises • Salt River Runs For more information: nosnowsup.com

Additional reminders about PFDs: • M ake sure your life jacket is U.S. Coast Guard approved.

• D ouble-check that your PFD is appropriate for your favorite water activities. Read the label!

• T ake the time to ensure a proper fit.

A life jacket that is too large or too small can cause different situational problems.

• E nsure your PFD is in good serviceable condition, with no tears or holes. Test to make sure it works properly.

• L ife jackets meant for adult-sized people do not work for children. If you are on the water with children, make sure they are wearing properly fitted, child-sized life jackets based on their weight.

Do not buy a life jacket for your child to ‘grow into.’

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ACTIVE & STRONG fitness health | wellness sports competitions WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

Stayin’ Active

As the temps rise outside, find indoor adventures!

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ACTIVE & STRONG

When Doctors Don’t Know

A local mom’s struggle begs the question: What do you do when the professionals get stumped?

BY BETHANIE HESTERMANN PHOTO BY STEVE SIMPSON

Back in 2015, Suzy Parker’s daughter Abby got sick. The high school freshman suffered from severe headaches, fevers, debilitating fatigue, and joint pain, and nobody knew why. The various doctors and specialists that the Parkers visited tried to find answers. They ordered tests, but each one came back negative. Meanwhile, Abby was so unwell that she missed four months of school.

Parker, a single mother, had begun to suspect Lyme, a disease transmitted to humans through the bite of infected ticks, and though Abby’s doctors didn’t initially agree, she was right. Abby tested positive for Lyme and responded well to short-term antibiotics, but the ordeal was hardly over. Symptoms plagued Abby on and off for the next couple of years, forcing her to complete her high school studies online.

Abby had hoped to go back to Williams Field High School for her senior year, but she only made it nine days before she became too ill to continue. This time, she developed a rash that persisted for six months, at times covering her entire body. In October 2018, she was admitted to the hospital for a week as infectious-disease doctors continued to search for answers. A month later, Abby was hospitalized again, this time for E. coli and Norovirus. It seemed Abby and her weakened immune system just couldn’t catch a break.

The end of 2018 brought some hope in the form of another diagnosis: Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), an allergic immune system disorder that has been linked to Lyme disease. With the MCAS diagnosis, they finally had some more direction, and good news followed: Abby was awarded a grant from LymeLight Foundation, which would help cover a small portion of ongoing medical costs. In January, after an acquaintance with Lyme disease referred the Parkers to a naturopathic doctor in Scottsdale, Abby began undergoing

“

These are real conditions that sometimes are not classified under a single diagnosis and [are] difficult to treat using our usual medical paradigm diagnoses ...

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“

— Dr. Linda Larkey

expensive treatment to help manage her MCAS symptoms. So far, the treatment has been effective.

Parker’s tireless efforts to get help for her daughter have finally paid off, but she admits there were times during the past few years when she felt desperate. The system hadn’t been kind to her. She and Abby had been in and out of office after office, and sometimes sent home with nothing but a prescription for drugs that wouldn’t help and another big medical bill.

What are patients’ options when doctors don’t know? Parker advises others in her situation to trust their instincts and to be their own advocates. Dr. Linda Larkey, a professor in ASU’s College of Nursing and Health Innovation and a research affiliate with the Mayo Clinic, suggests pursuing second and third opinions. “Think about how you are describing your symptoms,” Larkey says. “Don’t get too dramatic — that’s a quick way to get dismissed, sorry — but be very clear and rational in your description and do not downplay.”

When looking for a doctor, Larkey suggests trying to find someone of the same gender or race/ethnicity as the patient or who specializes in the patient’s age group. It may also help to try different types of practitioners, including nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and naturopathic physicians. “They may or may not resolve the issue, but sometimes these practitioners listen differently [or] more deeply,” Larkey says. “Or they may give you clues as to what other systems or specialties to explore.”

While patients and their families continue to work on getting help, Larkey says it’s important to remember that many conditions and their respective symptoms may be related to a stress response in the body that could cascade into a number of inflammatory or autoimmune responses. “This does not mean it’s all in your head,” she says. “These are real conditions that sometimes are not classified under a single diagnosis and [are] difficult to treat using our usual medical paradigm diagnoses and treatments. Such conditions and symptoms may accompany a serious disease as well, but it doesn’t hurt to work on those while you continue to look for help.”

Want to help Suzy and Abby? Check out their GoFundMe page: gofundme.com/abby039s-fight-against-lyme-disease

Hydrating for Health

what’s happenin’

races | wellness | competition | expos

ANDREA GORMAN PHD RDN SATURDAY, JUNE 1 - SATURDAY, JULY 27

The sun is out and you may still want to get outside to enjoy some exercise and fun-filled activities with the family, but whether it be hiking, biking, sports or playful pool afternoons, as the temperatures rise, we need to pay attention to the importance of hydration. Sixty percent of our body is water, which is essential to maintain optimum body temperature, blood pressure, proper digestion, healthy skin, blood and bones, as well as lubricate joints, and water is an inexpensive all-natural detoxifier.

When it’s hot, your body loses water through perspiration and evaporation to stay cool. In a dry desert climate, the majority is evaporation, so you may not be as aware of the loss. Do not rely on thirst alone to know when to drink. During physical activity, our bodies use a significant amount of water, so drinking before, during, and after exercise helps keep our bodies healthy and performing better. Proper hydration can reduce fatigue and cramping while improving performance and endurance. Water can also help you lose weight, boost our moods, and increase cognitive function, while preventing constipation, asthma, kidney stones, urinary tract infections, and headaches.

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommends a daily fluid intake of 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluid for men and 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) for women, but in our hot climate, we need more water.

Also, if you are on a high-protein diet, consume alcohol, energy drinks, or more salt, your kidneys need more water to aid excretion, and sports drinks should only be ingested after 90 minutes of intense physical activity. These drinks help replace electrolytes lost through perspiration and provide sugar needed for energy during longer bouts of exercise; however, if you are able to consume food during activity, you can replenish your electrolytes through food and water alone.

HYDRATION TIPS: 1 | Keep track of your water intake and set daily goals for yourself at certain times throughout the day to make sure you are drinking enough.

2 | Tired of plain water? Add natural flavor. Avoid artificial sweeteners — studies show artificial sweeteners may increase hunger. Add fresh or dehydrated berries, slices of lemon, lime, orange or cucumbers to your water.

3 | Monitor your urine. If your urine is darker than lemonade color, you are dehydrated.

4 | Help the environment by buying a BPA-free reusable water bottle to fill throughout the day.

Andrea is a dietitian and has a PhD in Nutrition, Physical Activity and Wellness. She provides individual, family, and sports nutritional consulting through her business nutritionbeginnings.com

Adult Flowrider Program and Lessons Days and times vary | $25 Rhodes Aquatic Complex, 1860 S Longmore, Mesa, AZ 85202 Ride the Thunder...Surf the Desert! The FlowRider® crosses snowboarding, skateboarding, and wakeboarding into an exciting ride with plenty of challenges and a whole lot of FUN! Even someone with no experience can jump on a boogie board and almost instantly start carving and doing tricks. These exciting classes give adults the opportunity to learn basic FlowRider skills from instructors with low student to teacher ratio. Safety, boogie board riding, flow board basics, moves like spins, dips, stand-up jumps, drop-in entries and other tricks may be covered as the students progress. mesaparks.com/parks-facilities/pools/flowrider

SATURDAY, JUNE 8

Pilates Focus Training 12:30 PM – 8:30 PM | $299 Club Pilates, 2110 East Baseline Rd, Suite 3, Mesa, AZ 85204 Want to Become Pilates Focus Certified? Register for our upcoming Barre Above with Pilates Focus training at Club Pilates with Master Trainer Mariah Secrest-Comer. This is a one-day training program, with no additional renewal fees! store.barreabove.com WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19

Banner TIPS 2019 8:30 AM | free Banner Desert Medical Center, 1400 S Dobson Rd, Mesa, AZ 85202 TRAINING ON IMMUNIZATION PRACTICE STRATEGIES (TIPS) training will focus on community immunity and its effects on overall population health. This free training is aligned with the updated ACIP recommendations and proven best practices. Participants will be able to understand, apply, analyze, and evaluate learning objectives to improve vaccine outcomes for infants, children, adolescents, and adults. whyimmunize.org FRIDAY, JUNE 21 - SUNDAY, JUNE 23

City of Mesa Adult Tennis Championships 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM | $30 Mesa Tennis Center, 4125 E McKellips Rd Mesa, AZ 85215 3-day weekend tournament. NTRP, Age Divisions and Open all offered.

USTA.com membership is required to participate and results will be posted on USTA and UTR website. This is a Level 2 Adult Southwest Tournament and ranking points will be awarded. Singles, Doubles and Mixed Doubles Divisions Offered. For doubles you can register with a partner or without a partner and request a random assignment. Entry fee includes court fee, balls, tournament director, roving referee, a minimum of 2 matches, player gift & awards. mesaparks.com/parks-facilities/sports-facilities/mesa-tennis-center

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ACTIVE & STRONG

what’s happenin’continued WEDNESDAY, JULY 3

GoRuck - PHX

Hosted by Lost Dutchman Rucking Club 8:30 PM – 10:30 PM Mesa Riverview, 1061 N Dobson Rd, Mesa, AZ 85201 RUCK•ING [VERB] // Walking with a weighted rucksack (aka backpack). It implies action, energy, and purpose. Rucking requires strength, endurance, and character — and builds it, too. facebook.com/lostdutchmanrc

THURSDAY, JULY 4 - SUNDAY, JULY 7

9th Annual SWINGdepenDANCE Weekend 6:00 PM | $140 – $199 The Kats Korner — The New Horizon School for the Performing Arts 446 E Broadway Rd, Mesa. AZ 85204 4 nights of dancing, 3 full days of classes, 2 live bands and the 1 and only Arizona Swing Dance Championships. Also the traditional BBQ/pool party with a Mix and Match contest (shoes optional), and a $500 CASH PRIZE for the Arizona Swing Dance Championship winners! There will also be a fireworks display on July 4th at the pool party! swingdependance.com

SATURDAY, JULY 6

One Day to Wellness 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM | $200 – $300 6555 E Southern Ave, Mesa, AZ 85206 What if one day could create the shift you need to elevate your career, your thinking as well as your own wellness journey? What if you could harness the truth about sustained weight loss, behavioral change that sticks, mindfulness that matters, evidence-based and a wellness plan that actually works? One Day to Wellness offers all of this by using simple, easy to implement evidence-based tools. bruceandmindy.com SATURDAY, JULY 20

BambukahFest 8:00 PM | $15 – $80 Stick 2 It Fitness, 2450 W Broadway #120, Mesa, AZ 85202 This is a spiritual event that has the intention to create connection through community. Focusing on freedom of expression, spirit, personality, the releasing of limiting belief systems, past karma, binding agreements no longer in our highest interests, unhealthy relationships, any anything that isn’t benefiting you!

Experience a guided yoga class, ecstatic dance, ambient beats, delightful tea, massage, polarity, reiki, drum circle, blissful meditation, Bambukah signature gong vortex immersion. eventbrite.com THURSDAY, JULY 25

The Science of Preventing Alzheimer’s disease

by Banner Alzheimer’s Institute 10:00 AM | free Red Mountain Branch - Mesa Public Library, 635 N Power Rd, Mesa, AZ 85205 Can scientists find a way to stop Alzheimer’s disease before it ever affects your memory and thinking? Research efforts are now focused on individuals who may be at risk for Alzheimer’s but do not show any symptoms to prevent the disease.

This fascinating presentation will provide an overview of how Alzheimer’s disease is defined before symptoms appear and how it is being used to develop preventative therapies. Free but registration is required. eventbrite.com

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Write it Out

How to use journaling to uncover your purpose, reduce stress and be happier

BY DENA ROCHÉ Let’s face it, life today is tough. Between a world that is always on, your job, raising kids and trying to live your dreams, stress and anxiety can seem like constant companions. While you could shell out $150 for a therapist, simply grabbing a pen and paper might be all you need.

Research shows that journaling, or expressive writing, not only helps emotional problems and traumas, but physical ailments as well. In recent years, studies show that journaling has helped people who suffer from arthritis, Parkinson’s, and IBS, and helped patients heal from wounds quicker. On the emotional front, preeminent researcher James Pennebaker, professor of psychology at the University of Texas-Austin, has shown journaling helps process trauma, relieve stress, reduce depression and lower anxiety.

While the why behind why it works is still a bit fuzzy, researchers speculate that writing about emotionally charged events helps diffuse emotions and allows the person to process the situation and assign meaning to what happened.

The biggest hurdle most people have when starting off is getting over their feeling that, “I’m not a writer.” Journaling is not about penning the Pulitzer, it’s about having a safe space to release feelings and process thoughts. No one is going to read your journal, but you. For the process to work, you must let go of the need for perfection and the urge to sensor what comes up when you write. In a journal, you’re allowed to be angry, cuss, and write things you’d never say out loud. In fact, that is the point.

your journey starts one

Breath at a time.

Research shows that journaling not only helps emotional problems and traumas, but physical ailments as well.

When I coach clients, journaling is the number one tool in my toolbox. Depending on the person’s specific needs and goals, I provide a series of journaling prompts to get them started each writing session.

This could be anything from having their future self write a letter to their current self, to exploring one thing from their past they would change if they could. Prompts are an ideal way for a beginning writer to get started. They provide a jumping off point. My clients are always amazed that often what they started writing about led them in radically new directions and uncovered thoughts and dreams they didn’t know they harbored.

Journaling is also an incredible tool for problem solving. By dedicating 10-15 minutes to writing, the right brain is allowed to take over and creativity abounds. A journal lets you theorize and come up with out-ofthe-box solutions that concentrated thinking or stewing does not.

Dena Roché is a Phoenix-based certified coach and professional journalist who has used journaling since she was eight-years-old. She can be reached at dena@journalingatelier.com. Or for more information visit www.journalingatelier.com

lets begin our journey together.

1

your first class is just

$

00

Rise & Flow | Unheated Flow Heated Flow | Yin Restorative

480-807-YOGA (9642)

exhaleyogaaz.com 2920 N Power Rd #101 Mesa, AZ 85215

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ACTIVE & STRONG

feature

stayin’ active Too hot? Not for these activities!

BY MICHELLE GLICKSMAN

SUMMER IN MESA is not like summer in other parts of the country. While other places celebrate warm days that are perfect for outdoor activities, here summer brings its dreaded triple digits.

Summer is when the rest of the country heads outdoors — and we head indoors, to air-conditioned spots, where it’s easy to just sit and become sedentary.

So how do you and the kids stay active when it’s just too hot to go outside?

Where do you go when the gym just isn’t fun? Try these locations and activities for cool, active, fun for everyone.

GO DANCING Grab your friends or significant other for date night, and hit a bar or nightclub. A great East Mesa spot is Denim & Diamonds. Head over and enjoy music spun by a DJ and show off your moves on the dance floor, or take advantage of the free country and line dance lessons offered on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Climb a Wall Have dreams of twirling around the floor in a partner’s arms? Why not try ballroom dancing? If you’re new to this type of dancing — which not only burns calories but helps with balance, coordination and flexibility — try Arthur Murray Dance Centers for instruction. (Note: Get in your lessons now — once you’re sure-footed, Merrymakers Ballroom Dancing in Mesa offers a meetup group every Thursday night at the Las Palmas Grand ballroom from November through mid-April!).

The kids can get in on dancing, too. They already love to wiggle around, so why not enroll them in a dance camp? At Dance Attack, the kids can get out of the house and enjoy 5-day or 3-day summer camp that gets them moving with activities such as dance, tumbling and open gym.

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Some days you might feel like climbing the walls from boredom. Instead, put that energy to use at the Red Mountain Multigenerational Center, one of the City of Mesa’s Parks & Recreation locations, which offers a 30-foot indoor rock-climbing wall that features multiple climbing routes. Or visit Focus Climbing Center — they offer programs to meet the needs of every climber, from the first time walk-in to the elite climber athlete.

It’s the perfect way to exercise both your body and your mind as you contemplate your route and footing.

Jump, Jump…Jump Around!

Go Bowling Tie on some bowling shoes, grab a ball, and aim for those pins to get active. There are plenty of places around town to check out — in Mesa, Jake’s Unlimited has 12 bowling lanes and FatCats has 20 lanes. For traditional bowling locations, there’s Mesa East Bowl and Brunswick Zone Mesa Lanes. To burn a few extra calories, don’t forget to do a celebratory dance every time you get a spare or strike!

Ok parents, if you let your kids jump on their beds — go for it! Maybe you even want to join in? But for those who prefer the jumping be outside of the house, check out Krazy Air Trampoline Park, perfect for both a fun time and some vigorous activity. Though not a trampoline park specifically, Uptown Jungle Fun Park also has trampolines (as well as climbing walls, obstacle courses and more) that are perfect for the kids. And Kids That Rip (KTR) takes jumping and moving to a whole new level — in addition to trampolines, they also have skateboarding and scooters, parkour, Ninja Warrior courses, free running, dodgeball, gymnastics and more! eastmmag.com

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ACTIVE & STRONG

feature

how many calories did you burn?

Wondering how many calories you burned with these activities? Here’s a sample, based on a 140-lb. woman for 30 minutes.

Archery | 121 Ballroom dancing | 85-318 Dancing | 165 Jump rope | 250 Rock climbing | 141 Walking | 90-140 Source: healthyeater.com

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Play Laser Tag A dark room, danger lurking around every corner… okay, it’s not that dramatic, but laser tag is a great way to have fun and burn calories for both kids and adults. In addition to bowling, Jake’s Unlimited also features a twolevel, 4,300-square-foot futuristic experience.

Mesa is also home to Stratum Laser Tag, the largest laser tag arena in the Valley. The 18,000-square-foot facility’s laser tag arena includes 15 different levels, 90 towers, bridges and ramps. That’s plenty of room to burn energy and calories!

Practice Your Aim At Bass Pro Shops, take aim at the archery range. Though you’re not running around, this activity still burns calories, takes place in air conditioning, helps with focus and mental clarity — and is fun!

get movin’ and stay cool in East Mesa: Denim & Diamonds denimanddiamondsmesaaz.com | 480.832.5000 Arthur Murray Dance Center arthurmurraymesa.com | 480.470.8025 Merrymakers Ballroom Dancing dancemm.com | 480.654.1994​ Dance Attack danceattackaz.com | 480.326.1679 Red Mountain Multigenerational Center mesaparks.com | 480.644.4800 Focus Climbing Center focusclimbingcenter.com | 480.718.5258 Jake’s Unlimited jakesunlimited | 480.500.7935 Stratum Laser Tag stratumhq.com | 480.545.5500 FatCats fatcatsfun.com | 480.498.3325 *Mesa location coming Fall 2019 Mesa East Bowl mesaeastbowl.com | 480.984.1158 Brunswick Zone Mesa Lanes bowlbrunswick.com | 480.926.0051 Krazy Air Trampoline Park krazyair.com | 480.355.1940

Totally FREE Ready to burn some calories without burning through any cash? Try these free options.

Walk the mall: Take a lap (or two or three) around Superstition Springs Center.

Pace: On the phone? Stand up, walk around. If you have stairs, climb ‘em! Every little bit of movement helps!

Have a dance party: Turn up the music and dance your heart out! This is a perfect activity to do alone or with your family. You can even make a game of it by playing freeze dance, or vote on who has the best moves.

Play tag: Grab your kids or some friends, channel your inner child, and play a rousing game. Tag, you’re it!

Jump rope: Get your cardio in with some jump roping. If you don’t already have a jump rope, most dollar stores carry them.

Uptown Jungle Fun Park mesa.uptownjungle.com | 480.508.7030 Kids That Rip (KTR) kidsthatrip.com | 480.844.9600 Bass Pro Shops basspro.com | 602.606.5600

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Hydrofacials, anti-aging, cellulite treatments, microneedling, waxing & more.

5-star therapists specializing in sports & deep tissue massage. Also body scrubs, ancient stone massage & more.

Las Sendas Spa & Fitness Center Everyone is welcome.

480-832-6900 7900 East Eagle Crest Drive, Mesa

FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT food | brews restaurants art | music performances WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

p 52

Mom & Pop BBQ

Jalapeno Bucks has grown into Arizona’s largest BBQ joint

PHOTO BY MIKAYLA DEVEREUX

FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT

Humor

BY NICOLE DENISON

for Life

Located just off the freeway at Mesa Riverview, you will find the anything-but-ordinary JesterZ, an Arizona-based Improv Comedy Theater. As you walk through the doors, you are immediately greeted by whimsical decor and bright colors inviting you for an evening of laughter and entertainment. The JesterZ original Scottsdale location could fit inside what is the current lobby, where you will find homage to the club’s origins, and years of history on display. The newer, 275+ seat location, is the largest, all “clean”, improv only comedy club in North America!

JesterZ has seen a lot of change over the years, except the Rawls family running the show for nearly two decades. Jef and Shurlin Rawls know a happy life requires a sense of humor and hard work, which is why they decided to open the theater while on their honeymoon 18 years ago. Together they’ve built their dream, and have made operating the theater a family affair. The Rawls’ six kids can be spotted working the snack bar, participating in classes, and even directing a show from time to time.

Jef has worked in comedy for more than 23 years, so taking ownership of JesterZ Improv in 2001 was a natural step. He is also a corporate trainer and the Valley’s only humor coach.

There are dozens of comedy coaches but “improving humor is actually optimizing one’s personality,” says Jef, when asked what makes a humor coach different, adding “comedy is for entertainment, humor is for life.” He even provides these fun facts: 91% of all executives feel that a sense of humor is important for career advancement; 84% feel that people with a good sense of humor do a better job; and less than 15% of the working population consider themselves to be funny. Jef is passionate about helping others strengthen their personal and professional relationships through a stronger sense of humor.

WORD ON THE STREET IS THAT JESTERZ RECEIVES THE MOST LAUGHS PER MINUTE, OR LPMS, OF ANY OTHER IMPROV IN THE COUNTRY. JesterZ proudly hosts their clean comedy shows every Friday and Saturday evening, with special events posted throughout the year. These unscripted shows, led by audience suggestions, are always unique and memorable experiences. Word on the street is that JesterZ receives the most Laughs Per Minute, or LPMs, of any other Improv in the country. Jef attributes this and the theater’s success to its “special sauce”, knowing what the audience is looking for in entertainment, and taking them along for the ride instead of spectating.

If you’re looking for a great date night or fun evening with the whole family, JesterZ is the place to be! All you have to do is walk by the theater during one of the shows and you’ll hear lots of clapping and laughter, or what the JesterZ performers like to refer to as “claughpter”.

Get tickets to Arizona’s largest and longest running improv comedy club or find out more about classes and events. Visit jesterzimprov.com or call (480) 423-0120.

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Most Anticipated Summer Movies

what’s happenin’

concerts | shows | food fun & festivals

SATURDAYS

ROCKETMAN | OPENING ON: MAY 31 Directed by: Dexter Fletcher Starring: Taron Egerton, Jamie Bell GODZILLA: KING OF THE MONSTERS | OPENING ON: MAY 31 Directed by: Michael Dougherty Starring: Vera Farmiga, Millie Bobby Brown, Kyle Chandler, Sally Hawkins, Ken Watanabe THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS 2 | OPENING ON: JUNE 7 Directed by: Chris Renaud Starring: Patton Oswalt, Eric Stonestreet, Lake Bell X-MEN: DARK PHOENIX | OPENING ON: JUNE 7 Directed by: Simon Kinberg Starring: Sophie Turner, James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence

Red Mountain Farmers Market 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM | free Mesa Community College, Red Mountain Campus 2307 N Power Rd, Mesa, AZ 85215 The RM Farmers Market has partnered with MCC Red Mountain and is out in East Mesa to bring fresh local food and small business to its community. Proceeds from the market will be set aside to create a scholarship fund for kids to attend college at MCC Red Mountain. redmountainfarmersmarket.com THURSDAYS, JUNE 6 & 20, JULY 4 & 18

Adult Cooking Classes 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM | $50 The Vistas Pavilion at Las Sendas, 7555 E Eagle Crest Dr Mesa, AZ 85207 Great for date night, with a group or friends, team building or just for fun! Classes are held every other Thursday. Reservations are required. lassendas.com FRIDAY, JUNE 7

Motorcycles on Main 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM | free Downtown Mesa, on Macdonald between Main and Pepper Join over 2,000 motorcycle enthusiasts for a Sturgis-style event that attracts bike lovers from all over Arizona! The roads are closed from Center to Robson to car traffic and open to bikes, riders and spectators. This event includes live music, a beer garden, and vendors. downtownmesa.com/motorcycles-main

MEN IN BLACK INTERNATIONAL | OPENING ON: JUNE 14 Directed by: F. Gary Gray Starring: Tessa Thompson, Chris Hemsworth, Liam Neeson SHAFT | OPENING ON: JUNE 14 Directed by: Tim Story Starring: Sam Jackson, Alexandra Shipp, Regina Hall TOY STORY 4 | OPENING ON: JUNE 21 Directed by: Josh Cooley Starring: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Annie Potts, Laurie Metcalf CHILD’S PLAY | OPENING ON: JUNE 21 Directed by: Lars Klevberg Starring: Aubrey Plaza, Brian Tyree Henry, Gabriel Bateman SPIDER-MAN: FAR FROM HOME | OPENING ON: JULY 5 Directed by: Jon Watts Starring: Tom Holland, Zendaya, Jake Gyllenhaal, Marisa Tomei, Michael Keaton THE LION KING | OPENING ON: JULY 19 Directed by: Jon Favreau Starring: Donald Glover, Beyoncé Knowles, Seth Rogen, Chiwetel Ejiofor, James Earl Jones, Alfre Woodard ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD | OPENING ON: JULY 26 Directed by: Quentin Tarantino Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie, Al Pacino, Dakota Fanning, James Marsden FAST & FURIOUS PRESENTS: HOBBS & SHAW OPENING ON: AUGUST 2 Directed by: David Leitch Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Jason Statham

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12

Jeremy Pinnell Band

With special guests Jim Bachmann and The Day Drinkers 8:00 PM | free Roosters Country, 3731 E Main St, Mesa, AZ 85205 Special free event — make reservations ASAP. Honest and careworn, Jeremy Pinnell’s voice can touch on wry, jubilant, and debauched — all in a single line. At his best, Pinnell chronicles the joy and sorrow of being human, which is the best that anyone could do. Rolling Stone says “Hardscrabble honky-tonk at its best, nodding to Johnny Cash and Buck Owens in equal measure…”

(480) 985-4088 THURSDAY, JUNE 13 - SUNDAY, JUNE 23

The Lost Boys of Neverland Times vary | $15 Mesa Arts Center, Nesbitt/Elliott Playhouse, 1 E Main St, Mesa, AZ 85201 What happened when Peter Pan left Neverland, and who is this young foster girl Jaime from New York? Captain Hook returns and the Neverland adventures continue in this chapter of Peter Pan. Great fun, family entertainment — a must see! mesaartscenter.com FRIDAY, JUNE 14

Michael Franti & Spearhead

with special guest Ziggy Marley 6:30 PM / Doors open 5:00 PM | General Admission $45 Mesa Amphitheater, 263 N Center St, Mesa, AZ 85201 Michael Franti believes that there is a great battle taking place in the world today between cynicism and optimism, so he made his most recent album, Stay Human Vol. II, to remind himself and anyone else who’s listening, that there is still good in the world. mesaamp.com eastmmag.com

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FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT SATURDAY, JUNE 29

what’s happenin’continued SATURDAY, JUNE 15

Flotsam And Jetsam

With Dead By Wednesday, Footer, Condemned Till Dawn, Black Phantom 6:00 PM | $20 – $25 Club Red, 1306 W University Dr, Mesa, AZ 85201 Flotsam and Jetsam are an American thrash metal band, formed in Phoenix in 1981. They have played with bands such as Megadeth, Armored Saint, Alcatraz, Malice, Exciter, Mercyful Fate, Riot, and Autograph. Bassist Jason Newsted, who was also the band’s main lyric writer, went on to join Metallica, replacing their bassist Cliff Burton who died in an accident. Flotsam and Jetsam acquired Mike Spencer from the Sacramento band “Sentinel Beast”. The band signed with Elektra Records before touring Europe with Megadeth in 1987. clubredrocks.com

SATURDAY, JUNE 15 AND SATURDAY, JULY 20

Wheels & What’s Crackin 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM | free What’s Crackin Cafe 6663 E McDowell Rd, Mesa, AZ 85215 This is Mesa’s favorite cars and coffee hangout, happening the third Saturday of every month. Cruise in, park, and have a good time — and get some great breakfast! Presented by Biff’s Automotive Detailing. facebook.com/biffsautodetail

David Gray 8:00 PM | $48.50 – 68.50 Mesa Arts Center, 1 E Main St, Mesa, AZ 85201 During the span of his career thus far, David Gray has had 12 million album sales, the best selling album in Ireland ever with White Ladder, a BAFTA nomination for his soundtrack work on Amma Assante’s 2004 film A Way Of Life, two Ivor Novellos, a Q award, two Brit nominations, and a Grammy nomination. mesaartscenter.com

FIREWORKS TUESDAY, JULY 4

Arizona Celebration of Freedom 6:00 PM | free Mesa Convention Center, 263 N Center St, Mesa, AZ 85201 The “Coolest” Independence festival in Arizona includes live music, patriotic displays, a naturalization ceremony, family fun, fireworks and much more! The festival will include Revolutionary War reenactments from We Make History, the only reenactment group of its type in the southwestern United States. There will also be a Fallen Heroes Memorial honoring the Arizona fallen heroes from the war on terrorism and much more. azcelebrationoffreedom.org

SATURDAY, JULY 6 THURSDAY, JUNE 20

Dueling Pianos 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM The Monastery Bar & Grill, 4810 E McKellips Rd, Mesa, AZ 85215 The Monastery presents Dueling Pianos hosted by Bridge Sound Entertainment. Come sing along, dance along, or just put in your favorite song. We promise you it will be a great time! themonasterybar.com SATURDAY, JUNE 22

Suds & Slides 2019 2:00 PM | $15 – $50 Riverview Park, 2100 W Rio Salado Pkwy, Mesa, AZ 85201 Round up your squad and get ready for ice cold beer, spirits, water slides, summer bites and a dozen summer camp themed games at Suds & Slides. Grownups-only activities including giant inflatable waterslides, tug of war, a dunk tank, three-legged race, giant pillow fight, mini golf, beer pong, life sized foosball, and a live action hungry hippos game. Suds & Slides is a 21+ over event. sudsandslides.com SATURDAY, JUNE 22

Remo Drive 7:00 PM | $16 – $20 The Nile Theater, 105 W Main St, Mesa, AZ, 85201 Brothers Erik and Stephen Paulson formed Remo Drive in high school in 2013, inspired by “older kids who smoked weed and listened to Title Fight.” The pair of wide-eyed musicians would find their legs in the emo world, but the songs on Greatest Hits — enveloped in themes of suburban malaise and self-reflection — shape-shift throughout all aspects of alternative rock, paying tribute not only to Midwestern emo heavyweights like American Football and The Promise Ring, but also to ’90s grunge and classic rock. niletheater.com 50

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Shirts ‘n’ Things 30th Anniversary Concert

Including: Warhead, Scattered Guts, Black Phantom, Unholy Monarch, Eye Rake, and more!

6:00 PM | $10 – $13 Club Red, 1306 W University Dr, Mesa, AZ 85201 Help celebrate Shirts ‘n’ Things 30th Anniversary. Featuring 2 stages of live music with 15+ of the most awesome local bands, as well as the chance to win one of the several cool prizes in the raffle drawings being held. This is gonna be a show you don’t wanna miss! clubredrocks.com THURSDAY, JULY 11

Jennifer Thomas — The Fire Within Tour 7:00 PM | $30 Stilwell Pianos Recital Hall, 1941 West Guadalupe Road #115, Mesa, AZ 85202 Versatile and award-winning pianist, violinist, composer, and recording artist Jennifer Thomas makes her highly anticipated debut USA tour - featuring music primarily from her latest album, the critically acclaimed The Fire Within, which debuted #3 on Billboard Classical, and #2 on Billboard Classical Crossover. stilwellpianos.com

FRIDAY JULY 26 — SUNDAY, JULY 28

Ice Fantasy — Where Cirque Meets Ice Times vary | $29 – $69 Mesa Arts Center, Ikeda Theater 1 E Main St, Mesa, AZ 85201 This unique 70-minute on-ice production will showcase world class talent in the arts of gymnastics, acrobatics and figure skating all inside a familyfriendly theatrical performance. This show will be an unforgettable experience that your family will remember forever. mesaartscenter.com

From the Chef

BY JESSICA SPENCER

chef @ what’s Crackin Cafe

Red, White, and Blue Bites

NO-BAKE LEMON MASCARPONE MINI CHEESECAKES So summer is upon us, and that means hanging out by the pool, BBQ, and the Fourth of July! Desserts are always a great part of any summer cookout. These Cheesecake bites will be the go-to for any time really, but add some fresh strawberries and blueberries for the perfect fourth of July celebration treat. These can be made ahead of time and can even be served as a frozen treat right out of the freezer!

Looking for a gorgeous venue for your wedding, anniversary or special celebration?

The Trailhead Members Club

Las Sendas

INGREDIENTS: Graham Cracker Crust • 1 ¼ cups graham cracker crumbs • 3 tablespoons brown sugar • 5 tablespoons melted, unsalted butter Basic Cheesecake Filling • 8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature) • 1 large egg (room temperature) • ¼ cup granulated sugar • 2 cups Mascarpone cheese (room temperature) • 2 tablespoons lemon zest Fruit Topping • strawberries and blueberries Have fun with the toppings: put just blueberries, just strawberries and no toppings on some, arrange like the American flag!

DIRECTIONS Crust 1 | Crush graham crackers and combine into a bowl with butter and brown sugar, mix well 2 | Place liners in muffin pan 3 | Press the mixture into the muffin pan then place in fridge to set Filling 1 | Combine Ingredients in a mixer 2 | Once mixed, spoon out filling into your set crusts 3 | Place back into fridge to set 4 | Top each cheesecake with 2 strawberry slices, and 3 blueberries

Nestled in the Upper Sonoran Desert, adjacent to the grand entrance of Las Sendas Mountain, the Members Club offers a breathtaking setting for special once-in-a-lifetime events.

This architectural masterpiece provides a very exclusive location with spectacular sunsets, city light views, and lets you customize your event to meet your needs.

Kristha Lima | 480.357.8780 | klima@thetrailhead.org

Promoting Natural Healing of mind body and spirit

Reiki | Hypnosis Rapid Eye Therapy (480) 236-3173

paula@innerhealthnow.com www.innerhealthnow.com Las Sendas Spa & Fitness Center, Mesa The Life Enrichment Center, Tempe

Paula Osterday RN, CH, RET Rapid Eye Technician Consulting Hypnotist, National Guild of Hypnotists Usui Reiki Master Teacher

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FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT

feature

BBQ

BY DENA ROCHÉ North Carolina has its vinegar; Kansas City has its sweet, thick molasses and tomato sauce, and Arizona? Well if Jalapeno Bucks in Northeast Mesa has its say, it’s a mash-up of traditional BBQ and Mexican.

The Mom and Pop joint has grown into Arizona’s largest BBQ joint, offering traditional BBQ fare such as brisket, pulled pork and ribs (a Saturday-only treat) and classic Mexican favorites including burritos, quesadillas and in-house fried tortilla chips. Instead of classic side dishes, you’ll find Mexican rice and refried beans.

“I have zero culinary training or restaurant experience.”

Jalapeno Bucks, owned by Duaine and Dianne Burden, is located on a huge orange grove farm Duaine’s parents bought back in 1972. The 32-acre property boasts 104-yearold orange trees, the oldest in the state. After grabbing your grub, you’ll enjoy sitting at picnic tables scattered under the trees. Not a bad ambiance.

Despite being a serial entrepreneur, Duaine never planned to be a restaurateur.

“I have zero culinary training or restaurant experience,” he said. “However, this was the business that rose to the top.”

Like many family-run eateries, Jalapeno Bucks grew simply from the Burdens making a hot sauce their friends liked to eat. They gave it as gifts, and soon one sauce became five.

There was so much demand from family and friends that they set a mini-fridge stocked with sauce on their porch and put a mailbox up for people to leave payment. That lasted for five years and then Duaine got the itch to start making burritos.

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PHOTO BY MIKAYLA DEVEREUX

PHOTO BY MIKAYLA DEVEREUX

eastmmag.com JUNE|JULY 2019 53 PHOTO BY MIKAYLA DEVEREUX

PHOTO BY MIKAYLA DEVEREUX

PHOTO BY MIKAYLA DEVEREUX

“... you’ve got the smoky meat, and when the peanut butter melts on it and mixes with the sweetness of the jelly, it’s magic.”

“I did the cooking and Diane rolled them,” he said. “I would send a mass text to our list and people could place an order.”

That soon grew out of control and the Burdens decided to open Jalapeno Bucks at the family farm about a mile from their house.

The restaurant was built using an old shipping container and pine that was salvaged from the 2002 Rodeo-Chediski fire. It took two years to create, and during that time Dianne was less than convinced.

“She initially didn’t want anything to do with it,” Duaine said with a laugh. “But now she can’t get enough.”

These days Dianne is basically the general manager and Duaine is the pitmaster, working his magic with the 1,300 lbs. capacity smoker.

The couple is at the restaurant every day, and in typical small business fashion, doing whatever needs to be done.

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“There are times when we are both washing dishes,” he said. “We have a small staff and we do whatever we need to do to keep the wheels here turning.”

The menu at Jalapeno Bucks isn’t extensive, but if the line that starts at 10:30 am is any indication, quality trumps quantity.

“I only cook what I like and I can dial in to where I think the item is perfect,” said Duaine.

The green chili beef burrito with cheese and the brisket sandwich — on an addicting sweet sourdough bun — are the two most popular items available. But if you’re an adventurous foodie, the Brisket PBJ should not be missed.

Yep, you read that right, meat and peanut butter and jelly.

“I’m not sure what makes it work,” Duaine said. “But you’ve got the smoky meat, and when the peanut butter melts on it and mixes with the sweetness of the jelly, it’s magic.”

Tuesday - Thursday 10am - 6pm Friday & Saturday 10am - 7pm Closed Sunday & Monday There is no alcohol served on the property

3434 N. Val Vista Dr., Mesa 480.459.3050 jalapenobucks.com

If you want to taste BBQ and Mexican fusion in action, try the pulled pork or brisket quesadilla.

BBQ purists can choose from classic pulled pork or brisket sandwiches, featuring a secret mayo sauce made from a family recipe, or buy meat by the pound. The meat is smoked using a combination of Arizona red oak and pinewood.

While some BBQ joints in town feature chicken, and a few have vegetarian BBQ, Jalapeno Bucks is strictly for the true carnivore.

The only vegetarian options on the menu are the sides of coleslaw and mac-n-cheese.

Next door to the restaurant is a farm shop selling the citrus still grown on the farm.

Duaine’s brother, sister and father still live on the farm. “Dad is 88-years-old and he still works the land every day,” Duaine said.

Jalapeno Bucks is one of the stops on Mesa’s Fresh Foodie Trail, designed to highlight the city’s family farm and agricultural heritage.

HOME: INSIDE & OUT decorate reno | DIY landscape garden

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Party Time!

Host the ultimate pool party

HOME: INSIDE & OUT

Know Before You Throw

BY JON ENGLUND

Downsizing? Determined to get rid of “stuff” you no longer need?

Cleaning out a home or an estate? Stop! Know Before You Throw.

Ask a local person what High Heat means and they’ll probably say “Arizona in Summer.” But an avid baseball fan might give you a different answer — it’s a fastball, high in the strike zone.

Baseball is certainly a sport that has inspired generations of collectors. With a long, storied history, and ability to inspire tremendous nostalgia for one’s youth, it’s perfect for a broad range of collecting.

From baseballs to cards, clothing to stadium bases, everything is fair game for the collector.

In particular, baseball cards are one of the most popular items to collect. Many of us grew up with them, chewing the sweet bubblegum that came with the cards, and then trading with our friends. For the most part, baseball cards are considered ephemera, or something that was not meant to last, and usually produced on low quality, inexpensive paper card stock. The mid-80s kicked off an explosion of the hobby with card manufacturers like Upper Deck, Donruss, Fleer, and Topps printing cards like there was no tomorrow. This time period is referred to as the Junk Wax Era when so much product was produced that it eventually crashed the baseball card collecting market in the early 90s. In fact, it’s not uncommon to find unopened cases of these cards available today.

While there are certainly some sought-after cards from that era, most of the really valuable stuff comes from the early 1900s through the 1960s. Here are a few notable recent finds and sales: • On April 19, 2018, a 1952 Topps #311 Mickey Mantle card in grade 9 condition was sold from the collection of former NFL offensive lineman Evan Mathis. The card sold for a whopping $2.88 million!

That topped the previous records of $1.13 million and $810,000 for two examples of that card in grade 8.5 condition which sold in 2016.

• A collection of old, unopened sports cards was discovered in a Tennessee attic in an old beer box.

Dubbed the Beer Box Find, it was sent to auction. A partial box of 1948 Bowman baseball cards, containing 19 unopened packs of cards, with bubblegum, sold for $521,180! All total, the Beer Box Find realized close to $1 million for the lucky family who found it.

• And the most expensive card ever sold? A 1909-11 T206 Sweet Caporal, Honus Wagner baseball card which sold for $3.12 million in 2016! That same card had sold just three years earlier for $2.1 million.

a collection of old, unopened sports cards... realized close to $1 MILLION Clearly, the field of sports card collecting is still strong for good material in great condition. And amazing finds still occur from time to time! So when you tire of digging through Grandpa’s old boxes, head out to the cool ballpark and revel in a well-executed fast ball. Who knows? Perhaps you’ll collect the next priceless baseball card for that pitcher who just delivered the High Heat.

Jon Englund has 30+ years of experience in appraising and liquidating personal property, jewelry, art, collectibles, antiques, furniture, printed items and more, as well as 17 years of experience in real estate.

For more information, call Jon direct at (480) 650-1422, or email Jon@KnowBeforeYouThrow.INFO 56

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creating a best plants for your butterfly garden

Milkweed – considered to be the cornerstone of a successful butterfly garden and are utilized as both host plant for caterpillars and a nectar source for butterflies.

Dwarf Butterfly Brush – several varieties at local nurseries Verbena and Lantana – very common and easy to grow Desert Senna or Cassia – low water use, easy to grow Fairy Duster – native and nonnative species, low water use Citrus – requires more watering but attractive to butterflies Chocolate Flower – wildflowers blooms annually

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tips

TO KEEP YOUR HOUSE COOL AND YOUR ELECTRIC BILL LOW

Butterfly Garden

BY ROSANN WILLIAMS Butterflies are beneficial to the environment through the symbiotic relationship they maintain with the plants they visit and their preferences for organic and native habitats. The added advantage to these preferences is that landscaping with native plants is a more sustainable practice. Also, because they are a common host to butterflies, native plant habitats are appealing to many homeowners.

Another benefit to a butterfly garden is that butterflies are attracted to brightly colored, fragrant flowers and feed on nectar produced by the flowers. Like bees, as they travel from one flower to another, they pollinate the plants, resulting in further development of plant species. Numerous plants rely on pollinators for reproduction.

A butterfly garden is also a safe habitat that will encourage other wildlife. Butterflies are extremely susceptible to pesticides and insecticides, so by not requiring the use of harmful chemical applications, native habitats not only provide a safe haven for butterflies, but also for other creatures as well.

The intriguing natural settings provided by butterfly gardens, through the colorful appeal of the flowers and insects, draws human interest. This attention can result in a greater awareness of the environment and a better understanding of our role in preserving natural habitats.

When planning your butterfly garden, some sources will say it should receive full sun, but experience has shown that a variety of conditions is optimal. Some plants grow better in sun, yet the butterflies may need refuge from the heat of summer, so mostly sunny with a bit of shade is best. Plant the tallest plants, like trees and large shrubs, at the back of your field of view and shorter plants towards the front. Trees and bushy shrubs also serve as a windbreak to encourage the butterflies to remain active even on windy days. As you assemble your landscape plan, remember to choose plants that are well adapted to our Sonoran Desert conditions.

Rosann Williams, CRS, Associate Broker is an avid nature lover and gardener. For any questions please call her at 480-225-1816.

1 | Give your air conditioner a checkup — or a replacement. This is perhaps the easiest one on the list, and most important. Clearing a clogged A/C unit filter can save 5 to 15% in energy use — and will help it work better and not break down. If your air conditioner is more than ten years old, it may be time for a new one.

2 | Adjust your thermostat. Just a couple degrees can make a huge difference. One study found that each degree a thermostat is set above 75° could save 10% in energy. The recommended setting is 78°, and 82° to 85° when you’re not home. Get a programmable thermostat so you don’t have to remember to set it when you leave.

3 | Use fans. Ceiling fans may be low-tech, but they work wonders. A ceiling fan can cut back on air conditioning needs, saving up to 40% on electricity. Portable fans are great too, and can be positioned strategically. Fans use roughly 1/60th the energy of an A/C unit, so even using both at the same time is efficient if you raise the thermostat.

4 | Create shade. Your air conditioning works the hardest in sunny rooms that heat up like a greenhouse. Simple solution: Install blinds, curtains, or any other device to keep sunlight from entering your home.

5 | Create even more shade. Planting shrubs and trees, particularly on the south and west sides of your house, in front of windows, can not only block the sunlight from entering the house, but can absorb the heat. They also help cool from their transpiration, or water loss, from leaves. And, they absorb much less sunlight and heat than other built surfaces (including your walls and roof), which radiate the heat day and night. Shading an outdoor A/C unit by plants can raise its efficiency up to 10%.

6 | Cook outside — or not at all. It’s hot in the kitchen — because the stove and oven are hot. Even appliances like refrigerators create heat.

Cook outside on the grill or eat chilled dishes. The microwave is also a better option than the stove top.

7 | Retrofit your home by keeping out the hot air. The most cost-effective construction-related cooling strategies include quality insulation, tight duct work, quality air barriers, and shading or glazing windows. Solar screens on windows can capture 70% of the sun’s energy before it enters your home.

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HOME: INSIDE & OUT

feature

host the

Ultimate POOL PARTY

5

STEPS TO MAKE A SPLASH AT YOUR BASH

By Michelle Glicksman

There’s one word to sum up summer in Mesa — hot. Pool living becomes essential. And with that, what better way to get social, cool off, and create summer memories than to host a perfect pool party? Once you have the guest list and send out invitations, follow these steps for the perfect party.

Just remember to always have someone keeping an eye on the water — safety first, always.

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Pool rings and beach balls Dollar Tree Five East Mesa locations dollartree.com

1 | Set the Stage Sure, everyone could come over and just jump right in. But a party is more than just a dip in the pool. Make the party festive with decorations. Add pizzazz to your patio with streamers strung by doors or hung from a snack table, place lanterns on tables — or you can go all-out with a theme. A theme sets the stage and your guests’ expectations. If you choose a theme, find a way to follow it through from your décor to your food and the music! Some ideas for themes:

$7 ea LED light up pals Oasis Pool Supply 6655 E. McDowell Rd

• G low in the dark — Host your party at night and have glow-in-thedark beach balls in the pool, glow stick bunches as centerpieces, cups with glow-in-the-dark rims — you get the idea! You can even buy glowing chalk paint and paint fun messages on the ground.

• Beach party — Hang beach balls from an overhang as décor, have a number of beach balls in the pool, serve snacks in beach pails with shovels as serving pieces, and give towels as giveaways.

• Tropical theme — Serve drinks in plastic coconuts, place tiki torches around your property, and serve tropical fruits.

2 | Serve Snacks and Drinks All this fun will leave guests hungry and thirsty. When thinking about food, keep it simple with finger food that you can set out and leave so you can enjoy the party without having to run in and out of the kitchen, or get in and out of the pool too many times! Many stores sell serving wear that works especially well in our Arizona heat, which includes sections for ice below the food. These are perfect for keeping fruits and vegetables crisp. And remember to always keep the food in the shade — you don’t want to serve spoiled food.

For the main course, wait until the sun goes down to grill a meal, order something in, or have a selection of cold salads and meats that you can easily bring out once everyone is hungry.

Being in the sun is dehydrating, so you’ll want to set up a drink station as well. Make sure to have plenty of water available. Tip: Freeze bottled water prior so the bottles stay cold. You can also put the frozen waters — along with other canned or bottled drinks — in a big cooler, and those bottles will help keep the other drinks cool, too.

Another option is to have a blender to make a “drink of the day.” This can be alcoholic or not — you can let your guests decide if they want to add alcohol — and can be created to match your theme, such as a Sea Water or Mermaid Lemonade Slushy.

$16 Inflatable Tiki cooler holds 24 12oz cans walmart.com 60

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3 | A Playful Pool While a pool in and of itself offers hours of fun, make the time in the water even better with the right pool floats. Today’s floats are bigger and better than ever before, from fun shapes (pizza slice or unicorn, anyone?) to motorized floats and floating pool games. And even though you’re already wet being in the pool, water guns (or floats with attached water guns) make for fun times, too — for both kids and adults!

$30 Unicorn pool float walmart.com

get it

BUY IT LOCAL!

$50 Pizza slice float Dave’s Ace Hardware 2842 N. Power Rd acehardware.com

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9 pack/ $13 Inflatable cup holders

$14 Jasonwell inflatable rainbow cloud drink holder amazon.com

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HOME: INSIDE & OUT

feature

4 | Games While sitting in the cool water or lounging on a float is fun, have some games arranged to get everyone involved. In addition to water gun fights, adults and kids also like water balloons, a floating basketball net, or water volleyball.

Set up lawn games around your yard. Corn hole, anyone? Or, think about your theme and choose games that tie-in. For example, if you’re doing a glow party, make glow-in-the-dark water balloons for a fun toss. Scavenger hunts are always popular, as well.

BUY THEM LOCAL!

$16 Disc toss target goal pool game

$40 Inflatable beer pong Oasis Pool Supply 6655 E. McDowell Rd

5 | Terrific Tunes

$40

Ivation waterproof Bluetooth The sounds of splashing and laughter is great, but floating speaker tunes really set the mood. Pick a radio station or ebay.com make a playlist ahead of time. If you’re throwing a big bash, consider hiring a DJ, or if your budget is smaller, hire a local high school student to be in charge of the tunes.

get it

5

Things to Have on Hand for Guests It’s easy to forget something as you’re heading to someone else’s house. Here are some things to have available for your guests’ use.

1 | Sunscreen 2 | Extra flip flops 3 | Towels 4 | Hats to ward off sunburns 5 | A first-aid kit 62

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all about YOU

PHOTO BY DREW KUPERMAN

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Send us your pics! We want to see how YOU live your best life in East Mesa. Send to content@eastmmag.com

PHOTO BY WILLIAM LAX

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PHOTO BY DARA FOWLER

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PHOTO BY JOHN GONZALEZ

PHOTO BY STEVE SIMPSON

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1 | 30-year-old Kayleen McAllister of Lehi Crossing believes that vintage cars and Arizona sunsets bring out the true beauty of East Mesa. 2 | Las Sendas friends Davin (14) and Jessie (11) are pretty excited about summer — can you tell?! 3 | Delia Scegiel, who lives in the Brigata community, enjoys a Starbucks break while hangin’ with her two adorable grandsons, Leith (3) and Julian (9).

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4 | Lehi Crossing resident James Wilcox cools down in the Salt River while fly fishing. 5 | Michelle Knipe (L) and Lissa Hadsall (R) of The Tax Minimizers enjoy a nice breakfast at What’s Crackin Cafe after a very busy tax season.

6 | 10-year-old Ella and her pup Cooper, from Boulder Mountain, enjoy a beautiful day at the Las Sendas Pet Expo.

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Looking Back

remembering mesa’s history | By Frank Pabian

A Bridge to the Past

The Blue Point Sheep Bridge over the Salt River is long gone, but remnants can still be found As a young teenager growing up in New York in the early 1960s, it was easy to be enthralled by (and quite envious of) the adventures of two young fictional drifters, Tod and Buzz, as they drove all over the United States in their Chevrolet Corvette convertible during the original run of the television series, Route 66.

One episode filmed in the Apache Junction/Red Mountain area, was particularly captivating — not because of the plot, but rather, because of the Sonoran Desert landscape backdrops. The scenery appeared “otherworldly” and was an enticing realm to a boy growing up in the eastern US. The outdoor location scenes included horseback riding among the Saguaro cacti at the base of the Superstition Mountains and through the Salt River Canyon of the Tonto National Forest. The climax of the show was centered near an iconic narrow suspension wooden plank bridge that spanned the Salt River, the location of which is not far from Red Mountain and East Mesa.

Always curious about the location of that distinctive bridge over a river in the desert, but never having a clue where it was filmed, it took a bicycle ride along Bush Highway to realize that the area seemed oddly familiar. A Google search for the “Route 66” episode led to a video download and then freeze-framing some of the scenes.

Another search quickly led to a Wikipedia page which mentioned the “Blue Point Sheep Bridge on the Salt River.” The next step was to find some images, and to see if it might be possible to locate the bridge. Sure enough, one such image was found on the Chandler Museum’s website. The photo clearly shows sheep crossing the bridge one by one. According to the site, the sheep industry in Arizona was distinctive in that the herds were migratory (going north in the summer and south in the winter). The process of herding sheep across 200 miles of the Heber Reno Trail could

take up to two months. The trail’s unofficial starting point was the crossing of the Salt River at Blue Point. The narrow bridge facilitated the counting of the sheep, such that a Forest Service agent would stand on the far end of the bridge and count the number of sheep in the herd as they crossed the river. A typical herd consisted of 2,000 to 2,200 sheep, with two men and their sheep dogs driving them.

The quest was now on to find the bridge despite the suggestion in the Chandler Museum report that it might no longer exist. The bridge was evidently wiped out in a flood at some point, but it was still worth a try. Viewing along the Salt River on Google Earth down from where the Bush Highway crosses over the river, near the aptly named Sheep Crossing Recreation Site, it was possible to locate two distinctive remnants of the bridge about one mile down river. Those two remnants include the southern tower foundation, and the stone funneling walls on a bluff above the northern bank of the Salt River. The stone funneling walls remain wholly intact.

So, the next time your are driving up Bush Highway out to Saguaro Lake, or rafting down the Salt River, think about the old Blue Point Sheep Bridge and its unusual role in Arizona history — and how it could leave indelible memories with someone growing up on the other side of the country.

ABOVE (TOP): Man on Horseback near the Salt River in Episode 20, Season 3 (1963), of the television show Route 66. Photo © Screen Gems; ABOVE (BOTTOM): The Blue Point Sheep Bridge (date unknown) looking south. For many years, a narrow, rickety sheep bridge spanned the river. Photo © Chandler Museum; LEFT: The two stone funneling walls remain intact. Pieces of wire cabling used for the suspension bridge are still present as well. Photo © Frank Pabian

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