THE GENTLEMEN OF QUEEN CREEK
SPORTS + RECREATION
RYAN BADER: MMA CHAMPION TALKS FATHERHOOD AND FAMILY

LOCAL SERVICES
JUSTIN ROHNER OF AGRISCAPING TECHNOLOGIES
LIFE + CULTURE
MIKE GOODMAN, PINAL COUNTY SUPERVISOR JUNE



SPORTS + RECREATION
RYAN BADER: MMA CHAMPION TALKS FATHERHOOD AND FAMILY
LOCAL SERVICES
JUSTIN ROHNER OF AGRISCAPING TECHNOLOGIES
LIFE + CULTURE
MIKE GOODMAN, PINAL COUNTY SUPERVISOR JUNE
An inspirational man has the incredible power and privilege of shaping and mentoring young people in their lives to grow and mature in a multitude of ways. Whether they are a father, a coach, an uncle, or a boss, being a role model and leading by example can make a lasting impact on those watching. We can all probably think of a man in our life that has had a big impact on us at one time or another. Whether it was someone pushing us to be a better version of ourselves or someone who sees the best in us, someone we look up to for guidance, or perhaps someone we don’t personally know but who inspires us by their greatness, we can recognize the impact these role models can make our lives.
I’ve had the privilege of having some incredibly generous, inspiring, and loving men in my life. Especially my dad who's been supportive of every move I’ve made. He’s taught me many valuable lessons in life– be kind to everyone, that success comes from hard work, and to never give up. These important yet simple life lessons have shaped my life in its entirety. My father is my greatest inspiration!
This month we are honoring men and their contribution to the betterment of our community. We are highlighting men who put themselves second, work hard, and inspire others to do the same. To all of the men out there that are making a difference in someone’s life, big or small, we applaud you. The lasting impact that you are making and the ripple effect that often ensues is worth it.
KAYLEE WILLIAMS, PUBLISHER @QUEENCREEKCITYLIFESTYLEJune 2023
PUBLISHER
Kaylee Williams | kaylee.williams@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Florence Daniels | florence.daniels@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Kimberly Heywood | shademarketingaz@gmail.com
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Kaeden Peterson, Jennifer Boubelik
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore
DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer
ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson
WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell
AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard
The prices of our homes, included features, plans, specifications, promotions/incentives, neighborhood build-out and available locations are subject to change without notice. Stated dimensions, square footage and acreage are approximate and should not be used as a representation of any home’s or homesite’s precise or actual size, location or orientation. There is no guarantee that any particular homesite or home will be available. No information or material herein is to be construed to be an offer or solicitation for sale. A Broker/Agent must register their client in person on client’s first visit at each community for a Broker/Agent to receive a commission or referral fee, if available. Not all features and options are available in all homes. Unless otherwise expressly stated, homes do not come with hardscape, landscape, or other decorator items. Any photographs or renderings used herein reflect artists’ conceptions and are for illustrative purposes only. Some amenities may not be constructed. Builder reserves the right to change the size, design, configuration, and location of amenities not yet constructed and does not warrant the suitability thereof for any use or for any person. Builder does not warrant the suitability of any trail for any use or for any person. All
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Co-owner of Hayden Flour Mills, Emma Zimmerman, has recently had her cookbook Daughter nominated for a James Beard Media Award. This industry award recognizes those who break ground in culinary storytelling, showcasing innovative and impactful works that inspire and educate. To get your signed copy of Emma's book go to: haydenflourmills.com
Joniece Benjamin, The owner of J’Renee Bejeweled which includes the Bejeweled Bling Bus has now expanded her footprint by open ing the Bejeweled Boutique. The boutique is located in Lavish Salon Suites in Suite 38 and will be open Tuesday-Fridays. You can stop in to shop or book the Bling Bus for a vari ety of events ranging from corporate events to fairs & festivals. onhand. jreneebejeweled.com
• REALTORS® have access to MLS- MLS is a membership organization open only to real estate brokers and agents.
• REALTORS® working together- REALTORS®/Agents feel more comfortable showing homes and working transactions with fellow agents
• REALTORS® give the right price- Provide an update on market conditions, competitive assessment of selling price, tips on improving home buyers’ appeal
MARY
619-997-4416
WWW.LOKKAAZ.COM
LIC# BR678354000
LOKKA.MARYD@GMAIL.COM
• Buyers feel less intimidated- Having an agent on both sides creates an emotional buffer between buyer and seller
• REALTORS® and legal documents- REALTORS®/ Agents understand the legal side of the transaction and can ensure the right documents and procedures are in place to protect YOU!
Grab your guys and plan a relaxed or adrenaline-induced day, weekend, or guy's night out with any one of these local experiences made for the males.
RADFORD RACING SCHOOL: Choose from an open track experience or a group event with the guys. You can go-kart or drive 80 different types of vehicles. 20000 South Maricopa Road, Gate #3 Chandler, AZ
V'S BARBERSHOP: Freshen up your look with a styled haircut, a beard trim, or even an old fashioned straight razor shave. 21576 S. Ellsworth Lp Rd. Suite #105, Queen Creek, AZ
TOP GOLF - GILBERT: Practice your swing while staying out of the heat. Enjoy a menu of drinks and bites to eat with a group or on a date. 1689 S. SanTan Village Pkwy, Gilbert, AZ
FOX CIGAR BAR: Enjoy a selection of cigars and drinks in a comfortable lounge setting with flat screen televisions, or enjoy their outdoor patio all year round. 1464 East Williams Field Road, Gilbert, AZ
MOONER'S BBQ GALLEY: Craving some ribs? Sink your teeth into a choice of everything from sandwiches, meats, sauces, quesadillas and more. 5388 East Skyline Drive, San Tan Valley, AZ
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Bring some tequila to the grill this Father's Day.
The grill is a mainstay for summer recipes and the domain of fathers everywhere. The Queen Creek Olive Mill provides a recipe full of flavor, color and texture to bring your Taco Tuesdays to the next level. The spice and boldness of the jalapeno dances with lime and tequila. Wrapped in warm tortillas and some red cabbage for an added crunch, your grill will become taco central! Don't forget to stop by The Mill to shop for their flavorful oils and balsamics too. queencreekolivemill.com
INGREDIENTS:
• 4 Boneless Chicken Breasts
• 1/4 cup of jalapeno peppers, finely chopped.
• 1/4 cup of green onions, chopped
• 1/4 cup of red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 8 medium-sized flour tortillas
• 4 cups of red cabbage, shredded
• 1/2 cup of White Cheddar, shredded
Marinade:
• 1/4 cup of Tequila Cask White Balsamic Vinegar
• 1/4 cup of Fresh Crush Jalapeno Olive Oil
• 1/2 tsp of Garlic, finely minced
• 1 Serrano Chili, finely minced
• 1 tsp of Cilantro, finely minced
• 1/4 tsp of Sea Salt
• 1/4 tsp of Fresh Ground Pepper
• 2 Tbsp of Agave Nectar
DIRECTIONS:
01. Combine marinade ingredients in a small bowl and mix well.
02. Put chicken and marinade in a Ziploc bag and let marinate for a few hours.
03. Remove chicken from marinade. Grill chicken until done. Remove from grill and slice into thin strips. Transfer to medium bowl.
04. Add the jalapeno, green onions, and red bell peppers, stir to combine, and set aside for flavors to mingle.
05. Serve with warm tortillas and top with red cabbage, shredded cheese, and your favorite salsa.
TIPS:
Olive Oil Recommendations
• Lime
• Fresh Crush Basil
• Roasted Garlic
Balsamic Flavor Recommendations
• Peach White Balsamic Reduction
• Prickly Pear White
Balsamic Reduction
ARTICLE BY FLORENCE DANIELS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY QUEEN CREEK
OLIVE MILLAt his home in Queen Creek, surrounded by his wife Daisy of 13 years and their three children, Ryan Bader is like most fathers and husbands. There is joking at his expense and talk of the kid's football practice the night before. The children, Kanon, 11, Hartley, 10, and Rocket, 8, fill the house with laughter and energy. Ryan and his wife are a bit outnumbered, but one thing is clear, family comes first. However, Ryan can tackle a challenge, he is after all the Bellator Heavyweight Division World Champion, and was the first ever to simultaneously hold a two weight champion title in Bellator history in both the Heavyweight and Light Heavyweight Division.
Mixed Martial Arts is a fierce sport. Two men face off in a cage utilizing all types of martial arts to defeat their opponent. Ryan's path to MMA began at the age of seven when his father introduced him to the sport of wrestling. From then on, he participated in no less than three: football, baseball, as well as wrestling. Originally from Reno, Nevada, Ryan eventually entered the wrestling program at Arizona State University. While there he thrived, enjoying the atmosphere of ASU and even winning the All-American twice.
When his university days were behind him, Ryan still craved that competitiveness. When he was introduced to MMA he quickly realized how different it was from wrestling. At the age of 22, he had never thrown, as he puts it, a 'correct punch'. In addition to his wrestling, he had to learn jiu-jitsu and kickboxing from the ground up. Ryan admits the shift was intimidating at first, 'Yes, you can get hurt... it's a scary thing to move into MMA ... and not knowing anything but wrestling.' he says about that initial move.'
Holding his titles now, Ryan can have no regrets about how it all turned out. He has since become a husband and father in those years and says it has changed him and his outlook on the sport. He enters the cage not only to win but with the thought of his family's support on his mind. Surprisingly, despite the aggressive nature of the sport, Ryan claims he never enters the cage with anger.
Instead, Ryan credits sports for giving him discipline and a work ethic, something he hopes he instills in his children in whatever they choose to pursue. His career has also given him opportunities to see the world, work with other athletes, and develop other businesses. In the next few years he plans to build upon his current ventures including a luxury tequila called Tequila Komos and is part owner in Pour Decisions Patio and Kitchen in Scottsdale.
'NUMBER ONE IS MY FAMILY... AS SOON AS I LEAVE THAT GYM... I AM A HUSBAND, FATHER, FRIEND.'
- RYAN BADER
In addition, Ryan knows how to use his position to give back as well. He is especially passionate about giving his support to our veterans through the Special Forces Charitable Trust and the Navy Seals Foundation . One organization Ryan is most excited to partner with is called the Outdoor Experience for All , which takes disabled veterans and kids with life threatening illnesses outdoors to hunt and fish.
One wonders, with so much going on, how does Ryan balance it all? According to him, it is a question of priorities, he says, 'Number one is my family... as soon as I leave that gym... I am a husband, father, friend.'
Dragonfly is a symbol
Just before doors open at 11am on a Monday, patrons for The Old Ellsworth Brewing Company are already waiting eagerly outside. When people do take their seats and the place starts to fill, the beers begin to flow. Brian McKean and Ryan Bostrom are brother-in-laws and co-owners who brew their very own selection of beers on-site. They have been serving Queen Creek for the last six years creating brews that are steeped in local ingredients. Whether it be grain from Sossaman Farms, kalamata olive leaves from the Queen Creek Olive Mill, or even peaches from Schnepf Farms, they have managed to capture local flavor. In fact, everything behind the bar is from Arizona and a scratch kitchen churns out a tempting menu that includes chicken wings and poutine.
Even before they established The Old Ellsworth Brewing Company, they had been tinkering with recipes and techniques. It all began for fun and what seems to be a genuine curiosity for the craft. Gradually, a passion became a way of life. The two were already looking to create a base in Queen Creek when they came across an ad put by the town looking for someone to bring a brewery here. Their current building had recently become vacant and a match was made.
The two had their eye on Queen Creek because they saw a gap in the market, but they also appreciated the 'hyper local' culture in town. These were the ingredients they needed to establish a great business with great beer. Ryan says that another motivating factor was that they
were tired of working for others and just wanted to do a job they loved.
Taking a chance on Queen Creek has paid off, the customers are loyal, and Ryan works closely with the town. They have also held events on-site including a yoga session called 'Bends and Brews', a beer festival, and plan to hold a car show in the parking lot in the future. Brian and Ryan have enjoyed the support they have received from the community and it is clear the feeling is mutual. All the same, it still comes down to beer, and the variety they have on the menu includes lagers, mead, traditional hefeweizen, and more. The array of flavors and classic dishes make this neighborhood watering hole a Queen Creek must see for any visitor, and a tradition for every resident.
www.oldellsworthbrewing.com
The old schoolhouse, a modest brick building off of Ellsworth Road, has seen a lot of change since being built in 1925. Just down the road is the brand new Costco and nearby is a coffee shop buzzing with customers. The only thing that has remained is the majestic view of the mountains in the distance. When I meet Keith Johanson, President of the San Tan Historical Society, in the bright sunshine, he wastes no time in pointing out the structure and its history. Information pours out of him with ease and an eagerness to share.
Keith is not an Arizonan native and has only lived in Queen Creek for the last ten years. Nevertheless, he has a passion to collect and preserve the history of this community. He was drawn to the subject of history since he was very young and in addition, sits on the board of archaeology as well. As we walked from room to room, Keith narrated at every step. We toured the school room, walked past cases of ancient pottery, and artifacts lined every available space.
It is clear that the museum has much to give, perhaps more than they could possibly display all at once. Keith says they even have tape recordings from 1995 of the families who first homesteaded here. The tapes have recently been digitized to preserve them for the future and according to Keith, they are perhaps the most interesting possession of the entire collection.
The schoolhouse itself stands as a historical landmark. It served the needs of the children in Queen Creek and never segregated the residents from the children of migrant workers. As well as being the center for learning it was also a hub of important gatherings for the town too. Today it bursts with treasures and visitors can explore for free every Saturday from 9am - 1pm. The museum is entirely run by volunteers, of which Keith is one of them.
The museum was established by the founding families of Queen Creek and many of them are still involved today. Keith hopes to improve and organize the displays further, enhancing the experience for visitors. I asked him why he believed holding on to the history of this town was so important. 'If you don't preserve the history of the past it is like trying to plant cut flowers.' he said. Despite the influx of so many new residents here, and the number of new buildings rising around the schoolhouse, the past still matters. Although Queen Creek may feel like such a forward looking town, every inch has a fascinating story to tell. santanhistorical.org
Mike Goodman is an Arizona native, originally from East Mesa, whose family can trace their roots in this state for several generations. He has lived in different parts of Arizona, raised his children here, he had an insurance business, opened a tire shop, and even farmed the land. In 2016, he decided to add public service to this long list and became Pinal County Supervisor for Disctrict 2, covering portions of Queen Creek and San Tan Valley. Mike, however, admits that entering the political sphere was not his idea... it was his older brother’s, Sam.
Mike is one of ten, and he and his wife Alice have 12 kids between them. Therefore family is rather an important part of Mike’s life. His brother Sam and his father, Gail Goodman, also set an example of public service since both served at various points as Justice of the Peace in Maricopa County. Mike’s family emphasized the importance of civic duty through engagement and voting and that eventually extended to pursuing office. Still, when it came to him, Mike was hesitant, he kept to being a dad and coaching.
His brother Sam continued to encourage him, though Mike brushed it off and felt he had no time. In 2016, Mike changed his mind due to the rapid growth of Pinal County and the need for infrastructure to keep up with the burgeoning population. Mike says he welcomes the growth but sees the need to keep an eye on the ‘bigger picture’. Part of what is required, in Mike’s view, is getting the ‘right players in the room together’. This can include town and city officials from neighboring counties as well as private companies and others who could be affected by the changes.
Establishing communication is key and gaining support is a big part of the job just to get a process started. Efforts like incorporation can take up to two years with a carefully coordinated effort. Mike continues to work hard for Pinal County and hopes to bring more industry to the area and to grow a greater ‘town center’, parks, and retail. ‘If we are not growing, we are stagnant,’ Mike says. Throughout, Mike remains humble, saying he is not so much proud as he is ‘grateful’. All the same, Mike considers his first role is that of husband, father, and grandfather.
ARTICLE BY FLORENCE DANIELS PHOTOGRAPHYJustin Rohner began his gardening career beside his mother at the age of two. Being in the fresh air, sinking his hands into the soil and getting dirty, perhaps even the wonder of a sprout making an appearance, was the start of a long love affair. It runs in the family too, Justin's grandparents owned one of the last dairy farms in Tempe, so the ties to working the land were already there. Nevertheless, Justin is something of a pioneer. He is the CEO and founder of Agriscaping Technologies, a company that promotes the 'elegant and edible garden'. Agriscaping Technologies seeks to blend the best of agriculture and landscape
design. Justin says that many of us will spend a lot of time, money, and effort to create an aesthetically pleasing backyard but that it remains just that, something nice to look at. Yet, through his company, Justin says that you can have the best of both worlds. By swapping out your plants for those that are both beautiful and fruitful too, your garden actually works harder for you in yielding a healthy diet just steps from the kitchen. Justin insists that this creates a sustainable and self-reliant lifestyle that actually harkens to the roots of what Queen Creek has always been.
JUSTIN ROHNER IS GROWING A MOVEMENT FROM THE GROUND UP.
ARTICLE BY FLORENCE DANIELS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY AGRISCAPING TECHNOLOGIES
It was homesteaders that began to work and live off the land here. Today many of Queen Creek's farms continue to thrive, providing both entertainment and food. Justin, who moved to Queen Creek a year and a half ago with his wife and four children, loves this aspect of the town's 'culture of agriculture'. It is something he values with a 'sense of self-reliance' where the people still respect 'our freedoms and rights'. If anything, Justin wants that spirit of independence to grow. It can begin with your own garden and you don't need to have acres and acres of land to grow your own food either.
Since experiencing lockdowns and a supply chain crisis, that self-reliance has come into greater focus and relevancy. Still, many people might be intimidated by the prospect of keeping a garden rather than just heading into a local grocery store and buying what you need. Justin advises that it requires building the proper soil, infrastructure and set up, and then in Arizona you can pretty much grow things year round. His company can also help you get started and even maintain and harvest the fruit and vegetables with weekly visits. If that wasn't enough, should you produce more than you can eat the extras can be sold and you can even make a profit. Justin argues that despite the seeming convenience of the supermarket, the food can travel around 1500 miles just to get to the shelves. In that time it has lost flavor, nutrients, and freshness. In the long run, having your own garden is cheaper too, tastes better, and is better for you.
One of the ways that Justin has helped grow a culture of self-sustainability is through his involvement with the Queen Creek Botanical Garden . He is Executive Director along with Land-developer, Lonnie McCleve, who began the project in order to bring more awareness to growing your own food and eating as fresh and local as you can. They met when Lonnie attended one of Justin's garden tours of his medicinal garden. He was intrigued by what he learned and asked if Justin could scale up his vision to 10 acres to which Justin replied, 'Let's talk.' So began the project which is temporarily closed as more amenities are being added. The first of which, Caldwell County BBQ, is set to open later this year.
Sharing his knowledge with others is a passion for Justin that is probably only second to his love for the garden. His company continues to grow, providing classes, certifications, and consultations. In fact, Agriscaping Technologies was the first ever to develop micro-climate technology that mapped and classified sub-optimal conditions. In addition, he has a Youtube channel where he posts several instructional videos to help guide you in the garden. For so many of us more accustomed to holding a smartphone than a trowel in our hands, it might not be such a bad thing to discover the joys of fresh air and dirt under our fingernails. Even if you think yourself not so much the green thumb but a brown thumb instead, Justin's response is, 'Great, at least you know how to build soil, you just need to learn how to grow something.' agriscaping.com
'Justin is something of a pioneer...the CEO... of Agriscaping Technologies, a company which promotes the 'elegant and edible garden.'
What do you buy for the man who has everything? Perhaps an experience oriented around what dads value most – time together – is just what he needs. Fathers and father figures are invaluable in our lives. They help shape and mold us. They’re there for us and support us. If you haven’t already planned something special, take a look at our list of ideas and circle your favorites. If you have kids, let them join in the fun too!
Whether you decide to spend a day at home or enjoy a day on the town, these innovative celebration ideas will include fun for the whole family and make Dad feel loved. Whatever activity or surprise you land on to show your dad, husband, brother or father figure your appreciation for all they do, the most important thing is that you all get to spend some quality time together.
Family heritage websites can offer insight into dad’s past and be an interesting way to study the history of your family. Present Dad with a report on his ancestors or dig in together!
You don’t need to go very far to have a great time with Dad! Explore a new neck of your own woods with a family staycation. You can go out on the town, stay at a fancy hotel and maybe even enjoy some room service!
Lay out a blanket in your backyard and grab your binoculars for a peaceful, naturefilled day. Make a list of how many different kinds of birds you see and guess if you can identify them.
Bowling is a timeless classic Dad is sure to enjoy. Bonus if the bowling alley has an arcade, chicken wings and Dad’s favorite beverage of choice.
Find a local frisbee golf course and grab a slot for the family to play. This activity is fun for both young and old and helps you take advantage of being in the beautiful outdoors together.
HAVE A PIZZA PARTY
Everyone loves pizza. Make or buy some premade pizza dough and put different toppings in bowls and have Dad and the kids decorate it!
07
MAKE A TIME CAPSULE
Dig a hole in your backyard and have Dad help the kids gather items around the house (like a current newspaper or flyers) and put them in a waterproof bag.
08
FONDUE
A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.
JUNE 6TH
QUEEN CREEK LIBRARY | 6:00 PM
Find out what’s popping in Queen Creek, while enjoying free popcorn. Learn about new businesses coming to town, traffic and roadway updates, information on the Town’s water strategy and updates on the Town’s new recreation facilities! queencreekaz.gov
JUNE 10TH
Roller Skate 48
BARNEY FAMILY SPORTS COMPLEX | 6:00 PM
Bring your roller skates to Barney Family Sports Complex every 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Saturday of the month. There are skate rentals available and admission is $7, kids 3 and under are free. barneyindoorsports.com
JUNE 15TH
QUEEN CREEK LIBRARY | 2:00 PM
At the Queen Creek Library from 2-3pm wildlife comedian Wildman Phil will use live creatures from around the world and highlight the unique characteristics of various wildlife. The event will be held in the Zane Grey Community Room. queencreekaz.gov
JUNE 16TH
QUEEN CREEK OLIVE MILL | 10:00 AM
This is a free event with live music and games in the grove. There will be assorted street corn flavors, a corn-curated Menu by Del Piero Kitchen and a special menu by Di Oliva Italian Bistro & Bar . In addition, there will be locally-grown corn by the cob available for purchase. queencreekolivemill.com
JUNE 17TH
ROCK POINT COFFEE COMPANY | 7:00 AM
Come stroll with a coffee in hand on June 17th from 7am - 11am at Rock Point Coffee Company and see an array of cool cars. Great for car enthusiasts and families alike. rockpointcoffeeco.com
JUNE 23RD
QUEEN CREEK PERFORMING ARTS CENTER | 7:00 AM
The Music Man follows fast-talking traveling salesman, Harold Hill, as he cons the people of River City, Iowa, into buying instruments and uniforms for a boys' band that he vows to organize. Performances will be on June 23rd - 26th at 7pm. To buy tickets go to qcpac.com
Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/QueenCreek