Queen Creek, AZ July 2023

Summer Fun!

STYLE + BEAUTY FASHION FINDS: SOPHIEMAY BOUTIQUE HAS SUMMER FLAIR

FOOD + BEVERAGE FOURTH OF JULY FOODS FOR A FESTIVE FEAST

HOME SERVICES POOL CARE TIPS

ELEGANT STEEL DOOR

PRODUCT-

Summer Is Here!

I hope this letter finds you laying by the pool or lake and soaking in some much-needed Vitamin D.

As a transplant to Arizona, the insane summer heat is still one thing that I struggle with (to my neighbors with pools - I am jealous). Growing up in Iowa and living in Saint Louis before we moved here several years ago, the summers have always been the best part of the year. That's still no exception- even with the heat.

The pages in our Summer Fun issue will help you make the most of this season in Queen Creek.  And even if Summer doesn't mean three months of summer vacation anymore (because we're, you know, adults) we can still look forward to an adventure by crossing things off our ultimate Summer bucket list and curling up with a new favorite beach read. (P.S. Teachers, you deserve this much-needed break!)

Just like this season has a way of bringing people together, we hope the pages inside this month’s issue will enrich and enliven your experience of Queen Creek this Summer!

July 2023

PUBLISHER

Kaylee Williams | kaylee.williams@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Florence Daniels | florence.daniels@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Kimberly Heywood | shademarketingaz@gmail.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Justin Rohner, Jerry Handley, Erika Hilligas, Diva Galan, Joyce Selk

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Jennifer Boubelik

Corporate Team

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

KAYLEE WILLIAMS, PUBLISHER @QUEENCREEKCITYLIFESTYLE

Elevated Design Premium Locations Exceptional Value

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

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @queencreekcitylifestyle

1: Coronado Vineyards booth at the Vino and Vintage event. 2: U-Pick Peaches at Schnep Farm. 3: Ground-breaking ceremony of 16-acre campus of Christ's Church of the Valley. 4: Groundbreaking ceremony for the Frontier Family Park's phase of the recreation and aquatic center. 5: Queen Creek Mayor Wheatley giving a speech at the groundbreaking event. 6: Traditional treats from Amsterdam at the Peach Festival at Schnepf Farms. 7: Chelci Schroeder of Wylder Trading Co. at her booth at the Vino and Vintage event.

TOWN OF QUEEN CREEK

F. DANIELS

TOWN OF QUEEN CREEK

CCV F. DANIELS

F. DANIELS

F. DANIELS

business monthly

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Dave and Buster's Opens in Queen Creek!

Dave and Buster's has opened a brand new location in the Queen Creek Marketplace. A destination for great food and great fun, there is plenty to enjoy here for every age. Come for the arcade, virtual reality, or a game of billiards. Then stay for a menu that includes burgers, wings, salads and more. daveandbusters.com

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/QueenCreek

Photography by F. Daniels

New Nékter Bar Location!

Nékter Bar has just opened a new location at Signal Butte and the 60. Nékter’s freshly made juices, smoothies and açaí bowls are made to order without any mystery ingredients. Just clean, healthy eating that tastes just as good as it makes you feel. Nékter’s menu is beautifully simple: six fresh juices, seven smoothies and five açaí bowls, plus a variety of healthy snacks.

Photography by Nékter Bar

WE BRING YOUR IDEAS TO LIFE

Living Waters IV Seeks Nurses

Attention nurses! Are you looking for a rewarding opportunity to help others while earning extra income on your own time? Look no further than Living Waters IV! We are a mobile IV service provider that is seeking dedicated and compassionate nurses to join our team. With a flexible schedule and the ability to work on your own terms, you will have the financial independence you deserve.

Email your resume to Livingwatersivllc@gmail.com

Queen Creek, Arizona 85142

local experiences

Don’t let the summer season get away from you before school and cooler temperatures return. Grab your crew and tackle our bucket list recommendations to check off before one of our favorite seasons comes to an end.

Our Picks for Your Summer Bucket List

GOLFLAND SUNSPLASH: The water park destination in Mesa, Golfland Sun Splash has the slides, the rides, arcades, food, and golf for the whole family.  155 West Hampton Avenue, Mesa, AZ

ODYSEA AQUARIUM: Otters, penguins, and sharks. Explore the depths of the ocean without getting wet at Odysea Aquarium.  9500 E.Via de Ventura, Ste A-100, Scottsdale, AZ

MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MUSEUM (MIM): The world's only global musical instrument museum will take you on a journey of music, showcasing instruments, performances, and even Elvis's guitar.  4545 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix, AZ

MARTIN AUTO MUSEUM: Come see over 170 different vehicles on display along with racing games, memorabilia and even a carousel for the kids.  4320 W. Thunderbird Dr., Glendale, AZ

EARNHARDT QUEEN CREEK CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM: The Queen Creek Hometown dealership. Shop Local. Support Local. Shop Earnhardt Queen Creek Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM in-store and online. 35747 N Ellsworth Rd, Queen Creek, AZ

Want to recommend a local experience? Scan the QR code and message us on Instagram.

Tanque Verde Ranch

ARTICLE BY JOYCE SELK

I have never been to a dude ranch and I have to admit, I am not the “outdoorsy” type so I approached our trip to Tanque Verde Ranch with trepidation.  Prior to my visit, my idea of a rustic ranch can best be described as a Motel 6 but I had never been to Tucson and the idea of a working guest ranch seemed like a chance to get out of my comfort zone.

Traveling a few miles east of Tucson, the beauty of the Sonoran Desert and the Rincon Mountains provide a dramatic and scenic drive as the road suddenly comes to an end. You can turn right into Saguaro National Park East or left into the ranch with the Coronado National Forest just beyond.

This historic property began in the 1600’s with the Pima Indians.  "Tanque Verde" means "green pool" named after the seasonal river that the Indians used as a source of water. Emilio Carrillo, a Mexican landowner from Santa Cruz moved his family to Tucson in 1856 and purchased the land in 1868 for ranching. After Carrillo's death in 1908 (from complications of being hanged from a beam in the current card room by bandits in 1904), his son sold the property to Jim Converse.  Converse built the existing Ramada and in 1928 opened the ranch to guests from the East willing to pay to participate in everyday ranch activities. With this enthusiastic pool of labor and additional cash, the ranch continued to expand both in tourism and cattle production.  In 1945, Converse got drunk in a bar and accidentally shot a Mexican cowboy.  Convicted of manslaughter, his enthusiasm for the ranch waned and he sold TVR to Brownie Cote in 1958, who continued to expand and develop the property as a resort and dude ranch.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KELLEY LAMM MONTGOMERY AND TANQUE VERDE RANCH

TVR continues to be run and maintained by the Cote family today.

The ranch alone encompasses some 60,000 acres, making it the largest in North America.  The Santa Fe-style architecture and the traditional adobe walls of the buildings blend nicely into the natural surroundings.  There are 70 rooms scattered across the property, offering privacy and peaceful quiet. Several rooms are housed in the original ranch bunkhouse, but we were led up a gravel road to one of the free-standing casitas.

Walking inside, the decor is all ranch but surprisingly luxurious with brick walls, wrought iron headboards and light fixtures, rough-hewn wood furniture and Mexican tiles. Some rooms have a fireplace and/or Jacuzzi tubs.  There is free Wi-Fi, but no TVs.  Wait?  No TV’s???  My feelings of angst started to return until we pulled back the curtains on the large picture windows to see one of the most amazing sunsets EVER!

We quickly learned we could be as busy as we wanted to be with something for everyone – even me!  Activities for all ages are scheduled from 8am–9pm daily.  A kids camp for ages 4-12 is also an option for younger guests.

If you are adventurous, miles of trails can be explored on foot, bike or horseback, with different rides available for beginners and more advanced riders. Wranglers also offer riding lessons for any skill level. If you really want the dude experience, cattle herding might be fun. Yoga classes as well as basketball, pickleball and tennis courts are also on-site.

For those who want a more relaxing visit to just enjoy the beautiful surroundings, the rooms are quiet with private patios facing the desert. An indoor pool, outdoor pool, Jacuzzis, fishing ponds, nature walks, workshop classes and a full-service spa offer more ways to spend time.

Other favorite activities include a morning horseback ride to a remote breakfast camp, where a hot meal is served.  Or an afternoon ride with picnic lunch.   An evening barbecue cookout with bonfires and steak, beans, and all the fixings is also held weekly.

'...Tanque Verde Ranch is the ultimate dude ranch offering the Old West experience with upscale accommodations...'

Three meals a day are included in the room rate and are served communally in the vast dining room. Live country music and dancing are part of the scene at The Dirty Dog Saloon in the evenings.  You can even find a few TV’s in some of the community rooms but I must admit, I never looked at them even once.

If you are considering a family vacation or romantic getaway, Tanque Verde Ranch is the ultimate dude ranch offering the Old West experience with upscale accommodations, great service and all the modern day conveniences – except TV, which I never missed even for a minute!

LET’S MAKE A MOVE!

Whether you are first-time buyer, ready to search for your DREAM HOME or thinking of selling... CALL ME TODAY!

As your FULL-TIME Realtor®, I specialize in Queen Creek/San Tan Valley Real Estate!

Put my experience, and commitment to work for you!

ASK ME ABOUT:

A Seller Concessions?

A Down Payment Assistance?

A FHA vs Conventional Loans?

A How much is my home worth?

A Is it a Seller’s Market?

Military shaped my life. Having been married to a Marine before, during, and now after his time in service, I know FIRST-HAND the emotions that can be involved with any relocation. So many factors play into relocating and no two moves are alike. Having the honor of working for others during this time, along with my own personal experiences, gives me the unique ability to look for concerns and address them before they cause a problem. I love providing guidance and information that wasn’t always available during my own personal moves. Helping families through wherever life moves them has become a true passion of mine and I would love the opportunity to help you along your journey!

summer looks

ARTICLE BY ERIKA HILLIGAS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNIFER BOUBELIK

Summer 2023 is all about pops of color whether it be solid, patterned or floral. Don’t be afraid to experiment with color at your next event as this year’s main colors are Kelly green, mango and lavender! Cotton, linen and silk are also great breathable fabrics for summer along with looser flowy fits. In Arizona, dresses are always a cute, easy and stylish way to stay cool as well. Choose shorts that best flatter your figure and are the length you like as all short styles are in. White denim is always a good idea!

SOPHIEMAY BOUTIQUE HAS YOUR SUMMER FASHION COVERED.

| IMAGE 1 (From right to left) Summer Lovin’ Maxi Dress, Never Better Midi Dress,  Tie Strap Mini Dress, Summer Blooms Mini Dress.

| IMAGE 2 In the Moment Bodysuit (Kelly green) and high-rise color block shorts.

| IMAGE 3

(R) Dress with puff sleeves and bow in back. (L) Off-shoulder dress with flowing skirt.

| IMAGE 4 Step into Spring Bodysuit and mom shorts with more coverage and length.

We are the only doctor-run mobile IV service in the east valley. Our team helps to keep you moving and keep you healthy while doing it. We have lots of different treatments and therapies at anyone’s fingertips!

Food

FOR THE 4TH OF JULY

Local influencer and food allergy mom of two, Diva Galan, gives us her recipes for some colorful and delicious sides to accompany those hot dogs and hamburgers on the grill for this Fourth of July. The addition of chili and jalapeno to many of these recipes will guarantee that there will be extra flavor and excitement as you watch those fireworks go up. Consider jazzing up that corn on the cob or adding some spice to that margarita. For a delicious and healthy side, you can create a unique salsa using kiwis for a new twist to serve with your tortilla chips. To see more allergy-friendly options and recipes by Diva Galan, see her Instagram @ foodallergydiva

Roasted Elote Corn with Pepitas

INGREDIENTS

• 4-6 ears of corn, husked

• 1/4 cup of vegan mayo

• 1 tbsp of chili powder

• 1/3 cup of cilantro, chopped

• 1 lime, juiced and zested

• 1/2 cup of parmesan, shredded (you may opt for dairy free)

• 1/4 cup of chili lime pepitas, smashed

• salt to taste

DIRECTIONS

1. Pre-heat grill or set oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Allow to heat at desired temperature for 15 minutes.

2. Brush corn with oil then place on grill.

3. While corn is cooking, mix chili powder, lime, salt and mayo.

4. After 10 minutes on the grill, corn should be ready to remove.

5. Slather on mayo mixture on each corn.

6. Sprinkle the corn with cilantro, parmesan, and pepitas. Serve and enjoy!

INFLUENCER DIVA GALAN HELPS YOU BRING THE CULINARY FIREWORKS TO THE TABLE.

Roasted Elote Corn with Pepitas

INGREDIENTS

• 2-3 hatch chile peppers, roasted

• 4 oz triple sec

• 4 oz anejo tequila

• 2 oz agave

• 2 oz lime juice

• Ice

• Optional: flavored salt for rim

DIRECTIONS

1. Roast hatch chiles, remove seeds and set aside.

2. Using lime juice, wet rims of glasses and dip in flavored salt.

3. Muddle the lime juice with roasted hatch chiles.

4. Add ice and other ingredients into shaker. Shake vigorously and strain into glasses.

Roasted Hatch Chile Margaritas Kiwi Salsa

INGREDIENTS

• 8 kiwis, diced (I used SunGold yellow kiwis)

• 1/2 red onion, diced

• 1 jalapeño, diced finely

• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped

• Salt & pepper to taste

• 1 tbsp lime juice

DIRECTIONS

1. In a mixing bowl place all ingredients together.

2. Serve with tortilla chips of your choice!

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY DIVA GALAN

Roasted Hatch Chile Margaritas Kiwi Salsa

CITY LIFESTYLE

Summer Bucket List

Welcome, summer! As a hyper-local publication, we thrive on helping our readers make connections with the cities they live in, the businesses that make up their communities and the inspiring individuals making a positive mark.

Are you ready for your most adventurous, fun summer? Here are summer bucket list ideas for you to accomplish this year. We hope you’ll explore a new neighborhood, spend a lazy Saturday afternoon at a new winery or taste the flavors at a local ice cream shop. Let us know what you discover and enjoy! We’d love to hear.

KIDS ADULTS

Take

Visit

Go

Explore

Try

Hike

Explore

Read

Go

Pool Care 101

Crystal Clear Pool Fun Is Yours If You Know What To Do.

Jerry Handley is owner of AZ Pool Works LLC  with 10 plus years, servicing, repairing, remodeling and building swimming pools.

When summertime hits, the pool becomes the one place for the whole family to cool off from the desert heat. Therefore a clean and well-maintained pool is important.  Whether you are a new pool owner or not, hopefully this article will help you understand your pool and when you should contact a professional.

Once a week the pool will need to be swept, skimmed, and baskets emptied. Depending on how much the pool is being used, size of the pool, temperature of the water, equipment type, and debris going into the pool will determine if it needs to be cleaned and if it needs to be checked more often. As you learn the personality of your pool over time, you will discover how it is responding and what it will need each week.

Otherwise going into the swim season, you won’t be able to enjoy your pool. Plan to spend 30 minutes to an hour each week during swim season and 15 to 30 minutes in the off season if you have your pool under control. Plan on some extra time here and there during monsoon season. Pools are an expensive investment that can be enjoyed if taken care of properly or they can be a nightmare if not.

www.azpoolworks.com

Check Equipment

If the pool equipment is not working right, you will have a hard time taking care of the pool. The pump is the heart of your pool. It needs to move the water efficiently. The filter also needs to be cleaned and/or backwashed as needed. Think of it like your AC - if the filters are clean and replaced often, your AC runs more efficiently, saving you money.

Water Balance Pool Apps Service

Your water will need to be tested at least once a week, sometimes more depending on usage and debris. You should be checking Chlorine, PH, and Alkalinity once a week, and all of the rest can be checked monthly to bi-monthly. You can use DPD (drops and shakers), test strips, or take a water sample to your local pool store. You also may need to drain and refill the pool to get the water balance corrected. We recommend draining every 2 years for chlorine tablet pools and 3 to 5 years for salt pools. If you are taking care of the pool yourself, make sure to do it the same day each week.

For additional help and reminders, there are some apps on your phone to help you with testing and dosing. I recommend using the app from Orenda Technologies. They also have free training through the app to help you learn about chemical balance for swimming pools.

You can also hire a pool service company to service your pool weekly for you. Some service companies will also offer to come do a 'pool school' for you and teach you the basics of pool care and how to operate and maintain it. You will still need to check on things in between service visits as they will most likely only be there once a week unless you have made special arrangements. We recommend you only hire a licensed, bonded and insured pool service. Also ask what training they have had, certificates they have earned, and if they are members of any pool service associations.

Simple Steps to an Edible Garden

Your summer garden survival guide.

ARTICLE BY JUSTIN ROHNER

1. HEALTHY SOIL.

The first step to gardening is having healthy soil. This allows your plants to start off and grow their roots in a thriving environment. The ideal soil for vegetables is about 18″ deep and drains well. However, if you are just wanting to grow greens, you only need about 4″ of soil because their roots are shallow. Your soil should hold moisture like a sponge, have about 1/3 high organic matter, and the neutral pH should be about 6 to 7.

2. HEALTHY STARTS.

Many people like to use seeds, but they can be unpredictable. Transplanting baby plants gives you a higher success rate as well as an understanding of what a plant looks like when it sprouts. When you are picking plants for successful starts you want to avoid visible roots, rootbound plants, yellowed or damaged plants. In general, anything the plant will have to recover from first before thriving delays its production.

3. HEALTHY ROUTINE.

Having a healthy system or routine can be a moving meditation for you. Avoid binge gardening. Instead, give yourself a daily routine to transform the energy of the day into a wholesome, peaceful creation. There are four things you need to include in your daily routine. An example of a healthy routine is harvest for 15 minutes, prep for 15 minutes, plant for 15 minutes, care for 15 minutes. If you only want to garden once a week, you could schedule two hours a week and do each of the steps above for 30 minutes instead of 15. Whichever you choose, be sure it’s a solid routine.

By following these three simple steps regularly over the course of just a few weeks' time, you will have a dependable harvest depending on how often you schedule to work in your garden. This will keep you from getting overwhelmed and your garden will provide you with an abundance of produce.

Justin Rohner has been helping people around the world grow their own healthy, fresh foods at home for more than 25 years. He is a passionate educator, artist, and entrepreneur with an engineering mind who only recently started sharing his sustainable gardening secrets. His professional enthusiasm centers around improving Self-reliance, Sustainable Food, and Family, and was named one of Arizona’s Top 35 Entrepreneurs by The Arizona Republic and AZCentral.com for his work improving local food access & sustainability through Agriscaping.com. He earned his BA from Arizona State University and Master’s from the University of Santa Monica. Justin lives in Queen Creek, Arizona with his wife Britney, 4 kids and a beautiful landscape full of food.

Justin Rohner

Founder of Agriscaping.com and Co-Founder of the Queen Creek Botanical Gardens

Truly Tubac

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY FLORENCE DANIELS

Tubac began as a Spanish presidio in 1752. The remnants of the history are still there for those who want to explore the historic Tubac Presidio State Park . Today, however, it is better known as an artist colony. There are a number of unique shops, art galleries, and dining options. Just a 47 minute drive south of Tucson, you can explore it for the day, or stay at the Tubac Golf Resort and Spa . Originally set on the grounds of the historic Otero Ranch, cows graze lazily near the golf course. The resort has sweeping views of the Santa Rita mountain ranges and the grounds are filled with fountains, lush lawns, and mature trees.

For the art lovers, the best place to start is the Tubac Center of the Arts . Here they promote and exhibit the arts of both local artists and those from around the country. There are workshops for all ages and a gift shop.

Tubac is a good place to station yourself if you want to make some day trips to nearby points of interest. The closest thing you might experience to a beach in Arizona is at the Patagonia Lake State Park. This huge lake has boating, swimming, kayaking and even the best bird-watching in the state.

Further afield is the charming town of Patagonia itself. The wine trail in Sonoita is the perfect way to end the day before you loop back. Numerous wineries greet you along the route in this rustic and beautiful desert grassland region. Considered to be Arizona's original wine country it will not disappoint with wineries like Los Milics Vineyard .

However, if you prefer to stay in Tubac, the Flying Leap Vineyards Tasting Room has plenty of Arizona wines for you to try as well. Dining is a must in Tubac and Elvira's is an award winning modern Mexican cuisine that is a must-see while in town.  However, if you prefer a good cup of coffee and a sandwich,  Tubac Deli & Coffee Co.  is a quick and delicious option. Whichever way you decide to spend your time in Tubac, it is time well spent.

The town where art and history meet.

TOP: Golf

RIGHT: Tubac Shops

LEFT: Resort and Spa

events

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

Hometown 4th at Schnepf Farms

SCHNEPF FARMS | 4:00 PM

Enjoy a decade long tradition of Queen Creek celebrating 4th of July at Schnepf Farms. There will be rides, food trucks, live music, and more. Of course, don't forget the fireworks display as well. The event goes from 4-9pm and tickets are available at schnepffarms.com

Playcation!

QUEEN CREEK LIBRARY | 10:00 AM

Every Wednesday throughout July from 10am-12pm all ages are welcome to attend Playcation at the Queen Creek Library. Several stations will be set up for you and your children to explore and learn through play. No registration required.

Splash Pad Party

MANSEL CARTER OASIS PARK | 6:00 PM

The town of Queen Creek will be hosting a fun night at Mansel Carter Oasis Park to celebrate Parks and Recreation Month. It will be a night of food, music and fun. All ages are welcome and admission is free.

Christmas in July

QUEEN CREEK OLIVE MILL

Enjoy Christmas in July at the Queen Creek Olive Mill. There will be Christmas brunch menu items as well as Christmas-themed items to buy in the shop. queencreekolivemill.com

Summer Bash!

LEGACY PARK | 10:00 AM

This event will be held from July 15th-16th from 10am-4pm. This will be indoors and feature over 100 vendors. There will be food trucks, kids activities, live music and more! Entry is free. Parking is $5.

Old Ellsworth Brewing Co. Company 6th Anniversary Celebration!

OLD ELLSWORTH BREWERY COMPANY | 11:00 AM

The Old Ellsworth Brewing Co. will be celebrating their 6th anniversary. There will be live music, activities, and more, not to mention the beers! Come and join the celebration! oldellsworthbrewing.com

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/QueenCreek

HONORING THOSE WHO GAVE THEIR TIME,

SO YOU CAN ENJOY YOUR TIME