THE KIDS AND PETS ISSUE
LIFE + CULTURE
KIDS N' KRITTERS RODEO EVENT
FOOD + BEVERAGE HOMEMADE DOG TREATS
HEALTH + WELLNESS
ARIZONA POLE VAULT ACADEMY
The Ones That Matter Most
As the end of summer draws near, I hope everyone is enjoying a great summer with family, friends and of course your beloved pets. One of the core values our community has always held was the emphasis on our children and our furry friends we call family. As I go through my daily routine, I am pleased to say, that I get the opportunity to meet and know many of both here in Queen Creek.
We had the pleasure of raising three wonderful children who now have families of their own and we enjoy the blessing of spending time with our five grandchildren, which are truly life’s “dessert”. It was such an enjoyable experience watching our children grow into the young adults they’ve become and go into the world to create their own lives while becoming successful in their chosen paths. Today, watching them have the same type of experience with their own children is nothing short of amazing.
Along the way, we were also blessed with the companionship of our pets, several dogs, who were an important part of our family too. It’s difficult to express the bond that we create with our pets and how significant they become to us, however ours played a major role in our family.
This month we touch on the accomplishments of some of the fantastic youth in QC while showing some of the fun and exciting opportunities to share with your children and pets.
BRAD
SCHNEPF, PUBLISHER
@QUEENCREEKCITYLIFESTYLE
August 2024
PUBLISHER
Brad Schnepf | brad.schnepf@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Florence Daniels | florence.daniels@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Laurie Corbin
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Kaeden Peterson
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto
LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman
Elevated Design Premium Locations Exceptional Value
Queen Creek
1,880 - 4,850 SQ.FT
3-6 Beds | 2-4.5 Baths
2-4 Bay garage
Walking trails, parks, play areas and pool
Priced from the mid $600k’s
Sentinel at Oro Ridge Queen Creek
2,665 - 3,124 SQ.FT
4-5 Beds | 2.5-3 Baths
3 Bay garage
Community trails, play grounds, and parks
Priced from the mid $500k’s
Bella Vista Farms San Tan Valley
2,737 - 3,146 SQ.FT 4-5 Beds | 2.5-3.5 Baths
3 Bay garage
10 acre park, community pool, basketball and volleyball court
Priced from the low $500k’s
Blossom Rock Apache Junction NOW SELLING
3,081 - 3,453 SQ.FT
4-5 Beds | 3-4 Baths
3-4 Bay garage
Expected to feature a dog park, basketball, tennis and pickleball courts, playground and pool
Priced from the mid $600k’s
Madera
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Grand Opening of the Frontier Family Park in Queen Creek. 2: Girl climbing on the new playground at Frontier Family Park. 3: Child trying out the new zipline at the Frontier Family park playground. 4: New pickleball courts at Frontier Family Park. 5: Public Works booth at the What's Poppin' event. 6: Resident viewing future plan renderings for the town. 7: Chick Fil A ribbon cutting ceremony.
K. PETERSON K. PETERSON K. PETERSON
K. PETERSON K. PETERSON
K. PETERSON
QUEEN CREEK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
business monthly
Pita Jungle Rolls Out 30th Anniversary Seasonal Menu
Pita Jungle is rolling out their new Seasonal Kitchen Crafts menu this summer titled Bites From The Past, in honor of their 30th anniversary. The menu will feature delicious dishes, such as Moroccan Gazpacho, Po’Boy Fried Rice and the popular Inflation Busters, from the past and present to celebrate this exciting milestone.
Someburros Grand Opening
Arizona’s Most-Loved Mexican restaurant for nearly 38 years, is set to debut the much anticipated San Tan Valley location. Nestled in the heart of the community, this location will be the first in San Tan Valley. As a cherished, family-owned restaurant in the Phoenix area since 1986, Someburros is unique to Arizona and offers a food and beverage experience that reflects the Sonoran culture, flavors, and traditions.
Queen Creek Running Company Celebrates 6 Years!
This locally owned business helps runners, walkers, hikers, and more find the footwear, apparel, and outdoor gear for all their needs. They celebrated their 6th anniversary with a group run and social, raffle prizes, discounts, and more. www.queencreekrunningcompany.com
Photography by K. Peterson
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!
Every March the Roots N’ Boots Rodeo week has a special event just for your little ones.
Kids N' Kritters
ARTICLE BY FLORENCE DANIELS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAEDEN PETERSON
Roots N' Boots Queen Creek has been held annually at the Horseshoe Park and Equestrian Centre for the last 13 years. The event is held each March and includes a jam-packed week filled with a variety of displays that include bull riding, barrel racing, roping, and much more. However, while all of that might sound exciting and confined to those skilled and daring, the youngsters can have their fun too. Dakota Baden, Head Honcho of the Kids N' Kritters event is in her second year of helping kids harness their inner cowboy. Dakota herself has been around the rodeo since she was very young and her family has always been involved. Rodeo has had a long history and a relationship to ranching and farming. Both of which have deep roots in Queen Creek, so the event is quite popular. Dakota called it a 'staple event for our community'.
While for Dakota rodeo is a passion and a lifestyle, she also believes it can build character by teaching youth to persevere and grow resilient. Yet for newcomers starting with some curiosity and fun is a good place to begin too. One event geared for ages 3-11 is the 'Dash for Cash' in which dessert coupons for Chick Fil A are stuck on goats for kids to chase and grab. Kids even get a chance to ride sheep while wearing a helmet and vest for protection. The youngest can be 3 years old and weigh no more than 55 pounds for this activity. However, for those who prefer to keep their distance from animals, you can still mimic the experience and grab onto a
“Rodeo
has had a long history and a relationship to ranching and farming... which have deep roots in Queen Creek.”
stick horse while maneuvering through the barrel course. Dakota says, 'Kids can run a pattern just like the real rodeo'. All of the events and activities for kids are held during the day and stay related to agriculture or rodeo themes. The idea is to introduce and expose children and families to farming as well as rodeo culture. Dakota says it is important that people know where their food and clothes come from and to have an appreciation for these traditions and the hard work of so many. These hands on activities aim to teach as well as entertain, but they also get kids to move and embrace the simple fun of getting loud and even a little bit dirty. In this day and age of technology and with an emphasis on sedentary behavior, a rodeo might be just what kids need to spend some energy and get their bodies in motion.
There are classic games and a sack race, even the 'egg and spoon' race gets a twist by using a water balloon instead. There are prizes that include fun bookmarks and key chains, and always have some educational element for the kids too. While attending the day's activities it was clear that the sounds of laughter and the awe with which the children were able to approach animals was memorable for all. In addition to the week of rodeo, there is much to see and do, including a carnival, petting zoo and pony rides, food trucks, music, shopping, and more. The rodeo isn't just for cowboys, but at the Kids N' Kritters event you might just turn into one.
www.rootsnboots.org
ARTICLE BY FLORENCE DANIELS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAEDEN PETERSON
YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS
WHAT CAN TWO TEENS LEARN FROM RUNNING THEIR OWN JEWELRY STAND?
Normally the heat in Arizona puts off customers, but for two local teens, positioning a table just outside of a community pool may have been the answer. Emilia and Lynn are 7th graders and both avid bracelet makers, often using their creativity for fun. This time they decided to see if they could make a profit too. Here is what they learned from running their own business.
“One Saturday they set up shop and gave themselves three hours to see what they might manage to sell to those passing by.”
The girls agreed to a list of supplies, some borrowed, and some they already had to keep costs low. They decided upon a price point of $6 for simple designs, $9 for ones with more colors and charms. One Saturday they set up shop and gave themselves three hours to see what they might manage to sell to those passing by. They made sure to decorate their table, put up a price menu, and even added a bowl of candy to entice the nearby foot traffic.
The first hour was quite slow as a number of cars kept passing. Nevertheless, both girls were undeterred and kept waving and smiling. As more people passed, the girls plucked up the courage to introduce themselves and start a friendly chat. This seemed to work and a few people bought bracelets with even one car stopping to buy a bracelet from each girl.
By the end of their time, the girls did not come close to selling out of bracelets but they did walk away with some new experiences. Lynn said she was inspired to think of other times of the year and places in the community to sell her bracelets. Emilia learned more about what the customers liked and which bracelets were best sellers. However, it was clear they both grew in confidence and had fun at the same time.
Lynn and Emilia
HOME MADE DOG TREATS
ARTICLE BY LAURIE CORBIN
Try your hand at some tasty treats to satisfy your pup.
Peanut Butter Dog Treats
Easy to make treats your dog will love!
ingredients:
• 2 cups flour preferably whole wheat flour or white whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup natural peanut butter Make sure to use peanut butter that does not contain XYLITOL (also called birch sugar)
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup water
directions:
Step 1. Preheat the oven to 350 F.
Step 2. Combine flour, eggs, and peanut butter in a large bowl to make a thick crumbly dough.
Step 3. Add water, one tablespoon at a time, until you can form the dough into a large ball.
Step 4. On a clean floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters or a knife to cut into individual treats.
Step 5. Place the treats on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes. Let them cool before feeding!
Laurie Corbin is a Practice Manager at Revel Vet and the owner of a 10 year old Pitbull she rescued in 2019 named Shelby Sue.
SPEAKING UP
Queen Creek teens were asked to share their perspectives.
ARTICLE BY FLORENCE DANIELS
For teenagers nationwide, there are unprecedented challenges as they navigate their adolescence. The town and mayor, Julia Wheatley, wanted to better understand those challenges and how the town could help. On May 6th, they held a Teen Voices Summit, inviting Queen Creek teenagers to attend and speak to town leaders in a relaxed atmosphere where they could take the floor.
Mayor Wheatley got the idea from another former mayor who felt the concept had produced some fruitful results for his town in California. The summit was also important in the lead up to the Teen Advisory Committee that the town is recruiting for that will begin in the next school year. The summit hosted 16 teenagers where the average age was 15. Yet,
if anyone had expected them to be shy and unsure, Mayor Wheatley said she was delightfully surprised.
'They did not hold back,' she says, 'they expressed themselves and how they are feeling.' Mayor Wheatley even felt many were ready to burst with opinions and ideas. One thing was clear, a platform such as this was needed and it led to eye-opening and honest discussions. One attendee, Ava Quinn, who is 13 years old and in 8th grade, said the summit was very valuable. She said that teens battled with isolation and bullying and needed to make adults more aware.
Many of the pressures cited included academically, socially, in sport, and preparations for college, often simultaneously. 'They can't leave school at school.' said Mayor Wheatley. 'They need grace
and downtime to relax and connect.' As a result, some of the feedback suggested teens needed more things to do in town that were either free or almost free. Ava Quinn said she'd like to see more attempts at creating community or social events to create understanding and relieve pressure.
MAYOR’S TEEN ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Interested? Here is what you need to apply:
• Be between 14 and 18 years of age and/or in grades 9-12
• Be a Queen Creek resident
• Submit an application of interest
• Agree to participate in a variety of activities, including monthly group meetings
https://www.queencreekaz.gov/residents/ community-outreach/teens
DESERT HEAT and YOUR PETS
The desert can be beautiful but the searing summer heat can feel oppressive. Don't forget that our pets feel it too. Here are some helpful tips to keep your furry friends cool and safe.
1. TOUCH-TEST
When walking your dogs this summer be aware that outside temperature above 95 degrees increases the risk of pavement burns on their paws. Before letting them step outside place a bare foot on the pavement and hold it for seven seconds. If it is too hot for you, it's too hot for them.
2. POOL SAFETY
Pool water is not for drinking for your pet.
Consuming too much of chlorine can hurt your pet so provide a bowl of fresh water nearby in the shade. Also, before your dog jumps in the water, make sure they can swim. Guide and supervise your pet until they learn how and make sure to direct them on how to get out of the pool by themselves too.
3. SIGNS OF HEAT-STROKE
Try to provide shade outside and limit vigorous activity, however, here are some signs of heatstroke to look out for:
• Excessive drooling
• Abnormal breathing
• Fast heart
• Agitation
QUICK GUIDE
• Give plenty of fresh and clean water.
• Supervise around the pool.
• Never leave a pet in a hot car.
• Visit the vet and make sure your pets have all their check-ups and medications.
• Know the symptoms of heat-stroke.
• Secure any open doors and windows.
• Check your pet's particular breed and level of sensitivity to heat.
ARTICLE BY FLORENCE DANIELS
Arizona heat means our pets need to be careful too
SETTING THE BAR HIGH FOR YOUNG ATHLETES.
Ready To Launch
ARTICLE BY FLORENCE DANIELS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAEDEN PETERSON
L-R Garrett Starkey, Tray Oates, Dean Starkey, Nathan Hiett
Being a good coach is like speaking many different languages.
For Dean Starkey, owner of Arizona Pole Vault Academy, it is clear that his passion for the sport is rivaled only by his commitment to young athletes and his team of coaches. Dean left a corporate job to devote himself to training a new generation of pole vaulters and build a world class facility in which to train them. Dean himself broke records at the NCAA, attended three World Championships, winning bronze in 1997, and spent 10 years touring and competing in the sport.
Pole Vaulting is a track and field event and a fairly niche sport. Dean himself began in football and only looked into pole vaulting as a means to train and stay in shape. The other coaches have similar stories, discovering the sport by chance, and then falling in love with it. Nathan Hiett has been coaching since 2018 and says the sport never felt like work, just fun. Unlike some other sports where there might be a lot of waiting around and repetitive routine, Nathan says the practices are 'free-flowing, engaging, and entertaining.'
Garrett Starkey who helps to run the academy with his father, Dean, says the sport is 'a little puzzle on how to get someone to maximize their potential.' This seems to be the running theme with all the coaches here, the genuine desire to cultivate great athletes. Tray Oates has been a coach with the academy since 2019 and says that training young athletes actually helps him to better understand the mechanics of the sport and learning even as he was teaching. 'Being a good coach is like speaking many different languages.' says Tray, who discovered that with each athlete came
a personality and a unique style that required a different approach to motivate and inspire them forward.
The Arizona Pole Vault Academy not only has the facility to train on, but also has an impressive weight training room, an array of poles to work with, and the community needed to boost each athlete to new heights. Dean likes to keep the classes a manageable size so that each youth gets enough one on one time. He runs about 5 camps a year with 2 just in the summer. The 3 day summer camp we observed had about 30 kids in attendance. The atmosphere is relaxed and yet all the athletes appeared eager to get going even in the heat of Arizona.
Dean began the academy in 2008 and says the small town feel of Queen Creek compliments his academy well. The reputation of the academy has grown and is what has drawn many of his students, many of them returning and some of them even come from out of state. They run training sessions from 1 to 3 times a week for the 70 active kids who are mostly local. However, Dean emphasizes that the real 'rockstars' of the academy are his coaches Nathan, Garrett, and Tray. Their commitment to their students is clear, and while they train them in strength, speed, and coordination, they also recognize the sport teaches them patience and a positive attitude. The spirit of the place is apparent and despite his humility, Dean has played a central role in this, as each of the coaches cited Dean as an inspiration.
www.arizonapolevaultacademy.com
Aside from saving your pets pain and discomfort, dental health is related to a chain of reactions that affect their overall health. Plaque builds up on your pets teeth: bad breath. Bacteria in the plaque leads to gum inflammation, gum disease may progress to cause pain and tooth loss. The inflamed gums allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream. Once in the blood stream, bacteria travels throughout the body where they can negatively impact vital organs like the heart, lover, and kidneys.
revelvet.com | 480.571.9564 | 24754 S Ellsworth Rd, Queen Creek, AZ
Receive 20% Off the COHAT (Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment) procedure and a dental care package when you mention AUGDEN20 and schedule the procedure during the month of August 2024.
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Whether your pup has the obedience of a dog show finalist, or social behavior that makes you want to play dead around others, you can develop more owner confidence with help from this expert trainer.
ARTICLE BY LISA MOYER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES | STYLED BY ANGELA BROOCKERD
DOG
SOCIALIZING
“Socializing your dog is beneficial for both dogs and their owners,” says Taryn Tyler, a certified dog trainer. “It creates confidence for both dogs and owners and displaces the anxiety we feel when our dogs aren’t behaving like we want them to.”
Taryn stresses that teaching a dog to sit or stay is less about tricks and more about the relationship that builds between animal and owner. “We all love our dogs, but they can be stressful when they can’t seem to click in our home environments.
• Socializing is more than taking your dog in public. A guy can dump a bunch of mulch in your driveway and spread it, but he’s not a landscaper until he’s following a plan. When the doorbell rings or a visitor comes into the house, what’s our expectation for the dog? When we’re in public and the dog’s attention is diverted, what’s our plan to refocus them? Socialization is 99 percent working on small steps as part of a larger plan.
• Socializing isn’t about our dogs being the center of attention in public. Everyone loves seeing a dog, but our best outcome for the dog is to go unnoticed. Sitting by our side, ignoring external stimuli, remaining calm—those are things we strive for when socializing a dog.
• When socializing dogs with other dogs, start small. Take a walk with another dog to get them to just exist in the same vicinity. Once they’re able to not be excited by the other dog, work on limited playing in controlled environments.
• If someone comes into your home, let them know what boundaries you’re working on with your dog. You can even suggest asking them to carry a few treats and work on some of the behaviors your dog is already comfortable with.
HOW TO THROW A BIRTHDAY BASH FOR YOUR FOUR-LEGGED FRIENDS:
Once your dog is able to socialize with other pets, playdates are a great way to encourage good play behavior. One way to celebrate your pup’s birthday is to celebrate with their favorite furry friends. Here are a few helpful tips for making your gathering a success.
• Set up play areas for your furry guests to enjoy. This can include a doggy pool or splash pad, chew toys, frisbees, and don’t forget the pet-friendly bubbles.
• Offer party guests birthday attire such as a birthday hat, bandana or party outfit. Set up a photo wall for pet owners to get photos with their furry friends in their birthday outfits. Better yet, make it a costume competition, and invite guests to come dressed up ready to show off their pup’s attire.
• Create a treat display with a pet-friendly birthday cake and various chewy snacks for guests to give their pups.
• Party favors are a must to end your festivities with a bang. Fill party bags with bouncy balls, treats, and pet-friendly bubbles to send your guests off with a smile.
WE BRING YOUR IDEAS TO LIFE
AUGUST 2ND
FREE First Friday Night
Children's Museum of Phoenix | 5:00 PM
The Museum is open from 5pm-9pm free of charge on the first Friday of each month. Space is very limited and guests will be admitted on a first-come, first-served basis. Museum admission is not guaranteed due to extremely limited capacity. www.childrensmuseumofphoenix.org
School Time Emotional
Zen Life Center for Healing | 12:00 PM
Zen Life Center for Healing will be hosting a School Time Emotional Skills Class for Parents, Kids and Educators happening on August 3rd from 12:00 - 1:30 PM. Learn tools and techniques to deal with test anxiety, bullying and performance fears.
Rock Point Coffee Company | 7:00 AM
QC Cars and Coffee at Rock Point Coffee Company will be held from 7am to 10am. All car enthusiasts are welcome.
AUGUST 16TH
The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical
Queen Creek Performing Arts Center 7:00 PM
In this dynamic musical adaptation that took Broadway by storm, teenager Percy Jackson discovers he is the half-blood son of a Greek god! With newly-discovered powers he cannot control and a mythology textbook’s worth of monsters on his trail, Percy and his friends embark on an epic journey to find Zeus’s missing lightning bolt. Performances run the 16th-19th. www.qcpac.com
AUGUST 17TH
Gardening Workshop
Queen Creek Library | 9:00 AM
Learn from a local expert how to cultivate vibrant desert landscapes, mastering techniques tailored to our unique climate. Discover the secrets of thriving flora in the arid Southwest in a free class that beginners and the more experienced can enjoy together. Seating is limited and registration is required. www.queencreekaz.gov
AUGUST 18TH
Phoenix Art Family Funday
Phoenix Art Museum | 10:00 AM
Four times a year, Phoenix Art Museum hosts PhxArt Family Fundays, an all-ages, free-access day with complimentary admission to every gallery and exhibition and arts-engagement programming suitable for visitors of all ages, interests, and abilities. www.phxart.org
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DAD Day Out DAUGHTER
Will and his daughter Ayda's favorite places in town.
ARTICLE BY FLORENCE DANIELS
and
1. MANSEL CARTER OASIS PARK: To start, some fun at the playground and duck viewing at the lake.
2. SPLASH PAD: Some water play is a must in this heat!
3. HANDEL'S HOMEMADE ICE CREAM: Time for a delicious treat, Ayda chose Birthday Cake.
4. PECAN LAKE ENTERTAINMENT: Dad gives Ayda some pointers during a round of mini golf.
