Happy 250th Birthday, America!
For almost five years, I have had the privilege of being editor of Queen Creek City Lifestyle Magazine. This July issue will be my last and I have had such fun and gained so many stories and experiences from the very first issue in November 2022 to now.
It is fitting, that my last issue as editor is July, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States of America. In this issue we celebrate America, Queen Creek, and freedom. As the daughter of immigrants, and the first of my family to be born on US soil, I am so proud and lucky to call myself American. My first issue was themed around being 'Thankful' and that theme runs through into this one.
I am so grateful to have had this opportunity and to have been a part of this publication that has grown alongside this amazing town. Queen Creek is a place with creative, resourceful and inspiring people who are growing their families and their businesses all while staying true to the roots of Queen Creek's origins.
The future is bright, and I cannot wait to see how Queen Creek continues to prosper. I also look forward to experiencing this magazine as a reader. Thank you so much to all of you who have been on this journey with us, and if we have managed to help you get to know your neighbors and your town just a little bit more, I am so glad to have played a small part in that.
Have a wonderful 4th of July and Happy Birthday to the USA!
Florence Daniels
FLORENCE DANIELS, EDITOR
July 2026
PUBLISHER
Jackson York | jackson.york@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Florence Daniels | florence.daniels@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Macie Smith | macie.smith@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Tiffany Mraz, Gretchen Pahia, Michelle Talsma Everson
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Hold Fast Visuals, Alexxis Grant, Rylan Dressendorfer, Kaeden Peterson, Catamaran Resort Hotel Spa
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto
LAYOUT DESIGNER Lillian Gibbs
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
Proverbs 3:5-6
business monthly
ROUNDUP OF NEWS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES
NEWS Point Academy Ribbon Cutting
NEWS Point Academy celebrated their ribbon cutting and is now enrolling students for its inaugural 2026–27 school year, offering families a new tuition-free public charter high school experience designed to combine rigorous academics with elite athletic development. Located at the Arizona Athletic Grounds, NEWS Point Academy will open in July 2026 serving 9th and 10th grade students, with plans to expand into a full four-year high school.
ROAR Aesthetics and Wellness Ribbon Cutting
ROAR Aesthetics and Wellness celebrated the grand opening of their new Queen Creek space, bringing elevated aesthetic and wellness services to the Queen Creek community with a personalized, confidence-focused approach to self-care. Founded by Nurse Practitioner Krystal Carey, ROAR Aesthetics and Wellness offers a wide range of advanced aesthetic and wellness treatments designed to help clients look and feel their best.
Grand Opening of Brain Balance
Brain Balance of Queen Creek officially opened its doors with a ribbon cutting celebration, marking the introduction of a new resource for families seeking support in cognitive, behavioral, and academic development. The event welcomed local leaders and community members to tour the facility, meet the team, and learn more about the Brain Balance program. Guests had the opportunity to explore the center’s services and gain insight into its personalized, whole-brain approach.
Photography by Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce
Photography by Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce
Photography by Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce
What Does Being An American Mean To Me
People around town tell us what celebrating America's birthday means to them.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALEXXIS GRANT AND KAEDEN PETERSON
‘Being American means cherishing the freedoms won by those that fought and paid the ultimate price. It means exercising our rights of life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness while ensuring our children have the opportunities to achieve the American Dream.’
- Mayor Julia Wheatley
‘Being an American means honoring those sacrifices, appreciating our freedoms, working hard to build a better future, and never taking this country for granted. I am proud and honored to be a citizen of the United States of America.’
-Brent Morgan, owner of Right At Home.
‘Thanks to the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution, what was known as “The Great Experiment” has given us the freedom to worship in peace, pursue our dreams, and raise a family knowing our God-given rights are protected.’
- Vice Mayor Bryan McClure
‘Being an American to me means rolling up sleeves, answering the call... being inextricably paired to the pursuit of the common goal of making our Union ever more Perfect.’
- Council member Jeff Brown
‘Being an American means embracing life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, being selfless in serving others, while also recognizing the responsibility we have to elect leaders who protect individual freedoms, strengthen families, and help to build prosperous communities.’
- Bruce Gardner, Queen Creek Town Manager
‘The shared belief in certain inherent and inalienable rights for everyone is the foundation of being an American.’
- Shea Joachim, Queen Creek Assistant Town Manager
‘Being an American is about gratitude for the opportunities and freedoms we enjoy, pride in serving our communities, and confidence that together we can overcome whatever challenges lie ahead.’
- Randy Brice, Queen Creek Chief of Police
‘When I pause and think back on the last 250 years I am taken back by the sacrifices and dedication Americans have displayed in forming this country.’
- Vance Gray, Queen Creek Fire Chief
Photo by A. Grant
Photo by K. Peterson
CATAMARAN RESORT HOTEL AND SPA
ARTICLE BY JACKSON YORK
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CATAMARAN RESORT HOTEL AND SPA
Take it easy for a romantic getaway in San Diego.
Some trips are packed with plans from morning to night. Others are memorable because they give you a reason to slow down for a few days and enjoy where you are. Our stay at the Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa in San Diego was the latter.
My wife and I spent three nights at the Catamaran for our anniversary, and from the moment we arrived, the experience felt easy. The property sits right on Mission Bay, and while you are still in the middle of San Diego, the resort manages to feel separated from the city. The Polynesian inspired design, tropical landscaping, and bay front setting create an atmosphere that is calm.
Soon after checking into our beachfront suite, a bottle of wine and charcuterie board arrived at our room. Every interaction with the staff felt genuine and welcoming.
Our suite ended up being one of our favorite parts of the entire experience. Being able to walk directly from the patio onto the sand completely changed the pace of the trip. Mornings started with coffee outside overlooking Mission Bay, and in the evenings, we would sit on the patio listening to the water before dinner. It made the entire stay feel relaxed from start to finish.
The pool
The Gardens
Our first dinner was at Oceana Coastal Kitchen, Catamaran’s waterfront restaurant, and it easily became one of the highlights of the trip. We ordered sushi along with the shrimp rigatoni, both of which were excellent, but somehow the artisan sourdough bread with Hawaiian butter ended up stealing the show. The restaurant itself strikes a balance that fits the resort perfectly. The atmosphere is elevated, but still comfortable and approachable enough that you never feel out of place.
The next morning started with breakfast at Oceana again, where we had what was the best breakfast burrito either of us has ever had. From there, we headed to the Catamaran Spa for a couple’s massage.
The treatments themselves were excellent, but what stood out most was how complete the experience felt. After our massage, we spent time using the steam room, jacuzzi, and workout facilities, all of which are included for spa guests. It felt less like squeezing in an appointment and more like dedicating an afternoon to slowing down.
That balance is probably what the Catamaran does best overall. The resort feels refined without becoming formal. Instead, everything from the layout of the property to the service and amenities seemed intentionally designed to help guests settle in comfortably.
By our final full day, we found ourselves spending most of the time simply enjoying the property. We relaxed on the bay, spent time at the pool, and appreciated having nowhere to be. In a way, that became the best endorsement of the resort itself. The Catamaran is a place that makes staying put feel worthwhile.
For us, it ended up being exactly what an anniversary trip should be. Relaxing, comfortable, and thoughtfully done without ever feeling excessive. Couples at almost any stage of life would enjoy a stay here, whether the goal is a long weekend away, a quiet beach vacation, or simply an opportunity to disconnect for a few days.
San Diego has no shortage of beautiful places to stay, but the Catamaran offers something that feels genuinely welcoming while still delivering the level of quality people hope for when planning a special trip.
It is the kind of place you leave already talking about when you might return.
www.catamaranresort.com
FIRE UP THE GRILL
Queen Creek Olive Mill has original recipes for your Fourth of July.
Bring some unique recipes and exciting flavors to the grill with these recipes from Queen Creek Olive Mill for an unforgettable Fourth of July celebration.
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY QUEEN CREEK OLIVE MILL
PRICKLY PEAR AND JALAPENO SHRIMP
Equipment:
• 6 each 12 inch wooden or metal skewers
Ingredients:
• 24 large shrimp peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp Jalapeno Olive Oil
• 2 tbsp Prickly Pear White Balsamic Reduction
• 1 tsp kosher salt or more to taste
• 6 fresh jalapeños chopped
• 1 red onion chopped
• 1/4 tsp fresh ground pepper or more to taste
• 2 tbsp Superstition Chipotle Dipping Sauce
• orange bell peppers chopped
Other great flavors you can substitute to suit your tastes:
• Mexican Lime Olive Oil
• Meyer Lemon Olive Oil
• White Balsamic Vinegar
• Peach White Balsamic Reduction
Directions:
Step 1 - If you have wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes so they don’t ignite while grilling. If they are metal, you can skip this step.
Step 2 - Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. In a bowl, combine Jalapeño Olive Oil and Prickly Pear White Balsamic Reduction with shrimp and toss to coat.
Step 3 - Thread shrimp evenly onto the skewers. Sprinkle shrimp with salt and pepper. Grill shrimp 1 1/2 minutes on each side or until done.
BLUEBERRY BASIL BACON BURGER
Ingredients:
Burger:
• 8 burger patties
• Basil Olive Oil
• burger seasoning of your choice Blueberry Compote:
• 2 cups fresh blueberries rinsed
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup Blueberry White Balsamic Reduction
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• pinch of sea salt
• 2 tbsp water
• 1 tsp cornstarch Arugula:
• Basil Olive Oil
• 1/2 lemon to squeeze for juice
• pinch of sea salt
Assembly:
• 8 brioche buns
• Chardonnay
Herb Mascarpone
• 8 slices Basil & Garlic Monterey Jack Cheese
• 8 slices thick-cut applewood smoked bacon
• thinly sliced red onion to top with
Directions: Blueberry Compote
Step 1 - In a saucepan, combine the blueberries, sugar, blueberry reduction, lemon juice, and salt over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the
heat to low and cook for approximately 10 minutes or until the berries start to burst.
Step 2 - In a separate bowl, combine the water and cornstarch and add it to the blueberry compote. Stir until combined, mixture should start to thicken. Remove from heat and let cool.
Burger:
Step 1 - Drizzle Basil Olive Oil on the finished patties. season generously with your choice of burger seasoning. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
Step 2 - Transfer patties onto the grill and grill for 5 minutes per side or until done to your liking.
Step 3 - Add the cheese during the last 2 minutes of grilling that way it can melt. Remove cooked burgers from the grill and let rest of 5 minutes.
Arugula:
Step 1 - Drizzle Basil Olive Oil, Lemon Juice, and a Pinch of Sea Salt to arugula and toss.
Assembly:
Step 1 - To assemble, arrange each burger onto the bottom bun, top with one slice of bacon (halved), red onion, blueberry compote, and arugula. Spread the top side of the bun with Chardonnay Herb Mascarpone, then place on top of the burger. Enjoy! www.queencreekolivemill.com
Stacey Siewert
The Big Tin Cotton Gin
A major move is happening for a historic building, piece by piece.
The Big Tin Cotton Gin has been a part of Queen Creek history since 1950. Back then, farmers would bring their cotton to be weighed and sold. As the town changed, the building went through several iterations, including a tire shop, a craft market, and a fruit stand.
For the last seven years, the Cotton Gin has been an event venue under the ownership of James and Julie Ballentyne. The two saw it’s potential and have hosted dances, school events, and about 600 weddings over the years. However, the community will soon have to say goodbye. The land was sold and the future of the building was uncertain as a result. James felt compelled to step in. ‘I feel totally led by God to do this.’ he says of the project he has now undertaken to move the entire structure to a new location.
James and Julie will dismantle the Cotton Gin piece by piece before reassembling it on a new piece of land. The ultimate home
of the Gin is yet to be determined, but James is no less discouraged to preserve it and its history. ‘This building literally created the wealth that brought people here.’ says James. The Gin once supported homesteaders and the growth of Queen Creek and nearby towns. Cotton Gins, like this one, are a dying breed, and James wants to show this relic the respect it deserves.
However, James, Julie, a few friends, and family members are so far the only ones taking on this monumental task, armed with just a wrench. They need community help, whatever some volunteers can offer in time and effort. James is confident it will get done. James says that we shouldn’t give up on buildings like this in an age of a disposable society.
James is adamant that we need to hold on to our historic buildings and maintain character. Despite its long history, this Big Tin Cotton Gin has an even brighter future. www.mosoevents.com
James and Julie Ballentyne
“
This building literally created the wealth that brought people here.
- James Ballentyne
Old photos and cotton pick tickets.
Stars, Stripes, and Summer Traditions
Some of the best family traditions begin almost by accident. A movie night that becomes annual. A game everyone asks to play again. A summer memory that lingers long after the decorations are packed away. As America approaches its 250th anniversary, families have an opportunity to celebrate in ways that feel less formal and more lasting. The goal does not have to be elaborate. It just has to bring people together.
TIME CAPSULE PROJECT
Have each family member contribute a letter, photo or small keepsake that captures life right now. Include favorite songs, family traditions, drawings or predictions for the future, then seal everything away to reopen years later. It becomes part family memory, part snapshot of a moment.
PATRIOTIC MOVIE NIGHT
Transform the living room into a relaxed summer theater with blankets, popcorn and a favorite family-friendly film. Add themed snacks or berry desserts to make the evening feel festive without much planning
.
STAR-SPANGLED SCAVENGER HUNT
Create a scavenger hunt using patriotic colors, summer items or clues tied to American history and pop culture. Younger kids stay engaged, older siblings can design clues, and the activity naturally turns into shared laughter and competition.
ICE CREAM SUNDAE BAR
Few things feel more nostalgic than ice cream in the middle of summer. Set out toppings in red, white and blue and let everyone build their own creations. It is simple, low-pressure and easy to make celebratory.
FAMILY TRIVIA NIGHT
Mix U.S. history questions with pop culture, music, sports and family trivia for a game night that feels playful instead of academic. Keep the mood light and let everyone participate.
At its heart, the anniversary is less about grand gestures and more about creating moments people want to return to year after year. Often, the traditions that last longest begin with something wonderfully simple.
Simple ways families can celebrate America's 250th anniversary together.
ARTICLE BY MICHELLE TALSMA EVERSON
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Paladin Sports Outreach is changing the culture of youth sports.
PUTTING FAITH IN SPORTS
ARTICLE BY TIFFANY MRAZ | PHOTOGRAPHY BY RYLAN DRESSENDORFER
We all know that youth sports can feel like a high-stakes race to a scholarship, with the loudest voices from the sidelines coming from hyper-invested parents. But here in Queen Creek and other East Valley communities, Paladin Sports Outreach is shifting the goal into shaping players with purpose.
“It really just started as a grassroots community sports,” founder Jason Best explains about forming the non-profit organization in 2008, after moving to San
Tan Valley. “My two youngest kids were very young at the time and we didn’t have anything out there, even Queen Creek didn’t really have a whole lot of organized sports, so we had to go into Gilbert and Chandler for everything.”
Jason says what started as a couple of free clinics grew into a T-ball league with about 30 kids. “That became soccer, and then word of mouth and it just kept kind of growing and growing and growing.” They now serve roughly 4,000 kids a year playing half a dozen different sports in the East Valley, with their outreach stretching to communities in Northwest Minnesota and Central Florida.
Paladin Sports’ success is greater than any trophy. That’s because scoreboard victories take a backseat to something bigger: building faith, igniting a lifelong love for any sport and embracing teamwork.
“I think the two biggest things that distinguish us from any other organization is that one, we’re Christ-centered,” Jason says with passion, “we infuse faith into everything that we do. And second, we are curriculum at the recreational level. We call it Character Matters.” Every week, kids are given a character trait to memorize along with an associated Bible verse. While faith is not a requirement, Jason treats Paladin more as a sports ministry.
However, he says kids having fun and falling in love with sports is always the priority. “Sports is such an amazing vehicle for learning about teamwork. There’s just so many lessons about life that can be garnered from sports.”
Changing the culture of sports is more than a mission statement. Jason sees it as a mission of community.
“The moments I feel the most pride is when I’m in Fry’s and I turn the corner and I see a kid wearing a Paladin Sports shirt,” Jason says. “This is not just backyard sports anymore. This is something that is really having an impact on kids and their families.”
www.paladinsports.org
“Changing the culture of sports is more than a mission statement. Jason sees it as a mission of community.”
Prescott Goes Big
Experience 4th of July in Prescott, Arizona.
Small town America is preparing to celebrate the country’s 250th birthday, and if you are looking to celebrate yourself with some cooler temperatures, you don’t have to look too far.
Prescott is making its Fourth of July celebration an even more special one this, as the town will celebrate America with a Western twist, featuring a full weekend of activities that celebrate the patriotism of Prescott’s community, to honor the region as well entice folks from all over to celebrate right along with them.
The town is certainly known for its historic charm and its association with the West. For years, it has served as a popular destination among Arizona’s cities during holidays.
The first big event is the Prescott Freedom Festival, which will take place on Saturday, July 4th, at Pioneer Park. Visitors can start entering the gates at 2 p.m., and most of the events will start at 3 p.m. You and your family can look forward to a day full of fun activities, including the major highlight of the fireworks
ARTICLE BY GRETCHEN PAHIA
show, which kicks off at 9 p.m. There is a full afternoon, and evening filled with visitor-friendly activities before the fireworks display. There will be several food options with several food trucks on site or if you’d like, you can grab an adult refreshment from the beer garden. In addition, guests will be able to spend time playing games or checking out crafts during the event. And of course, children will love playing in the bouncing castles and sliding down water slides. However, while the Freedom Festival signifies the peak event during the festivities on July 4th, there are other options if you are looking for ways to celebrate the West. The World’s Oldest Rodeo brings in people from all corners of Arizona, and for many, is just as important as firecrackers and barbecues. The energy of the rodeo can be felt not only at its venue but also all over the city. The city
basically turns into one huge holiday celebration, where visitors will get a chance to walk along the famous Whiskey Row, visit local boutiques and restaurants, and even enjoy cool mountain climate.
This unique combination of old traditions and the modern-day festivals that define the 4th of July in Prescott differentiates it from other celebrations. Visitors will be able to celebrate traditional Western America events, such as the rodeo,
that have existed for more than a hundred years, or they will be able to attend the Freedom Festival, listening to music, ride the waterslides, and enjoy being together outside.
America 250 celebrations in Prescott present an excellent opportunity not only to celebrate the nation’s history but also to pay tribute to those who contributed to the establishment of current communities. Prescott is certainly a place where you‘ll see that patriotism is a part of its history and culture.
In the year of celebrating 250 years of the history of America, Prescott continues its heritage as one of Arizona’s favorite patriotic towns.
ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE
The 10% Target Mindset
Jen Cohen ON THE PRACTICE OF ASKING FOR WHAT YOU WANT
Winnipeg in the winter, and a 17-year-old waits 45 minutes in the cold for Keanu Reeves. Her fingers are numb. She is not there for an autograph. She is there to ask him to appear in her audition tape for MuchMusic, Canada’s MTV. When he finally agrees, she writes her number on a gum wrapper with a borrowed lip liner.
He calls days later.
That 17-year-old was Jen Cohen — fitness expert, host of the Habits & Hustle podcast, and best-selling author. She has built a career on the premise her frostbitten afternoon proved. She calls the practice the 10% Target: 10 attempts at whatever you want most in life.
The premise is simple. Most people never make one attempt. Almost nobody makes two. The math works in favor of the person who keeps going.
The top-rated Habits & Hustle podcast has logged hundreds of conversations with high performers and the people who study what the body does to the mind. Her TEDx talk, The Secret to Getting Anything You Want in Life, has traveled widely inside Fortune 500 sales-training rooms. On the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Cohen sits down to share the working rules that are the foundation of her latest book, Bigger, Better, Bolder.
“You have to be the CEO of your own life.”
FEATURING JEN COHEN
Discover the full 10% Target Mindset framework.
1 2
MAKE TEN ATTEMPTS
The door opens, or another door does. The unmade attempt and the refused one leave you in the same place — except one of them teaches you something.
STACK THE DECK
Cohen frames her habits as a wager: How do I stack the deck so I win more than I lose? The workout happens first, and the food decisions follow. The email follow-up gets sent, and the answer arrives. The choices compound in a single direction.
3
DISCIPLINE IS A PRACTICED SKILL, NOT AN INHERITANCE
No one is born with it. The people who look disciplined are running a routine they have rehearsed long enough that it no longer feels like effort. The reps are the skill. Miss them, and the skill fades, the same as any other.
4
SELF-TALK ONLY WORKS WHEN THE BODY BACKS IT UP
Confidence does not arrive by repeating the word. It arrives after the body has done the thing — the workout finished, the cold walk endured, the email sent. The mind takes its cues from what the body proves it can do. Talk follows action, not the other way around.
5
NEVER MISS A MONDAY
The first decision sets the slope of the rest. Skip the Monday workout, and the rest of the week tends to follow. Hold the line on Monday, and the slope tilts the other way.
Happy Birthday America with Martha Washington
Queen Creek Library | 3:00 PM
Learn fun facts about U.S. Presidents, Arizona history, the Flag, our money and much more. Using magic, sing-alongs and great storytelling, “Martha” brings history to life and makes learning fun. An event for all ages.
July 4th Splash Bash
Queen Creek Aquatic Center
Celebrate Independence Day and America’s 250th birthday with Queen Creek Parks & Recreation. Enjoy a variety of games and activities, including tie-dyeing, water balloons, lazy river bingo and water volleyball. Friendly competitions and activities will be available for all ages. Participants must bring their own item to tie-dye (limit one per participant).
JULY 4TH
The Hometown 4th of July at Schnepf Farms
Schnepf Farms | 4:00 PM
This local favorite celebration at Schnepf Farms is back. Come celebrate America turning 250 years old with live music, food trucks, craft vendors, and family fun. The event will be capped off with an incredible fireworks display. www.schnepffarms.com
JULY 4TH
CONTINUED
Gilbert 4th of
July Celebration
Gilbert Regional Park | 5:00 PM
Experience live performances, a drone show, and a fireworks finale General admission is free for everyone. Upgrade to VIP for exclusive perks. On-site parking is available for $15 per car and must be paid by credit or debit card. www.gilbertaz.gov
JULY 4TH
Arizona Celebration of Freedom
Mesa Convention Center | 6:00 PM
The Arizona Celebration of Freedom is Arizona’s largest free 4th of July celebration and one of Mesa’s signature annual events. The perfect way to celebrate American independence on the 4th of July with the entire family. People of all ages can enjoy a patriotic car show, naturalization ceremony and thrilling live entertainment, followed by a spectacular fireworks display. www.downtownmesa.com
JULY 4TH
Tempe 4th of
July Celebration
Tempe Diablo Stadium | 5:00 PM
Enjoy an amazing community celebration for the whole family, including games, live music, activities, food, and a fireworks show. www.tempetourism.com
