Queen Creek, AZ June 2024

THE GEN TLEMEN'S ISSUE

A Few Good Men

Father's Day is this month, and so we take a look at the amazing men of our community. Queen Creek in particular has no shortage of innovative, dynamic men of vision who serve their families and the town. If you are anything like me, you might struggle to find the right gift for dad or the father of your kids. Socks and ties hardly seem fitting, and yet it is so hard to celebrate the men who often ask for so little in return.

In this issue, we introduce you to just some of the Queen Creek gentlemen who contribute in meaningful ways. Dr. Scott Meyer provides the healing touch for our furry family members. His veterinary practice serves a town that is passionate about their animals. While a dog may be man's best friend, a car might be the 'baby' he cares for in the garage, particularly if it is a classic car. Corey Smith, owner of San Tan Hot Rods, is your go to when you're looking to restore or repair your vehicle. We spent some time with him in his 50's styled repair shop, filled with treasures.

In addition, we have something more precious, which men have notoriously overlooked, and that is their health. Lonnie McCleve, co-founder of Queen Creek Botanical Garden, discusses his own health journey and the creation of the garden which seeks to educate people on the healing power of plants. Each of these men, like so many in Queen Creek, have a passion for what they do. This Father's Day, raise a glass to the man in your life and then push him out the door to enjoy a carefree day on the links. Las Colinas Golf Course, right in the middle of Queen Creek, has the lush green course for a relaxing day they deserve.

FLORENCE DANIELS, EDITOR

Photo Credit: Stephanie Ringleb Photography

June 2024

PUBLISHER

Kaylee Williams | kaylee.williams@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Florence Daniels | florence.daniels@citylifestyle.com

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 Collins

LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman Learn

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 high $400k’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: Brick making at the Archaeology Day at San Tan Historical Museum. 2: A girl trying out one of the activities at the Archaeology Day. 3: Demonstrations at the San Tan Historical Museum. 4: Cooking demonstration at the Olive Mill's Blossom Festival event. 5: A hay ride through the olive groves at the Queen Creek Olive Mill. 6: Girls pose with Torchy's Taco's mascot during the Rotary Club's 5K event. 7: The Rotary Club's Run for Resilience 5K Marathon to fund youth resilience programs.

K. PETERSON

K. PETERSON

K. PETERSON

QUEEN CREEK OLIVE MILL

QUEEN CREEK OLIVE MILL K. PETERSON

LG Energy Solution Project Update

Town and County officials gathered with LG Energy Solution at a project update on their $5.5 billion battery manufacturing complex which is already under construction in Queen Creek. The plant, LG Energy Solution Arizona ESS, is expected to be completed by the end of 2025 and will produce cylindrical cells for the automotive industry.

Fit FX Opens A Location in Queen Creek

Fit FX had their grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony with the Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce. Fit FX is a fitness club that emphasizes personal training with diversity in nutrition and workouts. They aim to make it fun, keep you motivated, and get results. www.thefitfx.com

Well Groomed Pets Celebrates Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Well Groomed Pets of Queen Creek celebrated a ribbon cutting ceremony of their new location. They provide grooming and pampering services to your precious pup so that they will look their best.

Photography by Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce

Photography by Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce

ARTICLE BY FLORENCE DANIELS

BY KAEDEN PETERSON

Classic Cars

PHOTOGRAPHY

San Tan Hot Rods repairs and restores the cars you love.

Stepping into the San Tan Hot Rods and Restoration is like entering a 50's gas station. The black and white checkered floor, the chrome accents, even the vintage Bob's Big Boy figure in the corner. Yet it is the cars with shining exteriors that first take up your attention. Co-owner, Corey Smith, stands beside a candy apple red '57 Chevy Bel Air and says he has been restoring that one for two years. It's hard not to fall a little

Opposite: '66 Ford Thunderbird

Above: '56 Ford Truck

Right: '57 Chevy Bel Air

bit in love with the lines and details of cars that used to be a common sight on the road. Nowadays, heads turn as a classic Thunderbird or even a Model T Ford rides alongside a Tesla.

Though times have changed, and our cars are more computerized, Corey says the ride in a classic car is no less smooth or enjoyable. Perhaps even more so, since the crowds, young and old, come out for their classic car showcase. Corey's love for cars comes from his father, Jerry, who is also co-owner. He says he still asks him for advice. The family run business started 15 years ago with the nearby San Tan Auto Body. They not only restore and update cars but can also do regular maintenance and service.

www.santanhotrods.com

Above: Corey Smith Opposite: San Tan Hot Rods

Planting Roots

LONNIE MCCLEVE BELIEVES IN THE HEALING POWER OF NATURE.

ARTICLE BY FLORENCE DANIELS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAEDEN PETERSON

Lonnie McCleve standing before the 'Grandfather Tree'. View of the Gardens.

Life has a funny way of bringing you full circle, and in Lonnie McCleve's case, this has proven to be true. Lonnie grew up on a farm in Taylor, Arizona, and imagined a life far from growing crops like his father and grandfather. Instead, Lonnie became a land developer and helped to create The Pecans community in Queen Creek. It was important for Lonnie to save as many of the pecan trees that had been part of the original grove as possible. Already there was something of the farmer still in Lonnie's mind. Lonnie and his wife, Debbie had moved to Queen Creek 14 years ago and recognized that familiar small town feel with agriculture at its core.

The potential and the rapid growth of Queen Creek provided a prime opportunity, but gradually Lonnie would grow more than just housing. Lonnie found his interest piqued about gardening after he and his wife got a tour of Justin Rohner's home garden. Justin showed the numerous benefits of growing local and seasonal produce that were healing as well as beautiful. His expertise inspired Lonnie and the two of them collaborated to create the Queen Creek Botanical Garden. Nearly everything that is grown on site is edible and the garden serves to educate the public as well as create a stunning landscape to traverse.

Returning to nature had particular significance for Lonnie when he was diagnosed with stage 4 Lymphoma. The traditional chemotherapy treatment he was going to receive only gave him a 3% chance of surviving at the end of 5 years. Lonnie didn't like those odds and walked away from modern medicine. Instead Lonnie

chose to pursue a cancer treatment plan through Oasis of Healing clinic. For one month he drank nothing but a 'green' juice that included ingredients like spinach and kale, which cleansed out the body. For the next five months he slowly reintroduced more foods but avoided white refined sugar. By the end of six months he was cancer free and the tumors had disappeared.

In the end, Lonnie returned to his roots of agriculture and in doing so healed himself. I asked him what his father, who grew corn and cucumbers, would think of him today and Lonnie replied, 'He would be really happy'. Lonnie lost his father when he was 25 but his values of hard work have stayed with him. Today Lonnie and Debbie are parents to 7 and grandparents to 33. The Queen Creek Botanical Garden backs on to The Pecans neighborhood and Lonnie especially loves the lake, the working industrial mill, and the old pecan tree wrapped with lights which he calls the 'Grandfather Tree'. The entire garden was designed around this tree which Lonnie says was the oldest and most robust tree in the grove. They wanted to give prime of place, and now the tree proudly presides over several weddings that take place on the grounds.

Lonnie's passion project has also involved his children and their spouses who have added on to the area with Pecan Lake Entertainment. One thing is clear, Lonnie has interwoven the themes of family, nature, and health all in one spot. Not only has he planted roots in Queen Creek, but he also hopes to sow some seeds of inspiration for others.

‘Nearly everything that is grown on site is edible and the garden serves to educate the public as well as create a stunning landscape to traverse.’

Practice Breath Heal with us at ZenLife Center for healing, where our mission is community and our passion is peace. Offering weekly free meditation class, energy healing, breathwork journeys and all forms of traditional yoga practices. ZenLife has something for everyone.

www.zenlifehealing.com //

SWEET CREEK

on the A DAY GREEN

Tee

at Las Colinas Golf Course

ARTICLE BY FLORENCE DANIELS PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAEDEN PETERSON

We headed out to the only golf course nestled in the middle of Queen Creek, Las Colinas Golf Course. We took some willing volunteers with us to test out the grounds and try their hand at some golf. The green slopes appeared peaceful and on a partly cloudy day with a nice breeze, everyone

up

seemed to be lured out to play a round of golf or two. The atmosphere is relaxed and music drifts from the restaurant,  Social Birdie, where you can grab some drinks and relax in the shade. So if you are looking to play a round of golf with dad, or send him on his way with some good friends, you can be sure he will have a good time.

The course is open to the public with reasonable rates and they even provide various leagues, tournaments, and fun events to join. In addition to the 18 hole course, you will find friendly staff at the pro shop, and wind down with some corn hole and craft cocktails. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner is served at Social Birdie for those who may only come for the food and to watch others play. You can start the day with Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, or enjoy an appetizer of Grilled Chicken Skewers. Come for an evening to dine on burgers or short ribs, while the sun sets over the course and listen to live music.

One thing is clear, this is an unpretentious, pressure free zone, where the emphasis is on having fun and enjoying some golf, food, and community. So instead of a tie, give dad something he will really enjoy. Memberships and passes can include various packages that have discounts on golf carts, food, and include practice facilities and social related events.

www.lascolinasgolfaz.com

Models: Easton Henke, Drake Kulick, Michael Martinez

The consequences of fireworks on animals vary from one to another, but they are all negative. When a dog is suffering from a noise phobia, their behaviors are often characterized by intense avoidance or other anxiety behaviors. A short-term sedative before the fireworks start may be just the ticket. Prescription medications for noise anxiety consist of two main classes of drugs. These two classes of medications can also be combined in some pets, if necessary. The first are drugs that can act immediately and therefore can be used in the short term in the face of unexpected phobic events, such as thunderstorms. The second class of drugs have a cumulative effect, require daily administration to build up in your pet’s system over time, and are often used to control more generalized anxiety behaviors as well as phobic disorders. Talk to your veterinarian ahead of time, so you can have something on hand to give your pet before the noise begins.

revelvet.com | 480-571-9564 24754 S Ellsworth Rd, Queen Creek, AZ

MAN'SBE ST FRIEND

ARTICLE BY FLORENCE DANIELS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAEDEN PETERSON

DR. SCOTT MEYER

Dr. Scott Meyer and Sage

“Being a veterinarian isn’t just a job, ‘it’s a lifestyle’.”

Establishing trust with an animal like a horse requires patience and skill. 'It's a dangerous job.' admits Dr. Scott Meyer, owner of Desert Mountain Equine. For Dr. Meyer, his patients need him to approach slowly and let them sniff his hands, which he willingly does and even has experience with elite race horses. Queen Creek is certainly not short of horse owners and Dr. Meyer says this passion among the community can be both good and bad. Especially when hard decisions need to be made, Dr. Meyer says this is when his job gets really tough.

Being a veterinarian isn't just a job, 'it's a lifestyle' he says. His first taste of being hands on with animals was when he volunteered at a cattle ranch in Wyoming during Spring and Summer breaks in college. He

developed an interest that led him down his current path in veterinary medicine. He didn't just stop with horses, he is also co-owner of  Revel Vet, expanding care to cats and dogs. Dr. Meyer says he was inspired to open an animal hospital in Queen Creek after seeing an increase in demand.

Dr. Meyer and his family  have made Queen Creek their home since 2014 and were drawn to its farming roots. In addition, there is no doubt that they have chosen a town that loves their animals too. In his life, his greatest inspirations have been his father for teaching him integrity and his step-father for their insightful conversations. Being a father to Savannah,10 and Troy, 8, Dr. Meyer says his ideal father's day would be spent fishing with his kids at Lake Powell along with his wife Julie.

Dr. Meyer with Doc

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!

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

JUNE 1ST

Sleeping Beauty Ballet

Queen Creek Performing Arts | 1:00 PM

One of the world’s most famous classical ballets, Sleeping Beauty tells a tale of romance and rescue. When the beautiful Princess Aurora pricks her finger on her sixteenth birthday, she is cursed to sleep until a handsome prince wakes her. Let yourself escape into Arizona Youth Ballets dreamy retelling of the family favorite fairy tale.

JUNE 4TH

What's Poppin in QC

Queen Creek Library | 5:00 PM

Come meet your Queen Creek Town Council as they host this special community outreach event. Pop by anytime! 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! www.queencreekaz.gov

JUNE 8TH

Frontier Family Park Grand Opening

20039 S. 220th St. Queen Creek, AZ 85142 | 7:30 AM

You are invited to the grand opening of Frontier Family Park with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 7:30 a.m, followed by festivities from 8 to 10 a.m. The park will boast a 5 acre fishing lake, playground, basket ball courts, pickleball, volleyball, baseball and softball fields, as well as three multipurpose fields and much more.

JUNE 14TH

Corn Roast

Queen Creek Olive Mill | 5:00 PM

The annual Corn Roast at the Olive Mill will be held from 5-9pm. There will be corn street flavors to enjoy, live music, and games. Bring the friends and family to enjoy this free event. www.queencreekolivemill.com

JUNE 26TH

Juggling Adventures with James Reid

Queen Creek Library | 1:30 PM

Delighting audiences for forty years, James Reid presents a next level performance of big stunts, laughs, and fun for all ages. Volunteers join in the fun. Unique tricks amaze and delight. Go on a world wide adventure, discovering the origins of juggling, yo-yo, hula hoops, clubs, and more through amazing tricks!

JUNE 28TH

Wizard of Oz

Queen Creek Performing Arts Center | 7:00 PM

Follow the yellow brick road in this delightful stage adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s beloved tale, featuring the iconic musical score from the MGM film. The timeless tale, in which young Dorothy Gale travels from Kansas over the rainbow to the magical Land of Oz, continues to thrill audiences worldwide. Playing from June 28th-30th.

USING THESE TIPS YOU CAN MAKE A DELICIOUS HOMEMADE BARBECUE SAUCE.

A good barbecue sauce is comprised of a variety of the same six components. The key is to discover what style you enjoy most, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Oh, and taste often during the preparation process to adjust if so desired.

SOMETHING SWEET

This can be honey, cola, molasses, preserves, brown sugar, or syrup. This caramelizes as you cook, bringing those smoky, sugary flavors.

SOMETHING TANGY

Think vinegar, mustard, or citrus. This is what brings the zing to your sauce.

SOMETHING SPICY

This provides your heat: a hot sauce is a great choice. A good rule of thumb is to use about 1/2 teaspoon for every cup of sauce you’re making.

SOMETHING LIQUID

It can be beer, water, chicken stock, soda, or wine. Start with about 1/2 a cup and see what happens.

SOMETHING TOMATO

You’ll most likely use ketchup, but you can also use tomato paste.

THE SPICE COMBINATION

This can depend on your liking and taste and can include anything from onion powder to garlic powder to chili powder to allspice to cayenne pepper to mustard powder to liquid smoke to cumin to Worcestershire sauce and more. Start with a teaspoon of salt, and keep tasting as you experiment with your desired spices.

HOMEMADE

BBQ SAUCE

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups ketchup

• 1 cup water

• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

• 5 tablespoons brown sugar

• 5 tablespoons sugar

• 1/2 tablespoon  black pepper

• 1/2 tablespoon onion powder

• 1/2 tablespoon ground mustard

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

DIRECTIONS

In a medium saucepan, combine all ingredients. Bring mixture to a boil, reduce heat to simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring frequently, for 1 hour 15 minutes.

Recipe and information courtesy of Pat Neely and Gina Neely.