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This month we’re spotlighting a few of these local legends. You’ll meet the Founding Fathers of Queen Creek who had the vision to incorporate our town so as to develop its own unique character. We also speak with Rick DeJesus, an extremely talented musician who performs and entertains world wide and, along with his wife, chooses to raise his family here. We find inspiration with Aaron Sanchez, a local father who’s overcome real adversity and has moved on to achieve great success. In addition, we show appreciation to local leadership like that of Ron Valerio who, in addition to his successful career in banking, is President of the Rotary Club of Queen Creek. Also check out tips on mastering the backyard grill, creative automotive customization and great gift ideas for dad.
So, to the dads reading this, thank you. For the sacrifices we don’t always see, the lessons we don’t always appreciate ’til later, and the love that holds this town together. And to everyone else—hug a father figure this weekend. So, here’s to the men who raise us, in every sense. Happy Father’s Day Queen Creek, let’s make it a good one.
BRAD SCHNEPF, PUBLISHER
@QUEENCREEKCITYLIFESTYLE
June 2025
PUBLISHER
Brad Schnepf | brad.schnepf@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Florence Daniels | florence.daniels@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Kaeden Peterson
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Kimberly Heywood | shademarketingaz@gmail.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Jared Orr
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Jenny Kaufman
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto
LAYOUT DESIGNER Lillian Gibbs
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
The
Aaron
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1: Golfers at the Kush Classic held at Ocotillo Golf. 2: The Kush Classic raised funds for Canyon State Academy. 3: Participants at the Kush Classic enjoying some golf. 4: The Run for Resilience hosted by the Rotary Club of Queen Creek. 5: Members of the Rotary Club of Queen Creek at the Run for Resilience. 6: Rick the Balloon Cowboy performs for children at the Queen Creek Library. 7: The San Tan Historical Society celebrates the 100th birthday of the Rittenhouse School.
Eggstasy celebrated the grand opening of their new location in Queen Creek. They are located at 20736 E Maya Rd, Suite 101 in the Queen Creek District. Eggstasy brings its unique blend of upscale brunching with family-focused service. The menu has traditional brunch favorites as well as upscale takes on classics. Their soups, pancake sauces and compotes, pancake, crepe and waffle batter from scratch daily. Eggstasy also bakes their fresh toast bread daily.
Sneakybird, a local and family-owned eatery that opened in the Valley in 2022 and offers a quick, craft, casual approach to oven-grilled chicken, is pleased to announce the opening of its fourth Arizona restaurant. Located in the growing Marketplace at Hudson Station in Queen Creek, sneakybird is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. In addition to the brand’s signature oven-grilled chicken sandwiches, wraps, and wings sneakybird’s Queen Creek outpost also boasts sliders.
The $35 Chiropractor (formally known as Queen Creek Medical and the $25 Chiropractor) celebrated their grand opening.They offer high-quality and affordable comprehensive and compassionate medical and chiropractic care to help their patients achieve optimal health and wellness. Their clinic offers a wide range of services, including chiropractic and massage care, weight loss, and more.
ARTICLE BY FLORENCE DANIELS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAEDEN PETERSON
THE PATH TO BECOMING A TOWN STARTED WITH A FEW MEN WILLING TO MAKE THE STEP.
Sossaman, Gardner, and Scnhepf: Founding Fathers
“...
When you hear the term ‘Founding Fathers’ the names of Washington, Jefferson, and Adams comes to mind. Queen Creek has its own origin story and even a few names of those who made it possible like Schnepf, Sossaman, and Gardner. By the 1980’s
and politics. In order to get approval they first had to get permission from their neighbors. This required attending council meetings, speaking to local authorities, and state ones too.
Mark Schnepf, owner of Schnepf Farms, became the spokesman of the
many of the descendants of farmers and homesteaders had been living in Queen Creek for a few generations. Now the need for town status became increasingly important as surrounding towns and cities grew. Sections of Queen Creek were slowly being annexed and the identity of the area was under threat of being lost. Finally when a large swathe of land in Queen Creek was proposed as a ‘dumping ground’, residents realized they needed to have more local control.
Mark Schnepf said that they also took their time and watched how nearby Chandler and Gilbert evolved, carefully noting their successes as well as their mistakes. However the path to township would be long and complex. Paul Gardner is a Water Resources Director, and the future of Queen Creek’s water was paramount to its success and growth. Therefore, in anticipation of creating a town, they needed to plan accordingly. Steve Sossamon, business owner and farmer, acted as a guide through the wilderness of bureaucracy
movement and says he looked upon it as an ‘adventure’. Each of them spent hundreds of hours and thousands of their own money to pursue town status. They also needed to change state law to get back parts of Queen Creek. Steve’s father, James, was serving in the state senate, and helped them regain their land. All these efforts took a total of three years, and that was merely to set the stage for the community to ultimately vote on. Fortunately, the voters gave a resounding yes and in 1989 Queen Creek officially became a town.
Like all founding fathers, the title of town wasn’t enough, there was planning too. In addition to water infrastructure, they discussed parks, trails, roads, the downtown area, and density. The open spaces are 20% of the land which is double of other towns and cities. Staying true to it’s natural beauty helps to make Queen Creek a desirable place to live. As Mark, Paul, and Steve reflected on that time, they recognized the synergy between them, aiding them in their cause. They are also good
friends, and though life is busy, they still get together when they can.
Both Mark and Steve served as mayors, and are still invested in their community as it grows around them. Paul continues to work towards Queen Creek’s water needs, which is no small thing in a desert. Each of the men will have their place in Queen Creek’s history, but they don’t dwell too much on that. Instead, they marvel at what Queen Creek has become, and where it is headed. Every year in September, Queen Creek holds Founder’s Day in recognition and gratitude for the efforts of these town fathers. The town seems to be changing all the time and rapidly too. However, it remains rooted in a history and a culture embodied by its foundations and the men who built it.
EAST VALLEY FIREWOOD FIRES UP SOME DELICIOUS SMOKED MEATS.
ARTICLE BY FLORENCE DANIELS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
JENNY KAUFMAN
Dave Havermann throws in another piece of pecan firewood into the smoker. The aromatic scent of the wood floats in the air and reminds you of a comforting camp fire. Dave is the owner of East Valley Firewood which sells a variety of firewood from mesquite, to mulberry, pistachio, olive, and more. Inside the smoker, Dave grilled some salmon, pork, and beef ribs. The firewood you choose matters, and can infuse the meat with the smokey flavor of the wood. Mesquite is strong and should be used for less
time but is great for red meat. Fish and chicken does better with subtler woods like pistachio and mulberry. Olive, applewood, pecan, and oak are best for pizza ovens. However, Pecan, says Dave, goes with everything.
Dave has every type of wood and he has even smoked some water to turn into ice cubes he placed into a glass of ‘Old Fashioned’ for an enhanced smokey flavor. The benefits of a smoker results in a tender and flavorful meat of your choice. Admittedly, the smoker takes more time, attention, requiring throwing on more wood periodically, but worth the results. The smoker may take more time, but Dave says that is part of the joy. He says, you can sit with friends, have some drinks, and slow down time in general as you man the smoker.
Dave says the process is simple. In the case of salmon, squeeze over a whole lemon, pick a seasoning and create a nice layer before putting it in for 45 minutes to an hour at 225-250 degrees Fahrenheit. For other meats, such as ribs, use your favorite rub and smoke initially for two hours. Afterwards, take the ribs and coat them in your favorite barbeque sauce, then wrap it in foil or butcher paper and smoke for another four hours.
Dave also supplies wood for fireplaces too. Alligator juniper sourced from Globe, gives off a pine scent and produces the pops and sizzle that people enjoy. So whether you want the warmth of a fire in cooler months, or the flavor of mesquite and pecan on your plate, East Valley Firewood is your local source for a variety of woods.
www.eastvalleyfirewood.com
“The benefits of a smoker results in a tender and flavorful meat of your choice.”
Rick Dejesus has chased music all his life.
ARTICLE BY FLORENCE DANIELS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNY KAUFMAN AND KAEDEN PETERSON
“I’m going to make music.” Rick DeJesus, lead singer/ songwriter of the band Adelita’s Way, told himself at 19 years old. He dropped out of college, left his hometown of Philadelphia, and drove all the way to Los Angeles. Despite the risk, it was not so much a choice for him as a calling. ‘I was always consumed by music... music made me feel nothing is impossible,’ he says. The music industry is
certainly not for the faint of heart. Nevertheless, Rick made demo tapes, he sent them out to everyone, and remained tenacious in pursuit of his goal. Rick’s persistence and talent, paid off, as he eventually got record deals, formed Adelita’s Way in 2006, and toured with bands like Skillet and Guns N’ Roses.
Rick’s stories of working for the music industry could fill a book. The road was not easy, and although he and his band have achieved success and a loyal following, he remains consumed by the process of making music. He has written over 100 songs, and never seems short on inspiration. His fans further fuel his ambitions. He says that ‘as a songwriter you use life to let others know their not alone’. One song titled ‘Somebody Wishes They Were You’ even led one of his fans to get help. ‘Music is so powerful,’ he admits.
The other passion in Rick’s life are his wife, Janine, and two daughters. Presley who is 12, loves to play drums and sing, while Penelope aged 10, plays the guitar. Unsurprisingly, music fills their home. After years of touring, Rick values time with family, and they have made Queen Creek their base for the last three years. Rick says the appeal is the space, the quiet, and the community.
Although he says he is semi-retired, music remains a big part of his life, and continues to record. Nevertheless he is scaling back on tours to be closer to his daughters. His advice to those who want to go into music is to ‘invest in yourself, make it all about the songs, record, and go to work.’. While music may still call to him, so too does family and home.
ARTICLE BY FLORENCE DANIELS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNY KAUFMAN
As Aaron Sanchez lists out the health issues and the years spent drinking, what strikes a listener the most, is how open Aaron confronts his difficult past. He is not without appreciation for his journey, nor is his tone dismissive. Instead, he bears a lightness that comes with living in honesty and having overcome the darkest period of his life. The moment his habits caught up with him was November 11, 2022 in the doctor’s consultation room when he was told that ‘one more drop’ of alcohol would kill him. After twenty years of drinking daily, Aaron had been diagnosed with stage 4 cirrhosis. His doctor was afraid that Aaron could die at any minute and challenged him to not drink for 60 days.
‘I didn’t talk, work, or eat for a month,’ he says of his reaction to the grim news. The shock and the severity of his situation spurred him to completely overhaul his lifestyle. He stopped drinking and began to train, a little at first, and then, gradually, he worked his way up. Today, Aaron works out 90 minutes every single day. Even so, there was no guarantee that his efforts would save his life, but it was better than giving up. After all, Aaron, a husband and father of two, had reasons to fight for.
Aaron says his relationship with alcohol began in high school at 17 years old. Drinking would ease social situations and make him the ‘fun’ guy. His reliance on alcohol only grew from there. Despite becoming a father and his job as a pipe fitter for the union, Aaron kept up his habit. Aaron says that alcohol became his life and his identity. He had been drinking for so long, he no longer knew who he was without it. Denial and depression aided his decline, he had high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, and he was significantly overweight.
How does anyone overcome such a stark health diagnosis, or even know where to begin? Aaron says the mental hurdles were
even harder than the physical ones, and his answer was incremental training. ‘Keep the pressure, doesn’t matter the speed,’ he says. Personal growth, he advises, starts with small and achievable goals combined with a determination not to quit. The Queen Creek resident says that even when you plateau, a stumbling block for many, you just have to keep going. Aaron says taking a personal inventory and being honest with yourself helps to confront what may be truly holding you back.
In Aaron’s case, he began with resistance bands and gradually added more tension over time. He also dumped junk food and sweets and instead opted for a largely plant based diet with chicken and beef on occasion. The result was a loss of 100 pounds, getting his blood pressure under control, and recently, his doctor gave him the astonishing news that his liver is on track to a full recovery in 2-5 years. ‘I thought it was incurable!’ says Aaron of his stage 4 cirrhosis.
Yet the most meaningful change for Aaron has been in his relationships. His wife Carrie and his two sons have their husband and father back. Aaron says he takes a lot of joy in his family now. His youngest son, Adin, is special needs with sensory and mobility issues. Queen Creek has been a haven for their family as he says the therapies for children available in town are part of the reason they have made it their home. In addition they have found a peace and quiet here that benefits Adin particularly. Peace is certainly part of Aaron’s new chapter. Instead of drinking or heading to the bar, he prioritizes time with his family instead.
‘Drinking is a way of running away from your destiny,’ Aaron adds. Today, Aaron is rewriting that destiny that would have led him to an early grave. His efforts have not gone unnoticed either. In 2024, Aaron placed 2nd in the Men’s Health Magazine’s annual Ultimate Health Challenge. Aaron says he was quite nervous about the photoshoot, but ultimately he says it’s worth it to get his story out there. He was driven by the thought of how he would be remembered, and being an alcoholic was not the legacy he wanted to leave.
Aaron also credits his spirituality for aiding his resilience and commitment. ‘God wants your 100%,’ he says. Despite his own incredible turn around, Aaron firmly believes that ‘everyone is capable of being amazing’. He admits he has wasted 20 years, but he refuses to waste anymore.
Instagram: @transformwithaaron
ARTICLE BY FLORENCE DANIELS PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNY KAUFMAN
A car’s sleek lines, shiny hubcaps, and lush interior may be what first catches everyone’s eye. Meanwhile, what lies beneath the hood, or even the under carriage may be thought of as less glamorous. However, when a car begins to run into trouble, the health of your vehicle cannot be taken for granted. At Mufflers N’ More they have been seeing to the cars of their customers since 2020. In addition to auto repair, they can also do restoration and even custom work too.
Owners Shawn and Kristi Damon bring their experience, passion, and dedication. Katie Damon, Operations Manager, says that their team, including service technicians Dylan and Alex, along with April, their service advisor, is what really sets them apart. ‘We’re like family.’ she says.
ARTICLE BY FLORENCE DANIELS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNY KAUFMAN
We all wear many hats, and Ron Valerio is no different than most busy dads in town. However, his many obligations may also make one wonder where he finds extra hours in the day. Ron is Senior Vice President for Mortgage Lending at Unison Bank in Queen Creek, and he has worked in residential lending for the past 24 years. He is also President of the Queen Creek Rotary Club, the aim of which is to bolster and support teen mental health. In addition, he is ambassador for the Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce, active in church, and father to Ellie 10, Owen 6, and Gracie 3.
RON VALERIO TALKS JUGGLING FATHERHOOD, CAREER, AND GIVING BACK.
“THE CHALLENGE IS TO PRIORITIZE WHAT IS TRULY IMPORTANT AND SETTING UP NON-NEGOTIABLES.”
The family/work life balance is a daunting prospect, so naturally, the question to Ron was how does he manage it all? Ron admits his job can be very demanding, but he tries to set boundaries and especially tries ‘not to bring work home’. Unison Bank also prides itself on being family oriented and that support certainly helps matters. However, before his time at Unison, Ron worked deep in Phoenix with a long commute and found that he would leave before his kids were up in the morning, and return after they had gone to sleep. ‘After not seeing my kids for a whole week, I asked myself what are my priorities?’ he says. Now his commute is shorter, and although striking a balance can still be challenging, he tries to approach family life with intentionality.
Ron says he likes to spend one on one time with each of his kids, whether that is at bedtime, attending games, or even incorporating them into his efforts to give back. For example, Ron took his daughter, Ellie, to bring supplies to a disadvantaged family. He says they had good conversations afterwards, but it was also about setting a good example. Ron says being part of the Rotary has inspired him to have talks with his kids, even being honest about his own mistakes. Growing up, Ron said his uncle and father taught him a good work ethic. However, he is also forging his own path in being a dad who is present too.
Perhaps Ron’s best advice was to manage expectations of yourself and from outside forces. The challenge is to prioritize what is truly important and setting up non-negotiables. Children grow fast, and Ron doesn’t want to miss out.
Favorably referred to as the “Last Best Place” and the “Treasure State,” Montana has captured the hearts of cinematic cowboys like Taylor Sheridan and Harrison Ford and inspired the television series, “Yellowstone” and its prequels, “1883” and “1923.” Though fictional, they’ve reminded America of its deeply-rooted spirit for adventure and the simple yet rugged way of life that we all crave. Whether its the backdrop of jagged, snowcapped peaks or the endless golden pastures that are peppered with livestock, this Rocky Mountain soil is a breeding ground for dreamers and doers, and the people who call it home are no strangers to the ritual of ranch life.
So, you want to be a cowboy? Slipping on some leather and having a little hide in your hat are good ways to start, but visiting a resort that brings the best of this life to the forefront, while also embracing modern luxury, is the experience of a lifetime. Personalization is key—a divine selection of cuisine for the foodies, awe-inspiring activities for the adrenaline seekers, and world-class lodging that tickles every fancy from stargazing glamping, to timber-style family dwellings, to the uniquely designed green “o hauses” that invite the outside world in.
To change your attitude, you need a change in altitude. Gain some speed or turn up the adrenaline level with ATV tours, electric biking, mountain biking, go-karts, paintball, rappelling down Lookout Rock or whitewater rafting down the Blackfoot River. Indulge in the western art of living with archery, fly-fishing, hiking or sporting clays. For those who want to immerse themselves in the language of horses, there are horse-related adventures such as lessons, grooming or feeding, horse-whispering workshops or organized trails rides. Riders can also enjoy cattle drives that bring you back to yesteryear—driving a herd of cattle across the famed landscape—and bear witness to mustang gentling, where the Equestrian Manager communicates with a wild horse through body language and tone of voice.
DISCOVER THE WHIMSY OF THE WEST AT PAWS UP MONTANA
Airport: Missoula Montana Airport (MSO) Airport transfers from Missoula are complimentary for guests and all luxury home and Green O accommodations come with a Lexus luxury SUV for transportation use on property.
Montana’s best kept secret? Our hideaway chefs, making waves from the Montana wilderness. Chef Brandon Cunningham, Executive Chef at the Green O, is a James Beard Award finalist whose creations at the Social Haus are highly curated through an 8-course tasting menu. Other highly trained and talented chefs like Chef Brett Edlund, Chef Ben Scott, Executive Pastry Chef Krystle Swenson, and Sunny Jin, the General Manager of Food and Beverage, are part of the intricate patchwork of the culinary experience at Pomp, Trough, Shed, Camp and the notable Chuck Wagon—a summertime treat where guests can ride a hay wagon along the banks of the Blackfoot River for an Old West-inspired chuck wagon dinner.
CHELSEA LYN AGRO PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
ARTICLE BY JARED ORR
GO LOCAL THIS FATHER'S DAY FOR GIFT IDEAS.
Father’s Day is just around the corner, and if you’re looking for a gift that’s equal parts meaningful and memorable, you don’t have to go far. Queen Creek offers plenty of ways to celebrate Dad. Whether he’s a grill master, an outdoorsman, or just someone who enjoys a good cup of coffee, Queen Creek has plenty on offer.
A Saturday at Schnepf Farms | Surprise Dad with a weekend outing to Schnepf Farms. Enjoy their U-Pick gardens, farm-fresh pastries, or book a spot at their seasonal events. | www.schnepffarms.com
A DIY BBQ Kit from The Pork Shop | For the dad who loves to man the grill, put together a custom meat-lover’s basket from The Pork Shop. | www.theporkshopaz.com
A Gift Card to Americano Ammunition Coffee | Enjoy a taste of American-made coffee at this local coffee shop off Ironwood and Meridian.
An Afternoon at Los Colinas Golf Course | If Dad is a golf lover, give him the afternoon he deserves at Los Colinas. Enough said!
Beer Tasting at Old Ellsworth Brewing | Old Ellsworth has built a stellar reputation among QC residents with its high-quality service, food, and drinks. www.oldellsworthbrewing.com
Jared Orr is originally from Texas and moved to Arizona in 2018 with his wife, Brittney. They immediately fell in love with the desert and everything else Arizona had to offer, so they bought a home in Queen Creek. They are parents of a three-year-old girl named Kaylee. Jared runs his own marketing agency and hosts the Arizona Business podcast. Instagram: jaredorr_az Jared Orr
JUNE 3RD
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. 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.queencreek.org
JUNE 7TH
Indoor Summer Market
Arizona Athletic Grounds | 10:00 AM
Come shop local and indoors at Arizona Athletic Grounds this Summer hosted by PS I Love AZ. You will find 100+ vendors, food trucks, kids activities and more. Entry is free and parking is $5. wwwpsiloveaz
JUNE 9TH
Junior Yogi Summer Program
Zen Life Center for Healing | 12:30 PM
Children between the ages of 5-12 will be participating in games and activities centered around teaching children the basics of Yoga. Yoga mats are provided as part of the cost and each of the children will be able to take one home with them at the end of the program. www.zenlife.com
JUNE 11TH
Queen Creek Olive Mill | 6:30 PM
Indulge in a romantic evening of culinary delight at our Pizza Date Night event. You'll master the art of stretching and tossing pizza dough to create the perfect, crispy crust. As you craft your pizza masterpieces, savor exquisite wine pairings thoughtfully selected to complement each course. www.qcom.com
JUNE 25TH
Arizona Rick: The Balloon Cowboy!
Queen Creek Library | 3:00 PM
Arizona Rick, the Magical Balloon Making Cowboy tells stories, plays games, and does a little magic...all with the kids and the most incredible balloon creations. The event will be held in the Zane Grey Community room.
JUNE 27TH
Oliver!
Queen Creek Performing Arts | 7:00 PM
Join the spirited adventures of young Oliver and his lovable band of misfit friends as they sing, dance and navigate the bustling streets of London. With catchy tunes and heartwarming moments, Oliver is a delightful musical for the whole family. June 27-30th, 2025 Evening Performances at 7 PM • Saturday Matinee at 2 PM Pricing: Adults $16, Children/Seniors $14. www.qcpac.com
50% of the people say a Smile is the Fir st physical trait they notice.