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Our Time Is Now! Fall in the desert southwest is a cowboy riding off into the sunset. It is romance and adventure mixed with a touch of melancholy and solitude. The world seems to get bigger even as the days get shorter. Football season is in full swing, performing arts centers and museums book their best exhibits and the weather is perfect for outdoor play. So whether you are on your own, on a date or hanging out with the family, be sure to take a moment to appreciate your surroundings. It just doesn’t get better than this. Sincerely, Tricia Moore Owner and Editor Printed Locally By:
Table of Contents What's Going On.....................4 Community Interest.................5 Eastmark News........................6 Mullberry News.......................7 Bella Via News..........................8 Fatured Entrepreneur.............9 Meet The Neighbors .............10 Chalkboard Chatter.............12 Student of the Month .............14 Teacher of the Month ...........15 Critters and Companions.....16 Financial Planning Tips...........17 Travel Tips..............................17 Local Food and Fun...............18 Map.......................................19 Cover photo: 2015 Halloween Decor featuring Eastmark neighbors clowning around. Photo by Tricia Moore.
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What’s Going On?
Fangoria Fearcon Sun Studios of Arizona Oct. 7-9 This event is a mashup of indiehorror film festival and sideline entertainment including celebrity guests signing autographs, panel discussions with film makers, workshops, paranormal investigations, face and body painting, tattoo artists, zombie defense information, zombie cars, caskets and hearses from AZ Movie Props on display as well as demos by special FX artists, zombie choreographers,zombie runway fashion shows, live musical entertainers, freak show artists,CosPlayers, and vendors of every kind of horror themed item on the planet.
Trunk or Treat Queen Creek Town Center Oct. 22, 5 - 9 P.M. Trunk or Treat provides a safe environment for families to enjoy an inexpensive evening of Halloween fun in a festival atmosphere! Children trick-or-treat by going from car trunk to car trunk on “Trunk or Treat Street” to
day. Entertainer Linda Keith will be in the Food Court creating fun for Trick or Treaters and parents, alike. She’ll deliver music, dancing, free goody bags, contests from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.
get their bag filled with goodies. Individuals or groups sign up to host and decorate a trunk, and the Town provides all the candy to be given out at the event. Admission is free. Ghouls, goblins and ghosts of all ages will enjoy a festival of activities. So come out and join us for some ghoulish games, frightening food and freaky fun. Learn more at queencreek.org. Safe Haven Trick Or Treat Mesa Market Place Swap Meet Oct. 29, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Bring all your ghosts and goblins in costume and let them trick or treat their way through 1600 booths starting at the Food Court! Trick or Treaters will each get a trick or treat bag and will enjoy contests, surprises and treats throughout the
Halloween on Main Downtown Mesa Oct. 31, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Little ghouls and goblins will meet at the Southeast corner of Center and Main Street by the Mesa Arts Center to pick up goodies, a trickor-treat bag and a map of participating businesses. Then children will head down Main Street and stop at participating businesses for a candy or treat surprise! Visit downtownmesa.com to learn more.
East�ark, Bella Via, & Mulber�� $65/month f�ll ser�ice on play pool! 4
MCC Unveils Fall 2016 Arts Season
Mesa Community College proudly announces its Fall 2016 Arts season. Performances and exhibitions feature up-and-coming student artists and renowned craft masters. Performances and exhibitions and are presented in masterfully designed venues on MCC’s Southern and Dobson campus (1833 W. Southern Ave.). The Performing Arts Center delivers exceptional acoustics and visibility for musical, instrumental and dance performances. Boasting theatrical modernizations, MCC Theatre delivers an intimate experience to stage performances and the recently opened Art Gallery embraces the dynamic and multidisciplinary nature of today’s visual culture. The season kicks off in September with the “Biennial Art Faculty & Staff Exhibition,” which presents the work of artists who currently teach or work at Mesa Community College in art history, 2D & 3D design, ceramics, drawing, graphic art and design, painting and photography. This Art Gallery exhibition features a wide range of visual practices, spanning multiple genres and media. The exhibit is Sept. 19 - Oct. 7 with an opening reception Sept. 28. In September and December, Jazz big band lovers won’t want to miss the MCC Performing Arts Jazz Ensemble (MPJE) Concerts featuring artistic director and pianist Nick Manson; saxophonists Paul Brewer, Bryon Ruth, Mary Petrich, Hugh Lovelady, Chris Campbell and Emily Blair Wolf; bones with Matt Lennex, Bill Foy, Michael Lake, John Wise; trumpeters Dave Coolidge, Danny Doyle, Andrew Smith and Rob Hunter; and Nick Mason, John Lewis and Mario Mendivil in the rhythm section. Performances on Sept. 27 and Dec. 13 at 7 p.m. In October, MCC’s Theatre & Film Arts Department presents “All in the Timing,” written by David Ives and directed by MCC faculty Kevin Dressler. The play will feature six diverse and equally hilarious one-act comedies that focus on
wordplay, existentialist perspectives and the complications of human interactions. Play runs Oct. 7 - 15 with matinees Oct. 8 and 15. Adult themes and content. Also October brings the Desert Echoes Flute Project featuring professional flutists, music educators, college students and community musicians. Performance Oct. 7 at 7:30 pm. Featuring professional musician and educator, Hugh Lovelady on alto saxophone. For vocal music lovers, Grammy winner and MCC instructor Craig Peterson, Ph.D., and Joseph Johnston will direct various groups during a Choir Concert Oct. 18 at 7:30 p.m. November features the Fall Formal Dance Production, an evening of dance performed and choreographed by accomplished students and guests. Artists come from many different backgrounds, allowing the production to highlight diverse styles, originality and excitement. Performances Nov. 17 and 18 at 7:30 pm. The month of November ends on a musical note with a Jazz Concert by the Mesa Community College Jazz Band. Under the direction of MCC alum Paul Brewer, this group leaves a long wake of acclaimed success and sets the standard for jazz ensembles in Arizona. Performance
Nov. 30 at 7 pm. “Good ‘N’ Plenty,” written by Jeffrey Hatcher and directed by Ron May of the Stray Cat Theatre (Tempe), will be presented in December. A very hip, new social studies teacher returns to his high school and diverges from the curriculum to introduce his students to the justice system using role play in a social experiment. The process devolves until almost everyone ends up in “jail.” The play runs Dec. 2 - 10, with matinees Dec. 3 and 10. Adult themes and content. December brings a Guitar Concert presented by the MCC Guitar Music Class (Dec. 9), plus a DJ Concert starring students from the MCC Music Business class (Dec. 14). Seats may be reserved online at mesacc.edu/arts, by calling the MCC Box Office at 480-461-7172 or at the door. Prices vary, typically ranging from $7 to $18. Art Gallery exhibitions and some instrumental performances are free of charge. Patrons should use the Solar Way entrance east of Dobson Road for easy access to the MCC Theatre and Art Gallery. The Longmore Way entrance west of Longmore Street is nearest to the Performing Arts Center. Photo by John Wagner Photographs 2015
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SUNSHINE ACRES BENEFIT DRIVE
About Sunshine Acres Sunshine Acres is a collection of 8 homes on a single property in northeast Mesa where at-risk children are provided with a safe and stable environment, therapy, support and love. The home receives no state funding and relies entirely on thrift store sales and charitable donations to keep its doors open.
The Goal The folks at Sunshine Acres have expressed a need for kid-friendly food and entertainment options. With 80+ kids on campus, even a trip to McDonald’s gets expensive. The Leadership Class 2 goal is to raise $1,500 in cash and gift card donations by the end of the fall concert series.
Donate at Upcoming Concerts Concert goers are encouraged to stop by the donation table near the food trucks throughout the Fall 2016 First Friday Concert series to donate cash or gift cards to bowling alleys, quick serve restaurants, ice cream shops and movie theaters.
September 2 - Chuck E. Baby
October 7 - Georgia Chrome
November 4 - Apple
One of the most popular local cover bands around. They cover it all – bring the family and be ready to dance.
Everything from brand new chart topping country to old school Americana, delivered from the souls of collective national touring musicians together in a one-two sonic punch.
A Tribute to the Beatles. This incredible band plays all of your favorite Beatles tunes and will transport you back in time. You’ll be singing and dancing along with Apple!
Visit
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www.sunshineacres.org to learn more about this amazing local organization.
Sports, Health and Fitness Options Abound at Mulberry
In addition to the fitness center and pool, basketball and tennis courts and (of course) the popular Mulberry Cruisers, the Mulberry community offers a variety of great fitness programs. According to Lifestyle Director Lucy Mackuse, there are many options for residents at all levels of fitness. “Aqua Zumba is over for the
season, but the traditional Zumba class is going strong. They are really having a blast while getting fit,” Mackuse said. “We’ve also just started a Boot Camp fitness class that meets twice a week at 5 in the morning. The new class, Fitness With Brandy, was actually started by one of our newest residents. She is a certified group fitness instructor and an advocate exerciser.”
Mary Housekeeping Bautista Love your home.
As the weather cools, the community will offer a 45 minute walk through the neighborhood on Tuesday evenings. It’s a great way to get out, get some exercise and get to know your neighbors. Mackuse said she hopes to add yoga to Mulberry’s lineup of fitness options and is currently on the lookout for a well-qualified Yoga instructor.
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Bella Via Boy Scouts Offer Flag Placement Subscription Service Submitted by Bella Via HOA Board of directors. The American Flag is the most recognized symbol of freedom in the world. As Ronald Reagan once said, “when we honor our flag we honor what we stand for as a Nation -- freedom, equality, justice and hope.” Six times a year, Nick Van Stee and Scott Mason from Boy Scout Troup
#32 gives Bella Via Community Members the opportunity to display the American Flag proudly and pay tribute to those that have fought for America’s freedom and for those that still do. Nick and Scott place a flag in the front yards of Community Members on Memorial Day, Independence Day, Flag Day, Labor Day, Patriot’s Day and Veteran’s Day for a small
$35 annual subscription. The tribute of thanks is seen by many as the flags also line the main entrance of the Bella Via Community. To our Troops, we thank you. Note: Mark your calendars for Bella Via’s Community Garage Sales on Saturday, October 8th starting at 7am.
Allison McDowell Join my VIP shopping group: facebook.com/groups/allisonsaddicts 8
Local Artist Takes Face Painting To The Next Level Stephanie Jimenez is an artist and her canvas is the human face. Jimenez says she was recently called to explore this new passion and admits it didn’t quite make sense at first. “I did not even know I could face paint. It was something that just fell from the sky,” Jimenez said. “I got that bug. That ‘I should try it’ bug. And the more I thought about it, the more that voice told me ‘you have to do this.’” Starting from zero, Jimenez said her first step was to research. “I couldn’t find any local classes and didn’t know where to look, so I searched on Facebook,” Jimenez said. “I started out with a lot of YouTube videos and I watched every video I could find on face painting. I would write down what brush was being used and what paint and if they didn’t mention the brush, I’d make a note of what it looked like.” The tools she would need to get started were not cheap and Jimenez said she decided to go ahead and make the investment. “I wanted to be professional about it,” Jimenez said. “Something was telling me that this wasn’t going to be just a hobby.” She was right. Jimenez had a breakthrough in her art after joining a face painting challenge group on Facebook. “I had no idea what I was doing, but I thought it was something that could help me.” The group challenges run month to month so to start, Jimenez observed what other painters were
submitting. “At the start of May, 2016 I started the challenge and I submitted my first painting. I was really nervous because I’d heard that online
I was inspired by an artist I’d seen who really pushed herself. That day I really pushed myself. I looked something up and I decided I was going to try something I would have never thought I could do. And I did it. And it turned out SO GOOD! So I posted it and it exploded. That was still in May.” “I painted every day in May and when June came I decided I was going to keep going. So I painted every single day for a month in June and then every single day in July and then every single day in August. I’ve learned so much. It’s been a journey that I never would have expected,” Jimenez said. “Have you ever felt like you were meant to do something? My whole life I felt like there was something that I’m supposed to do but I don’t know what it is. Well, I think I found it. I don’t know where it’s going to lead me, because I’m still very new, but I’m surprising myself everyday.”
groups can be very critical and discouraging. Long story short, this is one of the most supportive groups I have ever been a part of in my life. It’s amazing. It’s 100% positivity.” Jimenez said the group focuses on positive reinforcement to encourage artists to reach their potential. “People just started encouraging me and I noticed real artists giving me thumbs up or ‘way to go’ and my confidence just started going up and up and up,” Jimenez said. “The group is called Inspiration to Paint, so every day you are inspired with a theme by different artists. So
Center photo: Jimenez with her practice doll by Tricia Moore. Additional Photos courtesy Funky Faces by Steph. Find more photos at: https://www.facebook.com/ funkyfacesbysteph About Eastmark Entrepreneurs Eastmark Entrepreneurs is a network of Eastmark resident business owners dedicated to building a local-first community. The group sponsors business networking events as well as community-life activities on a monthly basis.
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Meet The Neighbors: Jen Sage Eastmark Neighbor Jen Sage, in an attempt to prevent what she felt was an inevitable battle with breast cancer, chose to undergo double mastectomy surgery this past summer. It’s an incredibly invasive procedure with a significant recovery and reconstruction process. This is not a choice any woman wants to face, but for Sage it was the only acceptable option. “My mother lost her battle with breast cancer at the age of 57. She had triple negative, an aggressive breast cancer with exceptionally low survival rates. My aunt was also taken by triple negative breast cancer and my mother’s other two sisters are both breast cancer survivors,” Sage said. “When I was nine months pregnant with my daughter, my sister and cousin were both diagnosed with breast cancer.” Sage said she felt there was no question that she would eventually get a breast cancer diagnosis and she simply couldn’t take the chance that it would be an agressive type of cancer like tripple negative. “My sister underwent a double mastectomy, chemo and radiation as I myself was breastfeeding my newborn daughter,” Sage said. “I felt like it was coming for me. It seemed apparent that it was not a case of ‘if’ I would develop breast cancer, but ‘when’ and the thought of having triple negative scared me to my core. My mother was my best friend. She was my everything. Her death was the hardest thing I have ever gone through. I did not want my daughter to have to go through the same thing.” Although this was the obvious choice for her situation, Sage said
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she was still very nervous about the surgery and recovery process. “I worried about leaving my husband and my daughter if something went wrong. I also had a huge fear that the tissue that they removed and tested would come back cancerous. I feared I had not been fast enough to ensure that I would not develop breast cancer,” Sage said. “I also worried about my little girl. Snuggling before bed was our nightly routine, picking her up to kiss her boo-boos is what a mommy does. After surgery, I wouldn’t be able to do any of those things. I knew she was too young to understand and wondered if she would be okay.” Sage describes the double mastectomy experience as intense. “The breast surgeon performs her part first, removing all breast tissue possible. It takes between two and three hours. There will always be some tissue left behind, which means the risk is never reduced to
zero,” Sage said. “The tissue was tested, though, and I’m happy to report that no cancer was found. The next step is the plastic surgeon which also takes two or three hours. He removes excess skin and inserts an expander that is attached to your rib cage. Drains are placed under the skin to remove excess fluids that build up after surgery. I had to stay overnight in the hospital and when I went home, I did so with the drains still in place. The drains need to be emptied several times a day, until the fluid outflow is less than a certain amount. They hung from my body, and made me feel really uncomfortable and inhuman.” The drains were removed after three weeks and the expansion process took another three to four weeks at which point it was time to schedule the second surgery. “The reconstruction surgery lasted about two hours. The plastic surgeon removed the expanders and replaced them with implants. He pulled fat from my stomach, a process called fat grafting to add to my breasts. This is supposed to help with the shaping and prevent ripples, but one can still end up with dents and dimples, as I now have.” Sage said she has regular follow ups with the plastic surgeon and after three months she will evaluate the need for additional fat grafting and will have to make a decision on whether to have her new nipples tattooed on or reconstructed from tissue. ”I could have opted for a nipple sparing mastectomy,” Sage said, “but the risk increases when you keep them and you risk the loss of blood flow to them, causing them to become dead tissue and fall off.”
Sage said even with the summer off, recovery was difficult. “I am lucky that being a teacher provided me with a summer off so that I could truly recover from the first surgery. The second surgery was easier in many ways, but fat grafting is no walk in the park. I am still in the recovery process. My scars are still healing, swelling is beginning to subside and I am beginning to regain my full energy and range of motion. The emotional recovery process is one I am just beginning.” Sage said she has been very well cared for throughout the process. She has found support in her family and friends as well as specialized
support groups on Facebook. “My husband was my rock. From the moment I woke up from surgery he has never once let me not feel beautiful in his eyes. My sister was another invaluable source of support and my friends and neighbors pulled together to provide meal trains and to have our house cleaned. I also was fortunate enough to become part of a Facebook group called ‘Prophylactic Mastectomy.’ They are not a group for just anybody, a rigorous screening takes place before any member is let in.” She said the only advice she would give to women facing this decision
is to lean on the people around them. “No matter what decision is made, it won’t have been an be an easy one. Lean on the people around you. Reach out for support, this is not something you can do on your own,” Sage said. “While no one can predict the future, ask yourself what you are willing to fight for. Had I not had my daughter when my sister was diagnosed, I may have done things differently. My family was worth fighting for, which means my life was worth fighting for. I want to be my daughter’s best friend just as my mom was to me.”
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Chalkboard Chatter New Program Prepares QCUSD Students for Economic Success New this school year, all 5th and 8th graders in the Queen Creek Unified School District will learn financial and economic principals through Junior Achievement, an Arizona non-profit organization specializing in financial experiences for students. Junior Achievement in Queen Creek is possible thanks to the 2015 voter-approved override. As part of the Junior Achievement program, Queen Creek students in 5th and 8th grade will attend one of two workshops: JA BizTown or JA Finance Park. JA BizTown teaches elementary students economic concepts, workplace skills and finance skills in a student-sized town built just for them. BizTown combines inclassroom learning with real world application. The goal of the workshop is for each student group to form a company, pay off their business loan and show a profit. JA Finance Park is geared towards middle school and high school
students. During the workshop, students will learn the skills necessary to make personal finance decisions. When students arrive at JA Finance Park, they will be given a job, family scenario and an annual salary. Based on this information, students will put their classroom studies into action and make a series of money management decisions throughout the day. “We want to give students an experience they’ll remember that will create a pipeline to a more educated society, said Dr. Tiffannie Sechrist, Director of Career and Technical Education in QCUSD. Nearly 1,000 QCUSD students will get the chance to attend Junior Achievement. Queen Creek Elementary will be taking the first JA fieldtrip on Thursday, September 15, 2016. Other Queen Creek elementary and middle schools will be attending Junior Achievement in October, November and December.
Sequoia Pathfinder Academy at Eastmark Parent Teacher Organization is currently seeking sponsors and vendors for its October 28 Halloween Carnival. The event will take place in the SPAE parking lot from 5 - 8 p.m. and vendor tables are available for $50. contact SPAEPTO@gmail.com to learn more.
students and their families have access to the Digital Arizona Library. DAZL provides K-12 students with millions of FREE resources and is accessible on any device. DAZL is a great place to find biographies, journal articles, and news articles separated by grade level for easy browsing. Visit azlibrary. gov/dazl/learners to check it out.
Sequoia Pathfinder PTO Digital Library Free To ALA Students and Families Hosts Halloween Carnival American Leadership Academy
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ws e n d n a s e i t iv i t c a t n e d u t s s r o t a c u d e l ca from o ur lo ASU Prep Celebrates Volleyball Victories
ASU Prep Varsity volleyball team took second place in the gold division at the 11th Annual CAA Spike It Tournament held at the Salvation Army Kroc Center in September. The school’s JHA volleyball team took first place in the silver division at tournament this past weekend, and Junior Ashley CornwallElysee (Right) was named to the HS All-Tournament Team and seventh grader Sara Kaylor (left) was named to the JH All-Tournament Team. These athletes were nominated by coaches and referees for their superb play in the tournament. Congratulations Ashley and Sara! Photos provided by ASU Prep
Five BASIS Mesa Seniors Semifinalists in the National Merit Scholarship Program Reprinted from the BASIS Mesa Facebook page. BASIS Mesa is pleased to announce that 5 of the local charter school’s seniors were recently selected as Semifinalists in the National Merit Scholarship Program. This program honors individual students who show exceptional academic ability and potential for success in rigorous college studies. These students were identified as scoring among the highest one percent of the 1.5 million students nationwide and awarded semifinalist status. Congratulations
to Danial Shadmany, Antonio Ferris, Sean-Wyn Ng, Addison Crutchfield, and Jessica Gentrup (pictured below with Head Of School, Kristen Ramos).
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Featured Student: Zoe Jones Of Mulberry Loves Cars and Car Shows
Ten-year-old Zoe Jones is a 6th grader at Canyon Rim Elementary. She loves hanging out with friends and is excited to get to switch classes and have more than one teacher this year. She enjoys showing off her gymnastic skills and getting her picture taken. Zoe is also a BIG fan of car shows. “My mom and dad took me to my first car show when I was nine,” Zoe said. “I love to look at all the cool cars. I get to ask people questions about their cars so I can learn about them and I love the awesome paint jobs and modifications people do.” Zoe said she has met a lot of great people at car shows and that everyone is very nice to her. “The car show world is fun!” Zoe said. “A woman named Nancy Perry inspired me to host my own car show because I’ve been to so many of her shows. I will host my 2nd annual show in October and I get to help Nancy at her shows, too. Lots of them are for charity which is nice.” According to Zoe’s mom, Brandi Jones, there is a culture of community among car show participants and the car show world looks a lot like family. “ Not only are there shows- but we also meet to go on cruises to some pretty amazing destinations across the United States. We spend a lot of
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time with this community.” Zoe’s parents said they are both excited to see Zoe take an interest in cars and car shows. “Not only is she learning about the vehicles, she is gaining social interaction skills with people of all ages,” Brandi said. “She gets to talk with people who have some good stories and even better life advice. She’s learning a little about what it takes to run an event successfully. We’re also excited to see how compassionate she has become after helping out with charity shows.” Zoe’s dad Phillip Jones said he hopes his daughter will learn the value of relationships, perseverance and hard work. “My one hope is that Zoe will take away from this experience an understanding of people. This group of people is family,” Phillip said. “It’s a family that cares about one another, teaches each other about hard work and the rewards for that work. You might not always come away with the trophy, but you will always come away with something for your effort - a new friend, a good story or even just making someone smile. Most of these events are to help charities. I’m so proud of my wife and daughter, they have shown what hard work and caring for others can do.”
One characteristic of BASIS teachers is their real-world expertise in their fields; this is also true of our school administrators. Jon Hutman, the Director of Academic Programs at BASIS Mesa, has been an educator since 2005, primarily as a science teacher. He has been at BASIS Mesa since its opening in 2012. Jon’s mission in education is to get today’s youth excited about space and space exploration. In addition to his work in the classroom, he has founded Space Night, an annual event that brings community members together with professionals in the space industry to explore the night sky and beyond. “I can’t remember when I became interested in space, but I’ve always loved airplanes, and always loved the space shuttle,” Jon recalls. “The first time I saw Apollo 13 in movie theaters, my mind was blown”. Side by side with Jon’s work overseeing the academic progress of BASIS Mesa students, and assisting faculty members maintain rigorous academic standards that go with the BASIS curriculum, Jon acts as a JPL/NASA Solar System Ambassador and NASA OSIRIS-REx Ambassador. As an Ambassador, Jon works with scientists, engineers, and specialists at NASA to interact with and educate the public about
“I try to excite the public about space exploration and inspire the next generation to become space explorers themselves.”
space programs and exploration. “My role is to get as close to the source, the principal investigators, as possible,” Jon says in describing his role as an Ambassador. “They’re challenged to let the public know where their tax dollars go, and why the missions are important. I try to excite the public about space exploration and inspire the next generation to become space explorers themselves.” Jon’s enthusiasm as an educator and passion for space has been foundational in his career, and many of his current and former students have had their fire for learning and exploration lit through his dedication. Lifelong learning and working in the field is an important part of the BASIS philosophy, and Jon certainly embodies what a BASIS educator is.
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Critters, Companions and Furry Friends Animal Rescuers Save Kitten, Miko, From Dryer Vent
Mesa homeowners heard muffled meows coming from their dryer vent. Animal rescuers from the Arizona Humane Society arrived at the scene and found a tiny orange tabby kitten stuck in the dryer vent. After “renovating” the family’s bathroom and cutting through drywall, the rescuer was able to disassemble the dryer vent and finally reach the small hungry kitten. The kitty, now known as Miko, is only a few weeks old
and is currently being raised in the Arizona Humane Society’s Kitten Nursery. This time of year, Miko is one of hundreds of high-risk kittens who are raised by compassionate staff and
volunteers who ensure that each kitty receives a healthy start to grow into a happy and loving family member. Caring for these felines isn’t easy and requires constant monitoring. The kittens must be fed every two hours (even through the night), constantly kept warm and clean, stimulated to potty, and of course each kitten receives lots of socialization with people, dogs and cats. Once 8-weeksold, Miko and the other felines in the Kitten Nursery can go up for adoption. Find out how you can support, donate or volunteer in the Kitten Nursery by visiting azhumane.org.
MCC Red Mountain Recognized as Certified Wildlife Habitat Mesa Community College’s Red Mountain Campus has been recognized by the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) with a Certified Wildlife Habitat designation as part of its Garden for Wildlife program. “NWF celebrates the efforts of MCC-Red Mountain to create a garden space that improves habitat for birds, butterflies, frogs and other wildlife by providing essential
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elements needed by all wildlife--natural food sources, clean water, cover and places to raise young,” said a release by NWF announcing the award. “Certification also makes your Certified Wildlife Habitat part of the Million Pollinator Garden Challenge, a national effort to restore critical habitat for pollinators.” “We are honored to have received this recognition for our commitment
to understanding and protecting our natural resources and wildlife,” said Dr. Nora Reyes, Vice Provost, Mesa Community College at Red Mountain. “The cienega serves as a daily reminder of our commitment to our environment and serves as a valuable learning lab for our students and community members.” View additional photos at: facebook.com/CrittersRedMt
Haunted Houses, Fear Farms and Ghost Hunting In Arizona Submitted by Carl Ong As we wave goodbye to summer and warmer weather (that simply means under 100 in Phoenix!), the holiday season officially kicks off with Halloween at the end of the month. Halloween often conjures images of costumes, candy, cauldrons and pumpkins. Many who celebrate can’t wait to visit the haunted attractions scattered across the Valley this time of year. Venues like Golfland/Sunsplash convert their classic castle into a haunted house known as “The Gauntlet,” and natural agrarian landscapes give way to multi-acre temporary theme parks like Fear Farm, which come complete with haunted houses, corn mazes, and other spooky wonders. If the commercial appeal of the October holiday feels a bit mundane, 2016 might be the year
to check out some spots around the state associated with “real” ghost sightings. Starting in Central Phoenix, the Hotel San Carlos has stood tall since 1928. An architectural marvel, the San Carlos was the first air-conditioned, high-rise hotel in Phoenix and was featured in the opening of the original 1960’s film, Psycho. The ornate copper lobby is open for curious tourists, or if you’re really adventurous, stay a night! Moving northward, the Jerome Grand Hotel in Jerome, AZ. It is the largest ghost town in Arizona and a renowned artist colony. Enjoy the incredible views from the hotel’s mile-high perch and consider booking a Room-and-Ride package that includes a night’s lodging and a ride on the Verde Canyon Wilderness Train. For those who are exceptionally adventurous, take a ghost hunting tour and see the spirits for yourself.
If Southern Arizona is more your haunt, consider visiting the Copper Queen in historic Bisbee, AZ. A modern hotel upon its completion in 1902, the location includes Italian mosaic tile and Tiffany glass. The century-old hotel has maintained its charm and updated its sophistication over the years. Enjoy live music in their classic saloon or, as in Jerome, take part in the weekly ghost hunt and explore the hotel for paranormal activity. The Eagles once wrote in their song, Hotel California, “…you can check out any time you like, but you can never leave.” Ghost sightings aren’t guaranteed at these three Arizona “hot spots,” but one thing is certain: you can always leave - even if you have to RUN! Eastmark resident Carl Ong is the owner of Expedia CruisShipCenters, a full service Travel Agency in Mesa, AZ.
Life Insurance Can Help Pay Mortgage, Bills
Submitted by Angela Zibert Jason’s neighbor, a widow, sold her home six months after her husband died. The woman told Jason she was moving from the neighborhood because she couldn’t afford the mortgage, credit cards and car loan without her husband. Jason was unsettled thinking debt could force his family into the same predicament. Seven out of 10 U.S. families with
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children under age 18 would have trouble paying their bills immediately or within a month or two if the primary wage earner died unexpectedly. Life insurance can provide peace of mind for you and the loved ones you leave behind. The income taxfree death benefit can help pay for housing and debt. Life insurance can also help pay for: Final expenses including funeral costs, doctor and hospital bills, attorney fees and other probate costs. Necessary living expenses including food, clothing, education, day care, utilities, transportation and insurance. Emergencies such as home and auto repairs, uncovered medical
and dental expenses, temporary layoff, or helping a parent or adult child in need. Miscellaneous living expenses like vacations and recreational dues and fees. Eastmark Neighbor and Modern Woodmen Financial Representative Angela Zibert can review flexible and affordable life insurance options. The more you learn about your options, the better prepared you can be to select the type of life insurance that’s best for you and your family. Let’s start the conversation. Angela Zibert, (507)382-2659 angela.k.zibert@mwarep.org
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Restaurant Recommendation: Nico Heirloom Kitchen Submitted by Brittany Allyn
Nico Heirloom Kitchen 366 N. Gilbert Road Gilbert, AZ 85234 Brunch/Lunch and Dinner Daily A chef-driven fine dining establishment featuring West Coast-inspired Italian cuisine. Chef Gio Osso hand-rolls pasta and hand-picks local ingredients for his seasonal menu. Urban ambiance with paradoxical country cozy touches, like a sprig of fresh rosemary tied with twine around a kitchen towel napkin at each place setting, set the tone for an unpretentious yet upscale experience. Popular starters include Grilled Asparagus topped with a sunny side duck egg perched and ready to spill and marry it’s
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golden buttery goodness with candied bacon, rich hollandaise sauce and just enough tangy salty goat cheese to satisfy yet trigger your taste buds for the main event. If the whole prosciutto ham stationed by the open kitchen and wood-burning oven proves
irresistible, enjoy the Penne Sugo. Delicate ridges of penne pasta catch spicy tomato cream sauce, fresh peas, prosciutto and generous amounts of shaved Parmigiano Reggiano. Review the thoughtfully composed wine list offering an extensive “by the glass” selection with the knowledgeable and attentive wait staff. Also noteworthy is the carefully chosen background music. Be sure to savor a piece of their homemade soft toffee on your way out. Eastmark resident Brittany Allyn is the host of Savor the Flavors cooking show, author of Wine and Opine wine reviews and volunteer field editor for Taste of Home magazine. Photo by Brittany Allyn
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