Superstition Living - July by Mansur Design Co.

SUPERSTITIONLIVING

2,895 SF / 3 BD / 2 BTH Custom Retreat On 2.5 AC w/Glorious Mountain & City Light Views Features High End Finishings T/O PLUS 3 Car Garage AND RV Garage!

$1,150,000 Call Terri - 480-770-9507

$564,000 Call Ronelle 480-326-7849 APACHE JUNCTION!

2,017 SF / 3 BD+Den / 2 BTH Open Design Features Gorgeous Kitchen, Stone Fireplace, Oversized Master Suite & Backyard Oasis With Inspiring Mountain Views! $829,900 Call Sergio 602-617-3540

2,074 SF / 4 BD / 2 BTH Updated Custom Retreat On 1+ ACNO HOA, VIEWS, Steel Barn w/Electric & 30 and 50 Amp RV Hookups! $749,500 Call Cindy - 480-202-0798 PERALTA TRAILS!

2,693 SF / 4 BD / 3.5 BTH VOTED BEST HOME ON TOUR! Gorgeous Custom Retreat - Premier Gated CommunityElegant & Luxurious Upgrades & Finishes Throughout - Turnkey Furnished & Decorated!

$829,000 Dawn - 480-250-7556 GOLD CANYON EAST!

2,054 SF / 4 BD / 2 BTH Cul De Sac PREMIUM Superstition Mountain View Lot Features Custom Touches & Elegant Upgrades Throughout Including Granite, Wainscoting, Gas Cooktop, Double Ovens, Entertainment Center,

1,696 SF / 2 BD + Office / 2 BTH RESORT Backyard Features Sparkling Pool, Hot Tub & STUNNING Mountain Views! Upgrades & Updates Throughout This Beautiful Great Room Design Home!

INSIDETHISISSUE

2025 ] VOL 9 - n 7

Published monthly by Mansur

Company LLC. Contact editor@mansurdesign.com for any questions.

& Photo Submissions

& Encouraged!

Please limit stories to approximately 400 words, and Calendar events to 100 words. You may submit Articles and Events to editor@mansurdesign.com or at the upload form on SuperstitionLiving.com

We are primarily interested in stories directly related to our circulation area. We will run these stories and photos based on space available each month. No guarantee of publication is made.

This is not a platform for complaints or political agenda.

Opinions expressed in editorial or advertisements do not necessarily represent the view or opinion of Mansur Design Co.

No liability is accepted for errors or omissions in editorial or advertising copy. We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of the publication but are not immune from mistakes.

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If you are looking for extra copies of past editions, please email editor@mansurdesign.com to work something out, or if you would like to order some online to be sent to your address, you may do so on my ko-fi shop, ko-fi.com/MansurDesignCo.

This magazine is paid for by Local advertisers and is free to pick up from the Apache Junction Chamber of Commerce, and the Gold Canyon Visitor Center, as well as, other businesses around the area. This Publication would not be here if it wasnt for the support of our Local Businesses, Thank you!

Advertising rates and other information are available at SuperstitionLiving.com

Deadlines

All editorial, photo and advertising are due by the 10th of each month prior to the month of publication.

Mailing ADDRESS: Mansur Design Company LLC. PO Box 2909, Apache Junction, AZ 85178

LOCALEVENTS

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Submissions are due 10th of the month prior editor@mansurdesign.com

Thursday, July 10th, from 6-8pm — Paints & Pints! AJ Parks and Rec is teaming up with Cat Wagon Tap and Bottle for Paints & Pints! Each month will have a different theme for its painting, so no two months are the same! Paints & Pints will begin at 6pm, and it should take about two hours to finish. Registration is $40 and open to anyone 16 years or older. Registration covers all painting supplies and a free drink (pint, wine, soda)! Paints & Pints will be held at Cat Wagon Tap and Bottle, located at 2430 W. Apache Trail #4 in Apache Junction. Space is limited, so make sure to register online at https://www.apachejunctionaz.gov/111/Parks-Recreation

Friday, July 4th — AJ Fireworks Extravaganza - 8:30pm | The fireworks show is the main event! The show will begin at 8:30pm gates open at 6pm, and you definitely don't want to miss it! The main event is located at Superstition Shadows Park, 1091 W Southern Ave, in the area south of the skate park. This is a free event, open to the public (a small fee for food and game booths may apply). Game booths, hosted by local organizations and activities for kids will take place at the field starting at 6pm. Bicycle, Tricycle, & Wagon Mini Float Contest - judging at 6:30 p.m., floats should be placed in front of the main Parks & Recreation booth- Winners will be announced around 7:30pm during the bands intermission. Fireworks start at 8:30pm. Parking and traffic for this event is limited. See www.apachejunctionaz.gov for parking maps and more info.

July 16 – 18th — Discover Fun at our Kids Camp Hosted by Live It Well in Gold Canyon | For more information; www. liveitwellaz.com/workshops-events

CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

Events Continue at Boyce Thompson Arboretum, Check the complete event pages on their website at www.btarboretum.org/event or contact the Visitor's Center at 520-689-2723. You may also Email: info@btarboretum. org.

Exciting Activities year round at the Superstition Mountain Museum, Call 480 983-4888 or visit www.superstitionmountainmuseum.org for schedule of classes and events.

Visit Lost Dutchman State Park, Check the website www.azstateparks.com/lost-dutchman/ for a schedule of events and activities. Call 480-982-4485

In the late 1990s, community foresight, led by ADOBE, resulted in ad-vocacy for a bypass route around Gold Canyon. Although Gold Canyon residents voted to approve the plan and hundreds of thousands of dollars in taxpayer funds were expended for dirt to fly, ADOT ultimately reallocated the assigned funding to other projects. Consequently, because of this reallocation, the burden of traffic management during the Renais-sance season remains unresolved, with no relief in sight, we are told, until around 2050-2060. However, Pinal County Supervisor Mr. Jeff Serdy is working hard to complete the extension of Route 24 to Route 60 in much less time. Once completed, that would resolve the Renaissance traffic di-lemma for the Gold Canyon area. That is, if access to the Renaissance was completely shut down on Route 60.

In June 2025, ADOBE Board Members, Pinal County Supervisor Mr. Jeff Serdy, and festival producer Mr. Jeffrey Seigel met to discuss the up-coming 2026 festival, with traffic management being the primary con-cern. Mr. Seigel, a long-time Gold Canyon resident, lover of the area, and a strong advocate for community collaboration, acknowledged ADOBE's pivotal role in the festival's early success, stating ADOBE helped place “the first stake in the ground.” Mr. Seigel expressed a continued com-mitment to working collaboratively with ADOBE, governmental authori-ties, and local organizations to address Renaissance traffic concerns.

Currently, Mr. Seigel is coordinating with a Traffic Engineering firm to explore potential solutions, including the feasibility of adding a new travel lane to facilitate access to the festival grounds. The intersection at Mountain Brook has been identified as a particularly problematic area due to heavy vehicle and pedestrian traffic and insufficient lane capacity to handle that traffic. Add Renaissance traffic to the mix, and the matter enlarges exponentially. Unfortunately, there is no confirmed funding from ADOT to implement the improvements needed at the Mountain Brook intersection. Although ideas such as shuttling Renaissance goers and initiating staggered ticket entry have been discussed, it was decided by Renaissance leaders that neither was feasible.

Looking ahead, ADOBE, in partnership with Mr. Seigel, Mr. Serdy, and other relevant stakeholders, will continue to explore avenues for sustain-able Faire traffic management. Mr. Seigel will present full details of the issues, plans, and hurdles associated with Renaissance traffic at the ADOBE Community Meeting scheduled for January 2026. This meeting will allow residents to engage directly with festival leadership and trans-portation planners.

Let’s be clear: there is currently no simple solution to the traffic issues caused by Renaissance traffic. The situation raises a range of serious con-cerns, from negative impacts on daily travel and disruptions to local businesses to increased risk of traffic crashes. More critically, it poses a danger during emergencies such as wildfires, chemical spills, or the need for urgent medical transport. In these scenarios, blocked roads and lim-ited existing routes could have devastating consequences. For now, we find ourselves in a recurring traffic dilemma each Renaissance season, with no immediate relief in sight. We are being asked to “live with it” un-til a lasting solution can be implemented.

I encourage all residents interested in the festival’s infrastructural impact to attend the meeting in January 2026.

Glenn A. Walp, PhD • ADOBE – “The Voice and Heart of Gold Canyon since 1989”

JULY EVENTS AT AJ PUBLIC LIBRARY

1177 N Idaho Rd, Apache Junction, http://www.ajpl.org/

Tuesday, July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, from 9 a.m.-noon AZ@Work Job Search Help | AZ@Work will be at the library to support patrons with their job search. From resumes to applications to cover letters.

Tuesday, July 1, 2-3 p.m. — Art as Therapy | Join Lieutenant Colonel Barry Rosenblatt and Susan Paige of Paige Artists Gallery Studio for a presentation about art therapy. Learn how art helped Veteran Barry recover and rewire his brain after he experienced a major stroke 15 years ago. Barry will share his story, amazing information about art therapy, and show off his art pieces.

Thursday, July 3, 5 – 7p.m. — Summer Watercolors | Create summer watercolors, with no artistic experience necessary! Choose from multiple designs and make art for framing or adding to a card. Plus, learn how you can make your own designs using our Cricut! Teens & adults welcome, all supplies provided by the Friends of Apache Junction Public Library. Registration Required

Monday, July 7 - Saturday, July 12, 9-5 p.m. | Summer Reading Book Fair

Wednesday, July 9, 4 p.m. Seed Up Meet Up | Topic: Starting Your Pumpkins For Halloween! Help us fill our seed packets for the seed library, hear from Superstition Master Gardeners, ask questions about your home garden, & learn about Earth Heart Park and Community Garden!

Thursday, July 10, 10 a.m. - Breathe Again: Learning to Live After Loss | Are you grieving a loss? Would you like a safe place to discuss your grief? A chance to meet new people and be with others who understand? Join us for a monthly bereavement group hosted by Barbara King, R.N., Executive Director of Supportive Hands Hospice. Free and open to adults.

Thursday, July 10, 4-7 p.m. - Color Scavenger Hunt | Find all the colors of our world in the library! Bring your phone or camera to take pictures during the hunt. All are welcome, teams or individuals, any age.

Friday, June 11, 3-5 p.m. - Cricut Drop-In | Stop by to learn about the Library’s Cricut machine, talk about your ideas, or get help with any issues. Drop in anytime between 3-5 on the first Friday of every month.

Saturday, July 12, 10 – 11 a.m. - Cricut For Beginners | Join us to learn the basics of the Cricut - what it is and what it can be used for. Perfect for anyone who is curious about the machine or has one and has never taken it out of the box!

Saturday, July 12, 3:30 p.m.

Receiving Energy: Deep Rest & Reiki as Restoration | This is the second of a monthly series offered by Reiki Master Teacher and author Lori Medina. This circle focuses on opening to receive. Through gentle breathwork and Reiki, we allow the body and spirit to rest, restore, and reset. Group healing amplifies collective restoration.

Monday, July 14, 21, 28, 9 a.m.1 p.m. - Open Art Group | For adults that want a place to paint or create for a couple of hours! Be sure to bring your own supplies!

Tuesday, July 15, 1:30-2:30 p.m. Dying for a Mystery Summer Book Club– Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters Wednesday, June 18, 3:00 p.m. - Biblio Bites – Glorious Layered Desserts | A modern take on traditional layered trifles! Learn how to layer rich chocolate desserts and light fruity treats. Sample your creation too! All supplies provided. Registration required and limited to 20 participants. Go to our website or call the library at 480-4748555 to save your spot. For Ages 13+.

Thursday, June 12, 5:30 – 7 p.m.Adult Board Game Night | Try out new board games, hang out with friends, and make new ones! No registration required. Supplies provided by the Friends of Apache Junction Public Library. Try games like Exploding Kittens, Herd Mentality, Codenames, Q Bitz, And Hues & Cues

Thursday, July 17, 6:30 p.m. Books & Brews | Rejoice! Books & Brews is continuing throughout the Spring season! Join us at the Handlebar Pub & Grill in Apache Junction. Bring a book that fits the monthly genre or any you’ve enjoyed lately. Delight in discussion and libations on the pub’s patio, plus 10% off your bill! Genre: Historical Fiction or Non Fiction

Monday, July 21, 1:30 – 4 p.m. - Let’s Quilt | Let’s Quilt! provides a place for adults to quilt for a couple hours. Learn more about quilting or share your current project. Be sure to bring your own supplies and enjoy the company of other quilt enthusiasts!

Thursday, July 24, 5 - 7 p.m. - Hobby & Regifting Swap | Bring craft supplies, unfinished projects, hobby parts, instruction books, tools, and even “regiftable” items to swap with others!

Join us for our 2nd Lower Salt River Cleanup for Military Veterans—If you are a military veteran, join us this Saturday, July 12th! We’re paddling the Lower Salt River from Pebble Beach to Goldfield picking up trash.

No equipment? No problem! Our friends from No Snow Standup Paddleboard are donating rental for veterans, you just need to reserve equipment with Natural Restorations by July 10th! Veterans may bring a plus 1 if they are 18+ years old & have their own equipment or rent it.

If you’re not a veteran, please share with any veterans you know who may want to float the river with us.

Registration is required, Visit our website to register https:// www.naturalrestorations.org/new-events-1. If you can’t make it on the 12th, we also have events for veterans on 8/2 and 9/13. Our next event that's open to everyone is Saturday, September 27th, so Save the Date!

We Understand Commitment

At Edward Jones, we deliver candid guidance and personalized investment strategies to help you plan for and realize the possibilities of your future – for you, your family and generations to follow.

Matthew Fliss, CFP® Financial Advisor

MILITARY ORDER OF THE

PURPLE HEART

CHAPTER 2560 | CHRISTMAS IN JULY — ONLINE AUCTION!

Submitted by Nancy Fassbender

MOPH is having a “Christmas in July” online auction to raise monies for Wreaths Across America Remembrance Day. We are close to our goal and are short 200 Wreaths to make sure Wreaths will be placed in our two cemeteries for our interred Veterans. (Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park and Mountain View Cemetery.)

One fun way is to do an Online Auction! Please go to the website below and look thru items which are up for Auction. You can bid as many times you wish.

This auction will start on July 1, 2025, and will end at 6pm on July 31, 2025. https://go.dojiggy.io/wreaths

5301 S Superstition Mtn Dr Suite A110 Gold Canyon, AZ 85118 480-983-1333

5301 S Superstition Mtn Dr Suite A110 Gold Canyon, AZ 85118

480-983-1333

Remember, if you have a loved one in another cemetery, if Wreaths Across America participates in that cemetery, we can assist you in having that wreath placed on WAA Remembrance Day, December 13, 2025.

Please contact Nancy Fassbender if you have any questions at 520-280-4715.

Dr. Tina Marcantel, Naturopathic Doctor

480-738-1647 | DrMarcantel.com

6589 S. Kings Ranch Road, Gold Canyon

FINDING THE REAL YOU IN THE MIRROR

It’s a story I’ve heard over and over again as I’m interviewing new patients:

“Dr. Marcantel, I am a wreck. I’m probably the worst patient you’ve ever seen. I’m depressed, I’ve put on so much weight that I hate my body, and I’m so miserable that I’m just about ready to give up. I’m disgusted with myself; I’m tired of being the person I’ve become.”

As she speaks, though, I look into this woman’s eyes and see a very different person than the one she’s describing.

I see a person with a brave heart who has shown the courage to take steps to explore health care options for herself so she can try to feel better. I see a tired, discouraged individual who still has enough hope in reserve to continue to pursue help because, deep down, she believes she can have a better life. I also often see a soul who has cared for so many others that she has lost herself in the giving and has become ill herself.

In one of my favorite movies, Hook, Robin Williams is a grown-up Peter Pan who has allowed the crushing responsibilities of the adult world to erase all memory of his childhood. When he finds himself back in Neverland among the Lost Boys, neither he nor the children can believe that he was once their leader.

At one point one of the boys takes the middle-aged man’s face in his hands to examine him. As he wipes away time by smoothing out the wrinkles with his fingers, the boy suddenly exclaims, “Oh, there you are, Peter!” It’s a pivotal moment as the character begins the journey of recapturing his true identity. Later when he sees his reflection in a pool, it is the Peter Pan of his youth that is looking back at him.

We may not be able to stop time by refusing to grow up like the original Peter Pan. We don’t, however, have to identify ourselves with the negative physical and emotional circumstances in our lives.

When I see the true soul of courage, hope, and generosity in the discouraged person sitting in my office I want to somehow reflect that image back to her. I try to provide an atmosphere of safety and trust that will encourage each patient to see the beauty of her own divine nature. This shift in thinking is critical because before any of us can truly heal we must first believe that we are worthy of the time, energy, and effort of pursuing wellness.

What do you see when you look in the mirror? Is it a reflection of someone who is hopelessly discouraged by the person you’ve become? I hope you see the real you–a beautiful, unique soul with the potential for achieving the health and happiness you deserve.

Christmas in July

By Marcia Nelson

Oh the weather outside is frightful, but the clouds are so delightful. And since we’ve no place to go.

Let it rain, let it storm, let it blow!

It doesn’t show signs of stopping, so I’ve brought some drinks for popping.

The AC is turned up high, now lets hope that the power doesn’t die.

When we just can’t take it anymore. When the storms and the heat are a bore. Then the only good fix is to hitch up the tow, and head North to the pines in Show Low.

IN THE KITCHEN WITH MARSHA MARSHADORRIS

DEVILED EGG MACARONI SALAD

If you like deviled eggs, you should enjoy this salad! It mimics the taste of the beloved deviled egg!!

DIRECTIONS:

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 Tbs plus ½ tsp kosher salt, divided

• 1 pound macaroni pasta (I used medium sized shell pasta)

• 7 large eggs – boiled – (save 1 egg to slice to put on top of salad)

• 2 stalks celery, finely chopped

• 5 green onions, thinly sliced, divided

• 1 cup matchstick carrots, roughly chopped

• ½ cup chopped dill pickles

• 1 cup mayonnaise

• 1/3 cup white sugar

• 2 Tbsp white vinegar

• 1 ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

• ½ tsp paprika

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1 Tbsp salt and the pasta. Cook until pasta is tender with a bite, about 9 minutes. Rinse pasta with cold water and drain well. Add pasta to a large bowl.

Peel eggs; separate yolks and whites. Roughly chop egg whites and add to pasta. Place yolks in a medium bowl and set aside. Add in the celery, carrots, pickles, and green onions – reserving 2 Tblsp for garnish.

Mash the egg yolks and add the remaining salt, mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, mustard and pepper. Stir mixture until smooth and pour over pasta mixture. Toss until well combined. Slice the one saved egg and put on top of the salad and sprinkle with the reserved green onions and paprika. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve. ENJOY!!

Compliments Nicole McLaughlin of Allrecipes.com

THE ROBIN ROTELLA TEAM JUST GOT STRONGER WELCOME,

CHRIS BRADY

The Robin Rotella Team is thrilled to welcome Chris Brady to our growing real estate family!

Chris Brady is a dedicated real estate professional who brings a wealth of experience and a personal touch to every client relationship. From Lynden, Washington, she moved to Gold Canyon six years ago and quickly fell in love with the area’s beauty, lifestyle, and close-knit community. It’s this deep appreciation for Gold Canyon that fuels her passion for helping others find their perfect home here!

Known for her strong work ethic and many years of experience in the sales and insurance industries, Chris developed a strong foundation in customer service, negotiation, and problem-solving.

These roles sharpened her ability to deliver exceptional results and build lasting relationships —skills she now applies to guide her clients through every step of the buying or selling process!

Chris and her husband live in Superstition Foothills and she is the proud mother of two and a joyful grandmother! Outside of work, Chris enjoys camping, hiking, and taking long walks with her dog, Myla. Whether she’s exploring the outdoors or helping someone find the right home, Chris brings care, commitment, and a personal approach to everything she does!

We’re excited to have Chris on board and can’t wait to see the impact she’ll make in Gold Canyon real estate! Welcome, Chris!

6641 S Kings Ranch Rd, Suite 2, Gold Canyon | Facebook: Discover Gold Canyon-Robin Rotella Real Estate Team www.RobinRotellaTeam.com

CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION

Join the City of AJ Parks & Recreation for the annual Fourth of July Celebration. All festivities take place on Friday, July 4th, 2025

Please note that the event will be located at Superstition Shadows Park, located at 1091 W Southern Ave. They will be kicking off the events with the annual 4th of July Volleyball Tournament held at Superstition Shadows Aquatic Center. Registration for the free tournament begins at 7:15am. Space is limited to the first 8 teams (up to 10 players per team) that register. The tournament begins at 8am. The Aquatic Center will be open for open swim from 9:00am-3:00pm on the 4th of July, with free admission, sponsored by Aaron McDermid State Farm.

Evening events are located at Superstition Shadows Park. Gates for the event open at 6:00pm. This is a free event, open to the public (a small fee for food and game booths may apply). Game booths, hosted by local vendors & Non-Profit Organizations, and activities for kids will take place starting at 6:00pm. Some of the activities include Water Games, Bicycle, Wagon & Tricycle Float Contest (judging at 6:30pm), Inflatables, FREE Watermelon sponsored by Apache Junction Little League (while supplies last), and Live Entertainment. Zero Reasons will be providing live entertainment on the

Event Stage from 6:30-8:30pm and will kick off the Fireworks Extravaganza at 8:30pm, weather permitting.

Parking is limited, so please come early. There will be traffic restrictions. Please plan for delays. The Fourth of July festivities are all located on City & School Property and no consumer fireworks, alcohol, smoking glass containers, pets or weapons will be allowed at the event or adjacent parking/ viewing areas (bags and coolers brought into the facility will be checked). Food and drinks will be available to purchase on site. If you have a request for accommodation, please contact the Parks and Recreation Department prior to the event. Only service animals will be permitted at the facility. Apache Junction Parks & Recreation would like to thank the Event Sponsors: Republic Services, Aaron McDermid State Farm, Apache Junction Sewer District, Arizona Water Company, and Mesa Gateway Airport as well as the Event Supporters: Apache Junction Unified School District, Apache Junction Little League, Superstition Fire & Medical District, and the Apache Junction Police Department. Without their assistance, this event would not be possible.

For more information including maps for parking, please contact the Parks and Recreation Department website at www.apachejunctionaz.gov/700/4th-of-July.

REAL ESTATE FOR YOU LORI BLANK

ASSOCIATE BROKER LORI BLANK & ASSOCIATES, LLC

LORI BLANK ANNUAL AWARDS 2025

By Dawn Carol

We hosted our Annual Awards Event last month! ALL Agents & Brokers were recognized for their OUTSTANDING Listings and Sales in 2024!

The event was catered on our back patio by Gold Stallion Restaurant. Photos were taken by Joanne West. Dawn Carroll as new Designated Broker/Owner was Thrilled to Honor the Amazing Group of Professionals at Lori Blank & Associates & Recognize ALL Of Their Outstanding Accomplishments in 2024!

CALL TO ARTISTS FOR THE 25TH ANNUAL GOLD CANYON ARTS FESTIVAL

Saturday, January 24th, 2026

The Gold Canyon Arts Festival is a 1-day event held on the 4th Saturday of January each year. Many of our participating artists call our Festival the best 1-day show in the state based on turnout and sales. The sponsor of the event is the Gold Canyon Arts Council in co-operation with the Artists of the Superstitions. This year’s Festival will again be held on the grounds of the United Methodist Church at 6640 S. King’s Ranch Rd. in Gold Canyon, AZ 85118.

This venue offers good parking and drive-by visibility. Typically, 80 – 85 artists are accepted to show their work. Previous year’s attendance was about 4,000 during the festival hours of 9 AM to 4 PM. Reserved artist spaces are 10 ft. X 10 ft. (tents are encouraged but not required). Your cost is a $25.00 non-refundable Application fee and if selected by the jury, a $125.00 Artist fee, plus the contribution of a piece of your art to support the Gold Canyon Arts Council’s Arts Education programs.

Artist Hospitality volunteers are available to help you find your assigned space and “tent sit” during the day to allow you to take breaks. Restrooms are available inside the church. The festival also features food vendors and musical performances throughout the day.

All artists will be juried into the show.

Categories: Your submitted work will be juried in one of the following categories: Painting/ Drawing, Glass art, Photographic art, Wood art, Clay art, Jewelry, Metalwork art, Natural products (e.g., gourds, seeds), or Other.

Deadline for applications is: November 1st, 2025. Applications are through the ZAPP website https://www. zapplication.org/event-info.php?ID=13332

You may submit up to two categories but you may sell your work only in the categories approved by the jury. No brokered/factory produced or imported items are allowed.

Carole Lindemann, Gold Canyon Arts Festival Chair, Carbill5@mchsi.com, 480-296-6502

FINANCIAL FOCUS®

MATTRUPPERT

There’s a quote about the importance of setting goals that says, “If you don’t know where you’re going, any path will take you there.” You probably have dreams about retirement, vacations, hobbies and more. But if you don’t have a strategy with financial goals in place, you may not make the choices that can best set you on the path to achieve those dreams.

Setting goals helps define and showcase your purpose, passions and priorities. And establishing your own strong financial goals can help you earn and enjoy a wide variety of short- and long-term achievements throughout your life. When you reach your financial goals, you can feel a sense of accomplishment in seeing your efforts literally pay off. But how do you get started?

Prioritize your needs and wants. Think about the things that are most important to you and then outline them as financial “must-haves” and “wish-list” targets. Start with the big-ticket items and work through to ideas that may not cost as much. A must-have for many people is having enough to live comfortably through retirement. Being able to afford the college of your child’s choice, without incurring mounds of debt, is another. Your wish list, on the other hand, may include things like saving for vacations, hobbies or entertainment expenses.

Create detailed short- and long-term goals within your financial strategy. It’s important to be specific about the goals you want to achieve and how much you’ll need to achieve them. One way to do this is by making your goals measurable. Assign estimated dates and costs to each goal so you can plan how much to save and how much time you have before you need the money. For example, for your retirement goal, be specific about how many years before you want to retire. And

THE IMPORTANCE OF SETTING

STRONG FINANCIAL GOALS

once you do, how you plan to spend your time — perhaps traveling the world, turning your hobby into a business or taking your grandkids on outings. These can have vastly different price tags.

Be willing to compromise. Reaching one, or more, of your goals may mean compromising. If your must-have is building your dream home but it’s not looking quite affordable, you may need to make a trade-off — build it a bit smaller, work a year or two longer or trade in some of your wish-list goals so you can stay focused on your must-haves.

Hold yourself accountable to stay on track. Once your strategy is in place, it’s not a set-and-forget exercise. Actively tracking your progress and managing your decisions and actions can help you be better positioned to reach your goals. Use time-tested principles for making financial decisions, not predictions. Diversify, own quality investments and keep a realistic perspective, especially for your long-term goals. Maintain your focus and don’t let your emotions control your investment decisions. It can be helpful to meet with a financial advisor at least annually to review your full financial strategy, address any changes in your life or your goals, and discuss your progress and new ideas.

As you achieve certain milestones, celebrate them. You may even want to refresh your outlook with new goals. Take pride in your ability to strategize and accomplish a personal financial goal for yourself by following the path you envisioned and created.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. — Edward Jones, Member SIPC.

Remember how fun being a kid was? In our busy adult lives, we are constantly thinking (worrying) about all the responsibilities of our lives, our children, grandchildren and even our elder parents. While it is unlikely that adults can live without worries, jobs, or responsibilities as they did in childhood, it is still important to embrace our inner child and remember how to enjoy simple, traditional forms of fun.

My 9-year-old granddaughter asked me the other day if I liked teaching yoga and could I show her something fun. Fun, I thought – panicked - not sure I knew what that would be, even knowing that a lot of yoga poses have been named for animals. Dolphins, frogs, crows, cats, cows, dogs, and fish are among the many examples; however, I chose to demonstrate Lion's Breath. What could be more fun than sticking out your tongue and roaring like a lion?

I never expected the absolute joy on her face – and her response was: “Wow, that felt so good - Can we do it again.”

Lion’s breath, known as simhasana in Sanskrit, is a breathing technique used to relieve stress, eliminate toxins, and stimulate the throat and upper chest. Research has shown that this practice can reduce disruptive behaviors and

positively influence expressive emotions, social engagement, and physical performance. Additionally, lion’s breath can be beneficial in various aspects of life, such as empowering individuals to speak up in situations where they might otherwise hesitate. Furthermore, this breath exercise has been shown to enhance children's ability to self-regulate stress.

As adults, we can set aside our selfconsciousness temporarily and appreciate the calming effects and playful nature of lion's breath. Its ability to both relax and engage makes it suitable for individuals of all ages, including children and adults.

So, as we continued to explore these yoga poses, I found it impossible to refrain from joining in to giggle and smile the whole time. Recognizing that curiosity, creativity, and joy are crucial components for achieving both fulfillment and success in life is essential. How can we further enhance and integrate these skills into the lives of children and our own? Considering these perspectives, we can strive to cultivate the curiosity required to devise innovative strategies that enhance everyone's ability to develop these skills. Furthermore, we aim to appreciate the process of growth throughout this journey.

Lion’s breath can be a useful, inspiring, and enjoyable breathing exercise. In addition to its therapeutic benefits, it may help you loosen up, let go, and have a bit of fun. You can do lion’s breath at the beginning or end of your day

• Find a comfortable seated position or kneel with your hands on the floor

• Lean forward slightly, bracing your hands on your knees or the floor.

• Spread your fingers as wide as possible.

• Inhale through your nose.

• Open your mouth wide, stick out your tongue, and stretch it down toward your chin.

• Exhale forcefully, carrying the breath across the root of your tongue.

• While exhaling, make a “ha” sound that comes from deep within your abdomen.

• Breathe normally for a few moments.

• Repeat lion’s breath up to 7 times.

• Finish by breathing deeply for 1 to 3 minutes.

Curiosity, creativity, and joy are essential drivers that motivate individuals to inquire, develop innovative solutions, and cultivate community. These attributes can enhance motivation, improve fitness performance, contribute to creative achievements, and aid in goal setting. Moreover, these qualities support individual success and social development by fostering connectedness and a sense of belonging within communities. Ultimately, joy, innovation, and growth are crucial for thriving and achieving your BEST LIFE.

Discover Fun at our Kids Camp – July 16 – 18th Detail: www.liveitwellaz.com/ workshops-events

Canyon Lake by Carrie McNamara

Arizona Fishhook Cactus by Kevin Crocker

The Lone Tree By Michelle Garcia

Flat Sunset By Anthony Marko

Mule deer by Fred Kuykendall Jr

Salt River Stallion into a beautiful Paint by Maile Alday

Enjoying Bahidaj from a Saguaro by Tammy Keyes

Bold Beautiful Blue Jay By Denise March

Agave in bloom by Brian Ericson

Coyote pup By Candy Brooks

PEST

Deer at Silly mountain by Kathy Cooper

Moonlit Majesty By Christine Sabo

The 3 Siblings By Beth Lewis

Delex Realty

Jill McFadden ............. (480) 244-6172

Just Selling AZ

Jody Sayler (480) 209-6226

Keller Williams Integrity First Realty

Robin Rotella ............. (480) 225-7445

Lori Blank & Associates

Dawn Caroll (480) 983-8383

Terri King.................... (480) 770-9507

Contact Jessie: Jessie@mansurdesign.com or visit superstitionliving.com for more information about the magazine. For more information on rates and distribution for SuperstitionLiving. MansurDesign.com/advertising

must be received in full before or on the 10th of the month prior in order to run. All ads must be camera ready, JPG or PDF only; all text must be converted to outlines, or you may request we design one for you. Submit ads to Jessie@mansurdesign.com