Women wade into water polo in Mesa
By Coty Dolores Miranda
To Rachel Ray, a Red Mountain High School senior, water polo is a relatively new sport. And she’s not alone. e popularity of water polo among female athletes has exploded in recent years, a trend that Ray and Mesa Water Polo eagerly embrace.
Ray’s been involved with Mesa Water Polo for just eight months and is currently the only 18-and-under girl competing, though there are others at the 15-andunder level.
“Being one of the only girls does make it hard to compete in tournaments because I don’t always have a team to play with,” she said. “However, playing
Polo ...continued on page 6
‘De-fearing’ the desert with Ranger B
By Becky Bracken
Ranger B, the gregarious and informative ranger for Usery Mountain Regional Park, knows the desert and its creatures better than just about anyone else. He knows why making desert tortoises pee is dangerous, what to do if you see a javelina and how far cliff chipmunks are willing to go to earn your Doritos. Ranger B holds presentations several times each month at the park, aimed to help kids catch his infectious enthusiasm for the outdoors, pass on a little basic know-how and keep desert dwellers and their animal neighbors safe. He calls it “de-fearing” the desert.
“I want to encourage kids to connect
Ranger ...continued on page 6
(Special to Nearby News)
Rachel Ray is a Red Mountain High School senior.
(Photo by Kimberly Carrillo) Ranger B shows off a woodpecker nest.
Khaya Martin, 11, hangs out in the gift shop at Usery Park’s Nature Center.
Publisher Times Media Group
President
Steve T. Strickbine
Executive Editor
Niki D’Andrea
Managing Editor
Becky Bracken
Graphic Designer
Tonya Mildenberg
Administration
Courtney Oldham
Contributors
BJ Alderman, Crystal Lewis Brown, Jan D’Atri, Gabriella J. Del Rio, Eva Dwight, Christina Fuoco-Karasinski, Coty Dolores Miranda, Wayne Schutsky, Angie Sullivan, Jim Walsh
Contact the Nearby News at 480-898-5610 • Fax: 480-898-5606
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Cover Photo: Kimberly Carrillo
Newwaytowin...seepage17
Successfully fill out this month’s Scramblers puzzle on Page 17 and you could win a gift certificate!
We’ll select a lucky winner from among the correct entries received. Just mail your completed entry to us at: on
PUZZLE EDITOR
1620 W. Fountainhead Parkway, Suite 219 Tempe, AZ 85282
OR, you may now submit by email by typing in your four words and Today’s Word with “Scramblers puzzle” in the message line. Send it to: bbracken@timespublications.com.
Watch for our announcement of the winner in next month’s edition. If you see your name, write or email us by August 5, 2017, at the above addresses or call 480-898-5614 to claim your prize. Good luck!
This month’s lucky winner is Susan Jensen Here is the correct puzzle from last month:
East Valley cities use apps to connect with residents
By Gabriella J. Del Rio
Cities across Arizona are jumping onboard the digital age by producing mobile apps for residents.
Some of these apps are safetyoriented, some act as a map, and others are for entertainment.
e city of Mesa has four apps people can download from the Apple App Store. For example, CrimeReports lets residents view crime reports in their area. ey are able to set up alerts or submit tips with CityLink. Mesa Now allows residents to view news happening in their city. Mesa411 offers locationbased road restrictions, events and more.
Chandler has developed Public Stuff, an interactive app that lets residents use many of the city’s online services using smartphones and tablets.
“ e app allows residents to report problems in real time, ranging from graffiti, water leaks and broken streetlights,” said Kim Kaan, Chandler information specialist and web editor. “It is a great way to communicate directly with the city to resolve issues in Chandler neighborhoods.”
set reminders on trash and recycling pickups.
If residents want to see a specific app or feature, they can request it.
“Ideas for new applications generally come from employee and citizen input,” Kaan commented.
Gilbert offers apps for safety and fun. With the Gilbert Fire Department app, residents can access fire safety advice, fire station locations and other helpful community resources.
e Gilbert Police Department app offers extensive features such as crime maps, a link where users can see up-to-date news information, and a place to report crimes. DDACTS (Data-Driven Approaches to Crime and Traffic Safety) is another application which integrates location-based crime and traffic data “to establish effective and efficient methods for deploying law enfacement and other resources,” according to the town of Gilbert website.
According to Kaan, residents can also pay utility bills, register for recreation classes, download library books, file a police report, obtain a building permit and more.
e city does not have an app specifically designated for public safety, but residents on the Public Stuff app can report non-emergency cases to Chandler Police at the non-emergency line at 480-782-4130, or by texting the same number. Residents can even submit a tip to Chandler Police by texting 274637 using the keyword ChandlerPD.
e City of Chandler also has a waste services app, called My Waste, that lets residents get information and
Alongside the law enforcement apps, Gilbert offers a Heritage District app, where visitors have the opportunity to learn about Gilbert’s history, see the businesses in the Heritage District and even get a walking tour.
Similar to the apps in Gilbert, Tempe developed an app that connects to the Tempe Police Department. Another app, Tempe 311, offers real-time access to city services and information. Apps can be found at the iTunes Store for Apple phones and at Google Play Store for Android.
Residents can find all of the same information online on the cities’ websites.
• chandleraz.gov/index.aspx
• gilbertaz.gov
• mesaaz.gov
• tempe.gov
Polo...continued from page 1 Ranger ...continued from page 1
with guys pushes me harder and makes me tougher and a more competitive athlete, which I greatly appreciate.”
Ray’s future plans include playing on a water polo team or club team at a California university currently under consideration.
One of her teammates, 2017 Mountain Pointe High School grad Samantha “Sam” Camblin, drives 30 minutes each way to train with Mesa Water Polo.
“I’m pretty dedicated to water polo,” she said with a laugh when asked about the seven hours or more of practice weekly, either at Kino Aquatic Center or Skyline Aquatic Center, both in Mesa. at Mesa Water Polo is predominantly male doesn’t bother Camblin in the least, nor does it apparently affect other women who are part of the club teams.
“ e water polo guys I play with are really cool guys,” she said. “Most of them started together and have played together. I’m a late-bloomer.”
Women and girls are a hugely growing demographic throughout the United States, said Mesa Water Polo head coach Grant Miller, who is in the vanguard of USA Water Polo’s efforts to increase its numbers.
“When I started here two years ago, I think we had three or four female players. Now we’ve got about 13 involved,” he said. “Women’s water polo is one of the fastest-growing sports in high school and college. At the college level, women’s participation has grown as much as 600 percent.”
“We’re hoping to garner enough interest next year to have a female team ready for other competitions,” he said.
Miller explained that at Mesa Water Polo, the girls are spread across the age
groups used in competition: 12 and under, 14 and under, 16 and under and 18 and under.
“So when we enter tournaments with an all-girls team, they’re entered in the 18 and under division. We can have players as young as 11 and 12 playing against seniors in high school,” he said.
As head coach, he said he’s admired the girls’ drive to compete, often with boys who have played for many years.
One problem, Camblin said, is gathering enough girls or women to field a team of six players, one goalkeeper and as many as six subs.
“We do have the age group team that has some girls on it that are amazing, and we got to go to an allgirl tournament in Utah earlier this year. We mainly played against college students and older girls, and it was such a fun tournament,” she enthused.
“It’s under Mesa Water Polo, and we’re making our way in. Actually, they had to combine two of the groups to barely form a women’s team. ey combined the girls from the age group and those of us from the high school group. It was the first team to come from Mesa that was all female. And we could only play at that tournament because the age bracket was more open.”
e Olympic Games have offered men’s water polo as an official event since the 1900 games in Paris, but women’s water polo wasn’t added until the 2000 games in Sydney, after the Australian women’s team applied political pressure.
Women’s water polo had an earlier entry to the Water Polo World Championships when they were added in 1986.
For more information on Mesa Water Polo Club, see teamunify.com.
with nature to get inspired and find out how cool it is,” Ranger B, whose offduty name is Brennan Basler, said just before one of his presentations. “Nature is the best form of entertainment.”
On a steamy Wednesday in June, about 30 people gathered at 10:30 a.m. in the Usery Park’s Nature Center to watch Ranger B put on his very own brand of dazzling show. He goofed and guffawed with the 15 or so kids in the front rows who were eager to raise their hands to answer his desert trivia. And he’s got jokes – even a couple of good ones. But beyond his humor and showmanship is a deep reservoir of information.
He says he’s hiked more than 9,000 miles in the area and prior to joining the Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department, he worked in environmental education at the Desert Botanical Garden. But it’s at Usery Park where Ranger B has found a real community following.
At the start of his talk, Ranger B teased his big finale – feeding the Nature Center’s snakes: Jake the Snake, Sha-Kira and Elvis the King. en he showed off mountain lion skulls and woodpecker nests found inside the carcasses of saguaros. He warned kids about playing with desert tortoises and explained why making them pee puts the tortoise at risk of fatal dehydration. He mimicked the tricks cliff chipmunks will perform for people with granola bars and Doritos and warned against handing over “people food” to wild animals.
Ranger B then explained something about one of the most dreaded desert creatures to encounter. “ e tail on a rattlesnake, they shake to send you a message.”
e message? “Leave me alone.”
“What do you do if you see a rattlesnake?” Ranger B asked the crowd, which responded with a hearty “Leave them alone!” en he explained all you need to remember are three “s” words. First, you’re supposed to “stop” as soon as you hear the rattle of a snake. Second, you “spot” it. Ranger B explained that the sound of a rattle often will bounce off rocks, making it hard to know exactly where the noise is coming from. ird,
you “slowly” back away.
“I promise you this about rattlesnakes: If you leave them alone, they will leave you alone,” he added. “I don’t know of one person in the state of Arizona that’s been bit by a rattlesnake if they stay on the trails.”
Stay calm. Leave the animals alone and they will leave you alone. at’s Ranger B’s advice for how to interact with just about all of the desert’s creatures. Bees? Don’t swat or run; just stay calm and try to ignore them. Mountain lions? Stay calm, or as Ranger B suggests, “just pretend like you’re calm.” Javelina? He says they’re not dangerous, so if you see one, guess what Ranger B thinks you should do. Yep. Calm down and slowly back away. When finished with his educational talk, he let the kids huddle around the snake terrariums and watch him feed the excited reptiles little rodents, to a steady soundtrack of squeals, groans and gasps.
For Sonoran Park neighbor Nannette Tackett, bringing her three kids, ages 2, 8 and 11, to see Ranger B is about much more than a fun summer activity. It’s something she does to keep her kids safe.
“We’ve been here before, we love Ranger B and part of our summer is spending Wednesdays here,” Tackett said. “Just about a year ago, my son ran in and yelled, ‘Mom, I saw a scorpion!’ And then he told me about how he remembered what Ranger B said and just let it go by. It protects them.” In addition to programs on desert animals, Usery Park and Ranger B and his team offer activities including archery, kayaking, moonlight hikes, scorpion hunts, and lessons on geology and ancient inhabitants of the Valley. All of these activities are free after visitors pay the $6 vehicle fee to enter the park.
For more information on Usery Mountain Regional Park, visit maricopacountyparks.net or call 480-984-0032.
(Special to Nearby News)
The ladies of the Mesa Water Polo team.
By Angie Sullivan, Mesa Historical Society
Mesa High: Mesa’s first, and only, high school for 60 years looking back
Mesa Union High School was built in 1908 at Center and Macdonald streets. It was Mesa’s only high school for nearly 60 years. e original building, which would become known as “Old Main,” had a main floor auditorium with a swimming pool in the basement. e auditorium was used for assemblies, with folding chairs for the early comers and standing room only for the rest. Ten years later, eight more rooms were added, plus a small auditoriumgymnasium. During basketball games, spectators sat in the balcony (above the freshman section) or on the stage because the gym was not wide enough for sideline bleachers.
In September 1932, a football player named Zedo Ishikawa was accidentally killed while attempting to break up a fight between two dogs. As he neared death he said, “Tell Coach Coutchie and the boys to carry on.”
“Carry On” would go on to become the school motto.
In 1936, the federal government’s WPA (Works Progress Administration) and PWA (Public Works Administration) programs provided funds for a new auditorium and the new building was constructed west of the main building with an arcade in between.
On October 1, 1967, the school was devastated when a fire, started in the
science lab, completely destroyed the 60-year-old “Old Main” building.
After the fire, students met in portable buildings and empty rooms in Mesa Public Schools office buildings until 1973. Mesa High was rebuilt a few years later on a larger piece of land at 1630 E. Southern Ave., which is the current location of Mesa High. Today, Mesa High School is one of the city’s largest and most diverse schools with more than 2,600 students.
(Special to Nearby News)
Mesa High was built in 1908.
Police Academy graduates freshly minted officers
By Nearby News Staff
After 21 weeks of training, the Mesa Police Department welcomed 32 new members of the law enforcement family at a June 9 graduation ceremony held at Central Christian Church in Mesa. Academy Class #40 included four officers from the Peoria Police Department and 28 from the Mesa Police Department.
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Tura
Tiffany Cazal
Caviar
Nike Cole
Tommy
Façconable Pro-Design
Klick
Fysh Eco
Modo
Katherine Blaskovich
Dr. Tina Ansari
Susan Reckell Dr. Lindsay Jung
(Photo courtesy of Diana Williams, Mesa Police Department) Academy Class #40 in formation at their graduation ceremony.
Water safety focus turns to adult drownings
By Jim Walsh Staff Writer
Pediatric drownings are heartbreaking, preventable tragedies that leave lifelong emotional scars on family members, firefighters and neighborhoods, but there are many other drownings that have received little or no attention.
Safety campaigns since the 1980s have consistently focused on reducing and preventing pediatric drownings, with everyone agreeing there was a need to protect the most vulnerable potential victims.
But adult drownings are entirely different events with the same tragic results. Instead of toddlers innocently wandering into life-threatening bodies of water, adult drowning victims often have used alcohol or drugs, have experienced some sort of unanticipated medical emergency or have overestimated their ability to swim.
When the Coalition to Prevent
Drowning in Arizona observed pediatric drowning fatalities dropping in the past two decades, the result of pool fence laws and campaigns to increase vigilant adult supervision of children around water, it noticed a surprising and troubling trend.
In the four major East Valley cities – Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert and Tempe – 12 of the 24 victims who drowned in 2016 were adults. e numbers
fluctuate from year to year but it all underscores the fact that adult drownings are a chronic problem, just like pediatric drownings, but for different reasons.
If Phoenix is added into the death toll, the numbers are even more startling; 30 out of the 37 drowning victims during 2016 were adults.
“I think people are more sympathetic to children. Kids are
Safety ...continued on page 12
several more reasons to have
naturally drawn to the water,” said Jackie Morgan, executive director of leadership and risk management for the Valley of the Sun YMCA.
“People are less sympathetic to adults drowning. ey feel like they should know better.”
Morgan said the unfortunate statistics demonstrate that adults need to change their attitude toward water,
recognizing that it is not just a source of enjoyment but also a potential threat. She said adults should never swim alone because of unanticipated issues such as cramps, head collisions with pool walls or other medical emergencies.
“ ey think they can swim, so they are waterproof,” Morgan said. “Just because you are a good swimmer
BETTER than GRANITE
doesn’t mean you can’t drown.”
e tragic death of Ryan omas, 21, an Arizona State University student and a former center for the Mountain View High School football team, shows tragedy can happen at any time around water.
omas drowned eight years ago in Saguaro Lake only about 20 feet from the shoreline. Described as an aboveaverage swimmer, omas was not wearing a life vest.
omas’ death motivated family members to the launch the Ryan omas Foundation, hoping to save other families from suffering such a devastating loss. e foundation has kiosks at eight lakes, including Saguaro, where visitors can borrow a life vest for the day. It has donated 1,000 vests in memory of omas.
“We kind of look at this as Ryan’s legacy, to save other families” from such tragic losses, said Shannon Liebrock of Chandler, omas’ aunt. “I think with adults, there is overconfidence in their swimming abilities.”
While people tend to blame adults for behavior that contributes to drowning, “accidents are accidents regardless of age,” she said.
Josh Hoffman, boating safety education coordinator for the Arizona Game and Fish Department, said the vests donated in omas’ memory are heavily used during the boating season.
Although some disappear from kiosks for months, only to return after the end of boating season, authorities are just happy to see the vests used to prevent drownings, he said.
In Arizona, children ages 12 or
younger are required to wear life vests on boats, while it is voluntary for teens and adults.
“ e drowning of children with boating has definitely plateaued,” Hoffman said. “It’s still a constant battle with adult drowning.”
He said one theory in omas’ death is that he may have succumbed to “cold water shock,” a reaction to the contrast between 100-degree air temperatures and 70-degree water temperatures.
“Your body is going to want to gasp. It’s an involuntary reaction,” Hoffman said.
When a victim’s lungs fill with water, “at that point, you might not be able to regain the surface” without help from a floatation device, he said.
Lori Schmidt, a spokeswoman for the Scottsdale Fire Department and the drowning prevention coalition, said she has seen tragic incidents where adults could have been saved from drowning through additional vigilance.
She said there needs to be a sober “water watcher” at pool parties, keeping track of people to make sure there are no life-threatening accidents.
“Someone needs to be paying attention, whether it’s an adult or a child,” she said.
Schmidt said that mixing alcohol with swimming can have the same disastrous effects as mixing drinking with driving.
“ e adults need to change the way they think about water,” she said. “It just hasn’t been focused on. People are not aware of the risks.”
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Schmidt said there has not been any well-publicized safety campaigns aimed at preventing adult drowning, but the issue is starting to get more attention from water-safety advocates. She said one idea that has been discussed is to ask pharmacies to attach warnings to prescriptions about the risk of swimming while under the influence of certain drugs.
(Special to Nearby News)
(Special to Nearby News)
Family time yilFam etim
Mesa Golfland-Sunsplash Two parks in one
Story and photos by Crystal Lewis Brown
My family and I have lived in the Phoenix metro area for five years and though we’d passed it many times, we had yet to visit Mesa GolflandSunsplash. So we figured now was the perfect time. And though we’d had plenty of time to prepare for our visit, I have to admit I arrived with less mom-type gear than I should have.
“When you throw the waterpark in, it’s easily going to be eight hours,” says Tony Jones, sales and marketing director of Golfland-Sunsplash, referring to the length of a typical park visit. Our meager beach bag was prepared for a three hours – tops.
Here’s why: e amusement center is really two parks in one. It’s something that caught me by surprise. Golfland, which includes miniature golf, arcade games, laser tag, a race
track, six waterslides and more; and Sunsplash, which includes the rest of the waterslides, a wave pool, lazy river and other water attractions. You can choose to go to one or the other (ticket prices vary) but the best bet is to opt for both.
ere are 30 different water attractions across the park’s approximately 12 acres, Jones says.
We started our morning playing 18 holes of miniature golf. With an 8- and 4-year-old in tow, we made it to about the 15th hole before most of our balls ended up in the fountains. But we definitely had fun while it lasted.
ere’s something about miniature golf that puts nearly everyone, regardless of age, on a level playing field. And my family didn’t hesitate to point out when I was the only one
take it from me and pack your beach bag with plenty of provisions. Bring beach towels, flip-flops or swim shoes, sunscreen, swimsuits (if you’re not wearing them already) and a change of clothes. Although outside food isn’t allowed, you can bring in your own water and keep it chilled in a cooler.
“It’s easy to get dehydrated,” Jones said. “We allow you to bring in bottled water, so definitely bring in as many as you like.”
If you really want to have a whole day of relaxation and fun, the park has 14 cabanas for rent. Cabanas include a private lockbox, cell phone chargers, table, lounge chairs and priority food service with cabana delivery.
“It’s good because it gives parents a meeting area for all their kids,” Jones says.
e waterpark is split up into sections, which helps keep younger kids, or those who just aren’t interested in the thrill-seeking large rides, stay in their own area while everyone else heads to the rides. We hung out in the lazy river before hitting the pool and the kids’ area, which is perfect for families, like mine, with children of varying ages and swimming abilities.
unable to get my ball past the starting line somewhere around hole 10.
After playing our round (spoiler: I didn’t win), we were ready for a dip. And here’s where Jones’ tips would have come in handy. My family had eaten a late lunch, but a smarter move after miniature golf would have been to take a break from the triple-digit temperatures and enjoy lunch and a few arcade games indoors and out of the sun.
“We have a lot of air-conditioned areas if you want to take a break from the heat. We provide that,” Jones said. e large variety of games and lunch area provide a nice respite, especially during the summer, although snacks are also available inside the waterpark. Whether you’re planning to make it a day, or even just to hit the waterpark,
“It’s done that way on purpose,” Jones says. “For our kids’ areas, there’s just one way in and one way out and it’s all self-contained.” In parent-speak? You can sit in a shaded area and enjoy your pizza without worrying about your child wandering off.
e park also allows life vests near the wave pool area, which is a welcome relief for families, like mine, with weaker swimmers. It also means one less thing to pack in your beach bag.
IF YOU GO
What: Golfland-Sunsplash
Where: 155 W. Hampton Ave. Mesa, AZ 85210
Cost: Starts at $24.99. See website for prices and hours.
Info: 480-834-8319, golfland.com/ mesa
Cameron, 8, and Jordan, 4, enjoy the day at Golfland-Sunsplash.
navigating parenthood
By Eva Dwight
It’s OK to get angry; it’s what you do next that matters
Anger is a really uncomfortable emotion. I hate feeling it toward someone else, and I can hardly focus on anything besides wanting to fix things when I know someone is mad at me. So I get it when a parent expresses distress about their kid being angry. Whether it’s a toddler’s tantrum or a teen’s silent treatment, it doesn’t feel good to be the target of discontent.
FEELING distress over your child’s anger is normal. GIVING IN to alleviate your own distress, however, will, in the long run, cause you more distress. If your child learns that you can be manipulated with anger, you will eventually become emotionally dependent on their happiness. Instead, it’s important to remain firm and kind so your child learns not only where your boundaries are, but also how to recover from their own anger. at’s a life skill!
It starts with having a core relationship of love and respect with your child. When you both know you love each other, and most of the time that love is expressed through daily positive connection, then on those occasions when you have to make a decision they don’t like, they can be angry at you and you can take it. You don’t need to be their best friend and you don’t need them to like you all the time, because at your core is an understanding that you love them all the time, no matter what.
It helps to create emotional distance by asking yourself some questions:
1. What’s happening from my child’s perspective? Are they tired? Hungry? Stressed? Or just mad that they aren’t getting what they want?
2. Is my decision respectful, reasonable and appropriate to the situation? If so,
then stand firm and allow your child to work through the anger.
3. Is there is an opportunity for problem solving/compromise? If yes, schedule time for a discussion.
For younger children, stay present and help them through the soothing process. Once you know they have those skills, you can walk away and give them time and space.
When older kids try to wear you down with badgering, try one of these:
1. “ is is not open for discussion. I won’t argue with you, and I won’t respond if you continue to talk about this.” en go about your business and ignore them until they change the subject.
2. “You may accept my answer, or you may give me time to think about it and then we’ll discuss possibilities. Which do you choose?” Get back to them within 24 hours, so you are modeling the integrity that you would want from them.
Anger is a natural emotion, and nobody gets out of life without feeling it sometimes. We do children a disservice when we manipulate events, or allow
them to manipulate us, to keep them happy all the time. e reality is kids who can manage unhappy moments are actually happier people. And happier people make for happier families.
Eva Dwight offers life coaching to adults and teens. For more information, go to www.creativecoachingconversations.com.
Mesa’s Natural History Museum plans to replicate a ‘dino breakout’
By BJ Alderman
“high-spined lizard” and the model was based on the museum’s replica of an actual one in its collection.
e museum last month sent a request for proposals from all over the world to identify an artist to create this exciting addition to downtown Mesa. e deadline to respond is midsummer.
“We are hoping for a four- to sixmonth construction, subject to the artist’s fabrication time,” Wilson said.
Wilson also noted that the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) will meet in Phoenix next summer, with the kickoff taking place in Mesa.
“We are expecting 5,000 attendees from all over the country and from around the world,” he said, adding that with luck, the museum’s celebration of the great dino breakout will be enjoyed by AAM visitors if everything goes according to plan.
e museum has $120,000 for the project to date. Once the museum identifies an artist or fabricator to lead the project, the team will develop the budget. e Arizona Museum of Natural History Foundation will lead the effort to raise the money necessary to complete the project.
Wilson said most museums find that “the generosity of donors is not unusual, but I find that the generosity to the Natural History Museum is extraordinary.”
Many prisoners held in the Mesa Territorial Jail, now on display at the Arizona Natural History Museum, spent long hours imagining how they could break through the strap-iron barriers that confined them.
Mesa residents need to prepare themselves for a different kind of break from the museum: an escaping dinosaur crashing through the brick wall at Pepper Place and Macdonald.
An actual Acrocanthosaurus would have measured 38 feet from snout to tail tip and weighed over 6 tons.
e currently displayed model of the dinosaur in the museum lobby replicates the dramatic escape scenario that will jazz up the museum’s currently plain exterior on Pepper Place.
Staff at the museum “determined the probable coloration” of the dinosaur, said director Tom Wilson, “based on factors such as sexual attraction and predator/ prey relationship.”
Acrocanthosaurus translates into
He reported that staff recently unwrapped the most recent donation to the museum, a collection of native baskets and Plains beadwork for eventual display after photographs of each piece are taken, descriptions are written and mode of display determined.
Concurrently, the Lou and Evelyn Grubb collection is being readied for exhibit.
It consists of “almost 500 baskets from the Southwest, Great Basin, California and Northwest coast, along with prehistoric and historic ceramics, Navajo textiles, Plains and Plateau beadwork on leather,” Wilson said, adding:
“In the last few years, the museum has attracted major collections of preColumbian objects from the Southwest, Mesoamerica and South America.”
e works of art can be viewed on the museum’s website (azmnh.org) and in the exhibition “Cultures of the Ancient Americas.”
e website also is the place to see which artist is chosen to make the bricks fly as Mesa’s very own Acrocanthosaurus muscles its way through the museum wall, as well as opportunities to donate to the visionary enhancement to downtown Mesa.
(Special to Nearby News)
The museum sent out a request for proposals to find an artist to create the display.
(Special to Nearby News)
The finished piece will look like a “dino breakout.”
By Erica Odello
Front door firecrackers
I’ve saved a lot of random things over the years – for projects, for later, for I swear I’ll use this for something. And then it gets shoved in the back of my closet and I forget about it. One of those things is a fence post. Yes, just one.
I found it at Home Depot for another
You Will Need:
• 1 or 2 4”x 4”x 5’ decorative fence posts
• Indoor/outdoor primer paint and paintbrush
• Red and blue spray paint
• Masking tape
• Wood stars
• White outdoor acrylic paint
• Outdoor glue
• Drill and drill bit
• Patriotic-themed sprays for each piece of wood
NOTE: If you spray each piece of wood a solid color, it looks really cute to use wire-edged ribbon in a contrasting color to tie a bow.
project that didn’t work out (who knew drilling 1-1/2-inch holes through a 4-inch piece of wood would be difficult?), but I saved it because … who knows?” As it turns out, it’s perfect for a fun twist on a Fourth of July project I’ve seen versions of pass through my Pinterest feed over the last month. 1
Step 2: The simplest version of this project is to spray each piece of wood a different color (red and blue), leaving one or two white. For a more complicated approach, use the masking tape to cover the sections of the post you want to remain white. The easiest design is vertical stripes, but I’ve seen these with horizontal and even diagonal stripes. Get creative! If you plan on using both red and blue on one piece, make sure you leave enough time for each color to dry before re-taping and spraying the next color.
Step 1: If you don’t have the ability to cut a 4x4 fence post at home, have it cut at the store, and cut them so you end up with four different sizes. Paint each section with indoor/outdoor primer and let dry completely. Even if you plan on painting each piece a solid color, the primer will allow the spray paint color to show as true as possible.
3
Step 3: Once the spray paint has dried completely, remove the masking tape. If there was any spray paint that leaked under the tape you can use white outdoor acrylic paint to tidy up the lines. In the meantime, use the same acrylic paint on the wood stars. When they’re dry, use the outdoor glue to affix the stars to the firecrackers.
Step 4: Find a drill bit that’s the same width as the base of your patriotic sprays and drill a 1/2” hole in the top of each piece of wood. Snip all but 1/2” off of the base of a spray, then insert into the hole you just drilled. Repeat for each piece of wood. This completes the firecrackers. Now they’re ready to be proudly displayed by your front door.
What’s Missing?
See something missing from the map? We would like to add local landmarks and businesses serving our community. Please email anything you see missing to mapit@nearbynews.com, and we will see that it gets added. Thanks for the help!
around the neighborhood
Photos by Kimberly Carrillo
Ranger B from the Usery Mountain Regional Park holds regular events at the park’s Nature Center to introduce kids and adults alike to their desert habitat. Read more about the program on page 1.
1. Ranger Brennan teaches about how to be safe around scorpions. 2. Benjamin Ortiz-Palsa, 3, listens to Ranger Brennan talk about the desert animals. 3. Erica Walliser, 11, answers one of the ranger’s questions about the mountain lion. 4. Riley Tackett laughs at the Ranger while he makes the class exciting. 5. Ranger Brennan feeds Jake the snake. 6. Elvis eats lunch. 7. Ranger Brennan talks about killer bees.
2 5 7
3 4 6
top 10 family events
July
2017
Flashlight Tours
Experience the sights, smells and sounds of the desert at night while learning fascinating facts about the place we call home.
When: Thursdays and Saturdays, all summer, 7-9:30 p.m.
Where: Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix
Cost: (Included with regular admission)
$24.95 adults, $12.95 ages 3-17, free for 3 and under Info: 480-941-1225 ordbg.org
Arizona Celebration of Freedom
Fireworks, live music, play areas for kids, and a range of activities and patriotic shows, including a Revolutionary War reenactment, make this one of the best July 4 events in the Valley.
Where: Mesa Convention Center, 263 N. Center St., Mesa
When: Tuesday, July 4, 6-10 p.m.
Cost: Free, Some paid activities
Info: azcelebrationoffreedom.org
Summer Splash Thursdays
Meet your favorite superheroes and Disney princesses at this kidfocused party. Music, dancing, fun activities and a splash pad complete the experience.
When: Thursdays, July 6-27, 6-7:30 p.m.
Where: Tempe Marketplace, 2000 E. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe
Cost: Free
Info: tempemarketplace.com/summer
Beauty and the Beast
The musical version of Disney’s timeless “Beauty and the Beast” comes to life with your favorite characters, hit songs and stunning sets.
When: Tuesdays-Sundays, July 7-16, times vary
Where: Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix
Cost: $37.50-$77.50
Info: 602-252-8497, herbergertheater. org
The Little Mermaid
Head under the sea for a musical based on Disney’s animated classic “The Little Mermaid.” It features the characters and songs you love.
When: Wednesdays-Sundays, July 7-Aug. 9, times vary
Where: Hale Centre Theatre, 50 W. Page Ave., Gilbert
Cost: $20-$32
Info: 480-497-1181, haletheatrearizona. com
Family Day with Las Hermanas Iglesias
Enjoy a day of art for the whole family. Visit art stations geared toward ages 4-12 and create take-home works alongside local artists, including sister artists Las Hermanas Iglesias.
When: Satuday, July 8, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: ASU Art Museum, 51 E. 10th St., Tempe
Cost: Free Info: 480-965-2787, asuartmuseum.asu. edu
2nd Friday Night Out
Attend Mesa’s monthly street festival. This month, the theme is “Freaks and Geeks.” Participate in video game and trivia contests. Listen to live bands and explore the work of local artists.
When: Friday, July 14, 6-10 p.m.
Where: Main Street, between Center and Country Club
Cost: Free Info: 2ndfridaynightout.com
Winter in July
Play in more than 40 tons of snow, stand in a blizzard, build a snowman and plenty more winter fun. There will also be a water play area and animals enjoying icy treats.
When: Saturday, July 15, 7-11 a.m.
Where: Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin
Pkwy., Phoenix
Cost: Included in zoo admission ($19.95 adult, $9.95 ages 3-13)
Info: 602-286-3800, phoenixzoo.org
Brick Fest Live!
Attend the ultimate Lego experience. See jaw-dropping Lego sculptures, play mini-golf and other games, build your own creations, and shop a massive Lego marketplace.
When: Saturday-Sunday, July 22-23, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale
Cost: $24.50-$49.50
Info: events.brickfestlive.com
Monsters in the Museum
Parents, take the night off and let your kids spend an evening playing with cute and cuddly monsters.
When: Friday, July 28, 6-9 p.m.
Where: I.d.e.a. Museum, 150 W. Pepper Place, Mesa
Cost: $20
Info: 480-644-2468, ideamuseum.org/ special-events.html
on the town
By Becky Bracken
Nando’s makes the
neighborhood great
Like good schools and filled potholes, the quality of an Arizona neighborhood can be measured by its proximity to a delicious Mexican restaurant. Burgers are good and hole-in-the-wall bars are fine for some folks, but when Mesa residents in the know want to wrap their hands – and mouths – around some of the best
tacos, burritos and chips in town, they head straight for Nando’s Mexican Café.
Nandos serves up reliably outstanding Sonoran Mexican classics like crispy tacos, gooey, cheesy enchiladas and sizzling fajitas. Connoisseurs of neighborhood Mexican fare understand that as soon as they sit down at a table, everything they need to know about the rest of the menu is sitting in the chip and salsa bowls right in front of them. If the chips aren’t light, salty, warm perfection and the salsa doesn’t sing, there isn’t much use in having high hopes for the rest of the affair. Nando’s doesn’t disappoint.
e chips and salsa at Nando’s aren’t some mere family Mexican food formality. Warm, crispy chips are piled high in big baskets and come paired with both salsa and hot sauce. e hot sauce isn’t especially hot, but it is flavorful. e chips, dipped and bathed in perfectly blended sauces are so good it’s tough to focus on what to order for the main entrée. But don’t fill up. at’s a classic Mexican food rookie mistake. Along with the heaping piles of chips comes a pitcher of ice water for the table, which is a nice touch, especially with hot sauce and salsa.
e Nando’s menu offers classic combos of tacos, burritos, tostadas and enchiladas, which were all served piping hot right out of the kitchen, along with the obligatory warning from the server that the plates are very hot. Naturally, the only reasonable next move is to touch the plate and burn the tips of your fingers to confirm that the plates are indeed very hot. Check.
In addition to the heavier Mexican food menu standards, Nando’s also offers a surprising number of lighter options,
like jalapeño chicken soup and Baja shrimp salad. Nando’s specialties include Alfredo’s green chile pork, Sonoran enchiladas, seafood relleno and a variety of tacos. ere’s also a hearty selection of burgers and sandwiches, for the person at the table who insists on ordering a burger at a Mexican food restaurant. Dinner entrees are all priced between $10 and $20 and lunch specials under $10.
And for dessert, you can’t possibly pass up fried ice cream. You just can’t.
In addition to their fast, friendly service, delicious grub and family atmosphere, Nando’s is dedicated to the community. One scroll through the Nando’s Mexican Café Facebook page shows the restaurant, and the people who make it great, serving up tacos in local competitions, hosting PTO fundraising nights for local schools and participating in charity events.
Yep, the neighborhood is definitely better for having a delicious local Mexican food restaurant right around the corner. And so many of the reasons have nothing to do with food. Delicious food and good neighbors – that’s exactly what makes Nando’s great.
Nando’s Mexican Cafe
6715 E. McDowell Road
Call 480-830-8181 or visit nandosmexicancafe.com
(Special to Nearby News)
Nando’s serves up superb margaritas.
(Special to Nearby News)
Save room for fried ice cream for dessert.
By Nearby News Staff
Fired Pie recently opened a Mesa location just in time for its fourth anniversary on Tuesday, July 18. To celebrate, Fired Pie is offering pizzas or salads for just $4 with the purchase of a beverage. is deal is not good for call-in orders or third-party delivery and only one offer will be honored, per person.
e Arizona-based pizza restaurant opened its first Fired Pie in Phoenix the summer of 2013. Co-owners and founders Doug Doyle and Fred Morgan worked together at various restaurants for 15 years before setting off on their own to create Fired Pie. eir unique venture flourished,
opening four locations in just six months and continued to grow over the next several years. Currently, they have 18 locations throughout Arizona: four in Phoenix, two in Chandler, one in Ahwatukee, two in Glendale, one in Tempe, one in Avondale, two in Tucson, four in Scottsdale and its newest in Mesa.
Locally owned and operated, Fired Pie lets you be the chef, allowing you to choose your own type of dough, sauce and topping. e pizzeria also offers build-your-own salads, craft beer and wine.
For more information, visit firedpie. com.
(Photo courtesy of Fired Pie)
Fired Pie is offering $4 pizza and salad in honor of its 4-year
By Jan D’Atri
Grilled salmon with garlic lime butter what’s cooking?
I found the dusty well-worn cookbook in an old antique store off the beaten path in Ogden, Iowa. In researching the author, I was thrilled that I had stumbled across a treasure. “ e Gold Cook Book,” first published in 1947, was written by Louis P. De Gouy, the chef at the WaldorfAstoria Hotel for 30 years. He was also one of the original founders of “Gourmet Magazine” and the author of 16 cookbooks.
In “ e Gold Cook Book” I found an entire chapter devoted to something you don’t find as a separate section in many cookbooks today: compounded butters.
My favorite line opening the chapter reads, “Compounded (creamed) butters in cookery are the finishing touch to food, be it a soup, fish, meat, sauce or vegetable as is powder and makeup to the face of a beautiful
woman.”
e chapter covered every compounded butter from anchovy to truffle butter, and I was struck at how simple these compounds are, often mixing together just two or three ingredients into the softened butter.
e great thing about compounded butters is that they can be made ahead, stored in a closed jar and refrigerated indefinitely. I chose a recipe for garlic butter. I love the idea of pairing it
Grilled salmon with garlic lime butter
For the salmon
– 4 (approx. 6 oz.) 1-inch thick salmon fillets, skin on
– 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon lemon pepper
– 1 teaspoon sea salt
For the compounded garlic lime butter
– 1/2 stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, softened but firm
– 1 clove garlic, minced fine
– 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
with a simple salmon fillet. Adding some freshly squeezed lime juice to the compound gave the salmon a bright, flavorful finish. Choose fresh, thick slices of salmon, cook them in a grill pan or skillet with a little salt and lemon pepper and then drop a dollop of compounded garlic lime butter on top for a perfect light meal in minutes.
Directions:
Prepare compounded garlic lime butter by combining 1/2 stick of unsalted butter, minced garlic, lime juice, salt and pepper. Mix until well blended. Refrigerate until ready to use. Heat a grill pan or skillet to medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter to pan. When hot, place salmon fillets in skillet, skin side down. Sprinkle fillets with lemon pepper and salt. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes depending on thickness of fillet. Turn fillets over and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes. When done, place fillets on a plate or platter and spoon 1 teaspoon of compounded garlic lime butter on top of each fillet. Garnish with lime wedges. Serves 4.
Photo Credit/Jan D’Atri
Red Mountain High students shine in ‘Seussical’
By Nearby News Staff
paired individuals with
Dr. Seuss’ characters sprang to life in June at Red Mountain High School, sharing the message that anything is possible in an adaptive Off-Broadway production of “Seussical KIDS.” Matt Erickson, Red Mountain High School drama teacher, and his wife, Ani, fifthgrade teacher at Sousa Elementary, teamed up with the city of Mesa to host an inclusive theater program. e program paired individuals with intellectual disabilities and Red Mountain theater students to perform the musical extravaganza.
ensuring the community is aware this opportunity is available for all to participate.
“We don’t set limitations, we set expectations,” Erickson says. “Individuals with intellectual disabilities are capable of achieving so much, they just need the opportunity to shine.”
“Getting your kids involved with theater is just like signing them up for Little League,” Erickson says. “Not every child who plays baseball is going to grow up to become a professional baseball player, but they will always remember the skills they learned being a part of a team. Dramatic arts build confidence and teach individuals to be better communicators.”
e drama teacher said they are rapidly building their adaptive program with incredible support from administrators, staff, students and families. An important piece is
Julianna Good is a 2017 graduate from Red Mountain High School who volunteered her time to participate in the program.
opportunity to shine.” participate in the program.
As a shadow, she partnered with Rachel, the
As a shadow, she partnered with Rachel, the sour kangaroo, giving her cues, feeding lines and stage blocking.
“Rachel has worked hard,” Good says. “It’s amazing to watch how much our actors grow in a short period of time.”
e Red Mountain graduate is off to the University of New Hampshire in the fall to study music education with a special education concentration. She says this experience is one she will always treasure.
Learn more about adaptive leisure opportunities at www.mesaaz.gov/ things-to-do/parks-recreationcommercial-facilities/sportsprograms/adaptive-leisure.
Rachel the Sour Kangaroo and her partner, Julianna Good, perform in the musical.
(Photos by Tim Hacker)
Ani and Matt Erickson congratulate the cast on a job well done.
Summer arts classes at Mesa Arts Center
By Nearby News Staff
Have you ever wanted to try glass blowing? How about hone your photography skills, or learn how to make lotions and potions? roughout the summer, Mesa Arts Center is offering a series of visual and performing arts classes on a wide array of artistic pursuits.
Try something new, or take your passion to the next level with a bit of instruction from experts at Mesa Arts Center.
For more information, or to register, call 480-644-6520 or visit mesaartscenter.com and select “classes” from the menu.
Glass
Glassblowing: Hot Shop
Jewelry Workshop
Beginning Topics: Knot Ring
Wednesdays, July 5 and July 12; 6 to 9 p.m.
Ages 16+, $87
Beginning Bracelets: Chain Maille Techniques Saturday, July 15, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Ages 16+, $101
Wood Jewelry
Saturday and Sunday, July 22 and 23, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ages 16+, $195
Tuesdays, July 11 – August 1; 6 to 9 p.m.; Ages 16+, $248
Drawing
Workshop: Drawing: The Artist’s Secret Geometry
Saturday, July 8; 9 a.m. to noon Ages 16+, $60
Photography
Photography Workshop: Beginning Nature Photography
Tuesday, July 11, 8 to 10:30 a.m.
Located at Desert Botanical Garden Ages 16+, $40
Instructor: Pamela Parker
Photography Workshop: Beginning Wildlife Photography
Saturday, July 22, 6:30 to 9 a.m.
Located at Riparian Preserve Water Ranch in Gilbert Ages 16+, $40
Instructor: Pamela Parker
Photography Workshop: How to Take Beautiful Photos With Any Camera Saturday, July 29, 9:30 a.m. to noon Ages 16+, $40
Miscellaneous
Introduction to Mosaic Art Saturdays, July 15-August 4, 9 a.m. to noon Ages 16+, $101
Art of Lotions & Potions: Soap It Up Saturday, July 1, 9 a.m. to noon Ages 16+, $47
Instructor: Kimberly Cothern
Art of Lotions & Potions: Let’s Face it
Saturday, July 22, 9 a.m. to noon Ages 16+, $47
Instructor: Kimberly Cothern
Art of Lotions & Potions: Shower Time
Saturday, July 29, 9 a.m. to noon Ages 16+, $47
Dancing ‘Outlawz’: Red Mountain grad attempting to conquer the hip-hop dance world
By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski
Red Mountain High School graduate Max ompson doesn’t know the meaning of “give up.” ompson and his Gilbert-based dance troupe, Outlawz, have been rehearsing for its August world championship bout for a year.
Veterans of the TV show “America’s Got Talent,” Outlawz will compete against the best street dancers and dance crews from 50 countries during the USA and World Hip Hop Dance Championships held in the Valley Aug. 4-12. e World Hip Hop Dance Championship finals start at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12, at GCU Arena. All USA Championship events (Aug. 4-6), World Preliminary Championship events and World Battles (Aug. 7-11) will be held at the Arizona Grand Resort and Spa.
e competitions are the flagship events developed and organized by Hip Hop International and
its founders, Howard and Karen Schwartz. ey also created the Emmy Award-winning TV series “America’s Best Dance Crew.”
“ e Outlawz are proud of ‘America’s Got Talent,’” ompson said. “It was a pretty big accomplishment because it’s hard for dancers to make it on that show. We were on three episodes and made it to the live shows, which a lot of dancers don’t do.
“With this, we’re pretty confident that we’re going to do well. We’ve been doing this competition for three years now. We know how it goes. We took third in the world last year. is year, we know what we need to do to get first.”
Outlawz are the 2016 USA Hip Hop Dance Champions and World bronze medalists, adult division. If Outlawz win the worlds, it’ll be the first U.S. troupe to do so in HHI’s history. In the group, ompson is joined
by Dominic LaRovere of Chandler, Phoenix Banuelos of Gilbert, Marcus Pope of Peoria, Tam Rapp of Los Angeles and Josh Ulep and A.J. Pak, both of Hawaii
“USA has never won worlds before,” ompson said. “We just don’t give up. Some crews make it as far as we have. ey get second or third and just stop. We got third last year and
(Special to Nearby News)
The Outlawz are vets of the TV show “America’s Got Talent.”
decided we had to try one more time.”
Dancing is something that ompson only took up in high school, and it wasn’t for the most practical of reasons.
“I would dance, honestly, to impress girls,” he said with a laugh. “I would just mess around when they had a DJ at lunch. en I realized I really liked it.”
Before dancing to the likes of rappers Drake, Chance the Rapper and Travis Scott, ompson played on Red Mountain’s basketball and football teams. He is the secondoldest member of Outlawz.
“We’re all pretty experienced the same way, in terms of dance, but I’m way more experienced in life,” ompson said. “I hope that the younger members look up to me and, more so, my life experience. ey can learn a lot through me, with what I’ve been through. I want to teach them to have a good attitude and be patient with people.”
Human relations came into play when Outlawz traveled to China to promote the HHI brand and dance on the Great Wall of China.
“ at was super-cool,” said
America because we’re super blessed over here.”
And ompson is blessed with the opportunities he’s received thanks to HHI. e HHI championships have earned the respect of dancers and choreographers worldwide. Many competitors discovered by Hip Hop International have launched careers working with the likes of Justin Bieber, Jennifer Lopez and Rhianna. Hiphop dance is represented routinely in countless awards shows and can be seen promoting respected brands including the Grammys, Emmys, Oscars, NBA, NFL and Cirque Du Soleil among many others.
“In today’s world, where travel bans and proposed walls to separate peoples are prompting concern, the longstanding mission of Hip Hop International to unite the world of hip-hop through dance is more relevant than ever,” Howard Schwartz said in a press release.
ompson, who is planning a move to Los Angeles. “We got first place in the USA our first year. We had the opportunity to go to China and teach and coach. We performed our routine for them and showed them how to dance. It was awesome.
“I learned, through the trip, that all cultures are completely different from each other. We should appreciate
All events are open to the public. Tickets for the family-friendly events start at $20. Complete event schedules, ticket information, championship videos and more can be found at hiphopinternational.com.
(Special to Nearby News)
The Outlawz will compete in the World Hip Hop Dance Championships in August.
events calendar
July
2017
Build a Better World Puzzle Game
On Saturdays, show up with the family to try and solve six challenges. Completing all the puzzles enters you for a chance at a free trip to Escape Rooms Mesa.
When: Saturdays, July 1-29, all day
Where: Children’s Room at Red Mountain Library, 635 N. Power Road, Mesa
Cost: Free Info: 480-644-3100 or events. mesalibrary.org
Teen Crafternoon
Teens age 12-17 can spend an hour meeting other crafters and artists while they work with provided supplies or their own projects from home.
When: Thursdays, July 6-27, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Where: Red Mountain Library, 635 N. Power Road, Mesa
Cost: Free Info: 480-644-3100 or events. mesalibrary.org
Grown-Up Fairy Tales
Learn from writer-in-residence
Marylee MacDonald how the structure of classic fairy tales can inform and improve your own writing.
When: Thursday, July 6, 6-7:30 p.m.
Where: Red Mountain Library, 635 N. Power Road, Mesa Cost: Free Info: 480-644-3100 or events. mesalibrary.org
Country Heat/Line Dancing Clinic and Class
Learn the basic moves and techniques of country line dancing.
When: Saturday, July 8, 9-11 a.m.
Where: Mesa Family YMCA, 207 N. Mesa Drive, Mesa
Cost: $10
Info: 602-212-6106 or valleyymca.org
Yoga Clinic
Interested in yoga but don’t know where to start? Learn basic yoga terminology, positions and techniques.
When: Saturday, July 8, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Where: Mesa Family YMCA, 207 N. Mesa Drive, Mesa
Cost: $10
Info: 602-212-6106 or valleyymca.org
The Mystery Plays
In the tradition of medieval mystery plays, these two one-act plays
tackle complex aspects of humanity, including death, religion, faith and forgiveness.
When: Sunday, July 9, 7-9:30 p.m.
Where: Mesa Encore Theatre, 933 E. Main St., Mesa
Cost: Free (Donations appreciated) Info: 480-834-9500 or mesaencoretheatre.com
Arizona Rick the Magical Balloon Making Cowboy
Join Arizona Rick for a time of funny stories, magic and incredible balloon animals. Suitable for all ages.
When: Monday, July 10, 9:30-10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Where: Red Mountain Library, 635 N. Power Road, Mesa
Cost: Free
Info: 480-644-3100 or events. mesalibrary.org
Cardboard City
Kids K-5 can unleash their inner architect as they plan and build a cardboard city, including customizing their own cardboard building.
When: Mondays, July 17, 24, 10:30 a.m.-Noon
Where: Red Mountain Library, 635 N. Power Road, Mesa
Cost: Free (Registration required) Info: 480-644-3100 or events. mesalibrary.org
Marble Run Madness
Kids ages 5-12 can use recycled materials to design and build an epic marble run.
When: Friday, July 21, 10:30 a.m.-Noon
Where: Red Mountain Library, 635 N. Power Road, Mesa
Cost: Free (Registration required) Info: 480-644-3100 or events. mesalibrary.org
PHX Wrestling
See up-close wrestling action from the Whirlwind Gentlemen, Funny Bone, The Hawaiian Lion and other colorful local characters.
When: Friday, July 21, 7 p.m.
Where: The World Famous Nile
Theater, 105 W. Main St., Mesa
Cost: $10-$15
Info: 480-559-5859 or www. niletheater.com
Downtown Summer Art Market
Head downtown to see arts and crafts from local artisans. This is the summer version of the Downtown Mesa Festival of the Arts (formerly MACfest).
When: Saturday, July 22, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: SW Herb Shop & Gathering Place, 148 N. Center St., Mesa
Cost: Free Info: dtmesafest.com
Kickboxing Clinic
Get started in the art of self-defense. Learn the basic moves and techniques of kickboxing.
When: Saturday, July 22, 8-10 a.m.
Where: Mesa Family YMCA, 207 N. Mesa Drive, Mesa Cost: $10
Info: 602-212-6106 or valleyymca.org
Billy Cobham and the Spectrum 40 Band
Legendary drummer Billy Cobham brings his band, Spectrum 40, to the Valley for a night of jazz and more eclectic works.
When: Saturday, July 22, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St., Mesa
Cost: $33-$48
Info: 480-644-6500 or mesaartscenter.com
Zumba Clinic
Everyone’s talking about it, so why not try it for yourself. Check out this introduction to the world of Zumba.
When: Saturday, July 29, 8-10 a.m.
Where: Mesa Family YMCA, 207 N. Mesa Drive, Mesa Cost: $10
Info: 602-212-6106 or valleyymca.org
business spotlight
By Wayne Schutsky Staff Writer
Occupied retail space showing signs of growth in Mesa
While conventional wisdom says consumers are abandoning brick-andmortar stores in droves in favor of online retailers like Amazon, the retail sector in the East Valley is showing promising signs of growth.
e Mesa/Chandler/Gilbert submarket posted net absorption numbers of 114,558 square feet through the first quarter of 2017, according to market research released by commercial real estate company CBRE. ere was an additional 346,335 square feet of retail under construction as of the first quarter. Net absorption is a critical statistic, representing the total new occupied square footage in a given sector minus square footage that is no longer occupied by tenants, Sanford Burstyn, vice president of investments and director in the National Retail Group for Marcus & Millichap.
Some of the recent retail success in the East Valley overall is driven by
the development of grocery-anchored centers.
“ ese centers are being built where the houses are being built,” Folger said. “It’s the old adage that retail follows rooftops.”
Many of those rooftops are in east Mesa, thanks to master-planned communities like Eastmark, and more homes are on the way.
e city has actually issued more residential building permits through April of this year than Phoenix, a city that is three times Mesa’s size in both population and are, said Mesa economic development director Bill Jabjiniak.
Sprouts is being aggressive in the city opening new locations, including the under-construction grocery store at Longbow Marketplace. Fry’s opened a new location last year to anchor Mulberry Marketplace at Guadalupe and Signal Butte Roads.
In 2016, the East Valley submarket –
which includes Chandler, Mesa, Gilbert and Queen Creek – saw a spike in new, delivered retail square footage to nearly 1.25 million square feet.
at is a noticeable rise from the retail square footage delivered annually in 2010 to 2015, which topped out at just less than 500,000 square feet in 2015, according to statistics prepared Burstyn.
e 2016 figures are still well below the boom years of 2006 to 2008, when there was roughly 2.75 million to 4 million square feet delivered annually.
“(Last year) is when retailers made clear
decisions to build buildings that were going to have immediate occupancy,” said Burstyn, noting that investors “are not really interested in financing spec space.”
Despite those positive trends, the Mesa/Chandler/Gilbert submarket has a relatively high vacancy rate of 10.25 percent, which is higher than the metropolitan Phoenix average of 8.8 percent, according to CBRE. at high vacancy is largely due to a glut of vacant assets that have reached
Retail...continued on page 32
(Special to Nearby News)
Sprouts is opening several stores in the East Valley.
GECO Incorporated expands in Mesa
By Nearby News Staff
GECO Incorporated, a designer and manufacturer of affordable avionics, celebrated its recent expansion in Mesa with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the company’s operations in the Falcon District.
e recent expansion is specifically for software development for Unmanned Aircraft Systems, and will add 24 jobs.
e company has a planned expansion for later this year to triple the workspace the company previously had. e expansion will allow more space for engineering, design, software and hardware development and an increased space for assembly and manufacturing for programs including avionics, UAS controllers, autonomous vehicle systems and other communication systems. e expansion is expected to open 75 jobs over the next several years.
the end of their useful life as retail locations.
“It’s hard for people to stomach that [these locations] aren’t retail anymore,” Folger said. “We have to make the hard decision to repurpose real estate.”
Mesa has a range of these types of assets in the Fiesta District that are being repurposed for other uses. Santander USA Inc., which occupies an adapted former big box store on Southern Avenue, is an example, Jabjiniak said.
e planned redevelopment of Fiesta Mall into a higher education campus is another high-profile example of the rethinking of retail space currently happening in west Mesa.
other medical services along with popular eateries like Chipotle and Starbucks.
ese spots can attract rents in the $20 to $40 per square foot annually range, which is well above the current market average of roughly $14 to $15, Burstyn said. Additionally, developers are taking outdated large restaurant spaces located in premier hard-corner locations, renovating them and breaking them into smaller units to be occupied by multiple users.
“We are proud to support defense programs that represent the future of aerospace,” GECO President and CEO Jennifer Graves said. “ is expansion allows us to
apply our expertise to develop universal hand controllers for military operators, which will control tactical unmanned air and ground systems.”
Along with Graves, Mesa vice mayor David Luna, GECO chief technical officer George Graves and GECO strategic advisory board member and retired Army Maj. Gen. Tim Crosby spoke at the ribbon-cutting event.
“ e demand for retail [in the Fiesta District] has changed dramatically over time,” Jabjiniak said.
Mesa also has a concentration of outdated retail assets near downtown and on the west side of the city.
e East Valley market is also being bolstered by increasingly popular smaller centers that feature some mix of urgent care or
ose rents are a function of location as well. In the current market, consumers have largely replaced developers as the driving force behind the location of retailers, Burstyn said. at has led retailers and developers to focus on properties near freeways that have strong demographics and high incomes such as the area around Chandler Fashion Center or Gilbert’s SanTan Village.
Mesa is also seeing interest in development near freeways, specifically at Mesa Riverview, where developers are interested in creating mixed-use projects that blend retail with office and other uses, Jabjiniak said.
(Photo courtesy of the City of Mesa )
Jennifer Graves, Vice Mayor Luna and George Graves.
law talk
By Kenneth C. Barney
Insurance policy ownership pitfalls
Life insurance can play an important role in an estate plan. Insurance may provide income replacement to a surviving spouse or liquidity to an estate, where the majority of the estate’s value is tied up in a family business or real property. Insurance can provide the funds that an estate needs for taxes or just more inheritance dollars for loved ones.
During the last few years, however, we have seen a number of insurance cases that became problematic because of a failure to properly correlate the owner, insured and beneficiary of an insurance policy.
ere are basic insurance terms that everyone should know – and periodically review – to make sure that an insurance policy works properly.
Owner: e owner of a life insurance policy is the person who has rights over the policy, can change the policy’s beneficiary and/or cash it out, etc. Normally the policy owner is also the insured.
Insured: e insured under a life insurance policy is the person covered or protected; the person who, if he or she dies, the insurance company will have the obligation to pay out the death benefits to the beneficiary.
Beneficiary: e beneficiary is the one entitled to receive the death benefits under the policy when the insured person dies.
e problem we have seen recently happens when the owner of an insurance policy is someone other than the insured and dies first.
What happens in this scenario is that, because the owner died first but the insured is still alive, there is no money (death benefit) paid out, yet the premiums to keep the policy active must continue being paid for the duration of the insured person’s life.
e ownership of such policies will also need to be changed from the deceased person’s name to his or her estate beneficiaries listed under the terms of a will or by intestate distribution (without a will). en the new owners (those entitled to the deceased owner’s estate) collectively must pay the premiums on the policy for the duration of the insured’s life to eventually collect the death benefits under the policy.
You can see the many problems that could arise under this scenario: probate for a policy that will not pay out any death benefit; continued payment of premiums by multiple persons, who may or may not contribute; change of ownership, etc. What usually happens is that the
policy will lapse for non-payment of premiums and no one ever receives the intended death benefits. How can this be avoided? You should look carefully at the owner, insured and beneficiary of each life insurance policy and make sure that if the owner and insured are two different individuals and that there is a plan for the smooth continuation of the policy, if the owner happens to die first. One easy solution to this problem would be to transfer the ownership of the policy to a revocable or irrevocable trust.
If you have any questions regarding family-based estate planning or any other legal issues, please call the attorneys at Rowley Chapman & Barney, Ltd. At 480-833-1113. Kenneth C. Barney is a partner with the law firm of Rowley, Chapman & Barney Ltd.
School starts August 9
All children learn differently , so we offer options that help them discover and build on their potential and passions .
• Preschool through adult education
• Homeschool enrichment classes
• Franklin Traditional Schools
• Spanish immersion
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• International Baccalaureate
• STEM
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• Free all-day kindergarten
EMPLOYMENT/ CAREERS
Desert Choice Schools, seeking Behavior Technicians & Special Education Teachers. Experience w/children with emotional and behavioral needs is preferred but not mandated.
Apply at www.desertchoice schools.com/careers 480.398.1994
PRESCHOOLS
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CLEANING SERVICES
HANDYMAN
TOO BIG FOR YOU?
Did you buy something that needs to be put together? Give John the Handyman a call! He can help you get things done.
Anything that takes your time I can do & have the tools to do it! 760-668-0681
HAULING
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Need some help around the house?
Please call, I do it all!
*Design
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PAINTING
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Want a fresh new room color?
Or a wall in perfect stripes?
POOL SERVICES
A QUALITY POOL SERVICE THAT IS PRICELESS
Is your pool missing its sparkle?
Not crystal blue anymore?
CPO Technician ROC 303766 LIZARDPOOLSLLC lizardpools.com 480-489-0713
CLEAN SPLASH POOL SERVICE
Weekly service starting at $70 per month. Repairs - Maintenance - Acid Washing Free Estimates & Consultation
CPO Certified/APSP Member Bonded & Insured 480-216-3229
ROOFING
Tim KLINE Roofing, LLC The Most Detailed Roofer in the State. Roofs Done Right..The FIRST Time. 15-Year Workmanship Warranty on All Complete Roof Systems. FREE Estimate and Written Proposal. 480-357-2463 www timklineroofing com
R.O.C #156979 K-42 Licensed, Bonded and Insured
TRAVEL
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TUTORING SERVICES
PROFESSIONAL TUTORING
Multiple subjects including Math, Reading and Writing. Individualized, at-home instruction for grades K-12. Summer enrichment activities and summer school tutoring. Assistance for home-schooling, behavioral, organizational and special education concerns. Call Philip N Swanson, Ph D 480-677-9459
WINDOW CLEANING
DIRTY WINDOWS FILTHY SCREENS?
Call Fish Window Cleaning @ 480-962-4688 and you will have the cleanest windows and screens on the block. Below is the list of services we offer: Windows-Interior & Exterior Screens-Sunscreens/Regular Tracks, Ceiling Fans, Light Fixtures Power Washing Your driveways, sidewalks & patios
REFLECTIONS WINDOW CLEANING
Make your home sparkle with the cleanest windows you've ever seen! Instant 10% discount FREE estimates BONDED and INSURED. Member IWCA 480-892-1999
DAVE'S DUMPING & HAULING I haul it all! Yard/construction debris, junk, furniture, appliances, clean-outs, etc., etc., etc.,
Jobs both big & small Iʼm a 6th grade Mesa teacher working his 2nd job. Phone Estimates Dave 480-360-5865 or 480-360-JUNK
See my ad in the Biz Box Section
HOME REMODELING
REPAIRS & CUSTOM
INTERIOR PAINTING
Move a wall; turn a door into a window.
From small jobs and repairs to room additions, I do it all.
Precision interior painting, carpentry, drywall, tile, windows, doors, skylights, electrical, fans, plumbing and more.
All trades done by hands-on General Contractor. Friendly, artistic, intelligent, honest and affordable. 40 years' experience. Call Ron Wolfgang Office 480-820-8515 Cell 602-628-9653
Wolfgang Construction Inc
Licensed & Bonded ROC 124934
Artistic with fine lines 35 Years Experience Bob 520-413-3005 Or 480-316-9064
PET SERVICES
YOUR PAMPERED PETS
Pet Sitting - Earning the trust of pet owners for 10 years. Professional, loving pet care services personalized to your specific needs. Daily visits, dog walking, mid-day visits/potty breaks, pet taxi, and more.
Pet CPR/ First Aid Certified. Fully insured with Special Property Coverage. References proudly provided.
Please call Kelly Roberts at 480-229-7596 to schedule your complimentary initial meeting or visit www yourpamperedpetsaz com
Prosperity - Wellness www.Enos4Prosperity.com 800-824-1450 (Call 24/7) enos4homes@hotmail com
Arizona’s Resort-Style Home Builder
MASTER PLANNED CELEBRATED COMMUNITIES BY BLANDFORD HOMES
Award-winning Arizona builder for 38 years.
Blandford Homes specializes in building master planned environments with a variety of amenities and charm. Many offer resort-style amenities such as pools, spa, fitness, tennis, event lawns, and lifestyle activities, you’ll find the perfect community to fit your lifestyle.
A Mountain Bridgein Northeast Mesa – Resort-Style Master Planned Community
6 BRAND NEW REVOLUTIONARY MODELS FOR 2017
Villa Collection • From the mid $300’s • 480-988-2400
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B Mulberry –“New Old-Home Neighborhood” GRAND OPENING NEW PHASES!
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Americana Collection • From the $260’s • 480-895-2800
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C The Estates at Thirty-Second Street NOW SELLING
Estate single-level homes with 4 to 6 car garages and optional RV garages and carriage houses • From the low $700’s • 480-750-3000
D The Estates at Las Sendas NOW SELLING
Northeast Mesa Resort-Style Master Planned Community
Estate single-level homes on 30,000 sq. ft. lots with 4 to 6 car garages and optional RV garages and carriage houses From the high $700’s • 480-641-1800
E Sienna Hills –124th St & Shea in Scottsdale COMING SOON!
Luxury single level estate homes from the low $900’s
