July 2016
Reader Scott Neeley captured this photo of the Mountain View Toros View Toros baseball team at sunset
Win Free Prizes! Find the fake ad See page 4
Foundation will match $5K of backpack donations
Patriotic tradition runs deep in Mesa City Band
By Caity Hemmerle A Mesa-based foundation will assist in a backpack and school supply drive by matching up to $5,000 worth of donations. The Turnbow Foundation, a nonprofit committed to improving the lives of disadvantaged children and families, will team up with Save the Family, which is collecting backpacks with school supplies for children served by that nonprofit to help prepare them for the start of school. The agency’s Back 2 School Bash drive runs through the end of July. The Turnbow Foundation will donate $10 for every donated backpack, $15 for every kit with general supplies and
By Shelley Ridenour A 118-year-old Mesa tradition continues on Monday, July 4, when the Mesa City Band takes the stage at the Mesa Convention Center. during the Republic Services Arizona Celebration of Freedom. The Mesa City Band is the oldest city band in Arizona, and many members have spent a lot of time making music. “Some people get to 90 years old before they quit,” Gilbert resident Lois Splendoria said. “I’ll play as long as I can stand up.” The band was founded in 1898 to provide special music for a community event. It was pressed into service off and on until 1918, then resurfacing again when it resumed performances
$25 for each backpack loaded with supplies, varying from flash drives to protractors. Anyone wishing to donate can obtain a list of supplies needed for students at savethefamily. org. Backpack donations can be dropped off at Save the Family, 125 E. University Dr, during business hours. The Turnbow Foundation’s Supplies for Success program donates over 300 backpacks full of supplies every year to Save the Family for the Back 2 School Bash, said Thomas Bambury, president and founder of the Turnbow Foundation. “We also provide scholarships to various clients at STF to further and complete their educational goals and help ensure
...continues on page 4
early in the 1940s only to disband during World War II. A performance occurred in July 1946, either on Independence Day or Pioneer Day— no one can recall with certainty, band member John Hamblin said. He was a 16-year-old Mesa High School student that day. In 1967, the ensemble performed as the Tri-City Band. It went by several other names, including the Mesa Brass Band, the Mesa Cornet Band, the Mesa Community Band and the “Band Boys.” The name was changed back to the Mesa City Band in the early 1980s. Today, the band operates from September through May, rehearsing ...continues on page 5
All the juice that’s fit to print! Mailed to homes in the Groves communities.
NearbyNews
Mailed toYour Home Monthly
Local Postal Customer
PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S. POSTAGE PAID PHOENIX PERMIT # 1333