Mayor Giles: ‘Mesa economy is on a roll’
By Jena Crum
Led by the Mesa High School marching band, Mayor John Giles made a grand entrance at the State of the City address on Tuesday, Jan. 31.
He promised to lead the city the same way, he said during the talk at the Mesa Convention Center.
“ e City of Mesa, generally, is very strong and that’s particularly true of our economy,” Giles said. “We are in a state of explosive growth. I couldn’t be more excited.”
Giles highlighted the City’s accomplishments in 2016, as well as the plans for 2017, during his hour-long talk. Among the City’s positive moves were a growing economy, the addition
Mesa ...continued on page 6
Falcon Field Airport opens its doors to the public March 25
By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski
Get a close look at unique aircraft, classic cars and model railroads at Falcon Field Airport’s Open House from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 25.
e event will be at Falcon Field Park, 4636 E. Fighter Aces Dr., north of McKellips Road between Greenfield and Higley roads. Admission and parking are free on the grounds, with shuttles available on the west side of Higley Road north of McKellips Road. Patrons are asked to bring donations for the United Food Bank.
“ is isn’t just for aviation buffs,” said Dee Anne omas, the airport’s marketing and communications specialist.
“ ey’re interested in it, obviously. But
Falcon ...continued on page 7
(Special to Nearby News)
Mayor John Giles said the economy in Mesa is strong.
(Special to Nearby News)
Falcon Field Airport’s Open House exposes kids to aviation careers.
Kalie, 8, and Kaden Maldonado, 4, team up for their ride at the annual Las Sendas Snow Day.
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community spotlight
Northeast Mesa resident works to improve lives of abused, neglected children
By Tim J. Randall
Voices for Court-Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Children reports that there are more than 11,000 abused and neglected children in Maricopa County who need CASAs to look out for their best interest outside of the courtroom.
To publicize the need for CASA specialists, the organization recently hired Northeast Mesa resident Christine Slomski as marketing manager.
“Children in foster care are in need of help throughout Maricopa County, and often there is a child in our community that we wouldn’t think to be in need,” Slomski said. “We are here to help provide and support one CASA advocate for every child in foster care in Maricopa County. at’s a big task, but I am passionate to positively impact the lives of children and families in my home state.”
e nonprofit Voices works toward providing one CASA for each child by “recruiting, training and supporting CASA” volunteers.
A Mesa native who returned to the Valley to accept the role, Slomski is thrilled at the opportunity to affect a youth population that is currently underserved.
“I am excited to work with the amazing board and staff involved with this incredible mission,” she said. “Everyone’s so passionate, insightful and is willing to roll up their sleeves to get the job done.”
Slomski has a decade of experience in marketing and communications, including roles with Fox Restaurant Concept in Denver, and as marketing manager for e Arizona Opera. Her greatest value to Voices, though, comes from her most recent experience.
“I worked with the Girl Scouts of Colorado (GSCO) when I lived in Denver, and I learned how creative, thoughtful and engaged youth can be when given the right opportunities and tools,” she said. “Working with GSCO was pivotal to my career trajectory, as I now dedicate my professional skill set to creat-
ing positive, lasting change in Arizona communities.”
Raising awareness and community participation can be daunting challenges for nonprofit causes, and Voices is no exception. at’s why Robin Pearson, executive director of Voices for CASA Children, knew she needed a talented professional to join the organization’s ranks.
“ e current number of advocates in the CASA of Maricopa County Program is close to 600,” Pearson said.
“With Christine’s help, we can continue to spread awareness about the life-changing work CASA advocates do, and ultimately reach our goal of having one volunteer for every child.”
Slomski is pleased to be back home again.
“Returning to the Valley has reignited my passion to heartily contribute to the communities that raised me in and around Maricopa County,” said Slomski, who graduated Summa Cum Laude from Gonzaga University with a bachelor of arts degree in public relations and marketing.
“What I bring to Voices and to the people I reach through my role is the emphasis on coming together as community. Everyone has some skill or talent to activate and then integrate into the greater picture of our neighborhoods or city in which we live.”
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(Special to Nearby News)
Christine Slomski
of WestJet Airlines at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, and the construction of a new Apple facility.
“ e Mesa economy is on a roll, and we’re anxious to keep it that way,” Giles said.
He added that residential projects are slated for 25 acres of land at University and Mesa drives, and Country Club Drive and Main Street. Other homes will be added downtown.
Benedictine University, located on Macdonald Street, south of Main Street, converted the historic Alhambra Hotel into student housing in 2016. Giles said this was a positive step toward the evolving downtown’s landscape. e area continues to grow into a college town with the addition of an ASU satellite campus later this year. He said it will place a special emphasis on education as a core value in the community.
“We do have some gaps,” Giles said, referring to early and childhood education. “I’m not OK with that.”
online training for kids and home preschool kits.
At the address, Giles previewed the Chicago Cubs rally at Sloan Park held on Feb. 24. e Cubs continue their Spring Training season through March.
Mesa Public Schools Superintendent Michael Cowan said after the State of the City address that he is working with City officials to provide needed services and opportunities to the community’s youngest members.
“We are working hard to ensure that all students are successful,” Cowan said.
Other announcements included a new initiative called NextMesa, an online platform that will use videos, images and discussions to inform the public about plans for the city, Giles said.
Vice Mayor David Luna said the City Council will work to improve the lives of Mesa residents in 2017.
To find success, Giles announced that a First ings First grant will be used to develop programs to provide greater access to early childhood education. ese programs include
“We’re working to provide a better city for everyone in the community,” he said.
(Special to Nearby News)
Vice Mayor David Luna said the City Council works to improve the lives of Mesa residents.
Falcon ...continued from page 1 what it’s like to sit in the pilot seat and fly the plane.”
you hear seniors who want to see the different aircraft and reminisce. Maybe they’ve flown in the military or for pleasure and they see aircraft similar to the ones they’ve flown.”
omas added that parents of small children and teenagers also stop by to educate the kids about the world of aviation.
“It does have appeal across many demographics,” she said.
Falcon Field visitors can see e Boeing Company’s AH-64E Apache attack helicopter; two unmanned aerial vehicles – the S-100 Camcopter and ScanEagle; a ground control station; vintage warbirds; a 1967 AH-1F Cobra helicopter; experimental aircraft; general aviation aircraft and others.
“Aircraft displays are obviously the most popular,” omas said about the exhibits. “It’s the chance for them to see aircraft up close, as opposed to the sky or far away, or looking through a window at the airport.
Patrons can also feel what it’s like to be in the pilot’s seat by using a flight simulator for the second year.
“ ey’re buckled up, but it’s a moving experience,” omas said. “You feel
Adults and kids can explore flight training and aviation careers with representatives of area education programs, businesses and aviation organizations.
e Commemorative Air Force Museum is hosting an exhibit about Falcon Field’s origins as a World War II pilot training base during the expanded hours of 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 25. e Southwest Military Transport Show also will be held at the CAF from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Highlights include military vehicle and static aircraft displays, collectibles, vehicle parts, plastic model contest and swap meet. Discounted admission of $5 per person or $10 per family on March 25 cover the museum and Southwest Military Transport Show.
But the event isn’t limited to just aircraft.
Impala Bob’s Car Show will see more than 100 classic cars on display, while Arizona Big Train Operators will show off its model railroad exhibit. Kids can indulge in inflatables, face painting and balloon animals. Food, music and aircraft flyovers add to the fun.
“Impala Bob’s is a business near
Falcon Field,” omas said. “ ey sell parts for those restoring classic cars. ey coordinate that car show because it relates to their business and customers.
“ ey have a lot of contacts in the world of classic cars. e entry fees benefit the Mesa Boys and Girls Clubs.”
Everything at the open house comes back around to aircraft, however. omas is proud of the event because she and City officials try to corral things that are new and different each year. She preferred not to reveal the surprises for the 2017 event.
Regardless, the Apache Boeing helicopter is always a popular attraction, she said.
“It’s very rare that people get to see those at all,” she said. “But people can see them close up, climb up the steps and talk to the people who make them. A lot of people really enjoy that part of the show.”
Located at Higley and McDowell roads, Boeing is also bringing unmanned aerial vehicles. Guests can see the control station that is used with drones.
“Drones and unmanned aerial vehicles are more and more popular and are of interest to people,” omas
said. “It’s a neat chance for people to see these up close. ese aren’t the kinds that you would see in hobby shops, either. ese are for commercial and military use.”
omas added that the open house provides a nice sneak peek into aviation.
“ ere are a lot of different ways people can experience the fun of airplanes and aviation,” she said. “Not only can people learn about what goes on here at Falcon Field, the economic impact that we have and the types of flying that’s done here, but it exposes young people to the opportunity they can have for careers in aviation.
“We’ll have ASU and Embry-Riddle here with exhibits about their aviation education programs.”
IF YOU GO
What: Falcon Field Airport’s Open House
When: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 25
Where: Falcon Field Park, 4636 E. Fighter Aces Dr., north of McKellips Rd. between Greenfield and Higley roads. Cost: Free Info: 480-644-2450 or falconfield airport.com
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neighborhood hearsay
A contingent of Arizona Diamondbacks players squeezed in a little preseason action with the kids at Sunshine Acres recently. Outfielder A.J. Pollock and his wife, Kate, organized second annual baseball day with pitchers Archie Bradley and Robbie Ray, and mascot Baxter. “Such an amazing group of people to be able to support!” Pollock wrote on his Instagram. “Thank you to my teammates and Baxter for coming out to help make the day extra special.”
An interdenominational group called East Valley Friends and Neighbors meets the first Wednesday of each month to… well, make new friends and neighbors. Think of it as a social group that also aims to engage in charitable activities. The group, to which all East Valley residents are invited, will gather for 90 minutes March 1 starting at 9:30 a.m. Grace United Methodist Church, 2024 E. University. If neighbors and friends are your thing, call 480-828-5146 or email evfanaz@gmail.com for more infornation.
pastries in a wood-fired oven, make its own pastas (up to five per day), cook entrees on a wood grill, and use local and organic ingredients whenever possible. Fresh seafood will be flown in daily. And, of course, there will be wood-fired pizzas.
Based in Northeast Mesa, Athena Valley of the Sun is honoring outstanding woman business leaders and young women at its leadership awards from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 4, at the Marriott Tempe at the Buttes. The organization is looking for sponsors to participate in the event, which will feature a special presentation by honoree and American businesswoman, ambassador and former U.S. astronaut Barbara Barrett. The list of local honorees will be announced on March 1. Businesses can participate by sponsoring a table, through the purchase of a ticket for a valued woman in their organization and through monetary donations to the Athena Foundation.
The phrase “comfort food” gets bandied about, but what does it mean? Meatloaf is comfort food. But why not celery? Red velvet cake gets me so comfortable my body begins to become one with the couch. Kale, well, maybe not so much.
Tickets are $75 through Tuesday, March 14. For more information about sponsorships, visit athenaaz. com or call 612-860-5992 or email kristine@athenaaz.com.
Everyone agrees that Italian food is the very essence of comfort. Take a handful of homemade pastas, add a wood grill and some pizza dough, and most people aren’t going anywhere for several hours.
“Osteria,” a name derived from an Italian term for the equivalent of comfort food, will soon be a restaurant at the southeast corner of McKellips and Alta Mesa. The ambitious project, located in The Shoppes at Legacy House, is headed by Charles Kassels, executive chef of the iconic El Chorro Lodge in Paradise Valley for the last seven years. Osteria will bake its own breads and
What’s the buzz in your neighborhood? New babies or grandbabies? Announcements? Engagements? Let us know! Email hearsay@nearbynews.com
Building a community: Mesa’s first homes looking back
By Angie Sullivan, Mesa Historical Society
Constructing homes was one of the first priorities for the early settlers, especially Francis Pomeroy, who did just that.
Hauling cottonwood posts and logs from an abandoned military sub post at Fort Marysville, Pomeroy set up a shed at the northwest corner of Sirrine Street and First Avenue. e shed measured 22 feet by 30 feet with a dirt floor. e building served as a home for the Pomeroy family and a community center.
For the early settlers, building a home in Mesa was fairly difficult as building material was very limited and the nearest sawed lumber was in Prescott, 120 miles north.
e first adobe house was located near the northeast corner of Second Avenue and Sirrine Street and was built by Charles Mallory, who helped dig the canals that would carry water to the community.
Shortly thereafter, John Pomeroy, with help from his neighbors, built his home on the southeast corner of Main and Center streets. It was a community affair. e men helped the builder make adobe brick, construct the thick walls and provide the essential lumber roof framing.
With no wood available for the floors, women sewed “gunny sacks” together and spread them over the packed earth. Ceilings were built high
and the roofs peaked with tall and narrow windows and doors to help homes remain cool during the summer. With homes established, the settlers could start their way toward incorporation as a village.
The Pomeroys’ home was built at the northwest corner of Sirrine Street and First Avenue.
Firefighters jetlagged after training exercise
By Tim J. Randall
Battalion 203 Chief Richard Kochanski and his crew of firefighters spent Jan. 31 honing their airline emergency skills at Falcon Field, using an actual aircraft.
“ is was a Gulfstream Jet and we had never had the experience of gaining entry into an actual plane,” Kochanski said.
e training exercise – the first of its kind for the department – came as the result of Artur Niewiadowski, a Goodyear resident who conducts considerable business in Mesa with his company Vision Air America Inc.
“When I heard the Mesa Falcon Field Fire Department never had the chance to train on a large jet, I was shocked and knew this donation had to be done,” Niewiadowski said.
A multimillion-dollar charitable gift is uncommon, and Kochanski and his team were thrilled to test their equipment on the real thing.
“Cutting into the jet was a difficult task, because of the different materi-
als and types of metals on the jet,” Kochanski said. “We now know the right tools to use, where to enter, how to enter and how many individuals and response teams we would need in the event of a crashed plane.”
Niewiadowski knew the program was a success when he spoke to Kochanski after the exercises began.
“I know the types of metal these aircraft are made of and there is no way you can fully understand the complexity unless you get the chance to work on it first-hand,” he said. “After the first 20 minutes, the fire chief understood what I was referring to when I said it’s going to be a long day.”
e owner of 26 aircraft, Niewiadowski stored the Gulfstream at Falcon Field, but had not used if for several years.
“ e aircraft was in airworthy condition when it was parked at the field and stood for some years,” he said. e FAA-regulated calendar checks were due and that is what made it nonair-
worthy, but it was complete.”
A native of Poland, Niewiadowski came to the United States at the age of 7 and moved to Arizona in 1999.
“After working for a local Arizona aviation company for three years, I decided to open my own aviation company,” he said.
Besides his aeronautics business, Niewiadowski operates a mixed martial arts training gym, Damri Muay ai in Avondale.
lation, it good that the plane wasn’t on fire during the operation.
“ is was all about a drill to practice with equipment and learn techniques,” Kochanski said.
Now, the Mesa Fire Department is that much more prepared to act if the need should arise.
“ e facility is my passion company and training to me is of upmost importance,” he said. “Everything I do is geared toward positive training, preparations, and knowledge for the unknown. at is how I link the donation with the MMA gym. I am very passionate about giving people the tools to be confident and prepare for the unknown. It makes me feel good.”
Given the assorted difficulties the plane presented for the battalion while conducting the training rescue simu-
“I don’t want people to focus on the value of the jet, but rather the value on a person’s life,” Kochanski said. “You cannot put a dollar amount on life. If even one life is spared because of the result of this training satisfaction that would fill my heart.”
Niewiadowski is appreciative of the opportunity.
“It made me happy to share this event with my children, and a special thanks to the Mesa Fire Department for letting us take pictures with them and look at all their cool tools and trucks,” he said.
“We hope this was as much fun for them as it was for us.”
(Special to Nearby News)
Artur Niewiadowski stored the Gulfstream at Falcon Field, but had not used it for several years.
Funding for capital improvement projects may be in trouble
By Joe Jacquez
Republican majorities in the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate have made tax code reform a principal part of their agenda. Mayor John Giles and the City Council are worried that the federal tax exemption on municipal bond interest, the main way cities pay for capital improvement projects, could be canned.
Municipal bonds are loans made to the City of Mesa by investors for between 20 and 25 years, according to the bond update presented to City Council members during a Feb. 2 study session. e exemption has allowed Mesa to fund projects at lower borrowing costs because tax-exempt bonds typically come with a lower interest rate.
If Congressional Republicans decide to ax the federal tax exemption as part of a broader tax reform package, Giles said the City would have to find another way to fund projects, like a primary property tax.
Giles said that the federal tax exemption was a big topic of conversation during the January meeting of the U.S. Conference of Mayors in Washington, D.C. New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu, along Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett and Columbus, Ohio, Mayor Andrew Ginther met with President Donald Trump to gather his support for the federal tax exemption.
Giles and other mayors want Congress to keep the exemption in place, but Scott Greenberg, an analyst with the Center for Federal Tax Policy at the Tax Foundation, said he believes this form of subsidization is inefficient. State and local governments will receive less than $1 in federal subsidies for every dollar that the federal government does not collect in taxes
“It would be devastating,” Giles said after the Feb. 6 City Council meeting. “ is is the way that cities, school districts and public entities have built infrastructure for the last couple of generations.”
because of the tax exemption of municipal bond interest. A significant portion of the exclusion is captured by the high-income households that own municipal bonds.
In July 2013, Greenberg outlined why the tax exemption of municipal bond interest should be reconsidered.
e cities can do better, he said. He outlined three alternatives Mesa could consider to pay for capital investments.
However, the councilman is open to all ideas because “we’re facing some hard times coming up.”
At the end of the day, Giles said Mesa must fund projects one way or another, but says it would be easier if the tax-exemption stayed.
“ ere are some things that are essential in life,” Giles said. “Most people are fond of flushing their toilets.”
– Tues-Fri 11am to 2pm
Greenberg said the federal government could create a federal spending program that gave cash grants to state and local governments engaged in infrastructure projects. He also said state and localities could raise taxes.
Mesa will continue to follow tax reform debates on Capitol Hill, because Giles said two new water treatment plants depend on the federal tax exemption.
– Mon-Sat 4pm to 9pm
3pm to 7pm
“ is isn’t exactly the craziest idea in the world,” Greenberg said. “If you think that an infrastructure project is giving more benefits to your citizens than it will cost your citizens, then it’s not entirely to me why you (the government) shouldn’t have your citizens pay for the cost of the project.”
“Right now, were in the middle of two really big projects in Mesa—about a $150 million water treatment plant and about a $90 million wastewater treatment plant,” Giles said. “If we had to pay a bunch of interest on hundreds of millions of dollars, that’s a big chunk. We would be forced to significantly increase taxes.”
Winkle said the city’s favorable credit rating allows it to issue bonds for large projects.
Finally, Greenberg said if raising taxes is difficult, cities could collect taxes from citizens outside of the city that benefit from a project in the form of tolls.
“A classic example is you improve a road for your city,” Greenberg said. “One way to make sure your noncitizens that are benefiting pay their fair share for the road is through tolls.”
“For example, we can issue approved bonds while construction or supplies may be cheaper or maybe we can get the bond authorized and wait until prices are lower to purchase equipment,” he said.
Councilman Ryan Winkle, in response to Greenberg’s ideas, said he is interested to find out about the federal spending program. However, raising taxes to fund infrastructure is not a good option now.
“I just know after knocking on 9,000 doors and being taxed nationally, from the county, the state and city, people are taxed out,” Winkle said.
Mesa issues two primary types of bonds. Estimated to cost $447 million, general obligation bonds cover projects related public safety, parks and streets after 2008. ey have been paid for by a secondary property tax. Utility revenue bonds, which are paid for using revenues gained from the project issued by the bondholder, would cover water, wastewater, natural gas and electric projects.
(Special to Nearby News)
Mayor John Giles speaks about capital improvement projects during a recent study session.
El Tour de Mesa: Ride for the beauty of it
By Steve Rivera
Cyclists come for the beauty, the test of the ride and, of course, the food and fun at the finish line in downtown Mesa where a bike show, a rock wall and zip line await on Saturday, April 1.
e annual Holualoa Companies El Tour de Mesa is considered a “family affair” ride. e 27th event – with more than 1,500 riders – will feature a 100K ride that kicks off in downtown Mesa, and the debut of a 50K ride that starts at Red Mountain Elementary School on April 1. e longer event starts at 6:30 a.m. and the shorter at 8:15 a.m. It’s a safe course with excellent support staff on roads that are in great condition in urban and suburban areas.
“Riders come for the event but what they get in it is a scenic and picturesque ride on many levels,” said Wayne Churchman, ride organizer. “People tend to appreciate the surroundings after the event given you see various wildlife along the way. Riders might even want to slow down just to enjoy the views.”
e 100K event, which started as the Scottsdale Scenic Century (later changed to El Tour de Phoenix) and in 2011 to El Tour de Mesa, is held every spring in Mesa.
“It can be an easy event for some, and a little taxing for some others,” Churchman said. “It offers some high-speed descents and some beautiful climbs.”
e 2017 route follows a scenic course with the beautiful and rugged backdrop of the Salt River Recreation Area and Tonto National Forest circumnavigating the East Valley’s most recognizable landmark, Red Mountain.
e start/finish line is in downtown Mesa on Center Street, just north of Second Street.
Some of the highlights include Weavers Needle, Saguaro Lake, Usery Pass and Four Peaks. Riders will also see the word “Phoenix” on Usery Mountain.
e day includes a fun ride, which begins at 11 a.m. and goes 10 miles and 5 miles.
“It’s a great day for cyclists in the Valley area,” Churchman said. “In fact, all the events should be called a ‘fun ride.’”
Mountain View grad finishes
basic military training
By Joint Hometown News Service
U.S. Air Force Airman Taylor L. Wall graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas.
e airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.
Airmen who complete basic training also earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
Wall is the daughter of Katheryn L. and Dean M. Wall of Mesa. She graduated from Mountain View High School in 2015.
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(Special to Nearby News)
U.S. Air Force Airman Taylor L. Wall graduated from Mountain View High School in 2015.
Family time
Explore and exercise at Urban Jungle Fun Park
By Kimberly Hosey
If you’re looking for an indoor playground to get out of the heat this summer – or a place to try out rock climbing, or a spot for your kid’s next birthday party – you’ll want to check out Mesa’s latest attraction, Urban Jungle Fun Park, opening March 10 at 5741 E. McKellips Rd.
is will be Urban Jungle’s second facility after its flagship indoor park opened in 2012 in Santee, California. e 18,000-square-foot, $1.5 million Mesa facility will include a rock wall, an obstacle course and jungle gym, slides and a special area for parents.
“Urban Jungle is the ultimate indoor adventure experience that brings out the child in everyone,” said CEO and founder Bob Krause, who founded the first park with a lifelong friend. He is planning to open a third location in Murrieta, California, in May and a fourth in Avondale by July.
In addition to recreation, a focus of Urban Jungle is helping kids stay active and healthy. Krause said the organization’s new FitPlay program combines the fun of the indoor park with physical challenges like obstacle courses, tunnels and climbing; all designed to engage multiple muscle groups and to provide cardiovascular activity – while also being a blast.
Kids from toddler to teen will find plenty to explore. Huge trampoline courts offer plenty of room to bounce around, play dodge ball or fly for some heroic slam dunks. Climbing walls offer exciting challenges, and the cityscape theme of Urban Jungle provides some new spins on the climbing wall, as kids can climb a skyscraper (don’t worry; it’s a miniature skyscraper) like a super hero. ey can race their friends (or a game parent) through a 50-foot-long obstacle course, or get a thrill on the 16-foot-
Jungle offers Tot Town, built especially for kids 5 and younger with little-kid-scaled play structures for kids to explore. Parents may play in Tot Town at no additional charge, and may join older kids in the main play area for half price.
tall, multi-lane super slides. e play structure here is super-sized too, at 18 feet tall, with over 20 features to explore.
e drop slide might “only” be 10 feet high, but it’s sure to give anyone a rush, as it’s almost straight down. Families can take shots at targets – and each other – with one of the many ball blaster air cannons in the kid-friendly blaster arena. And your two-legged youngsters can make like eight-legged critters on Spider Tower, a 16-foot-tall, eight-level bungee web tower.
Have a kid who would rather veg in front of a video game? Try letting them become part of the life-sized
video games projected onto a 10-footwide HD screen.
It’s all designed to help kids and families get their blood pumping and get a workout, all without realizing (well, maybe barely realizing) that they’re exercising. e key, Krause said, is making kids want to get moving. Urban Jungle provides a safe environment, but it still feels “extreme” enough to keep kids excited – and active.
For the littlest adventurers, Urban
If you’re looking to chill while your kids let off a little steam, Urban Jungle has you covered, too: Simply relax in the provided couches and seats, and maybe play – we mean, work – while taking advantage of the provided WiFi and charging stations. Whether you’re looking to get out of the heat, give your kids an adventure and change of scenery, or break a sweat without breaking the bank, you’ll want to check out Urban Jungle. Admission is $12 for one-and-ahalf hours or $14 for two hours Monday through ursday, and $15 for oneand-a-half hours or $18 for two hours Friday and Saturday.
Urban Jungle Fun Park 5741 E. McKellips Rd., Mesa 480-256-8749
urbanjunglefunpark.com/ mesa/
(Special to Nearby News)
Urban Jungle Fun Park focuses on getting kids’ and families’ blood pumping, all without realizing they’re working out. The facility is slated to open March 10.
BASIS students advance to National Science Bowl finals
By Nearby News Staff
A team of students from BASIS won its regional competition for the 2017 National Science Bowl recently, and will advance to compete in the NSB National Finals this spring in Washington, D.C.
“ e National Science Bowl continues to be one of the premier academic competitions across the country and prepares America’s students for future successes in some of the world’s fastest-growing fields in science, technology and engineering,” said Dr. J. Stephen Binkley, acting director of the Department of Energy’s Office of Science, which sponsors the nationwide competition.
“Each year, the DOE Office of Science provides this unique opportunity, and I am honored to congratulate all the competitors who are advancing to the national finals, where they will continue to showcase their talents as top students in math and science.”
e NSB brings together thousands of middle and high school students from across the country to compete in a fast-paced question-and-answer format where they solve technical problems and answer questions on a range of science disciplines including biology, chemistry, Earth and space science, physics and math.
BASIS advances to the National Science Bowl, which is set for April 27 to May 1 in Washington, D.C.
e top 16 high school teams and the top 16 middle school teams in the National Finals will win $1,000 for their schools’ science departments. Prizes for the top two high school teams for the 2017 NSB will be announced soon.
e high school team that won the 2016 NSB received a nine-day, allexpenses-paid science trip to Alaska, where it learned about glaciology, marine and avian biology, geology and plate tectonics. e second-place high school team at the 2016 NSB won a
five-day, fully guided adventure tour of several national parks, which included a whitewater rafting trip.
DOE’s Office of Science manages the NSB Finals competition.
For More Information: Visit science.energy.gov/wdts nsb/
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Las Sendas Elementary hopes to raise $50K at fundraiser
By Jena Crum
Las Sendas Elementary School is gearing up for its biggest fundraising event of the year: Denim and Diamonds.
e country-western themed auction will be hosted at e Vistas Pavilion at Las Sendas Golf Course at 6 p.m. Friday, April 28.
“Las Sendas has only been open for 20 years this fall and we’ve been doing this auction for the last seven to 10 years,” said PTO president Misty Hammer, “ e auction is how the school pays for our major programs during the school year.”
e money raised from the event will fund matters like teacher development, enrichment programs, an aide in the computer lab and the Suzuki program, a music philosophy and program dedicated to teaching students violin performance.
Last year, the auction raised $39,000 and PTO vice president Megan Cauthen hopes that the items sold this year will help the school reach its $50,000 goal.
“Last year at the live auction we had a helicopter ride that would take a couple to Sedona for lunch and then a trip around the Grand Canyon,” Cauthen said. “We’ve had braces, police helicopter rides with Mesa Police Department, Disneyland trips and private parking spots in front of the school,” Cauthen said.
Other smaller items like yoga packages, free oil changes for a year,
high-end memorabilia, skateboards, snowboards, gift cards and themed baskets that feature smaller items put together by individual classrooms at the elementary school were also featured last year.
Cauthen said that she hopes donations of last year are indicators of things that will be donated this year. To check out the items up for bids, visit lassendas.auction-bid.org/mi-
crosite/. Tickets to the live auction can also be purchased at the site and cost $25.
Sponsors include Krazy Air Trampoline Park, Integrity Auto Glass, Mathnasium and Las Sendas Golf Club. However, Cauthen hopes that more sponsors will come forward.
“We’d love to make this a community event,” she said, “We need the community to come forward.”
For sponsor information, email Misty Hammer at president@lspto. org; for general information, visit lassendas.auction-bid.org/microsite.
IF YOU GO
What: Las Sendas Elementary School’s PTO presents Denim and Diamonds
When: 6 p.m. Friday, April 28
Where: The Vistas Pavilion at Las Sendas Golf Course, 7555 E. Eagle Crest Dr., Mesa
Cost: $25
Info: president@lspto.org or lassendas.auction-bid.org
OPEN HOUSE! Come by and see this absolutely stunning home in this equally stunning gated community of Las Sendas from 12-4pm on Saturday March 4th. Put in your calendar! You will be impressed and surprised of the beauty and value of Las Sendas nestled high on the valley and next to Tonto National Forest. DIRECTIONS: From 202 Red Mtn. Freeway east to Power Rd. north Thomas east into Las Sendas Mountain North to Granite Preserve subdivision on west side. Call me for the gate code. 8128 E. Vista Canyon St, Mesa Granite Preserve Subdivision 4BD/4.5 BA 4047 Sq. Ft.
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Projects Abroad extends its list of high school programs
By Nearby News Staff
International volunteer organization Projects Abroad has added several new group volunteer programs for high school students.
e summer programs are linked to established projects, so volunteers contribute to long-term goals. High School Specials are specifically designed for volunteers between the ages of 16-19, and provide them with the opportunity to explore the world and do something different in a safe and supervised environment.
e organization offers more than 50 different High School Specials, with programs focusing on various areas, such as medicine and health care, care and community, building or conservation—all based in developing countries around the world.
Participants can choose to go abroad for as many as four weeks, or the standard two weeks. Projects Abroad also offers three-week options for several projects. is option offers a balance for students who feel that two weeks abroad is too short, but cannot manage to fit a four-week program into their busy schedules.
Jenny Puyo, an operations manager for Projects Abroad, said that even in two weeks, High School Special volunteers have a tangible impact on the communities in which they work.
“At our care and community placements, we often hear children conversing in more than one language, or reciting the entire alphabet, because of the classes they attended a year or two ago,” Puyo said.
“Last year, more than 1,000 people in Sri Lanka received basic medical care at outreaches where High School Special volunteers assisted. is is a great indicator of the difference that a teenage volunteer can make, traveling and volunteering with Projects Abroad.”
Sister Joyceline, who works at an orphanage in Togo, Africa is immensely grateful for the vegetable garden that Projects Abroad High School Specials volunteers planted last summer.
“It’s working well and we’ve already started eating little tomatoes,” she said. “We need to buy less and can save more.”
Puyo is enthusiastic about the new additions to the High School Specials roster.
“ e more opportunities we create for people to help those in need, the more opportunities we have to actively make a difference,” Puyo said. “We are excited to start seeing the impact from the new projects when they begin.”
Here is a sample of the new High School Specials launching this summer: Public Health in Belize is project is ideal for students eager to gain practical experience in health care. Volunteers work on outreach programs in communities where access to basic medical services is difficult. ey can also get involved with educational outreach and teach local people about various illnesses and the importance of staying healthy. Human Rights in Ghana is project is great for students who are interested in law and have a passion for human rights. Volunteers work at the Projects Abroad Human Rights Office alongside legal and human rights professionals, helping to raise awareness in local communities and observe cases.
Care & Community with French in Togo
Based in Lomé, Togo’s capital city, this is a great project for anyone who wants to work with children and improve their French. Volunteers offer support at care facilities, while also contributing with hands-on renovation work, such as painting walls and planting vegetable gardens. During their stay, volunteers will also attend French classes to help strengthen their use of the language.
Popular programs, especially care and community, and medicine and health care, fill up quickly. Students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to reserve a place on the project of their choice. For information about volunteering for high school students with Projects Abroad, visit www.projects-abroad.org/volunteerprojects/high-school-specials.
Projects Abroad was founded in 1992 by Dr. Peter Slowe, a geography professor, as a program for students to travel and work while on break
from full-time study. e program had its genesis in post-USSR Romania, where students were given the chance to teach conversational English. After a few years just sending volunteers to Eastern Europe for teaching, the company expanded to sending volunteers of all ages around the world on a wide range of projects.
Projects Abroad is a global leader in shortterm international volunteer programs with projects in 30 countries and recruitment offices in the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Ger-
many, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Holland, Hong Kong, Norway, Poland, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden and the United States.
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Physical therapy volunteer works with a boy at her project in Cambodia.
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!
top 10 family events
March 2017
Spring Training
See some of Major League Baseball’s top teams, like the Cubs, as well as hometown heroes Arizona Diamondbacks throughout the Valley.
When: Throughout March
Where: Valleywide
Cost: Various charges
Info: cactusleague.com
Phoenix Scottish Games
Don your kilt for a weekend of bagpipes, highland dancing, historic reenactments, and—of course—traditional Scottish games.
When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 4, and Sunday, March 5
Where: Steele Indian School Park, 300 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix
Cost: $20 adults, $5 ages 6-12, $15 seniors/military; buy in advance for lower prices
Info: arizonascots.com
Butterfly Pavilion
Check out the new 3,200-square-foot butterfly exhibit at Desert Botanical Garden. Grand opening weekend offers guided tours, face painting and more fun.
When: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 4, and Sunday, March 5; then daily through May 14.
Where: Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix
Cost: $22 adults, $12 students 13-18, $10 ages 3-12, $20 seniors Info: 480-941-1225 or dbg.org
North Dakota Picnic
North Dakotans and their families come together for the annual picnic that features music, food, door prizes and family fun.
When: 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, March 5
Where: Red Mountain Park, 7745 E. Brown Rd., Mesa Cost: Free Info: 701-451-4957 or facebook.com/ ndpicnic
Ride-in Movies in the Park
Ride or drive to Guerrero Park for a free outdoor screening of the family movie “The Secret Life of Pets.”
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, March 11
Where: Guerrero Rotary Park, 205 W. Eighth Ave., Mesa
Cost: Free
Info: mesaaz.gov/bikeped
6. Ostrich Festival
If ostrich races aren’t interesting
enough, this festival also offers live entertainment like the Spin Doctors, Gin Blossoms and Los Lobos; carnival rides and games; animal demonstrations and food.
When: Times vary, Friday, March 10, to Sunday, March 12
Where: Tumbleweed Park, 2250 S. McQueen Rd., Chandler
Cost: $10 adults, $7 ages 5-12 and seniors, free for children 5 and younger Info: 480-588-8497 or ostrichfestival.com
St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Faire
Watch a fun parade of floats, bagpipers and more, then enjoy the faire that offers Irish music, dance, crafts, food and more family-friendly fun.
When: 10 a.m. Saturday, March 11
Where: Third Street from Virginia to McDowell (parade); Irish Cultural Center, 1106 N. Central Ave., Phoenix (faire) Cost: Free (parade); $10 adults, free ages 12 and under, $8 seniors and military (faire)
Info: stpatricksdayphoenix.org
Arizona Aloha Festival
Celebrate Hawaiian and South Pacific culture, including dance, music, crafts, games and food. Plus, enter a raffle to win a Hawaiian vacation. When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 11, to Sunday, March 12
Where: Tempe Beach Park, 80 W. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe Cost: Free Info: 602-697-1824 or azalohafest.org
Spark! Mesa’s Festival of Creativity
Enjoy live music in a multitude of genres, creative exhibits and activities, food and other fun.
When: Noon to 10 p.m. Friday, March 17, and Saturday, March 18
Where: Mesa Arts Center, One E. Main St., Mesa
Cost: Free (Except performances in the theaters)
Info: mesaartscenter.com/spark
Arizona Dragon Boat Festival
Watch massive colorful dragon boats powered by more than a dozen rowers compete in races, plus enjoy a festival on shore.
When: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 25, and Sunday, March 26
Where: Tempe Town Lake Marina, 550 E. Tempe Town Lake, Tempe Cost: Free Info: azdba.org/festival
Being ready for kindergarten is as easy as 1, 2, 3
By Mesa Public Schools
Parents can prepare their children for the big day—the first day of kindergarten—in three simple steps.
Schedule playdates and opportunities for your child to interact with other children and adults.
child feel at
Ready, set, go Begin talking to your child about going to school. Visit the campus to meet the teacher, see their classroom, pick a meeting spot and attend an event to help your child feel at ease.
Create a “task chart” together. Having simple jobs at home builds responsibility, self-confidence and a sense of accomplishment.
Talk about A, B, Cs and 1, 2, 3s
Help your child notice numbers, shapes, letters and words everywhere you go. Provide opportunities for your child to count, measure and compare. Read, read, and read some more. Take time to ask your child questions that allow them to retell the story in their own words.
Practice language by singing songs, reciting poems and talking about the world around them.
Get those little bodies moving
Play “school” by having your child draw, trace, color, use glue and scissors, and write their name.
Play house activities like cooking and laundry build fine motor skills such as scooping, pouring, stirring,
sorting and matching.
Play following direction games like Simon Says to get them running, jumping, climbing, walking in line and skipping.
Practice buttoning, snapping, zip-
ping, tying, washing hands and putting things away. Providing opportunities for your child to manage their personal life skills will help build confidence in their new setting.
Tim Hacker/Mesa Public Schools
Mary Dominis, kindergarten teacher at Highland Arts Elementary School, enjoys reading to her class.
around the neighborhood
Photos by Kimberly Carrillo
Winter weather returned to Las Sendas for its annual Snow Day, which was rescheduled to Feb. 4 due to inclement weather, at the Trailhead Park. Kids and their families enjoyed a hot cocoa bar, coffee and pastries—not to mention snow angels and sledding.
members come together for
1. Community
Snow Day. 2. Max Anderson, Ella Barratte, 7, and Joel Barnette, 3, team up for a turn on the sled. 3. Ellie Gray, 5, waits for her turn to go down the hill. 4. Lilly Dawydiuk, 5, packs a snowball tightly between her mittens. 5. Gracie Dawydiuk, 3, plays in the snow. 6. Diesel Fenley, 7, makes himself go faster by lying down. 7. Parents watch as their kids have a blast in the bounce house.
Student chronicles
James Tailoring James Tailoring
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Jerimiah Walker, of Mesa, received a chancellor’s award for his fall term at the University of Wisconsin-Stout in Menomonie, Wisconsin. For the award, Walker, who is working toward a bachelor of science degree in game design and development—computer science, was required to get a GPA of 3.5 or above. UW-Stout, Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University, has 48 undergraduate majors and 23 graduate programs, including one doctoral degree.
Bailey E. Klitzke, of Mesa, was on the Wichita State University dean’s honor roll for the fall 2016 semester. To be included on the dean’s honor roll, a student must be enrolled full time (at least 12 credit hours) and earn at least a 3.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale. WSU enrolls about 14,500 students and offers more than 60 undergraduate degree programs in more than 150 areas of study in six undergraduate colleges.
Dawn Parker, of Mesa, was named to the fall 2016 president’s list at Minnesota State College Southeast in Winona, Minnesota. To be eligible for this honor, students must complete a minimum of 12 credits at MSC Southeast during an academic term and achieve a GPA of 3.5 or above. e list includes 73 freshmen, 56 sophomores, 67 juniors and 108 seniors.
Kaitlin Rosholm, of Mesa, was named to the dean’s list at Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri. Offered each semester, the dean’s list recognizes Westminster students who have shown high academic performance during the past semester. To be included, a student must have
a 3.6 semester grade point average with at least 12 hours completed that semester.
Joseph Hartshorn, of Mesa, was among the students who earned dean’s list recognition at George Fox University in Newberg, Oregon, for the fall 2016 semester. Traditional undergraduate students must earn a 3.5 grade point average or above on 12 or more hours of graded work to earn a spot on the dean’s list. He is a freshman in the biblical studies and cinema & media communication program.
Greg Orett Daley, of Mesa, earned a bachelor of applied arts and sciences from Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas, in December. Midwestern State University had 442 undergraduate and graduate students who were awarded degrees in December. Honor graduates receiving bachelor’s degrees included 17 summa cum laude, 27 magna cum laude and 50 cum laude. Honor requirements are a grade point average of 3.9-4.0 for summa cum laude, 3.7-3.89 for magna cum laude and 3.5-3.69 for cum laude.
Tynique Woods, of Mesa, made the dean’s list in human performance at Midland University in Fremont, Nebraska. Overall, 361 students were honored.
Ryan C. Bunker, of Mesa, made the honor roll for the spring 2016 semester at University of Oklahoma in Norman, Oklahoma. In most colleges, students must earn a minimum 3.5 grade-point average on a 4.0 scale to be included on the honor roll.
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events calendar
March 2017
Family Dodge Ball
Get the family together and go headto-head with others in a friendly yet cutthroat game of dodgeball.
When: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesdays in March
Where: Mesa Family YMCA, 207 N. Mesa Dr., Mesa
Cost: Free Info: 480-969-8166 or valleyymca.org/mesa
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program
Don’t let tax season stress you out. Meet with IRS-certified volunteers who can help you prepare your return.
Note that you must meet certain income and other requirements.
When: Throughout March
Where: Multiple locations, including Red Mountain Library and MCC Red Mountain Campus
Cost: Free Info: mesaunitedway.org/ tax-preparation-assistance
Motorcycles on Main
See hundreds of motorcycles, and feel free to bring your own, and enjoy live music, beer, food and plenty more fun.
When: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, March 3
Where: One N. Macdonald, Mesa
Cost: Free Info: 480-890-2613 or facebook.com/ MotorcyclesOnMain
AzMNH Free Sunday
Dig into Arizona’s past through dinosaur bones and fossils, animatronic dinosaurs on Dinosaur Mountain, archaeological explorations of past southwest inhabitants and others.
When: Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 5
Where: Arizona Museum of Natural History, 53 N. Macdonald, Mesa
Cost: Free Info: 480-644-2230 or arizonamuseumofnaturalhistory.org
Veterans History Project
On the second Thursday of every month, veterans can tell their stories, which will be documented and stored in the Library of Congress.
When: 10 a.m. to noon Thursday, March 9
Where: Red Mountain Library, 635 N. Power Rd., Mesa
Cost: Free Info: 480-644-3253 or events.mesalibrary.org
Mesa Art and History Walk
Get to know downtown Mesa through a walking tour that covers the history, art and, for March, baseball trivia that infuses the area.
When: 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Thursdays, March 9, March 16 and March 23
Where: Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St., Mesa
Cost: $10 Info: azingtours.com
Billy Elliot: The Musical
Mesa Encore Theatre performs the hit musical about a boy who wants to be a ballet dancer, featuring music by Elton John.
When: Times vary, Friday, March 10, to Sunday, March 19
Where: Mesa Arts Center, One E. Main St., Mesa
Cost: $28-$31
Info: 480-644-6500 or mesaartscenter.com
A Night in the ’40s Big Band Dance
Step back to the ’40s as you swing dance to big band music surrounded by World War II memorabilia and aircraft. Dressing up in ’40s style encouraged.
When: 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, March 11
Where: Commemorative Air Force Airbase Arizona Museum, 2017 N. Greenfield Rd., Mesa
Cost: $40 advance, $45 at the door Info: 480-268-2151 or azcaf.org
Southwest Makers Fest
Whether you’re into electronics, robotics, fashion, sewing, 3D printing or anything else under the “maker” umbrella, this festival is for you. Browse exhibits, watch demonstrations and talk to expert makers.
When: Noon to 7 p.m. Saturday, March 11
Where: i.d.e.a. Museum, 150 W. Pepper Pl., Mesa
Cost: Free
Info: southwestmakerfest.com
Lyle Lovett and Vince Gill
Join two Grammy-winning artists for their intimate and low-key “Songs & Stories Tour.” As Gill describes it, they’re “just two guys sitting on stools, telling stories and singing songs.”
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 23
Where: Mesa Arts Center, One E. Main St., Mesa
Cost: $56-$86
Info: 480-644-6500 or mesaarts center.com
Brits and Yanks
This symphony concert from Symphony of the Southwest and Youth Symphony of the Southwest will feature major works from British and American composers Walton, Elgar, Copland and Bernstein.
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 25
Where: Mesa Arts Center, One E. Main St., Mesa
Cost: $20
Info: 480-644-6500 or mesaarts center.com
American Red Cross Blood Drive
Your blood could help save someone’s life. Donate some to the American Red Cross at this upcoming blood drive. When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, March 28
Where: Red Mountain Library, 635 N. Power Rd., Mesa Cost: Free
Schedule an appointment: 800-733-2767 or visit redcrossblood. org and enter sponsor code “redmountainlibrary”
3D Printer Training
Get started in the cutting-edge world of 3D printing in this free class. Once complete, you can use the library’s 3D printers for your own projects. When: 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 30
Where: Red Mountain Library, 635 N. Power Rd., Mesa
Cost: Free; registration required Info: 480-644-3100 or events.mesalibrary.org
“In the Mood”
Enjoy the music of Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Artie Shaw, Benny Goodman, The Andrews Sisters, Frank Sinatra and other giants of the ’40s.
When: 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 31
Where: Mesa Arts Center, One E. Main St., Mesa
Cost: $39-$50 Info: 480-644-6500 or mesaartscenter.com
‘Disenchanted!’ reveals the ‘true’ Disney princesses
By Carson Mlnarik
Former history teacher Dennis T. Giacino was curious what the real Pocahontas would think about her Disney counterpart.
When he dug deep, he thought Pocahontas would have serious problems with the way the story unfolded and, thus, the comedic musical “Disenchanted!” was born. It hits the Mesa Arts Center stage March 21 and 22.
In the raunchy production, the likes of Snow White, Sleeping Beauty and Tiana come off the page to set the record straight–and they don’t hold back. Daniella Richards has toured with the show since September, and plays Sleeping Beauty.
“Sleeping Beauty is one of the princesses who’s OK with not necessarily being the classiest, perfect princess to start with,” Richards said. “She’s pretty crazy.”
But, the show is relatable. Between laughs and songs, “Disenchanted!” touches on the unrealistic expectations the princesses and others have. In one song, Sleeping Beauty realizes she’s perfect the way she is.
“She’s OK with not being a little tiny princess,” Richards said.
Richards thinks Sleeping Beauty would be on board for “Disenchanted!”
“I think she would tell people it’s a super fun, crazy night out,” Richards said.
“Bring the boys, bring the girls, we don’t care – and don’t be afraid to have a few drinks.”
IF YOU GO
What: “Disenchanted!”
When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 21; 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 22
Richards was a big Disney princess fan growing up, and getting to play one now is a joy – even if the girls aren’t the ones she’s used to. “ ere’s lot of adult content. My favorite line is probably the princesses dropping the F-bomb,” Richards said.
Where: Mesa Arts Center, One E. Main St., Mesa Cost: $45 Info: 480-644-6500; mesaartscenter.com
Hours: Sun-Thurs: 11-10 Fri-Sat: 11-11
MARCH MADNESS
TERRIFIC TUESDAYS
WINE ME
WEDNESDAY
A magical evening with author Neil Gaiman
By Christina Haase
Arguably one of the best writers of our time, Neil Gaiman is beloved by fans of all ages and critics. Gaiman’s credits span the genres, ranging from comic book series such as “ e Sandman,” bestselling novels “Stardust,” “Coraline” and “ e Ocean at the End of the Lane” to writing television episodes for “Doctor Who.” Gaiman’s impressive resume is decorated with numerous awards including the Hugo, the Nebula and the Newbery. Notably, he is the first author to win both the Carnegie and the Newbery for the same work, “ e Graveyard Book.”
Released in February, the novel “Norse Mythology” is Gaiman’s triumphant return to the literary world. is latest work explores the extraordinary world of great northern tales and is quickly becoming a bestseller. e fanciful wordsmith’s epic retelling takes a fresh look at old friends Odin, the oldest of all the gods, or, known for his great strength, and trickster Loki. No
you are not reading about the next Marvel movie, but these legends are equally as grand as a feature film featuring larger than life mythic characters like deities, dwarves and giants. rough his unique voice, Gaiman takes these age-old classics tales and makes them feel new again.
Enjoy a rare opportunity to spend a whimsical evening of enchantment with the beloved writer as he stops by Mesa Arts Center on Saturday, April 1. At the event, hear Gaiman tell and read stories and effortlessly paint vivid tales of wit and whimsy with his words. After he shares charming anecdotes, there will be a Q&A portion to end the night.
IF YOU GO
What: Neil Gaiman
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, April 1
Where: Mesa Arts Center, One E. Main St., Mesa Cost: $35 to $65 Info: 480-644-6500 or mesaartscenter.com
on the town
By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski
Alessia’s Ristorante
Alessia’s Ristorante could be Northeast Mesa’s best-kept secret. Tucked away in the corner of a shopping center anchored by the Silver Star Theater, Alessia’s Ristorante is unassuming. e food and atmosphere are anything but.
Alessia’s Ristorante has become one of my family’s favorites. Walking into the eatery, we were greeted by a host who immediately asked if we were interested in wine.
He walked us through an arched entryway into the small main dining
room, which is decorated like an old Italian villa. Simple tables and chairs pepper the floor, while the walls are adorned with maps of the mother country, and paintings of pottery. e menu is filled with delicioussounding dishes with a variety of options for each. For example, pasta dishes are offered with a choice of angel hair (cappelini), linguini, fettuccini, penne or gluten-free corn pasta, the latter of which is $2 extra.
We decided to skip the appetizers and plow into the bread, which was fresh, chewy and satisfying, with the olive oil and balsamic vinaigrette dip.
My friend opted for Pomodoro basilica— tomato, basil, garlic and parmesan—with linguini ($11).
For dessert, we splurged on a cannoli ($3 each) and New York cheesecake ($5). e cannoli, complete with a rich filling, was covered with chocolate sauce and chocolate chips. e cheesecake was rich with a tasty raspberry sauce on top.
Our servers—it’s a team effort at Alessia’s Ristorante—were incredibly attentive, making sure that our drinks were always filled and our meals were satisfactory.
So, who’s Alessia? According to the restaurant’s website, it is the niece of owners Jon and Shari Carr. Shari Carr’s sister has resided in Italy for many years and this luxury has afforded Jon and Shari the chance to visit Italy on several occasions. It inspired Shari (the chef) to learn the cuisine and techniques used in central
to northern Italy. Shari was also fortunate to have trained with a chef from Rome, Italy, for more than 10 years. Alessia’s may be a little pricey, but it’s well worth the experience—one you won’t get from a chain Italian restaurant.
I tried the gnocchi pomobasil ($14; add a salad for an upcharge), a hearty meal with little potato dumpling-style pasta swimming in a sauce created from tomato, basil, garlic and parmesan. I added Italian sausage to mine, and it was delightful but filling. Alessia’s
Christina Fuoco-Karasinski/Nearby News
Alessia’s Ristorante is tucked away in a shopping center, anchored by Silver Star Theater, formerly the Broadway Palm. The restaurant opens at 5 p.m., often to the tune of a line of folks sitting on the patio.
By Jan D’Atri
French macarons–Still a craze? what’s cooking?
Macarons! How they got to be such a huge craze, I’m not sure. But something had to be “the next” when the cupcake craze started slowing, and French macarons were in the right place at the right time!
I can tell you how it all started for me. It was my 11-year-old niece Julia who came running into my kitchen with her “Beginner’s Macaron Kit.” Of course I saw it as another opportunity to be the kind of auntie that I always wanted as a little girl, with that “yeswe-can-do-anything-together-and have-fun” kind of spirit. My second reaction was sheer panic. Um... macarons? As in French macarons? As in extremely-tricky-most-people-failat-first macarons? But – never let em see you sweat – and this would be a great time to put that philosophy into
practice. Could I really let Julia down? e little gal that wears an apron embroidered with the phrase “What Would Julia Do? “Well, what would Julia do? After reviewing Julia Child’s macaron recipe, I decided to hunt for a simpler version, and I found it. So here’s the big picture. ere are only five ingredients to French Macarons, so that’s not the challenge. It’s the technique that’s a bit tricky. But these gorgeous gourmet treats are worth the effort. Especially for Julia.
FRENCH MACARONS
Ingredients:
- 4.5 oz. almond flour or almond powder (approx. 1 cup plus 3 tablespoons)
- 8 oz. powdered sugar (2 cups)
- 4.5 oz. egg whites, room temperature (4 large eggs)
- 1/8 teaspoon cream of tarter
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 2 oz. fine granulated sugar
Directions:
Step No. 1: In a food processor, combine almond powder and powdered sugar and blend to obtain a fine powder. Sift into a bowl. Repeat sifting.
Step No. 2: In a mixing bowl with electric beater, whisk egg whites until foamy, about 1 minute. Add pinch of cream of tartar and salt. Whisk until meringue begins to thicken. Slowly add fine granulated sugar, a little at a time. Whisk on high until egg whites have texture of shaving foam with soft peaks.
Step No. 3: Add sifted almond mixture to the egg whites. Using a
silicon or plastic spatula, gently fold mixture until almond powder and egg whites are fully incorporated. Mixture is done when it is smooth, shiny and slightly runny (like a cake batter). Do not mix beyond this point. If using a coloring or flavor, it must be done at this point.
Step No. 4: Place mixture in a piping bag with an approximate quarter of an inch opening for the tip. Pipe about a nickel size of mixture on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or silicone pad, about 1 inch apart.
IMPORTANT! Set baking sheet on counter for about 30 minutes at room temperature until a slight crust develops over macarons.
Step No. 5: Bake at 325 degrees (use standard bake element and not convection) for about 15 minutes. Allow baking sheets to cool and macarons to harden before lifting them away from baking sheet. When cool, fill with icing of your choice like butter cream icing or ganache.
(Photo Credit/Jan D’Atri)
business spotlight
By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski
Fifi & Me explores all things pop culture and fashion
A nurse by trade, Northeast Mesa resident Pam Wood has had a much different dream. Her goal was to open a boutique that would sell a variety of items ranging from Louis Vuitton purses to saddle shoes to quirky, offcolor items.
“I was always selling stuff growing up,” Wood said. “I would have magic shows and charge the kids to watch. I would have View-Masters and shine them on the wall and charge kids. roughout my life, I’ve had garage sales. I would arrange the sales like stores. I always wanted to have a store.”
ree years ago, she and her husband, Don, opened Fifi & Me at 5846 E. McKellips Road, Mesa.
“My goal is to be a fun place to shop,” Wood said. “When I’m here, I put on a regular comedy show. East Mesa needs it. However, it’s been a really hard journey because we started it from scratch. fun shop and it’s worth the drive.”
One thing she notes is that Fifi & Me is not a consignment shop. e Woods own everything in the store, which is filled with a variety of items like prom dresses, street clothes, business casual threads, shoes, glassware and designer purses.
“We have vintage and some antique, but mostly vintage,” she said. “We have new clothes and resale clothes. I wanted a store that would make everybody comfortable. We have from Chanel on down. I don’t want anybody to feel they couldn’t come in here because it’s going to be too expensive.”
e clothing sizes are just as varied as the styles. She has outfits for petites to plus-sized.
“We have a hard time keeping extra large in,” Wood said. “We’re starting to be known for our prom dresses because we sell non-cookie-cutter dresses.
“I try to find different things. We actually had a woman come in here who was going to a red-carpet event at a film festival like Sundance. She didn’t have a lot of money. She said she needed something glamorous but something very different. She bought a vintage dress that was embroidered down the front. It was beautiful.”
Wood spends evenings searching auction sites and other avenues to find quirky items and practical clothing for Fifi & Me. Israeli and Russian shops have become favorites to her. She also frequents boutiques that are closing and then purchases their stock. She recently found a dress that was selling for $1,100. At Fifi & Me, it is going for $200 – and it’s new.
“It’s all about being affordable,” she said. “I don’t want to gouge people.”
Her designer purses, like those from Kate Spade and Luis Vuitton, are scrutinized by Wood, her husband and staff to make sure they’re the real deal.
“I quadruple check them,” she said. “It’s our integrity at stake. We’re the real deal.”
Don Wood added, “Collecting purses is like collecting art for some people. I was amazed. Some of them will blow your mind – from gaudy to functional to just plain works of art.”
An avid rock fan from Ohio, Wood sells a slew of concert posters. A recent acquisition is a Soundgarden/Pearl Jam poster that she predicts will “go for a lot.” Classic heavy metal magazines and antique sci-fi collectibles are also on the shelves.
As an ode to her previous occupation, Wood carries antique medical oddities like invalid cups. at, in turn, attracts many doctors and nurses.
Wood’s favorite, however, are the vintage souvenirs. She pulls off a shelf, a Cypress Garden china set.
“ is takes me back,” she said about the Florida theme park. “We were there when I was a kid in the early ’70s. I have so many things in our store that I would love to keep, but you can’t keep everything. I don’t take things from our store. I actually buy them from it. It’s the right thing to do and the smart thing to do."
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