Mesa Gateway Connection July 2016

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Connectionmesa gateway

JULY 2016

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480-987-6110

Licensed, Bonded, & InsuredROC# CR21-278618

Landscape design & Services

www.TheYardExperts.com

HARDSCAPES YARD MAINTENANCE LANDSCAPE DESIGN

-Landscape Installs-Irrigation Installs and Repairs-One Time Clean Ups-Yard Maintenance Programs

We proudly accept:

Residential & Commercial

We will be there when we say and we will

do what we promise to do.

Your job site will be left neat, clean and safe.

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Table of Contents

CELEBRATE COMMUNITY

What's Happening..................4

Eastmark News........................6

Community Interest.................7

Mullberry News........................8

Cadence News.......................9

Meet The Neighbors .............10

Chalkboard Chatter.............12

Critters and Companions.....13

Student of the Month .............14

Teacher of the Month ...........15

Financial Planning Tips...........16

Travel Tips..............................16

Local Food and Fun...............17

Grand Opening Event..........18

Before I say anything else, I'd like to take a moment to thank the Mesa Gateway community for the overwhelming support of this publication. I truly appreciate your feedback, encouragement and willingness to participate in our community in this way.

If you haven't already, please connect with Mesa Gateway Connection on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can find links to each platform on mesagatewayconnection.com.

While you are there, I hope you will take a moment to submit recommendations for the Meet the Neighbors, Featured Student and Featured Teacher sections by clicking on the "submissions" navigation button in the top right corner of the page.

Sincerely, Tricia A. Moore,

Owner and Editor

Printed Locally By:

For ad rates and information call:

480-318-7269Cover photo: Ong sisters at Kelstern Garden Park. by Tricia Moore.

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What’s Going On?July 11-15Young animal lovers (ages 13-17) who aspire to work with animals will enjoy the Arizona Humane Society’s Victory Vets summer camp. This fun, career-discovery program provides young animal enthusiasts with an opportunity to view live surgeries in AHS’ veterinary clinic, go on mock rescues and learn about pet first aid with Emergency Animal Medical Technicians and of course there’ll be several shelter pets and furry friends who stop in for visits along the way. Register at www. azhumane.org. July 10

The Nile Theater, MesaThe “World Famous” Nile Theater opened in 1924 as the Valley’s first and largest movie house. In 1951 the theater closed, but since then has housed a clothing store, nightclub, dinner theater, church, and a few other tenants. Today the Nile Theater is a thriving all-ages venue with three rooms, catering to many music communities and events.

July 23 - 24, 11 a.m - 5 p.m.Power Square MallShop from dozens of vendors, watch a Vanity Fair Fashion Show, win prizes, enjoy cuisine from the food trucks & award winning cafe.

July 30, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.Eastmark Great ParkModern Woodmen of America will present the Everyday Hero Award to first responders, active military and veterans in a community focused event with lunch and entertainment provided.

July 29-31Phoenix Convention CenterBe a part of the hunger solution through this annual Feed My Starving Children event. Event includes expanded FMSC MarketPlace, Raffle and a special Sunday worship service featuring a guest speaker from Ghana Christian MIssion.

July 25, 8 p.m.Mesa Arts CenterIkeda TheaterThree-time Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, New York Times best selling poet, and critically acclaimed actress Jill Scott performs music from her 5th studio album, WOMAN.

July 29, 7:30Chandler Center for the ArtsTouring Mexico this summer under the auspices of the U.S. Department of State, Jarabe Mexicano takes its name from the Spanish reference to traditional forms of mariachi music. The ensemble incorporates the diversity of their backgrounds

AHS Hosts Victory Vets Summer Camp

Record Fair and Punk Rock Swap Meet at The Nile

Paisley Pumpkin Christmas in July at Power Square Mall

Everyday Hero Awards

Million Meal Packing EventAN EVENING WITH JILL SCOTT

Jarabe Mexicano

and musical training into a vast Latin repertoire that includes traditional Boleros, Huapangos, Sones, and Rancheras as well as contemporary Cumbias, Reggae, Doo Wop, and American Standards.

East�ark, Bella Via, & Mulber��$65/month f�ll ser�ice

on play pool!

Photo: Jarage Mexicano Courtesy Marian Liebowitz Artist Management

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With extended summer hours and reasonable monthly membership fees, AZ Grind is a solution to the question of what to do with the kids this summer. Located behind Club Dance west of Ellsworth on the south side of Pecos road, this hidden local gem offers daily open skate sessions, occasional overnight lock-ins and affordable birthday party hosting. Owners Kim and Brian D’Arezzo run the business with their two

sons and take pride in providing a safe space where skaters feel like they are a part of the family. “We want parents to feel confident that their children are in an uplifting and positive environment,” Kim said. “Some of these kids spend a large chunk of their summer here. We get to know the kids and the parents and there is a trust that builds over time.” The monthly membership cost is $75 and covers any regular open skate session. Skaters who

want access to morning sessions throughout the summer can pay an additional $25 a month to upgrade their membership. Hour-long skate and scooter lessons are also available for an additional charge. The park is open every day. Open skate sessions start at noon Monday-Friday with summer morning sessions starting at 9 a.m.

Visit azgrindskatepark.com to learn more.

Summer Fun: AZ Grind Indoor Skate Park

July is National Ice Cream Month!Bahama Bucks - Signal Butte and BaselineBaskin Robbins - Rittenhouse and OcotilloCold Stone Creamery - Signal Butte and BaselineDairy Queen - Crismon and Baseline FROST Gelato Shoppe - San Tan Village MallScooptacular - San Tan Village MallSoda Rush - Ellsworth and BaselineYogurt Kingdom - Southern and Signal Butte

Here's a list of area ice cream shops to help you celebrate:

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Eastmark Community Honors Military, Celebrates FreedomEastmark may be young, the community celebrated its third birthday in June, but its traditions run deep. The moving boxes were barely unpacked when resident Jackie Hunter contacted the Eastmark Community Life Team to explore an idea. A few conversations and 1,500 American flags later, Jackie had organized friends and neighbors to support the inaugural effort of lining every neighborhood park with the stars and stripes for Memorial Day. The wife of an active duty Army Staff Sergeant, Jackie was especially motivated by the opportunity to honor her husband who was deployed at the time. To say the tradition took root is an understatement. Every Memorial Day, Independence Day and Veteran’s Day since, volunteers take the lead to ensure Eastmark celebrates the contributions of servicemen and women everywhere. “Eastmark is home to many active duty and retired military, so patriotism emerged early as a cornerstone of the community," said Eastmark Director of Community Life Suzanne Walden Wells, "But the remarkable thing is that

the community as a whole – those who have served and those who haven’t – embrace patriotism as a core value and openly demonstrate gratitude for the sacrifices that have been made on our behalf.” It should come as no surprise that July 4th is an important celebration at Eastmark where neighborhood spirit and good old-fashioned American pride take center stage every day.

Photos of Eastmark 2015 July 4 festivities by Mark Skalny Photography.

Eastmark Celebration of Freedom

Spirit of Community Parade8 to 9 a.m. Radiant Grove Park to The Eastmark Great Park. Private resident event.All American Pancake Breakfast 9 to 10 a.m. at The 'Mark. Private resident event. Country Rock Concert featuring Chad Freeman & Redline 7 to 9:30 p.m. at The Eastmark Great Park. Free and open to the public.Eastmark Fireworks Show9:30 to 10:00 p.m. at The Eastmark Great Park. Free and open to the public.

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FMSC Mesa Hosts Million Meal Event

Eastmark Resident

REALTOR®

[email protected]

Feed My Starving Children, a non-profit organization dedicated to addressing childhood hunger, is hosting its annual Million Meal food packing event at the Phoenix Convention Center July 29-31. According to Janine Skinner, FMSC development advisor, the event serves the same purpose as a typical annual fundraising banquet, with a few added benefits. “Our Million Meal Event is a friendraiser as well as a fundraiser,” Skinner said. “We will be bringing together 5,000 volunteers from across the Valley, introducing them to our mission, helping them understand the horrific reality of starvation around the world and giving them an opportunity to be a part of the solution.” Skinner said the Million Meal event has also been an effective way to recruit new volunteers to serve in

the FMSC packing facility in Mesa. “We have the best volunteer experience out there! It’s actually part of our mission statement to feed the spirits of our volunteers and we take that very seriously,” Skinner said. “Individuals, families, and groups of all kinds will join us and will come away knowing that they made a difference and can continue to do so through FMSC.” Mesa Gateway residents who would like to participate with friends and neighbors in the Million Meal event can do so through locally-based church, Focus314. “During a recent trip to Haiti in support of the Convoy of Hope Feed One initiative, my eyes were opened to exactly how overwhelming the need for food is,” said Lead Pastor Darren Nibbelink. “Collaborating locally with Feed My Starving Children gives Focus314 members an

opportunity to serve in a fun and supportive environment to feed thousands. We’ve really enjoyed volunteering as a group at the FMSC Mesa location and are looking forward to participating in the annual Million Meal event in downtown Phoenix.” To join the volunteer group from Focus314, reach out to Pastor James Daman at [email protected] or call(480) 658-0501.Photo: Mobile Pack Phoenix, 2015 by FMSC

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Mulberry Community Sees Exceptional Sales and Growth

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Mulberry, a master planned Blanford Homes community just north of Guadalupe on Signal Butte, opened to buyers March 7, 2015 with a line of potential residents who had been camped out for a full week for the chance to be the first to build a home there. Thirty-four homes were sold within the first week of business and the community has seen consistent growth ever since. According to Mulberry Sales Team Representative Joanne Summa, Blandford Homes at Mulberry was recognized for having the most sales in the Valley in 2015 for a non age-restricted single builder neighborhood. As of June, 2016, more than 240 of the community’s 545 total available homes have been sold and the neighborhood is quickly springing to life. Residents Joel and Colleen Martin moved in in December of 2015 and said they couldn’t be happier. “It’s a terrific community and people are so nice here. It’s like a fairyland for TV.”

Construction Arial View Courtesy Mulberry Sales Team

Photos courtesy Mulberry sales team.

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Assembling a Best in Class Team To meet the needs of today’s homebuyers, Cadence at Gateway’s developer, Harvard Investments, assembled a best-in-class team to design Cadence, anchored by noted land planning and landscape architectural firm Gree Pickett’s principal, Wendell Pickett. “Wendell has a reputation of providing developers with a strong return on investment and fresh ideas that actually reflect the desires of the market,” said Craig Krumwiede, president of Harvard Investments. “His vast experience with high-profile projects translated to delivering excellent, achievable ideas for our newest community, Cadence at Gateway. He really is the lynchpin bringing all the teams together.” Wendell Pickett’s firm has worked on several familiar projects including Vistancia in Peoria, Wickenburg Ranch in Wickenburg, and Mesa Riverview in Mesa. Joining Wendell is a group of industry-leaders ready to set the East Valley’s newest community apart.Team Members Include:Internationally renowned architect and principal of H&S International Bing Hu. Hu is designing The Square, a 12,000 square-foot community center set in a town-square style environment at the heart of Cadence at Gateway. His other notable projects are:• Scottsdale Waterfront,

Scottsdale• Encanterra, San Tan Valley

• Verrado Clubhouse, BuckeyeJohn Fortini, president and managing member of Silver Fern Companies, a full-service land development firm. Fortini serves as construction general contractor and project manager for Cadence at Gateway. His other noteable projects are• Keighley Place, Mesa• Vistancia, Peoria• Sierra Highlands, ScottsdaleKim Anderson, principal of Kim Anderson Design, who is working on the interior design for The Square and its amenities.Her other noteable projects are:• Paradise Valley Country

Club, Phoenix• Las Campanas, New Mexico• Superstition Mountain Golf

& Country Club, Apache Junction

Claudia Sieb, principal of The Sieb Organization, a global, full-service marketing firm. Sieb is

leading Cadence at Gateway’s marketing and branding efforts. Her other noteable projects are:• ASU Athletic Facilities District,

Tempe• Falcon Field, Mesa• Eastmark, Mesa

“We’re building a community where the family home built at Cadence could be passed from generation to generation,” Wendell Pickett said. “and that’s a lot of responsibility. But beyond the neighborhoods, we’ve added innovative amenities and pushed the envelope to complete this vision, with the encouragement of Harvard Investments.”Learn more about the Cadence at Gateway team at (http://cadenceaz.com/)Photos (L-R) Pickett, Hu, Fortini, Anderson, Sieb

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Meet the Neighbors: The Atwood FamilyKathryn and Rob Atwood met on a 10-day backpacking trip in the summer of 1986. She had just finished a three-year tour of duty as a military intelligence analyst and was looking for adventure. He was still fairly new in town and making a living as a guide for American Wilderness Expeditions. On June 10th this year, they celebrated their 27th anniversary. The Atwoods have lived in Mesa for the majority of their marriage. Rob was a school teacher in Tempe for about 20 years when the economic downturn closed his school. He took his lemons and made lemonade with a new career path teaching and mentoring educators and administrators in the Mesa school district. Kathryn has been a flight attendant for close to 20 years. She got her start in 1996 in the America West Vacations call center and became a flight attendant a year later. She says she enjoys the flexibility and that her job really appeals to her sense of adventure.

“I enjoy meeting new people and helping them get to where they’re going,” Kathryn said. “I also like turbulence and traveling at high speeds! Spending a night or two away from dishes and laundry for some ‘me time’

is pretty awesome, too. I’m not a good storyteller. I don’t really have any crazy stories from the skies, but I can tell you that my job is never boring.” Due to an unusual medical condition that took close to 10 years to resolve, the Atwoods waited until their mid-thirties to have children. “We didn’t start having kids until I was 35.” Kathryn said. “Just

after getting married, I started having these crazy sinus issues. It took awhile to figure it out, but once we knew what it was and started treating it, we had the assurance we needed to begin our family.”

“I think having kids later in life was beneficial for us. As older parents we are much more patient than we would have been in our younger years.” Kathryn said. “The downside is that we might have less time chronologically with our children, but it does give us a reason to make healthy choices and take care of ourselves.” Rob serves as an example for Kathryn and the children. He

eats healthy and takes their son, Daniel, 13, to the Power MMA gym three times a week. Their oldest daughter, Evangeline, 15, is like her mom and really enjoys travel. The youngest of the Atwood children, Maxine,11, is a dancer and hopes to one day be a concert violinist.Photo by Tricia Moore. The Atwood family (L-R): Maxine, Rob, Evangeline,Kathryn, Daniel

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Chalkboard Chatter

BASIS Mesa Boosters Host Ice Cream Social, July 29 and Aug. 1 Summer is a season of rest and recreation for BASIS Mesa families and students. For faculty and staff, it’s an exciting time to plan for the 2016-17 school year and focus on building a

positive and supportive campus environment. In conjunction with the BASIS Mesa Boosters, an ice cream social will be held July 29 at 6 p.m. for our 5th-12th graders, and August 1 at 6 p.m.

for the 3rd and 4th graders. Celebrate the new year by meeting BASIS Mesa families and teachers, and help shape a positive school community!

MCC Dance Faculty Teaches on Hollywood Set Steve Conrad, Mesa Community College Dance faculty, joined Hollywood icon Jean Veloz on the set for an upcoming episode of ABC’s “The Bachelorette.” Veloz and Conrad teamed to teach JoJo Fletcher and one of her suitors to Lindy Hop, a popular 1930-40s swing dance. The couple will display their new skills during the June 6 episode. Conrad said it makes sense for JoJo to learn to dance with her suitor. Dancing allows people to learn so much about themselves

and their partner. “Dances used to be a place where people would meet…and fall in love,” said Conrad.

In the fall Conrad will be teaching Latin Ballroom and Ballroom dance at Mesa Community College.

Steve Conrad with MCC Dance Program Director Tina Rangel.

student activities and

news from our local

educators

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Critters, Companions and Furry Friends

By Arizona Humane Society From the tiniest crawl spaces to the most deplorable conditions, The Arizona Humane Society’s Emergency Animal Medical Technicians™ (EAMTs) rescue injured, neglected and stranded stray animals every day and respond to thousands of calls every year. A Mesa resident was out on her evening stroll when she heard tiny meows coming from the storm drain on the southeast corner of the U.S. 60 and

Country Club. Kneeling down, she peered into the dim drain, which was about 12-feet deep, and saw a small kitten curled up amongst garbage and debris. A Mesa Police Officer noticed the Good Samaritan leaning dangerously close to oncoming traffic and pulled over to assess the situation. Once aware of the feline’s plight, the Officer blocked off the right lane of the road and then called EAMTs to rescue the fallen feline.

It didn’t take long for EAMTs to lure the kitten using a makeshift rescue pole complete with a net smothered in canned cat food, and eventually the cat was lifted to safety. Photos courtesy of Arizona Humane Society. About AHS - Arizona Humane Society has been a leader in animal welfare for decades. The organization is committed to doing what is best for pets and the people in their lives.

EAMT Pull Kitten From Mesa Storm Drain

Enjoy Summer Road Trips With A Furry FriendPacking List for Pets ☐ Medications ☐ Spill-proof water bowls ☐ Food & water supply ☐ Poop bags / Cleaning

Supplies ☐ Treats ☐ Toys ☐ Leash, harness, collar ☐ Pet carrier/crate ☐ Doggie seat belt ☐ Doggie life jacket ☐ Bedding and Blankets ☐ Grooming supplies ☐ First Aid kit ☐ Local vet phone

number ☐ vacation destination

vet phone number

by Linzey Leinart Summer road trips are a great way to get out of the heat for a day or two, and bringing your best furry friend along for the ride can be a memorable bonding experience. Before traveling with a pet, it’s important to do some planning and take necessary safety precautions. Problems such as motion sickness or severe anxiety may require medical treatment, so it’s a good idea to consult a veterinarian before taking off. Pets who get overly excited and hyper in the car could create problems for the driver. Consider crating an excitable

animal or bringing a treat-stuffed Kong toy to keep your buddy busy while you drive. Dogs who have been trained to eliminate on command will be much easier travel companions. It will speed up rest stops and help to prevent accidents in the car. Before setting out on any trip, make sure your pet has an ID with a phone number and a microchip if possible. It’s a good idea to bring extra food and water in case you run into delays. Additionally, take a copy of health and vaccine records if you are planning to cross state lines.

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July Featured Student: Nathan Tune Nathan Tune is a fairly typical 11-year-old boy. He likes to play catch with his dad or tinker with his legos. He is competitive with his siblings, and gets embarrassed when his mom brags about him on Facebook. And mom has plenty to brag about. Nathan maintains all A’s in the notoriously challenging academic program at BASIS Mesa, he earned a brown belt in karate in only 4 years and received the Fifth Grade Student Award For Work Ethic this year. These accomplishments would be extraordinary even if Nathan didn’t have type one diabetes, but he does. “Nathan has to wear two devices that are input by needles and changed regularly,” said Nathan’s mother Esther Tune. “One is his infusion site for his pump that delivers insulin. Basically his pancreas is on the outside of his body. The other one is a continuous glucose monitor that has a sensor that takes readings. It’s not as accurate as a finger poke, though. He still has to finger poke about six to eight times a day.” Nathan jokes that he is a cyborg and is happy to demonstrate the hardware attached to his body. “Everytime I eat I have to put

in how many carbs I eat. If my sugar gets high I have to push this button,” he said pointing to one of three buttons on a device about the size of a deck of cards. Tune said it was a hard decision sending Nathan to BASIS Mesa because the charter school does not employ a school nurse. After considering all angles, Tune decided she didn’t want to limit

her child when the only concern was his illness. “It ultimately came down to: it’s a fabulous opportunity and an incredible school that we would have sent him to without question if he wasn’t type one,” Tune said. “I don’t want him to use it as an excuse or a reason to hold himself back, and I don’t want to do that to him either. So even though it’s a lot more work, it was the right decision.”

Tune can keep an eye on her son’s blood sugar using a mobile app that communicates directly with Nathan’s glucose monitor. If his levels start to drop, she can text him a reminder to have a snack. In addition to the insulin pump and glucose monitor, Nathan carries a backpack with high-carb snacks and two pre-filled syringes of insulin. He wears a medical bracelet and is very careful when it comes to food. For example, when a classmate brings cupcakes to class to celebrate a birthday, Nathan will text his mother a picture of the treat and she will text him back with a carb estimate to enter into his insulin pump. Although Nathan’s illness can be a bit cumbersome, with a little help from his mother, his teachers and some truly amazing technology, he manages it very well. According to Nathan the key to succeeding in the face of adversity is to ask for support and be patient. “You can ask someone for help if you don’t know what to do. You can ask a friend or a teacher to help you. All obstacles can be overcome, you just have to learn how to overcome them.”

All obstacles can be overcome, you just have

to learn how to overcome them.”

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Featured Teacher: Scott

Stonebraker

Visit mesagatewayconnection.com to submit a student or teacher of the month nomination.

Scott Stonebraker has been a teacher for more than 18 years with at least a decade of those years spent teaching high school. He currently instructs sixth and seventh grade language arts classes at BASIS Mesa and will add a public speaking course this coming fall. “I remember the exact moment I chose to be an educator,” Stonebraker said. “But to make that long story short, it was due to two amazing people in my life. Much like other great teachers, I teach because of those who taught me.” Stonebraker said his high school drafting teacher and college communications professor were like father figures. As a young man he looked up to them and ultimately it was their influence that led him to pursue a career in teaching. “They set such a powerful example of how to measure success. I wanted to BE them someday.” Consequently, Stonebreaker changed his major and entered the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University. Stonebraker believes effective communication is a keystone

skill for anyone. He takes great pride and personal satisfaction from his role in the lives of his students and the impact he has as an educator. “I have had the honor, and still have the privilege of doing exactly what I love to do each and every day,” Stonebraker said. Stonebreaker’s approach puts students first and values the teacher-student relationship above academics. “When a student feels that a teacher truly cares about their well-being, they will inherently perform better when challenged. We see this in sports and the business world as well.”

Stonebraker said his experience has taught him that students want a teacher who cares, but they also want their space. “Middle school kids are awkward and they know it,” Stonebraker said. “I understand that and I make learning covert, not always overt.” According to Stonebraker teaching can be frustrating because it can take years to fully realize the impact of the work. “It will be more than five years before my current students graduate, and isn’t that my goal for them?” But sometimes it pays off in a big way. “I received an email from a student who I taught 12 years ago, he hunted me down and brought tears streaming to my face with his kind, kind words. He remembers purchasing dishes with the rest of my debate team to present to me on the day prior to my wedding. He also recalled decorating my classroom for the birth of my oldest son his senior year,” Stonebraker said. “ I am not unique in these stories, all great teachers have students who consider them a beloved part of their teenage lives.”

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Enjoy Off-Season Prices, Water Features at Valley ResortsBy Carl Ong Summer is officially upon us. For many Mesa Gateway families that means seeking refuge with a trip to the beach or among the pines in Arizona’s high country, but with off-season pricing and the growing popularity of the staycation trend, Valley resorts have become an attractive alternative. Three of the most popular resorts showcase water amenities that rival similar, standalone waterparks. Situated on the Phoenix/Tempe border, Arizona Grand Resort and Spa provides a close-to-home option for Mesa Gateway residents to have it all. In addition to its 744 suites and villas, the Arizona Grand Oasis

Water Park is rated one of Travel Channel’s “Top 10 Water Parks” in the country. The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is also a great option, boasting six pools, two 200-foot twisting water slides, and Sunset Beach, a brand new 9000 sq. ft white sand gem. A weekend at the Princess is a great way to turn a birthday or anniversary into

something truly special. Large families will find a little something for everyone, at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort and Spa. Located just off the 101 in North Phoenix, the JW Marriott excels in relaxation. Their 3.5 acres of pools include Revive Spa’s adults-only retreat and, when the kids want to take a break from the serpentine waterslide and splash pad, a Lazy

River is certain to be a hit for the whole family. About Carl OngEastmark resident Carl Ong is the owner of Expedia CruiseShipCenters, a full service Expedia travel agency in Mesa.

Modern Woodmen of America to Honor Every Day HerosSubmitted by Angela Zibert.On July, 30 at the Great Park in Eastmark, our local Modern Woodmen chapter will present an Everyday Hero award to first responders, active military and local veterans for their incredible efforts in this community. My name is Angela Zibert. I represent Modern Woodmen of America because it’s a company that cares about community the way I do. I’m a six-year resident of the East Valley and I’ve recently made Eastmark my home. Like many of my neighbors, community is a priority to me. I am partnering with

Mesa Gateway Connection magazine to provide useful information about insurance products, financial planning and Modern Woodmen community events. Modern Woodmen has

touched lives and secured futures since 1883. Through a unique combination of business and giving back, the fraternal financial services organization offers life insurance, annuities and other financial products, as well as fraternal member benefits that encourage members to make an impact in their communities.In 2015, Modern Woodmen and its members provided $19.2 million and 438,000 volunteer hours

for community projects nationwide. Want to learn more or get involved? You can reach me at (507) 382-2659 or [email protected].

Photos Courtesy of Arizona Grand Resort and Spa

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Restaurant Recommendations: Flor de Michoacán

8830 E. Germann Road, Mesa 85212Half mile West of Ellsworth Road.480-988-1061

25% off any order of $25 or more.







Flor de Michoacán734 E. Main St.Mesa, AZ 8520311 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. Daily12 p.m. - 8 p.m. Sunday Pack the kids (of all ages) into the car for a Mexican twist on frozen treats. Explore the picture menu to see how fresh fruit is a central part of the experience. Fresh strawberries drizzled with cool, rich, sweet cream get taken up a notch or perhaps down a few degrees by adding a scoop of ice cream. They call it a Mitotero (slang for being mixed up in a situation where you don’t belong). Nonsense! In this case, more is more and the classic combination only gets better with ice cream.

What is sweet, sour, spicy, sort of savory and frozen? A Chamoyada. This shaved ice treat is topped with fresh mango, chaca chaca (tamarind candy) and drizzled with Chamoy. Chamoy, what could become the new condiment du jour, is made from pickled fruit and spiced with chilis.

The straw (tamanzela), wrapped with tamarind and dusted with chili powder, is a treat in itself. Two cases of ice cream flavors, Paletas (popsicles),Aguas Frescas (fruit drinks) and so much more will make any kid forget all about the candy store.About Brittany Allyn: Eastmark resident Brittany

Allyn is the host of Savor the Flavors cooking show, author of Wine and Opine wine reviews and volunteer field editor for Taste of Home magazine. She gained an appreciation for the varried flavors of local cuisine while on tour with George Jones.

Photo by Tricia Moore.

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Fry's Mulberry Marketplace Now Open Fry’s Marketplace at Guadalupe and Signal Butte held its grand opening celebration July 24, 2016. The 124,267 square foot store features a variety of exciting amenities including: • CheckList online grocery shopping with curbside pickup. • The Little Clinic walk-in healthcare clinic• Wine Bar serving wine and craft beer• Murray’s Cheese Shop • Full service sushi station• Chef-inspired bistro and salad bar• Expanded selection of natural, gluten-free and organic products• Apparel• Starbucks• Nine-pump fueling station

Fry's currently has more than 115 Energy Star certified stores and the new Mesa location is designed to meet the same criteria. The store also participates in plastic bag recycling, perishable food donation partnerships with local food banks, PowerParasol solar energy program, coordinated composting projects and several other green initiatives. The Fry's Food Stores organization is committed to community service and leadership. Outreach programs include Fry's Community Rewards program, financial sponsorship of Race For the Cure,Valley Big Brothers Big Sisters, Arizona Fallen Firefighters Memorial, and community engagement through civic leadership activities.

Photos by Tricia Moore

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Baseline

60

60

202

202

24

Ellsworth

Power

Riggs

San Tan Mountain

Regional Park

Hunt HwyIronw

oodG

antzel

Occotillo

Combs

Phx-Mesa Gateway Regional Airport

Signal Butte Rd

Ray Road

Crismon

Schnepf Farms

Queen Creek Performing Arts Center

Mesa Market PlaceSwap Meet

Mountain VistaMedical Center

Sunland SpringsVillage

Golf Club

Augusta Ranch Golf Course

Banner Ironwood Medical Center

Links Golf Clubat Queen Creek

Pecos

Higley Center for thePerforming Arts

Elliot

*Dignity Health

Medical Center

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*map not drawn to scale

Cloud

Queen Creek Olive Mill

*Coming Soon

Connectionmesa gateway

Sponsorship Opportunity Available. Call 480-318-7269.

Mesa Gateway Connection July 2016

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