Our tuition-free K - 8th grade, charter school offers engaging learning experiences that allow our scholars to soar.
The Grande Innovation Academy is committed to our scholars’ potential and achieving their academic ambitions. Our unique interactive learning environment offers a FabLab, SMALLab, electives, and a differentiated learning program for gifted scholars. For scholars needing flexibility, our Path to Potential online school offers 4th-8th grade scholars a fast-paced curriculum with the opportunity to still participate in school sports, clubs, and on-campus activities.
SMALLab with VR Online School Fab Lab with 3D Printing Tuition Free Full Day Kindergarten Gifted Program
Discover the possibilities available for your children! Now accepting applications.
Cortney Staples
Photo Contest WINNER
2024
Photo Contest
From the Editor: Photos, especially cover photos, are an ongoing challenge for any magazine. There are two key points in making the final selection. The first is to ask, “Is the image compelling enough for someone to pick up the magazine?” And then the important question for production, “Is the image the resolution quality needed for print, and will it work with the portrait aspect of the magazine layout?”
We received many amazing photos, making the final selection extremely difficult! Not all images worked for our production needs. You can find all of the photos in the 2024 Photography Contest on our website. Many, including our People’s Choice winners, can be found in this issue. We hope you enjoy them!
CORPORATE OFFICE: 1919 N. Trekell Rd., Suite C Casa Grande, AZ 85122 520-509-1000 CEO
Elaine M. Earle, CPA
VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS
Bea Lueck
PINAL IS As Pretty as a Picture, Wherever you Look
Every other month we bring the beauty and diversity of Casa Grande, Maricopa and the rest of Pinal County to your fingertips, and this time we’re doing it with a lot of help from our talented readers!
Welcome to our Photo Contest issue, presenting multiple covers and the best shots capturing landscape, wildlife and people submitted to our annual competition.
You’ll find iconic Arizona scenes like cacti and sunsets, birds and cattle, mountains and people in cowboy hats. You’ll also see the hood of a classic car, a curious sheep and a bee approaching a stalk of blossoms. Our desert never fails to surprise and amuse us.
We have a lot for you to explore in this Fall issue, starting with the Out & About pages, which feature the People’s Choice winners from our photo contest as voted on by our readers. We also offer our regular features and columnists including City Councilmember Donna McBride, pets columnist Gigi McWhirter, Central Arizona College’s Angela Askey and Casa Grande Mayor Craig McFarland.
We’re moving into the fall season when the climate and the people are beginning to decompress from the summer, even though that season never departs easily around here. Our Home and Garden section has some pointers on building your backyard into an oasis for the more moderate weather that’s approaching, as well as how to stage your house for potential buyers cost-effectively so you won’t lose on your profit margin in this tight market.
Our communities continue to grow, and we take a look at one of the biggest success stories with the ROX Interview as Rock Earle, ROX Group Chairman reminisces with longtime friend Steve Murray, owner and broker at The Maricopa Real Estate Co. and one of the earliest boosters of the thriving city that has become the county’s largest.
The county’s also preparing for November’s presidential election with its brand new Pinal VOTES election center in Florence, which quadruples the size of the previous facility in Coolidge — read about it in the Pinal County Press news section.
Bask in the glow of autumn as it gradually takes hold over the desert with the longed-for relief we have sought, enjoy Halloween and the season’s other festivities, and look for our Holiday edition in midNovember!
Bea Lueck
Bea Lueck Associate Publisher, Golden Corridor LIVING magazine
VOICES of the COMMUNITY
At Golden Corridor LIVING magazine, our slogan is “The Voice of the Community” because we believe the stories in our local region are best told by the people, companies, nonprofits and governments that comprise our community. Here are the “voices” who helped make this issue possible!
Outreach Librarian, Vista Grande Library, City of Casa Grande
Executive Director, Public Relations and Marketing, Central Arizona College
CASA Unit Supervisor, CASA of Pinal County
Executive Director, Coolidge Chamber of Commerce
See more Voices and full bios at www.goldencorridorliving.com/voices
Lisa Madrid-Schleicher
Donna McBride City Councilwoman, Casa Grande
Lynn Parsons
Angela Askey
Julie Andersen
Craig McFarland Mayor, City of Casa Grande
Gigi McWhirter Resident Animal Whisperer
The P inal C oun T y P ress
ARIZONA CITY | CASA GRANDE | COOLIDGE | ELOY | FLORENCE | MARICOPA
County Opens Pinal VOTES Election Center
Pinal County officials and community members have welcomed Pinal County’s new state-of-the-art elections facility, the Pinal VOTES (Voter Operations Technology and Election Services) Center — featuring a central “fishbowl” viewing room where citizens can watch as ballots are processed.
The $32-million building in Florence at 320 W. Adamsville Rd., was constructed in just 16 months, in what Board of Supervisors Vice-Chairman Jeffrey McClure called a “Herculean effort.” With staff moved in, it is ready to host the general election Nov. 5.
Built in the aftermath of the glitch-ridden 2022 elections and opened in June, at 53,000 square feet the facility is more than four times the size of the previous facility in Coolidge. It also provides expansion space to grow, in line with Pinal County’s expected population increase.
In addition to space, the building offers significant improvements in security, processes and transparency.
The project was led by McClure, County Recorder Dana Lewis and county management, working with Swan Architects and FCI Constructors.
Lewis said, “This structure is the culmination of countless hours of hard work, dedication and collaboration. It is a testament to the unwavering commitment of all of those who have labored to bring this project from thoughts and lines on paper to brick-andsteel reality. It is here that the will of the electorate will be faithfully and accurately recorded.”
Mike Goodman, Board of Supervisors chairman, said, “It was the goal and the intent of our Board of Supervisors to set things in motion that would help restore the confidence in our God-given right to voice ourselves and to have those voices heard. Dana and the elections staff have worked tirelessly to address areas of concern, make improvements and carry out our elections as transparently and accurately as possible.”
New Apartments Could be Coming to Downtown CG
The City of Casa Grande has inked a development agreement with Gorman and Company, a developer that’s built and managed apartment complexes and other projects in 11 other Arizona cities, as it looks to put affordable housing in the downtown area.
The City owns five blocks it’s been trying to redevelop, four of them running west and south from the southwest corner of Main and Florence streets and a fifth at the southeast corner of Third and Drylake streets. They include two historic buildings, the Casa Grande Hotel and the Shaughnessy House, which the developers plan to repurpose as retail, restaurant and community gathering space in the new project.
Gorman specializes in building affordable and workforce housing using federal programs including Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), which finance up to 9% of the total cost. Rent for the apartments would be based on median income levels, with eligible tenants typically making up to 80% of the local area median income.
The company is planning to build a total of 220 apartments in three phases, with the first planned for the lot on Drylake. Located across Second Street from St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church and St. Vincent de Paul Society, this 64-unit complex is expected to be family oriented and could include space for social services. Construction could begin next year.
The following phases would be built in future years after more tax credits are awarded.
Banales Takes Over as Eloy Police Chief
Chief Sergio Banales
Sergio Banales, a 30-year law enforcement veteran who most recently worked for Monster
Energy Company in Phoenix as corporate security manager, is Eloy’s new police chief.
He started on the job Aug. 5, taking command of a department with 32 officers and 11 support staff serving a city of about 19,000 that’s expected to grow in the next decade as Pinal County’s development boom expands farther south.
Banales started out as a military police officer in 1989 and spent much of his career in the City of Corona, California, where he advanced from officer to captain. He also worked for the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department and the Mercer Island
Florence Town Clerk Leads International Association
Florence Deputy Town Manager and Town Clerk Lisa Garcia was sworn in this summer in Calgary, Canada, as the President of the International Institute of Municipal Clerks (IIMC) for the 2024-2025 term.
In her role, Garcia aims to enhance the IIMC’s mission of promoting continuous professional development and innovative practices among municipal clerks. She plans to introduce new initiatives focused on education, leadership and global outreach, ensuring that members have access to the resources and networks necessary for their professional growth.
Garcia works closely with the IIMC Board of Directors, executive director, staff and its members to address contemporary challenges and harness opportunities for
the advancement of municipal clerks. Her vision includes fostering a collaborative environment that strengthens and enhances the collective knowledge and skills of clerks worldwide.
She expressed her gratitude and excitement upon assuming this position.
“I am deeply honored to serve as the President of the IIMC,” Garcia said. “This organization plays a crucial role in fostering professional development and excellence among municipal clerks worldwide. I look forward to continuing this tradition of excellence and innovation.”
Garcia began working for the Town as deputy town clerk in 1994, was appointed as town clerk two years later and took on the additional role of deputy town manager
Police Department in Washington state.
Banales said he is “honored to join the Eloy Police Department and I look forward to working with dedicated officers and the community. Together we will enhance the culture of proactive community policing and continue to provide exceptional service to our residents and visitors.”
Banales has a bachelor’s degree in public administration from California Baptist University, a master’s in management from the University of Redlands, and also has completed numerous professional law enforcement training programs. He succeeds Chris Vasquez, who retired in August 2023.
in 2007. She oversees the finance, human resources and information technology departments along with the clerk’s office.
The IIMC is a professional, nonprofit association that promotes the advancement of municipal clerks through education and professional development. Founded in 1947, IIMC has grown to include members from municipalities worldwide, all dedicated to the highest standards of governance and public service.
Lisa Garcia IIMC swearing in
Stories by Blake Herzog
Steve Murray
‘MARICOPA MURRAY,’
Rock Earle Tells Tales of Two Cities
For this issue’s ROX Interview, ROX Group Chairman Rock Earle and Vice President of Operations Bea Lueck sat down with longtime friend Steve Murray, one of Maricopa’s pioneering businessmen and realtors, to reminisce and speculate on the City’s future.
Rock Earle: We’re sitting here with Steve Murray, who is a broker extraordinaire. We used to call him Maricopa Murray. And I think that’s still your gmail, right? Maricopamurray@gmail.com?
Steve Murray: It is, yeah. It still is.
Rock Earle: I love it. OK, so I’m Rock Earle, and Bea Lueck is with us, and Steve Murray. Should we go back ... 30 years?
Steve Murray: Probably. I moved to Maricopa in 1997.
Rock Earle: Perfect, that’s where I want to start. I met you soon thereafter, and our paths crossed in an area we call Section 14, which is the site now of an airport that the Ak-Chin Indian tribe ended up buying from its developer, and I was one of the originators. And you were renting a building or owned a building, and you were in the trailermanufacturing business at the time.
Steve Murray: Right, we bought the building from Scott Ries, one of Rock’s partners. And it was supposed to be finished when we closed, and it hadn’t been started, so we lived in a RV for a year while they worked on the building.
Rock Earle: And there was some transaction where I ended up getting one of your trailers. It was a 13-and-a-half-foot white utility trailer. And I still own and use it.
Steve Murray: We were a distributor for boat trailers, and then we got into the manufacturing side of it, and that was one of the products that we built that you bought.
Rock Earle: And prior to that, do I remember you were traveling between Colorado and Arizona a lot?
Steve Murray: I was running the largest marine distributorship in the western U.S. And we were an OMC, Outboard Marine Corporation, distributor, which was Johnson and Evinrude. And we had 12 states, which I traveled with that. That was a very good situation except the manufacturer came in and bought us out.
Rock Earle: And I remember right in the same era you had gotten to know a lot of people in Maricopa, and I and various other friends strongly encouraged you to get a real estate license.
Steve Murray: That’s right. Rock, of course you did. And then a fellow by
the name of Ed Peters was buying a lot of property at the time, and I only had a manufactured home license. I was the general manager of Sundance Homes.
Rock Earle: I remember Dawn Theroux and Don Handlin. SheDawn and he-Don had that dealership, and they ended up buying a really nice property with frontage from me in Maricopa. You were buying and selling lots and doing splits and moving homes on, and you really killed it.
Steve Murray: Yes. We were doing between 10 and 15 manufactured homes a month, but we had about 15 model homes on the lot. And then we would go out, and people would come in and pick their house out, and then we would go and show them land. But I didn’t have a real estate license, so we would tie it into a land-home package.
Everybody was encouraging me to get into the real estate business, so I did go get my license, and that’s how we got started. It was really a boomtown for land at the time. There weren’t any houses involved.
Bea Lueck: What was the first brokerage you worked for?
Steve Murray: I had a friend in the Valley who had one called ProAmerica, and I just put my license with him. Then another land person in Maricopa started a company called Fortuna Land, a fellow by the name of Ray Morrow. Super nice guy. He got his license early, and then he was very involved in Hidden Valley. But when the downturn happened, he pretty much lost everything that he had built in a short period of time. By then I had my broker license, so I just went out and started the Maricopa Real Estate Company.
Rock Earle: So that’s ... We’re at the stage now where all of the huge success, craziness happened with Maricopa Real Estate Company, and you became the kingpin in that town. He’s laughing at me, but it’s true. You became the social arbiter of everything, and there’s nothing that happens there that you don’t know. And you’re the city’s contracted real estate broker too.
Steve Murray: Dawn sold Sundance Homes, and then she owned the C.P. Honeycutt home, the beautiful home in Maricopa. She just used one part of it, and she said, “You can have the other
part for your real estate office.” So we moved into that, and it’s kind of a landmark in town. I started my own company, and I think five or six agents including Jay Shaver and Mary Ann Toohey, who helped start the company, left Fortuna and came over with me. Three or four of them are still with us now.
And my goal was to stay in that house. But I got a lot of pressure from the agents to get into an office more in the center of town. By then, obviously the town was developing. Jimmy Kamouzis came to me and said, “I want out of here, and I’ll give you the Prudential deal and the agents and everything if you’ll just sign a lease for the building.”
I think we got about 10 of their agents, and we paid a percentage of their commission to him, then we signed a 5-year lease with him. And we extended that once, and then we just signed a 10-year lease a year ago. We’ve been fairly dominant in Maricopa, as far as sales and listings and stuff.
When we were originally going, our rent was $500 a month. We didn’t have any expenses. We didn’t have
any money, and we didn’t have any debt, which was good, I guess. We just left it there and started doing transactions immediately. And from there on out, we were on our own. We never borrowed any money. It’s just been good from there on out. COVID’s the toughest thing we’ve been through. Other than that, it’s been pretty steady growth.
Rock Earle: That was worse than the current high interest rates?
Steve Murray: Oh, yeah. Much. We lost 30 agents. We were at 80, we went to 50. We’re back to 60 now. And then the interest rates came along, but it’s been pretty steady growth for us. I spent a lot of time selling stuff in Hidden Valley, so we still get a lot of referrals from there. And that market’s really good, to be honest with you. There’s a lot going on in Hidden Valley.
Rock Earle: It’s unrecognizable from when I was driving up and down those dirt roads 30 years ago.
Steve Murray: A lot of them are paved. They’re chip sealed now, so there’s a lot of growth.
18860 N John Wayne Pkwy. CP Honeycutt’s original home that later became the office for The Maricopa Real Estate Company.
Bea Lueck: And a lot of custom homes have gone in out there.
Rock Earle: Next to the 50-year-old single-wides.
Steve Murray: Yeah, and we’ve got about 40 manufactured homes going in there now.
Rock Earle: So, Maricopa Real Estate Company has been amazingly successful in a town that has been growing just off the charts, setting records.
And I think you have your kids involved with you.
Steve Murray: That’s correct. Yeah, Ryan and Brady. Brady’s really running the company now. I have been taking a step back to enjoy time with my wife, Gina Salazar, who I married in 2009 and lives in Casa Grande. Ryan’s my oldest son and he was diagnosed with cancer last year, but he’s doing really well now. He is back at work part time. Brady’s the one who’s been doing almost everything, especially with my issue last year.
Rock Earle: Steve suffered a cardiac arrest and was out for five weeks. And through the miracles of modern medicine is back stronger and better than ever.
Steve Murray: Yeah. Thanks to the Maricopa Fire Department, they have all the new equipment, the CPR machine, which is what saved my life. And you hope they have them everywhere because they make all the difference, and they put that on me and, of course, it got me breathing again, and it is an amazing piece of equipment. You’ve got them here in Casa Grande. And it turned out to be a fairly minor issue. I had some electrical issues.
Rock Earle: I called you on the phone about a year ago, and it was kind of a respectful joke, I called you something like the Maricopa real estate billionaire, and you said, “How did you know?” I said, “Well, know what?” And it turned out that you had just passed a billion in total volume.
Steve Murray: Yeah, we looked at it this morning and we were at 1.4 billion. But the numbers
have dropped off. The year before COVID, we did almost 700 transactions in Maricopa and we’d be thrilled to have 400 or 500 this year. I don’t know if we’ll get there or not. But we did pick up the contract for the city on the commercial side.
Rock Earle: I was Mr. Hidden Valley for a long time, doing land brokerage and investment way before you even thought about getting into the business. And there came a day when I decided to come to Casa Grande because it was a real city. It had freeways, and it had stuff that Maricopa didn’t.
And I think it’s safe to say that 30 years after that decision, I might’ve made the wrong decision. Because Maricopa had nothing to start with, they invented everything new. In Casa Grande, we cling to all of our old crap, and it’s not all good. And I’ve been involved in economic development quite heavily, as you know, and I’m not pleased at all with the direction we’re taking there.
Continued on page 28
Ryan Murray
Brady Murray
City of Casa Grande BY THE NUMBERS 2019-2024
by Craig H. McFarland, Mayor, City of Casa Grande Craig H. McFarland, Mayor, City of Casa Grande
Pinal County has seen tremendous growth (most of it in Casa Grande) with the industry sector seeing 24 new companies, bringing 12,000 new jobs at a capital investment of $13.6 billion.
Over the past six years there has been a collective effort and alignment on economic development and subsequent growth in our community.
Most of the data points used to measure economic growth demonstrate that Casa Grande has experienced the highest level of development and economic growth compared to any other time since the City’s incorporation. Over the last six years:
• Net assessed property values within the city limits have grown 56% from $390 million to $609 million.
• Average household income has grown 72% from $51,000 a year to $89,000 a year
• Population has grown 24% from 57,000 to 71,000 full time residents (add another 25,000 during our winter months)
• Median age has gone from 39 years old to 35 years.
Most of this growth can be seen in the increases in new homes, new apartments, new businesses, opening of old buildings/businesses and new manufacturing facilities all coming during this same time.
Pinal County has seen tremendous growth (most of it in Casa Grande) with the industry sector seeing 24 new companies, bringing 12,000 new jobs at a capital investment of $13.6 billion.
This growth has increased tax revenues, employment opportunities, and business opportunities, giving us a stronger and more diversified economy. All leading to a better quality of life.
Lucid Air Grand Touring
Coolidge Thriving in Population, Tourism
by Lynn Parsons, Executive Director, Coolidge Chamber of Commerce
Coolidge is on the rise and has experienced significant economic and population growth in the last few years. As of 2024, the estimated population stands at more than19,000, up from just over 13,000 a few short years ago, in 2020.
Leading the way on the economic development front are local retail and services companies, Inland Port Arizona (IPAZ) and the Coolidge Airport. New coffee shops, restaurants, gyms and health service providers have sprung up among Coolidge’s legacy businesses.
IPAZ bustles with activity. Recent road improvements were named Project of the Year by the Arizona chapter of the American Public Works Association. Nikola Motor Company employs hundreds at its state-of-the-art facility to produce a hydrogen semi-truck being adopted by major companies throughout North America, including Walmart. Additionally, Procter and Gamble is targeting a 2024 groundbreaking for their new fabric care production facility at IPAZ that will employ 500.
Activity at the Coolidge Airport continues to soar.
A recently completed runway refurbishment project along with a new power line are helping to attract new companies, such as eCube, and support the growth of the existing companies and agencies.
In additional to commercial operations, Coolidge Airport hosts a fly-in on the first Saturday of the month from October until April with a buffet style pancake breakfast served by the Coolidge Lions Club. Pilots from throughout the country fly in to show off their planes, with a wide array of aircrafts from vintage and unique flyers to modern day jets and sometimes, experimental flying exhibits on display!
On the horizon, the city is planning a number of projects including additional infrastructure improvements, enhancements to public safety and a new regional park. The nearly 70-acre site will offer opportunities for hosting events and bring the community together with amenities that could
include a splash pad, playground, shade ramadas, sports fields and courts for sand volleyball, basketball and pickleball.
Coolidge is seeing a surge in tourism. The Casa Grande Ruins National Monument, nestled in the heart of Coolidge, stands as a silent witness to centuries past. Last year, a record 113,000 people sought solace among these ancient stones. Its four stories, now weathered and worn, evoke whispers of ceremonies, laughter and dreams etched into the caliche walls.
Coolidge is thriving, and we’d love to welcome you as resident, visitor or new business.
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• Standalone second mortgage
• Fixed-rate options with various terms
• Primary, secondary residences and investment properties are eligible
SCAN ME
•
continued from page 19
Casa Grande’s elected officials seem to have a problem with finding the money to grow —- that is, investing in vital infrastructure. Where Maricopa has a basic property tax rate of $3.6427 per $100 of valuation, Casa Grande is stuck at just under $1 — and you get what you pay for. And CG clings to its “legacy,” which is just an easy way to deny new, contemporary types of development. It’s just “headsin-sand” mode, whereas Maricopa knows things cost money, and they just find it AND deploy it.
Maricopa has higher tax rates. You probably have slightly higher real estate values, and you have new stuff. You have stuff everywhere. You have rec centers, you have libraries, you have parks, you have new roads, you have a water and wastewater utility that is workable, and they help growth and make growth happen unlike our local situation. And you look like a genius in retrospect. What’s it been, 15 years now of really strong heavy growth there? Tell us your perspective on all that.
Steve Murray: We didn’t have a grocery store. But Hidden Valley and Thunderbird Farms, that area was very good to us. And that’s all we had, so that’s what we did. But along came the city and Mike Ingram with Rancho El Dorado and everybody. When the subdivisions took off we ended up with some good residential areas. So all in all, the City of Maricopa’s growth has been incredible. The big issue of course is traffic. The 347’s a nightmare. But about five years ago we got a new city manager and that was the difference.
Rock Earle: Ricky Horst. Absolute dynamo.
Steve Murray: Rick of course came in, and he’s experienced and he’s active. He answers his phone, and as far as commercial development goes he’s just incredible. We’d been trying to get a hotel there for I don’t know how long, and I had a client walk in on a Friday and said, “I want to build a hotel here, but I’m not dealing with this city. I tried last year but I gave up.” And I said, “Well,
we’ve got a new city manager, let’s call him.” And I called Rick up and they did that deal, they were closed on Fridays, and Rick met us there on Friday and they had a deal done by Friday afternoon. That was the La Quinta Inn and Suites.
And Rick basically said, “You’ll be in it in a year if you do your part.” And he was. They moved it through permitting. I don’t think we had to rezone it, if I remember right, and it’s there. And that’s the way it’s been in general. We just sold the piece of property that the overpass went through to a multifamily builder, I think it was 14 acres. And at the end, just before we closed, Global Water basically came up and said, “We can’t get enough water over there.” And I called Rick up and he goes, “Well, I’ll be back with you, but let me get with Global.” And we got water. And it’s because he is about income for the city. He knows the tax situation, he knows the tax benefits, and he’s been good for Maricopa.
Rock Earle: OK, that’s a perfect place to start talking about economic development. And the time Ricky’s been here and the Maricopa Economic Development Agency (MEDA) years, but let’s start it now and work our ways backward. The city just spent $60 million of cash that they had in the bank to buy two really critical pieces of land that they’re making an industrial park out of. Now that’s extraordinary. I don’t know of any other cities myself that I work in that would do that.
Tell us about the economic development environment that’s been driven by Ricky and Christian Price, and then tell us about the new city manager and how it comes to be that there’s an environment where the city can spend $60 million on land.
La Quinta, next to Copper Sky Regional Park, one of the many new commercial projects in Maricopa.
Photo by Bea Lueck
Steve Murray: First of all, before Rick was here, MEDA was here and they didn’t do much. And then (former Maricopa mayor) Christian Price got involved a couple of years ago, and he’s a very capable guy, but his last update to the city on MEDA was, he’s flying all over, he is working on all this stuff, and he’s saying that we don’t have 50,000-squarefoot buildings with the power and everything, so we don’t have the product that they need. And at the end, the last 20 minutes, he apologized for not getting anything done. So now Rick has stepped down as city manager, and they’re also bringing Christian into the city. So there’s going to be two of them, with slightly different titles, doing the same thing. (Editor’s note: Rick Horst, Economic Opportunity — Chief Economic Strategy Officer | Christian Price, Economic Opportunity — Chief Economic Development Officer.)
Rock Earle: Tell us about Ben Bitter, the new city manager.
Steve Murray: I’ve been with him, met him. At the last City Council meeting, I think it was the first time he was actually on his own up there, and I was impressed. He was knowledgeable, seemed proactive about getting things done. So the little contact I’ve had with him has been good. Rick’s training him or whatever, mentoring him for a certain period of time.
Bea Lueck: And Ben’s been with Maricopa as an assistant city manager for a few years. So he’s not brand new off the street. He has insight.
Rock Earle: What can you tell us about the new industrial park? Are there any users on the horizon?
Steve Murray: I don’t know. I’m sure he has got them... He’s got to have hundreds of them in his telephone. But which ones, I don’t know. I think the Casa Grande things bothered everybody in
“ When the subdivisions took off we ended up with some good residential areas. So all in all, the City of Maricopa’s growth has been incredible”
Maricopa a little bit. We got left behind in regards to industrial.
Rock Earle: Well, you’re getting all the rooftops; we’re getting all the plants.
On another economic development topic, I have the opinion that the Ak-Chin community has been a really positive thing for that end of the county. What is your experience?
Steve Murray: Absolutely. They brought the road in first of all. They improved the road into Maricopa years before the subdivisions were here when the casino opened. They’ve always been our major employer. They’ve got great benefits, retirement. They provide jobs, good retail traffic, and we didn’t have a hotel forever. And their farming is a big part of the economy in Maricopa.
Continued on page 54
The Maricopa Real Estate Company office.
2024 Photo Contest
PEOPLE’S CHOICE WINNERS
Winners of the People’s Choice award from our 2024 photography contest received the highest number of votes in our Facebook album.
2nd Place
Celeste Price photo 4th Place
Melissa Altamirano photo 5th Place
Wild G Photography photo 1st Place
Wild G Photography photo
10th Place (Tie) Jacob Caddick photo
10th Place (Tie)
Cortney Staples Photography photo
8th Place
Cortney Staples Photography photo
9th Place
Sheryl Pedigo photo
7th Place
Jacob Caddick photo
6th Place
Wild G Photography photo
3rd Place
Melissa Altamirano photo
Start Kids’ Exercise on the Right Foot
It’s never been harder, or more important, to help your children get and stay active.
No generation of kids has grown up around and interacting as much with screens as today’s kids, and they’re even more likely to spend their careers looking at a screen than those who are college-age now.
Sedentary living and obesity is on the rise with youth and young adults, so parents need to press the importance and fun of being physically active starting in toddlerhood so it becomes a normal and enjoyable part
of their lifestyle alongside their devices.
Many families have been successful at keeping their kids active through activitybased video games, and they can be a valuable tool for keeping them off the couch, but you’ll need to keep them engaged with “real life” nature, sports and people.
Here are a few ways to light the spark within them.
• Be their role model — Let them “catch” you during your workouts, take them to your volleyball matches, and let them see that exercise
is a valued part of your life. Volunteer for youth sports leagues before your kids are even old enough to play, so they can hang out around that environment so it’ll be a seamless transition when they are able to sign up.
• Focus on fun —
Whenever your child discovers something they enjoy doing that raises their heart rate and turns their grin into a toothy smile, let them dive into and explore it; keep them swimming, hiking, dancing or kickboxing, whatever it turns out to be. During family visits
to the zoo or amusement park, pack in the walking and running. Take the long way whenever you can, but don’t tell anybody that’s what you’re doing!
• Exercise for transportation — Walk or bike with them to school, the park, the library and the grocery store whenever it’s feasible. Teach them these are valid forms of transportation as long as they’re done safely. This will help keep them fit and make them less dependent on greenhouse gas-emitting vehicles to reach any destination they need to.
Health, Happiness & Education
Your SMILE Counts
by Dr. James Younan, DMD, MPH, Director of Dental, Sun Life Health
When we think about braces, the first thing that comes to mind is how expensive they are. You can say the same thing about an iPhone, but that doesn’t seem to stop people from buying the new iPhone every year, does it?
It’s all about priorities and what is important to you. Do you want that nice new 48 megapixel camera with 5x zoom? Or what about that awesome new color that Apple just released?
Is your smile important to you? Do you know what impact a smile has on a person’s life?
Imagine you are doing something at the house, you trip and fall to the floor. After getting up, you look in the mirror and realize your two front
teeth are chipped. They don’t hurt, they just look different to you.
What would you do next? Would you say it’s too expensive to fix and leave your teeth as is? Or would you panic and rush to the dentist to get them fixed ASAP?
If you said you would rush to the dentist, then you are concerned with the way your teeth look. You can’t let people see you like that, right? If this is you, I want you to think about all the people who did not fall and chip their teeth. Some people are born with crowded teeth or extra spacing between their teeth.
Many children and adults are bullied and made fun of because of their teeth. This has an impact on how well a child performs in school, this affects the confidence of individuals, and it can also prevent them from getting a job.
Think about that for a second. If someone was interviewing for a customer service job at your company and they had a “weird” smile, would you use that against them?
Your smile plays a huge part in your mental health, your overall health, your ability to get a job and so much more. Sun Life Health recognizes the impact of a smile.
At Sun Life Health Orthodontics, you will be welcomed with a free consultation for braces, reduced fees for qualifying patients, affordable payment plans and you will be catered to by an experienced staff using the latest technology.
Braces are important, and they don’t have to be expensive. Keep Smiling!
WATERLOGGED:
Overhydration is a Rare but Serious Condition
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. We hear it all the time, especially during our long hot summers. But there’s a dangerous flipside to drinking too much water.
What is overhydration?
This occurs when the body takes in more water than it can excrete, leading to an imbalance of electrolytes.
The kidneys, which regulate the body’s fluid balance, can become overwhelmed, unable to expel the excess water. This causes the sodium levels in the blood to drop abnormally low, a condition known as hyponatremia.
When does overhydration happen?
Overhydration is most commonly seen in endurance
athletes who consume large amounts of water before, during and after events such as marathons, triathlons or long-distance cycling. However, it can also occur in non-athletes who overconsume water due to a misguided belief that it will improve health, aid in weight loss or “detoxify” the body.
Medical conditions including kidney disease, heart failure and some mental health disorders can also increase the risk of overhydration. Individuals taking medications that affect kidney function or fluid balance, such as diuretics or nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), may be more susceptible.
Risks of overhydration
The primary risk associated with overhydration is hyponatremia. When
sodium levels fall too low, water enters the body’s cells, causing them to swell. This can lead to a range of symptoms, from mild to severe.
• Nausea and vomiting: Early signs often include gastrointestinal distress.
• Headache: Swelling in the brain cells can cause persistent headaches.
• Confusion and disorientation: Severe hyponatremia can affect brain function, leading to confusion, seizures and in extreme cases, coma.
• Muscle cramps and weakness: Electrolyte imbalance can disrupt normal muscle function, causing cramps and weakness.
• Fatigue: Excess water can lead to a feeling of tiredness and lethargy.
In severe cases, untreated hyponatremia can be fatal. It is crucial to recognize the symptoms early and seek medical attention if overhydration is suspected.
Preventing overhydration
To avoid overhydration, listen to your body’s thirst cues rather than adhering to a rigid schedule of water intake. During intense exercise, use electrolyte solutions instead of plain water to maintain sodium balance.
If you are diagnosed with hyponatremia, eating pickles, drinking pickle juice and drinking electrolytes may bring your levels back to normal.
Additional Photo Contest Entries
Alina McCaslin
Angela Meade
Kevin Wead
Cathi Cenatiempo
Austin Edwards
Jacob Caddick
Melissa Altamirano
Krystal Benfield
Lisa Manifold
Cathi Cenatiempo
Sophia Campbell
IS THAT PERFECT PICTURE REALLY WORTH IT?
by Donna McBride, City of Casa Grande Councilwoman
Photos by Donna McBride
The “A picture is worth a thousand words” phrase comes from the early 1920s when magazines were trying to make advertising more creative. Some say pictures have a greater impact than words because they stay in our memories longer. Maybe, maybe not.
Camera phones have created instant opportunities to grab every sentimental, funny, embarrassing and emotional image of ourselves (and others) at a seconds’ notice. Then we can transfer it the same minute to social media to share with the world.
But what about the seconds before or after that picture is taken? What story did we lose?
I am guilty of being attached to my phone. We all are. Think about it.
You’re at an event, a vacation or just enjoying some beautiful views. You want to get some good shots. Phone in hand — ready. Maybe we should put down the phone and experience moments directly.
When you are not focused on that perfect shot, you are more engaged in the moment, letting it create a deeper connection with what is really happening around you.
We need to experience emotional moments directly without the lens of a camera, absorbing sights, sounds and feelings without the distraction of trying to “document” it.
The camera is not the only way to remember special moments for us. Constantly photographing special moments can actually take us out
of the experience. Sure, we can look back at the photos, but did we really appreciate the moment for what it really presented to us?
Social connections are becoming a lost treasure. Let’s put down our phones and connect with others. Being mindful in the moment allows us to experience what is going on around us. Don’t get me wrong, I love taking pictures and consider myself an amateur photographer. But I also know there have been times when I’ve missed out of some gorgeous memories because they were not in that little screen on my phone.
Find your balance. If someone else is photographing, let them capture your special moments. Only you can create those memories in your mind and heart.
Redwood Forest - We were so busy taking our turn to get up to the tree to grab a picture, I don’t really remember just how HUGE that redwood tree was.
White Water Rafting in Colorado. Taking the right moment to grab a photo and enjoy the experience.
Mike and I at the Van Gogh Exhibit in Paris. Great exhibit, but I took so many photos I didn’t really give myself the chance to “feel” the music and moving exhibit to its fullest.
CAC Joins Other Arizona Community Colleges in Launching ReadyTechGo
submitted by Angela Askey, Executive Director Public Relations and Marketing
The Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity announced the launch of ReadyTechGo, a collection of Arizona colleges focused on training students for in-demand careers in advanced manufacturing.
Central Arizona College (CAC) is one of the four founding colleges within the network, which is part of the state of Arizona’s strategy to attract more Arizonans to the advanced manufacturing industry and fill thousands of tech jobs at large-scale employers, such as Lucid Motors, Nikola Motors and Raytheon.
CAC and ReadyTechGo’s other three colleges offer Automated Industrial Technology (AIT), a specialized program that provides students with all the essential skills needed to attain and perform a job in advanced manufacturing, a growing industry defined by its use of technology and robotics.
The program frontloads its curriculum so students can be prepared for a job in as little as two weeks. They can choose to continue their education, earning specialty certifications in such high-demand fields as electric vehicles, semiconductors, medical devices and aerospace. The entire program can be completed in two years and culminate in an associate degree.
“ReadyTechGo represents an important collaboration between Maricopa Community Colleges, Pima Community College and Central Arizona College,” says Andrew Clegg,
Executive Director of Workforce & Economic Development at CAC.
“This shared curriculum prepares students with cutting-edge skills and knowledge, ensuring they are ready to meet the evolving demands of today’s employers. Together, we are building a stronger, more dynamic workforce that benefits both our communities and the industries we serve.”
Upon completing the AIT program at CAC, students are qualified for a job as an equipment or automation technician and are prepared to operate, monitor and maintain a variety of automated electro-mechanical, product assembly, process control and product distribution systems that use programmable controls and other equipment to manage systems.
ReadyTechGo aims to attract innovative companies to Arizona by cultivating a workforce that meets
the highest industry standards and is poised to drive technological advancements and economic growth. Network leaders collaborate with Arizona tech employers to ensure the program’s curriculum adapts to evolving industry needs.
Modern manufacturing companies provide more than 162,000 jobs to Arizona, largely within the rapidly expanding corridor spanning southeast Phoenix to Tucson. As their operations grow, so does their demand for advanced industrial technology workers.
Learn more at AIT at CAC.
Photo & image by Fervor Creative
PHOTOGRAPHY OPPORTUNITIES AWAIT YOU at your Library!
by Julie Andersen, Outreach Librarian Vista Grande Library, City of Casa Grande
This edition of Golden Corridor LIVING magazine is focused on photography, and I find myself again saying, “The library can help with that!”.
Both the Casa Grande Public Library (Main) and the Vista Grande Library offer plenty of books that teach, as well as inspire, you in your photography journey. We have the popular Dummies books, such as Digital Photography for Dummies by Julie Adair King and Digital Cameras and Photography for Dummies by Mark Justice Hinton to get you started.
You could also check out Photo Basics: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Great Photography by Joel Sartore, an experienced National Geographic photographer that imparts the essentials of taking great pictures.
If taking a photography class is what you are looking for, don’t forget with your Casa Grande Public Library card, you have access to Universal Class. Universal Class offers free online classes and has Digital Photography 101, Photography 101 for Beginner to Intermediate, Adobe Lightroom 101 and Photoshop Elements 101 to enroll in at your convenience.
Need a little inspiration? You can look at the many books within our Arizona Room at the Main Library with beautiful photographs featured such as Eternal Desert by David Muench and Arizona: Wonder and Light by George Stocking.
Are you ready to take pictures? Our Culture Passes offer many places to find the subjects that you are looking for.
Love taking pictures of animals? Check out a Culture Pass to the Reid Park Zoo. Looking for desert landscaping? Head
to the Arizona-Sonoran Desert Museum or the Desert Botanical Garden. You can find more inspiration by going to the Heard Museum, The Phoenix Art Museum, and/or the Desert Caballeros Western Museum. For more details, stop by either library.
And last, but not least, create your own subjects by planting seeds from our Seed Libraries. Take a series of photos of when you plant the seeds, the sprouting of the seeds and finally the blooming of the flowers or production of the vegetables. Stop by and check out your seeds today to get started.
Visit www.cglibrary.org or casagrandeaz.gov/214/Library to learn more about the books, Universal Class and Culture Passes. Follow us on Facebook @cglibraryaz and sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on events and programs for the Casa Grande Public Libraries.
Casa Grande Main Library 449 N. Drylake St.
Grande, AZ 85122 Vista Grande Public Library 1556 N. Arizola Rd.
Grande, AZ 85122
A CASA VOLUNTEER Fights on Behalf of Children
by Lisa Madrid-Schleicher, CASA of Pinal County
Growing up, my mom would often say, “de una espina sale una flor,” meaning, “from a thorn comes a flower.” This simple yet profound saying held deep meaning and applied to many aspects of life.
It taught me these invaluable truths: to not judge by appearances, to recognize the beauty within, and to understand that even the most challenging situations can transform into something beautiful. This wisdom has been relevant in countless situations throughout my life, reminding me of the potential for goodness and beauty in all things.
In the context of working with children in foster care, this analogy is more profound.
These children have often faced significant trauma and hardship, akin to the thorns in a cactus. Yet,
just as a flower can emerge from the thorns, there is hope these children can overcome their traumatic past.
Despite being able to weather intense conditions, like any plant, cacti require specific elements to thrive. One of the most critical elements in helping a child overcome trauma is the presence of a positive, nurturing adult relationships. This is where the role of a Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) volunteer becomes crucial.
As a CASA volunteer, you have the unique opportunity to be that positive adult influence in a child’s life. By offering support, guidance, and a consistent presence, you can help a child navigate the complexities of their experiences and foster a sense of stability and hope.
Your involvement can make a profound difference, helping a child see beyond their immediate
circumstances and believe in the possibility of a brighter future.
The role of a CASA volunteer extends beyond mere advocacy; it’s about believing in the potential for transformation in every child. It’s about seeing the heart beyond the thorns and understanding beauty can emerge from even the most challenging situations.
If you resonate with the belief that “from a thorn comes a flower,” then you are the perfect candidate to become a CASA volunteer. Your commitment and compassion can empower children and youth in foster care to find the strength and resilience to overcome their past and blossom into their future.
Join us in making a difference. Please visit our website: www.casaofpinalcounty.org. Your involvement can change a life.
SAY CHEESE!
by Gigi McWhirter
Whenever I want my dog to give me some space, I pull out my camera and pretend I am getting ready to take a picture of her and faster than I can say “Smile!” she bolts!
And when I really want to take her photo, I have to catch her off guard and snap as fast as I can without her noticing.
Candid shots are often the best, but occasionally, it is nice to have a posed photo.
Here are some suggestions for taking photos of your pets:
Find the right light: Avoid bright, direct sunlight. Cloudy days are the best for taking photos outside.
Indoor pics are best when taken by a window or glass door to take advantage of the natural light.
Use lamps instead of a flash: When shooting indoor pictures avoid the red or flash eye effect by using lamps. A desk lamp with a flexible neck works well.
Avoid camera shake: Take a breath while taking the photo. You can also try resting your elbows on a flat surface such as a table or fence post.
Follow the action: These shots turn out best if you follow your dog with your camera while taking a snapshot. The pet will turn out clear and the background will look blurry to remind the viewer of movement.
Keep background uncluttered: If possible, use a solid color so the pet stands out and the viewer will not be looking at the stuff in the background.
Shoot at eye level: Photographs taken at the pet’s eye level are the best to show life from the animal’s perspective.
Getting pet to look your way: Try using treats, whistling, or a high-pitched sound to get the animal to look at you while snapping the photo.
Editing your pictures with your camera’s built-in features or photo apps can create fun and beautiful images of your up-and-coming social media superstar!
Happy Tails to you!
Stage your Home for Tours without CUTTING PROFIT
by Blake Herzog
When people start thinking about selling their homes, debates ensue about how much money they should put into improvements.
Once you make those decisions and fixes, consider how to stage your home and how much you’re going to spend for an enticing interior.
This is a much more affordable endeavor — check out these ideas.
Living Room
• Welcome mat — Put a brand-new mat outside the front door to set the stage; it can keep visitors from tracking dirt and mud inside. Coir, a natural fiber created from coconut husks, and rubber function well in all kinds of weather.
illumination with an earthy glow that can add to any natural light you can bring into the room.
• Wood cutting boards and utensils — Displaying these as counter vignettes will enhance the natural glow and make the kitchen look splendid for very little money. A wooden bowl would help, but make sure any fruit is fresh, not plastic!
• White plates, mugs and other dishware — Your kitchen must be spotless, and white accessories will magnify that impression.
Bathroom
• White linens — These will put the cleanliness of this space front and center and provide a blank slate for viewers, depersonalizing an area to allow them to picture themselves inside of it.
• Coffee table accessories — A vase with fresh or quality faux flowers and greenery, simple wooden or mirrored trays, one or two books selected to appeal to your most likely buyers, a realistic flameless candle and an intriguing figurine that fits your décor, are all you need.
Complement, don’t distract.
• Circular mirror — This can work in any room, but if you only have one use it in the living room — it enlarges the perceived square footage.
Kitchen
• Wicker lampshade — If your kitchen has a pendant light, consider placing a shade woven from natural fiber over it to lightly filter the
• Scented candle — Find one scented with lavender, eucalyptus or another soothing aroma that can calm everyone during the stressful homebuying and home-selling process.
Bedroom
• Plush pillows and bedding — If you’re living in the home while it’s being staged you can simply trade your favorite comfy pillows and blankets for newer, fluffier versions. White sheets are best.
• Updated nightstands — It’s easy to swap in a couple of vintage nightstands from the thrift store, or small, chic round night tables found online can streamline your look.
Build a DREAMY SUMMER OASIS in Back
Transforming your backyard into a serene oasis is a rewarding endeavor that adds beauty and functionality to your outdoor space.
Here are key elements to consider when designing your backyard sanctuary:
Hardscaping
Hardscaping is the nonliving element of your landscape design. It provides structure and a foundation for your outdoor space. Key elements include:
• Patios and walkways — Use materials like pavers, natural stone or concrete to create pathways and patios. They provide a clean, durable surface for outdoor activities.
• Retaining walls — These can help manage slopes and create tiered garden beds, adding depth and dimension to your landscape.
• Water features — Incorporate fountains, ponds or waterfalls to add a soothing auditory element and a focal point.
Outdoor Furniture
Choosing the right furniture is essential for comfort and style.
• Durability — Choose weatherresistant materials like teak, aluminum or synthetic wicker to withstand the elements.
• Comfort — Invest in cushioned seating and ergonomic designs to
ensure your outdoor space is as comfortable as your indoor living areas.
• Versatility — Modular furniture allows flexibility in arranging and adapting your space for different occasions.
Patio Covers
Patio covers provide shade and protection from the elements, making your outdoor space usable year-round. Options include:
• Pergolas — These open structures provide partial shade and can be adorned with climbing plants for added beauty.
• Awnings — Retractable awnings offer flexibility, allowing you to control the amount of shade based on the weather.
• Gazebos — Fully enclosed gazebos provide shelter and can be equipped with screens to keep out insects.
Outdoor Kitchens
An outdoor kitchen is a luxurious addition that makes entertaining a breeze. Key components include:
• Grill station — A high-quality grill will be the centerpiece. Consider
built-in options for a seamless look.
• Counter space — Ample counter space for food preparation and serving is crucial.
• Storage — Include cabinets and drawers to store utensils, dishes and cooking supplies.
• Appliances — Incorporate a refrigerator, sink and even a pizza oven or smoker for a fully functional kitchen.
Bringing It All Together
Creating a backyard oasis involves blending these elements harmoniously. Here are some tips:
• Design cohesively — Choose materials and colors that complement each other and the overall style of your home.
• Plan for flow — Ensure there’s a natural flow between areas, like the transition from the patio to the garden or the seating area to the outdoor kitchen.
• Personalize — Add personal touches with decorative elements like outdoor rugs, lighting and plants.
BREATHE EASIER with Better Indoor Air Quality
Improving indoor air quality is essential for maintaining a healthy and comfortable living environment.
Symptoms caused by indoor air pollution include watery eyes, nausea, coughing or respiratory conditions including pneumonia and bronchitis, allergies and asthma.
Here are six effective ways to enhance the air quality in your home:
Regular Cleaning and Dusting
• Vacuum with a HEPA filter — Use a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter to capture fine particles and allergens.
• Dust frequently — Dust surfaces, including shelves, furniture and electronics, to reduce the accumulation of dust and allergens.
• Wash bedding and curtains — Regularly wash bedding, curtains and other fabrics to remove dust mites and allergens.
Use Air Purifiers
• Choose HEPA air purifiers — Invest in these purifiers to remove pollutants, allergens and other airborne particles.
• Place in key areas — Position air purifiers in commonly used areas such as bedrooms and living rooms for optimal effectiveness.
• Regular maintenance — Change the filters according to the manufacturer’s
instructions to ensure the purifier functions efficiently.
Improve Ventilation
• Open windows — Open windows regularly to allow fresh air to circulate and reduce the concentration of indoor pollutants.
• Use exhaust fans — Install and use exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms to remove moisture, odors and airborne contaminants.
• Consider an air exchange system — Invest in a whole-house ventilation system to continuously exchange indoor air with fresh outdoor air.
Control Humidity Levels
• Use dehumidifiers — Maintain indoor humidity levels at 30% to 50% using dehumidifiers to prevent mold growth and reduce dust mites.
• Fix leaks — Repair any leaks in roofs, walls or plumbing to prevent moisture buildup and mold formation.
• Ventilate moist areas — Ensure proper ventilation in areas prone to moisture, such as bathrooms and basements.
Choose Low-VOC Products
• Opt for low-VOC paints, finishes — Use low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints, varnishes and sealants to minimize the release of harmful chemicals.
• Avoid synthetic fragrances — Choose natural or unscented cleaning products, air fresheners and personal care items to reduce chemical exposure.
• Select natural furnishings — Invest in furniture and flooring made from natural materials that emit fewer pollutants.
Keep Pets Clean
• Bathe pets frequently — Keeping fur and pet dander to a minimum will reduce allergy symptoms.
• Clean pet waste promptly — Urine and feces can emit VOCs and ammonia and draw flies and other insects, so clean messes up thoroughly.
• Careful with chemicals — Pet products can contain VOCs and other contaminants, so explore natural alternatives.
Real Estate Market Statistics
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continued from page 29
“ And the other thing is they’ve done a lot for the older areas in Maricopa. They’ve cleaned the streets up. They’ve put fencing in for the homes. They’ve done a lot to clean up the older part of Maricopa. And there’s more coming.”
Bea Lueck: And they’ve been good neighbors, financially supporting the endeavors of the City of Maricopa.
Steve Murray: Everybody talks about Copper Sky, and the tribe finished it. They gave $10 million at the end to finish it or it might not be here now. They’ve been a big part of why Maricopa’s grown. Anybody who doesn’t realize that wasn’t here in the beginning.
Rock Earle: Speaking of Copper Sky, tell us about the impact of all the public infrastructure in Maricopa, the parks and other things.
Steve Murray: It’s ongoing. I go to the council meetings whenever I can. But the dog parks, we’ve had a few discussions because they
improved the dog park, they made it smaller but they’re doing three new ones in place of it. The walking trails that are going in are just amazing. They’re building that stuff right now. If we get a residential client in, we always want them to go to Copper Sky.
I don’t know if this surf park’s going to go, but that’s not a city facility. The schools are all new. I can’t think of what else we would need. I mean, the senior citizen building’s new, the library’s new, and they paid cash for all of that. At the last meeting, it was interesting, they made a comment about the new court building they built. Rick’s comment was, “We not only built it in the eight months it took, we paid cash for it and we were under budget.”
Copper Sky Recreation Complex
Photo by Blushing Cactus Photography
Rock Earle: In Casa Grande, everyone’s always complaining about taxes. And we can’t have anything new because Maricopa’s property tax rate is four times Casa Grande’s, and I’d never hear anyone in Maricopa complaining about it. That stuff costs money. And you have the city leaders that are willing to say that and back it up and build new stuff.
Bea Lueck: Well, since the incorporation in 2003, the City of Maricopa started with zero for anything. City Hall was on wheels. It was a series of modular buildings. And then they built a city hall that’s a work of art outside of the general city area. The citizenry in Maricopa have voiced their opinion to the elected officials. We want these things. And the elected officials and the citizenry are smart enough to understand if
you want something, you have to pay for it. So they tax themselves.
Steve Murray: And the other thing is they’ve done a lot for the older areas in Maricopa. They’ve cleaned the streets up. They’ve put fencing in for the homes. They’ve done a lot to clean up the older part of Maricopa. And there’s more coming.
Rock Earle: You’re a successful guy. It’s been a privilege knowing you for these almost 30 years. Tell us the truth according to Steve. Give us a general overview.
Steve Murray: I think the growth’s going to continue in Maricopa. We are jealous of the industrial that Casa Grande’s got, I mean everybody. And we’ve got clients that own property out there that we’d certainly like to be involved
in. But our biggest issue is we’ve got to get the 347 squared away. And Maricopa, Casa Grande, we’re both creating a traffic nightmare between us. It’s a very dangerous road right now. It’s getting loaded up, and a lot of it’s going to be trucking. It already is.
Bea Lueck: Well, we will point out that the Maricopa-Casa Grande Highway in the City of Maricopa is four lanes wide and Casa Grande’s portion is not.
Steve Murray: Maricopa is going to go west. They’re actively trying to annex some stuff out west. So, the growth is going to be west and south. That’s the only way it can go. And those are both in their planning area. So hopefully we’ll see that happen. It’s certainly coming.
One of the many construction projects under way in Maricopa, along John Wayne Parkway.
Photo by Bea Lueck
Events, Dining & Entertainment
VISITING BRUZZI VINEYARD IN SUPERIOR
Submitted by Mila Besich, Mayor, Town of Superior Photos provided by Visit Superior
A day in Superior can consist of many adventures. A visit to the Boyce Thompson Arboretum, a hike on the Legends of Superior Trails, a meal at one of the several delicious restaurants, and maybe some unique shopping or specialized spa experience. Superior has an elevated adventure for everyone.
One of the signature activities in Superior is a visit to the Bruzzi Vineyard wine boutique in historic downtown. Located at the corner of Main Street and Magma Avenue at 14 N. Magma Ave., this hidden gem features Bruzzi Vineyard’s exclusive wines.
Bruzzi Vineyard grows vidal blanc grapes at their estate vineyard in Young. These grapes make a wonderfully crisp and bright white wine, which is Bruzzi Vineyard’s very popular signature product.
Their Mischievous rose, Devious red blend and Glamorous dessert wine are wonderful and delightfully fun. All Bruzzi Vineyard wines are world class and made in small quantities each year.
Visitors to the wine boutique can choose a flight of three wines from their wine list. It is a great way to learn more about wine. You also can enjoy a glass and take home bottles of Bruzzi Vineyard wine. They also have a retail selection of interesting local items.
The Bruzzi Vineyard estate vineyard is located in the remote enclave of Young in Gila County, about two hours from Superior. It is over a mile elevation, which is key to growing the cold weather vidal blanc grape.
The vineyard is hand tended and is the only commercial producer of vidal blanc in Arizona. A trip to the vineyard is a beautiful drive through nature with spectacular vistas. They host a variety of events throughout the year including their very special equinox and solstice
events that feature local farm-to-table cuisine and Bruzzi wine pairings in a celebration of seasonal bounty.
James Bruzzi, owner of Bruzzi Vineyard, is a champion of local agriculture. He chose Superior as a location for a wine boutique due to the culture, natural beauty and growing activities and investments in the community.
Bruzzi Vineyard opened in Superior in 2020 and expanded to a larger location in 2022 to accommodate more customers and events.
Bruzzi Vineyard is well worth a visit in Superior or in Young. Reservations are highly encouraged at both locations and can be made on their website at www.BruzziVineyard.com.
NOW! EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR
September 20th
2024 Pinal Partnership Golf Classic
Whirlwind Golf Club at Wildhorse Pass
6:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Inaugural Pinal Partnership Golf Classic. Individual spots, foursomes and sponsorships are available. Putting contest and registration opens at 6:30 AM. Shotgun start at 7:30 AM. Includes lunch and awards. Event will benefit Paladin Sports Outreach.
520.660.1089
www.pinalpartnership.com/meetingsand-events/
Visit the Casa Grande Ruins Casa Grande Ruins National Monument – Coolidge
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
The Casa Grande Ruins National Monument is open 7 days a week, including the monument, museum exhibits, movie theater, monument bookstore and picnic area. Free admission. See website for special events. Located at 1100 W. Ruins Drive in Coolidge. 520.723.3172
www.nps.gov/cagr
September 20th
¡Celebra! Hispanic Heritage Month
Historic Downtown Casa Grande 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Event will have a piñata walk, food trucks, crafts, a ballet folklorico performance, lotería, live music, activity booths, vendors and a kids’ zone!
520.421.8600 www.casagrandeaz.gov
Concert - Jesse & Joy
Harrah’s Ak-Chin Hotel and Casino –Maricopa
8:00 PM
The Harrah’s Ak-Chin Hotel and Casino in Maricopa presents concerts and special events. Upcoming concerts: Jesse & Joy Fri. 9/20, Dogstar Sat. 9/21, and Los Tucanes de Tijuana on Sat. 10/12. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster. There is live music in The Lounge every weekend. See website for schedule.
www.caesars.com/harrahs-ak-chin/ shows
September 21st
Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser
Veterans Center - Maricopa
7:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Pancake breakfast fundraiser, with all proceeds going to the American Legion Auxiliary to aid and benefit our Maricopa veterans. Join us for pancakes, sausages, coffee and water. Cost is $7 per person, $3 per child, or $20 per family. Located at 41614 W. Smith Enke Rd. Suite $110 in Maricopa.
KiDs DaY MaRiCoPa 2024
Maricopa Wells Middle School
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
17th annual Kids Day Maricopa: The event promotes health, safety, and environmental awareness. Dr. John A. Donohue and The Maricopa Rotary will be hosting and coordinating the event from 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM at Maricopa Wells Middle School, 45725 W. Honeycutt Ave. 520.494.7788
The Harrah’s Ak-Chin Hotel and Casino in Maricopa presents concerts and special events. Tickets for the Dogstar Summer Vacation Tour concert are available through Ticketmaster. There is live music in The Lounge every weekend. See website for schedule. www.caesars.com/harrahs-ak-chin/ shows
Pinal NOW - Live Music & Entertainment Guide
Pinal County
The Pinal NOW Live Music & Entertainment listing is a weekly guide to local nightlife and community events. It covers karaoke, live music, concerts, comedy, live theater and major events happening around Pinal County. New listings are posted every Thursday on the Pinal NOW online calendar, and a weekly events newsletter is available. www.pinalnow.com/events
September 22nd
Tina Turner Tribute ‘Simply the Best’ with DeAndra Johnson
Paramount Theatre - Casa Grande 6:00 PM
TripleRRR Production presents DeAndra Johnson performing a Tina Turner tribute at the Paramount Theatre in Casa Grande. See website for event details and tickets. 708.657.7485
www.tripleRRRproduction.com
September 24th
Explore Gila River Indian Community History and Culture
Huhugam Heritage Center – Chandler 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Open Tue.-Fri. 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Free admission. This modern cultural center highlights the ancestral, historic and current cultures of the Gila River Indian Community. The gallery features items from the National Museum of the American Indian, the National Museum of Natural History, Yale Peabody Museum, Pueblo Grande Museum, Gila River Indian Community members and HHC collections. Tours are available. Located at 21359 S. Maricopa Rd. in Chandler. 520.796.3500 www.grichhc.org
Advertise your next event in the Pinal NOW! monthly calendar. www.pinalnow.com/submit
September 27th
Food Truck Friday - Casa Grande
Historic Downtown Casa Grande
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Food Truck Friday takes place every week at the Neon Sign Park in downtown Casa Grande. Organized by Churrolicious. Offers a tantalizing array of treats: birria tacos, popovers, BBQ, Sonoran-style hotdogs, fresh churros, kettle corn and more including vendor stalls and games. Check Facebook page for updates. 520.836.8744 www.facebook.com/profile. php?id=61551795766831
September 27th
Gutbusters Improv Comedy
Combs Performing Arts Center
San Tan Valley
6:00 PM
Family-friendly 60-minute interactive improv comedy show! Be ready to join in the fun when the performers ask for suggestions. Don’t be shy, raise your hand and shout out suggestions! The crazier, the better! Based on these suggestions, the performers will create scenes on the spot, guaranteed to have you rolling in the aisles! Tickets are $5 and available online.
480.987.5300
www.facebook.com/CombsPerformingArtsCenter
September 28th
September 28th
Florence Farmers Market
McFarland State Historic Park – Florence
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
The market is held on the porch at McFarland State Park in Historic Florence on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month. The market features produce from local farmers, farm fresh eggs, meat, cheese, bread, sweets, coffee & tea, seasonings and many other locally made artisan products. Markets are scheduled for Oct. 12, Oct. 26, Nov. 9, and Nov. 23.
520.868.9433
www.florenceazchamber.com
Uptown Farm & Artisan Market
Crossroads Church - Casa Grande 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Takes place in the Crossroads Church parking lot, 2024 E. Florence Blvd. in Casa Grande. Farm, artisan and foodie market. Produce, baked goods, wellness booths, food trucks and more. Check Facebook page for updates as the location and market hours may change. www.facebook.com/profile. php?id=100092038989061
‘High Dusk!’ - Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre
Radisson Hotel - Casa Grande
7:00 PM
Presented by the Murder Mystery Players of Casa Grande. Back by popular demand, with new characters and twists! Welcome to Spittle Gulch, a podunk town in the middle of nowhere. There’s murder afoot at the Byegone Saloon! Come put your sleuthing skills to the test and join us for a night of live theatre with an original and hilarious western-themed Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre written and directed by Pamela Karpelenia. Two shows at 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Tickets available online. 520.450.3472 www.facebook.com/whodunitCG
6th Annual Hopeful Strides 5K Run/Walk Villago Park - Casa Grande
7:00 AM
Registration in the annual 5K event includes t-shirt, swag bag and medal. Register on the Seeds of Hope website. Your participation helps to sustain Seeds of Hope community programs. 520.836.6335 www.seedsofhopeaz.com
NOW! EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR
October 1st
Visit the Arboretum
Boyce Thompson Arboretum – Superior 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Discover Arizona’s first and oldest botanical garden, situated on 343 acres of scenic upland desert with nearly five miles of trail. See website for ticket information, tours and special events. Located 4 miles west of Superior on Hwy. 60. Open daily 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Oct. through April. Fall events include the annual Green Gala on Sat. 10/19, Bird Week starting Sat. 11/9, Yoga in the Garden, Nature Play, Forest Bathing, art activities, and more! 520.689.2723
www.btarboretum.org
Visit the Ostrich Ranch Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch –Picacho
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The Ostrich Ranch has an amazing variety of animals that visitors can watch and feed, including stingrays, goats, miniature donkeys, fallow deer, tortoises and lots of ostriches! Located by Picacho Peak State Park, just off I-10. New hours starting Oct. 1 through Nov. 15, open Friday-Monday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM. Check Facebook page for updates. Hours of operation are weather permitting. 520.466.3658 www.roostercogburn.com
Rotary Club of Casa Grande Ochoa’s Restaurant – Casa Grande 12:00 PM
The Rotary Club of Casa Grande meets on the 1st Tuesday of the month at Ochoa’s Restaurant, and on the 3rd & 5th Tuesday at Texas Roadhouse. Visit the website or Facebook page for updates and for information on becoming a member. The Rotary Club’s 3rd Annual Oktoberfest event will take place on Oct. 19. www.facebook.com/ CGRotary www.casagranderotary.org
October 2nd
Maricopa Community Theatre presents: ‘Chicago’ Leading Edge Academy – Maricopa
7:00 PM
Performances will be on Wed. 10/2, Thu. 10/3 and Fri. 10/4 at 7:00 PM, and Sat. 10/5 at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Presented at Leading Edge Academy in Maricopa, located at 18700 N. Porter Rd. Maricopa Community Theatre is bringing this jazzy, dazzling satire of crime, fame and justice to Maricopa. Tickets available online. www.maricopacommunitytheatre.org
October 3rd
Discover Casa Grande’s History
The Museum of Casa Grande 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Open 12:00-4:00 PM Wed-Sat., Sept. through April. Collections include historic artifacts, archives, photography and more. The exhibits portray the development of mining, agriculture, railroad expansion, settlement and technology. Admission is $7/adults, $6/seniors and free for children and museum members. Located at 110 W. Florence Blvd. 520.836.2223 www.tmocg.org
October 3rd
Hope International Food PantryFood Box Distribution Day
Hope International Food Pantry –Coolidge
6:00 AM - 8:00 AM
General food box distribution day Thu. 10/3 from 7:00-9:00 AM. Please arrive early and bring ID. The next Seniors only day is Thu. 10/8 from 7:00-9:00 AM. Located at 1280 N. Arizona Blvd in Coolidge. Senior boxes are for ages 60 and up. Volunteers are welcome. See Facebook page for the fall schedule. Please make a donation if you are able! 520.233.6699
www.hopeinternationalfoodpantry.org
October 3rd
Events at Throwback Family Fun
Throwback Family Fun – Casa Grande activities include arcade games, axe throwing, live music, birthday parties, paint & sip, cornhole tournaments, mini golf and more! Can host private events. Check the Throwback Family Fun website and Facebook page for their latest events. Open Thursday-Sunday. 520.635.6411 www.throwbackfun.com/events
Pinal County Libraries - Fall Events
Pinal County Library District – Pinal County
Library branches in the Pinal County Library District host a variety of events, including book clubs, youth activities, arts & crafts, tutoring, ESL classes and much more! Find events at your local library by visiting the library district website and selecting your library branch. 520.509.3555 https://pcld.libnet.info/events
October 4th
Pinal Geology and Mineral Museum
Pinal Geology & Mineral Museum –Coolidge
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Museum exhibits include fossils from all over the world, gems and minerals, and children’s activities. Check the website for information about the Pinal County Gem and Mineral Society meetings and presentations. The museum is located at 351 N. Arizona Blvd. in Coolidge. Free admission. Fall hours Wed.-Sat. 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
520.723.3009
www.pinalgeologymuseum.org
Events at Ak-Chin Circle
Entertainment Center
Ak-Chin Circle Entertainment Center –Maricopa
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The Entertainment Center offers movies, bowling, laser tag, an arcade, parties, live music in the Luxe Lounge and special events. See the Ak-Chin Circle website and Facebook page for upcoming events. 520.568.3456
www.ak-chincircle.com
October 5th
Coolidge Airport Monthly Fly-In & Breakfast
Coolidge Municipal Airport – Coolidge 7:00 AM - 10:00 AM
The City of Coolidge sponsors a Fly-In on the first Saturday of every month from Oct. to April. Breakfast is served by the Coolidge Lions Club in front of the main hangar. Pilots can call Airport Manager James Myers with any questions. 520-723-6075 www.coolidgeaz.com/flyin
First Saturday Family Day at the Pinal County Historical Museum Pinal County Historical MuseumFlorence 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Be part of the story with us on our Family Day! On the first Saturday of the month we waive all admission fees thanks to our sponsors to provide local families with an affordable opportunity to engage with local history. We offer rotating activities for children, including scavenger hunts, backyard bingo, story time, desert animals and more! Located at 715 S. Main St. in Florence. Museum hours are Tue.-Sat. 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Check website for fall events at the museum. 520.868.4382 www.pchmuseum.org
October 5th
3rd Annual Run Faster for Foster Villago Park - Casa Grande
7:00 AM
Fun run takes place at Villago Park, 3368 N. Pinal Ave. in Casa Grande. Light snacks and drinks will be provided. www.pccinow.org/run-for-foster-register
October 5th
Inaugural Pickin & Lickin BBQ Festival
Canyon Moon Ranch - Florence 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Get ready for the inaugural BBQ & Music Fest featuring a grip of BBQ vendors, music by a Waylon Jennings tribute band, three opening country bands, BBQ samples, beer gardens and more. If you love BBQ, great music and good times, this event is for you! Advance tickets $10, $15 at the gate, free admission for kids 12 & under. Tickets are available online. Takes place at Canyon Moon Ranch (home of Country Thunder) in Florence. www.five20events.ticketbud.com/ pickin-lickin-bbq
Race Night at Central Arizona Raceway
Central Arizona Raceway – Casa Grande 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Sands Chevrolet 360 Non Wing Sprints, Pure Stocks, Dwarf Cars, IMCA Stock Cars, and IMCA Mod Lites. The track is located at 512 S. Eleven Mile Corner in Casa Grande. Check website for race day and ticket info. 602.292.7607
www.thecentralarizonaraceway.com
BlackBox Foundation Theatre: ‘Little Shop of Horrors’
BlackBox Foundation Theatre – Casa Grande
7:00 PM
Check out our online events calendar at www.pinalnow.com for more events.
There will be four performances of “Little Shop of Horrors” on Oct. 5, 6, 12, 13. Live theater performances take place at the BlackBox Theatre in Casa Grande. Tickets are available online. 520.532.2337
www.blackboxcg.org
October 5th
Casita Workshop - Art Classes
Casita Workshop – Casa Grande
Located at 127 W. Wilson St. in Casa Grande. Check the website for upcoming classes and availability. Book your classes early as there are limited spaces available. Classes include ceramics, weaving, glass, fiber arts, watercolor and more. New classes are added throughout the year.
www.casitaworkshop.com
October 9th
31st Annual Business ShowcaseCasa Grande Chamber of Commerce
The Property Conference Center Casa Grande 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Meet 50+ participating local Chamber-member business owners and employees! Learn about the many products and services Casa Grande has to offer and pick up some cool swag! Live DJ, drawings, games and prizes. Free for the public to attend this annual premier indoor showcase event! The Property Conference Center is located at 1251 W. Gila Bend Hwy. in Casa Grande. 520.836.2125
The Zipline EcoTour allows you to zip on 5 different spans ranging in length from 400 to 1,500 ft. and lasts approximately 2 hours. Open Thu. through Sun. by reservation only. See website for details. Located on Mt. Lemmon Rd. in Oracle. 520.308.9350
www.ziparizona.com
Newcomers and Neighbors of Casa Grande - Monthly Meet & Greet Central Event Hall - Casa Grande 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
The Newcomers and Neighbors Club of Casa Grande is a great place to meet new friends. Activity and interest groups meet regularly and all-club events are held several times throughout the year. Upcoming Meet & Greet orientation meetings will be held at 5:30 PM on Oct. 10 and Nov. 14 at 408 N. Sacaton St. See website for details. www.cgnnc.com/calendar
NOW! EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR
October 11th
2024 Coolidge Days
San Carlos Park - Coolidge Coolidge Days will take place Oct. 11-13 in San Carlos Park. There will be entertainment, food, arts & crafts, a parade, community booths, a carnival and much more! 520.723.6039
www.coolidgeaz.com/parks
October 12th
Viva La Raza En Casa Grande Casa Grande Rodeo Grounds
10:00 AM - 11:30 PM
Join us for Viva La Raza, a multicultural event at Casa Grande Rodeo Grounds on October 12th! Enjoy bull riding, horse dancing, carnival games and live music. Don’t miss the Native American rodeo and queen coronation. Fun for the whole family! 480.343.8240 www.vivalarazza.com
Fall Concert in the Park - Eloy Main Street Park - Eloy 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
The Fall Concert in the Park will feature The RJ Band and Outside the Line, two of Arizona’s most popular bands. Together they provide a soulful, diverse and entertaining show that will have you ready to get up and dance, playing oldies, classic rocks, Motown, pop and Top 40 hits.
Advertise your next event in the Pinal NOW! monthly calendar. www.pinalnow.com/submit
October 12th
Open Mic Night - Casa Grande Museum of Casa Grande - Heritage Hall – Casa Grande
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Second Saturday of every month. All-ages open mic music and arts showcase. Open to all creative artists, including singers/songwriters, spoken word, poetry, dance and comedy. Doors open for sign-up at 5:30 PM. Open mic starts at 6:00 PM. Free admission,, donations welcome and appreciated. Presented by the Yoga Recovery & Healing Arts Project.
520.532.2337
www.cgopenmic.com
Concert — Los Tucanes de Tijuana Harrah’s Ak-Chin Hotel and Casino –Maricopa
8:00 PM
The Harrah’s Ak-Chin Hotel and Casino in Maricopa presents concerts and special events. Tickets for Los Tucanes de Tijuana are available through Ticketmaster. There is live music in The Lounge every weekend. See website for schedule. www.caesars.com/harrahs-ak-chin/ shows
October 13th
BlackBox Foundation Theatre: ‘Little Shop of Horrors’
BlackBox Foundation Theatre – Casa Grande
There will be 2 performances of “Little Shop of Horrors” this weekend: Sat. 10/12 at 7:00 PM and Sun. 10/13 at 2:00 PM. Live theater shows are presented in the BlackBox Theatre in Casa Grande. Tickets are available online.
520.532.2337
www.blackboxcg.org
October 17th
Pinal NOW - Live Music & Entertainment Guide
Pinal County
The Pinal NOW Live Music & Entertainment listing is a weekly guide to local nightlife and community events. It covers karaoke, live music, concerts, comedy, live theater and major events happening around Pinal County. New listings are posted every Thursday on the Pinal NOW online calendar, and a weekly events newsletter is available. www.pinalnow.com/events
October 18th
Florence 3rd Fridays & Food Truck Friday
Padilla Park - Florence
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Held on the 3rd Friday of each month from October-April. Enjoy live music, shopping, food trucks, vendors and fun activities at Padilla Park in Historic Florence. Now includes Food Truck Friday, with up to 12 food trucks participating! Bring a blanket or chair. Main Street businesses will be open late. 520.868.9433
www.florenceazchamber.com
October 19th
Casa Grande Farmers Market
702 E. Cottonwood Lane - Casa Grande 7:00 AM
Held on the 3rd Saturday of each month at the First Presbyterian Church/PCSO Pinal County parking lot. Cost is $15 for a box of farmer-direct produce. Cash only. Market hours are 7:00 AM until produce is sold out. The market also has over 25 vendors. See Facebook page for market updates and the link for early entry tickets. Contact the market if you are interested in volunteering. www.casagrandefarmersmarket.com
Visit the Casa Grande Ruins
Casa Grande Ruins National Monument – Coolidge 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
The Casa Grande Ruins National Monument is open 7 days a week, including the monument, museum exhibits, movie theater, monument bookstore and picnic area. Free admission. See website for special events. Located at 1100 W. Ruins Dr. in Coolidge.
520.723.3172
www.nps.gov/cagr
Casa Grande Roller Derby Warbirds vs. Badfish Roller Derby
Roller Derby Hanger – Casa Grande 4:00 PM
Takes place at 798 N. Picacho Ave. in Casa Grande. Presale tickets $10 and $15 at the door. Game starts at 4:00 PM. The next event will be the Derby in the Desert WFTDA sanctioned tournament on Nov. 22-24, featuring 7 teams from 4 leagues. See Facebook page for tournament info. 520.450.1790
www.facebook.com/CGRollerDerby
October 19th
Maricopa Concerts in the Park Kruse Brothers plus Jaty Edwards Copper Sky Recreation Complex –Maricopa
5:00 PM - 7:30 PM
The Maricopa Concerts in the Park are presented by Duke’s Roadhouse. These events promise to bring our community together for evenings filled with live music, great food and family-friendly fun. Check the City of Maricopa Facebook page and website for the bands and concert updates. www.facebook.com/CityOfMaricopaAZ
October 19th
2024 Oktoberfest - Rotary Club of Casa Grande
Downtown Casa Grande
5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
3rd Annual Oktoberfest! Takes place in downtown Casa Grande at the intersection of Florence St. and 3rd St. Includes a beer garden, food trucks, polka band, carnival rides, kids zone, games & activities and a $2,500 grand prize. Presented by the Casa Grande Rotary Foundation and the Rotary Club of Casa Grande. www.facebook.com/CGRotary
Race Night at Central Arizona Raceway
Central Arizona Raceway – Casa Grande 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Power 360 Wing Sprints, Pure Stocks, IMCA Stock Cars, IMCA Sport Compacts, and IMCA Mod Lites. The track is located at 512 S. Eleven Mile Corner in Casa Grande. Check website for race day and ticket info. 602.292.7607
www.thecentralarizonaraceway.com
Movies Under The Stars
Jones Park - Eloy
7:30 PM
Bring your snacks, blankets, and lawn chairs, and enjoy a “Movie Under the Stars” with us! Movie titles will be announced closer to the event dates. Free to the public. www.eloyaz.gov
October 25th
Desert Vortex - Halloween Boogie!
Skydive Arizona – Eloy
Takes place at Skydive Arizona in Eloy, the largest skydiving drop zone in the world! Event includes specialty aircraft, discounted tickets, Halloween costume party, beginner 4-way camp, VWR Phase 1 training camp and more. 520.466.3753
www.skydiveaz.com
Youth Rodeo Event - Historic Florence Foundation
Charles Whitlow Rodeo Arena - Florence
Takes place Fri. 10/25 and Sat. 10/26 at 6:00 PM at the Charles Whitlow Arena in Florence. Includes youth bull riding, bareback riding and saddle bronc riding for various age divisions. There will be entertainment on 10/25 including live music, trunk-or-treat, a beer garden and more. Cornhole tournament on 10/26. See Facebook page for event details and updates. 520-840-9154
www.facebook.com/historicflorencefoundation/ October 26th
Craft Fair - Maricopa
Veterans Center - Maricopa
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Join us for the craft fair on Saturday, Oct. 15 at the Veterans/Community Center in Maricopa. Hosted by the American Legion Auxiliary. Location is 41614 W. Smith Enke Rd. Suite No. 110 in Maricopa.
Check out our online events calendar at www.pinalnow.com for
NOW! EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR
October 26th
Caywood Farms Harvest Festival Pinal Fairgrounds & Event Center – Casa Grande
11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Takes place Sat. 10/26 from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM and Sun. 10/27 from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Admission $10 adults and $5 for kids 6-12. 5 and under free. Family events include a pumpkin patch, corn maze, hay rides, classic car show (Sat. only - until 3:00 PM), Country Comfort Quilt Show, antique tractor pull (Sat.) vendors, food, beer garden, kiddie carnival, and cowboy mounted shooting (Sun. only). 520.723.7881 www.pinalfairgrounds.com/harvest-festival
October 26th
Harvest Fest - Eloy
Main Street Park - Eloy
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Enjoy a night of fun at Eloy’s annual Harvest Fest. The fabulous fall event features a trunk-or-treat area, food, games, rides, contests and plenty of candy!
Race Night at Central Arizona Raceway
Central Arizona Raceway – Casa Grande 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Tonight’s racing will include 7 IMCA classes. The track is located at 512 S. Eleven Mile Corner in Casa Grande. Check website for race day and ticket info. 602.292.7607 www.thecentralarizonaraceway.com
October 29th
Explore Gila River Indian Community History and Culture
Huhugam Heritage Center – Chandler 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Open Tue.-Fri. 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Free admission. This modern cultural center highlights the ancestral, historic and current cultures of the Gila River Indian Community. The gallery features items from the National Museum of the American Indian, the National Museum of Natural History, Yale Peabody Museum, Pueblo Grande Museum, Gila River Indian Community members and HHC collections. Tours are available. Located at 21359 S. Maricopa Rd. in Chandler. 520.796.3500 www.grichhc.org
October 31st
Trunk O’ Treat
Arizona City Firehouse 5:00 PM - 8:15 PM
Free Annual Trunk-or-Treat features Trunks, Candy, Live DJ and more! Safe Fun in Arizona City for Families at the Firehouse! Donations are invited, please contact the Arizona City Fire District. 520.466.5542 www.azcityfire.org
October 31st
2024 Halloween and Harvest Festival Events in Pinal County Halloween events are listed in the Pinal NOW Community Calendar. Includes trunk-or-treat events, harvest festivals, pumpkin walk, fright fest, and more in Casa Grande, Florence, Maricopa, Eloy, Coolidge and Arizona City. Check the Pinal NOW Facebook page for updates. www.facebook.com/pinalnow. www.pinalnow.com/events
November 1st
Visit the Arboretum
Boyce Thompson Arboretum – Superior 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Discover Arizona’s first and oldest botanical garden, situated on 343 acres of scenic upland desert with nearly five miles of trail. See website for ticket information, tours and special events. Located 4 miles west of Superior on Hwy. 60. Open daily 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Oct. through April. Special events include Bird Week starting Sat. 11/9, Yoga in the Garden, Nature Play, Forest Bathing, art activities, and more! 520.689.2723
www.btarboretum.org
4th Annual Showdown on Main Pitmaster Challenge
Historic Downtown Florence 12:00 PM
4th annual Showdown on Main will take place on Main Street in Florence and is a sanctioned Barbeque Championship Series (BCS) event. BBQ teams will compete for Top Pitmaster and their share of the $5,000 purse. Come out and enjoy this great, fun & tasty event! Entertainment, food trucks, beer garden, and much more. Contact AZ Barbeque for team registration forms. 602.363.5196
www.facebook.com/ events/822245532704740
November 2nd
BlackBox Foundation Theatre: ‘James and the Giant Peach JR.’ BlackBox Foundation Theatre – Casa Grande
There will be 6 performances of “James and the Giant Peach JR.” from Nov. 2-10. Live theater performances take place at the BlackBox Theatre in Casa Grande. Tickets are available online. Performances will be on Sat. 11/2 at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM, Sun. 11/3 at 2:00 PM, Fri. 11/8 at 7:00 PM, Sat. 11/9 at 2:00 PM, and Sun. 11/10 at 2:00 PM. 520.532.2337 www.blackboxcg.org
November 7th
Wheel of Fortune Live!
Harrah’s Ak-Chin Hotel and Casino –Maricopa
8:00 PM
The Harrah’s Ak-Chin Hotel and Casino in Maricopa presents concerts and special events. Tickets for Wheel of Fortune Live! are available through Ticketmaster. There is live music at The Lounge every weekend. See website for schedule.
www.caesars.com/harrahs-ak-chin/ shows
November 8th
Race Night at Central Arizona Raceway
Central Arizona Raceway – Casa Grande 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Fri. 11/8 and Sat. 11/9. Arizona Sprint Car Showdown. Sands Chevrolet non-wing 360, Power 360 Wing sprints, Senior springs. The track is located at 512 S. Eleven Mile Corner in Casa Grande. Tonight’s races will include . Check website for race day and ticket info.
602.292.7607
www.thecentralarizonaraceway.com
BlackBox Foundation Theatre: ‘James and the Giant Peach JR.’ BlackBox Foundation Theatre – Casa Grande
There will be three live theater performances of “James and the Giant Peach JR.” on Nov. 8-10 at the BlackBox Theatre in Casa Grande. Tickets are available online. Shows will be on Fri. 11/8 at 7:00 PM, Sat. 11/9 at 2:00 PM, and Sun. 11/10 at 2:00 PM. 520.532.2337 www.blackboxcg.org
Open Mic Night - Casa Grande Museum of Casa Grande - Heritage Hall – Casa Grande
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Second Saturday of every month. All ages open mic music and arts showcase. Open to all creative artists, including singers/songwriters, spoken word, poetry, dance and comedy. Doors open for sign-up at 5:30 PM. Open mic starts at 6:00 PM. Free admission, donations welcome and appreciated. Presented by the Yoga Recovery & Healing Arts Project. 520.532.2337 www.cgopenmic.com
November 9th
2024 Eloy Glow Eloy Jr. High School – Eloy
3:00 PM - 9:00 PM
The 3rd annual Eloy Glow event will include static hot air balloons, balloon tether rides, live music with Grupo Control, food trucks and vendors, beer tents, inflatables, BMX stunt shows, fireworks and kite flying. Balloon glow starts at sundown. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the gate. Free admission for kids 12 and under with a paid ticket. Rain or shine event. Hot air balloon activity depends on weather conditions. Visit website for tickets. The event will be held at a new location this year, Eloy Jr. High School. 520.466.3411 www.eloychamber.com
November 11th
2024 Veterans Day Events in Pinal County Veterans Day events take place around the county. Check the Pinal NOW Community Calendar for a list of events happening in Florence, Maricopa, Casa Grande, Eloy, Coolidge, and Arizona City, and follow the Pinal NOW Facebook page for updates. www.pinalnow.com/events
November 14th
Newcomers and Neighbors of Casa Grande - Monthly Meet & Greet
Central Event Hall - Casa Grande 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
The Newcomers and Neighbors Club of Casa Grande is a great place to meet new friends. Activity and interest groups meet regularly and all-club events are held several times throughout the year. Upcoming Meet & Greet orientation meetings will be held at 5:30 PM on Nov. 14 and Dec. 12 at 408 N. Sacaton Street. See website for details. www.cgnnc.com/calendar
November 15th
Race Night at Central Arizona Raceway
Central Arizona Raceway – Casa Grande 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM Fri. 11/15 and Sat. 11/16. The track is located at 512 S. Eleven Mile Corner in Casa Grande. Racing will include IMCA Modifieds, Stock Cars, Sport Mods, Hobby Stocks, Pure Stocks, and IMCA Mod Lites. Check website for race day details and ticket info. 602.292.7607
www.thecentralarizonaraceway.com
Harrah’s Ak-Chin Guests Donated Nearly $20K to Local Area Nonprofits During Q2 2024
submitted by Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino
Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino guests donated nearly $20,000 to local area nonprofits through their NRT kiosk donations during Q2 2024. The NRT kiosk machines provide an opportunity for guests to give back in a meaningful way by donating their $0.99 or less change when cashing out their slot machine voucher via the NRT machines.
“Giving back to the community is important to us at Harrah’s Ak-Chin and we love that our guests have
the opportunity to join us in the mission,” said HERO Committee Chair Barbara Achten. ““The NRT kiosks have spotlighted their generosity and just how big an impact our guests make with just a little bit of change. We are grateful for their support.”
Since the slot donation program began in October 2022, the program has raised more than $104,760 for local nonprofit organizations.
Organizations supported by the NRT donations in Q2 2024 included:
• Against Abuse, Inc.
• Boys and Girls Club of America
• F.O.R. Maricopa
• Meals on Wheels of America
Individuals or organizations interested in submitting a request for support can do so by completing an application on the Caesars website at www.caesars.com/ corporate-social-responsibility/socialprograms/social-impact/regional-andproperty-giving.
Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino team members pose in front of one of the many NRT kiosks machines located throughout the casino.
