Golden Corridor LIVING Early Summer 2022 by ROX Media

EARLY SUMMER 2022

Dining & Adventure ISSUE THE

ARIZONA CITY · CASA GRANDE · COOLIDGE · ELOY · FLORENCE · MARICOPA

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Call Us Today!

520.340.6767 TTY: 711

www.Sharp4Medicare.com Calling the number above, will direct you to a licensed local insurance agent.

Do you have questions regarding Medicare? Do you need help understanding the Medicare process? Medicare can be difficult to understand, especially if you are just beginning the process. You might be receiving large amounts of mailers and letters regarding your options, and it can be complicated to navigate through. But that’s what we do- we help you quickly understand, and make the right choices. There is never a cost for our advice, and there is no obligation to enroll. Our job is to help you understand, and earn your trust so when you do need a plan, you feel confident working with us! When it comes to Medicare plans, one size does not fit all. Let us help you make a confident decision. Medicare can be difficult to understand, especially if you are aging in. You might be receiving large amounts of mailers and letters regarding your Medicare options. It can be difficult to navigate through such diverse information, but we are here to help. We are licensed Medicare plan specialists, locally focused in Pinal County since 2007. We help educate our clients by answering their questions and providing clarity. We can be as in depth or as concise as you’d like to be, and we are happy to meet in person or by phone. We know ALL the plans in Arizona, and can help you select the right one this year, as well as help you year after year.

Features

The Annual

Dining & Adventure Issue

Creating Food Truck Magic.............. 26 Play your Way at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino................... 30 Slide into Adventure on the Arizona Trail............................ 40

Home & Garden Make Cool Summer Home Improvements...................................... 70 Summer Barbecue Checklist............ 84 4

G O L D E N C O R R I D O R L I V I N G | EARLY SU M MER 2022

The Interview with Scott Lehman of Premier Auto Center

About the Cover

Dining and Adventure

AT HARRAH’S AK-CHIN CASINO Submitted by Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino

THE SWIM-UP BAR Get ready for some fun in the sun at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino swimup bar! The heated sparkling pool area features a swim-up bar and cabanas with meal service, television and comfortable lounge chairs to let guests soak up the sun in style. Offering beer, wine or masterfully crafted frozen cocktails, guests also can enjoy casual fare including seasonal fruit, salads, sliders, tacos and more for a perfect pool-side experience.

Ready to get out of the sun? Step inside and channel your inner foodie. OAK & FORK A wine bar with perfectly paired small plates, guests can choose glasses, bottles and even tastes of wines at the touch of a finger by using a custom iPad programmed with all of the amazing varietals’ tasting notes, origins and price points. Even Wine Spectator Magazine took note, honoring Oak & Fork with an “Award of Excellence.”

EARLY SUMMER 2022

Dining & Adventure ISSUE THE

ARIZONA CITY · CASA GRANDE · COOLIDGE · ELOY · FLORENCE · MARICOPA

The award recognizes restaurants whose wine lists feature a well-chosen assortment of quality products along with a thematic match to the menu in both price and style. Ranging in size from 90 selections to several hundred, these lists are well-focused and tend to emphasize discovery. The culinary team creates mouthwatering small plates and specials that keep guests coming back for something new, and servers and bartenders make personalized pairing suggestions creating memorable experiences for guests.

CHOP, BLOCK & BREW This restaurant features a woodburning mesquite grill. The rustic and relaxed environment serves as a perfect venue to enjoy pure-aged steaks, prime rib and seafood. The restaurant boasts a full bar including more than 30 draft and bottled craft beers, hand-crafted cocktails, premium whiskey and scotch. Looking for something a bit more casual? Check out… AGAVE’S RESTAURANT A modern dining space with amazing selections for breakfast, lunch and dinner, you’ll find something for any meal sure to please everyone in your party. And some quick-bite options… COPPER CACTUS GRILL Start your day with a breakfast burrito or quesadilla, or keep yourself in the action by refueling with a salad, sandwich, hot dog or char-grilled hamburger. Snacks like jumbo pretzels and nachos make it a great stop! DUNKIN’ Dunkin’ offers all your favorite freshbrewed coffee options, delicious doughnuts and sandwiches to get you going and keep you running throughout your day

EA R LY SUMMER 2022 | G O L D E N C O R R I D O R L I V I N G 5

Table of Contents

BIZ

YOU

FUN

Q&A

Should You Consider Filing a Small Claims Lawsuit?

‘Rare and Exotic’ Shop Opens in Maricopa

54 58 62

Out & About Renew Year-round with this Yoga Position 10 Things to Do for your Mental Health

The Science of Eating Together

Escape to Hidden Gems within U.S.

92 94

Join in Saturday Family Fun at Vista Grande Public Library

Erin Dugan Realtor, Coldwell Banker ROX Realty

Self-Express your Way to Discovery

G O L D E N C O R R I D O R L I V I N G | EARLY SU M MER 2022

Vote for your Local Favorites!

2022 BEST of Pinal County

www.goldencorridorliving.com/best-of-pinal Nomination deadline is 5/31/22

Advertiser Index

Absolute Homes / Vivid Landscape............................... 79 Academy Mortgage - CG................................................... 23 ACP Painting LLC.................................................................... 78 Annie-Mac Home Mortgage.............................................. 10 AZ Quality Plumbing LLC......................................................73 Brutinel Plumbing & Electrical.......................................... 85 Capital R Construction........................................................ 83 Casa Grande Alliance......................................................... 67 Casa Grande Family Dentistry......................................... 59 Central Arizona College...................................................... 64 CGI Communications.......................................................... 23 Coldwell Banker ROX Realty - Property Management..... 47 Coldwell Banker ROX Realty......................................... 9, 61, 75 Cypress Point Retirement Community.......................... 85 Dreamstyle Remodeling............................................. 69, 82 Felix Appliance Heating & Air - Maricopa...................100

EXECUTIVE PUBLISHER Elaine M. Earle, CPA

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Laurie Fisher

SALES & MARKETING Laurie Fisher, Director of Sales & Marketing Julie Turetzky, Director of Public Relations Jenna Leatherman, Sales & Marketing Assistant Keith Dobie, Social Media Coordinator

PRODUCTION & DESIGN Michele Rodriguez, Creative Director Shannon Price, Art Director Lindsey Fojtik, Graphic Designer

EDITORIAL Christia Gibbons, Senior Editor Blake Herzog, Staff Writer John Stapleton, Contributing Editor

OPERATIONS

Bea Lueck, General Manager

COMMENTS & IDEAS

Glover Court Solutions......................................................... 50

editor@roxco.com

Grande Innovation Academy........................................... 65

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Horsepower Carpet Cleaning........................................... 85 Hunter Pest Control............................................................... 25 Iron City Polaris ......................................................................37 Just Water Heaters............................................................... 99 Lifted High Garage Door Repair....................................... 83 Machado’s Hardscape’s........................................................2

info@roxco.com goldencorridorliving.com/copies

ADVERTISING INQUIRIES info@roxco.com goldencorridorliving.com/advertise

CORPORATE OFFICE 1919 N. Trekell Rd., Suite C Casa Grande, AZ 85122 520.426.2074

Maricopa Wellness Center.................................................. 61 McDill Insurance PLC............................................................. 51

CEO

Norris RV.................................................................................... 29

Elaine M. Earle, CPA

Raymond Law.......................................................................... 51

GENERAL MANAGER

Rent A Can............................................................................... 25 Rush Air Conditioning & Refrigeration LLC....................74 Seeds of Hope.......................................................................... 21 SHARP - Senior Health and Retirement Professionals........3 Sun Life Health........................................................................ 57 The Live it Well Place............................................................ 59 The Roost...................................................................................37 Title Security Agency........................................................... 49 Two Brother Plumbing.......................................................... 78 Water And Ice......................................................................... 39

G O L D E N C O R R I D O R L I V I N G | EARLY SU M MER 2022

Bea Lueck

Golden Corridor LIVING is published by ROX Media, LLC. Editorial content is provided by affiliates of ROX Media, LLC, community members and local organizations. © 2022. All rights reserved. No part of this publication, including but not limited to editorial content, illustrations, graphics and photographic images, may be republished, reproduced or reprinted without the prior express written consent of the publisher. The publishers of Golden Corridor LIVING assume no responsibility for errors or omissions of any advertisement beyond the actual cost of the advertisement. In no event shall the publishers be liable for any consequential damages in excess of the cost of the advertisement. Golden Corridor LIVING shall not be liable for inaccuracies, errors, omissions, or damages from the use of information contained herein. Submitted articles do not reflect the opinions of the owners or management of Golden Corridor LIVING Information contained within submitted articles had not been verified for accuracy and readers are responsible for forming their own opinions. Real estate information is as of 5-5-22 and is subject to current availability and pricing.

The Luxury Listings Team Coldwell Banker ROX Realty

ERIN DUGAN, PLLC Realtor®

KELLY HERRINGTON, PLLC Sales Manager/Realtor®

YZMIRA ANDUJO, PLLC Realtor®

520.709.0998 Erin@roxsells.com

520.780.0843 Kelly@roxsells.com

520.431.1190 Yzmira@roxsells.com

520.423.8250 | roxsells.com 1919 N Trekell Rd, Ste. A, Casa Grande, AZ 85122 ©2022 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker Logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC.

VA LOANS

GETTING VETERANS INTO HOMES...

Take advantage of your right to apply for a VA loan and get into your new home or refinance your current loan! Are you active-duty, a veteran, a reservist, or a surviving spouse of a veteran? You can apply for a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs loan with us, a qualified VA lender.

• Available to veterans, reservists, active-duty personnel and surviving spouses of veterans, based on military entitlement • No down payment* • No cash reserves • No application fee • No monthly mortgage insurance premiums

• VA funding fee may be financed • Seller is required to pay certain closing costs, thus decreasing the closing costs for the borrower • May pay off some consumer debt with the refinance loan program** • 1–4 unit primary residences with restrictions

Rudy Benitez

Licensed Mortgage Originator NMLS# 279367 Ph: 520.836.7776 Mob: 602.481.3967 rbenitez@annie-mac.com www.RudyLoans.com

AnnieMac Home Mortgage, 211 N. Florence Street • Suites 102 & 103 • Casa Grande, AZ 85122. American Neighborhood Mortgage Acceptance Company LLC (dba AnnieMac Home Mortgage, LoFiDirect) Arizona Mortgage Banker License (AZ BK #0926586), AZ Banker # 0948914 (LoFiDirect) NMLS 338923.

From the Publisher

A GOLDEN

Opportunity Hello! I’m the new associate publisher of Golden Corridor LIVING, and I couldn’t be more excited to be coming into the dynamic, growing Pinal County market! I’ve enjoyed meeting with many of the great people in Casa Grande, Maricopa and other communities and excited about the many more people to come! We are proud to be “The Voice of the Community,” and because our community is growing our voice is growing with it! I’m planning to expand our presence here through the print and digital versions of this publication and Pinal NOW – the only events calendar covering the entire county. We’re also developing some exciting new projects, so stay tuned! A little about me: I’m a sales and marketing professional with more than 30 years of experience in the publishing industry. I came onboard to ROX Media to focus on our Northern Arizona magazines, which we have more of than any other publisher. I want to thank Bea Lueck for giving me such a strong foundation to build upon since founding this publication (initially known as cg|ROX!) in October 2011 and becoming associate publisher last year. She is an invaluable asset across the ROX Group family of companies and will continue to serve as general manager of our products, along with her multiple other roles. Golden Corridor LIVING will continue to provide all the great coverage of local news, lifestyle, people and businesses you’ve come to love over the last eight-plus years, as you’ll see in this issue with our in-depth interview with Casa Grande native and businessman Scott Lehman, the Pinal County Press news section and our spotlight on local dining and adventure! We’re thrilled to be growing with you!

Laurie Fisher Laurie Fisher

Associate Publisher, Golden Corridor Living Magazine

EA R LY SUMMER 2022 | G O L D E N C O R R I D O R L I V I N G 11

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!

Angela Askey

Donna McBride

Micah Powell

Mila Besich

Craig McFarland

Bob Shogren

Executive Director, Public Relations and Marketing, Central Arizona College

Councilwoman, City of Casa Grande

Mayor, City of Eloy

Mayor, Town of Superior

Mayor, City of Casa Grande

Director, Casa Grande Alliance

Tiffanie Grady-Gillespie

Gigi McWhirter

Jon Thompson

Certified Physical Trainer, Certified Corporate Wellness Coach, WickedFiTT

Resident Animal Whisperer

Mayor, City of Coolidge

See more Voices and full bios at www.goldencorridorliving.com/voices 12

G O L D E N C O R R I D O R L I V I N G | EARLY SU M MER 2022

The upcoming CASA GRANDE AND MARICOPA RELOCATION WELCOME GUIDES

laurie@roxco.com or call 520.426.2074

RELOCATION GUIDE

maricopa

WELCOME TO

5 PRESCOTT | Relocation Guide

RELOCATION GUIDE

explore. livE. invest. thrive.

casa grande

4 PRESCOTT | Relocation Guide

WELCOME TO

Communicate your message to individuals, families and businesses relocating to Casa Grande or Maricopa in the upcoming Welcome Relocation Guides!

explore. livE. invest. thrive.

THE LATEST LOCAL NEWS

Stories by Blake Herzog

EARLY SUMMER 2022

New trucks ready for delivery at the NIKOLA manufacturing facility in Coolidge Photo Courtesy of Nikola Corporation

Nikola Ramping Up in Coolidge Nikola Corporation has completed Phase 1 of its electric truck manufacturing facility in Coolidge, raising its annual output capacity to 2,500 vehicles, and begun construction on Phase 2 to expand it almost tenfold by spring 2023. Plans call for capital investment of about $150 million this year at the site. Nikola first customer deliveries were commemorated April 27 during a ceremony featuring Gov. Doug Ducey. The Phoenix-based company held an Investors Day event in the factory at 680 E. Houser Road March 24, announcing commercial production of the Nikola TRE BEV began three days earlier. The first 14

deliveries of the battery electric vehicle are expected during the second quarter of 2022 and up to 300 to 500 total for the year. It is expected to be one of the first zero-emission semi-trucks to reach the commercial market, with a range of up to 350 miles per charge suitable for metro and regional hauls. About half of Nikola’s 40 pre-series trucks had been delivered, with the others awaiting final checks before being released. The company’s Twitter feed is peppered with photos of trucks bound for heavy equipment dealerships and test drives at spots around the country. Next up are the Nikola TRE FCEVs,

G O L D E N C O R R I D O R L I V I N G | EARLY SU M MER 2022

the hydrogen fuel-cell electric trucks that debuted at Nikola’s factory in Ulm, Germany in September and are projected to get up to 500 miles to each charge, though actual performance depends on the route’s topography and other factors. Alpha-phase vehicles had netted about 8,000 miles through a pilot program with Anheuser-Busch in the Los Angeles area since January. Beta vehicle builds are expected to begin in Coolidge and Ulm mid-year and the first commercial production beginning in Coolidge in the third quarter of 2023. Other goals for this year include

Continued on page 44

Maricopa Pantry Rebuilds after Fire

Maricopa Pantry, which has been serving the west Pinal County city for seven years, suffered a devastating loss when its storage and equipment facility was destroyed in a March 28 fire. Now it’s rebuilding with the help of the community. “We’re not done, it’s just a new beginning,” CEO and founder Jim Shoaf said in a Facebook video posted two days after the blaze that consumed several semi-trailers and a storage container full of food. Donations had already started pouring into a GoFundMe campaign and other portals for supporting the food bank. An estimated 40,000 to 50,000 pounds of food were lost in the blaze. Shoaf said St. Mary’s Food Bank in Phoenix and Midwest Food Bank in Gilbert had offered to help the pantry by sending trailers and food to the property as soon as it was safe to do so, and he hoped to build a more secure warehouse to replace the trailers. The trailers were behind Mountain View Community Church, where Maricopa Pantry is based, at 4066 N. Hidden Valley Road south of Maricopa. The church building was not affected, and no injuries were reported. Initial witness reports indicated the fire may have been caused by an animal chewing or getting caught in the wiring underneath one of the trailers. The food bank serves about 1,200 families per week, and swept the Maricopa Chamber of Commerce’s awards in the nonprofit category last year. Visit @MaricopaPantry on Facebook for updates. Donations to the food bank can be sent through: • www.maricopapantry.org • www.paypal.me/maricopapantry • Rebuild Fund for Maricopa Pantry at www.gofundme.com

Stories by Blake Herzog

The Pinal County Press

Photo courtesy of NASDAQ

Global Water Rings Nasdaq Bell from Maricopa Global Water Resources, Inc. “virtually” rang the opening bell for the Nasdaq stock exchange from its Maricopa offices on March 22 to commemorate the United Nations’ World Water Day. Global Water CEO Ron Fleming was surrounded by staffers as he spoke for a livestream displayed on the front of the stock exchange’s Times Square tower about the company’s commitment to managing water resources in the City of Maricopa and other locations in Pinal, Maricopa and Pima counties. “We seek to drive water sustainability with everything we do,” he said. “We’ve maximized the use of recycled water. We leverage advanced technology. We have smart pricing structures that convey the value of water, and we drive real conservation.” He also spoke of the importance of community partnerships and education in tackling the issues of water scarcity.

The UN’s theme for this year’s World Water Day was “Groundwater, Making the Invisible Visible.” Fleming said prior to the ceremony, “While indeed seemingly invisible to most of us, groundwater is a hidden resource that enriches all of our lives. It has become especially important in the desert Southwest where Global Water operates. “So, while groundwater may be out of sight, it should not be out of mind, and this is why we are so focused on delivering effective water management to help preserve this precious resource.” Global Water said it recycles 1 billion gallons of water annually in its service areas, making treated wastewater available through a separate system of pipes for use in landscaping and other nonpotable uses. It

Continued on page 45

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The

Interview

Scott at the Copper Cactus Awards

MEET CAR FUNNYMAN

Scott L ehman UP CLOSE by Blake Herzog

Scott Lehman is the fast-talking, funny pitchman of Premier Auto Center’s unforgettable radio and TV commercials. But that’s just the beginning

he employs 120 people with a mission to impact people lives in a positive way through providing affordable transportation solutions, while celebrating each other’s successes.

He’s also a Casa Grande native and son of local historian and retired fire chief and businessman Gene Lehman. He launched his own auto-selling empire here in 2007, growing into four more locations in Tucson, metro Phoenix and Texas.

He has a long history of public service working for his dad as a firefighter, sitting on the Casa Grande Union High School board and serving for 12 years as a pro tem justice of the peace while also supporting nonprofit organizations.

Through these locations and a business solutions center in Casa Grande for other small-town car sellers,

He and his wife Jennifer have five children, eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild on the way.

Golden Corridor Living: Much has been written about your parents, Gene and your late mom Judy, and their contribution to Casa Grande. What do you remember about growing up in Casa Grande? Scott Lehman: It was kind of like a Mayberry, when I was growing up. We went everywhere on our bikes. We grew up down on Kadota Avenue in a great little neighborhood, and we’d walk to La Grande pool; get on our bikes and ride all over this town to places that are now just completely built up. We got in a lot of mischief out there.

Golden Corridor Living: What schools did you go to? Scott Lehman: Evergreen Elementary, Casa Grande Junior High. Then high school right here at

the Union High School. I got married when I was a junior in high school and started having children. My oldest daughter who runs our call center, she’s now 40. I graduated out of that school through night school. I think I was the first person to do that. I would work during the day and go to school, and then I immediately went into the service, into the Army in 1980. I came back in ’84 and went to work in my dad’s video business.

Scott is proud to run a family business: his sister Lissa is human resources manager for his dealerships, oldest daughter Echo manages his Casa Grande call center serving other auto dealers, oldest son Levi runs his Vapor Grande lounges in Casa Grande and Mesa and granddaughter Mattyson, who is expecting their first greatgrandchild, works at the newest Premier Auto Center location in Gilbert. Scott and Jennifer now live in Tucson, with a summer home in Pinetop they often fly to in Scott’s own jet. Scott and his wife Jennifer

He had just started up Gene and Judy’s Video. I got my love of marketing from the video business because it was so fun. I remember I had a little convertible and put on this Gumby suit that I’d gotten from the studio. I found out I could get costumes from there when we bought movies, and I said, “Well, let’s get some of that.” I put on this suit and I’d drive around. I went to the school and waited for them to let out, and I had these flyers and I had a sign on the back, “Follow Me to Gene and Judy’s” and oh my gosh…

Golden Corridor Living: A natural-born salesman? Scott Lehman: Yeah!

Golden Corridor Living: Are you involved in the Casa Grande Valley Historical Society, just like your family was? Scott Lehman: I’m not personally involved in the historical society other than supporting them whenever they have their events and stuff like that. I’ve always supported them. Not like my dad, he’s really been involved with it, and I want to help. One of the things he wants to do is build a historical fire station at the historical society building where he can house the fire trucks and make it like the firehouse he remembered, because he was on the fire department for 50 years... So we’re going to start pursuing that pretty soon. I really want to see that happen for him because the fire department was such a big part of his life. I was on the fire department here for a dozen years. He had all his businesses while he was on the fire department; first he was a volunteer, then part-

time, but he was very, very active in it and became kind of the chief of the part-time department and kept that running. There are so many great fire stories from back then.

Golden Corridor Living: What were all the businesses he had? Scott Lehman: He started with the appliance business, and I remember he had a realty business. And then he got this crazy idea to move houses. He bought the hospital at Williams Air Force Base when it was for sale and he had no idea how to physically move a house, so he went into the housemoving business for a while. And then back to Lehman’s Appliance, he went into the video business, and I think they were in a gift business for a while, too. Just a serial entrepreneur.

G O L D E N C O R R I D O R L I V I N G | EARLY SU M MER 2022

Golden Corridor Living: What led you to the car business? Scott Lehman: I got recruited in 1994 by a friend of mine who worked for Cropper Chevrolet and was a customer at the appliance store. He saw me in a restaurant and he came to me and said, “Your name came up in a meeting. We think you’d be really good at this.” I went out and interviewed and they hired me right away. And I said, “Well, how does this work?” And they gave me a little bit of background, and then I just went out and started. I went back and forth between Cropper and Glenn Jones Ford a few times, learning more aspects of the car business, and used the marketing skills that I learned from my dad and just marketed myself. And next thing you know, I just kind of had a business within a

Scott and his crew

“

I SAID, ‘IT’S GOING TO WORK,’ AND SO HE RENTED IT TO ME AND IT JUST WENT GANGBUSTERS AS SOON AS I GOT ON THE RADIO AND STARTED BLASTING AWAY. — SCOTT LEHMAN

Scott presenting a donation to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Soutnern Arizona

business and kept growing until we had an opportunity to open our own center.

Golden Corridor Living: Premier Auto Center, on Pinal Avenue here in Casa Grande, was the first one you opened in 2007? Scott Lehman: Yes, the timing was terrible. We had a great year and then the world came to an end. It was 2008 and ‘09 and we kind of hung on by our fingernails and weren’t quite sure what to do. But I knew I needed to get to a place where I had mass media to create the character I am today. I couldn’t afford Phoenix, so I started looking in Tucson. One of my bank reps came in and I told him and he says, “Let me show you something.” We were on Google Maps. I called the owner and he had no business renting to me, we had no money. This was 2011. I told him what I was going to do in advertising it. He said, “That’s not going to work.” I said, “It’s going

to work,” and so he rented it to me and it just went gangbusters as soon as I got on the radio and started blasting away.

Golden Corridor Living: And do you still have just one location in Tucson? Scott Lehman: Yes. We’ve tried a few different spots and discovered we can pretty much do what we need to do down there with just one location and keep it simple.

Golden Corridor Living: And when did you expand to Phoenix? Scott Lehman: In 2019 I started looking up there, drove by a rented lot on Bell Road and I said, “This is the kind of lot we need.” A year later I got an email that the land might be for sale on Bell Road. It’s the perfect spot, between Interstate 17, Route 51 and the Loop 101. Continued on page 52

EA R LY SUMMER 2022 | G O L D E N C O R R I D O R L I V I N G 19

CASA GRANDE: LET’S BUILD ONTO OUR HOME

by Craig H. McFarland, Mayor, City of Casa Grande

Craig McFarland, Mayor, City of Casa Grande

We are home to 75 restaurants, 19 parks, 18 miles of trails, the Dorothy Powell Senior Center, the Casa Grande Community Recreation Center, Aquatic Center, two public libraries, a Neon Sign Park and many sports fields and open spaces.

These amenities provide the community with access to a number of year-round, indoor and outdoor recreational opportunities. For more information regarding the City’s facilities, parks, and trails, please visit www.casagrandeaz.gov. This year, the Mayor and Council is asking voters to approve a special bond election Nov. 8 focusing on parks, roads and fire stations. The funding/project proposal looks out to fiscal year 2023-2028 in terms of projecting the City’s assessed valuation and bonding capacity. The individual bonds to approve/disapprove are:

1. PARK AND RECREATION/OPEN SPACE IMPROVEMENT BONDS ($37 MILLION): To construct, improve and acquire community, neighborhood, regional and aquatic parks, including recreational facilities, buildings and improvements; to acquire land for parks, recreational facilities, buildings and open spaces; to make improvements, additions and replacements to existing parks and recreational facilities and buildings; to landscape, furnish and equip existing and new parks and recreational facilities and buildings. 2. PUBLIC SAFETY/FIRE BONDS ($22 MILLION): To construct, improve, renovate and remodel fire stations, other fire safety related facilities; to furnish, equip and improve fire stations, fire related facilities and radio infrastructure; and to acquire vehicles and land for fire and public safety purposes. 3. CIVIC BUILDINGS/IMPROVEMENT BONDS ($15 MILLION): To acquire, construct, improve, renovate, replace and remodel municipal buildings and facilities including municipal administrative buildings and facilities located within and around the city hall complex, including such improvements as HVAC systems, roofing, plumbing, electrical systems and generators, technology and other building components related thereto; to furnish and equip such municipal facilities, and improve the grounds thereof.

Palm Island Family Aquatic Park Photo courtesy City of Casa Grande

G O L D E N C O R R I D O R L I V I N G | EARLY SU M MER 2022

4. STREETS AND TRANSIT IMPROVEMENT BONDS ($51 MILLION): To design, acquire, improve, construct, reconstruct and rehabilitate the streets, avenues, alleys and highways of or within the City except in any industrial parks or industrial areas; to design, acquire, install, construct and reconstruct street lighting, traffic signal/control systems, underground utility lines, landscape improvements and related transit/bicycle program improvements, including shared use paths and trails; to acquire land and interests in land for transportation purposes, with the exception of any industrial areas or industrial parks.

volunteer volunteer volunteer

be a part of something bigger than yourself be a part of something bigger than yourself be a part of something bigger than yourself

seedsofhopeaz.com

COOLIDGE

PAVING THE WAY FOR EASIER, SAFER ROADWAYS

by Jon Thompson, Mayor, City of Coolidge

Jon Thompson, Mayor, City of Coolidge

I’d like to talk about the great work our public works department has done maintaining, replacing and upgrading roadways across the city.

The council and I have made roads one of our priorities based on feedback from past citizen surveys that identified road improvements as a high priority. Currently, there are many miles of roadway planned for improvement this year. This plan includes replacing some of the aging streets in our downtown area near San Carlos Park. These newly constructed roads not only help beautify the area but provide much needed relief for roadway users and our residents. Our downtown area is one of the largest areas we’ve focused on due to the aging infrastructure. I am especially proud of the recently constructed Coolidge Aquatic Center and the new road adjacent to the facility that includes Coolidge High School.

We’ve also focused on many heavily used roads across the city, including Signal Peak and Martin Road. I’m also happy to announce that approximately 80 trees will be planted along Coolidge Avenue to further beautify the area and provide shade along the street. These small steps enhance the overall use of our city streets and make walking along them more pleasant. As our City grows, roadways will continue to be an important priority for our citizens and those who travel through our city, especially as tourism to Coolidge increases. We are fortunate to have a national monument that showcases the rich history as well as the ancient desert people who called this area home. The Casa Grande Ruins National

Monument is a widely popular destination within the National Parks system. It’s on pace to attract more than 50,000 visitors this year. We also have a wide variety of dining options in Coolidge. From fast food to dine in, our city offers a great experience just a few blocks from the Casa Grande Ruins. We also have other destinations in Coolidge like the Gem and Mineral Museum and Historical Museum. These are a great complement to the Casa Grande Ruins and provide an excellent way to learn more about the vibrant culture of the area. I encourage you to visit Coolidge and take the time to explore all we have to offer. It’s a great place to work, live and play!

Road paving in downtown Coolidge. Photo courtesy City of Coolidge

G O L D E N C O R R I D O R L I V I N G | EARLY SU M MER 2022

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ADVENTURE ELEVATED IN

SUPERIOR by Mila Besich, Mayor, Town of Superior

Without a doubt, Superior is your destination for Adventure, Elevated! Mila Besich, Mayor, Town of Superior

From the breathtaking beauty of the Boyce Thompson Arboretum to the rugged trails on the Tonto National Forest designed for hiking, mountain biking and four wheeling, every adventure enthusiast can have a truly unique experience. In downtown Superior, you can find the Queen Creek Canyon segment of the Legends of Superior Trails (LOST) — a trail full of history and adventure. This segment of trail will celebrate 100 years this year. You can take a hike or bike ride on the first million-dollar highway (4mile round trip) built in America. The entire Legends of Superior Trails traverses 12 miles and connects Picket Post to downtown Superior. You can immerse yourself in Superior’s adventures of the past on a jeep tour with Superior Tour Company or a visit to the Bob Jones Museum.

During the summer, Superior temperatures are eight to 10 degrees cooler than the Phoenix Metro area, providing respite from the searing heat of the lower deserts. Head inside during the day’s warmer hours for cool treats at Felicia’s Ice Cream shop, Bella’s Marketplace or Mountainside Coffee. Or cap your Superior adventure with a visit to Porter’s Saloon, which was recently awarded the Best Burger in Pinal County. If local wine is something you desire, be sure you stop by the recently expanded Bruzzi Vineyard wine tasting room. The new location has added seating capacity, retail options and snack boards from Bella’s Cafe and Marketplace.

beers from across the country will surprise you. Superior also boasts authentic Mexican food at Los Hermanos Restaurant and Jalapenos. If Italian food is your favorite, a must stop is DeMarco’s Italian Restaurant — their sub sandwiches are also great for a picnic or sunset drive. You can easily spend a day or weekend in Superior. Consider staying at one of our local hotels and then plan on a hearty breakfast to start your day at Buckboard Restaurant or Miner’s on Main. Be sure to visit one of our many great boutiques, art galleries and retail shops that are sure to suit any fancy. We invite you to learn more about all we have to offer by visiting: www.superiorarizona.com.

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Boyce Thompson Arboretum Photo courtesy of Mila Besich

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FEATURE Dining & Adventure

Creating Food Truck

Magic by John Stapleton, Contributing Editor

It all started with a smoker rolling up to a location and letting the smell of barbecue pull people in. In 2020, Dexter Johnson had moved from Atlanta with the idea of bringing Southern soul food to Arizona. Lonnie’s BBQ & More was named after his grandfather, and it only took one time of introducing his food to Maricopa for everything to take off.

“The first day of opening there was an outpouring of support, and as each week passed by more and more people came,” Johnson says. “After 5 months, I outgrew the smoker.” Johnson is affectionately called “Chef Dex.” He says by 15 he had developed a love for cooking. “I actually taught myself how to cook,” he says. “Cooking for my brother and sister growing up gave me the skills I’ve come to acquire. I just go in the kitchen and tweak even my own recipes to come up with new and exciting flavors.”

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Typically, Johnson parks his trailer next to The Maricopa Real Estate Co. office on John Wayne Parkway in Maricopa. Though he had his regulars to keep him busy, not long after the trailer was setup, a popular YouTube vlogger by the name of Big Super made a visit to Lonnie’s BBQ & More. “He made a video on ‘The best BBQ in Maricopa’,” Johnson says. “The video brought so much attention that there were lines nonstop. So there was no real time to get the food truck operational, it was jump in the deep-end feet first and just start running.” While the truck sells a variety of soul food, including seafood on Sundays, Johnson says his ribs are the best item on the menu. “I’ve learned to make them tender,” he says. “My grandmother Louella would be able to eat them without having to chew too much — that is how tender I make my ribs. If you came to the truck and requested for me to make you any plate it would be the ribs, macaroni and cheese, and the green beans, and of course, you can’t forget Lonnie’s cornbread muffin!”

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The summertime can get rough for food trucks in Arizona. Johnson has adjusted so he can be open for dinner, catching many Maricopa residents on their way home. With two AC units on the truck, Johnson and his wife Tia Renee start serving at 5 p.m. most days. The goal is to also open a restaurant in the near future so people can come together and have an experience with Johnson’s food. “I think one of the best memories I’ve had is working on the Lonnie’s truck and a couple came up from Casa Grande,” Johnson says. “They ordered their food and the husband lowered the hatch on his truck and pulled out two chairs and he and his wife had a date night right there in the parking lot. They came to me after to tell me how great the food was. It’s little simple gestures like that that make me so proud of what I do.” Follow Lonnie’s BBQ & More on Facebook or email him at lonniesbbq@gmail.com.

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FEATURE Dining & Adventure

Play your Way at

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino Submitted by Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino

Nestled into the Santa Cruz Valley of Southern Arizona, Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino is in the northwestern part of Pinal County. A comprehensive entertainment location for nearly 30 years, the property offers something for everyone creating the perfect escape for a little time away from it all. Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino is Arizona’s first and only tribal casino to have an international management partner that allows guests, through its Caesars Rewards program, to unlock benefits and other prizes that can be used worldwide at the entire Caesars’ family of casinos. A TripAdvisor 2021 Travelers’ Choice Award winner, Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino boasts upscale accommodations and amenities surrounded by beautifully appointed public spaces, featuring architectural

design and artwork that pay tribute to the Native American culture and the Ak-Chin Indian Community. Guests can choose from luxurious rooms with views of the Santa Cruz Valley or resort-style accommodations that overlook a pool area featuring a swim-up bar and cabanas with meal service, television and comfortable lounge chairs that let guests soak up the sun in style. Want to take it to the next level? Check out The Spa to make it complete. THE SPA AT HARRAH’S AK-CHIN CASINO The spa features four beautifully appointed treatment rooms including one couple’s suite. Additional features include adjustable beds to ensure guest comfort and increased relaxation, complimentary LED Light Therapy

G O L D E N C O R R I D O R L I V I N G | EARLY SU M MER 2022

in each treatment room, a dedicated esthetics room with back bar feature, and the Signature Hungarian Face Massage featured in all the Eminence Facials. In addition, guests may add a Facial Enhancement to any massage. OAK & FORK A wine bar with perfectly paired small plates, Oak & Fork lets guests choose glasses, bottles and even tastes of wines at the touch of a finger by using a custom iPad programmed with all the chef-created food and beverage offerings. Wine Spectator Magazine took note, recently honoring Oak & Fork with an “Award of Excellence.” Dine indoors and enjoy the beautiful sunsets outdoors on the patio complete with comfy couches and a roaring fire.

CHOP, BLOCK & BREW Chop, Block & Brew features a wood-burning mesquite grill. The rustic and relaxed environment serves as a perfect venue to enjoy pure-aged steaks, prime rib and seafood. The restaurant boasts a full bar including more than 30 draft and bottled craft beers, hand-crafted cocktails, premium whiskey and scotch. The 3,454-square-foot restaurant features Native American-inspired artwork and design elements that highlight the culture and traditions of the Ak-Chin Indian Community. HARRAH’S AK-CHIN EVENTS CENTER The intimate showroom provides the perfect venue for live entertainment to meet everyone’s tastes. Whether you like country music, rock-n-roll or comedy, there is a show for you. Upcoming shows include Juanes — Origen Tour, unquestionably Latin Pop-Rock’s leading global ambassador and champion for social change, in May, and Josh Turner, one of country music’s most recognizable talents, in August. LIVE GAMING Guests can enjoy bingo, slot machines, video poker,

video keno and statewide progressives. If table games are your favorites, then pull up a seat at a blackjack, baccarat, roulette or craps tables, now available on the casino floor. Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino guests can now place their bets on their favorite sports teams as the Casino has opened Caesars Sportsbook at Harrah’s AkChin. Located adjacent to Live Keno, the sportsbook features a temporary setup of four self-service betting kiosks and two betting windows, set to be expanded at a later date. Betting windows are open Monday-Thursday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Kiosks are open 24/7. With every bet, Casino guests can earn tier and reward credits through the industry-leading loyalty program, Caesars Rewards, unlocking unique experiences within the Caesars portfolio of properties and partnerships. Whether it’s time away or a desire to be a part of the action, Harrah’s AkChin Casino offers more ways to play your way. For more information visit www.harrahsakchin.com.

Want to be a part of the action? Harrah’s AkChin Casino is hiring! Open positions represent a variety of areas including culinary, food and beverage, finance, audio visual, security, table games and environmental cleaning services. To view and apply for full-, parttime and on-call positions offering a flexible schedule visit www.harrahsakchin.com.

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FEATURE Dining & Adventure

Adventures

WORTH THE DRIVE! by Donna McBride

It’s time to head out on an adventure! While Pinal County has so many great places to visit, my husband Mike and I recently discovered a place up in Williams about 30 minutes west of Flagstaff and approximately four hours from Pinal County. Nestled in the heart of Northern Arizona, Williams is known as the gateway to one of the natural wonders of the world — the beautiful Grand Canyon. Williams is a quaint little town known for its Route 66 shops and restaurants that date back to the early 1900s. And while we have been to Williams several times, we had never visited another one of its treasures — Bearizona! Bearizona Wildlife Park has 160 acres of natural habitat in ponderosa pine forest. Depending on when you visit, you can experience all four seasons. We made the trek up the end of March when the temps were in the high 40s and hints of snow sprinkled the 20-acre walk-thru area. I was impressed at how close we got to observe the animals. From bears, deer, wolves and buffalo to birds, otters, porcupines and badgers, they were all active throughout our nearly four-hour visit. The park is well maintained with the roads easy for both cars and RVs.

Bearizona

Photo courtesy of Donna McBride

G O L D E N C O R R I D O R L I V I N G | EARLY SU M MER 2022

But don’t think about going in a convertible or on a motorcycle. There are some areas that require doors and windows to be shut and locked! Guests can drive-thru as many times as desired, as well as enjoy the walk-thru area. Another great day trip I have to recommend is the HeberOvergaard area. It takes three hours from Casa Grande by heading up Highway 87 to the 260 through Payson. As you make your way up the mountain to the rim area, you leave cactus for pine trees as you travel through Tonto National Forrest before landing in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. With free camping and picnic areas, this is a perfect lowcost getaway for families. The area is known for wild horses, deer, elk. We have never been disappointed to see herds of deer and beautiful horses. There’s a few local grocery stores and amazing locally owned restaurants. Whether you are retired and looking for a nice quiet drive or a family with little ones, take advantage of all our beautiful state has to offer this summer. Just don’t forget to come back home to Pinal County!

San Francisco Peaks - Flagstaff Photo courtesy of Donna McBride

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FEATURE Dining & Adventure

LOTS OF

Good Eating

OFFERED IN ELOY by Micah Powell, Mayor, City of Eloy

Robson Ranch Grill

Now that summer is nearly here, if your family is anything like mine, it is easier (and a treat!) to grab a meal to take home or just eat out. It sure beats heating up the kitchen and gets everyone out of the house. Many people don’t realize that Eloy has a broad range of dining options to satisfy almost any palette. These include fine sit-down venues, casual dining, fast food and even food trucks catering special events such as the Cruise Night in Downtown Eloy.

Denny’s 16189 S. Sunshine Blvd. 520.466.7016 Robson Ranch Grill 5750 W. Robson Blvd. 520.426.3331 Iron Skillet 5235 N. Sunland Gin Road 520.836.5745

Remember, great food and interesting places are closer to home than you thought!

Pizza Hut 3720 W. Tohono Drive 520.466.9407

ELOY RESTAURANTS Encore Family Restaurant 310 W. Frontier St. 520.466.3473

Flavor of India 3300 N. Chesley Road 520.466.3000

La Paloma Family Mexican Restaurant 116 W. Frontier St. 520.466.8226 Bent Prop Saloon & Cookery 4828 N. Taylor St. 520.466.9268 Tumbleweed Inn 3802 W. Frontier St. 520.466.9972

Golden 9 Restaurant 4965 N. Sunland Gin Road 520.836.0682 Los 3 Betos 4985 N. Sunland Gin Road 520.876.0093 FAST FOOD McDonalds Burger King Arby’s Nico’s

A&W Carl’s Jr. Cinnabon Subway Taco Bell Sbarro’s Godfather’s Pizza Express FOOD TRUCKS El General Alvarado’s Hot Dogs Renner’s BBQ ATM Tacos Calvin’s BBQ La Doña Mexicali Taste Ofelia’s Fry Bread Fry’s Kettle Corn SV Gourmet Kitchen (Vietnamese food) Thomm Yumm Thai

Supporting the Eloy restaurant scene means supporting the City of Eloy. Let’s all do our part by buying locally and recommending Eloy eateries to friends and customers. Eat well (and often!), enjoy your summer, stay cool and safe.

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FEATURE Dining & Adventure

Roads Less Taken

Lead to Adventure by Blake Herzog

Off-roading is as easy or hard a hobby to pick up as you want it to be, depending on the vehicle you have or want to have and how steep the terrain you want to conquer.

Whatever kind of adventure you seek, Pinal County has a perfect playground for you! Do check ahead for closures or other changes in road conditions. Unless stated otherwise, these are located on state trust land and require the appropriate permit. Pinal Air Park — This popular area is on the north side of the well-known hub for parked and in-use planes just off Interstate 10 at Pinal Air Park Road. It offers spectacular up-close views of these machines in action as well as the surrounding mountains. Box Canyon — This awe-inspiring trail northeast of Florence off state Route 79 follows a slot canyon with walls up to 1,500 feet high and widths of 15 to 20 feet in some spots. This mostly flat trail has some moderatelysized boulders to surmount and should be avoided if there’s any hint of rain in the skies or forecast. Otherwise it is a lovely 13-mile-long passage.

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Hackberry Creek — Just south of the Oak Flat campground east of Superior, this is a difficult trail over trails etched in granite, rewarding those with the equipment and skill with sweeping views of bouldercoated hills and difficult-to-fathom formations that keep your imagination in overdrive along with your vehicle. Stanfield and Maricopa Trail — You’ll find this at the intersection of Warren and Robin roads just north of state Route 84’s junction with I-10. This loop of just over 5 miles is an easy drive for most 4X4s and shows off some of the desert’s prettiest country, surrounded by impressive summits and threading through stands of saguaro and cholla. Tucson Wash — Just west of Mammoth, the 17-mile trail goes underneath a railroad trestle and uphill to an overlook with sweeping views of the high desert. It mostly follows a wide, sandy wash with a few mild obstacles as you approach the lookout. It’s on a mix of state-owned and private land so carry your permit with you.

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FEATURE Dining & Adventure

VISIT SAN MANUEL Motorcycle Museum by Blake Herzog

A San Manuel native is parlaying his lifelong passion for motorcycles, inherited from his father and uncle, into a museum in his Copper Corridor mining community. JWJ Cycles Motorcycle Museum houses Parrish Traweek’s 70-plus-andcounting collection of street bikes, dirt bikes, choppers, cruisers and more. “I do have some Harleys, but it’s not based on Harley Davidsons or anything like that. It’s more on Japanese bikes and sport bikes, though we just have a lot of everything,” he says. A few of them are restored, but most still have the wear and tear they picked up from years flying down tracks, roads and hills. He spent a lot of time and money fixing up that handful, he says, before “a light went on — why are

you restoring these bikes? They have their history right on them.” The cycles are displayed in the rebuilt 4,000-square-foot shell of a long-closed convenience store at 102 W. Main St.; its wooden freezers transformed into a TV room. Traweek, who is a professional pilot and manager of San Manuel’s Ray Blair Airport, bought the property two years ago to build a “man cave” for his bikes because he was running out of room in his hangar. It quickly turned into an opportunity to share his collection, which stretches back to Traweek family bikes from the 1950s, with legions of enthusiasts — locals, motorcycle clubs riding through on state Route 77, and thousands of riders and spectators who participate in the San Manuel Copper Classic, an off-road motorcycle race held every March.

Traweek, his wife Carla, sister Jacque Traweek Cruce and several more volunteers have worked throughout the pandemic to bring their vision to life. Museum visits are available by appointment, and there are plans to open it to the public on Saturdays and Sundays starting next spring, sell pastries from a local bakery and potentially boost local restaurants and other businesses. JWJ Cycles is named after Traweek’s father Jack and uncle Warren, who came out from Texas to Arizona in the 1960s to work and ride their bikes, along with his first wife Jill, who died in 2010 and always supported the family hobby. See www.jwjcycles.com for more information. To schedule a visit call 520.664.4812 or email jwjcycles@yahoo.com.

Photo by Richard Broeker

G O L D E N C O R R I D O R L I V I N G | EARLY SU M MER 2022

WATER Ice Cream

Out & About

Ice Cream

ICE

6/30/2022

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Robin Armenta

Robin.Armenta@coldwellbanker.com C: 520-414-8268 Coldwell Banker ROX Realty 1919 N. Trekell Rd., Ste A Casa Grande Az. 85122 O: 520-423-8250 | F: 520-423-8247 ©2022 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker Logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC.

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FEATURE Dining & Adventure

Stride into

Adventure on the Arizona Trail by Blake Herzog

The Arizona National Scenic Trail is an 800-mile path spanning our state from north to south, cutting through high plains, forests, mountains, deserts and canyons, slicing through the Grand Canyon itself. The nonmotorized trail also links wildlife habitats and human communities, establishing or reinforcing ties along the way. Hikers, runners, bikers and equestrians can trek its entire length or ramble along a few miles on a weekend afternoon.

Better known as the Arizona Trail, it connects deserts with their mountain “sky islands,” threads across the Superstition Mountains and crawls over the Mogollon Rim before reaching the San Francisco Peaks outside Flagstaff on the way to the canyon and through the sagebrush-strewn plateau north to the Utah border. It’s an invitation to adventure in every kind of landscape the state has to offer. The trail combines existing trails with connecting segments that create a continuous, non-vehicular route. It’s one of the premiere longdistance trails in the U.S., and a whole culture has sprung up around it as “finishers” register their feats with the Arizona Trail Foundation, whether it took them 10 days or 10 years to complete all 800 miles. A network of volunteers or “stewards” maintain the path through all weather patterns and occasional reroutes. The trail slices through eastern Pinal County from the Superstition

Mountains down through Oracle Ridge, letting users hike through mountains and canyons and carefully ford the Gila River (which does often have water there).

Tortilla Mountains, 27.8 miles — This remote stretch crosses BLM wilderness with iconic desert plant and wildlife species along with vistas of the Spring Mountains.

It is divided into “passages” for mapping and organizational purposes, and Pinal has seven diverse sections of single- and double-track trail to see the county’s past, present and future. From north to south they are:

Black Hills, 27.7 miles — Another lengthy stretch crosses numerous washes and passes remnants of earlier efforts to civilize this wildly open space, such as abandoned wells, windmills and cattle track.

Reavis Canyon, 17.8 miles — Begins at the Rogers Trough Trailhead and leads through saguaro-studded hills, then through the welcoming Reavis and Whitford canyons worn through the mountains by Queen Creek.

Oracle — 8.6 miles — Here you see Oracle State Park, a wildlife refuge that offers self-guided tours of the historic Kannally Ranch House and is an International Dark Sky Park.

Alamo Canyon, 11.6 miles — Starts at the Picketpost Trailhead by the mountain of the same name, traversing areas on the eastern edge of last year’s Telegraph wildfire. Gila River Canyons, 25.7 miles — This path takes you into the canyons along spectacular ridgelines and horizons. Then it follows the river itself, with its highly seasonal and variable flows.

Oracle Ridge, 15.3 miles — The northernmost quarter of this segment is in Pinal County, entering the Santa Catalina mountain range. If you keep going you’ll reach Mount Lemmon. MORE INFORMATION Some of these segments are difficult to reach and hike, and all require more research before attempting. Find information at www.aztrail.org.

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FEATURE Dining & Adventure

Photos courtesy of Aravaipa Farms Orchard and Inn

Discover the Hidden Paradise in

Aravaipa Canyon submitted by Aravaipa Farms Orchard and Inn

Reconnecting with ourselves and loved ones has become a necessity during the past couple years, and there’s hardly a better place to do so than within the regenerative embrace of Aravaipa Canyon, just one and a half hours northeast of Tucson.

This wilderness area is a rarity in Arizona with an abundance of life bubbling up from the year-round flowing water of Aravaipa Creek. Stopping to listen to the creek’s song is almost mandatory, while birds’ tunes weave in and out of the rustling cottonwood trees stretching to the sky. Just 5 miles from the west entrance of the canyon, you’ll find the pristine property of Aravaipa Farms Orchard and Inn. This locally owned inn is made up of five charmingly rustic “casitas,” a threebedroom farmhouse and one Airstream. Crossing over the creek onto the property, surrounded by an orchard of more than 900 fruit trees, is nothing short of magical. Visit during a harvest season and you may be lucky enough to pick fruit yourself: Apricots and peaches are ripe in June through July, Asian pears are in August through September, and citrus is available December through February. If you are among the few people to get a hiking permit for Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness, don’t miss the opportunity. But if not, there are other ways to reconnect with nature at Aravaipa Farms. A couple other hikes

in the area are just as beautiful, yet hardly frequented by other hikers. A kid-friendly creek walk leaves right from the inn. There is a well-maintained path that loops around the orchard, a hike that starts from one of many stargazing spots, and Brandenburg Mountain is just a short distance away. If hiking isn’t your thing, there’s plenty to do without leaving the property. The dark skies around the canyon are perfect for stargazing year-round but particularly during the new moon each month. Two meteor showers make grand appearances each year, amazing guests right from their private patios. If you’re there during the spring or summer, you’re sure to want to take a dip in the pool to cool off, and board and lawn games are provided for those looking for another kind of fun. If you have a crafty side, stop by the on-site market to grab one of the paint-your-own birdhouse kits. This unspoiled rustic getaway is sure to leave you feeling regenerated and relaxed. Visit www.aravaipafarms.com to book your stay or email info@aravaipafarms.com.

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The Pinal County Press

Stories by Blake Herzog

Nikola Continued from page 14

The former Superior High School building (Photo by Blushing Cactus Photography)

Superior Wins Grants for Key Projects The Town of Superior has clinched $4.25 million in appropriations for construction of a new community hub and restoration at the headwaters of Queen Creek. President Joe Biden signed an omnibus budget bill March 15 authorizing $1.5 trillion in spending across federal government programs, including $2.25 million to revitalize the Queen Creek watershed and $2 million to renovate the original Superior High School campus into a social and entrepreneurial hub for the community. Mayor Mila Besich and Councilman Gilbert Aguilar recently returned home after meeting with Arizona’s congressional delegation, and the Town applauded its members for securing the grants for what it considers important projects for the future of Superior and the surrounding area. The two projects are: • Multi-Gen Center — The former high school campus will house Superior’s library and senior center, a new gym and dance studio and other venue spaces, along with a workforce and business incubator that is the focus of the federal grant. “Superior has the potential to grow exponentially in the future. Because of Congressman Tom O’Halleran’s leadership and hard work, and that of U.S. Senators Mark Kelly and 44

Kyrsten Sinema to fund our Workforce, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center, we will be able to grow good, highpaying jobs that will enable our Town to build a stronger, more diverse and sustainable economy,” Mayor Besich said. “We applaud our Arizona congressional delegation for their efforts.” The center is envisioned as a onestop center for aspiring and current local business owners and employees to work and access training and technical assistance. It will incorporate a commercial kitchen for use by food entrepreneurs and culinary students. • Queen Creek Restoration Project — Funds included in the Army Corps of Engineers’ budget will install reclaimed water pipeline and rehabilitate existing infiltration pipes. Town officials said the continued restoration work will encourage sustainable economic development alongside mining activity while protecting water quality for future generations. The Town lauded Rep. Greg Stanton, the only member the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, for leadership on securing the funding, part of an $18.5 million appropriation to water infrastructure projects in rural parts of the state.

G O L D E N C O R R I D O R L I V I N G | EARLY SU M MER 2022

beginning construction on the company’s first hydrogen production hub at a tobe-announced location in Arizona. The Coolidge factory will serve the North American market and will eventually be able to produce up to 45,000 vehicles per year, while the German location will focus on the European Union and churn out up to 10,000 trucks annually. The company said it had a total of 1,012 employees as of March but didn’t specify how many were based at the Coolidge plant. Nikola made several more announcements in the first quarter of this year, including: • Alta Equipment Group has been awarded the company’s sales and service territory in Arizona, expanding Alta’s Nikola agreements beyond the northeast U.S. and replacing Empire Transport. • Michael Lohscheller, formerly the CFO of Mitsubishi Motors Europe, was named Nikola’s president in February, reporting to CEO Mark Russell and leading global sales development. • A partnership with Corcentric Fleet Funding Solutions, where the latter will purchase Nikola vehicles and charging assets and offer bundled leases to customers, complete with fueling and maintenance. • An agreement with ENGS Commercial Finance Co. to provide financing for the purchase of Nikola trucks. • Letters of intent with four transportation companies for the purchase of up to 100 trucks each. • The Tre BEV qualified for vouchers worth up to $150,000 under California’s HVIP incentive program for hybrid and zero-emission trucks.

Stories by Blake Herzog

The Pinal County Press

Casa Grande to Roll Out Van Transit Service The City of Casa Grande is preparing to unveil its first-ever public transit this fall — “demand-response” vans offering door-to-door service without following a fixed route. Deborah Brunner, its recently hired transit manager, told the Pinal County Press the project had been in the works before gas prices surged following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, but the

timing could promote public interest in the new amenity. “Certainly, the rising cost of fuel might entice some people to leave their car at home and use public transit,” she said. “We encourage the community to give transit a try. Our goal is to provide a safe, convenient and reliable service so that they choose transit first!” In April, the City was researching its

options for leasing up to two vans, either directly or through a service provider, and rides will be free of charge for the first six months. The staff-recommended fee after the initial period is $1.50 per one-way ride. Users will be able to schedule rides by calling a dispatcher a day in advance, and

Continued on page 97

Global Water Continued from page 15 has more than 50,000 service accounts across its water systems and could serve hundreds of thousands more as development continues in its territory. Global Water, whose Nasdaq acronym is GWRS, was founded in 2003 and has been listed on the stock exchange since 2016. It has served the City of Maricopa area since purchasing the Santa Cruz Water Company and Palo Verde Utilities (wastewater) company in 2004 and strives to create efficiencies in geographic areas through managing the complete water-use cycle.

The Global Water team (Photo courtesy of Global Water) EA R LY SUMMER 2022 | G O L D E N C O R R I D O R L I V I N G 45

BIZ Economy, Finance & Business

Involved in a Small Financial Dispute?

Consider Filing a Small Claims Lawsuit Small claims lawsuits offer an inexpensive, speedy and relatively informal option for resolving many financial disputes where the disputed amount is up to $3,500. by Ed van Vianen

www.pinalcountyaz.gov/Judicial (click Justice Courts, Small Claims Cases). The procedures are simplified and streamlined so parties can file, prosecute and defend their cases without the assistance of an attorney. Indeed, attorneys cannot appear or take part in a small claims case unless both parties agree to it in writing. (Attorneys may represent themselves, however.)

Attorney Ed van Vianen People sometimes find themselves in disputes over a “small” contractual debt or a “minor” property damage or personal injury claim. Where the amount of the claim is $3,500 or less, the small claims division of a justice court precinct is an excellent forum in which to resolve the claim. Procedures. Every Arizona justice court precinct has a small claims division. Both parties in a small claims case may obtain instructions and forms from the court, or in Pinal County visit the “Small Claims Cases” page at 46

A justice of the peace or a hearing officer hears the case. There is no right to a jury trial, and there is no right to appeal. The decision of the Justice of the Peace or hearing officer is final and binding on both parties. Plaintiff considerations. When compared to other forms of dispute resolution, a small claims lawsuit is cheap, quick and simple. However, before heading to small claims court, the plaintiff should take into account a variety of considerations, including: • Have you reviewed the procedural

rules? Are you comfortable that you can abide by those rules in presenting your case?

G O L D E N C O R R I D O R L I V I N G | EARLY SU M MER 2022

• Are you so emotionally vested in

your claim that you are unable to pursue it by yourself and may need the help of an attorney? • Can you support your claim with

strong evidence, including reliable documents and/or credible witness testimony, or is your evidence too sparse or weak to win your case? • If the justice of the peace or

hearing officer decides against you, can you live with that final result? Under the right circumstances, small claims lawsuits allow parties to resolve issues over a variety of financial claims and can be an ideal way for parties to get relief and attain closure of their civil disputes.

Ed van Vianen is an attorney at Fitzgibbons Law in Casa Grande. For over 20 years, he has represented clients in civil litigation, real estate disputes, bankruptcy and employment issues.

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BIZ Economy, Finance & Business

‘Rare and Exotic’ Shop Opens in Maricopa by John Stapleton, Contributing Editor

For Ruben Rivera, it has been a lifelong goal to have a place where he could share his knowledge and love for all things that slither, creep and crawl in the shadows. He and his family opened Desert Grown Reptiles March 26. “I’ve been into bugs and reptiles since I could remember,” Rivera says. “One memory that I will always remember is getting in trouble in kindergarten because I emptied my school box contents into my desk cubby and filled it with ants during recess.

“I was sitting at my desk just watching them eat scraps of my sandwich when my teacher came around and was shocked to see my ‘school box’ terrarium!” Rivera says his parents never had issues with his fascination, even allowing him to own a few venomous snakes as he grew up in Texas. He kept his interest as a hobby, but as the population of Maricopa and Pinal County grew, Rivera believed he wasn’t alone in wanting a local shop.

His friends who had opened shops in the Phoenix area, and they were doing well. Rivera knew about reptiles, spiders and bugs, and for business management, his wife Salina had that experience. Rivera left his job of 15 years and went full throttle on opening Desert Grown Reptiles and Exotics just a few minutes south of Maricopa. “Things are a little scary, but I know taking this risk is what I need to do,” Rivera says. “As far as goals for the shop, we will strive to be one of the best reptile shops in Arizona and provide our customers with outstanding products, service and the help and information to help them keep healthy and happy reptile pets. “We’re also looking to offer classes for schools, home school groups, scout troops and also do public and private events, presentations and classes.” The shop is home for a variety of creatures including popular lizards and snakes. It also has food, enclosures and accessories. Rivera also has a national network of friends and breeders who can help in the acquisition of specialty creatures.

L-R: Selena, Diego and Ruben Rivera Photo by Volo

G O L D E N C O R R I D O R L I V I N G | EARLY SU M MER 2022

“I love how reptiles are being kept in more and more homes,” Rivera says. “Reptiles are great pets as they require less housing and feeding

Photo by Volo

requirements than your typical pet dog or cat. Reptiles are also great options for kids with certain allergies that keep them from keeping your more common pets.” Rivera says studies show children growing up with pets are less likely to suffer from anxiety. “It might be a result of special vibes our little friends tend to express, but one thing remains clear, pets can work as an excellent stress reliever.”

Desert Grown Reptiles and Exotics 49237 W. Papago Road, No. 3 Maricopa, AZ 85139 520.568.7524 dgrexotics@gmail.com (Closed on Mondays)

Photo by Volo

EA R LY SUMMER 2022 | G O L D E N C O R R I D O R L I V I N G 49

BIZ Economy, Finance & Business

DIY ESTATE PLAN:

What Could Possibly Go Wrong? by Patricia Glover, Advanced Certified Paralegal, Notary Signing Agent, Certified Legal Document Preparer If an estate plan is not set up correctly, it isn’t worth the piece of paper it’s written on. In Arizona, the basic requirements of a written last will and testament include:

• •

•

Must be in writing. Must be signed by the testator or in the testator’s name by some other individual in the testator’s conscious presence and by the testator’s direction. Must be signed by at least two people, each of whom signed within a reasonable time after

•

that person witnessed either the signing of the will or the testator’s acknowledgment of that signature or acknowledgment of the will.

• •

•

Testator must be at least 18. Testator must be of sound mind.

•

There are things an experienced estate planner knows to incorporate:

• •

Who will care for minor children? Is there anyone you want to specifically disinherit?

•

Will creditors or the government be able to seize your beneficiary’s inheritance by attachment of distributions? Can provisions be made for the long-term care of a special needs beneficiary? What happens if you become incapacitated? Can you revoke/amend your estate plan?

Working with an experienced estate planner provides reassurance that important details are not unintentionally omitted.

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The

Interview

I am probably best known for my Nickel Pickle commercial. This was inspired by a friend of mine in Pennsylvania. With his permission I “borrowed” and made it special. I have added things like auto tuned versions and other variations. It has taken on a life of its own to the point now I love putting on the pickle suit and reading stories about pickles at elementary schools. The kids love it and I have fun with it. And then some of the stuff we come up with. We just made this commercial this morning we came up with called Gas Stinks, because gas prices are so high, we’re going to have a take on high gas prices.

Continued from page 19

And we were able to make a deal on that at the end of 2020, opened in 2021. That did really well, and we started looking again right away and found our most recent store in Chandler, on Arizona Avenue and Guadalupe, we opened in March of this year. Right before the pandemic we got the Mitsubishi franchise for Casa Grande and then everything got put on hold, but we’re now back in the swing of remodeling that store, getting it to look good. We have Premier Mitsubishi as part of our store in Casa Grande. I’m really proud of the Mitsubishi store, we have the highest customer satisfaction in our region, I think now for six quarters in a row. That team does just an amazing job at taking care of customers. We’re in the middle of remodeling the Casa Grande store. It will still be one store, it’ll just be much nicer. So we’re going to get that branding on its way. And then we have one in El Paso, Texas, an independent Premier Auto Center.

I consult with other car dealers, and a little over a year ago we started this call center, Aspire Solutions, and that is managing leads for other dealers across the country that are like us, but don’t really know how to manage the leads. We’re really good at it. The whole idea is it helps us not only impact other dealers because they’re now able to help other people, but it really expands our ability to help solve problems for more people across the country. It’s really cool.

Golden Corridor Living: How do you come up with some of your iconic advertising campaigns? What do most people associate you with? Scott Lehman: I write many of the commercials myself and I always try to come up with something I hope will make some people laugh out loud. I try not to take myself too seriously and think the car buying process should be fun. I get many ideas from the issues people are talking about, like gas prices etc. Other campaigns are inspired by friends in the car industry. I always try to tweak them and make them my own.

G O L D E N C O R R I D O R L I V I N G | EARLY SU M MER 2022

Whatever the current conversation is, we try to find a way to create something involving that.

Golden Corridor Living: Explain what “The Dealer for the People” means. Scott Lehman: Dealer for the people means we put the customer first before everything else. We believe everyone deserves to drive a nicer newer car. We are on a mission to change the car business and focus on the impact a car makes on someone’s life. But I say it’s more than just a slogan. What it means is we put our customers first before everything. And it’s just looking at the car business not as selling cars but providing the solutions to the everyday problems that keep people stuck in a car they hate. I was just in here talking to my people. I got a whole new class of people that are going through to help us out in our Aspire call center and explained to them that really what we do is we change people’s lives. We do it through cars, but our purpose is to impact their lives because what we’ve found is a nice, newer, reliable car can change someone’s life like you have no idea.

Sometimes we take it for granted, but there are people who really are impacted by it just because we worked harder, found a way to get them a nicer, newer car than anyone had done before. And that’s what we get really proud of is when we are able to help somebody that someone else couldn’t help. I call them For the People stories. And we have found so many stories where maybe somebody was able to go to have visitation with his kid that he couldn’t do before. I had a guy just cry because he said, “I can go get my daughter.”

Golden Corridor Living: And right now, many people are priced out of cars. There isn’t that much inventory, there’s not much to choose from. And they feel like they’re in a pickle? Scott Lehman: It’s harder now, but we’re still finding a way to help people. But it is more difficult. But this’ll change; come the other way and the market will right itself when the supply chain stuff gets back to the level.

Golden Corridor Living: Do you gather the For the People stories and put them on a website? Scott Lehman: We don’t really, because there are a lot of stories that people don’t want shared publicly, that they share with us and we do share them internally. We have a meeting every month. We have to do it now mostly by Zoom. And now that we’ve grown, it just makes more sense. Part of that meeting is to share these For the People stories and tell us how we changed somebody’s life this month, because that’s what I want to focus on. I want our people to go home feeling like they accomplished something, feeling like they did something valuable rather than just sell a car. If you can go home and tell your significant other that, “Man, you’re not going to believe what we did today for somebody,” so maybe it’s somebody’s first car, we’ve had people that couldn’t put their whole family in a car and

we were able to get them into something the whole family could be in and go on vacation together. A lot of stuff that we take for granted, people struggle with and when we can fix that, that’s what’s fun. We create solutions for our people, too. We have so many people’s lives we’ve changed after they come to work for us, they are now homeowners. They can do things they couldn’t do before; their kids have their own bedrooms they didn’t have before. And to me, that’s what really begins to drive me. By continuing to build an organization built on a solid foundation we’re able to provide opportunities for people inside and outside the company. Continued on page 86

EA R LY SUMMER 2022 | G O L D E N C O R R I D O R L I V I N G 53

YOU Health, Happiness & Education

Out & About Exciting events and striking scenery in the Golden Corridor area!

Submit your photos to our Facebook page or email to: photos@roxco.com

Blushing Cactus Photography

Rick Reesman Ronnie Rodriguez

Bea Lueck

Blushing Cactus Photography

Bea Lueck

YOU Health & Happiness

Stay Hydrated My Friends by Tiffanie Grady-Gillespie, Certified Physical Trainer, Certified Corporate Wellness Coach, WickedFiTT

Believe it or not, as you are reading this, you are sweating.

and tissues. So, you can understand just how important staying hydrated is.

Many of us think we need to be exerting ourselves like exercising to be sweating, but that is not the case! And with our hot summers, it is a prime time to fall behind on hydration, as our sweat rates increase.

Fact: Dehydration is one of the leading causes of hospitalizations during the summer.

Let’s talk about water. It is one of the most important elements for all living things. The human adult body is made of about 50% to 75% water. It’s essential for supplying nutrients through the body and removing waste, maintaining blood circulation and body temperature. It aids in digestion, prevents constipation, cushions joints, stabilizes the heart eat and protects vital organs

What are signs you may be dehydrated? Dry mouth, headaches, extreme fatigue, increased thirst, dizziness or dry skin, muscle cramps, loss of appetite. So, how much water do you need? There is really no one size fits all when it comes to how much. I will tell you, it is always a great idea to drink more than you think you need. One rule of thumb that many professionals use is that women should average 2.7 liters of water each day while men should average 3.7 liters of total water.

Here are a few hydration tips for summer:

• Start by drinking 12 ounces of

water each morning when you wake up and again before bed.

• Eat your water: cucumbers,

celery, tomatoes, watermelon, spinach, strawberries and grapefruit all contain 90% water or higher.

• Always keep a full water bottle

with ice in tow while working out.

• Exercise and sweating depletes

us of electrolytes; coconut water replenishes them.

Try this amazing super easy DIY slushy after a workout.

CUCUMBER LIME SLUSHY 1 med long 1 lg ¼ cup 2 tbs 3-4 cups ½ cup

English cucumber Lime, juiced Fresh mint leaves Honey (and a pinch sea salt — I like pink Himalayan salt) Ice cubes Cold water

Place everything in the jug of a blender, starting with the water and finishing with the ice cubes. Blend, add a bit more water if needed and serve!!! AMAZING !!

G O L D E N C O R R I D O R L I V I N G | EARLY SU M MER 2022

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YOU Health & Happiness

Renew Year-round

with this Yoga Position by Sue Schaffer, Instructor/Owner, The Live it Well Place Gold Canyon

Change, growth and newness are inevitable forces of Mother Nature that reshape our world every season and influence our life perspective every day. How can you blossom year-round? Can you visualize the opportunity to create the right components for a new life, habits and healthy changes? One step, one change, can sometimes be all that is necessary to launch a person into a happier lifestyle. Turning upside down can expand your perspective, along with grounding and energizing you. One way to energize while reflecting about your intention is to spend time with your legs up the wall, a yoga practice that drains lymphatic fluid and blood from the legs to enhance detoxification. UP-THE-WALL POSE

1. Sit on the floor next to a wall. Lower your shoulders and head to the floor, lying on your side. Then roll onto your back and stretch your legs up the wall, with your feet hip-distance apart or whatever distance feels comfortable.

2. Adjust your position by scooting your

tailbone toward the wall; no need to touch the wall.

3. If your lower back is uncomfortable,

you can put a folded blanket under your hips. You also can wrap a strap or blanket around your legs so they rest in place without effort.

4. Find a comfortable position for your

arms at your side, with palms turned up; relax your arms and shoulders.

5. Relax your legs against the wall; release all effort. You might feel your femurs sink into your hip sockets. Feel the spine lengthening. Settle into the pose and breathe for at least 10 minutes.

6. To come out of the pose, bend your knees and roll to your side. Remain here for a few breaths before using the strength of your arms to slowly push yourself away from the wall and back up to seated.

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EA R LY SUMMER 2022 | G O L D E N C O R R I D O R L I V I N G 59

YOU Health & Happiness

Collagen Peptides:

Powerhouse Supplement or Edible Hoax? by Kristina Donnay FNP-C, Maricopa Wellness Center

Collagen is a special type of protein that accounts for as much as 30% of the body’s total protein. It’s a primary structural component of connective tissue. Collagen constitutes 75% of skin, 70% of ligaments, 65% to 80% of tendons, 50% of cartilage, 30% of tooth dentin, 16% of bone and 10% to 11% of muscle fibers. It also plays a part in the structure of the arteries and veins. The amino acid composition of dietary collagen is extremely similar to human collagen, making dietary collagen peptides an ideal source for supporting body collagen turnover and renewal. Compared to other proteins, collagen has a unique amino acid composition. Collagen is an effective choice in supporting strength and flexibility of bones, tendons and cartilage, appearance of skin and nails, and GI tract health. Many people — the elderly in particular — do not consume enough protein. If a person decides to supplement their bodies with collagen, they must look for one that is hydrolyzed. This means the collagen has been broken down into small peptides easy for the body to digest and transport to the cells where needed. Benefits of collagen peptides include:

•

Healthy skin elasticity, thickness, hydration, appearance.

•

Improved brittle nails, damaged hair and fine lines and wrinkles.

•

Improved symptoms of osteoarthritis, osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis by reducing joint pain. Improved joint tissue health and function involving cartilage, tendons, and ligaments.

•

Possible improved gut health and reduced symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.

•

Improved recovery time and joint function in athletes.

G O L D E N C O R R I D O R L I V I N G | EARLY SU M MER 2022

Starting in your 20s, your body starts losing collagen. By the end of 40, you’re likely to lose 1% of your bodily collagen per year. Taking collagen peptides can help prevent unwelcome health woes by replenishing some of your body’s collagen supply. Collagen peptides comes in a powdered form and typically is made from bovine (beef) or porcine (pork) sources. Marine collagen supplements made from fish also are available. Currently, there are no vegan sources of collagen supplements, as collagen itself comes from the bones and skin of animals. Here at Maricopa Wellness Center our collagen peptides contain three highly potent forms of collagen; ensuring you get all the various benefits in an easily digestible form. It is nonflavored and can easily be mixed into hot or cold drinks.

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EA R LY SUMMER 2022 | G O L D E N C O R R I D O R L I V I N G 61

YOU Health & Happiness

10 THINGS TO DO FOR YOUR

Mental Health submitted by Sun Life Health

While we often associate taking care of ourselves with eating healthy and working out, we forget that it also means keeping our mind healthy. Here are 10 things we can do for our mental health. 1. Value yourself: Treat yourself with kindness and respect, and avoid selfcriticism. Make time for your interests, hobbies and favorite projects. 2. Take care of your body: • Eat nutritious meals • Drink plenty of water • Exercise, which helps decrease depression, anxiety and improve moods • Get enough sleep 3. Surround yourself with good people: People with strong family or social connections are generally healthier than those who lack a support network. Make plans with supportive family members and friends, or seek out activities where you can meet new people, such as a club, class or support group.

5. Learn how to deal with stress: Practice good coping skills — exercise, take a nature walk, play with your pet or try journal writing. Remember to smile and see the humor in life.

10. Get help when you need it: Seeking help is a sign of strength. People who get appropriate care can recover from mental illness and addiction and lead full, rewarding lives.

6. Quiet your mind: Meditating, relaxation exercises and prayer can soothe. Research shows that meditation may help you feel calm and enhance the effects of therapy.

It can take as little as a minute to help improve both mental and physical health by using simple strategies. Too often our minds are traveling at the speed of light bouncing from thought to thought, many of which are stressful.

7. Set realistic goals: Decide what you want to achieve academically, professionally and personally, and write down the steps you need to realize your goals. Aim high, but be realistic and don’t over-schedule. 8. Break up the monotony: A little change of pace can perk up a tedious schedule. Alter your jogging route, plan a road trip, take a walk in a different park, hang some new pictures or try a new restaurant. 9. Avoid alcohol: Keep alcohol use to a minimum; it can only aggravate problems.

4. Give yourself: Volunteer your time and energy to help someone else.

G O L D E N C O R R I D O R L I V I N G | EARLY SU M MER 2022

Taking a full deep breath or focused breath can help relieve tension and lead to physical relaxation. All we have to do is start.

YOU Education

CAC Once Again Designated

a Military Friendly School

Central Arizona College has earned the 2022-2023 Bronze Military Friendly® School designation. Institutions earning this designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. More than 1,800 schools participated in the 20222023 survey with 665 earning special awards for going above the standard. The 2022-2023 Military Friendly® Schools list will be published in the May and October issue of G.I. Jobs magazine and can be found at www.militaryfriendly.com. Methodology, criteria and weightings were determined by Viqtory with

input from the Military Friendly® Advisory Council of independent leaders in the higher education and military recruitment community. Final ratings were determined by combining the institution’s survey scores with the assessment of the institution’s ability to meet thresholds for student retention, graduation, job placement, loan repayment, persistence (degree advancement or transfer) and loan default rates for all students and, specifically, for student veterans.

designation. Central Arizona College remains dedicated to our veteran students and their families.” For more information about Central Arizona College’s student veteran programs visit www.centralaz. edu/va or contact: Elizabeth. Barrett@centralaz.edu.

Elizabeth Barrett, CAC Military & Veteran’s Services School Certifying Official, said: “We are honored to once again receive this

FREE Tuition for Summer 2022 REDUCED IN-STATE TUITION for Fall 2022: $50/credit

www.centralaz.edu 64

G O L D E N C O R R I D O R L I V I N G | EARLY SU M MER 2022

YOU Health & Happiness

THE SCIENCE OF

Eating Together by Sofia Burckhardt, Casa Grande Alliance

Over summer vacation, our children have a chance to relax, destress and recharge for the next school year. Take this opportunity to establish or reestablish family mealtime. According to Patrick A. Coleman, in an article published on fatherly.com, there are some striking benefits to the increasingly lost art of group gustation. DEVELOPMENTAL BOOSTS For the littlest family members, sharing a dinner at the table with parents does several awesome things. First, it helps promote language skills as you talk about the day. It also helps them develop patience and dexterity through the use of utensils. And it helps them develop such social skills as manners and taking turns. IMPROVED MENTAL HEALTH One study, published in the journal Pediatrics, found that kids who regularly enjoyed family meals

were less likely to experience symptoms of depression and less likely to get into drug use. BONDED FAMILIES Research suggests that when a family eats together they feel a strong bond with one another. Everyone leads disconnected lives at work and school, and this time allows them to reconnect. BETTER GRADES The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University has done a series of studies on the importance of family meals. One showed that kids who eat with their family fewer than three times a week were twice as likely to report receiving Cs or worse in school. Kids who ate with family five to seven times per week did much better, reporting mostly As and Bs.

PHYSICAL HEALTH Families that eat together make better food choices. One study from Stanford University reported that kids who eat family dinners are less likely to eat fried food and saturated fats, and seek out stuff like fruits and veggies. Additionally, research from the American Society for Nutrition found that young children who ate at home with their families had a lower bodymass index than kids who did not. INCREASED SAVINGS A sample estimate finds that a family of four could save nearly $40 a week, per person, simply by shifting meals into the house. The best part about getting together for dinner is that it becomes ingrained in a family’s tradition if you start the habit early.

EA R LY SUMMER 2022 | G O L D E N C O R R I D O R L I V I N G 67

YOU Pets

Guard your Dog Against

Distemper by Gigi McWhirter

Distemper is one the most contagious and serious diseases your dog can get, but it is preventable. It’s part of the core vaccines recommended by veterinarians.

Coyotes, ferrets, raccoons, skunks, wolves, foxes and minx can get distemper. Even if your dog never encounters another dog, it can get distemper from wildlife.

Once contracted, distemper attacks several body systems resulting in widespread infection that is difficult to treat.

Symptoms include fever, clear nasal discharge, milky eye discharge, lethargy, anorexia, coughing, vomiting and diarrhea.

A dog can get the virus through direct contact or airborne exposure. When an infected animal coughs, sneezes or barks, droplets are released into the environment that can infect nearby animals and other surfaces, like water and food bowls.

It is typically a fast-moving and lethal virus. If a dog survives the first stages, he may then develop a thickening of the skin on either the nose or paws, which gives distemper the nickname, “hard pad disease.” This symptom causes the paw pads to harden, enlarge and become uncomfortable.

The disease also can be transmitted through the placenta of an infected mother dog, making it essential to have her fully vaccinated when planning to breed.

Secondary bacterial infections can cause GI symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea and respiratory issues such as trouble breathing, respiratory rate changes and pneumonia

Stage two symptoms attack the central nervous system. Signs include head tilt, circling, seizures, repetitive eye movements, muscle twitching, convulsions with chewing motions and increased salivation, and finally, death. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, “distemper is often fatal and dogs that survive usually have irreparable nervous system damage.” All dogs, especially unvaccinated dogs and puppies younger than 4 months, can catch the virus. Veterinarians use a combination of clinical signs and diagnostic tests to confirm distemper. Because there is no cure, they will offer supportive care to try to prevent secondary infections and dehydration. The good news is distemper is preventable:

• • • • •

Make sure your puppy gets the full series of vaccinations recommended by your veterinarian. Keep distemper vaccines current throughout your dog’s life and avoid gaps in vaccinations. Keep your canine away from infected animals and wildlife. Vaccinate pet ferrets. Take extra care when socializing your unvaccinated dog or puppy in areas where other dogs hang out.

Always consult a veterinarian if you have any concerns. Happy Tails to you! 68

G O L D E N C O R R I D O R L I V I N G | EARLY SU M MER 2022

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YOU Home & Garden

MAKE

Cool Summer

HOME IMPROVEMENTS by Blake Herzog

Our desert summer is here and hopefully you’ve been able to get your major preparations taken care of; ensuring your air conditioning, windows and pool barrier are functioning. There are many interior and some exterior projects you can take on to keep life comfortable now and throughout the rest of the year!

EA R LY SUMMER 2022 | G O L D E N C O R R I D O R L I V I N G 71

YOU Home & Garden ADD WATER FEATURES INSIDE AND OUT Even setting up tabletop fountains in your living or office areas can have an amazingly soothing effect as you while away the heated days; consider something larger if you have room. You can also reclaim the patio by adding a cooling fountain or misting system — just look for one that recirculates as much water as possible. SET UP A SWIM STATION If the mermaids and mermen in your family are always running to the backyard pool or to a friend’s or public alternative, set up a swim station for towels, sunscreen, goggles, noodles and other supplies. This also is where soggy shoes and dry bathing suits can reside, along with hooks where people can come back to hang their suits out to dry.

CLEAN REFRIGERATOR/FREEZER This is a great excuse to hang out in and around the cool air this appliance contains while making sure it continues doing what it’s supposed to do. Get any expired food out, by all means, but also clean the condenser coils, which may be located at the bottom or back of the unit. Dust, pet hair and other debris can seriously affect their performance so vacuum and dust away as much as you can after unplugging it — this should only take 15 or so minutes so your perishables will be safe. REFRESH PLAY SPACES Most kids will be spending a lot more time at home and unless you have a pool or cooled patio they’ll mostly be inside. So make sure they’ll stay entertained with newto-them toys, games, crafts and movies along with their favorites. Work with them to learn what they want to have, and add a fan if that part of the house tends to get a bit warm.

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Cleaning

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Spring

Brought to you by our team at Coldwell Banker ROX Realty

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Clean under furniture Clean rugs and baseboards Store your winter clothes Organize bookshelves Clean the mirrors and windows Clean the fridge Clean or launder curtains Find things to donate Clean inside drawers

YOU Home & Garden

Dodge These Kitchen Layout Pitfalls

When your kitchen’s layout and lack of counter space is just not working for you anymore, it may be time to consider remodeling. While it can be an expensive undertaking, if the heart of your home is not functional it creates a drag on the rest of your house and how everyone feels while they’re there. Given the expense involved, this kind of overhaul is something you’ll want to get right the first time, and some traps are all too easy to fall into, particularly if you don’t have a lot of room. Working with a professional kitchen designer is one way to avoid these blunders. Even if you are, though, it’s a good idea to keep track of what they’re doing so you’re certain everything will function the way you want it to. Changing the layout when it isn’t necessary. You may feel so frustrated with what you have that you can’t wait to blow it up and start from scratch, but take some time to consider some less drastic options. If storage is the issue, consider what roomier cabinets, hooks and shelves will do.

Not measuring your new appliances. Consumers do this surprisingly often, assuming there are standard sizes or they have more (or less) room than they actually do. Make sure your new range or refrigerator won’t jut into your pathway and make your space more cramped. Putting an island where it just won’t fit. This coveted feature can supplement your workspace, and in some cases double as a kitchen table, but don’t try to shoehorn one in if there isn’t going to be at least 40 inches of clear space around the front and back, especially if the kitchen gets a lot of pass-through traffic. Leaving the lighting for last. Having the right mix of task and ambient lighting is more important in the kitchen than virtually anywhere else in your home, so keep illumination in mind every step of the way. Choosing designs incompatible with the rest of your home. Unless this is the first phase of a long-term plan to transform your overall décor from traditional to contemporary or vice versa, choose a scheme that harmonizes with your overall décor.

EA R LY SUMMER 2022 | G O L D E N C O R R I D O R L I V I N G 77

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YOU Home & Garden

A Look Inside Lifted High Garage Door Repair with Owner, Shawn Gregory

G O L D E N C O R R I D O R L I V I N G | EARLY SU M MER 2022

Q: What led up to starting your own company? A: In 2015, I was working as an industrial maintenance engineer making less than half of what my company paid in other states. Knowing that my family was not living in a prosperous environment and how it was reflecting where we were in life, I prayed the Lord would make my family worth blessing, a family people would see and think “Wow, what great Christians!” Told the Lord I wanted to be blessed with enough abundance that I could bless those in need. Within months, a job came in an area I would have never expected, but it was a better job than I had. Took the job working for a garage door company and after months of working I realized that the prices for the services I was providing was a horrible rip-off and scam. I continued working for about three months, cutting the prices down to what was fair. In January 2017, my mother died. While I was off handling her estate, they fired me for “leaving money on the table.” Using the little money we got from my mother’s estate, I purchased parts and supplies, then started promoting on Facebook and Craigslist. Having to go back to driving a truck in ready-mix to help feed my family while working two jobs, we finally got to the level we are today.

Q: Summertime is almost here; so you offer any service or product to help with the heat in the garage? A: We offer insulated doors. If you insist on insulating your current door we offer parts that will support the panels and should keep them from failing.

Q: The economy in general and the supply chain is going through “funky times.” How has it affected your industry? A: Supply issues have caused us an almost 140% increase on our end. Fortunately, we have been able to keep our prices under that increase. We have had to rent four inside storage areas and an outside storage area so when parts are available we can buy them and stock up. We keep doors in stock.

Q: Does keeping it local matter? A: Local companies have a vested interest in keeping our customers happy because we don’t want to have to go elsewhere looking for work. I also spend my money with other local companies. We also donate to local charities and schools. By hiring local, you should get a better experience at a lower price because there’s less travel, and most of us don’t spend a lot of money on overhead expenses. Savings are passed onto the customer.

Q: Where did you see the company in five years?

Yes, our biggest love in this business is that the business has given us the ability to give back.

Q: How did you name your company? A: It came from a Christian biker buddy who knew I loved to preach the word when working on the garages of my fellow Christian customers.

A: Every person we hire has a contract — when they reach a minimum of 10 years with the company, and are knowledgeable enough and ready, I will start them a Lifted High in a city of their choosing.

Q: Is regular maintenance for garage doors necessary? A: We suggest that you have a professional inspection at least every year or two. We lubricate parts and inspect critical areas to make sure you will not have a catastrophic door failure. In most cases, bearings, cables and springs will give warnings they are going bad.

EA R LY SUMMER 2022 | G O L D E N C O R R I D O R L I V I N G 81

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www.liftedhighgaragedoorrepair.com | 480-270-1639 EA R LY SUMMER 2022 | G O L D E N C O R R I D O R L I V I N G 83

YOU Home & Garden

Bring these Essentials

to the Grill by Blake Herzog

Grilling outside is a quintessential American summer activity, and a year-round one in the Golden Corridor. Here’s a refresher on the tools and foods you should have on hand for every festive barbecue meal! THE FUEL Propane grills are the most popular and convenient models these days, and keeping an extra tank on hand is a good idea as long as you’re able to store it safely. Natural gas grills are connected to the main gas line, eliminating the need to store fuel. Charcoal grills are considerably less expensive but harder to control. Many people are eager to deal with those variables to enjoy the smokier, more traditional barbecue taste charcoal grilling can produce.

Wood pellet grills use electricity to heat specialized pellets that also create a great smoky flavor. Most cost more to purchase than other types of grills but cost the same or less to operate.

Attire — Grilling gloves and aprons designed for the task offer more protection, dexterity (from gloves) and convenience (from aprons with pockets) for the grill master or grill mistress.

THE UTENSILS Tongs — These need to be large enough to keep your hands away from the grill yet delicate enough to not smash burgers, vegetables or other edibles that might not be able to stand up to a lot of pressure, which is a tricky but doable balance to find.

THE GRUB — This is more a matter of personal taste!

Spatula — The right one will be wide and sturdy enough for you to flip burgers with confidence.

The sides — Many veggies and even fruits are fantastic off of the grill along with toast and add-ons like cheese.

Meat thermometer — A fast, easy-toread one is crucial for getting steak, beef and poultry off the grill after they’re adequately cooked and before getting overly charred.

The protein — Use classic hot dogs and burgers, steak, ribs, poultry and seafood, and you can consider exotics like bison, goat, venison or plantbased steaks and burgers.

Condiments — Your favorite barbecue sauce or spice rub, plus mustard, ketchup, mayo, pickles, the works!

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The

Interview

Continued from page 53

So anytime we hear there’s an employee that became a new homeowner or was able to get a car for themselves that they didn’t think was in their future, we really celebrate that. We celebrate when their family grows. We do everything we can to continue to be successful and continue to grow and continue to really give people chances to be something that they maybe didn’t see. It’s great.

Golden Corridor Living: Excellent. So where did you get your interest in flying? Scott Lehman: My dad flew years ago, he never flew when I was a kid, but he used to have the great stories of flying this old Aeronca Chief plane around, landing on canal banks and doing appliance repairs back in the ‘50s. Then my uncle came to town, and my uncle was a pilot in the Vietnam War and he was very impactful to me because he was like a war hero. And he opened a flight school and I flew a little bit with him. I’d been around aviation a little bit, but it was not a hobby or a thing 86

that I could pursue. It wasn’t until I had a friend of mine who got his license, and I wanted to take my twin girls somewhere on their birthday, so he flew us to Sedona. And we had a dinner up there and flew home and I said, “This is kind of fun.” Then he flew me somewhere else and after two or three flights I decided to get my own license. I went and signed up and started getting my license and found I really liked it. The next year I got my instrument rating because I wanted to be able to go to California and really needed it to get there. And then the next year we had opened our store and I wanted something that I could use in the business and be able to go to different auctions and expand my ability to go to auctions and buy cars. I bought my own airplane in 2008. A little single-engine Cirrus airplane. It was just wonderful. And I flew that for about five years and then by then, we had our store in Tucson and now I needed something I could get around a

G O L D E N C O R R I D O R L I V I N G | EARLY SU M MER 2022

little better because I had ideas for expanding. And so I upgraded that one, and then last November I was blessed with the opportunity to move into the jet world. This Vision Jet, it makes the getting around so much easier, but the reason I wanted to go this route is because I started a consulting company. I consult with other car dealers who are either in the media world or the marketing side of things, plus we have the call center now, too.

Golden Corridor Living: What do you think of the Lucid Air? You just took delivery of your vehicle? Scott Lehman: I just got it about a month ago. They came and delivered it to my house, and I can tell you it’s just an absolute dream to drive. It is fast, it’s big, it’s comfortable, it’s quiet; it drives and rides great. I had a Tesla for about a week and I gave it back just because it was just too small on the inside. Tesla makes a great car, but it’s just a car and I

Scott and his Lucid Air

Photo by Elaine Earle

had driven bigger sporty cars and I wanted something more like that. The nice thing about this car, this performance model of the Dream Edition gets almost 500 miles to the charge. For this trip, I had to go clear on the other side of Tucson, shoot a commercial, come to Casa Grande and then tomorrow I’m going up to visit our Gilbert store and our North Phoenix store. I can do that whole trip without a charge, and I’ll get home and I’ll still have probably 100 miles to go. You couldn’t do that in a Tesla. They just don’t have that much range. I’ve used one of the Lucid charging stations and the Electrify America station. It puts in 20 minutes, you get 250 miles in the car, and it’s all included. It didn’t cost me anything. You plug it in; it knows it’s you. I don’t know how. They have built it, just an amazing car. My car is off being sold so this will be my daily driver.

Golden Corridor Living: Where do you see your future from here? Scott Lehman: I’m really focused on continuing to build Aspire Solutions. I’m looking at ways to scale that to help more dealerships across the country, at the same time, continuing to grow our impact in the car business in Arizona, looking at perhaps a third store in Phoenix. I just really see us becoming, no pun intended, the premiere used-car dealership in the state and covering the whole state. And we’re kind of on that path now and it comes down to just like everything else, it comes down to people. So as long as I can recruit and find good people who can grow the business with me, we’ll continue to grow. And the right kind of motivation behind it is really what’s

important to me, and since I can’t be everywhere at once, I have to have people there who feel the same way I do and really care the way that I do. I am actively creating my own insurance agency to help our people with their insurance. We’re helping them arrange their insurance now and it just makes sense for us to do that on our own. And we are also in the process of creating our own finance company, because especially what has happened with the car business in the last two years, I think it’s going to be really important that we have a way to help people with their financing as well. There are a lot of small car dealerships across the country that need help in putting deals together for their customers, getting financing for their customers, even managing their staff. I have this idea of creating this whole dealer services thing where we can assist other dealerships in small towns across the country remotely.

Golden Corridor Living: Do you have any personal aspirations you’d like to accomplish? Scott Lehman: My wife Jennifer and I have five kids. We have eight grandkids, and I’m about to be a great-grandpa. That’s exciting. We’re on track with the family tree branches. I’m loving what I’m doing, and I enjoy creating something that provides opportunity for folks, not just customers but employees.

It really comes down to those people directly talking to the customer, we call them solution advisors, that are interested in their story. We talk all the time about how your story matters and we want to know what your story is, and what we can do to be helpful. And it’s really getting that ingrained in someone in the car business, which is not typical, and that’s what we have to do to continue to grow and continue to pursue. So as long as I can do that, I will continue to grow, but I’m nowhere ready to quit for sure. The other thing we believe in, we give back a lot to the communities that we work in. And a lot of that came from growing up and watching my dad always give back. Whether it was with a fire department or the 4th of July picnics or the, gosh you name it, if he was ever asked to do something, his answer was always yes. That’s really where the spirit of giving back to the community — and not just having a business in the town but actually being part of the town — came from.

EA R LY SUMMER 2022 | G O L D E N C O R R I D O R L I V I N G 87

FUN Travel

Downtown Grand Rapids skyline

Escape to

Hidden Gems within U.S. by Blake Herzog

The bad thing about good places is that word gets out. A beautiful area wild enough to be special but close enough to modern conveniences to keep our shortened attention spans engaged is trumpeted by a few people, and within a few years you must share it with thousands of other travelers. It’s hard to select hidden vacation spots because the moment they pop up on the right person’s radar they’re destined for discovery, but here are a few locales that appear to be at the sweet spot between obscurity and fame.

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FUN Travel GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN This growing city combines Midwestern hospitality and kid-friendliness with a thriving adult beverage scene, claiming the mantles of “America’s Best Beer City” and “Craft Beverage Capital.” Stroll the downtown “refreshment area” with your drink to attractions like the world-class Grand Rapids Art Museum, Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and the Grand Rapids African American Museum and Archives (affectionately known as GRAAMA). Check out the elegant Amway Grand Plaza’s impressive lobby. MENDOCINO, CALIFORNIA Mendocino is a picturesque collection of Victorian villages 150 miles north of San Francisco strung along rugged coastlines, sprawling vineyards and towering redwood forests, welcoming those who prefer taking the scenic route. Most accommodations put an emphasis on pampering guests, whether they’re B&Bs or resorts with day spas offering massage and hydrotherapy — but no big chains! Go to the shore to visit unusually beautiful stretches like Glass Beach and Bowling Ball Beach. ISLAMORADA, FLORIDA This district embraces six islands in the northern Florida Keys, each with its own gorgeous white beaches but the same laidback charm.

The Morada Way corridor has six blocks of galleries, art studios, restaurants and shops. Kayaking and snorkeling are just a couple of the activities you can partake in while you’re here, and its top resorts, Cheeca Lodge and Spa and Amara Cay Resort, include beautiful surroundings and top-notch services. ESTES PARK, COLORADO The gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, this classic mountain town is 90 minutes north of Denver and the ideal base for park adventures like hiking, wildlife viewing and scenic drives in the heart-stopping beauty of the park. If you can get past the fact the historic Stanley Hotel was the inspiration for “The Shining,” explore its four options for accommodations and a brand-new day spa. MOLOKAI, HAWAII The fifth-largest of the Hawaiian Islands remains tucked away as a lesser-known option that retains the charm of old Hawaii as the birthplace of the hula, with unpaved roads leading into stunning jungles and over to villages like Maunaloa or the main town of Kaunakakai with a mighty 3,500 residents. The island offers another respite from corporate hospitality, with just the Hotel Moloka’i and lots of condos and vacation rentals on one of the quietest, most rural areas of the state. Its location between Oahu and Maui makes it perfect for experiencing the joys of both hubs!

The famous Stanley hotel in beautiful Estes Park Colorado

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FUN Arts & Culture

Join in Saturday Family Fun

at Vista Grande Public Library Looking for something fun to do with the family on the weekend? Look no further. There is always something fun happening on Saturdays at the Vista Grande Public Library, 1556 N. Arizola Road. Mrs. Shannon encourages families to unplug together by offering craft and board game days all year long.

If your kids are interested in being creative or playing fun and educational games with other kids, add 10 a.m. Saturdays with Mrs. Shannon to your calendars. This drop-in program runs for 2 hours, so you have plenty of time to swing by and join the fun. For more information call 520.421.8652.

We hope to see you all on Saturdays this summer and all year long at the Vista Grande Public Library. See you soon!

Vista Grande Library

Mon – Fri 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Main Library

Mon – Fri 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

COMING LATE SUMMER

The EDUCATION Edition Don’t miss this opportunity to promote your business! For more information on how your business can be featured, please call 520.426.2074 or email info@roxco.com

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FUN Arts & Culture

Self-Express your Way to Discovery by Blake Herzog

Life is never exactly predictable so setting your goals and intentions is an effective way to start steering your future in a way that works for you. If you don’t know what you want, it may be time to do a little self-exploration.

The answers to the questions you have about what direction your journey should take are often most accessible when you use your creativity. Much of the insight comes from observing how you approach a project. The way you approach painting, drawing, writing, creating music or any other artistic pursuit teaches you about how you begin a project and decide when it’s finished, how you handle mistakes and accidents and how to be yourself, not what you think society expects you to be. If you’re not sure how you want to start your journey of self-discovery, here are a few art therapyinspired activities to try out: FUTURE VISION Collect images that resonate with you as you think about what you want for the future, regardless of whether you know why you’re drawn to them. Create a collage with them and study what they mean to you, both individually and the context of their placement within the collage. MANDALA JOURNAL This is as simple as drawing circles on a piece of paper and as complex as examining the intricacies of your mind. Google finds more than 1 million hits for “how to draw a mandala freehand,” with instructions as detailed or simple as you like. Draw one each day and see how their structure, complexity and content change as the days go on.

DRAW FROM MEDITATION Meditate on your own or listen to a guided meditation and notice the thoughts, images and feelings that arise. Afterward you can draw or write what you saw and felt, then reflect on what you have created from it. UNMASKING YOURSELF Create a mask for yourself, either on a piece of paper, costume mask or disposable face mask. On the inside, list or draw the qualities that you show only to yourself and maybe those closest to you, and on the outside of the masks put the traits that you do present to the outside world. Compare the lists and see how they relate to each other, whether they’re two sides of the same coin or polar opposites. PAINT A MOUNTAIN AND A VALLEY One can represent times you were happy, the other for times you were sad or struggling. Draw images that represent what you were experiencing during the happy and sad times and notice whether you’re adding them in chronological order or on a scale of best to worst or in some other pattern. TAKE PHOTOS OF THINGS OR PEOPLE YOU THINK ARE BEAUTIFUL They don’t have to be photos you would show anyone else or post online, just something to document what appeals to you. Look at your pictures and find common themes and threads in their subject matter and your composition.

Let’s Create!

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The Pinal County Press

Stories by Blake Herzog

Transportation Authority Pursues New Sales Tax Measure The Pinal Regional Transport Authority (PRTA) is pursuing a revised countywide transportation sales tax measure on the November ballot, following the state Supreme Court’s rejection of the tax approved by voters in 2017. The court’s ruling was released March 8. On March 21 the PRTA board for the authority, made up of elected municipal, tribal and county officials, voted to direct its staff and legal counsel to research the cost of putting the measure on the Nov. 8 ballot and other information, which was expected to be provided in mid-April, said Andrea Robles, executive director of Central Arizona Governments. “There are a lot of moving parts with all of the different dates, so we’re trying to get things done as quickly as possible,” she said. The narrowly voter-approved levy added an additional 0.5 cents to every transaction under $10,000 since it took effect in April 2018. The Arizona Supreme Court ruled that the two-tiered structure is illegal under state statutes, capping a lengthy court battle during which the county collected more than $70 million on behalf of the Pinal Regional 96

Transport Authority (PRTA), but the funds could not be used. Writing for the majority, Justice Kathryn King said counties and other government subdivisions have only the taxation powers granted to them by the state Legislature and did not have the right to charge different rates within one tax. “The Legislature could have used other terms that would have expressly delegated to counties the authority to establish two different fixed rates within a single (sales tax) classification,” King said, but there was no such explicit language included in statute. The court ruled 4-3 against the levy, with three justices agreeing in part and dissenting in part with the majority. Timothy Sandefur of the Goldwater Institute argued the case on behalf of Harold Vangilder and other Pinal County residents suing the county over the tax and called the two-tiered structure “bizarre” after the ruling. “To allow that would make Arizona inhospitable for business, because it would transform the state into a crazy quilt of different tax rules in each locality. That’s why the Arizona Department of Revenue

G O L D E N C O R R I D O R L I V I N G | EARLY SU M MER 2022

Photo Blushing Cactus Photography

— in an unusual move — sided with taxpayers in this case,” Sandefur added. The tax was to be the funding mechanism for the Pinal County Regional Transportation Plan, approved by voters in the same November 2017 election, which the court let stand. Projects within that plan include widening state Route 347, building the Sonoran Desert Parkway between southern Maricopa and Interstate 10 and a new interchange on I-10 and Kortsen Road. “Though the taxing structure of the Regional Transportation Plan has failed by the narrowest of margins, we will work to build on this effort, retain that collaboration and find solutions and a new strategy to fund these highly impactful and needed projects across Pinal County,” county officials said in a statement following the ruling. The PRTA’s revised ballot measure, if is put forth to voters this fall, will apply to all taxable sales within the county and could raise significantly more money for the road projects than the $640 million over 20 years projected for the 2017 ballot measure.

Stories by Blake Herzog

The Pinal County Press

Frisk Named Elections Director

Elections Director, David Frisk

Transit Continued from page 45 same-day service may be possible if seats are available. “This is a shared-ride service, with many origins and many destinations,” Brunner said. She added the service area will be roughly the area bounded by Cottonwood

Pinal County officials have tapped David Frisk, an elections official from the Northwest, to spearhead voting and tabulation efforts in one of Arizona’s fastest-growing counties. Frisk started on the job in early March, saying, “My family and I have been looking to relocate to Arizona for some time, so I am thrilled to have this opportunity to join Pinal County and to serve all of the citizens of Pinal as the elections director. “Free, fair and secure elections are essential to the American way of life, and it is my honor to take on this responsibility.” He leads a team of five responsible for planning elections and ensuring they are secure and accessible to every voter within the jurisdiction. Frisk worked in the banking sector for

25 years before being hired by Kitsap County, Washington, which has about 278,000 residents, as administrative manager for the county’s Licensing and Recording Division in 2015. He became the program manager for the Elections Division in March 2018. “David’s leadership and extensive election-related experience aligned very well with the county’s needs. I look forward to David’s leadership of and contribution to our Elections Department, which provides critical services for the citizens of Pinal County,” said Deputy County Manager Himanshu Patel, who will be Frisk’s boss. Frisk replaces former director Michele Forney, who left at the end of 2020 for a job with the state of Nevada.

Drive on the north, Henness Road on the east, Schultz Street to the west, and Peters Road and Doan Street to the south. Vans also will travel north to the Community Recreation Center via Peart Road and east to the Promenade Mall on Florence Boulevard. The service is being launched with $2.6

million of CARES Act funding allocated for public transportation in Casa Grande, which is expected to fully fund the program’s first two or three years. Once this money has been spent, the City’s share of operating costs may be 20% or 30% of the total, depending on what other grants are available. The city also is planning to submit a request for proposals to develop a unified name, logo and marketing campaign. Brunner said the key indicators officials will be looking at to measure the service’s success will include the ones typically considered for public transit, including ridership, on-time performance, fare revenue, service complaints, missed trips, ADA access and vehicle maintenance. It could be discontinued if the data doesn’t show it is succeeding. Several stops in the City are included on Coolidge Area Regional Transit’s (CART) route linking Casa Grande with Coolidge, Florence and the Central Arizona College Signal Peak campus, while the City of Maricopa has offered van shuttle service connecting that community to Banner Casa Grande Regional Medical Center and the CART route.

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Q&A

QA &

ERIN DUGAN

Realtor, Coldwell Banker ROX Realty

Q: What brought you to Pinal County; how long have you been here? A: I am born and raised here in Casa Grande. So, I have been in Pinal County all my life.

Q: What is the greatest reward of your job? A: The greatest reward of my job is being able to hand keys over to buyers who have worked tremendously hard to fulfill that American dream of owning a home. On the flip side, getting sellers the return on investment they hoped for, if not more, is always rewarding.

Q: Where would you like to vacation next and why? A: Oh goodness! If domestic, I’d love to do a back East tour (Washington, D.C., Boston, Philly, Cape Cod, New York, the Hamptons). If international, I’d love to travel to Greece (Athens and Santorini).

G O L D E N C O R R I D O R L I V I N G | EARLY SU M MER 2022

Q: What is the last book you read; what did you enjoy about it most? A: The last book I read was “For Such a Time as This: My Faith Journey through the White House and Beyond” by Kayleigh McEnany. I enjoyed hearing her journey as the White House press secretary during the Trump administration as well as her journey with faith, as a new mother, and navigating unknown times with the pandemic. It was a true testament to believing in yourself, your journey and following your dreams.

Q: What is your favorite Pinal County activity? A: Well, that is a hard one! We really love the Gourd Festival at the Wuertz Gourd Farm that they do annually. As well as the Pinal County Fair and O’odham Tash “Cowboy and Indian Days” they hold annually. We love the Indian fry bread stands and will wait as long as it takes for the Indian tacos with awesome salsa and a honey and powdered sugar one for dessert.

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Golden Corridor LIVING Early Summer 2022

Articles inside

Renew Year-round with this Yoga Position

Self-Express your Way to Discovery

Erin Dugan Realtor, Coldwell Banker ROX Realty

Out & About

Should You Consider Filing a Small Claims Lawsuit?

Escape to Hidden Gems within U.S

10 Things to Do for your Mental Health

Join in Saturday Family Fun at Vista Grande Public Library