Golden Corridor LIVING

Women in Business & Leadership. . 36

Holiday Special Section. . . . . . . 48

Winter Visitor Guide. . . . . . . . . . 99

“THE VOICE OF THE COMMUNITY”

n a C e n o y Ever Hero Be a The ROX Interview: In Every Edition:

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FRANK SHANKWITZ

First President and Co-founder of Make-A-Wish Foundation

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Even pets love it here.

The moment I learned The Garnet of Casa Grande welcomed pets, I was overjoyed. The residents and team members greet him daily and treat him as their own. I am grateful to live here myself, but to have my Achilles here puts me over the moon! — Trisha Delp

Learn more about our pet-friendly community today.

520-844-2101 510 E. 8th Street Casa Grande, AZ 85122

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Women in Business

& Leadership . . 36

n .

Holiday Special Sectio

Winter Visitor Guide

. . . . . .48

“THE VOICE OF

. . . . . . . . . .99

Holiday 2019

Y” THE COMMUNIT

Can EveryoanHe ero Be

The Holiday Edition

The ROX Interview:

SHANKWITZ

FRANK Co-founder First President and Foundation of Make-A-Wish

ion: In Every Edit

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The ROX Interview:

Special Section:

Frank Shankwitz

2019 Women in Business & Leadership

18

Co-founder of the Make a Wish Foundation Special Section:

Home & Garden:

Special Section:

Holiday 2019

Is it Time for a Kitchen Re-Think?

Winter Visitor Guide 2020

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Economy, Finance & Business

Health, Happiness & Education

Travel, Dining & Entertainment

You’re at Home in Casa Grande . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Out & About. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

All I Want For Christmas

Restrictive Covenants in Employment Agreements. . . 31

Everyday Heroes Wanted: Preparing Foster Care Youth for Success. . . . . . . . . 66

Major Sports Will Boost Pinal County Economy. . . . . 36

Seeds of Hope 5K/1K Run for Hope. . . . . . . 70

Is A Cruise. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

Upcoming Casa Grande Library Events Educate, Entertain Kids. . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

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Coming January 11th at the Greater Casa Grande Chamber of Commerce Home & Garden Show Golden Corridor LIVING Home & Garden Edition Don’t miss this opportunity to promote your business!

Real Estate - New Construction Real Estate - Resale Homes Remodeling / Contractors Fencing Landscaping Pools & Spas Furniture & Home Decor Sign up NOW for the Home & Garden Edition and receive a one-time BONUS** matching editorial!

Pinal County Press . . . . . . . . . . . 14

ROX Interview: Matt Herman . . . 16

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Applies to half-page and full-page advertisers only.

“THE VOICE OF THE COMMUNITY”

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HOME & GARDEN Builders We Love Rusty Riggs, Capital R Construction Aaron Simmons, Gallo Construction Jeff VanHise, Gallo Construction Not pictured: Jim Suor, Absolute Construction

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Letter from the Editor

’Tis the Season

I Bea Lueck

8

have a love-hate relationship with the holidays.

I love the magic of the season. I hate the stress.

I love the decorations of the season.

I hate untangling the lights (and usually end up buying new ones!)

I love buying gifts for friends and family. I hate the bills when they arrive in January.

I love baking and cooking. I hate the new pounds that seem to come my way.

I love the excitement of opening presents Christmas morning. I hate how commercialized Christmas has become.

I love being with my family. I hate missing those no longer with us.

See what I mean? Rather than focus on the negative, look for the positive.

Trust me, the positive is there if you only look for it. It may not be much, but there is a tiny sliver of hope for everyone. The effort may be great to find that hope, but it does exist.

This holiday edition of Golden Corridor LIVING is about that hope,

GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING

that tiny sliver of good that exists.

We have so many fun, family-friendly events this time of year. Don’t have a family close-by? Volunteer your time helping others. We have so much joy to give others, if we only try.

Our featured interview is Frank Shankwitz, the co-founder of the Make-A-Wish organization. What is now a global nonprofit started with helping one little boy fulfill a wish before he died. Little did Frank know how powerful that one wish would become. As Frank said, “Everyone can be a Hero.”

Following the holidays and hero theme, this edition has articles on local events, recipes and helpful tips.

We also have our Women in Business section featuring local female business owners and professionals.

Women in the workplace are no longer a rarity as in my mother’s and grandmother’s generations. Women successfully juggle both a career and raising their family. ROX Media Group is female-owned and managed and we salute all the working women!

And last, but not least, our annual Winter Visitor Guide, featuring places to go and things to do in the area.

Winter visitors are a huge part of our population, whether they are here a few weeks or a few months. Rather than complain about the wait for a table at the restaurant, be thankful the restaurant is so full you need to wait a few minutes. Many businesses survive the slow summer months because of the busy winter months.

I hope everyone focuses on their love moments this holiday season.

Next edition is our Home & Garden issue. You can pick up your copy at the Greater Casa Grande Chamber of Commerce’s Home & Garden Show on January 11th in their new location at the Promenade Mall.

Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

–Bea

THE HOLIDAY EDITION • HOLIDAY 2019

Seeds of Hope Run/Walk for Hope

5K 1K Benefiting ongoing programs that improve our community

Hot Lunch • Afterschool • Community Garden Angeles de Esperanza • Stanfield Medical Clinic

Saturday @ 9:00AM

Dave White Park

January 11, 2020

Casa Grande

Registration Until Oct. 31

Registration Nov. 1 – Jan 10

Registration Jan. 11

5K $30 1K $20

5K $35 1K $25

5K $40 1K $30

Ages 16 and under - 5K only $10 / 1K only $5

AL & RILEY’S AIR CONDITIONING SUN VALLEY CHURCH MANNA MOVERS MCMASHERS SPORTS GRILL COVENANT CHURCH THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS Group rates available Registration link at seedsofhopeaz.com Registration includes race shirt, medal and swag bag

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VOICES

PUBLISHER Elaine Earle, CPA EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Bea Lueck DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING Laurie Fisher ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES Jamie Brashier Scott Metteauer COPY EDITOR/WRITER Blake Herzog CREATIVE DIRECTOR/GRAPHIC DESIGNER Tim Clarke GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Rebecca Bowen Shannon Price CUSTOMER SERVICE/AD TRAFFIC MANAGER Jamie Brashier Jo Wobser PUBLIC RELATIONS & MARKETING MANAGER Julie Turetzky COMMENTS & IDEAS editor@roxco.com CALENDAR INQUIRIES calendar@roxco.com • goldencorridorliving.com/calendar SUBSCRIPTIONS info@roxco.com • goldencorridorliving.com/copies ADVERTISING INQUIRIES info@roxco.com • goldencorridorliving.com/advertise (520) 426-2074 442 W. Kortsen Rd, Ste 101 Casa Grande, AZ 85122

At Golden Corridor LIVING Magazine, our slogan is “The Voice of the Community,” because we believe that 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 Executive Director, Public Relations and Marketing, Central Arizona College Angela is the Executive Director of Public Relations and Marketing for Central Arizona College. Prior to her arrival at CAC, Angela served as the Media Relations Coordinator at Mesa Community College and the Community Relations Coordinator at Idaho State University College of Technology.

Joel Belloc Mayor, City of Eloy Mayor Belloc was re-elected for his second term as Mayor of the City of Eloy in November 2016. He has also served as a member of the Eloy City Council from 2002-2012 and as Vice Mayor from 2012-2014. He graduated from Central Arizona College with an AAS degree in drafting/design, attended Pima College and the University of Arizona, where he enrolled in landscape architecture. He currently manages his family’s farming business Belloc Inc. Mayor Belloc is a longtime resident of Eloy and has been married to his wife Cecilia for over 40 years. Together they have three children, 10 grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Mila Besich Mayor, Town of Superior Mila Besich, a fourth-generation resident of Superior, was elected as the Town’s Mayor in 2016. She wears many hats in her community and region, serving as Executive Director of the Copper Corridor Economic Development Coalition and Advertising Director for Copper Area News Publishers.

Tiffanie Grady-Gillespie Golden Corridor LIVING is published by Raxx Direct Marketing. Editorial content is provided by affiliates of Raxx Direct Marketing, community members and local organizations. © 2019. 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 CORRID LI V ING 10 GOLDEN forming their own opinions. OR Real estate information is as of 11-1-19 and is subject to current availability and pricing.

Certified Physical Trainer, CPT, Certified Corporate Wellness Coach, WickedFiTT Tiffanie is the owner of WickedFiTT in Casa Grande, AZ. She is a well-known personal trainer, group fitness instructor and allaround fitness junkie. Tiffanie specializes in weight loss, strength and conditioning and general fitness.

THE HOLIDAY EDITION • HOLIDAY 2019

of the

Community

Tim Kanavel

Christian Price

Economic Development Program Manager, Pinal County Tim graduated from the University of Arizona with a bachelor’s degree in regional development. His career in Arizona has taken him from the former Greater Tucson Economic Council to the Arizona Department of Commerce, to private enterprise at the Tucson Airport, to president/CEO of the Wickenburg Regional Economic Development Partnership, and to his present position as the economic development program manager for Pinal County.

Mayor, City of Maricopa Mayor Price is serving in his third term as Mayor. Mayor Price is an entrepreneur and small-business owner and is a partner of the Sierra West Group, a financial advisory firm. Raised in Tucson and a graduate of Northern Arizona University, he participates in numerous regional and national coalitions including serving as the Treasurer on the Executive Committee of the Arizona League of Cities and Towns.

Renée Louzon-Benn

Rina Rien

President, Greater Casa Grande Chamber of Commerce Renée became President of the Chamber in May, 2019. She has had 22 years of involvement with the local business community and the Greater Casa Grande Chamber of Commerce. Renée and her husband enjoy “living local,” dining at local eateries, walking the downtown area and hiking Casa Grande Mountain.

Director, Casa Grande Main Street As Executive Director of Casa Grande Main Street since 2012, Rina fosters a collaborative approach toward building a vibrant downtown community. Rina enjoys partnering with highly creative people who share a passion for promoting Historic Downtown and preserving its rich history.

Donna McBride

Bob Shogren

Councilwoman, City of Casa Grande Donna is the Program Administrator/Public Information Officer and Supervisor for the CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) Unit for Pinal County Juvenile Court. She is actively involved as a Board Member for Casa Grande Alliance, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, BlackBox Foundation, Mayor’s Reading Program, Pinal County Town Hall Vice Chair, Parks and Block Watch Captain for the Casa Grande Police Department. She is a current member of the Casa Grande City Council.

Director, Casa Grande Alliance Bob is a longtime resident of Pinal County. He has been an educator, school district administrator, community organizer and nonprofit board member. He also served for many years at the state and national level, working with AmeriCorps and other volunteer programs.

Craig McFarland

Jon Thompson

Mayor, City of Casa Grande Born and raised in California, Mayor McFarland has lived in Casa Grande since 2005. He is a graduate of California State University, Fresno and retired from Golden Eagle Distributors in January 2015 as VP of Sales after a 10-year run with the company. He has spent 36 years in beverage business-sales management, marketing and operations. McFarland began his first term as Mayor in December 2016.

Mayor, City of Coolidge Mayor Thompson graduated from NAU in 1979 with a Bachelor of Science degree. He was first elected to the Coolidge City Council in 2002 and served as Vice Mayor from 2006 to 2010.

He gave up his council seat to run for Mayor and since being elected has retired as Division Director for the Pinal County Adult Probation Department after 30 years.

Gigi McWhirter

Tori Ward

Resident Animal Whisperer Conceived in a plane behind the Airport Tavern, Gigi is living proof that it takes a village to raise a kid properly. Married to the best man and we live in what I call the “Best Dog House in Casa Grande” shared with a bunch of dogs, two parakeets and a finch called “Rusty”. Lived in Alaska, drove on the Arctic Ocean, walked on the Great Wall of China and drank Guinness in Ireland. But none of this compares to my profound love of animals and Flying Leap wines!

HOLIDAY 2019 • THE HOLIDAY EDITION

Cruise and Resort Specialist, ROX Travel Victoria “Tori” is a cruise and resort specialist with a master’s degree in political science. She has completed more than 30 certification courses with the cruise and tour industry including the most advanced certification, Commodore, from Princess Cruise Lines. Tori is a member of the Cruise Lines International Association.

GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING

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Submit your event online at GoldenCorridorLiving.com/calendar DECEMBER

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MARICOPA HOLIDAY HOMES & BIZ ON PARADE 2019 - 6:00 PM-9:00 PM - Vote for your favorite home or business decorations. For information on voting and to download a map visit www.maricopa-az.gov MERRY COPA: LET IT SNOW! - 6:00 PM9:00 PM - Copper Sky Regional Park: Enjoy sledding in 50 tons of snow, ice skating, interactive DJ, shoppes, hot air balloon glow, local talent and caroling, and, of course, our annual tradition of having our very own Mayor Christian Price lead our Christmas Tree lighting countdown. Complete the evening with a fireworks performance

BACK PORCH SALE at Pinal County Historical Society Museum - 11:00 AM-3:00 PM Vintage items for sale of Free Day at the MuseumYou never know what you may find!

BOWLING WITH SANTA - 6:00 PM-7:00 PM - UltraStar Multi-tainment Center 16000 N. Maricopa Rd., Maricopa. Kids bring your list for santa, parents cameras welcome. Bring a non-perishable food item.

7

WINTER WONDERLAND - DOWNTOWN FLORENCE STREET - 2:00 PM-5:00 PM What better way to get into the holiday spirit than ice skating, pictures with Santa, carols, holiday crafts and more! Event is free to attend, concessions and novelty items will be available for purchase.

7

TREE LIGHTING AND ELECTRIC LIGHT PARADE - 5:45 PM-8:00 PM - Casa Grande’s largest and most popular event of the year, the Electric Light Parade light’s up Florence Boulevard with over 90 illuminated floats. The parade begins at Colorado Street and proceeds west on Florence Blvd to Florence Street. The tree lighting will take place at 6:00 PM in front of City Hall.

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CAC CHOIR AND HANDBELL CHOIR - 3:00 PM-5:00 PM - Experience the beautiful sounds of CAC’s Handbell Choir and our Community Choir. The December concert will feature traditional holiday music based on the theme of “Winter’s Night”. Music performed will include Winter Wonderland, March of the Toys, O Holy Night, and Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, in addition to others. Enjoy these wonderful CAC winter and spring traditions.

12

SENIOR EXPO - 9:00 AM-11:00 AM We recognize the need for the senior population and their caregivers to have access to businesses, services, and goods that the Casa Grande community has to offer. Seniors, their families, and caregivers are invited to attend.

Interested in participating as an exhibitor? Call 520-421-8677 ext. 4523

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A CHRISTMAS CAROL @ BLACKBOX THEATER - 7:30 PM - This A Christmas Carol goes beyond other adaptations with a unique dramatic concept. It recaptures the magic and mystique of the Dickens original.Tickets $12.00 Adults, $10/Students & Seniors

14

HOLIDAY CRAFTS WITH SANTA - 9:00 AM-11:00 AM - Casa Grande Community Recreation Center (CRC). Come enjoy this morning of family holiday fun featuring crafts, music and refreshments. Santa will also be stopping by for a visit!

Pre-registration Cost: CRC members-free/Non-member $3. Day of event: $5 for members and non-members

14

THE NUTCRACKER: A CHRISTMAS TRADITION - 1:00:00 PM and 7:00 PM - Two performances 1 PM and 7 PM. The holiday tradition continues at CAC. Join us for a presentation of Hoffmann/ Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet - The Nutcracker presented by The Studio A School of Dance. CAC Pence Center. Tickets events@centralaz.edu

14

A CHRISTMAS CAROL @ BLACKBOX THEATER - 7:30 PM - This A Christmas Carol goes beyond other adaptations with a unique dramatic concept. It recaptures the magic and mystique of the Dickens original.Tickets $12.00 Adults, $10/Students & Seniors

15

A CHRISTMAS CAROL @ BLACKBOX THEATER - 2:00 PM AND 4:00 PM - This A Christmas Carol goes beyond other adaptations with a unique dramatic concept. It recaptures the magic and mystique of the Dickens original.Tickets $12.00 Adults, $10/Students & Seniors

17

TOWNIE TUESDAY - DOWNTOWN CASA GRANDE / FLORENCE ST. - 5:00 PM-9:00 PM - Local Fun For Everyone. Food & Merchandise Vendors, Beer Garden, Live Music, Kids Zone, Activities, Games & Prizes. An event for locals featuring area artists, businesses and entertainment every 3rd Tuesday of the month.

21

INDOOR FARMERS/VENDORS MARKET - 9:00 AM-4:00 PM - Promenade Mall.

Amazing farm fresh items and assorted vendors and artists.

21

FREE CONCERT FEATURING CAUTION BAND - 5:00 PM-8:00 PM - The Promenade at Casa Grande will have a bunch of great food trucks to choose from and will be running FREE raffles throughout the evening for some pretty hefty prizes! This is a family friendly event, so bring your friends and kids for a free night of music and fun! Be sure to bring a chair as seating is not provided.

THE HOLIDAY EDITION • HOLIDAY 2019

BUSINESS INDEX A Latte Vino . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Absolute Homes / Vivid Landscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

December 2019 – January 2020

Annie-Mac Home Mortgage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136 Brutinel Plumbing & Electrical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 Capital R Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 Casa Grande Alliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

DECEMBER (continued)

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A CHRISTMAS CAROL @ BLACKBOX THEATER - 7:30 PM on the 21st; 2:00 PM AND 4:00 PM on the 22nd - This A Christmas Carol goes beyond other adaptations with a unique dramatic concept. It recaptures the magic and mystique of the Dickens original.Tickets $12.00 Adults, $10/Students & Seniors

28

CASA GRANDE AIRPORT MONTHLY FLY-IN BREAKFAST - 7:00 AM-9:30 AM - Come enjoy our monthly Fly-In Breakfast. Foxtrot Cafe will prepare pancakes, eggs, bacon, biscuits & gravy, and bread pudding. $8 for adults, $5 for kids, Fly-in breakfasts are the last Saturday of each month!!

FREE CONCERT FEATURING REAL THING BAND - 5:00 PM8:00 PM - The Promenade at Casa Grande will have a bunch of great food trucks to choose from and will be running FREE raffles throughout the evening for some pretty hefty prizes!

This is a family friendly event, so bring your friends and kids for a free night of music and fun! Be sure to bring a chair as seating is not provided.

11

HOME, HEALTH & GARDEN SHOW - 10:00 AM-2:00 PM - The Promenade, Casa Grande. Your Lifestyle Show, in a new location this year! Over 60 indoor and outdoor business exhibits, Car and Truck Show, Beer Garden, food, and music.

Visit casagrandechamber.org for info.

18

MARICOPA FAMILY FISHING DAY - 8:00 AM-12:00 PM - Copper Sky Regional Park: Registration for the 15th Annual Maricopa Family Fishing Day

18-19

20th ANNUAL STREET FAIR & CAR SHOW - 9:00 AM-5:00 PM Saturday car show attracts hundreds of competitors. Arts & crafts vendors from across the US. Food, entertainment

18

FREE CONCERT FEATURING NINA SPEAKING - 5:00 PM8:00 PM - The Promenade at Casa Grande will have a bunch of great

Casa Grande Main St . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Central Arizona College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Chris Buys AZ Houses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 Coldwell Banker ROX - Joyce South . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135 Coldwell Banker ROX - Annalisa Tapia . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Coldwell Banker ROX - Property Management . . . . . 93 Coldwell Banker ROX Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5, 23, 53 Cook E Jar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

JANUARY

4

Casa Grande Family Dentistry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63

Cypress Point Retirement Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 food trucks to choose from and will be running FREE raffles throughout the evening for some pretty hefty prizes!

This is a family friendly event, so bring your friends and kids for a free night of music and fun! Be sure to bring a chair as seating is not provided.

21

TOWNIE TUESDAY DOWNTOWN CASA GRANDE / FLORENCE ST. - 5:00 PM-9:00 PM - Local Fun For Everyone. Food & Merchandise Vendors, Beer Garden, Live Music, Kids Zone, Activities, Games & Prizes.

An event for locals featuring area artists, businesses and entertainment every 3rd Tuesday of the month.

23

NEW SHANGHAI CIRCUS PREMIER @ CAC - 7:00 PM-9:30 PM - The “Acrobats of China” bring an amazing new troupe of daring acrobats to perform a new show. Colorful costuming, daring feats, and breathtaking renditions of classic Chinese dance and human performance art, Tickets $22 at events@centralaz.edu 520-474-7469

25-26

AGRI-COUNTRY BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL - 10:00 AM-5:00 PM Pinal County Fairgrounds: National, local & regional Bluegrass Bands, Quilts Wild & Wonderful Show, Food, Shopping, Arts and Crafts, RV Camping and more.

HOLIDAY 2019 • THE HOLIDAY EDITION

DM Family Dentistry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Dreamstyle Remodeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15, 47, 81 Fitzgibbons Law Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Grande Innovation Academy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Greater CG Chamber of Commerce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Iron City Polaris . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97 Jenkins Chiropractic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89 Mankel Mechanical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43, 84 Mitchell & Crosby Dental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Norris RV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89 Pinal County Economic Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 ROX Casa Grande Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 ROX Homes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 ROX Travel Casa Grande . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94 Sa Morz Bakery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89 Seeds of Hope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9, 71 Sobe Stanford Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Star Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 Sun Life Family Health Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints - Casa Grande . . . . 51 The Garnet of Casa Grande . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Theta Wellness Centers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Title Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Yang and Horsley Dentistry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97 GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING

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We’re

Julie Turetzky

Elaine Earle

Public Relations & Marketing Manager

Publisher

Bea Lueck General Manager & Managing Editor

Tim Clarke Creative Director

Jamie WagnerBrashier Sr. Account Executive

Jo Wobser Customer Service/ Ad Traffic Manager

G

Shannon Price Rebecca Bowen

Sr. Account Executive

Graphic Designer

olden Corridor LIVING Magazine is brought to you by ROX Media Group, a multimedia organization providing an annual portfolio of 3.6 million print copies of community, custom and travel publications throughout Arizona and in neighboring states. Our publications collectively reach millions of consumers who reside in or travel to Arizona every year and bring engaging local content to the communities and marketing partners we serve.

Since our founding in 2011, we have earned the respect of our readers and market-

ROX Team Members Not Pictured Above:

Scott Metteauer

Graphic Designer

ing partners through our dedication to high quality, local content and our understanding of the key informational needs that drive media consumption, messaging and interaction.

Some of our additional offerings include: • A full suite of creative services for any project • Custom publications created, designed, edited, printed and distributed • Digital media marketing services and website creation • Project management services

In addition to Golden Corridor LIVING Magazine, our other products you may have seen in the region include Golden Corridor Smart Shopper and the annual Winter Visitors Guide.

Although you can find our work throughout our state, we are proud to be headquartered right here in Casa Grande.

You can visit us any time at our office, located at 442 W. Kortsen Rd., Suite 101 or call us at 520-426-2074.

Laurie Fisher

Georgie Myers

Julie Kahn

Terry Scheib

Al Lacroix

Director of Sales & Marketing Prescott

Regional Account Manager Prescott

Sales Assistant / Account Executive Prescott

Northern Arizona Distribution Lead Prescott

Central Arizona Distribution Lead Casa Grande

ROXMediaGroup.net

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PINAL COUNTY 30 MINUTES TO PHOENIX

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Pinal County to Receive $15.3M Grant for Inland Port Project

T

he U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) was awarded a $15.3 million Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant for the Inland Port Arizona (IPAZ) improvement project.

The BUILD grant is a transportation discretionary program which allows the DOT to invest in road, rail, transit and port projects that promise to achieve national objectives.

The IPAZ project, located in Coolidge, clearly meets those objectives, with nearby truck and rail routes able to reach markets of over 65 million people within a day. Global shipping is accessible via ports in either coastal California or Mexico.

In July, Senators Martha McSally and Kyrsten Sinema

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sent a letter DOT Secretary Elaine L. Chao, advocating for the grant. In that letter, they explained, “IPAZ consists of approximately 2,700 acres of land within the city limits of Coolidge in Pinal County, Arizona and would house one of the largest manufacturing and distribution centers in Arizona. Anchored by Phoenix and Tucson, the IPAZ represents a unique opportunity…”

The Senators also cited regional benefits such as: • Job growth • Increased property value • Private economic development Nikola Motor Company expects to break ground on a large manufacturing plant within the IPAZ industrial park

New Features at Neighborhood Parks in Casa Grande

in 2020 with full production slated for late 2022. The manufacturing plant will build hydrogen-electric semi-trucks with fast fueling capabilities.

These semi-trucks will have a range of 500-750 miles between fill ups and have zero emissions. Nikola Motor Company recently received a $1.7 million grant of its own from the U.S. Department of Energy for research and development of its fuel cell membrane electrode assembly.

Pinal County plans to use the BUILD grant funds to develop roadway infrastructure for the IPAZ project, which will also support development of the Nikola project.

“I am pleased that the U.S Department of Transporta-

Continued on page 30...

n arid Arizona, where desert terrain is the norm, local parks are like an oasis. Now, the City of Casa Grande is working on a strategic plan to clean up city-owned properties, remove blight and improve neighborhood parks.

Not only is the City Parks Department making these upgrades a priority, with most of the work being done by in-house city staff, the Police Department and Code Enforcement, as well as other city agencies, are contributing several projects to enhance these parks.

In addition, the City of Casa Grande is working on a swap with the Casa Grande Elementary School District to acquire Elliott Park in exchange for space on the City’s radio tower at Kiwanis Field. The City Council has given preliminary approval to the deal that allows the school district to the top of the radio tower for a period of 50 years.

Park improvements that have been made, or are in the planning stage include: Gilbert Park, North Trekell Road and East 11th Street • New off-street parking, including a handicap space • Wheelchair-accessible sidewalk, allowing for access between the parking lot and the playground • A swing that meets Americans with Disabilities

Continued on page 85...

THE HOLIDAY EDITION • HOLIDAY 2019

PRESS

Visit GoldenCorridorLiving.com for Up-to-date Local News from Golden Corridor LIVING Magazine

LIDGE • ELOY • FLORENCE • M A RICOPA • A RIZONA CIT Y • CASA GR ANDE • COOLIDGE • ELOY • FLORENCE • M A RICOPA •

New Ownership, New Name: Cactus Mine to Reopen T he historic Sacaton Mine near Casa Grande has a new owner, a new name and a new plan.

“Reviving the Casa Grande copper mining district of Arizona,” is the stated purpose on the Elim Mining Incorporated website.

Elim’s first effort was to acquire the Sacaton Mine from the American Smelting and Refining Company (ANSARCO) and rename it Cactus Mine.

“This purchase is the first step in a process that will bring high-paying jobs, create economic opportunities, and put an otherwise abandoned site to use, while showcasing state-of-theart environmental stewardship and reclamation practices,” reports the Financial Post.

The Cactus Mine (formerly Sacaton) was originally discovered in the 1960’s by ANSARCO, and operated from 1972-1984, employing 400 people. Eventually the mine shut down due to economic reasons. Currently, the Cactus Mine spans a diameter of 3,000 feet and is 980 feet deep.

Fast forward thirty years from the closure, and now copper is in high demand.

Long-term trends are driving growth in copper demand, and they all require significant quantities of copper: • Consumer use of electronics • Increased use of electric vehicles • Increased use of renewable energy sources and energy efficiency Copper Alliance predicts, “… we could see a ten-fold rise in demand for metals, including copper by 2050 as the world moves toHOLIDAY 2019 • THE HOLIDAY EDITION

ward a low carbon energy future.”

The Freedonia Group expects world demand to rise by 4.2% just this year. “Advances in construction spending are also projected to fuel copper demand in North America, particularly in the US, where building construction activity will significantly accelerate…”

Elim Mining thinks a revitalized Cactus Mine, near Casa Grande and about 50 miles southeast of Phoenix, could be part of the answer, even while contributing to the local economy and protecting the environment with state-of-the-art practices.

“Today, with the demand for copper increasing led by the exponentially growing renewable market, Elim is confident in the opportunity to restart production at Cactus, immediately to the north-east of the open pit, and along the Santa Cruz trend,” the company states on its website.

Elim doesn’t plan to simply pick up where ANSARCO left off, however, as they state, “We are a company of engineers, geologists, and archaeologists. We are passionate about the restoration of this historic site. Our team believes in the creation of a sustainable operation that will leave a legacy of benefits to the community.”

“Our commitment to water and the environment informs every decision we make.”

John Antwi, President and CEO of Elim Mining, brings 30 years of mining experience to the startup company. “People are the most important resource to Elim and we are thrilled to be joining the people of Pinal County to revitalize this historic site. Our company endeavors to focus on three things: economic development,

environmental protection, and community partnerships. While ensuring a thriving surrounding community, another top priority will always be the health and safety of all employees and contractors; this focus is what we call the ‘Elim Way’.”

“I am excited about the potential this site has for the area, including industry-leading best practices on water protection and conservation. The Cactus Mine will be a real 360-degree opportunity for the community. It will create high-paying jobs and tax revenue for schools, roads, and the community, all while showcasing leading practices in environmental stewardship. We look forward to a long and enduring partnership with the community,” said Ian McMullan, Elim’s Chief Operating Officer.

Primarily, Elim hopes to extract copper from the mine, but they also expect to tap into smaller de-

posits of gold, silver and molybdenum, which is used to strengthen steel and other metals.

In addition to the Cactus Mine, Elim Mining also purchased the Parks/Salyer property. Their research indicates that there could be potential for up to 4 billion pounds of copper in the Parks/ Salyer property. At this point, they have not yet begun the permitting activity.

Elim plans to hold several public open houses as they proceed.

They are currently exploring the mine site in order to assess the needed equipment and number of employees for the operation before choosing the date to reopen the mine.

Members of the public are welcome to contact the company about the Cactus Mine on the Community Hotline at (520) 858-0600 or community@cactusmine.com.

Read more news on page 30...

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The ROX Interview

Frank Shankwitz

First President and Co-founder of Make-A-Wish Foundation Interview by Ray Newton

Everyone Can Be A Hero GC LIVING: Frank, you’ve been lauded across the United States and internationally as the first president and co-founder of Make-A-Wish Foundation. What’s your personal reaction to that kind of recognition?

FRANK SHANKWITZ: Very humbling. It’s not something I ever strove for. It opens up a lot of doors. It allows me to sit on boards and to assist other nonprofits. The most important thing — it gives me a little bit of credibility on how to tell people how to give back to their community.

Everyone can be a hero.

GC LIVING: What drove you to believe in giving back?

FRANK SHANKWITZ: I had a hard, troubled youth — hungry all the time. But a mentor in Seligman, Arizona, Juan Delgadillo, became my first father figure. Before that, my mom and I lived in tents, we lived in cars, we lived in flophouses.

But the biggest thing was, “Frank when you can, give back.” This was the 1950s. He gave me an example: “Look at the Widow Sanchez. She’s always bringing you and your mom beans, tortillas. Look at her yard. It’s a mess. Look at that front porch.

It needs painting and sanding. You’re big enough to go clean up that yard and paint.

OK, you don’t have the money to give back, but give back your time.”

That just stuck with me. He also taught me a work ethic. He taught me about building character, what integrity meant, all of those things. He introduced me

HOLIDAY 2019 • THE HOLIDAY EDITION

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rank Shankwitz’s compassion in 1980 for a 7-year-old boy dying of leukemia lead to what is now the world’s largest charity granting wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses. The movie Wish Man about his life was released in June 2019.

It started when Shankwitz was an Arizona Highway Patrol officer and he met Chris Greicius, a Phoenix youngster who wanted to be a Highway Patrol motorcycle officer. Something about the boy touched his soul, inspiring him to start the nonprofit Make-A-Wish Foundation, which granted its first wish in 1981.

Shankwitz’s own youth was challenging. Much of his childhood was spent on the move until he ended up in Seligman. A local businessman, the late Juan Delgadillo, became his father figure and mentor. It was Delgadillo who pounded into Shankwitz the mantra “Everyone can be a hero.”

He graduated from high school in Prescott in 1961, joined the Air Force, and after returning to Arizona in 1965 earned a degree from Phoenix College in 1970. Two years later he began his 42-year career with the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS), where he was a motorcycle officer.

Shankwitz was deeply touched by his experience helping Chris — who was quite the fan of Ponch and Jon from CHiPs TV fame. He wanted to fulfill the lad’s wish to become an honorary Arizona Highway Patrol officer before his death.

Previously, the officer was injured in a life-threatening motorcycle accident. Then he meet Kitty Carlisle, a DPS secretary, who volunteered to help him get back on his career path, and at the same time help Shankwitz start the charity. They married in 1983, the year the Make-A-Wish Foundation went national. It is now international.

Today, more than 450,000 children in the United States and its territories and thousands more in the 36 nations on five continents are beneficiaries of Shankwitz’s vision.

The organization granted more than 15,000 requests last year — one every 34 minutes — to fulfill a wish for a child with a life-threatening illness.

The couple may now live quiet lives in their Prescott home, but they both are called upon frequently to share their “Everyone Can Be a Hero” vision. Forbes Magazine named Shankwitz in 2016 one of the “Top 10 Keynote Speakers.”

Shankwitz serves on several national and international boards of directors, including Level Up Homes and Cause Equity, both based in Seattle. He is an advisory committee member for U.S. Vets Prescott Chapter, The Wounded Blue, Broadway Hearts and several other philanthropic groups.

Shankwitz wrote a book, Wish Man, published in 2018.

GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING

19

The ROX Interview (continued) to sports. I also was in his dance band (laughs) at 12 years old, playing drums in bars all around Northern Arizona.

I always remembered Juan’s advice.

GC LIVING: Tell us about Chris Greicius and the first wish. What prompted you to go above and beyond to make this little boy’s wish come true?

FRANK SHANKWITZ: Well it, it wasn’t just me at that time. I’d never met Chris. Tom Austin, Customs Agent, was a friend of Ron Cox, one of our undercover narcotics agents. Ron Cox and I went to the academy together, so we were friends. In off time we’d watch CHiPs. CHiPs was very popu-

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lar at the time. — (laughs) — if anybody remembers CHiPs. It was a popular NBC television show about the adventures of two California Highway Patrol motorcycle officers Ponch and Jon. We learned later that Chris, who had terminal leukemia and only a few weeks to live, watched CHiPs all the time. Tom Austin had befriended Chris’s mother.

Tom’s wife was a friend of Chris’ mother — a single divorced mom. She learned that Chris wanted to be a Highway Patrol motorcycle like Ponch and Jon. He mentions this to Agent Cox. They talked to our commanders. They wanted

to fly him to our headquarters building in Phoenix. They wanted me to be standing by when the helicopter comes in. They said, “Frank, we want you pulling in on your motorcycle just as a helicopter is landing. When Chris is coming in, he can look out the helicopter nose and see you.”

I could see Chris’ face — this big grin — as they’re landing.

I have very red hair like Larry Wilcox, who played the character Jon Baker. But I tan easily so I could’ve been Ponch, who was Hispanic. (laughter) When the helicopter landed, I thought our paramedics were going to help him out, because he’s coming off IVs. But the door opens.

Chris jumps out in his little red pair of red sneakers and runs over.

“Hi, I’m Chris. Can I get on your motorcycle?”

I’m looking and his mother’s crying.

Then it dawns on me. She has this 7-yearold who instead of lying in the hospital bed, is running all over the place, screaming. It’s because all these guys set this up.

I asked Chris, “Chris, let’s go for a ride on the motorcycle.” He got very nervous, no voice, really shaking, real serious look.

“You don’t have doors.”

“Well, you just rode in the helicopter.”

“Helicopters have doors,” he responded.

Just then a squad car pulled up. I said, ‘Well, there’s a Sergeant. You wanna help him drive the squad car?”

“Well yeah, they have doors.”

So he’s driving all around the parking lot, red lights and sirens. One of the officers said, “Chris, you are a Highway Patrol officer.” He was sworn in that day, the first and only honorary Highway Patrol officer in the history of the Highway Patrol up until about a year ago. Complete with his Smokey hat, the badge that was assigned to him and the certificate making him the full police officer. Another officer said, “We need a uniform.” Two ladies spent all night making a custom uniform for the boy.

Early next morning, my commanders called me. “We want you to lead a full procession of motorcycles and squad cars to Chris’ neighborhood to present him his uniform. About 8 a.m., we’re in a real nice neighborhood in Scottsdale — red lights and sirens. Neighbors coming out. Chris

THE HOLIDAY EDITION • HOLIDAY 2019

hears it and comes out, just as big smile.

We hand him his uniform. He runs into a house, comes out wearing his uniform, just beaming. He’s got on his Smokey hat.

He asks if he can get on my motorcycle.

“Well, of course you can.” Then he gets on a motorcycle. He starts rubbing the wings the motorcycle officers wear. He said, “I wish I could be a motorcycle officer. How can I do that?”

First time I heard that word — wish.

And I said, “Well Chris, this is a training we do. If you only had a motorcycle, we’d set up some traffic cones in your driveway right here and test you right now.” :This little kid runs into the house, comes riding out a little battery operated motorcycle his mother got for him in place of a wheelchair. Where he got the aviator sunglasses is beyond me.

So we set up the cones. Chris goes

HOLIDAY 2019 • THE HOLIDAY EDITION

through the cones, comes back very serious, “Did I pass?” I said, “You know, you did, Chris.”

Now, sometimes he gets in your face.

“When do I get my wings?”

“Well, those are special order, Chris.

The jeweler out in Apache Junction makes those. They’re not just on a shelf. I’ll order those.”

“You promise?”

“I promise, Chris.”

Two days later, as I was on the way to pick up the wings, the dispatcher called.

“We just learned Chris is in the hospital, in a coma. You are authorized to go Phoenix and visit him.”

I walked in a hospital room. He’s in the coma. Just as I pinned the wings on his shirt, he came out of the coma. It was like a scene in a movie. He looked at me, “Am I motorcycle officer now?”

“Yes, you are Chris.” He asked for his uniform. He rubbed the wings. He showed his mother. He’s giggling a little bit.

I left. A couple hours later, Chris passed away. I always like to think, “Maybe those

continued on page 34...

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CITY

SPEAK

PRIORITIES AND GOALS SET FOR CASA GRANDE

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

M I am an experienced, positive, passionate person and believe I can continue to make Casa Grande a great place to work, live and play.

y belief is that if you’re not involved in your community, you’re not part of the solution. Through my business and life experiences, I have learned how giving back and being involved in my community is important. I am an experienced, positive, passionate person and believe I can continue to make Casa Grande a great place to work, live and play.

My priorities and goals for Casa Grande include a wide range of projects and topics including:

Quality of Life I plan to dedicate funds to clean up our blighted areas, improve our customer service and complete citizen satisfaction surveys and move forward with our trail plan. We should build on the successful opening of our community recreation center this year by attracting more entertainment and recreational options, including world-class sports events and a performing arts center.

Marketing It’s important to develop branding guidelines and build a Marketing Casa Grande organization to promote Casa Grande throughout the state and region to bring in visitors and businesses. We need to capitalize effectively on our city’s advantages as the southernmost city of the Phoenix metro area and proximity to Phoenix and Tucson.

Education & Workforce Development Collaboration with area educational institutions for workforce development is a high priority. I plan to encourage local industry and the City to adopt apprenticeship opportunities for our residents. working with Casa Grande Union High School District, Central Arizona College and other educational providers.

Fiscal Responsibility City jobs will be benchmarked to ensure we are competitive in salary/pay. We will also evaluate City services to ensure we are the most efficient versus the private sector and maximize our 2020 census countwhile addressing our long-term pension deficit.

Infrastructure Infrastructure plans include providing 100% citizen access to the internet, identifying and funding a transit plan, widening the Interstate-10 Casa Grande to Chandler corridor, adding an interchange at Kortsen Road and increasing the City trail system by 5% annually.

Advance our Healthy Community Through my Homelessness Task Force, Healthy Community website and volunteerism programs, we will make strides in making our community a healthier place to live. First of all by connecting our residents to the resources they need.

Promote Economic Development Plans are in place to complete the City’s new “Growing Horizon” Economic Development report and continue as the City’s liaison to existing and new business and industry and continue to hold City staff accountable to ensure customer service is maintained. The City’s “Shop Local” campaign will promote the city’s existing retail outlets while working with developers to attract new businesses.

PHOTO BY OSCAR PEREZ/CASA GRANDE DISPATCH

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THE HOLIDAY EDITION • HOLIDAY 2019

Now

Could Be The Best Time To Sell Your Home

Selling your home can be a daunting topic and brings about many questions: How much can I get for my home, how should stage my home, how do I choose the right agent to help me sell my home and what is the best time to sell my home … just to name a few.

While there are pros and cons to selling during different times of the year, there are a few reasons why now could be a great time to sell.

Top reasons to list your property now:

• Less competition: Everyone seems to want to wait until the first of the year to list their home on the market. They want to wait until after the holidays. Therefore, right now there are less homes on the market and less competition for sellers.

• More serious buyers: Many people think that buyers aren’t looking during the winter months and holiday seasons, however, this is not the case. The serious buyers who don’t have the luxury to wait are looking now. Whether they are getting transferred or want to get moved into a new area before school starts again or are visiting during our fabulous desert winters and want to find the perfect second home before going back home, buyers are out there.

• Staging for the holidays: This time of year, it is easier to play to the senses of the holidays. Whether it’s decorating with warm fall colors or lighting a candle smelling of gingerbread cookies or pine trees, a buyer will feel more at home and be able to picture their future holidays in an environment that is properly staged.

• Quicker transactions: Since there tend to be few real estate transactions during this time of year, mortgage companies, appraisers, inspectors, etc., will be able to better serve buyers.

For more information on selling your home, please give me a call at (520) 780-0843.

Kelly Herrington, REALTOR®

Roxsells.com | 520-423-8250

Sales Manager Coldwell Banker ROX Realty 1919 N. Trekell Road, Casa Grande, AZ 85122

©2018 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.

COOLIDGE, ARIZONA COOLIDGE MUNICIPAL AIRPORT – RICH IN HISTORY, READY FOR OPPORTUNITY

by Mayor Jon Thompson, City of Coolidge

T A growing interest in Coolidge from aviation, technology, solar, manufacturing companies and others will allow a better future for our residents, visitors and the region.

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his month I’d like to touch on one of Coolidge’s hidden gems nestled in a land of opportunity and monumental history that reaches back to World War II. The Coolidge Municipal Airport is fast becoming a center of opportunity as growth and multi-million dollar grants improve the various aeronautical uses.

The U.S. Department of the Army originally constructed the Coolidge Municipal Airport in the early 1940’s. Used as an air transport command base, Coolidge Army Airfield served as an auxiliary operating base for Williams Field (now known as Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport) during World War II. The historic military hanger at the Coolidge Municipal Airport still remains today and has undergone recent renovation. The building can be seen in several television commercials and movies.

The airport was shortly converted to civilian use in 1992 after the military no longer needed to conduct further operations. Today, the airport is operated by the City of Coolidge and is home to a host of aviation related businesses including Boeing, American Medical Response Helicopter Operations, Complete Parachute Systems, G&H Aviation, International Air Response, Pinal County Sheriff’s Office and many more.

Opportunity has opened many doors for businesses and the flying community. In recent years, major taxiways have been repaired, fresh lane striping has been completed and lighting upgraded. The airport also removed all underground fuel tanks with state of the art above ground designs. I’ve talked about future plans for high-speed fiber optic lines to the airport and we continue to work on bringing this upgrade to the airport as well. These improvements have helped put Coolidge on the map as one of the airports the City supports and also a Council who believes in its future.

Due to this renewed commitment and an excellent City team, the airport was the proud recipient of ADOT’s 2017 Airport of the Year. ADOT’s Aeronautics Group looks at accomplishments in the areas of community relations, airport management, airport maintenance activities, and innovative activities and programs implemented at airports.

Coolidge Municipal Airport Hangar

In May 2019, Coolidge was very fortunate to receive a $9.5 Million award from the Federal Aviation Administration. The grant will help completely restore the airport’s runways 5-23 to brand new condition as well as provide new lighting. This will be critical to future airport growth and allow more options for the flying community to take advantage of.

Lastly I’d like to focus on the community aspect that supports the airport in a big way. Each year, from October to April, the airport hosts a fly-in each first Saturday of the season. This is a great opportunity to come out and see first hand the wide array of aircraft from vintage flyers to modern day jets. In addition, the Coolidge Lyon’s Club lends a helping hand in support of the community. Their breakfast buffet is a huge crowd- pleaser and money raised from this event helps various programs in Coolidge including the youth and elderly. This Saturday event draws hundreds of onlookers and aviators from all over Arizona and the country.

I invite everyone to come out and see history in the making with the tremendous upgrades, a host of businesses and an opportunity to get up close and personal with the many aircraft during our monthly fly-ins during the season. Coolidge Municipal Airport is being transformed into a state of the art aviation hub and its future continues soaring to new heights.

THE HOLIDAY EDITION • HOLIDAY 2019

Donations Will Bring New Life and Light to a Timeless Landmark

by Blake Herzog

T

he City of Coolidge is well on its way to securing enough donations to add lighting to the iconic water tower bearing the community’s name, ensuring it will remain a focal point downtown for years to come.

City Manager Rick Miller announced at the end of October that the city needed another $19,000 to pay for an LED lighting system, which will bathe the tower in white light or a multitude of other colors, depending on which season or cause the community wants to honor.

The idea to illuminate the tower in a similar fashion to what had been done at Water Tower Plaza in downtown Gilbert first came up a few years ago, Miller said, but there was no funding available, so it was added to the city “wish list” and set aside.

The tower is owned by Arizona Water Company and is still being used to supply Coolidge’s water, a rarity

for structures of its kind. Company leaders told the city earlier this year about plans to paint the water tower, asking if there were a particular color that would pair well with the shelved lighting plans.

That sparked a meeting between city and Arizona Water officials and their counterparts at the Town of Gilbert, who provided more information about how the project could work and which paint colors would reflect the light better than the tan coat the tower currently had.

As of press time, the water company is repainting the water tank a shimmery silver, and the plain-capital COOLIDGE on its side will be replaced by a 1920’s era font, honoring its 1929 origins.

The lights will be put around the base of the tank to illuminate the walls, and along the four support legs for the structure as well as the fill pipe extending from the bowl at the of the bottom of the tank, Miller said. They will be programmable from a laptop to show a wide array of colors.

City officials hadn’t factored the tower lighting into this year’s budget since it hadn’t known about Arizona Water’s plans, but were able to come up with $25,000 as a matching donation to any public contributions.

Miller and Mayor Jon Thompson began to approach potential donors to the project, even before a consul-

tant had come back with a final cost estimate of $67,775. Pledges ranging from $200 to $10,000 came in, and the city created an account to deposit the donations into.

Miller said the tower will be fenced off since it’s still in use, but the lights will be visible for miles around, he said.

Depending on how quickly the donations come in, city officials are hoping the tower’s official lighting ceremony will be able to launch the annual Holiday Light Parade on Dec. 13.

HOW YOU CAN HELP Coolidge city officials still need additional donations to the tower lighting project in order to hold the lighting ceremony Dec. 13 as planned. Your donation can be made out to City of Coolidge for the Water Tower Lighting Project. Mail or deliver checks to 130 W. Central Avenue, Coolidge, Arizona 85128. For more information, contact Coolidge City Manager, Rick Miller. rmiller@coolidgeaz.com 520.723.5361

HOLIDAY 2019 • THE HOLIDAY EDITION

Miller said the tower will be fenced off since it’s still in use, but the lights will be visible for miles around, he said.

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The G

You’re at Home in Casa Grande

for Yo Casa Gr Lifesty

by Renée Louzon-Benn, President, Greater Casa Grande Chamber of Commerce

A

s the President of the Chamber, I have been fortunate to work with many of our area leaders on encouraging them to buy locally and use local business services. I strongly feel we should be loyal to the community in which we live and do business.

Business leaders are our friends, our neighbors and fellow parents at our kids’ schools.

They are the ones who step up, show up and get to work by setting goals and working hard to achieve them. Actually, those are traits of all good employees, not just business owners or leaders.

Our most valued employees are willing to learn and excel at the job required, be part of a team and go above and beyond now and then – without being asked. Employers and managers can participate in this team-building by listening to the ideas and thoughts employees may have for improving the business. Employees see the business from the

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GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING

inside out and, if they feel empowered, may share unique insights into new ways to generate revenue or cut losses.

As the holiday season approaches, Casa Grande is all dressed up with plenty of places to go. Starting with the City’s Electric Light Parade on Saturday, Dec. 7, and moving into early 2020, there are many fun, free, public events that bring home the fact we have an enviable, bustling, friendly community.

One of the reasons I have always loved Casa Grande is that we are a community with a heart. Our area nonprofit and service organizations focus efforts on providing gifts, meals and other holiday items to the underserved in our community. Our governmental and community leadership understands that each person helps to build the character of Casa Grande.

That character includes approachability, an inclusive attitude and working as one voice for our residents, especially those who may

FOOD ~

not be heard on their own. Area businesses and their employees donate to charitable efforts that ensure the less fortunate of all ages will know that we do hear them and that they are a part of this great community.

So when you hear me, or anyone else, mention shopping local and living local, it’s because by doing so you are contributing positively to the continued and forward development of this home we call Casa Grande.

More information is available at casagrandechamber.org and facebook.com/cgbiz.

Passports a

Sponsors Incl Business Opportunity Community

For more

THE HOLIDAY EDITION • HOLIDAY 2019

Economy • Finance • Business The Greater Casa Grande Chamber of Commerce presents:

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our rande yle!

The Greater Casa Grande Chamber of Commerce presents:

Car & Truck Show

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1004 North Promenadeat Pkwy, Suite 152

FOOD ~ MUSIC ~ BEER GARDEN ~ MORE THAN 60 INDOOR EXHIBITORS Passports available at the Chamber information booth at the Home Show. Need not be present to win.

Lifestyle!

FOOD ~ MUSIC ~ BEER GARDEN ~ MORE THAN 60 INDOOR EXHIBITORS

Sponsors Include: Include: Sponsors

FOOD ~Participate MUSIC ~inBEER GARDEN ~ MORE THAN 60one INDOOR our Passport Challenge for a chance to win of severalEXHIBITORS prizes.

Passports at the Chamber information booth the Home Show.

Needone not be to win.prizes Participate inavailable our Passport Challenge for aatchance to win ofpresent several Participate in our Passport Challenge for a chance to win one of several prizes. available at the Chamber information Show.

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For moreParticipate information 520.836.2125 or aemail events@casagrandechamber.org

For more information call 520.836.2125 or email events@casagrandechamber.org

Sponsors Include: Passports available at the Chamber information booth at the Home Show. Need not be present to win.

Sponsors Include:

The Greater Casa Chamber of Commerce presents: For more information callGrande 520.836.2125 or email events@casagrandechamber.org

The Greater Casa Grande Chamber of Commerce presents:

For more information call 520.836.2125 or email events@casagrandechamber.org

The Greater Casa Chamber of Commerce presents: For more information callGrande 520.836.2125 or email events@casagrandechamber.org

Car & Tror ucemail k Shoevents@casagrandecha w e information call Casa 520.836.2125 The Greater Grande Chamber of Commerce presents:

WHAT’S UP DOWNTOWN?

by Rina Rien, Director, Casa Grande Main Street

S

andwiched in between the barrage of Black Friday and Cyber Monday holiday promotions is a little thing called Small Business Saturday.

On Thanksgiving weekend when the official shopping season is supposed to begin, this quiet little event takes place.

Unfortunately, one day does not a season make, particularly when small businesses, just like major retailers, count on yearend sales to survive the rest of the year.

Small Business Saturday will be celebrated Nov. 30 in Historic Downtown Casa Grande. Our holiday rewards program gives you a chance to win every time you shop, eat or play downtown during the month of November. Just snap a photo of every receipt from your purchases during the month of November at any Casa Grande Main Street member business listed in our Visitor Guide.

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GOLDEN CORRID CORRIDOR OR LI LIVVING ING • BIZ!

Post your photo to our Facebook Event page for Small Business Saturday or email a copy to downtown@cgmailbox.com.

Each receipt you submit earns you an entry into our Small Business Saturday drawing for prizes from our locally owned restaurants and shops. Winners and any additional promotions will be announced on Small Business Saturday. Check out our website cgmainstreet.org and Facebook facebook.com/cgmainstreet/ page for updates.

As the year draws to a close, don’t forget we’ll be celebrating the holiday season on Saturday, Dec. 7 with Winter Wonderland and The Electric Light Parade.

Historic Florence Street will be hosting Santa, live music and activities during the day and is the best spot to set up your chair for a great view of the twinkling floats that evening.

Dec. 19 will be our last Day Out Downtown for the year, with no event in January as we

Our littlest downtown champions, the Vazquez Sisters, Small Business Saturday 2018

prepare for our 20th annual Street Fair and Car Show Jan. 18 and 19, 2020. Please contact us at cgmainstreet.org for exhibitor info, car show registration and volunteer opportunities.

It is the season of giving, so please remember our Neon Sign Park needs your support for ongoing sign and park maintenance.

Your donation is tax deductible and can be distributed over monthly payments. Just visit our website at neonsignpark.com and click on the donate button for options.

Casa Grande Main Street is a nonprofit 501(c) 3 organization advocating downtown revitalization and historic preservation.

Visit our website at cgmainstreet.org for more information on our mission, memberships and upcoming events. Click on our Facebook link to stay connected and “like” our page for ongoing announcements.

Casa Grande Main Street is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization advocating downtown revitalization and historic preservation. Visit our website at www.cgmainstreet.org for more information on our mission, memberships and upcoming events.

Historic Downtown…

Experience the Difference

110 W. 2nd St., Casa Grande 520-836-8744 www.cgmainstreet.org THE HOLIDAY EDITION • HOLIDAY 2019

Thank you Casa Grande for voting us 2nd place in the Best Event category!

Join us January 18th & 19th, 2020 for the 20th Annual Casa Grande Main Street Street Fair/Car & Bike Show STREET FAIR Saturday, January 18 10 am - 5 pm Sunday, January 19 10 am - 4 pm For more information (520) 836-8744 cgmainstreet.org

CAR & BIKE SHOW Saturday, January 18 10 am - 3 pm

PINAL COUNTY PRESS A R IZONA CIT Y • C A SA GR A NDE • CO OLIDGE • ELOY • F LOR ENCE • M A R ICOPA

CONTINUED…

Local and State Agencies Tackle Water Issues in Pinal County PART 1 OF SERIES “Whiskey is for drinking. Water is for fighting.” Water is the lifeblood of central Arizona, controlling growth for development, industry and agriculture. Arizona Department of Water Resources Director Tom Buschatzke presented information to a legislative committee meeting in Casa Grande in October. Many stakeholders have stated the study is flawed and functionally deficient.

This series will delve deeper into the processes of determining adequate water supply and what it means to area stakeholders.

R

ecognizing the need for good water management, the Pinal County Board of Supervisors approved a new “water administrator” job description in the Public Works Department.

The water administrator will have the responsibility for advising Supervisors on sustainability management of water supplies, and working with the county’s strategic plan. They will also monitor state agencies and other authorities on water issues and policies, in order to stay ahead of the game.

This decision came after the Pinal County Groundwater Users Advisory Council (GUAC) and representatives from the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) met in September to

discuss updating the five state Active Management Area (AMA) plans. GUAC members are concerned that the new AMA plan might include a safe-yield goal.

According to the ADWR website, “Safe-yield is accomplished when no more groundwater is being withdrawn than is being replaced annually.”

Currently, in the Phoenix, Prescott and Tucson AMAs, the primary goal is to reach safeyield by 2025.

“In the Pinal AMA, where the economy is primarily agricultural, the management goal is to preserve that economy for as long as feasible, while considering the need to preserve groundwater for future non-irrigation uses,” is the

explanation on the ADWR website.

The Pinal AMA covers approximately 4,000 square miles in central Arizona. Not only are there agricultural needs for water, but groundwater mining by industrial users has increased rapidly, and is expected to continue to increase.

Pinal groundwater use breaks down as follows: • 4% Industrial • 5% Municipal • 11% Tribal use • 80% Agricultural

INLAND PORT...cont. from page 16

Mike Goodman stated. “We greatly appreciate the support and efforts of our Congressional Delegation, especially Senators McSally and Sinema, and Congressmen Gosar and O’Halleran, and we look forward to further development of the Inland Port.”

Supervisor Pete Rios agreed, “I am delighted that Inland Port in

my district has been selected for a BUILD grant. Inland Port will produce thousands of jobs in the area from such projects as the Nikola Motor Company’s construction of a large manufacturing facility to build hydrogen-electric semitrucks, which alone is expected to produce more than 3,500 jobs and more than $1 billion in total

tion has awarded a BUILD grant for Inland Port. Pinal County has a robust and growing economy, with a strong business climate, and this award serves as further recognition that Pinal County is a great place to do business,” Pinal County Board Chairman

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GUAC members are determined to ensure that a one-sizefits-all AMA safe-yield plan is not applied to the Pinal AMA. Members of the GUAC:

• • • • •

David Snider– Chair William Collings-Vice Chair Oliver Anderson Jackie Guthrie Scott Riggins

An update to the 2014 Pinal AMA Groundwater Model report is being finalized by the ADWR and is expected sometime in 2019. It will include a 100-year Assured Water Supply projection and structural modifications.

Arizona House of Representatives Creates Ad Hoc Committee on Groundwater Supply in Pinal County In other water news, the Arizona House of Representatives has creat-

Continued on page 85...

economic output.”

An additional BUILD grant for $24 million was awarded to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport for its Northside Rail Expansion.

This project will allow for the expansion and readiness of the Air National Guard at the airport.

Read more news on page 59...

THE HOLIDAY EDITION • HOLIDAY 2019

Restrictive Covenants in Employment Agreements To stand up in court, restrictive covenants must be reasonable, narrowly tailored, and allow former employees to work in their chosen field

by Denis Fitzgibbons, Fitzgibbons Law Offices

I

n my previous article, “Is Your Customer List a Trade Secret?” (Golden Corridor LIVING, Late Summer 2019), we discussed how companies can achieve trade secret protection of their customer lists. In this article, we discuss another form of protection, a restrictive covenant, that is often included in employment agreements.

A restrictive covenant is an agreement in which an employee agrees to forego engaging in certain competitive conduct with the company for a specified period of time within a set location.

Restrictive covenants are used to protect the company’s legitimate business interests and prevent unfair competition.

In a 2013 decision, the Arizona Court of Appeals made clear that companies with overly broad restrictions may be unable to enforce their restrictive covenants.

In Orca Communications Unlimited, LLC v. Noder, the Court ruled that, to be enforceable, restrictive covenants must be precisely drafted, and that failure to do so will have significant consequences for the company.

Orca v. Noder involved the departing president (Ms. Noder) of a public relations firm (Orca Communications). During her employment, Ms. Noder signed a confidentiality, nonsolicitation and noncompetition agreement. The agreement prohibited her from: • using Orca’s confidential information or disclosing it to third parties • providing conflicting services • soliciting any of Orca’s clients or potential clients • hiring Orca employees

HOLIDAY 2019 • THE HOLIDAY EDITION

The Court found that Orca’s noncompetition covenant did not meet the statutory requirement because it prohibited Ms. Noder from pursuing any type of work in the field and did not limit its reach only to Orca’s protectable interest – i.e., confidential information and client relationships.

The client nonsolicitation provision was also found unenforceable because it sought to protect not only actual client relationships but also “potential” relationships and those with Orca’s former clients.

Before leaving Orca, Ms. Noder informed potential clients she was planning to start her own firm. After she left, Orca sued her for breaching their agreement. She argued that the restrictive covenants were overly broad.

The trial court agreed and dismissed Orca’s complaint. The Arizona Court of Appeals upheld the ruling, finding that the covenants were overly broad and should not be enforced.

Employer Guidelines Orca v. Noder offers useful guidelines and limitations for employers trying to restrict employees’ competitive activities.

Confidentiality. The Court’s ruling reiterated the long-established principle that confidentiality agreements can protect information that is “truly confidential” and not generally known to the public. Orca sought to limit Ms. Noder’s abil-

ity to disclose information that was available publicly but only through “substantial searching of published literature” or had to be “pieced together” from public sources.

Also, Orca had defined as “confidential” any information that Ms. Noder came across during her employment and was not generally known and was “substantially inaccessible.” The Court found that this overly broad definition made the confidentiality covenant unenforceable. Because its covenant included information that was not generally confidential, Orca could not enforce the confidentiality restriction.

Competition. Orca’s noncompetition and client nonsolicitation covenants also were found to be overly broad under Arizona law, which holds that such provisions are enforceable only when they are narrowly drawn to protect the company’s legitimate business interests.

Enforceable Provisions Orca v. Noder does not prohibit employers from enforcing properly drawn confidentiality, noncompetition or nonsolicitation provisions in employment agreements.

Rather, it reaffirms that restrictions on post-employment activities must: • be reasonable • be narrowly tailored as to time and place • not bar a former employee from making a living in their chosen field Orca v. Noder underscores the need for Arizona companies to ensure that covenants are narrowly tailored and will survive legal challenges in protecting the company’s legitimate interests.

Denis Fitzgibbons is a partner at Fitzgibbons Law Offices in Casa Grande, 520-426-3824, and president-elect of the State Bar of Arizona.

GOLDEN CORRID CORRIDOR OR LI V ING BIZ! • GOLDEN

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Wealth Management:

by Blake Herzog

“W

ealth management” by name alone implies that it’s a service for people with high net worth — a lot of dough to spend or invest. But it’s the middle class families and retirees on down who really need it, simply because they don’t have as much wealth to spare.

Luckily, this can be a DIY project, one of the most important you could ever take on.

There are so many important steps that can be taken on your own to put your present and future on solid financial footing.

For instance: • Keep an emergency fund in a savings account or short-term CDs, which can cover three to 12 months of expenses. This is critical for protecting yourself against unexpected job losses or medical bills.

Try to build that up even more if you’re working in a field where open jobs are few and far between.

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GOLDEN CORRID CORRIDOR OR LI LIVVING ING • BIZ!

• Know how much you want to save for retirement; many experts suggest saving 10 times your annual income. The number depends a lot on what kind of lifestyle you want to have once you are done working.

• Look into every type of retirement savings account available to you, whether it’s a 401(k) plan at work, an IRA (either traditional or the Roth version) or whichever product works best for your future.

• Don’t be afraid to invest some of your savings in the stock market where it’s likely to multiply much faster and farther than most savings accounts. But do keep an eye on current economic conditions and how they’re affecting the mood of the market.

• Carry all the insurance you’re going to need, including life, health, home and vehicle.

• Do some basic estate planning — draft a will, power of attorney, advanced medical directive, living will and other essential documents.

You may need an attorney to help ensure your estate documents take effect, and there are certainly other situations where bringing in either a wealth manager or financial adviser would be a wise move: • If you’re experiencing or planning a major family life change such as parenthood or divorce. Even couples seriously dating may want to drop into an office to get a sense of where they stand on financial issues, which have doomed many a relationship.

• You’re seeing a rapid increase in your wealth through a job change, promotion or other means. An adviser or manager can make sure the influx of cash isn’t being overspent and is being invested wisely and managed for tax purposes.

• If retirement is on the horizon, or already here, a specialized planner can help you figure out what your goals for that phase of your life are and what steps you need to take to achieve them. Some of the planners you THE HOLIDAY EDITION • HOLIDAY 2019

Not Just For The 1% consider may boast a retirement-specific credential after their name, but make sure it’s one with teeth; it isn’t that easy to get.

• If you have too many investments to be able to monitor each one closely, or if you have little interest or aptitude for spending or tracking money, bringing in an adviser can be an especially good idea.

Wealth managers and financial planners take different approaches to the responsibility of managing your finances, though both generally set a minimum net worth for their clients.

Besides generally working with higher networth clients, most wealth managers provide holistic services addressing all areas of their clients’ financial lives from tax work to legal and estate planning. Many financial planners, on the other hand, have a specialty such as investing, accounting, life insurance/estate planning or others often based on the kind of certification they have.

HOLIDAY 2019 • THE HOLIDAY EDITION

Two of the most common and rigorous certification programs are Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC). Both ensure their holders have a well-rounded knowledge of financial planning and can work effectively in most aspects of your financial life.

Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) are keen at organizing investments and reducing tax burdens, while Chartered Mutual Fund Counselors (CMFC) help investors navigate the complexities of such large funds. A Certified Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) focuses on alternative types of investments, including real assets, hedge funds and commodities.

Most charges are assessed as a percentage of the total amount of wealth being managed, while some advice is available on a flat-fee basis. “Fee-only” advisers earn their income solely from fees paid by their customers and not from commissions for

selling certain financial products. This model can eliminate most conflict-of-interest issues but tends to be more expensive than some customers can afford.

The Golden Corridor is home to wealth managers and financial planners who can fit into at least one of these or multiple molds.

Working with a planner who lives and works in your community means you’re more likely to be talking to someone familiar with the costs of living there and how to maximize your potential to live your best life.

GOLDEN CORRID CORRIDOR OR LI V ING BIZ! • GOLDEN

33

The ROX Interview (continued) ...continued from page 21 wings helped carry him to heaven.”

A couple days later, my commanders called me in. “We just learned Chris is going to be buried in Kewanee, Illinois. We have lost a fellow officer. We want you and your partner to go back and give him a full police funeral. The good news is this is an authorized mission. You can be in uniform, everything else. The bad news is we can’t pay for anything. You’re going to have to use vacation time. You’re gonna have to use your own money. But, we’ve already started a fundraising thing, passing the hat.”

In those days, it was Phoenix to Chicago on an emergency type thing — $767 –round trip. They passed the hat, came up with about $1,000. But I got a call from a friend: Jerry Foster, a helicopter pilot for Channel 12 NBC in Phoenix.

Jerry followed me all over the state — news stories and such. “Frank, come on down to the station. I need to talk to you.”

I walked in, saw a receptionist. She said, “Jerry just left on assignment, but here’s

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OR LI GOLDEN CORRID CORRIDOR LIV VING ING • THE INTERV IE W

an envelope for something.” There was a check for $767. The note said, “Frank, take this and go bury the little boy. I’d have blown this on a blonde anyhow.” (laughing) We arrive in Chicago. We were met by TV stations when we landed. Somewhere this word had got out. Chicago PD took us for lunch and got us lodging.

It was about 180 miles to Kewanee. To get there, we were met by State Police, City Police, County Police. Chicago PD had notified these people that we’re there to bury this fellow officer. Chris was buried in his uniform. His grave marker reads, “Chris Greicius, Arizona Trooper.”

Coming home, I just started thinking, “Here’s a little boy that had a wish, and we made it happen. Why can’t we do that for other children?” That’s when the idea was born — at 36,000 feet over Kansas.

May 1980.

Then, when Chris’ mother returned, I approached her. “I’ve got this idea. I want to do this in memory of your son.”

“Yes, let’s do it,” she agreed.

Ralph Milstead, head of DPS, calls me

one day and said, “Frank, I know what you’re doing. I support you. I’m gonna give you one of our empty offices to have your meetings in. I’m gonna let you sit in there, three or four hours a day, every day, to do what you need to do. You’re gonna give me eight hours work. If it takes you 15-16 hours, 20 hours, you’re gonna be out there and maintain those high arrest records you have.”

I respect the heck out of that man.

GC LIVING: So Chris was really not the first “Make-A-Wish” recipient?

FRANK SHANKWITZ: We didn’t do our first official foundation wish until March 1981.

When we started the foundation; it was for children with terminal illnesses. Leukemia was a death sentence. We heard of a 7-year-old boy named Frank Salazar, a Yaqui Indian, in Guadalupe, Arizona.

Bopsy was his nickname. He had a single mom. Very poor, dirt floors on the house, outhouse for plumbing.

I borrowed a patrol car. I’m in uniform.

I go there, and mom was embarrassed for me to come in the house. So Bopsy crawls in the car with me. At first, he was stoic.

He was going through manhood training at the Catholic Church so he wasn’t supposed to show a lot of emotion.

But I asked him, “Well, if you ever wanted to do something, see something, have something, be something, you ever think about a wish, what would it be?” And he’s thinking for a while, “I wanna be a fireman.” I said, “You’re sitting in a highway patrol car with me in cop uniform and you wanna be a fireman?” (laughing) I got a little giggle out of him there.

I thought to myself, “That’s easy.” Kitty has a brother who is a Phoenix fireman.

Then Bopsy said, “No. I wanna ride in a hot air balloon.” I thought, “That’s easy, too.” My friends, the Pierce brothers up in Prescott had a hot air balloon. I told Bopsy, “We can do that.”

Then Bopsy said, “No. I wanna go to Disneyland.” I paused because we had maybe $2,000 in our bank account. “OK, let me go talk to some people, see what we can do.”

I went to the Board. I said, “Let’s grant all three wishes. We’re gonna get so much press out of this, it’s gonna put us on the map, nationwide.” Luckily, they agreed.

THE HOLIDAY EDITION • HOLIDAY 2019

The Phoenix Fire Department got him a little turn-out suit, fitted to him, and a helmet that fit him. He got to slide down the fire pole. He got to spray all the cars.

It was a nice, sunny day in Phoenix. People came out and their cars were all wet. (laughs) But the press really picked it up.

Then we took Bopsy to Prescott Valley.

The Pierce brothers put him in the hot air balloon. That story got coverage all over.

GC LIVING: What about Disneyland?

KITTY SHANKWITZ: I must have called Disneyland 10 times and told them, “This is the Make-A-Wish Foundation,” and nobody had heard of us. When I said we’d like to get some free tickets it was click ... click ... I finally went to Frank and said, “I don’t know what else to say or do, they won’t talk to me.”

FRANK SHANKWITZ: I said give me the numbers and I’ll call. I called and spoke to the secretary for the Director of Public

HOLIDAY 2019 • THE HOLIDAY EDITION

Relations and said, “This is Officer Frank Shankwitz, Arizona Highway Patrol, and I have a warrant for one of your people.” (laughing) The minute I got the gentleman on the phone, I said, “I just lied to you. Now, here’s my name. Here’s my badge number. Here’s my supervisor’s name and here’s his phone number. All you have to do is call him, and I will be terminated immediately, but will you please listen to my story first?”

Thankfully, he listened and now, almost 40 years later, Disney is one of the biggest sponsors of Make-A-Wish foundation. I tell people, “Sometimes you have to lie, but qualify that lie if you can.” (laughs) We found out later that they get these bogus requests all the time.

KITTY SHANKWITZ: Make-A-Wish wouldn’t be what it is without Disney.

FRANK SHANKWITZ: Bopsy was the first

official Wish child. Chris was the inspiration.

GC LIVING: How did you become a public speaker for hire?

FRANK SHANKWITZ: I met Greg Reed in 2011. He asked me how much I charge for speaking? I said I don’t charge for speaking at Make-A-Wish events. And he said, no for your personal speaking events. I said I’ve never done any of that. And he asked, why? He heard me speak at an event and said, “The audience is in tears.”

He said, “Look at your standing ovation.”

He said, “We don’t have speakers that get that type of standing ovation, plus you’re not selling anything, except a message.”

I said, “Well, I’ve never thought about it.” Now, I’m getting ready to retire about 2014 and thinking what am I going to do afterward? So, I said, talk to me, Greg. I’ve

continued on page 55...

OR LI V ING THE INTERV IE W • GOLDEN GOLDEN CORRID CORRIDOR VING

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Adding More Major Sports Events Will Boost Pinal County Economy

by Tim Kanavel, Program Manager, Pinal County Economic Development One of our mottos for Pinal County is that we are a “get off your couch” place to live. I would encourage anyone who has ideas for events like I mentioned, and ones I didn’t even mention, to take a chance.

36

I

am writing this while out at the 2019 FAI World Cup of Formation and Artistic Skydiving in Eloy. It’s amazing that Skydive Arizona was able to land such an event. This is basically the Super Bowl of skydiving.

What makes this event so interesting is the athletes involved. There are 16 countries with more than 300 skydivers, coaches, support staff and officials here in our corner of the world to find out who is the best of the best when it comes to skydiving. These are international athletes experiencing what Pinal County and Southern Arizona have to offer.

That means a lot of money and exposure for many businesses in this area.

Hotel rooms are booked, food is eaten and, for Skydive Arizona, a lot of aviation fuel is being sold to power the planes taking these skydivers to 10,000 feet and above.

I was talking with Pinal County Board of Supervisors Vice-Chairman, Steve Miller after the opening ceremonies. Needless to say he was impressed about the turnout of athletes and spectators. But he said to me: “We need more of these type of events in Pinal County.”

I understand where he is coming from. We may not be able to ever score the Super Bowl or the World Series in Pinal County, but we sure as heck can land these type of events for other sports.

Casa Grande hosts international

GOLDEN CORRID CORRIDOR OR LI LIVVING ING • BIZ!

PHOTO PROVIDED BY SKYDIVE ARIZONA

soccer players coming here to better their skills. Apache Junction hosts a marathon in the Superstitions, there is a 12-mile burro race in Superior and a 24-hour mountain bike endurance event near Oracle.

In the future we will see international auto racing in Casa Grande at Attesa. But why stop there?

Looking at a map of Pinal County, I don’t see why we couldn’t have our own “Tour de France” type of event across the region. The terrain is not easy by any means. The Catalina Mountains could be a heck of a climb for riders. The Pinal Pioneer Parkway would be a good flat sprint for riders, and the climb from Superior to Oracle would be a challenge for any long-distance rider.

We could even hold an ultra-mar-

athon race in the County. Moab, Utah holds a 238-mile race each year. I could easily see the County hosting a similar type of race using the Arizona Trail or the upcoming CAP Canal trail.

My point is that we should not settle for one big event and leave it at that.

We have the outdoor space, and we should be using it even more. All it takes is some enterprising minds out there and the will to take the chance and the next thing you know another big event comes to Pinal County.

One of our mottos for Pinal County is that we are a “get off your couch” place to live. I would encourage anyone who has ideas for events like I mentioned, and ones I didn’t even mention, to take a chance. Pinal County is willing to listen. Send any ideas you’ve got to timothy.kanavel@pinal.gov

THE HOLIDAY EDITION • HOLIDAY 2019

PINAL COUNTY

AT A G L A N C E Poverty Level Arizona 14.9%

Pinal County 12.6% THE LOWEST IN THE STATE!

Mean Commute Time:

465,000 2010 Census 375,768 INCREASE of over 15% since 2010

31 Minutes

Land Area: 5,635 square miles

(Connecticut is 5,543 square miles)

• Severtson’s Screens Mfg. is fully operational in San Tan Valley (movie screens)

51,190

$

Median Household Income

• Lucid Motors will break ground and start Total Workforce: construction by January 1, 2020 • In 2017, Pinal County realized nearly $700 million in tourism dollars spent

188,575

• In 2017, Pinal County realized nearly $2.6 Billion in agricultural related sales and business • In 2017, Pinal County was in the Top 2% of all US counties and county equivalents in agriculture related sales

Education

High School Graduate or Higher

84.9%

Unemployment Rate:

Pinal County 4.6% Pinal County is experiencing a current growth rate of 3.0%, HIGHEST in the State and one of the highest in the nation. Gaining about 13,500 new residents or more each year.

Employment by Sector – September 2019 Total Nonfarm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62,100 Total Private. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41,650 Goods Producing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7,900 • Mining and Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,825 • Manufacturing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,075 Service-Providing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54,200 • Trade, Transportation and Utilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . 10,775 • Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 600 • Financial Activities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,450

• • • •

Professional and Business Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7,125 Education and Health Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6,400 Leisure and Hospitality. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,750 Other Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,650

Government. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20,450 • Federal Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,525 • State and Local Government. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18,925

Sources: Arizona Department of Administration (ADOA), October 17, 2019, US Census, Arizona Regional MLS, laborstats.az.gov

Special Section:

PHOTOS BY TRACY FULTZ AND SOBE PHOTOGRAPHY

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GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING

THE HOLIDAY EDITION • HOLIDAY 2019

WOMEN IN THE WORKFORCE T hey are CEOs, CFOs, owners, managers, community leaders and so much more.

Who are they? The women featured in this year’s Women in Business special section.

These ladies each have unique stories and varied backgrounds.

They’ve done everything from moving from a foreign country to building a business from the ground up to working their way up the ladder to the position they hold today.

All, however, have two things in common: grit and determination.

Commerce, at its core, is about helping clients find what they need to make their lives run smoothly. This year’s featured leaders in Golden Corridor LIVING’s special Women in Business section can help you find your next home, your next meal, your next drip-free faucet and so much more.

It takes smarts to learn cost-effective ways to bring goods and

T

hirty years ago the workplace in Hollywood and in real life was a very different environment. Since then, we have seen some dramatic changes. We began to see shows in which women were featured in positions of power. They were business owners, managers, company presidents, doctors, police officers and lawyers.

These shows often tackled difficult issues brought to the forefront of society. The landscape outside of Hollywood began to look very different, as well.

Women were trailblazers, making their way through their education, working their way up the ladder and tackling life’s challenges.

Today those same women who forged a path for generations to come have brought about the entirely different landscape we are seeing today. Women are holding power positions in companies. They are working at presidents, CEOs, managers, school administrators and even making groundbreaking election wins. Today, women account for 51.1% of all workers in high-paying management, professional and related occupations.

services to customers when their needs and circumstances are as individual as they are. These women bring these qualities to their work, their personal lives and to their communities.

These ladies work hard and contribute to the community. You might recognize some of the names and faces of these women but will find out so much more about them and why they are featured in this year’s edition of Women in Business.

Top Occupations for Women Registered nurses.....................................................91.1% Elementary and middle school teachers.............81.8% Medical and health services managers................ 72.5% Psychologists............................................................66.7% Tax examiners collectors and revenue agents....... 66.1% Education administrators...................................... 63.0% Advertising and promotions managers................ 61.1% Accountants and auditors...................................... 60.1% Public relations managers........................................ 60% Insurance underwriters........................................... 59.3% Medical scientists..................................................... 53.7%

Information source: U.S. Department of Labor, Women’s Bureau dol.gov/wb/factsheets/qf-laborforce-10.htm.

HOLIDAY 2019 • THE HOLIDAY EDITION

Financial managers.................................................. 53.2%

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Special Section: Women in Business

ELAINE EARLE Publisher & Chief Executive Officer ROX Media Group

E

laine Earle is an accomplished publisher and management professional with 21 years of experience working in public accounting, IT consulting, management, public relations and publishing on behalf of major corporations and also as a principal of her own enterprises.

Elaine graduated from the University of Arizona with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting in 1997 and passed the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) examination immediately thereafter. Her 21 years’ work as a CPA prepared her for her current role as Chief Financial Officer of ROX Group, a business group that she owns with her husband. It includes companies with operations in the real estate, insurance, travel and media industries.

In addition, Elaine currently serves as Chief Executive

Officer and Publisher of ROX Media Group (RMG).

In the Pinal County area, RMG publishes Golden Corridor LIVING Magazine, the Golden Corridor Smart Shopper, as well as custom publications for the cities of Casa Grande, Eloy and Maricopa, chamber directories for the Greater Casa Grande, Coolidge and Eloy Chambers of Commerce and coming 1Q 2020, the first official Pinal County Visitor Guide.

Personally, Elaine has a passion for traveling, and has been to over 40 foreign countries. Many more travels are planned, and now frequently include her 12-year-old twin sons.

Elaine and her husband, Rock, are deeply committed to their family, and enjoy spending quality downtime together in addition to their dedication to operating and growing their various companies.

CONTACT INFORMATION: Elaine Earle 130 N. Granite St., Prescott 928.350.8006 roxmediagroup.net

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CORRID OR LI LIVING V ING • SPECI A L SEC TION GOLDEN CORRIDOR

THE HOLIDAY EDITION • HOLIDAY 2019

Special Section: Women in Business

BEA LUECK General Manager & Managing Editor ROX Media Group

B

ea has been the general manager and managing editor of ROX Media Group since its founding. Her team and her clients like to call her “the chief doer of stuff,” and it’s easy to see why.

Before a project starts, Bea works with clients to ensure their visions are brought to life. In publications, she guides the process from concept to print to distribution and beyond.

Bea has over 23 years of experience in multiple advertising media, including print, direct mail, television and web. Prior to 2010 when she joined ROX Real Estate (now Coldwell Banker ROX Realty) as a real estate agent, she was partnerand general manager of KCAB, a low-power TV station that operated for 11 years in the greater Casa Grande market.

In the fall of 2011, Bea and Rock Earle launched CGROX Magazine to market Rock’s various companies.

This magazine was the very first publication in what is now ROX Media Group (RMG). RMG now prints nearly five million copies annually.

Bea has been married to her husband, Rick, for over 35 years, and they have two grown children and six grandchildren. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and renovating her home – an endeavor she will never finishbecause there is always another exciting project!

Bea is active in several Casa Grande area nonprofits and is past-president of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Casa Grande Valley. She is a lifelong advocate for animals and currently has four rescued dogs.

JULIE TURETZKY

JO WOBSER

Public Relations & Marketing Manager, ROX Media Group

Ad Traffic Manager & Customer Service, ROX Media Group

J

ulie Turetzky is the public relations and marketing manager for ROX Media Group, where she works to promote and provide support to the company and its statewide publications including Prescott LIVING Magazine, Golden Corridor LIVING Magazine, TravelHost Arizona and area Visitor Guides.

Turetzky is a marketing professional with 20 years of experience working in client and agency settings. She has created and managed marketing strategies — designed to meet client objectives and stay within an established budget — across many industries. She has experience in public relations, advertising, print collateral, outdoor, radio and television, as well as branding, packaging and tradeshows. Turetzky joined ROX Media Group after spending five

years in the publishing industry as marketing manager with House Beautiful special interest publications, where she ensured advertiser programs were delivered as contracted. She is an excellent communicator and able to keep projects aligned with their predetermined strategy.

HOLIDAY 2019 • THE HOLIDAY EDITION

O

riginally from Waimanalo, Hawaii, Jo and her husband Michael, a recently retired Air Force Master Sergeant, have lived in many places around the world. Establishing a career is a challenge that a military spouse may face.

Over the span of 25 years, and with each relocation, Jo has been employed with companies such as Spencer Gifts, Hot Topic, CVS and Amazon.

Before becoming the Customer Service & Ad Traffic Manager with ROX Media Group, Jo was a customer service supervisor with Interserve, a Department of Defense Contractor, for RAF Lakenheath in the United Kingdom. “I appreciate the opportunity to finally have a

stable career with ROX Media Group and enjoy the privilege of working with each and every client we have!”

OR LI V ING SPECI A L SEC TION • GOLDEN GOLDEN CORRID CORRIDOR VING

41

Special Section: Women in Business

Thank you to the Francisco Grande for hosting and catering our Women in Business event!

Event photography and head shots by Sobe Stanford Photography.

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CORRID OR LI LIVING V ING • SPECI A L SEC TION GOLDEN CORRIDOR

THE HOLIDAY EDITION • HOLIDAY 2019

Special Section: Women in Business

JAMIE WAGNERBRASHIER Sr. Account Executive ROX Media Group

B

orn and raised in Casa Grande, Jamie has enjoyed watching our town grow and takes pride in knowing she has helped many businesses thrive throughout her advertising career. Her media career began over 15 years ago with one of the first magazines in Casa Grande - Grande Living.

Fast forward to 2012, Jamie was one of the first account executives with ROX Media’s publications, Golden Corridor LIVING and Smart Shopper.

With exceptional skills in client relations, in addition to her role in sales, Jamie assists with ad traffic and accounts receivable. She firmly believes small

businesses are what makes our city so great! When she is not at work, she enjoys traveling with her husband and spending time with her family.

She is grateful for the relationships she has built with the people and businesses in Pinal County. Her commitment and passion have led Jamie to set her heart on helping this great community grow and succeed.

She truly is, and always will be, a great Casa Grandean.

BLAKE HERZOG Senior Editor ROX Media Group

B

lake Herzog is a respected journalist with more than 20 years of experience at newspapers, having been a reporter and editor for the East Valley (Mesa) Tribune, Casa Grande Dispatch, Yuma Sun and Desert Sun (Palm Springs, Calif.). Along the way she has interviewed governors, members of Congress, local mayors and council members, HOA presidents and their collective constituents, as well as Hollywood celebrities, business owners and their employees, parents, children and too many others to count.

Blake has been recognized for her work covering agriculture, local politics, water rights, programs serving the disabled, and other subject areas. A

graduate of Arizona State University’s Cronkite School of Journalism, she now lives in Prescott Valley and is happy to continue being a “voice of the community” by editing and writing content for ROX Media Group publications in Prescott and Pinal County.

PAULA J. LESLIE Managing Partner, Mankel Mechanical and Two Brothers Plumbing

M

y oldest aspiring-writer granddaughter agreed to write this, but fifth grade happened. You get me instead. She and I have a lot of oddball conversations. During one such conversation she relayed how anxious she was about starting fifth grade. I explained good anxiety is part of our body’s natural alert system, and then bought a book dealing specifically with anxiety in preteen and teenage girls. After reading this book, speaking with Lex, and recalling my own experiences, I was dismayed by the amount of pressure girls deal with daily. Weight. Beauty. Grades.

Acceptance. Fashion. Boys. Mean girls. Chores. Parents. Siblings. Future.

All while trying to figure out who we are individually in this chaotic world.

Adults preach uniqueness but then admonish a free spirit. I dealt with all

HOLIDAY 2019 • THE HOLIDAY EDITION

those anxieties and I survived. I grew up to be this anxious adult who meets her fears and chases her dreams (some of them I haven’t caught yet).

There are days when I crawl into a ball and hide under my blanket at the end of a day. There are days when I reach for the brown paper bag to calm my hyperventilating. Almost every day I practice some form of relaxation - yoga, journaling, praying, watching the sunset. I still struggle with not being enough, but I also am in accordance with that face and body I see in the mirror. I defeat the demons because I have three young girls and one baby boy who idolize me to a degree, and challenge me to be the best free spirit I can summon. We are all someone’s idol. Live worthy.

OR LI V ING SPECI A L SEC TION • GOLDEN GOLDEN CORRID CORRIDOR VING

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Special Section: Women in Business

DIANN PRECHEL Owner A Latte Vino

D

iann is no stranger to the business world. A native of Pinal County, born in Florence, raised in Coolidge and now resides in Casa Grande.

She grew up in the family business of farming, attended the University of Arizona and attained a Bachelor of Science in Business. While her heart belongs with farming (17 years full time) she has turned dirt into dreams by being an active partner with several start up businesses in the area. Farm fields have been turned into a 24 home subdivision Coolidge and a full service car wash in Casa Grande. Her current solo venture (in her 3rd year) was an empty retail shell building, is now a cozy warm atmosphere for customers to

44

MARYANN VERSLUIS Owner, Cook E Jar

M enjoy glass of wine and food with friends or family. Diann has also served on several local and national Boards representing various areas from cotton to community including holding the position of Chamber of Commerce Chair in 2018. Cheers to dirt and dreams!

CORRID OR LI LIVING V ING • SPECI A L SEC TION GOLDEN CORRIDOR

aryAnn opened Cook E Jar in the fall of 1988 with her husband David Yandell. Many remember MaryAnn going office to office pedaling her goodies.

In January 1992, Cook E Jar moved to its current location in historic downtown where they are in the old Flo’s Coffee Shop, renovated by the Industrial Development Authority.

Time passed, and David passed away in 2001. MaryAnn married her current husband George Versluis in 2003 and the restaurant continues on with George taking on much of the day-to-day maintenance and emotional support (much needed in the restaurant

business). George is also the chief marketing person, always taking cookies wherever he happens to be going.

MaryAnn is a member of the Casa Grande Chamber of Commerce and is a long-standing board member for Casa Grande Main Street Organization.

Come visit the Cook E Jar in Downtown Casa Grande. 100 W 2nd St., Casa Grande.

THE HOLIDAY EDITION • HOLIDAY 2019

Special Section: Women in Business

ANNALISA TAPIA REALTOR© Coldwell Banker ROX Realty

A

s a native of Casa Grande, Annalisa has the knowledge of the community and the surrounding areas to assist buyers and sellers in their real estate needs. She loves Casa Grande and enjoys sharing her hometown.

Annalisa’s goal is to make your real estate transaction smooth from start to finish and an experience you will enjoy. Her professionalism, nopressure attitude and great listening skills allow her to understand her client’s needs.

She has earned the Graduate, REALTOR® Institute (GRI) designation, and her other designations include At Home with Diversity and Smart Home Technology. Her real estate honors include the International Diamond Society, International President’s Elite and the International Sterling Society.

HOLIDAY 2019 • THE HOLIDAY EDITION

Annalisa enjoys giving back to her community and serves on the St. Vincent de Paul Society board, is a member of Beta Sigma Phi – Beta Delta Chapter and is a past member of the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals. She also volunteers at St. Anthony of Padua Parish as a Lector.

Annalisa is accessible to her clients to answer or assist with any questions or concerns that may arise during the transaction or after closing. Your returning business is her priority. Give her a call for all your real estate needs.

520-560-2960 annalisa.tapia@coldwellbanker.com

OR LI V ING SPECI A L SEC TION • GOLDEN GOLDEN CORRID CORRIDOR VING

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Special Section: Women in Business

SOBE STANFORD Owner Sobe Stanford Photography

S

obe is the owner of Sobe Stanford Photography, a photography company dedicated to capturing the beauty in every woman. Sobe went to ASU to pursue a degree in Architecture. While in the Architecture program Sobe found her passion and fell in love with photography.

She started a photography business and never looked back. “I believe that every woman should take the time to celebrate their individuality regardless of age, weight or color. We are

uniquely beautiful, and we should embrace it!”

Sobe’s Luxury sessions consist of a complete makeover experience, professional hair/makeup, styling consultation and a selection of gowns to choose from. Her products speak luxury and were uniquely designed for her clients. Her goal is to help women see their beauty and reconnect with themselves again. “My mission is to help women of all ages, celebrate their individuality and know they are worthy of feeling beautiful”.

CONTACT INFORMATION: Sobe Stanford 520.705.3904 www.sobestanford.com

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CORRID OR LI LIVING V ING • SPECI A L SEC TION GOLDEN CORRIDOR

THE HOLIDAY EDITION • HOLIDAY 2019

by

Before

After

Dreading guests seeing your outdated bathroom this holiday?

At Dreamstyle Remodeling, we’ve helped thousands of homeowners get the bath of their dreams by making it fast, easy, and convenient – but most importantly affordable for every budget.

In as little as one to two days, we’re able to transform your grungy old shower or bathtub into the KOHLER shower of your dreams. Our shower walls are made with natural stone with no more dirty grout lines – they’ll look better and be much easier to clean.

This offer only lasts until December 31st, so call today!

TRANSFORM YOUR BATHROOM FOR

$99 PER MONTH

PLUS 20% OFF YOUR PROJECT OFFER ENDS DECEMBER 31ST

Call today for a FREE in-home consultation

520-369-5766

*See representative for details. Not valid with other offers or previous orders. Valid on initial consultation only, with purchase of any complete Kohler Shower System. Some restrictions may apply, OAC. $99 per month based on purchase of three standard sized Kohler walls, standard shower base, drain & faucet, plus installation and delivery. 15 year term with Fixed APR of 7.99. Dreamstyle Remodeling, Inc. (fn) ROC260542

Special Section:

The Golden Corridor Shines Bright Throughout the Holidays

W

hether strands of thousands of lights sparkling on trees and houses or a simple string of flashing lights around a person’s neck, the Golden Corridor seems to live up to its name during the holiday season. Most of the major community events feature an electric light parade along with performances, activities and food to bring a diverse group of merrymakers together.

A few highlights:

AK-CHIN INDIAN COMMUNITY The Maricopa-area tribe hosts celebrations for its members and neighbors throughout December to mark the anniversary of its formal recognition as a tribe, starting with the Masik Tas (“birthday”) Light Parade at 7 p.m. Dec. 7, along West Farrell Road around John Wayne Parkway.

This will be followed up by the Masik Tas Celebration two weeks later, Dec. 13-15 at the UltraStar Multi-tainment Center just north of Harrah’s Ak-Chin Hotel and Casino. It offers music, a fun zone, a petting zoo, arts and crafts booths and food vendors.

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GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING

CASA GRANDE The Electric Light Parade is held annually in downtown Casa Grande on the first Saturday of December (it falls on the 7th this year). The city’s largest and most popular event begins with a Main Street “Winter Wonderland” from 2-5 p.m., offering a skating rink, food vendors, live entertainment, craft and game booths and free photos with Santa.

Everybody’s then invited to bring their chairs to line Florence Boulevard between Colorado and Florence streets at 5:45 p.m. for the City Hall Tree Lighting and Electric Light Parade, where Santa will make another appearance.

Spectators will be able to vote for their favorite float for the “people’s choice” award.

ELOY

Everyone is invited to celebrate Dec. 14 during the City of Eloy’s Christmas Tree Lighting and 20th annual Electric Light Parade with game booths, carnival rides, food vendors and music from 4 to 9 p.m. Festivities will conclude with the traditional lighting of the Christmas tree at 6:30 p.m., followed by the parade at 7 p.m.

The parade route will begin on Third Street at Stuart Boulevard, follow Third to Main Street

and travel north on Main until reaching Ninth Street, which puts City Hall and Main Street Park in the middle of the route. A panel of judges will select winners for Best of Parade and six categories.

FLORENCE

Sponsored by APS, Christmas on Main begins 6 p.m. Dec. 6 on Main Street in downtown Florence. A variety of activities are offered starting with holiday crafts, food vendors, music, photos with Santa and a Chamber of Commerce “Shop Local Scavenger Hunt.” The evening ends with the colorful Electric Light Parade on Main Street starting at 7:30 p.m. and

featuring a holiday-cheerful procession of floats and bands.

MARICOPA

Holiday spirit is set to sweep across the City of Maricopa at the 6th annual Merry Copa Holiday Festival at Copper Sky Regional Park on Dec. 6 from 3 to 8 p.m. The countdown to Christmas will officially kick off when the Mayor leads a countdown to reveal a dazzling Christmas tree blanketed with lights and decorations. The “holly jolly” community celebration will feature plenty more familyfriendly activities like arts and crafts, food vendors and a variety of winter activities.

THE HOLIDAY EDITION • HOLIDAY 2019

HOLIDAY CALENDAR December 1

3rd Annual Breakfast with Santa 9 to 11 a.m. at the Florence Library & Community Center. Tickets must be pre-purchased online or at the Library and Community Center. $5 adult & children over one year. Registration deadline is November 27th.

December 6

Florence Christmas on Main 6 to 8 p.m., Florence Main Street. Crafts, food music, gingerbread house contest, pictures with Santa. Holiday Light Parade beginning at 6:30 p.m. and ending at 7:30 p.m.

Merry Copa Holiday Festival 3 to 8 p.m., Copper Sky Regional Park, 44345 W. Martin Luther King Blvd., Maricopa. Snow zone, tree lighting, pictures with Santa, Santa run, gingerbread house contest.

December 7

Winter Wonderland Starting at 2 p.m. Skating rink, craft area, food vendors, music and game booths. Pictures with Santa 2 to 5 p.m., Historic Downtown Casa Grande.

City of Casa Grande Electric Light Parade 5:45 p.m., Colorado St. & Florence Blvd. to Florence St., Casa Grande, Tree Lighting at City Hall at 6 p.m.

2019 Masik Tas Light Parade 7:00 p.m., Along West Farrell Road around John Wayne Parkway, Maricopa.

Jingle Bell Jog Run through historic downtown Main Street in Florence. Race begins at 8:00 a.m. at Heritage Park, 600 N. Main Street.

Registration August 13 - December 7. Register at bit.ly/2TBU6qq

HOLIDAY 2019 • THE HOLIDAY EDITION

December 8

Holiday Choral & Handbells 3 p.m., Central Arizona College, Signal Peak Campus, Coolidge – FREE. Tickets and info at Eventbrite.com.

December 9

A Christmas Evening at Your Library 6 to 6:45 p.m. Reading and photos with Santa, Main Library, Casa Grande.

December 13

Christmas In The Park 4 to 8 p.m., Pictures with Santa until 6:45 p.m., San Carlos Park, Coolidge.

Miracle on Main St. Holiday Light Parade 5 to 9 p.m., Downtown Superior

December 14

Christmas in Eloy Tree Lighting and Electric Light Parade 4 to 9 p.m., Main Street Park, Eloy. Arts and crafts, free carnival rides, concessions, music and more. Lighting Ceremony begins at 6:30 p.m.

December 13, 14, 15

2019 Masik Tas Celebration - Carnival Fun Zone, Petting Zoo, Arts & Crafts, and Food Vendors.

UltraStar Multi-tainment Center, 16000 Maricopa Road, Maricopa.

December 15

17th Annual presentation of The Messiah 7 p.m., Caroling begins at 6:30 p.m. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Stake Building, 1555 N. Colorado / South of Cottonwood Lane

GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING

49

Special Holiday Section

Everyday Heroes Wanted: Preparing Foster Care Youth for Success

by Donna McBride, Supervisor, Court Appointed Special Advocates unit, Pinal County Juvenile Justice Court

T

housands of teens will graduate this May in Pinal County. Families will arrive with balloons and gifts, screaming when they see their senior walk across the stage.

Now – imagine Andy. He finally made it.

After living in three different group homes, he finally stayed in one place long enough to catch up, make the grades and is graduating.

His row stands and they march toward the stage. But he knows when his name is called, there will be no cheering, no clapping, no picture-taking from his family. Instead of being proud, he feels ashamed and humiliated. He should have skipped this lame ceremony.

It is a simple fact: Older youth in foster care are one of the most vulnerable populations in this country. These kids are less likely to be adopted into a permanent home and end up being labeled as “aging out.” It’s a label they will never be rid of. And while there are success stories, nearly 200,000 young people hold this title.

Suddenly, these young people are expected to make it on their own as independent adults. Some experience the foster-care-toprison pipeline firsthand. Some leave foster care and become homeless on day one. Many never graduate from high school. Most are underemployed, and later, at age 26, they earn less than half what their peers do.

This is unacceptable, and we can change it.

CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Pinal County believes every young person in foster care can achieve high school graduation, living-wage employment, a place to live

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CORRID OR LI LIVING V ING • SPECI A L SEC TION GOLDEN CORRIDOR

and a healthy, thriving adulthood. We also know that a caring, consistent adult can make all the difference.

For teenagers in foster care, their CASA advocate may be the one consistent adult in their life who helps them set goals, build connections and prepare for life after foster care. But it isn’t an easy road for our advocates. Sometimes the teen doesn’t want their help. Sometimes they think this person will be like so many others – breaking promises, disappearing when they have a setback. So they build walls – BIG ones. They test the advocate. But our advocates are trained in how to deal with it. They don’t lose their temper, raise a hand, walk away. They stay, and stay, and stay.

While our program averages about 80 advocate volunteers, we can’t serve these young people fast enough. With over 1,000 kids in foster care from birth to 18 years of age, we must prioritize cases. But how can we say a 2-year-old is more important – or less important – than a 17-year-old? We can’t.

On a national level, CASA has created a focus on this crisis. With Fostering Futures, the National Court Appointed Special Advocates Association is developing an enhanced, evidence-based volunteer framework to help them thrive.

While CASA volunteers advocate for youth in all areas of their life, Fostering Futures CASA volunteers will focus on outcomes in the areas of enabling educational success, preparing youth for adulthood, increasing access to living-wage employment and promoting good health — including improving access to mental health services and preventing substance use disorders and unintended pregnancy.

With Fostering Futures, bold questions will be asked: • What if every youth in foster care graduated from high school?

• What if every former foster youth earned a living wage?

• What if every youth leaving the system had a place to live?

• What if youth in foster care had the support they needed to thrive as an adult?

National CASA will be consulting with former foster youth, innovative leaders, identifying peer organizations to test promising practices within our network and evaluating which interventions work.

But the fact remains that, on a local level, we need to recruit new volunteers who are passionate about serving older youth and whose demographic characteristics match those of the youth we serve.

Pinal County has its limitations in respect to resources – but we have to start answering those bold questions and find resources.

And we need everyday heroes who will step up to the challenge. The 10 to 12 hours a month that someone can give to our older youth, like Andy, will result in healthy communities and a stronger workforce.

And perhaps in a young person who will walk across that stage at graduation knowing someone is out there, clapping and cheering for him. Especially for him.

Young people who age out of foster care face long odds: • Only 58 % graduate high school by age 19 • Less than 3% earn a college degree by age 25 • Only 46% are employed by age 26.

To find out how you can be an everyday hero Contact: CASA of Pinal County 520-866-7076 CasaofPinalCounty.org

THE HOLIDAY EDITION • HOLIDAY 2019

You are invited to the 17th annual presentation of

THE MESSIAH

By George Frederic Handel

Performed by The Multi-Community Chorus & Orchestra Marilyn Cooper-Lunt, Tom Becket, June Graber, Lori Park Conductors

SundAy, dEcEMbEr 15TH, 2019

7:00 P.M.

cArolIng AT 6:30 PM The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Stake Building 1555 N. Colorado / South of Cottonwood Lane No Admission Fee Refreshments

HOLIDAY 2019 • THE HOLIDAY EDITION

GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING

51

ELOY, ARIZONA WISHING ELOY RESIDENTS, BUSINESSES A SAFE AND LOVING HOLIDAY SEASON

by Joel Belloc, Mayor, City of Eloy

A This great festival also includes food and craft booths, games and a perfect chance to reconnect with family, friends and Eloy visitors.

s 2019 rapidly comes to a close, there is still plenty of time to celebrate with friends and family and usher in the New Year. Eloy has always embraced this festive time with decorations, special events and even a parade!

One of Eloy’s favored traditions is Christmas in Eloy, which includes the lighting of the community Christmas tree in Main Street Park. In addition to marking the official start of Christmas, this beautifully decorated tree has been the centerpiece of hundreds of family photos, many of them ending up as Christmas cards.

Following the lighting ceremony, the Eloy Light Parade fills Main Street with parade floats, music and other entertainment, bringing holiday joy to all in attendance. This great festival also includes food and craft booths, games and a perfect chance to reconnect with family, friends and Eloy visitors. This year Christmas in Eloy will be held 4 to 9 p.m., Dec. 14.

Please plan on attending, as this is Eloy at its best.

Once the holiday season is over and things get back to “normal,” it is time to think about the new year, and with that thought comes finances, taxes and investments. Again, many if not all of the services you need are right here in Eloy. By using the assistance of a financial adviser, regardless of your tax bracket, one can help you create a plan to save for the future, save for education, get out of debt or even prepare for retirement. If you believe in New Year’s resolutions — or even if you don’t — the start of a new year can Eloy Light Parade

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Christmas in Eloy - Lighting of the Christmas Tree in Main Street Park

be a fresh start for many other new, positive habits including taking control of your financial future.

Lastly, I want to take a page from the Eloy Chamber of Commerce and encourage all who read these words to consider buying locally for the holidays, or any time of year; at least give Eloy merchants the first chance to satisfy your purchasing needs. There are many wonderful and interesting stores and restaurants in Eloy with a wide variety of goods and services. As I try to do whenever possible, shop Eloy before spending your hard-earned money in other communities.

Those who know me, know I am an eternal optimist. Eloy had a good 2019, and we look forward to an even better 2020. I hope the same has been true for all of Eloy’s residents. May this be a wonderful, safe and loving holiday season, and may we all have a great new year.

THE HOLIDAY EDITION • HOLIDAY 2019

FREE Photo With SANTA!

Santa Come meet with Santa and tell him whether you’ve been naughty or nice!

Friday, December 13th 1:00–4:00 p.m.

1919 N. Trekell Rd. - Casa Grande (at Coldwell Banker ROX Realty)

©2019 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.

Special Holiday Section

More ‘Ice’ and ‘Snow’ at Merry Copa, with Hot-air Balloons Along for the Ride

by Adam Wolfe, Public Information Officer, Department of Administrative Services

I

t’s the most wonderful time of the year in Maricopa. The summer was grueling, now the weather is cooling, and it’s time for all to cheer!

Maricopa kicked off the festival season with an inaugural Pumpkin Walk at Pacana Park in late October. Residents and visitors had a blast working through pumpkin patches and judging entries, but the best is yet to come with Merry Copa on Friday, Dec. 6 from 6 to 9 p.m.

This annual event is bigger and better as the attractions residents and visitors have come to expect will expand and be better than ever. Activities such as ice skating will see a bigger rink, and sledding and snowball

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fights will have even more snow. This year’s event will even feature hot-air balloons.

This incredible event will culminate in the annual Christmas tree lighting at Copper Sky Regional Park.

So join Mayor Christian Price, members of the Maricopa City Council and our hard-working staff at Copper Sky on Dec. 6 to celebrate the holidays!

For more information on the event, visit merrycopa.com.

THE HOLIDAY EDITION • HOLIDAY 2019

The ROX Interview (continued) ...continued from page 35 never thought about this as a career. So, this started our great relationship and we became good friends.

About 2013, that’s when he approached me and he said, “The audience reaction is so good today and plus we have a movie director who saw this.” And he said, “We need to make a movie about this guy.” He said, “Because if I can capture what that audience is feeling, we’re going to have a hit movie.”

So, they approached me and said, “We want to do a movie.” And I said, “No you don’t.” And they said, “Yes we do.”

And I started thinking about it. I said, “Only way we’re going to do this is if I had complete script approval.”

“Well, we don’t do that in a movie.” I said, “Well then we don’t make a movie.”

So we have a contract, where I have complete script approval. It took two and a half years to write that screenplay. And all of a sudden, we’re setting, the set designers are coming in.

I’m going to give you a story that happened during filming. One of my jobs was consulting producer and technical adviser. Every morning we were usually the first ones on the set, me and the crew. I’m working closest with the script supervisor every day, going over the screenplay for the day — the script, the sets, making sure everything fits — lots of questions.

Are the costumes right, is the settings right, is there continuity between scenes?

A young lady named Kennedy Del Toro was the script supervisor. She knew what the movie was about and who I was. We’re getting along fine. We’re the third day into set. She comes in and gives me a hug and starts crying. “Kennedy, what’s wrong?

What’s happened? What did I do?” And she answered, “I’m a ‘Wish’ child.”

GC LIVING: Oh. Wow. KITTY SHANKWITZ: Somehow, she ended up on this movie.

FRANK SHANKWITZ: The whole crew, the whole group is crying. There’s about 30 of us in there and everyone is bawling their eyes out. It was one of those full circle, weird things.

GC LIVING: In the movie you’re under investigation for an incident in Bullhead City, is that accurate? It’s not in the book.

HOLIDAY 2019 • THE HOLIDAY EDITION

FRANK SHANKWITZ: Yes. The screenwriter said you couldn’t have had all positive stuff in your career in the movie. What was the worst you remember? I said I don’t usually talk about it but ... and that’s what ended up in the movie. They wanted some excitement to keep it from being a boring documentary.

GC LIVING: Did you really die?

FRANK SHANKWITZ: Yes. It was Easter break and I’m chasing a drunk driver, going 80 miles an hour in a 25 mph zone. It’s all twists and curves on the old highway by the Colorado River near Parker. Just as I look ahead, he rolls his truck and another drunk driver pulls right in front of me and I hit him broadside at 80. They said the crash was spectacular.

An off-duty emergency room nurse out of California that heard the wreck and came running. If you ever get hurt, get an off-duty nurse. She was the one who

performed CPR. My partners said the first thing you said to her when you came to is, “Am I in heaven or are you an angel?” (laughs).

Back in 1980, Kitty was our traveling secretary for our DPS squad. When they had all 10 of us together we would rough out the reports and give them to her. She would type them and give them to the courts. That’s how we knew each other.

There was no relationship at that point.

She was tasked with helping me get back on my career path.

GC LIVING: You filmed much of the movie in Prescott. How was it?

FRANK SHANKWITZ: I was a location scout, technical adviser and consulting producer. For two years I drove around, looking for locations for a scene. They would send me a scene and tell me find a location.

Now Kitty’s big part was finding the old

continued on page 96...

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Special Holiday Section

Everyone Can Be a Hero For the Love of Animals

Living and Giving in Casa Grande

By GiGi McWhirter

By Renee Louzon-Benn, President, Greater Casa Grande Chamber of Commerce

T

ina Heet has been a Certified Veterinary Technician with Casa Grande Animal Hospital for over 25-years. Her first retirement didn’t last long before returning to CGAH. She now makes time in her schedule to travel the world, volunteering her excellent tech skills to work in spay-neuter clinics helping underserved communities.

Most notably, she has worked with the abandoned pets in Chernobyl and Slavutych, Ukraine. After the nuclear power plant disaster, the citizens of Chernobyl were ordered out of the city with only the belongings they could carry. They were forced to leave their beloved pets behind. Soldiers shot the animals fearing contamination. Several got away and survived in the surrounding woods. Years later, two Americans working on the study noticed a lot of healthy dogs around “ground zero”.

In 2017, they organized a group called the Dogs of Chernobyl/Clean Futures Fund to bring veterinarians to the area to spay and neuter the remaining animals. www. cleanfuturesfund.org

T

his quote by poet William Wordsworth resonates with me: “The best portion of a good man’s life is his little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and of love.”

There are so many caring members of our community whose compassion and attention to human dignity deserve acknowledgement.

Rather than singling out these unsung heroes here (too many to name), I’d like to recognize those individuals and organizations that help those in need in Casa Grande such as CG Cares Resource Center for homeless individuals; Seeds of Hope, St. Vincent de Paul and others that see to it that when an individual is seeking a hand up in life – they are there to offer one. The volunteers in our community also deserve a special nod – in this time of giving, we understand that time is one of the most valuable gifts you can give.

The opportunities to be kind arise every day – in fact, several times a day. You can let someone step ahead of you in line; pay someone’s bill at a restaurant or coffee shop because it seems he or she could use some good news; donate canned goods to the area’s food banks. It may not seem like much to you, but it will be to the person or persons who receive it.

Follow Your Heart Animal Rescue

By Bea Lueck

I

first met Debbie Varner, the founder of Follow Your Heart Rescue, in 2012. The rescue world is difficult in more ways than many realize. Not only is it financially draining, it is emotionally exhausting as well. No matter how many lives you save, there are many others you cannot. Learning to say no is difficult but necessary.

Debbie and her team have continued to add programs and services to help make a difference. Three caring individuals, Saundra McKinley, Nicole McCracken and Tim Mattingly, work tirelessly to help the dogs in need in the western Pinal area. They travel the county picking up surrendered dogs, transporting dogs from the animal shelters to foster homes, veterinary appointments, and adoption events. They invest many hours of their time and money for gas – not to mention huge pieces of their hearts, helping make the lives of dogs in need better. They cover a large area, at all hours of the day and night.

Follow Your Heart established a “Last Litter Program” that helps prevent more unwanted litters by altering both the adult dogs and the puppies. They find placements for the pups and allow the adult dogs to remain with their owners after they are altered.

Some of the more known rescues include: Suzi, a bait-dog from Arizona City Sadie, the desert diva from Casa Grande Dexter, the tick-infested baby from Eloy For information on how you can help: www.followyourheartanimalrescue.org or on Facebook

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THE HOLIDAY EDITION • HOLIDAY 2019

SATURDAY DECEMBER 7

r e t n i W Wonderland

DOWNTOWN CASA GRANDE ON FLORENCE ST.

What better way to get into the holiday spirit than ice skating, pictures with Santa, carols, holiday crafts and more! Event is free to attend, concessions and novelty items will be available for purchase.

TREE LIGHTING AT CITY HALL - 6:00 PM ELECTRIC LIGHT PARADE - 5:45 PM

PHOTO BY DAN GO

PHOTO BY ANDREA MERRILL

PHOTO BY TRACY MASON

PHOTO BY YOANA VERDUZCO-BRISENO

PARADE ROUTE: STARTS AT COLORADO STREET ON FLORENCE BLVD, WEST TO FLORENCE ST. SOUTH TO 2ND ST.

Casa Grande’s largest and most popular event of the year, the Electric Light Parade light’s up Florence Boulevard with over 90 illuminated floats.

PHOTO BY STACEY SEAMAN

SUPERIOR, ARIZONA HOLIDAYS ARE THE BEST DAYS IN SUPERIOR

by Mila Besich, Mayor, Town of Superior

Fill A Bowl Dinner

Christmas Eve is my favorite night of all because our local Fire Department works to ensure that every child in Superior receives a gift from Santa on Christmas Eve.

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PHOTO BY CAT BROWN

W

ith the advent of fall, there is great anticipation for the festivities and celebrations of the holiday season. And for Superior, holidays are the absolutely best days in our community.

As a native Arizonan, fall has always been my favorite season. This season signifies so many important family and community traditions. It means family will be visiting from near and far, favorite decorations will come out of their storage boxes and of course, some of my grandmothers’ best recipes will be prepared for family feasts.

This year, I welcomed fall surrounded by friends at a special autumn equinox dinner. During the dinner, we celebrated the importance of balance and reflection.

Fall ushers in the falling of the leaves, chilled air and the changing colors of nature, which are all important reminders that we must balance, make time to prepare for the future and reflect. What stood out to me most was maintaining balance. I often find balance through my family and community traditions.

This equinox reminded me of how truly thankful I am to my mother, grandmothers and aunts who instilled the value of family traditions and the importance of making memories; this is what grounds you through the changes in life. Top of mind for me also is the importance of the time and diligent efforts our community volunteers expend to maintain and grow important community traditions.

In Superior, our communit y is steeped in long-standing traditions, especially over the holidays, and I encourage everyone to consider joining us in celebrating the holidays in Superior.

Our Halloween Parade and Costume Contest is one of my all-time favorite events. It was held on the Sunday before Halloween. (Oct. 27, 4-8 p.m.). The best part was seeing all of the creativity among our residents who designed custom costumes. The hardest job of the day is judging all of these costumes. This year, there also was a haunted house and more Halloween fun added into the event.

Generosity in the holiday season is in full view when the community attends the annual Fill-A-Bowl fundraiser hosted by the Superior High School FBLA

Chapter. This heart-warming and stomach-filling soup dinner event raises much needed funds for the Superior Food Bank (Nov. 2, 5-8 p.m.).

Each year on the second Friday in December (Dec. 13, 5-9 p.m.), our Superior Optimist Club hosts the Miracle on Main Street Holiday Parade. Following the parade, Santa visits and everyone can visit and share their wishes with him. This is our kick-off to the holiday season. The Optimist Club decorates the park and assists Santa’s elves in preparing goody bags for the children who visit Santa. It is a fun event and provides an opportunity to shop in our Main Street Downtown businesses.

Christmas Eve is my favorite night of all because our local Fire Department works to ensure that every child in Superior receives a gift from Santa on Christmas Eve. Santa arrives early in the afternoon (thankfully, he devotes a great deal of time to Superior). He rides on a fire truck, and as the children line the sidewalks to see the parade of fire trucks and ambulances, they receive a gift from Santa. On this very special night, nearly 2,000 gifts are given out and it is a joyous feeling when so many generations of families are gathered together to celebrate the Christmas holiday.

My wish for each of you in this upcoming holiday season is that you will find balance through your family and community traditions, that the gathering of friends and family will bring you joy, and that as you reflect on 2019, you will enthusiastically embrace and welcome the New Year. Make a New Year’s resolution to visit Superior. We look forward to seeing you, your family and your friends in 2020!

THE HOLIDAY EDITION • HOLIDAY 2019

PINAL COUNTY PRESS A R IZONA CIT Y • C A SA GR A NDE • CO OLIDGE • ELOY • F LOR ENCE • M A R ICOPA

CONTINUED…

Big Boy No. 4014 Makes Celebratory Swing Through Arizona

T

he Union Pacific steam locomotive ‘Big Boy No. 4014’ came to Arizona in October as part of the year-long celebration of the 150th anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad.

The first Big Boy No. 4014 stop in Arizona was near Yuma, on October 15. It passed through Fortuna, Arizona on October 16, and headed east, stopping near Dome and later Mohawk, Arizona. By 2:30 in the afternoon, it had reached Gila Bend. Big Boy No. 4014 made it to Casa Grande at 5:35 PM on Wednesday, October 16.

After a longer stay near Tucson, Big Boy No. 4014 crossed from Arizona to New Mexico on Saturday, October 19. Along the way, thousands of Arizonans gathered for a once-in-a-lifetime glimpse of the historical steam locomotive.

The route can be followed at https://twitter.com/UP_Steam.

About the Big Boy Steam Locomotive The Big Boy class of steam locomotives are the heaviest single expansion steam locomotives ever built, weighing in at over one million pounds, built exclusively for Union Pacific. The locomotives are so long they are hinged in the middle to enable rounding curved tracks during travel.

A total of 25 Big Boys were built, all coal burning engines. No. 4014 was built in November, 1941.

Big Boys were used extensively during WWII to haul servicemen, vital raw materials, war cargo and essential military equipment across the country.

Builder: American Locomotive Company, Schenectady, New York Length: 133’ long Top Speed: 70 MPH on level ground HOLIDAY 2019 • THE HOLIDAY EDITION

PHOTO BY HOWARD WAGGNER/NEWS OF MARICOPA

Maximum horsepower: 6290 at 35 MPH Fuel needed on a typical run from Ogden, Utah to Evanston, Wyoming: 35 tons of coal, 35,000 gallons of water (Today, it would take a little over an hour to drive in your car from Ogden to Evanston.)

Years in active service: 20 Miles accumulated during active service: 1,031,205 Last trip before retirement: July 21, 1959 Only eight of the original Big Boy locomotives still exist. Union Pacific reacquired Big Boy No 4014 from the Railway and Locomotive Historical Society, Southern California Chapter in 2013 and began to restore it for display and operation in its Heritage Steam Locomotive fleet. As part of the res-

toration process, it was converted from coal to fuel oil. The restoration took over two years. At this time, No. 4014 is the world’s only operating Big Boy locomotive, returning to service in May 2019.

About the Transcontinental Railroad The Transcontinental Railroad was built as a result of President Abraham Lincoln’s Pacific Railway Act of 1862. The Central Pacific Railroad of California was authorized to start building in Sacramento and head east. The Union Pacific Railroad Company was chartered to start building at the Missouri River and head west.

Each railroad was given $48,000 in government bonds for every mile completed.

Central Pacific had to create

many massive cuts and construct 15 tunnels through the Sierras dealing with winter snow and thick granite. On some days, the progress was measured in inches or feet, rather than miles. According to the Union Pacific website, Central Pacific constructed “…690 miles of track through some of the most difficult terrain ever encountered by a railroad.”

Union Pacific constructed eight bridges and four tunnels, despite battling harsh winter weather and brutal heat. All together, Union Pacific laid 1,086 miles of track between the Missouri River and Promontory Summit, Utah, where the two railroads met on May 10, 1869 and drove in a golden spike to commemorate their achievements.

Read more news on page 85...

GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING

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Special Holiday Section

Celebrating the Holiday Season in the Golden Corridor

by Staff Reports • Knowing the money you spend will stay in your community, giving business owners and their employees and cities and their citizens a jump on the new year.

Of course, this last item is a reason to buy as many gifts as possible from local merchants, too. It’s a Numerous floats adorn downtown Florence Main Street during its annual great way to reinforce Christmas on Main event. Florence, AZ photos courtesy: Town of Florence the vitality of your Community Services Department community and everyone who lives there. t their essence, the weeks surroundYet another upside to hometown holiday ing Thanksgiving and Christmas are events is that most raise money for local about community. charities by one means or another, such as Family is how many experience encouraging attendees to bring extra cans of community at its most personal level, espefood or a toy or sweater for a child in need. cially as children. But some don’t have family The season of giving is about more than to turn to, and the spirit of their neighborfamily and friends – it’s about helping to enhood, town or city becomes critical to how sure people in your community have enough they experience the holiday season. food, shelter, clothing and comfort to survive And there’s no place like home to see the and thrive. It’s the local nonprofits that know grin on a cashier wearing a Santa hat or to how to get aid to those people. watch a tree (or cactus!) carefully wrapped in The Golden Corridor is full of charities white lights to enhance the unique glow the dedicated to lifting up those who live in this holidays bring to a community. region between the state’s big cities, which Living in the Golden Corridor means having your pick of the best holiday season events Southern Arizona has to offer. While some activities truly are worth longer trips, the parades, candy cane lanes and concerts closer to home tend to have a certain seasonal spirit the big-city extravaganzas just can’t capture.

For instance: • Not constantly checking the time because the dreaded drive home still looms.

• Watching your kids or grandkids, or those of someone you know, give their final performance of the semester, the culmination of everything they’ve learned.

• Seeing the transformation of a street not very different from your own into a stunning night display of flashing lights and inflatable snowmen and SpongeBobs who melt in the sunlight.

• Running into Santas, elves and other Annual Santa and Ugly Sweater Run in Maricopa characters who really seem to know you Photo courtesy: City of Maricopa and your children.

A

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sometimes gets overlooked in the big picture.

A few of these are: • Seeds of Hope in Casa Grande (community center, afterschool programs, hot lunch program) –seedsofhopeaz.com, 520-836-6335 • F.O.R. Maricopa (food bank) – formaricopa.org, 520-251-0226 • Valley Humane Society – valleyhumane.net, 520-836-0904 Don’t have much money to give? Here are some creative fundraising ideas: • Hold a raffle for exclusive use of the best parking space at the office for a month or more.

• Organize a community garage sale.

• Wash people’s cars or dogs for a small fee.

The snow falls at the annual Florence Christmas on Main holiday celebration. Children and adults enjoy the “blizzard” prior to the event’s holiday light parade.

THE HOLIDAY EDITION • HOLIDAY 2019

Special Holiday Section

Holiday Recipes!

Everyone has a special family recipe that brings warm memories and are part of your cherished holiday traditions. We asked friends, family and local readers to submit their personal favorites.

From our families to yours - HAPPY HOLIDAYS! BARBIE’S PUMPKIN CRÈME BRULEE

By Barbie Olson You can make these 24 hours in advance and torch the tops right when you are ready to serve.

1 ½ cups Heavy cream ½ cup Whole milk 1 T. Cinnamon ½ T. Nutmeg 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

2 tsp.

1 tsp.

1 tsp.

4

Ginger Ground Cloves Pure Vanilla Extract Egg Yolks

Preheat oven to 300 degrees.

In a saucepan, heat cream, milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, ground cloves and vanilla extract over medium heat until it comes to a slight boil.

Remove from heat and set aside for 20 minutes.

In a large bowl, whisk egg yolks with granulated sugar until smooth.

Very gradually add in hot cream mixture, alternating between pouring in a little at a time and whisking.

Whisk in pumpkin puree.

Pour mix into four oven save ramekins, almost to the top and

HEALTHY CHRISTMAS BARK 1½ cups ¼ cup 2 T. ½ cup 1.

2.

3.

4.

½ cup ¼ cup 1/3 cup

HOLIDAY 2019 • THE HOLIDAY EDITION

arrange them in a water bath.

Bake in the oven for 45-55 minutes (it should have a shimmy in the middle if you jiggle the ramekins).

9. Remove and let cool for 20 minutes.

10. Cover each ramekin with plastic wrap and place in the fridge for at least two hours.

11. When ready to serve, remove plastic wrap and cover the top of the chilled custards completely with coarse sugar.

12. Using a kitchen torch, broil the sugar and let sit for one minute to allow the tope to harden. - Serve and enjoy!

8.

By Tiffanie Grady-Gillespie,Certified Physical Trainer, CPT, Certified Corporate Wellness Coach, WickedFiTT

All-natural Dark Chocolate Chips (about 1 bag of baking chips) Cooked Quinoa Coconut Sugar Unsweetened Dried Cranberries

Line a cookie sheet with saran wrap or parchment paper and set it aside.

Melt chocolate chips in a small sauce pan over low/medium heat, stirring occasionally (about 5 minutes).

Once melted, add quinoa and stir.

Chocolate will turn into a fudge-like consistency within seconds.

As soon as this happens, remove from heat and place chocolate onto your

Granulated Sugar Canned Pumpkin Puree Coarse Sugar or Raw Sugar

5.

6.

7.

½ cup Pepitas (pumpkin seeds) ¼–½ cup Unsweetened Coconut Flakes Serves: 14-16 pieces

cookie sheet lined with saran wrap or parchment paper.

Flatten the chocolate to be about ⅛ inch thick with a spoon (or your hands).

While chocolate is sticky - sprinkle coconut sugar, cranberries, pepitas and coconut flakes on top (you may need to press toppings into chocolate, if chocolate is hardening too soon).

Use a knife or pizza cutter to cut your

8.

9.

chocolate into squares - about the size of a cookie.

Place chocolate in the freezer to harden for 20-30 minutes.

Remove, peel Christmas bark from parchment paper and enjoy!

PREP TIME - 10 mins COOK TIME - 20 mins TOTAL TIME - 30 min

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Special Holiday Section

PRETZEL SALAD

By Laurie Fisher, ROX Media Group (A family recipe) 2 ½ cups Crushed Pretzels 1 Cube butter 3 T. Sugar 8 oz.

Cream cheese 6 oz.

Cool Whip 1 cup Sugar

2 pkgs.

2 pkgs.

2 cups

Jello (flavor of choice) Frozen fruit (flavor of choice) Boiling water

1st Layer: Mix pretzels, butter, and sugar into a 8x13 pan. Bake at 350 for 10 minutes.

2nd Layer: Whip cream cheese, cool whip, and sugar together. Spread over pretzel crust.

3rd Layer: Add boiling water to the Jello and dissolve. Add fruit and stir until thick.Spread on top of 2nd layer.

PUMPKIN ROLL CAKE 1/4 cup

3/4 cup 1/2 tsp.

1/2 tsp.

1/2 tsp.

1/4 tsp.

1 cup 2/3 cup 1 cup

1.

2.

3.

By Gigi McWhirter

Powdered Sugar (to sprinkle on towel) All-purpose Flour Baking Powder Ground Cinnamon Ground Cloves Salt Granulated Sugar Pure Pumpkin Puree Walnuts, chopped (optional)

FILLING: 1 pkg. Cream Cheese, at

room temperature 1 cup Powdered Sugar,

sifted 6 T. Butter or Margarine 1 tsp. Vanilla Extract Powdered Sugar (Optional for decorating)

PREHEAT oven to 375 degrees. Grease 15x10 inch jelly-roll pan, line wit wax paper. Grease and flour paper. Sprinkle a thin cotton kitchen towel.

COMBINE flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves and salt in a small bowl. Beat eggs and granulated sugar in a large mixer bowl until thick. Beat in pumpkin. Stir in flower mixture.

Spread evenly into prepared pan. Sprinkle with nuts.

BAKE for 13-15 minutes or until top of cake springs back when touched. (If using a dark colored pan, begin checking for doneness at 11 minutes.) Immediately loosen and turn cake onto a prepared towel. Carefully peel off paper. Roll up caked and towel together, starting at the narrow end.

FOR FILLING BEAT cream cheese, 1 cup powdered sugar, butter and vanilla extract into a small mixer bowl until smooth. Carefully unroll cake. Spread cream cheese mixture over cake. Reroll cake. Wrap up in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least one hour. Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.

COOKING HINT: Be sure to put enough powdered sugar on the towel when rolling up the towel when rolling up the cake so it will not stick.

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HOMEMADE BAILEY’S

By Julie Turetzky, ROX Media Group This is a recipe my mom makes every year around the holidays. I’m not sure of its original origin.

4 Eggs 1 can Condensed Sweet Milk 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream (1/2 pint) 2 T. Hershey’s Chocolate Syrup 2 T. Instant Coffee or Regular 2 T. Vanilla Extract 1-2 cups Rum or Bourbon (pick your favorite) Blend in blender and refrigerate. Top with whipped cream and/or add eggnog to taste for added holiday cheer. Makes 1-1/2 Quarts.

JOSHUA’S OATMEAL FUDGIES

By Renée Louzon-Benn, President, Greater Casa Grande Chamber of Commerce ½ cup ½ cup 3 T. 2 cups ¼ tsp.

Margarine or butter Milk Cocoa powder Sugar Salt

4 cups Quick cooking oatmeal 1 tsp. Vanilla 2/3 cup Peanut butter

In a saucepan, pour milk, cocoa, sugar, margarine and salt. Bring to a full, rolling boil.

Remove pan from heat, add peanut butter and vanilla, blend well. Add oats and mix well.

Drop by teaspoonful on wax paper and cool.

Store at room temperature. Makes about 48 cookies.

THE HOLIDAY EDITION • HOLIDAY 2019

Special Holiday Section

ASTONISHINGLY ADDICTIVE DIP

KELLY’S WHITE CHICKEN CHILI

1 Package (10 oz.) frozen chopped spinach thawed and squeezed dry. Use a strainer or just squish with your hands.

2 C Grated Cheese (I like the already grated Kraft Mexican four cheese blend: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Asadero, Queso Blanco)

1-2 pounds chicken 15 oz. can northern or white beans 1 package frozen corn 1.25 oz. (or 1 pack) envelope of taco seasoning 4.5 oz. can chopped green chilis 4.5 oz. can diced jalapenos

By Kay Kerby, Coldwell Banker Rox Realty

½ C Parmesan Cheese ½ C Mayonnaise 2 Small cans diced green chilies 2 Cans (14 oz. ea.) artichoke hearts drained and chopped (not marinated, just canned) ¼ tsp Garlic Powder ¼ tsp Pepper (red or black or both)

Preheat oven to 325 degrees Hand mix all in a large bowl. Spoon into a baking dish.

Use something not very deep (lasagna dish, tort pan or two pie pans) Bake for 20 minutes or until bubbly.

Serve with bagel chips or toasted rounds.

1.

2.

3.

4.

By Kelly Herrington, Coldwell Banker ROX Realty

1.

2.

3.

4.

1 can cream of chicken soup 1 can diced tomatoes chicken broth if needed 1 chopped onion chopped garlic to taste salt and pepper to taste

Saute onion and garlic until soft Add garlic and onion and all remaining ingredients to a slow cooker.

Cook on low for 6-8 hours Shred chicken as it cooks

SERVE WITH: Tortillas Shredded cheese Sour cream Chopped green onion

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Daryl B. Potyczka, D.D.S. Tri-Valley Plaza 1355 E. Florence Blvd., Ste 107 Casa Grande, AZ 85122

OR LI V ING SPECI A L SEC TION • GOLDEN GOLDEN CORRID CORRIDOR VING

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Out & About If you would like to contribute images of area events, people, pets and scenery, please post on our Facebook page or email to: editor@roxco.com BIG BOY VISIT - DAVID LESLIE

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CGFD - LIZBETH SCHAEFFER

THE HEALING FIELD, TEMPE AZ - JOHN MCWHIRTER

THE HEALING FIELD - KAROL KEASLER - CASA GRANDE NATIVE.- PHOTO BEA LUECK

THE HEALING FIELD - KAROL KEASLER - CASA GRANDE NATIVE.- PHOTO BEA LUECK

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THE HOLIDAY EDITION • HOLIDAY 2019

Health • Happiness • Education

JESSE NEITZEL

JOSH WUCHTERL

190929-N-DX072-1057 SULU SEA (Sep. 29, 2019) Seaman Simon Million, from Casa Grande, Arizona, stands helmsman watch on the bridge of the amphibious transport dock ship USS Green Bay (LPD 20). Green Bay, part of the Commander, Amphibious Squadron 11, is operating in the Indo-Pacific region to enhance interoperability with partners and serve as a ready-response force for any type of contingency. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Anaid Banuelos Rodriguez).

JOSH WUCHTERL

HOLIDAY 2019 • THE HOLIDAY EDITION

JOSH WUCHTERL

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When Your Life Has a GOTCHA Moment

by Donna McBride

A

doption and foster care are serious business. Some might be delusional to think it’s all rainbows and bows.

It’s not. The results can be amazing, but the journey is long and hard. One local family shared their experience of it all: the joy and the heartache.

Melissa Wilhelm and her husband, knew they always wanted to adopt kids and heard about doing foster care through her church.

They thought they would try that road before adopting.

The process wasn’t as easy as the decision.

Weekly classes, home inspections, family interviews. It took time and effort on their part.

But it was worth it.

Back in 2010 they fostered and adopted two children. The family grew to five children,

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all younger than 5. At that point, it was decided to close their foster-care license and focus on their beautiful family. But this past year, Melissa felt her heart had more room and went through the process again to be a licensed foster-care parent. That meant going through the new process and educational classes required.

It takes someone special who has something deep inside that makes a person opens her or his heart and home to these children.

I asked Melissa what was her “GOTCHA” moment?

It was in 2011 when she became licensed and had the idea she would request a child between 3 and 4 years old. It didn’t work that way. She got a call asking to take a 7-weekold baby girl.

Melissa shared, “Luckily I had saved my baby things from my biological children. The process seemed to take a long time, but the adoption finalized when she was 16 months old.” But not before another child came into their world. One month before their daughter’s adoption was final they received a call from their licensing worker asking if they would take a baby boy.

“I was shocked I even got this call because at that time we were not on the availability list. But they were desperate. Being told he was going into the crisis unit because there weren’t enough foster families, my ‘mama bear’ heart broke thinking of this baby boy spending his first few days of life in a crisis center.”

And so, once again, she opened her heart

THE HOLIDAY EDITION • HOLIDAY 2019

Wilhelm group with all children

and home, agreeing to another child. Child Protective Services (CPS at that time) showed up at her work that day with a 3-day old baby boy. Fast forward 15 months. That little guy, Declan, became their adopted son.

Declan and adopted daughter Mia are doing amazingly well.

Melissa said sometimes she forgets they came from foster care, boasting proudly, “It feels like they have always been mine and were made for our family!”

Adoption into forever families can be a wonderful blessing. But sometimes there’s a down side. Melissa experienced the sadness that comes with saying “goodbye” to a foster child and was kind enough to share that journey: “I was informed that our sweet foster

HOLIDAY 2019 • THE HOLIDAY EDITION

daughter was leaving us. Amber was moving to Colorado to live with her biological grandmother. This is one of the most difficult aspects of foster care, saying goodbye. Goodbye is why so many amazing people get discouraged from foster care at all.

“Yes, saying goodbye to Amber was hard, but there is also so much comfort in knowing we did our job. We were there for her when she needed someone the most. She needed parents, she needed love, and she needed stability. Through the foster-care system, we were able to provide what she truly needed.

“Ten years ago, I heard a horrible story on the news that pulled at my heart strings and pushed me to get involved with foster care. A family had agreed to foster children. Unfortunately, these innocent children suffered abuse at the hands of these people, their foster family. Knowing that these children were hurt in their promised ‘safe haven’ made my stomach sick.

“I was also angry. How could someone do that? How could the system allow this to happen?

“Watching that whole situation unfold caused me to really evaluate the reasons I had always stayed away from foster care. After a lot of time and consideration, I came to realize that my biggest fear was getting attached to a child and then having to give them back. However, I also realized that if this was the worst thing that could happen, it wasn’t a good enough reason.

“These kids have gone through hell, and I’m worried about my feelings getting hurt? Come on Melissa! At that very moment, I decided I would much rather save a kid from going to another bad and harmful home at the risk of being heartbroken.

“I can heal from a heartbreak, but a child may never heal from abuse.

“I share this because I alone can’t take on every kid that needs a home. I share this now, because this is how I can help all those kids who need a home. If more good families step up and involve themselves in the foster-care system, it would truly make a huge difference in pushing out all the bad ones.

“This is all scary. It’s scary being vulnerable with all of you thinking about fostering children.

It’s scary being vulnerable with a child you don’t know. It’s scary. But it is also SO rewarding.

“Because of foster care we were able to give Amber a family. When Amber first came to us, she asked me so many questions about my husband Jason.

‘Why is he always holding your hand? Why do

you kiss him? Why doesn’t he have his own room?’

“These are things I never thought I would need to explain. However, for a small child who had only experienced life with a single mom, she wondered why a man would hang Wilhelm children around so much.

(Declan and Mia) “Before coming to our home, Amber had never had a dad before.

Because of foster care, she was able to experience her first, and maybe only, father-daughter dance. Because of foster care, she was able to experience eating a family dinner together, going to bed on time as her parents read a night time story, singing the ‘go to sleep’ song and pray with her. She was able to experience siblings. She was able to experience love and care even when she was in trouble.

“Amber now knows what a good family is and hopefully, when she is older, she’ll have the foundation to build one of her own. Yes, we had to say goodbye and that broke my heart, but in those nine months she was with us we received so much joy! Amber brought us endless laughter and blessings. Because of her we have grown as individuals and together. My kids miss her with all their hearts. They knew she needed a family and each one of them stepped up to be her big sister and brother. Those last few days were filled with tears but the love and comfort we felt from this whole experience outweighed it all. If you have ever thought about foster care, do it!”

— Melissa Wilhelm With more than 1,000 children looking for placement, there is no doubt there is a need for foster families. But if foster or adoption are not ideal for your family, there are still ways you can help. Our CASA of Pinal County (Court Appointed Special Advocate) program is constantly looking for volunteers to help be the voice of a child. If you have 10 to 15 hours a month to dedicate to a child, we need you, too. To find out more about CASA, call 520-866-7076 or go to CASAofPinalCounty.org.

For information on fostering and adoption go to the Department of Child Safety (DCS) website at dcs.az.gov.

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DURING THE HOLIDAYS, YOUR PRESENCE IS WORTH MORE THAN PRESENTS

by Nicole Youcupicio, Prevention Specialist, Casa Grande Alliance

M

ore than likely your to-do list this holiday season includes buying presents, but does it include being present?

Being physically, emotionally and mentally present with your children is crucial, especially during the holidays.

On an average day in December, more than 11,000 youth will use alcohol for the first time.1 That is approximately 70% more per day compared to other months throughout the year.

But you can prevent your child from using alcohol. Teens who have good relationships with their parents are two times less likely to use alcohol.2 There are a few steps you can take to help your child stay away from alcohol: • Talk early and often with your children about drugs and alcohol. Communication and repetition is key. Teens whose parents talk to them regularly about the dangers of drugs and alcohol are 50% less likely to use drugs, yet less than 48% of Casa Grande teens report having these conversations with their parents.3, 4 These conversations need to happen; the average age Casa Grande youth start drinking is 13. More than 1 in 8 eighth graders, 1 in 5 10th graders, and almost 1 in 3 12th graders in

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Casa Grande report using alcohol in the last 30 days.4 • Be a good role model. If you use alcohol, set a good example and drink responsibly to teach your child good decision-making skills. Your actions inadvertently tell them what is and what is not acceptable. What are you telling them if every time you have a bad day you immediately come home and have a beer?

• Monitor your child’s activities. Always know where your child is and who they are with, and limit the amount of time your child spends unsupervised, even at home.

In 2018, 18.4% of Casa Grande teens report obtaining alcohol from home, and 2 out of 3 teens aged 13-18 said it is easy to get alcohol from their own homes without their parents knowing.4, 5 The City of Casa Grande has a social hosting and unruly party ordinance that states it is against the law to have underage drinking in your home whether you knowingly supplied the alcohol or not. The entire ordinance can be seen at casagrandeaz.gov.

• Do not allow your child to drink at home.

Over half of high school teens who report their parents allow them to drink at home (even just once in a while) report they also drink elsewhere with their

friends.5 In 2018, 23.3% of Casa Grande youth reported obtaining alcohol from a parent or guardian, which has increased by approximately 247% since 2014.4 Allowing your child to drink at home is usually done with good intentions, but it will send the wrong message and can cause more harm than good to both you and your child.

• Set clear rules and consequences. Set and enforce a “zero tolerance” policy that clearly states there is to be no underage drinking or drug use in your home.

Enforce these rules with consistency and appropriate consequences.

Even teenagers look to their parents and other caring adults for guidance, boundaries and positive support. A 2018 survey found 74% of Casa Grande teens who don’t use drugs and alcohol choose not to because they don’t want to disappoint their parents or another adult in their life. Our kids need and want our presence over presents. So, I challenge you to be purposefully present this holiday season.

If you would like more information on how to talk with your child about drugs and alcohol, go to CasaGrandeAlliance.org or call 520-836-5022.

SAMHSA, The National Survey on Drug Use and Health Report. (July 2012) The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University, The Importance of Family Dinners VIII. (Sept. 2012) Partnership for Drug-Free Kids, Parents: What You Say — and What You Do — Matters to Your Kids. (March 2011).

Arizona Criminal Justice Commission, Arizona Youth Survey. (2018).

Students Against Destructive Decisions & Liberty Mutual Insurance, Teen’s Today Research.

American Medical Association Survey (2005)

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THE HOLIDAY EDITION • HOLIDAY 2019

6

Reasons to be in the Seeds of Hope 5K/1K Run for Hope

2020 New Year’s resolution No. 1: Live a healthier lifestyle. We can help with that.

This is the year you can turn things around. This is the year to strive for a better lifestyle. So, here’s your opportunity to start the year off on the right foot.

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he Seeds of Hope 5K and 1K Run/Walk for Hope Jan. 11 is the perfect way to start the year and get moving in a healthy direction. Not into making resolutions? Well, here are six reasons for you to lace up your shoes and join us: 1. Wonderful workout. Physical movement is good for you. No matter what level of intensity you can do comfortably, the benefits of working your muscles far outweigh being sedentary. Walking can raise your heart rate, lower your blood pressure and reduce stress.

2. Everyone can participate. This is a kid-and-pet friendly event for everyone from birth to 100.

Whether you push a stroller or a walker, everyone can come out to walk or run. And with the option of a 1K or 5K, there really isn’t a reason to stay home.

3. Get going and stay going. Maybe you promised this to yourself before, but… this is the year it’s going to be different. This is the year you can turn things around. This is the year to strive for a better lifestyle. So, here’s your opportunity to start the year off on the right foot.

4. Convenient. Our 9 a.m. start time doesn’t tie up your day. With a 10-minute warm up, and allowing 45 minutes for the walk, you can finish and be on your way home with a medal and your race T-shirt before your neighbor finishes a second cup of coffee. (Better yet, bring that neighbor along).

5. Swag. Every pre-registered runner brings home a medal, T-shirt and a bag full of goodies.

GOLDEN CORRID CORRIDOR OR LI LIVVING ING • YOU!

6. Help others, help yourself. When you start the new year improving your health by participating in our Run for Hope, you partner with us to provide opportunities for others to also improve their lives through our varied programs.

Here’s what your race registration/ donation supports: Hot Lunch for the hungry provides hot meals to the less fortunate six days a week. Through the generosity of our community, we also are able to provide emergency food boxes, hygiene bags and a clothing closet to our participants.

Afterschool Power Hour provides one-on-one afterschool homework help for kids in kindergarten through eighth grade.

Angeles de Esperanza provides senior adults a socialization environment to combat living in isolation. Weekly activities, which include exercise, games, Bible study and sewing/cooking, are all designed to boost the mind, body and soul.

Community Garden provides healthy organic food choices for families and children in our other programs. The opportunity to sow, care for, cultivate and eat fresh vegetables expands the knowledge of where food comes from and its nutritional value.

Registration is now open. Sign up for our Jan. 11 Run for Hope at Dave White Park in Casa Grande at StartLineRacing.com.

THE HOLIDAY EDITION • HOLIDAY 2019

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Cash donations can be dropped off at 702 E. Cottonwood Lane sh donations can be dropped off at 702 E. Cottonwood Lane Cash donations can be dropped off at 702 E.Lane, Cottonwood Lane AZ 85122 Checks can be mailed todropped 702 E. Cottonwood Casa Grande Cash donations can be off at 702 E. Cottonwood Lane Cash donations can be dropped off at 702 E. Cottonwood Lane ecks can be mailed to 702 E. Cottonwood Lane, Casa Grande AZ 85122 onations can bemailed dropped offE.dropped at 702 Cottonwood Lane Cash donations can becan dropped off atE. 702 E. Cottonwood Lane • Cash donations be off at 702 E. Cottonwood Checks can be to 702 Cottonwood Lane, Casa Grande AZ Lane 85122 Cash donations can be dropped off at 702 E. Cottonwood Lane Credit Card donations can be made: Checks can be be mailed tobe702 E. Cottonwood Lane, CasaCasa Grande AZ 85122 Checks can mailed to 702 E. Cottonwood Lane, Grande AZ 85122 85122 edit Card donations can made: •be Checks can be mailed to 702 E. Cottonwood Casa AZ, 85122 Checks can be mailed to 702 E. Cottonwood Casa AZ can mailed tomailed 702 E.to Cottonwood Lane,Lane, Casa Grande AZGrande 85122 Credit Card donations can be made: Checks can be 702 E. Cottonwood Lane,Lane, CasaGrande Grande AZ 85122 1) Securely online from our website at www.seedsofhopeaz.com Credit Card donations can be made: 1)• Securely online from our website at www.seedsofhopeaz.com Credit Card donations can be made: Credit Card donations be made: Credit Card donations can becan made: 1)Over Securely online from our website at www.seedsofhopeaz.com Card donations can be made: Credit Card donations can be made: 2) the phone by calling 520.836.6335 8am-12pm) 1) Securely online from our website website at(Mon-Thurs www.seedsofhopeaz.com 1) Securely online from our website at www.seedsofhopeaz.com 2) Over the phone by calling 520.836.6335 (Mon-Thurs 8am-12pm) 1) Securely online from our at www.seedsofhopeaz.com 2) Over the phone by calling 520.836.6335 (Mon-Thurs 8am-12pm) 1) online from our website atatwww.seedsofhopeaz.com ) Securely online from our website at www.seedsofhopeaz.com 1)2) Securely online from our website www.seedsofhopeaz.com Over the phone by calling 520.836.6335 (Mon-Thurs 8am-12pm) 3) Securely In person Over the phone by calling 520.836.6335 (Mon-Thurs 8am-12pm) 3) In2)3) person 2)In Over the phone by calling 520.836.6335 (Mon-Thurs 8am-12pm) 3) In person person 2) Over the phone by calling 520.836.6335 (Mon-Thurs 8am-12pm) 2) phone Over the by520.836.6335 calling 520.836.6335 (Mon-Thurs 8am-12pm) ) Over3) the byphone calling (Mon-Thurs 8am-12pm) In person 3) In person 3) In 3)person In person ) In person

*SOH Qualifying Charitable Organization Code 20054 *SOH Qualifying Charitable Organization Code 20054 *SOH Qualifying Charitable Organization Code 20054 *Annual contribution receipts are emailedCode in January *SOH Qualifying Charitable Organization 20054 *Annual contribution receipts are emailed in January *Annual contribution receipts are emailed in January *SOH Qualifying Charitable Organization Code 20054

Sun Life Center for Women O

ur dedicated Obstetrics & Gynecology team is here to provide exceptional women’s wellness care through every phase of a woman’s life. We are experienced and will listen to your concerns and help you feel informed about your healthcare decisions and body.

Sun Life’s Gynecology Providers are board certified and care for women ages 13 and older. We provide: • Well Woman Exams • Family Planning • Colposcopy • Management of Menopausal Symptoms • Screening for Genetic Disorders • Osteoporosis Prevention and Treatment • Ultrasound Services • STD/STI Testing • Evaluation and treatment of gynecologic disorders including abnormal bleeding, fibroids, endometriosis, pelvic pain and more.

Our gynecologic surgeons also offer minimally invasive surgery whether it is performed vaginally, laparoscopically or is robot assisted. This offers our patients a lower rate of complications, shorter hospital stays and less blood loss.

4 Convenient Locations: Apache Junction 480-339-2856

Chandler 480-307-9477

Casa Grande 520-381-0380

Maricopa 520-788-6100

We deliver at both Banner Casa Grande and Chandler Regional Medical Center.

We offer FREE pregnancy tests.

No appointment needed.

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THE HOLIDAY EDITION • HOLIDAY 2019

Central Arizona College Governing Board Member Christensen to Receive Regional Award

by Angela Askey, Executive Director Public Relations and Marketing

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Gladys Christensen

Upcoming 50th Anniversary Events

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colleges across the state.

As the state program manager for the Arizona Department of Economic Security, Christensen managed employment and training programs in a large two-county area until her retirement in 1990. She became acutely aware of the needs of the industry and was a champion for workforce development programs; she continues to ensure students receive training and employment opportunities.

Christensen will receive the award during the 50th annual ACCT Leadership Congress to be held in San Francisco this fall.

Additionally, as the Regional Award Recipient, Christensen is the sole nominee from the Pacific Region for the prestigious M. Dale Ensign Trustee Leadership Award that will be announced during the upcoming ACCT Congress.

HE

ATI N

entral Arizona College Governing Board member Gladys Christensen has been chosen as the recipient of Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) 2019 Pacific Regional Trustee Leadership Award.

During her years of service as a trustee for Central Arizona College, Christensen has provided 37 years of exceptional leadership for CAC and the residents of Pinal County.

Her work with numerous service organizations, including the more than 20 years she has served as a representative on the AADGB (Arizona Association of District Governing Boards) benefited many.

Christensen dedicated four decades of service to promote career and technical training at CAC and has been a strong advocate not only for the College but also community

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HOLIDAY 2019 • THE HOLIDAY EDITION

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 GOLDEN CORRID CORRIDOR OR LI V ING YOU! • GOLDEN

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10

Tips for Maintaining Weight During Holidays

by Tiffanie Grady-Gillespie, Certified Physical Trainer, CPT, Certified Corporate Wellness Coach, WickedFiTT Dear Santa, Please bring me a big fat bank account and a slim waist. Please don’t mix them up like you did last year…

It’s that time of year. The parties, the baking, the candy, the eggnog, the, well, you get my point. Avoiding holiday weight gain may sound as likely as Santa fitting down millions of chimneys on Christmas Eve, but honestly, there are pretty doable strategies to help us all stay on track.

Many of us expect to experience weight gain during these festive winter months, but packing on those pounds in December is far from inevitable. Studies have shown that the typical American may gain 5 to 10 pounds over the holiday season.

Don’t get me wrong: The holiday season is all about celebrating, family, friends and indulging — in moderation. So pass the eggnog and let’s tackle navigating holiday food, hectic schedules and even sidelined gym routines.

By taking control of your holiday eating,

and fitting in a little extra movement when you can, you are more likely to keep those extra pounds away.

1. BE REALISTIC Write down your goals — keep them specific and attainable — and post them somewhere highly visible, like the refrigerator door.

If your goal is “stick to two cookies at every holiday party,” seeing it periodically may help you commit.

2. STAY POSITIVE Many of us demonize certain foods and even punish ourselves every time we indulge.

Instead, positive messages like “I can control my eating” or “I’m proud that I ate responsibly today” can reframe our relationship with food.

3. IT’S OK TO SAY NO Pressure from the hostess to eat more is a common issue faced during the holiday season. A great idea is to use the small plates.

This means you can avoid offending the hostess, and you take in much smaller portions.

4. DRINK WATER During the craziness of the holiday season, it is easy to forget to drink water. Make it your goal to drink at least eight glasses of water a day. Your body can easily confuse being thirsty with being hungry so drinking water will keep you from eating when your body was actually thirsty.

5. SLOW DOWN Eating slowly may not be easy when appetizer options are endless, but it pays off

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GOLDEN CORRID CORRIDOR OR LI LIVVING ING • YOU!

to pace yourself. The quicker we eat the less time the body has to register fullness.

6. BEWARE OF TOO MUCH BOOZE Drinking alcohol can lower your inhibitions, which may cause you to overeat. Limit your drinks and sip slowly during an event or gathering. If possible, choose an alcohol beverage low in sugar to avoid additional calories.

7. MOVE IT TO LOSE IT Exercise is probably the last thing on your mind during the holiday season, but it is a must if you are to keep your weight in check.

Just stay active.

8. GET THOSE ZZZs Getting enough sleep has also been associated with less weight gain. Practice good sleep hygiene like turning off electronics in the bedroom, including the TV. 9. LET THE GUILT GO Most of us are going to overdo it at one point or another during the holidays. The important thing is to not let the guilt spiral us into a cycle of overeating. Remember to forgive yourself.

The holidays are a challenging time, and expecting perfection is just going to backfire.

10. ENJOY YOURSELF Seriously, the holidays are only here once a year and are supposed to be fun, remember?

There are plenty of things to get stressed out about other than your weight. Take a deep breath and enjoy the season.

Merry Christmas!

THE HOLIDAY EDITION • HOLIDAY 2019

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HOLIDAY 2019 • THE HOLIDAY EDITION

(520) 836-7111 721 N Olive Ave. • Casa Grande, AZ 85122

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Special Section:

Is it Time for a Kitchen Re-Think?

I

n many homes, the kitchen is the busiest room of all. It’s a place for cooking, eating and conversations. But, how efficient is your kitchen? Here are some ideas for making your kitchen more usable.

Spices

Are you purchasing your spices in little jars from the grocery store? Buying your spices in bulk can save a lot of money, and they will be so much fresher and fragrant. The problem is, what to do with all the little plastic bags of spices when you get home. They leak, they’re difficult to organize and you can never find

the one you want when you need it.

We’ve found the perfect solution. Do a search on Amazon for magnetic spice containers. You’ll find a wide variety in glass and metal. The metal ones frequently will have built-in shakers and sifters with clear lids so you can easily see if you’re running low on a particular spice.

The containers typically will hold between 2-3 ounces, come with pre-printed labels and can be magnetically attached to your refrigerator. If you prefer not to attach it to your refrigerator, you can also purchase wall plates and stands.

by Staff Reports

Toaster

Are you still using a slot toaster? Consider swapping that for a toaster oven. These are quite versatile and can do so much more than toast bread. They bake, toast and broil, and some even have convection oven capabilities. Cook pizzas, small batches of cookies and frozen meals. You can also get special baking pans and pizza stones to fit. A toaster oven usually doesn’t need pre-heating, won’t heat up the kitchen much, and you’ll find you use the big oven a lot less. Plus, when making large holiday meals, having an extra oven handy will be appreciated.

You’ll want to do some research on what features are important to you and then shop around to find the best price.

Mixer

PHOTO COURTESY: LYNNE LAMASTER

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Do you do a lot of baking and wish you could make large batches at once? You might want to consider getting a Bosch Universal Plus Stand Mixer to replace your trusty old stand mixer. The motor is powerful, and you can triple your recipes. Imagine making 34 dozen cookies — all in one batch.

Or mashing 10 pounds of potatoes at once.

How about 14 loaves of bread?

THE HOLIDAY EDITION • HOLIDAY 2019

Of course, you don’t have to do superhero-sized batches, the Bosch mixer can handle smaller quantities quite nicely.

The design is unexpected — you can see through the top without obstruction. More than 20 attachments are available, including an ice cream maker, a food processor and a slicer shredder.

Be warned, however, the units are larger than your stand mixer and will take up more space on your countertop. They can also replace other appliances such as your blender and food processor, which might even out the space issue.

Food Processor & Blender

Do you need both? That’s a good question.

Blenders are usually better for liquids, whereas food processors can be used for bulkier tasks such as shredding large amounts of cheese quickly, slicing veggies, chopping nuts or even for kneading bread dough.

If you have the counter space for both, each does their own task quite well. If your

HOLIDAY 2019 • THE HOLIDAY EDITION

counter space is limited, you might want to consider getting attachments for your Bosch or other mixer that will fulfill the same purpose.

Slow Cooker or Instant Pot?

Well, the Instant Pot has a whole range of functionality and can be used as a slow cooker, too. It shines, however, as a pressure cooker, preparing food much faster than any other method. What is really nice is that with a few accessories, you can even prepare more than one thing at a time. With a trivet and a couple of stacking pots, you can place meat in the bottom and then veggies in a pot and rice stacked on that. Within about 45 minutes start to finish your meal is hot and ready, juicy and tender.

Sometimes you want to just toss ingredients in the slow cooker, set the timer and leave, knowing that when you return eight hours later your dinner will be ready. Slow cookers are awesome for that.

Saves Time, Money and Energy Even if you love to cook, getting the tedious tasks done faster is a win. All of these items can make your life easier in many ways: spices that are fresh, fragrant and easy to find; a toaster that bakes; a mixer that allows you to make large batches at once and will even knead your bread for you; a blender for smoothies and food processor for quick and easy food prep. Then once everything is ready, put it all together in either your Instant Pot or your slow cooker.

It’s worth purchasing better quality appliances. They’ll last longer and step up to the challenge. Budget out your purchases, watch for sales.

Wondering whether you’ll use these items, or how to use them efficiently? That’s where YouTube comes in. Videos can help you with research before purchasing the new gadget and finding new recipes once you have it.

Your kitchen muse will be highly inspired.

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Special Section: Home & Garden

7

Mood-Lifting Ideas For a Cozier Home This Winter

I

t is the time of year when the days are shorter and darkness falls before 6:00 p.m..

After a long day at work, nothing sounds better than relaxing at home with your feet up, wearing your cozy PJs. Don’t let the cold and darkness outside turn your sanctuary into a cold cave. With a little bit of effort and ingenuity, you can make your home feel cozier in an afternoon, without spending much money.

You don’t have to succumb to the winter blahs. Just implement a few of these ideas, and you’ll be warm and comfy inside until winter’s worst blows over.

1. Clean Your Light Fixtures and Bulbs

6. Change the Furnace / AC Filter

Nothing says warm and cozy like opening the door to an enticing aroma that makes your mouth water. Even better, slow cookers are more energy efficient than electric ovens, typically using less energy than a light bulb.

Change your filter every couple months (monthly if you have pets) to prevent excess dust and allergens from circulating. All that bad air just gets you down.

4. Bring Home Some Nature Many indoor plants, like golden pothos and gerbera daisies, are particularly adept at sucking up nasty VOCs — the vapors emitted from household cleaners, paints, and dry cleaning.

And since plants increase humidity levels, they help decrease household dust.

Your home will appear 30% brighter — without turning on more lights.

5. Vacuum With Your Thermostat Fan On

2. Keep the Cold Air Out

Run the fan to help filter dust that gets kicked up while cleaning. Leave it on for about 15 minutes after you finish vacuuming, and switch it back to “auto” afterward. HVAC blowers aren’t intended to run all the time.

It’s not just window and door leaks killing your cozy vibe. Don’t forget to plug stealthy gaps around recessed lights, electrical boxes, and wall outlets. Use a lit incense stick or scented candle to hunt down drafty spots while leaving behind a cozy scent.

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3. Dig Out Your Slow Cooker

CORRID OR LI LIVING V ING • SPECI A L SEC TION GOLDEN CORRIDOR

7. Let the Sunlight In (It’ll Make You Happy) Clean your windows. Sparkling glass not only lets more natural light into your home, it’s a feel-good task, according to a survey by the American Clean Institute.

When ACI asked consumers what clean surfaces make them happy, “gleaming windows” made the top five above a “spotless sink.” Besides all that, daylighting is a great mood booster.

DIY TIP Nothing makes you feel more relaxed and cozy than sitting in front of the fireplace. Don’t have a fireplace? No problem! Electric fireplaces have come a long way in simulating real flames.

Many models also have built-in heaters.

THE HOLIDAY EDITION • HOLIDAY 2019

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Special Section: Home & Garden

Ten Ways to Reduce Your Your local Homeowner’s Premium hometown W

ith homeowner’s insurance rates on the rise, you may be looking for ways to reduce your annual premium without skimping on coverage. After all, a large portion of your net worth resides in the same place as you do.

But there are a number of strategies you can use to chip away at your overall annual premium, including: 1. Raising your deductible - Your deductible is the amount of risk you agree to accept before the insurance company starts paying on a claim. As homeowner’s rates increase, you may want to be willing to take on more of the risk yourself. So if you have a low deductible of $500, you may consider raising it to $1,500. You could save up to 25% on your premiums.

When assessing your deductible, you should ask yourself: “How much risk am I willing to assume?”

2. Combining homeowner’s and auto policies - Consider buying your homeowner’s and auto insurance policies from a company that offers both. Some companies offer discounts of 5% to 15% if you buy both types of coverage from them. Ask us to look into buying your policies from the same insurer.

3. Asking about other discounts - Insurers will often offer discounts for people who install smoke detectors, deadbolt locks, security or fire alarm systems, fire extinguishers in the home, as well as for roof type and more. Also, if you’re over

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CORRID OR LI LIVING V ING • SPECI A L SEC TION GOLDEN CORRIDOR

4.

5.

6.

7.

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can limit or void your policy altogether.

55 and retired, you may qualify for an Other risks insurers aren’t keen on additional 10% discount.

Don’t buy coverage you don’t need include trampolines and swimming Don’t buy insurance for risks you are pools, both of which can increase your unlikely to encounter; for example, premiums. earthquake coverage in a nonRead all the fine print in your policy earthquake zone, or a jewelry floater to under the “Conditions and Coverages” your policy if you don’t own expensive section.

9. Improving your credit score - Insurance jewelry. Your local independent agent Making your home a better insurance are increasingly using credit is your neighbor – someonecompanies risk - Ask us what you can do to make information to price policies. Don’t have you trust and someone too many open credit accounts, don’t your home safercan for insurance purposes.

For example, you may consider making who’s here for you when it charge close to the limits on your credit changes that reduce the risk of damage cards, and pay all your bills on time to matters from windstorms andmost. other natural keep your credit score healthy.

10. Renovation discounts - Ask about disasters. Or you could update your discounts for new or recently renovated wiring or heating systems.

Knowing what your homeowner’s policy properties. Because a newer home covers - Your home is your biggest usually results in fewer losses, some investment. Make sure it’s adequately insurers reduce rates by up to 25% for protected from risks you cannot afford properties that are less than five or 10 to cover yourself, and that it covers years old. Likewise, homes that have had any home improvements you’ve made, significant renovations completed by a major purchases, and increased costs of qualified contractor can also qualify for rebuilding. reduced insurance premiums.

Keeping your policy up to date - Every year, before your homeowner’s insurance policy is due to renew, read the details of your policy and call us to discuss any changes in your situation that occurred during the previous 12 months.

Avoiding risks that insurers shun CITY • 000-000-0000 Insurers are shying away from additional www.bestinsuranceagency.com IfCASA you have any questions about your policy and GRANDE | 520.836.7660 risk, such as homeowners with certain how to reduce your annual premium, give ROX WWW.ROXINSURANCE.COM dog breeds like pit bulls, Doberman Casa Grande Insurance a call at 520-836-7660. pinschers and Rottweilers. These breeds We are always glad to help.

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THE HOLIDAY EDITION • HOLIDAY 2019

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THE HOLIDAY EDITION • HOLIDAY 2019

PINAL COUNTY PRESS A R I Z ONA C I T Y • C A S A GR A N DE • CO OL I D GE • E L OY • F L OR E NC E • M A R ICOPA

CONTINUED…

PHOTO BY SHANNON PRICE

NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS...cont. from page 16 Act standards (the first of the type in Casa Grande) • Some grass removal for water conservation, and also to make the parks more attractive • New gravel laid near the ramada and picnic tables • No changes to the sand volleyball court

Carr McNatt Park, south of McMurray Boulevard • The city’s first ever splash pad has been added to the Carr McNatt Park, open from 8 AM to 9 PM • Shaded Playground • Walking Track • Sports fields • Tennis Courts • Basketball Courts • New ramadas

Mosley Park, Amarillo and Second Street • Ramada and picnic table relocated closer to the playground • Some grass removal • No permanent facilities on the park grounds, although there is a portable toilet

Elliott Park • New parking spaces • New playground equipment with a shade structure • New ramada and sidewalks

WATER ISSUES...cont. from page 16

• Tom Buschatzke, Director of the Arizona Department of Water Resources

ed an Ad Hoc Committee on Groundwater Supply in Pinal County.

“The committee will study the supply of available groundwater and renewable water supplies in the Pinal County Active Management Area, and it will make recommendations on the modeling criteria of available groundwater supplies in the area,” explained Matthew Specht, Director of Communications for the House Republican Caucus.

Members of the Committee include: • Representative David Cook (R-8), Chair • Representative Noel Campbell (R-1) • Gail Griffin (R-14) • Bret Roberts (R-11) • Rosanna Gabaldón (D-2) • Diego Rodriguez (D-27)

HOLIDAY 2019 • THE HOLIDAY EDITION

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“I am very grateful to the Speaker for appointing me to this committee, so we can determine the issues that are impeding growth in Pinal County and collectively find long-term solutions,” said Representative Cook.

“I’m looking forward to improving the water permitting process to ensure Pinal County has the same economic development opportunities that exist elsewhere in the state,” Cook continued.

“Water remains a critically important issue, and this committee will work diligently to ensure future prosperity in the region.”

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Mark your calendar for the 34th Annual Taste October 18th, 2020 hosted by Eva’s Fine Mexican Food

Against Abuse, Inc. Thanks You for Your Support AGAINST INC. 33rd Annual Taste of Casa Grande was a HugeABUSE, Success!

Thank You For Your Support Restaurants, sponsors, donors, volunteers, attendees helped us raise funds (actual and inkind) in support of Against Abuse Incorporated Programs.

32nd Annual Taste of Casa Grande Was A Huge Success!

Restaurants, Sponsors, Donors, Volunteers, Attendees Helped Us Raise Over $58,000 Acknowledgements Actual and InFine Kind Funds inASupport ofyou Against Abuse Incorporated Programs At Sunday’s Oct. 20th event, our hosts were Eva’s Mexican Food. special thank Eva’s Fine Mexican Food (Host Restaurant) to Casey O’Brian and Fernando for hosting the event. Other acknowledgements include: 19-year Participant | 520.836.0016

PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS 665 N. Pinal Ave., Casa Grande At Sunday’s Oct. 21st Event – Our Hosts – Eva’s Fine Mexican Food

520 836-0016

665 N. Pinal Ave. Casa Grande Restaurant

Anaya’s Fresh Mexican 2-year Participant | 520.836.0016 665 N. Pinal Ave., Casa Grande

Eva’s Fine Mexican Food 18-year Participant

520 836-9294

520 426-0226

Cook E Jar 33-year Participant | 520.836.9294 Olive Garden 102 E. 2nd St., Casa Grande

520 836-9464

520 251-5196

520 426-1700

9-year Participant | 520.426.0226 717 N. Promenade Pkwy., Casa Grande

IHOP

839 N Promenade Pkwy., Casa Grande

520 858-4577

Casa Grande Airport Casa Grande

Foxtrot Cafe

Fingers 4-year Participant

520 414-7714

El Perico Hot Dogs 2-year Participant

RESTAURANT

520 836-2416

4965 N. Sunland Gin Rd. Casa Grande

Golden 9 Restaurant Golden 9 Restaurant 2-year Participant | 520.836.0682 2-year Participant 4965 N Sunland Gin Rd., Casa Grande

520 251-5405

1377 E. Florence Blvd., #103 Casa Grande

Scoops Ice Cream Parlor Mimi’s Café 1-year Participant 1-year Participant | 520.426.0193

520 788-6314

2469 E. Florence Blvd.

Casa Grande

L’ Grande Café 1-year Participant | 520.340.4226 Raising Cane’s Chicken 2820 N Pinal Ave #4, Casa Grande

744 N. Morrison Ave. Casa Grande

520 836-4601

2064 E. Florence Blvd.

Casa Grande

Raising Cane’s 1-year Participant 5-year Participant | 520.788.6314 2469 E. Florence Blvd., Casa Grande

7-year Participant

1442 E. Florence Blvd.

Casa Grande

eegee’s 11-year Participant

520 426-4225

Foxtrot Café 2-year Participant | 520.858.4577 Culver’s Casa Grande Airport, Casa Grande

A Latte Vino 2-year Participant

Cotton House Cafe 1-year Participant | 520.836.0041 104 East 4th St., Casa Grande

2453 E. Florence Blvd.

Casa Grande

958A E. Rodeo Rd. Ste. 1 Casa Grande

Boston’s 3-year Participant

520 836-5830

Mi Amigo Ricardo 32-year Participant

520 788-6677

804 N. Cacheris Ct. Casa Grande

105 W. Florence Blvd.

Casa Grande

CGQ House BBQ Olive Garden 1-year Participant

8-year Participant

8-year Participant

CGQ 2-year Participant | 520.836.5830 105 W. Florence Blvd. Casa Grande

520 876-5976

Dunkin’ Donuts 1-year Participant Chili’s| 520.836.1369 Bar & Grill 1306 E Florence Blvd., Casa Grande

520 426-3553

821 E. Florence Blvd.

Casa Grande

1532 E. Florence Blvd. ® Casa Grande

717 N. Promenade Pkwy.

Casa Grande

859 N. Promenade Pkwy.

Casa Grande

eegee’s Buffalo Wild Wings 12-year Participant | 520.426.3553 4-year Participant 1442 E. Florence Blvd., Casa Grande

Banner Casa Grande 32-year Participant

Cook E Jar 32-year Participant

104 East 4th St. Casa Grande

10-year Participant

Big House 1800 E. Florence Blvd., Casa Grande 11-year Participant | 520.836.0041 104 E. 4th St., Casa Grande

Banner Casa Grande 33-year Participant 1800 E. Florence Blvd., Casa Grande

520 836-0041 Buffalo Wild Wings 5-year Participant | 520.836.9464 Big House Café 859 N. Promenade Pkwy., Casa Grande

520 836-3858

102 E. 2nd St. MedicalCasa Grande

520 421-7393

1115 E. Florence Blvd.

Casa Grande

973 E. Cottonwood Ln. Casa Grande

Sho-Ga Japanese Restaurant

Grande Central Sandwich Co.

Boston’s Restaurant & Sports Bar 1-year Participant 4-year Participant | 520.251.5196 804 N. Cacheris Ct., Casa Grande

Chili’s Bar & Grill 1-year Participant 9-year Participant | 520.876.5976 1532 E. Florence Blvd., Casa Grande

520 788-6979

2876 N. Pinal Ave. Casa Grande

Anaya’s Mexican Restaurant

1-year Participant 1-year Participant Culver’s IHOP a latte vino Mi Amigo Ricardo Triple J’s Sandwich Shop 8-year Participant | 520.426.4225 3-year Participant | 520.788.6677 33-year Participant | 520.836.3858 1-year Participant | 520.840.6678 2-year Participant | 520.426.1700 Casa Grande Valley Newspapers Inc. First American Credit Union PREMIER SPONSORS $5,000 2064 E. Florence Blvd., Casa Grande 2453 E. Florence Blvd., Casa Grande 958A E. Rodeo Rd. Ste. 1, Casa Grande 821 E. Florence Blvd., Casa Grande 861 W Gila Bend Hwy Ste. 2, Casa Grande

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Electric District No. 2 Henry & Horne, LLP Las Palmas Linen (In Kind) Pinal County Attorney’s Office Pinal County Federal Credit Union support, and education all who experience Snider Consultingto Services

Garnet of Casa Grande Garye & Teri Vasquez iQ Total Source (In Kind) PLATINUM SPONSORS $1,500 Iron City Polaris (In Kind) Casa Grande Union High – DECA (Inservices, Kind) “The Mission of Against Abuse, Inc. School is to provide the effectsSerendipity of familyDay dysfunction and/or Care Golden Corridor Living Magazine/ Shops at Maricopa Village violence, past or present.”

Programs of Against Abuse, Inc. include: Domestic Violence Shelters, Transitional Home Program, Sexual Violence Program, SILVER SPONSORS $500 Smart Shopper (In Kind) Abbott Nutrition Southwest Gas Thrift Store/Clothing Bank, Legal & Case Management, Animal Safe Home Network, La Paloma Supervised Visitation & Safe Exchange John &Advocacy Deborah McEvoy AZ New Horizon Realty (Jackie Guthrie) Sun Life Family Health Center Entertainment (InFor Kind) Program and Community Miele & Mobile Services. more information Banner aboutCasa the Grande programs andCenter services of Against Abuse, Inc., please call 520.836.1239.

Medical The Foothills Bank N&D Designs (In Kind) Brass Lantern Photography & Creations (In Kind) SRP Desert Basin Time Lens Photo & Video (In Kind) Chrissy & Dennis Jenkins Wal-Mart Distribution Center #7013 Villas by Mary T Cooper & Rueter, LLP GOLD SPONSORS $750 Egan Eyes Photography (In Kind) Western EDITION Bank GOLDEN CORRID CORRIDOR OR LI LIVVING ING • YOU! THE HOLIDAY • HOLIDAY 2019 APS Crescent Crown Distributors (In Kind) Eva’s Fine Mexican Food (Host)

• Eva’s Fine Mexican Food (Host) • APS • Crescent Crown Distributor (In Kind)

CONNOISSEUR ($2,500)

• Elite Real Estate Pros (Kathi Buckner) • Foothills Bank • iQ Total Source (In Kind) • Miele Entertainment (In Kind) • N & D Designs (In Kind) • SRP • Wal-Mart Distribution Center #7013

FOODIE ($750)

• Serendipity Day Care/ Lorraine & Curtis Lewis • Snider Consulting Services (David Snider) • Sun Life Family Health Center • The GEO Group/AZ State Prison (Florence West) • The GEO Group/Central AZ Correctional Facility • TimeLens Photo & Video (In Kind) • Villas by Mary T. • Western Bank 33rd Annual f d o

D i r e c to rs

&

Taste E bo

ar

St

a

of

Ag

of Casa Grande

ainst abuse

• 3-G Construction Company • Abbott Laboratories

• Banner Casa Grande Medical Center • Casa Grande Union High School District #82 • Christina & Dennis Jenkins • Egan Eyes Photography (In Kind) • Electric District No. 2 • First American Credit Union • Henry & Horne, LLP • J.R. and Deborah McEvoy • Palma’s Linen Supply (In-Kind) • Pinal County Attorney’s Office • Pinal County Federal Credit Union

ff

• Casa Grande Union High School (DECA) (In Kind) • Golden Corridor Living Magazine/Smart Shopper (Rox Media) (In Kind) • Kramer Media (Casa Grande Valley Newspapers) In Kind

SOUS CHEF ($1,500)

e

TASTEMASTER ($5,000)

SPONSORSHIPS 2019

th

Special Thank You

In

c

• • • • • • • • •

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Ida Zertuche International Wildlife Museum Intrepid Enterprises/Bill Miller J. Warren Funeral Services Jake’s Unlimited Janie Miller Jeff Fairman JoAnne Pinto (In memory) Julie Thornhill (In memory) Katrina Rodriguez Laser Quest Laura Bagby/Shear Gossip Salon Leslie’s Pool Supplies Service & Repair Lillian Peart Hoover Little Barrel Antiques & Collectables/Donna Kerr Maria-Elena Ochoa Masa Portrait Artwork NYC Mimi’s Bistro & Bakery Mind Body & Sole, LLC/Autumn Compo, LMT, RR Nature’s Nook/Sandi Salcido Napa Valley Wine Train Oasis Pavilion Nursing & Rehab.

Office Depot Old Tucson Studios Panera Bread Pat Petroski Phoenix Art Museum Phoenix Suns

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

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• •

• Dave White Golf Course/City of Casa Grande • Desert Botanical Gardens • Discount Tiresa • Distinctive Earthscapes, Inc. at The Avocado • Dynia Abraham • Ed Whitehead’s Tire Pros • Emerald Isle Golf Course • Enchanted Island Amusement Park • Essential Health & Medicine/ Lisa Porter • Eva’s Fine Mexican Food/ Fernando Cornejo • Flandrau Science Center & Planeterium/U of A • Flashbacks Diner • Funtasticks Family Fun Park • Gina Weatherly • Gloria Carrillo • Golfland • Golf N’ Stuff • Grand Canyon Deer Farm • Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel • Greentree Inn & Suites Florence • Hair Affair/Ida Zertuche • Heard Museum • Herberger Theatre Center • HERO (Harrah’s Ak-Chin) • Hilda Granados • Holly Valdez-Bizon

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• •

Aerogelic Ballooning Against Abuse, Inc. Thrift Store Angela Griffen-Porter April Parrillo Alex Griffen AMC Theatres AZ Airtime Jump Center AZ Museum of Natural History Arizona Diamondbacks Arizona Cardinals Arizona Science Center AutoZone Bay of Islands Massage & Spa Bearizona BeDillon’s Restaurant Cactus Garden & Museum/Nancy & Michael Jackson Big Surf Waterpark Billie Dalrymple/Your Quilted Dreams Biosphere 2 CAF Airbase AZ Aviation Museum Cancun Travel Unlimited Casa Grande Family Dentistry Castles n’ Coasters Chandler Center for the Arts Chef Adam Allison Children’s Museum of Tucson Children’s Museum of Phoenix Cindy Sutton Dave & Busters

es

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33RD ANNUAL TASTE OF CASA GRANDE 2019 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

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Casa Grande’s favorite tasting ev Pristine Cleaners AtCasa Grande, at Eva's Fine Mexican R RCS State Fair best restaurants will prepare their hungry and lively crowd, all for a go Shawna’s Top Notch Grooming part of this anticipated annual eve Southwest Shakespeare Company Stellar Adventures/ For a g Mitch Godbold Stratum Laser Tag & Event Headquarters Since 1981, Against Abuse, Inc. has providing services to two domesti Susan Versluis program, group and community b exchange program, case managem Sylvia & Mike Aguilar advocacy, animal safe homes, volu bank.

The Gaslight Theatre The Mini Time Machine/ Museum of Miniatures The Phoenix Symphony Tina Heward/Cypress Point Beauty Salon Travel Set Go Tucson Botanical Gardens Tucson Museum of Art & Historic Block Tucson Symphony Orchestra Tumbleweed Inn Bar Twin Arrows Casino Resort Ultra-star Multi-tainment Center Valerie Williams Verde Canyon Railroad W & D Rustic Designs West World Paintball Wigwam Resort Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Bob Jackson, Chairperson | Garye Vasquez, Vice Chairperson | David Snider, Secretary | Torri Anderson | Fernando Cornejo | Dora Duarte | Paula Foley | Jackie Guthrie | Tom Ramsdell | Sandi Salcido TASTE OF CG 2019 COMMITTEE: Pat Griffen, Executive Director & Co-Chairperson | Cherie McGlynn - Co-Chairperson | Sylvia Aguilar Marilyn Bertrand | Stephanie Cave | Fernando Cornejo | Andrea Little | Pat Miller | Julia Montoya | Maranda Pedigo | Pat Petroski | Ida Zertuche | Casey O’Brion

HOLIDAY 2019 • THE HOLIDAY EDITION

GOLDEN CORRID CORRIDOR OR LI V ING YOU! • GOLDEN

87

Wags to Riches

by Gigi McWhirter

O

ne of the hardest things for those of us in the veterinary field happens when an owner says he or she cannot afford health care for their pets — and then gets angry and say things like, “All you think about is the money!” To be honest, we do think about the money, but not in the way we are being accused of.

We, just like those of you who own your own business or go to work as an employee, do want to get paid. Also, like our customers, we want to get paid for the same reasons they do. Money received for the care of animals is dispersed to pay for the building, utilities, the products we use for treatment, doctors and staff, food, gas, rent, health insurance — just to name a few.

Veterinarians just coming out of vet school, which by the way is about eight years of college, are usually bound to pay student

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GOLDEN CORRID CORRIDOR OR LI LIVVING ING • YOU!

loans from $144,000-$200,000.

Most vets do not enter the field expecting to get “rich” as far as money is concerned; they get their “riches” by being able to help take care of animals through all stages of life or in specialty fields. The average wage for a vet coming out of school is about $70,000. It doesn’t take a financial genius to figure the math on that debt-to-earnings ratio.

Those of us on the support side of an animal practice are not only trained in our area but are also cross-trained to work in different parts of the hospital or clinic. We often use our time to help clients find financial options or assistance.

Once a doctor has completed a physical exam on your pet, he or she will, if needed, develop a treatment plan. Plans can also be an estimate of future costs and are designed to be flexible enough to work with your budget.

A lot of veterinary practices have developed annual pet care packages to help with the cost of care for animals. There are packages for puppies and kittens that include all the vaccinations needed during the first year of life; exams, fecal testing, spay or neuter, and skin or ear cytologies. Owners may elect to put their adult or senior pets on packages that include dental and lab work like a Valley fever test or a basic CBC. The nice thing about these packages, is that, in the case of dental, the owner may not have to pay the cost of the dental on dental day because the payments are spread throughout the year.

Please consult with your favorite vet office to see if it has plans available for your pets.

Most offices do not have in-house billing or insurance departments so payment is due at the time of service. Talk to the doctor’s office staff, technicians

or assistants about credit options including CareCredit or Scratchpay. If you can, call a friend or family member to see if they can help. Should your pet have insurance, you more than likely will have to submit the claim yourself for direct reimbursement. Once again, have this discussion with your vet’s office staff.

Veterinarian hospitals and clinics do not receive public assistance, and there are not indigent care plans available for animals.

And even though pets are considered family, unfortunately, they cannot be written off our individual taxes – the exception may be a certified service animal – however, you should have that discussion with a tax specialist.

Remember, having a loving pet makes you rich, no matter how much or how little money and stuff you have.

Happy Tails to you!

THE HOLIDAY EDITION • HOLIDAY 2019

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Cologne Cathedral/Market, Germany

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS A CRUISE

by Tori Ward, Cruise and Resort Specialist, ROX Travel

N

ot that I don’t love preparing dinner on Dec. 25 for up to 30 people, but the cleanup is exhausting. Experts tell you to visualize your goals for successful results. As the holidays begin, I am visualizing a Christmas market cruise in Europe next year. I think it’s a more realistic goal than a live-in housekeeper.

Christmas markets during the weeks of Advent (which include the four Sundays leading up to Christmas) are a European tradition dating back to the Middle Ages. Having traveled during the holidays, I’ve sampled many Christmas markets in France, Germany, Austria, Italy and the Czech Republic. Each market reflects a regional character, but all share the same essential elements: arts and crafts, food and drink, and entertainment.

We were on a Rhine river cruise with Viking recently and I fell in love with Cologne, Germany. The spires of Cologne Cathedral dominate the city, and the square in front hosts a Christmas market each year. Visi-

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tors will be enticed by the smell of roasting chestnuts and freshly baking cinnamon bread, while glass blowers, pewter pourers and woodcarvers demonstrate their craft. If hot, spicy wine doesn’t appeal, the old town is a short walk away where you can enjoy Kölsch, a beer only made in Cologne.

Many French Christmas market shops have a distinctive miniature chalet design.

Strasbourg, an Alsatian French city on this Rhine river cruise, is no exception. And, with 300 shops, Strasbourg is the oldest European Christmas market. It won’t take long to find a couple of my favorite things, bretzels and tarte flambé. Either of these handheld Alsatian treats caters to my craving for anything hot, topped with melted cheese and eaten while shopping for delicate French soaps and beeswax candles.

A few years ago, I went to Prague for my birthday, which I often celebrate Dec. 31 through Jan. 3 … People are celebrating on all those days anyway, so why not?

Although the Christmas market was much quieter after the main event, I lucked out finding deeply discounted crafts the artists didn’t want to pack and take home. I loaded up on embroidered lace sachets bags, handblown and painted-glass ornaments, and puppets for grandkids. I was intrigued by the smell of ham and followed my nose to a slab of Prazska sunka, roasting pork cut off the leg to your size specification. I held my fingers about a half-inch apart, but the pitmaster was overly generous. It was a good thing too! My friend, who said she’d pass, kept asking for another bite of the savory sandwich I dressed with a thin spread of grainy mustard.

The journey from Prague continues on the Danube to Nuremberg, where spiced almonds instead of chestnuts, and bratwurst instead of ham, tempt market visitors. The smell of warm gingerbread fills the crisp December air.

Unlike your local grocery store gingerbread, these are a denser cookie made from dough fermented for weeks before baking. And, THE HOLIDAY EDITION • HOLIDAY 2019

Traveling • Dining • Entertainment of course, not far away from the gingerbread houses, you’ll find wooden cookie cutters if you want to attempt using them on your own once you return home. Nuremberg also has lovely music boxes, leathercrafts and wooden toys.

The final stop on the Danube Christmas cruise is Vienna. Mozart, art, the Vienna Boys Choir and the Lipizzaner Stallion stables — there is so much to love about Vienna. The Christmas market, in the shadow of Schönbrunn Palace, has some of the most beautiful Advent concerts in Europe. To dunk in your mulled wine, try a piece of Kaisershmarrn, a sweet pastry somewhere between a crepe and a waffle and often containing fruit.

I love my trips to Paris and always go in the winter to avoid heat and crowds. The first Christmas market I experienced there extended down Champs-Elysees through

the Tuileries Garden. The snow had started falling while I was inside a restaurant. When I walked out, the trees along the entire boulevard glittered with thousands of lights.

Fat snowflakes sprinkled down, and I more or less stumbled into the market by chance while returning to my hotel.

We are creatures of habit, and I admit I always get a mulled wine that I can never finish. I’ll also pass a dozen shops selling mounds of charcuterie and cheeses to find a chalet offering crispy pommes frites straight from the fryer served with a side of mayonnaise.

There are several holiday markets scattered throughout the city, and some have ice-skating rinks and other children’s attractions. Of course, Santa Claus will be in attendance at all the markets. I heard he’s fond of crepes with Nutella.

There are short four- and five-day Seine river cruises that visit Rouen and Honfleur before returning to Paris during the holidays.

There are so many options for river cruising during the holidays. However, no matter how much you visualize the trip, you have to start the process early. Because of limited dates, space sells out quickly.

If you would like to explore the process and start planning your trip for next year, I invite you to give me a call. There are many options for a Christmas market cruise to fit most travel budgets. And, what a great gift to give someone who does the lion’s share of the holiday cooking, cleaning and entertaining. I’m visualizing my husband reading this.

For complete information contact or call Tori Ward at ROX Travel. tori@roxtravel.com or 928-254-9968.

Strasbourg, France

Vienna, Austria

Prague, Czech Republic HOLIDAY 2019 • THE HOLIDAY EDITION

Paris, France GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING

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Casa Grande Public Library

UPCOMING CASA GRANDE LIBRARY EVENTS EDUCATE, ENTERTAIN KIDS Thanksgiving Storytime and Puppet Show: Join Ms. Julie for a special Thanksgiving program with stories and a mini puppet show. The puppet show will be followed by a simple craft you can either complete at the library or take home. A simple snack will also be provided.

When: Tuesday, Nov. 26 at 10 a.m.

Main Library 449 N. Drylake St., Casa Grande, AZ 85122 Phone: 520-421-8710

Fall Tea Party: Join Mr. David for a fallthemed tea party just for kids. Snacks, drinks, books and good conversation.

When: Wednesday, Nov. 6 at 10:30 am.

Cardboard Gingerbread Houses: Bring the kids down to the Vista Grande Public Library for a cardboard gingerbread house extravaganza.

When: Wednesday, Dec. 11 at 3:30 pm.

Kids Gaming: Bring the kids down to the Vista Grande Public Library for a variety of video games and board games. Parents are required for children younger than 12.

When: Wednesdays at 3:30 p.m.

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GOLDEN CORRID CORRIDOR OR LI LIVVING ING • FUN!

Christmas Evening @ Your Library: Children of all ages are invited to a special Christmas Storytime event. Listen to Santa read a Christmas story while enjoying a yummy treat. Santa will also be available to take pictures with your children until 6:50 p.m. Please bring your own camera as you will need to take your own Santa pictures.

When: Monday, Dec. 9 at 6 p.m.

Preschool Storytime: Join our Youth Librarian, Ms. Julie, as we read books, sing songs and do activities each week based on a fun theme. Storytime will be followed by either a simple craft or a snack each week. Ages 0-5.

When: Tuesdays at 10 a.m.

After-School Gaming: Bring your kids down to the Main Library after school for a variety of age- appropriate video games, science kits, puzzles and more.

When: Thursdays at 3:30 p.m.

Story Walk: Bring the kids down to the Casa Grande Main Library and explore Peart Park with one of our seasonal Story Walks. Have fun exercising and reading your way along this outdoor adventure. Fun for the whole family.

When: Ongoing.

Preschool Storytime: Join Mr. David for stories, rhymes, songs, educational play and a puppet show. Preschool Storytime is intended for children ages 3-5, but all children are welcome.

When: Wednesdays at 10 a.m.

Toddler Storytime: Join Mr. David for stories, rhymes, songs and educational play. Toddler Storytime is intended for children ages 0-3, but all children are welcome.

When: Thursdays at 9:30 a.m.

Vista Grande Library 1556 N. Arizola Road, Casa Grande, AZ 85122 Phone: 520-421-8652

THE HOLIDAY EDITION • HOLIDAY 2019

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The ROX Interview (continued) ...continued from page 55 stuff. We have to find set design for 1980.

KITTY SHANKWITZ: We had some stuff at home, like the coffee cup Frank was using in the movie. But we had to set up the office to look like it did back in 1980 with typewriters and steel desks, the old radio and stuff like that. We hit every thrift store around.

FRANK SHANKWITZ: And the people from the movie would go around the town and ask people, “Can we use your house?” (laughs) GC LIVING: How many of the wish kids have you met?

FRANK SHANKWITZ: Thousands.

GC LIVING: That has to be touching. How do you keep your stability? That must be hard.

FRANK SHANKWITZ: You can’t break down in front of the kids. You want to but can’t.

Now I get to meet wish kids who are now adults. They’ll come up and say, “I’m a ‘Wish’ kid.”

I’ll ask what was your wish. And I’ll look at their eyes, and you see them relive that time in their lives. It could be 20 years ago, and you can see them relive that whole thing. I also get so many people to come up and say I’m the mother, father, aunt, uncle, grandparent, brother, sister of a wish child.

There are many wish kids I’ve stayed in contact with. One is Jazzlyn Urenda from

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OR LI GOLDEN CORRID CORRIDOR LIV VING ING • THE INTERV IE W

Bagdad, Arizona. I think she was 10 or 11 when we first met her. Two years ago, I get a call from her and she says, “I’m in my senior year and graduating, would you be our commencement speaker?”

Now I’ve spoken at Harvard, Ohio State and all over. She asked what do you charge.

And I said for you I’ll give a reduced fee, $2,000.” You could hear the hesitation on the phone, and she says, “I think we can do it. We’re going to have bake sales and car washes.” So, we go over to Bagdad.

They put us up at one of the mining executive homes who was on vacation, gave us tours and everything else. And we did the commencement speech for the 15 people in her class.

At the end she said we’ve got this check for you. I asked, “Are you going to go on your senior trip? You put that money on your senior trip. But I need one dollar, so she gave me a dollar, and that was my fee.” (laughs) KITTY SHANKWITZ: They gave him a copper plaque they made at the mine. The whole community, it’s just unbelievable how they treated us.

GC LIVING: Any final thoughts you want to share? Anything you’d like readers to take away?

FRANK SHANKWITZ: I wrote this down: Be kind. When somebody needs help, try to help them. Everyone can be a hero. You don’t have to have money to help. You can

give your time. Kitty and I live on retirements, but we are able to give a lot of our time to help people out.

One of the touching moments I have from Make-A-Wish with children is in the book. Make-A-Wish sent me to Guam, Saipan and Tinian; 11 exhausting days.

And come one of the last days, and I just wanted to jump in the ocean.

All of sudden there’s a knock on the door. “Frank, we’re going to take you and a lot of wish kids to this special, private beach.” So we go to this beach. It’s strictly for the natives of Guam, not tourists.

When we get there, it’s like a scene out of a movie, just incredibly beautiful. We have all these wish kids getting in the ocean, playing in the ocean. They have this big luau they brought in, and I’m having so much fun with these kids.

I get in line to eat, and they say, “No, no you sit down,” and they bring me my food, they bring me iced tea. These are wish kids waiting on me. That just got to me so much. I started getting all teary eyed, excused myself and grabbed a cigar and started walking down the beach. I just wanted to be alone.

Then all of a sudden, I’ve got all these kids walking with me down the beach.

That was just so emotional to me. Because we’ve taken care of wish kids for years.

Suddenly, the wish kids were taking care of me. 

THE HOLIDAY EDITION • HOLIDAY 2019

It’s DUNE SEASON!

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GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING

97

PINAL COUNTY PRESS A R IZONA CIT Y • C A SA GR A NDE • CO OLIDGE • ELOY • F LOR ENCE • M A R ICOPA

Pinal County Prepares for the 2020 Census

T

he Pinal Count y Board of Supervisors discussed preparation for the 2020 Census count with county staff during a Nov. 13 meeting, with Public Information Officer Steve Frazier saying a “blitz” of social media posts and other awareness efforts are on the way.

Officials have been working since early 2017 with the U.S. Census Bureau to get the agency the information it needs to reach every household in the county, Frazier told the board. “Our GIS (group) goes through every address in the county. Tens of thousands of addresses have been changed or added,” he said.

“We’ve reached the point where they have all the data they need to begin to start their outreach and contacting households. There begins our work for outreach and getting the word

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GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING

out,” he said.

Census workers will try to reach every address the county has provided, first with a postcard in March advising residents of their options for responding to the 10year count, mandated in the Constitution. If they don’t participate by email, phone or some other method by April 1, someone will be sent out to their doorstep.

Frazier said that will be one of the things county publicity materials will try to hammer home: “If citizens don’t respond to one of those, they will send a worker to their house, that’s part of the encouragement. Do it online, do it by one of these methods, or otherwise somebody’s going to visit, and they usually are pretty persistent.”

Counties across Arizona are bringing cities and other stakeholders into “complete count

committees” to coordinate efforts to publicize the coming of the census and the benefits of participating, such as increased federal and state funding for schools, roads and other services.

“As we hit 2020 we start mobilizing our communication network into getting into that blitz of advertising,” Frazier said.

After Board Chairman Mike Goodman and District 1 Supervisor Pete Rios suggested buying ads on the AM “oldies” radio station out of Globe they listen to, District 4 Supervisor Anthony Smith asked whether social media platforms beyond Facebook will be used to reach younger residents, who are prevalent in areas like the San Tan Valley and city of Maricopa.

“I think we just need to be, and you’ve given me assurances that you’ll have it well thought

CONTINUED…

by Blake Herzog

out, communicating with that 20-30 age group, because the golden oldies station is not going to reach them, either,” he said, laughing.

Frazier replied, “Social media will be the main platform for getting a lot of this word out there.”

Rios also suggested the county use Spanish-language materials to reach out to its Latino community, noting their response to the 2010 census was dampened by the concurrent approval of Arizona’s SB 1070 law, which in part authorized local law enforcement to act as immigration officials.

Frazier said he intends to use the extensive materials available in Spanish on the Census’ portal, and added, “we have great technology now through social media to target specific groups like that.”

THE HOLIDAY EDITION • HOLIDAY 2019

GOLDEN CORRIDOR LIVING

2020

2

GOLDE N COR R IDOR LI V ING 2018 2020 W WIN INTTER ER VVISI ISITOR TORSS GUIDE GUIDE

Today, 55-plus is whatever you make it. Here’s to making it your own. Kick back and relax with family and friends and your favorite activities. Or blaze new paths through community service and renewed interests. However you define retirement, we say, “go for it.” We’ll help you achieve it with affordable, energy-efficient homes in amenity-packed neighborhoods, including Mission Royale right here in Casa Grande. Ten brand new floor plans from the $190s to the $250s.

MISSION ROYALE

2611 E. Questa Trail, Casa Grande, AZ

meritagehomes.com/activeadult

1- 87 7-291- 8747

Home, features, and community information are subject to change, and homes to prior sale, at any time without notice or obligation. Additionally, deviations and variations may exist in any constructed home, including, without limitation: (i) substitution of materials and equipment of substantially equal or better quality; (ii) minor style, lot orientation, and color changes; (iii) minor variances in square footage and in room and space dimensions, and in window, door, utility outlet, and other improvement locations; (iv) changes as may be required by any state, federal, county, or local government authority in order to accommodate requested selections and/or options; and (v) value engineering and field changes. Pictures and other promotional materials are representative and may depict or contain floorplans, square footages, elevations, options, upgrades, decorations, window treatments (such as shutters, drapes, etc.), landscaping, pool, spa, furnishings, appliances, and other design/decorator features and amenities that are not included as part of the home and/or may not be available in all communities. All square footages are approximate. ©2017 Meritage Homes Corp. All Rights Reserved. AZ ROC Lic #B-166223 2020 W IN T ER V ISI TOR S GUIDE GOLDE N COR R IDOR LI V ING

3

CONTENTS Important Numbers Driving Distances Weather Demographics Hiking Information Casa Grande Hiking Trail Map Ten Things to Do In Arizona Visitor Centers Golf

Ten Things to Do In Pinal County Area Map Museums Attractions Casinos Dining Entertainment Medical Dental Maricopa Points of Interest Community Organizations City of Coolidge

2020 Casa Grande Calendar of Events Disc Golf Welcome to Superior

4 6 8 8 10 11 12 13 15 16 18-19 20 22 22 23 23 27 27 28 29 30 31-32 33 34

Cover Photo: @ChasingSunsetsPhotographyLLC OR Instagram @chasingsunsetsllc

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS Utilities APS

520.421.8400

ED-2

520.723.7741

ED-3

520.424.9021

ED-4

520.466.7336

San Carlos Electric

520.723.6209

Hohokam Electric

520.723.7751

Southwest Gas 877.860.6020

Arizona Water Company 520.836.8785

Global Water Company

866.940.1102

Municipal City of Casa Grande - main 520.421.8600

City of Coolidge - main 520.723.5361

Airport

520.723.6075

Animal Control 520.723.6075

Fire (non-emergency) 520.723.5311

Library

520.723.6030

Police (non-emergency) 520.723.5311

City of Eloy - main 520.466.9201

Airport

520.466.3082

Animal Control 520.466.4152

Fire (non-emergency) 520.466.3544

Library

520.466.3814

Airport

Police (non-emergency)

Animal Control

City of Maricopa - main

520.426.3616 520.426.9300

Fire (non-emergency)

520.466.7324

520.568.9098

Ak-Chin Regional Airport

520.421.8777

520.568.1000

Library

Animal Control

Police (non-emergency)

Fire (non-emergency)

520.421.8710

520.421.8700

888.431.1311

520.568.3333

Library

520.568.2926

4

GOLDE N COR R IDOR LI V ING 2020 W IN T ER V ISI TOR S GUIDE

Important Numbers

Miscellaneous

Cont’d Police (non-emergency)

Information

520.568.3673

411

Pinal County - main

AZ Highway Road Conditions

520.509.3555

511

Animal Control 520.509.3555

Emergency: Medical, Police & Fire

Sheriff (non-emergency)

911

Medical

AZ Department of Transportation

520.866.5111

AZ Pet Poison Control 480.732.0018

Banner Casa Grande Medical Center

520.381.6300

Banner Poison Control 602.253.3334

VA Clinic

520.836.2536

Overpass on State Route 347 Maricopa, AZ

888.411.7623

Motor Vehicle Department

520.836.0515

Pinal Gila Council for Senior Citizens 520.836.2758

Social Security Administration

877.405.0403

Valley Humane Society 520.836.0904

GREATER CA SA GRANDE REGION

Neon Sign Park Casa Grande, AZ

2020 Winter Visitors Guide Produced and published by:

ROX Media Group (ROX Media LLC) Elaine Earle, Publisher P: 520.426.2074 info@roxco.com | roxmediagroup.net Published annually. Every effort is made to make this publication as accurate as possible. ROX Media, LLC and affiliated company / companies (collectively, the “Publishers”) will assume no responsibility for errors, changes or omissions. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in any way without the express written permission of the Publishers.

The Publishers make no endorsement, representation or warranty regarding any goods or services advertised in this publication. Unless otherwise noted, all images are courtesy of ROX Media Group. Advertisements are provided by the subject companies and the Publishers shall not be responsible or liable for any inaccuracy, omission or infringement of any third party’s rights therein, or for personal injury or any other damage or injury whatsoever. Copyright 2018. All rights reserved.

Magma Ridge in Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park Superior, AZ 2020 W IN T ER V ISI TOR S GUIDE GOLDE N COR R IDOR LI V ING

5

DRIVING DIS TANCES

IN MILES

We s ter n Pin a l Co unt y is ce nt r all y l oc ated a n d within a days’ drive of seve r al pop ula r touris t communitie s .

Salt Lake City Denver

Moab

Durango

Las Vegas Kingman Los Angeles

Laughlin

Flagstaff Winslow

Prescott

Albuquerque

Phoenix San Diego Mexicali

Yuma

Casa Grande

Tucson 100 miles

City, State

Distance

Drive Time

Phoenix, AZ

48 miles

45 min

Tucson, AZ

69 miles

52 min

Yuma, AZ

176 miles

Grand Canyon Village, AZ

277 miles

Las Vegas, NV

345 miles

San Diego, CA

347 miles

4 h 59 min

El Paso, TX

388 miles

5 h 36 min

Los Angeles, CA

420 miles

6 h 48 min

Durango, CO

475 miles

12 h 16 min

Moab, UT

515 miles

14 h 41 min

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2020 W IN T ER V ISI TOR S GUIDE

El Paso

200 miles

Driving Distances

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2020 W IN T ER V ISI TOR S GUIDE GOLDE N COR R IDOR LI V ING

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WEATHER AND DEMOGRAPHICS PINAL COUNT Y DEMOGRAPHICS P O PU L ATI O N 4 65 , 0 0 0

FEM A LE

N U MB ER S O F V E TER A N S

37,12 0

OWNER O CCU PIED H OUS IN G 72 . 5%

4 8 .1%

MED I A N H OUS EH O LD IN CO ME

M A LE 51 .9 %

3,600

jobs

246

establishments

$51 ,19 0

WEATHER

8

RE TA IL

MONTH

AVG HIGH (F)

AVG LOW (F)

RAINFALL (IN.)

JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER

67 72 77 86 95 104 105 103 98 88 75 67

37 40 45 50 59 67 76 74 68 55 42 37

0.79 0.83 0.98 0.28 0.20 0.12 0.79 1.97 0.83 0.79 0.75 0.94

GOLDE N COR R IDOR LI V ING 2020 W IN T ER V ISI TOR S GUIDE

PINAL COUNT Y AVERAGE TEMPER ATURES:

71° F

Annual high

54.2°F

71°F

Annual average

Annual low

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9

PLACES TO HIKE PHOENIX SOUTH MOUNTAIN 10919 S. Central Ave., Phoenix 602.262.7393 www.phoenix.gov/parks/trails/ 1 locations/south-mountain CASA GRANDE MOUNTAIN 2090 E. Arica Rd., Casa Grande 520.421.8600 www.casagrandeaz.gov/rec /parks/cgmountain

2

SAN TAN MOUNTAIN REGIONAL PARK 6533 W. Phillips Rd., Queen Creek 480.655.5554 3 www.maricopa.gov/parks/santan PICACHO PEAK I-10 @ Picacho Peak Rd.,Eloy 520.466.3183 www.azstateparks.com/Parks/PIPE

CATALINA STATE PARK 11570 N. Oracle Rd., Tucson 520.628.5798 www.azstateparks.com/Parks/CATA

5

LOST DUTCHMAN STATE PARK (SUPERSTITION MTNS) 6109 N. Apache Trl., Apache Junction 480.982.4485 6 www.azstateparks.com/Parks/LODU TABLE TOP MOUNTAIN - IRONWOOD NATIONAL MONUMENT I-8 @ Vekol Valley Rd., Maricopa 623.580.5500 7 www.blm.gov/az/st/en/prog/ recreation/hiking/table_top.html

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GOLDE N COR R IDOR LI V ING 2020 W IN T ER V ISI TOR S GUIDE

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Hiking Information

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0.1

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0.28

A-7

Privately-Owned Land Parcels Not Part of CG Mountain Park

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Connecting Trail Rating

B-3

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0.2

Military-Owned Land Parcels Not Part of CG Mountain Park

0.32

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content accuracy. The City of Casa Grande does not guarantee the positional or thematic accuracy of this map.

Casa Grande Mountain Trails

Trail Name Chain Cholla Forest Trail East Butte Trail Ridge Trail Saguaro Fork Trail Spine Trail West Butte Trail Connecting Trails

Total Length 0.13 mi 2.35 mi 4.60 mi 0.44 mi 2.47 mi 1.97 mi 6.33 mi

GIS

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0.39

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8/11/2015

changing and do not replace a site survey. This map is not guaranteed for

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Casa Grande Hiking Information

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The Casa Grande Mountain Park covers more than 1,000 acres, and is one if the best hiking spots in all of Pinal County. The highest point of the mountain range is 2,350 feet, and the majority of the lands are rocky, steep and rugged. The vegetation on the trail is similar to that of the Sonoran Desert landscape. This includes saguaro, prickly pear and barrel cactus, foothill palo verde, creosote bush and other plants prominent in Arizona. Hikers on the trail can also expect to see wildlife typical to Southern Arizona. Red-tailed hawk can be seen flying around the trails, while other common critters such as cactus wrens, mourning doves and black-tailed jackrabbits roam the areas too.

Hikers have also spotted coyotes and bobcats from time to time. If you love the outdoors, love hiking and spotting all sorts if amazing wildlife, the Casa Grande Mountain Park is a place you have to see!

0.14

0.1 4

East

B-5

D-2

_ Æ

0.03 0.11

0.08

0.09

CASA GRANDE MOUNTAIN TRAILS

Arica Road Trail Head 2090 E Arica Rd

Bu tte

0.1 9

0.11

0.1

il

D-1

0.11

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0.2 7

0.09

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A-9

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:

Miles

A-4

3

Main Map

0.2

0.2 9

0.1

0.23 (A-4 to A-5)

0.3

0

2020 W IN T ER V ISI TOR S GUIDE GOLDE N COR R IDOR LI V ING

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TENTHINGSTODOIN

1

BISBEE One of Arizona’s most colorfully eclectic historic communities, Bisbee began its life with traces of lead, copper and silver in the late 1800s. Through the ups and downs of the mining industry Bisbee has endured and blossomed into culturally rich community offering visitors a mix of art, music, history, architecture, outdoor activities, dining and nightlife.

C A N YO N D E C H E LLY

The Canyon de Chelly National Monument is home to spectacular cliff dwellings found on and at the base of steep-sided canyons up to 1,000 feet deep. This is the best known of over a hundred cliff dwellings, mostly in inaccessible locations, which were occupied from around AD 350 to 1300.

5

FO U R CO R N E R S You can stand in four states at one time at Four Corners Monument, situated on the Navajo Nation in Northern Arizona.

Unique amongst Arizona’s many landmarks, Four Corners Monument is the only place in the United States where four states intersect at one point: Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and Colorado.

G R A N D C A N YO N

The biggest attraction in Arizona is the Grand Canyon, carved out by the Colorado River over the centuries. Most visitors see the canyon from the South Rim, where there are numerous lookout areas all along the road and walkway running along the canyon’s edge. It is also possible to hike down into the Grand Canyon or take a helicopter flight over and through it.

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H O OV E R DA M Hoover Dam is a testimony to the ability to construct monolithic projects during adverse conditions. Built during the Depression; thousands of men and their families came to Black Canyon to tame the Colorado River. It is a National Historic Landmark and has been rated by the ASCE as one of America’s Seven Modern Civil Engineering Wonders.

GOLDE N COR R IDOR LI V ING 2020 W IN T ER V ISI TOR S GUIDE

Arizona 2

LO N D O N B R I D G E Created by Robert McCullough, in 1968 Lake Havasu City was the recipient of the world-famous London Bridge, disassembled in London and reassembled here.

“Arizona’s Playground” can give you all the adventure you can handle, from boating and off-roading, to hiking and fishing, making this one of the most family-friendly Arizona vacation and recreation spots.

M E TEO R C R ATE R

Meteor Crater is a meteorite impact crater approximately 37 miles east of Flagstaff and 18 miles west of Winslow in the northern Arizona desert. The crater is about one mile wide and 570 feet deep. Scientists say the impact was about 50,000 years ago and the explosion was equal to 2.5 megatons of TNT.

6

M O N U M E NT VA LLE Y Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park straddles the border between Arizona and Utah. Wild West landscape includes jagged rock formations, dramatic buttes, and sand dunes. Visitors can do a self drive tour through the valley, take a guided tour or photography tour, or simply appreciate some of the views from the passing highway.

PE TR I FI E D FO R E S T

Large pieces of petrified wood, along with fossilized plants, fish, and reptiles, have been revealed in great numbers in what is today Petrified National Forest in the Painted Desert. The park access road allows visitors to drive passed many of the highlights and short interpretive trails allow for close up looks at a variety of unique sights.

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TO M B S TO N E Tombstone, a silver mining boomtown, quickly became notorious as a rough and tumble town, the best claim to fame was the famous Gunfight at the OK Corral (which actually took place in a vacant lot next to the corral), involving Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday. The OK Corral exhibit is there, as are many of the old saloons and the old courthouse, now a museum.

VISITOR CENTERS ARIZONA CITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 13640 S. Sunland Gin Rd., Arizona City 520.466.5141 8 www.arizonacitychamber.com

MARANA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 13881 N. Casa Grande Hwy., Marana 520.682.4314 www.maranachamber.com

COOLIDGE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 351 N. Arizona Blvd., #5, Coolidge 520.723.3009 4 www.coolidgechamber.org

MARICOPA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 19756 N John Wayne Pkwy., Suite 100, Maricopa 520.568.9573 5 www.maricopachamber.org

FLORENCE VISITOR CENTER 24 W. Ruggles St., Florence 520.868.9433 www.visitflorenceaz.com

SUNLAND VISITOR CENTER 3725 N. Camelot St., Eloy 520.466.3007 www.sunlandvisitorcenter.org

3

GREATER CASA GRANDE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 575 N. Marshall St., Casa Grande 520.836.2125 1 www.casagrandechamber.org

TRI-COMMUNITY VISITOR CENTER 1470 W. American Ave., Oracle 520.241.1142 www.visittricommunity.org

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973 W. Gila Bend Hwy., Casa Grande (520) 836-7921 www.norrisrv.com

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GOLDE N COR R IDOR LI V ING 2020 W IN T ER V ISI TOR S GUIDE

Golf

GOLF WHIRLWIND GOLF CLUB 5770 W. North Loop Rd., Chandler 520.796.4653 1 www.whirlwindgolf.com

SAN MIGUEL 1505 N. Toltec Rd., Eloy 520.466.7734 www.sanmiguelgolf.com

AK-CHIN SOUTHERN DUNES GOLF CLUB Hwy 238, Maricopa 480.367.8949 2 www.akchinsoutherndunes.com

ARIZONA CITY 13939 S. Cleator Rd., Arizona City 520.466.5327 www.myazcitygolf.com

THE DUKE AT RANCHO ELDORADO 42660 Rancho El Dorado Pkwy., Maricopa 480.844.1100 3 www.thedukegolf.com

DOVE MOUNTAIN 6501 Boulder Bridge Pass, Marana 520.572.3500 13 www.thegolfclubatdovemountain.com

FRANCISCO GRANDE 12684 W. Gila Bend Hwy., Casa Grande 520.381.8200 www.franciscograndegolf.com DAVE WHITE MUNICIPAL 2121 N. Thornton Rd., Casa Grande 520.836.9216 www.casagrandeaz.gov/rec/golf-course GOLF CLUB AT JOHNSON RANCH 30761 W. Golf Club Dr., San Tan Valley 480.987.9800 www.johnsonranchgc.com GOLF CLUB AT OASIS 5764 E. Hunt Hwy.,Florence 480.888.8890 www.clubatoasis.com

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POSTON BUTTE GOLF CLUB 6100 Merrill Ranch Pkwy., Florence 520.723.1880 8 www.postonbuttegc.com MISSION ROYALE GOLF COURSE 11 S. Mission Pkwy., Casa Grande 480.951.4444 9 www.missionroyalegolfclub.com ROBSON RANCH GOLF CLUB 5750 W. Robson Blvd., Eloy 520.426.3333 www.arizonagolf.com/courses/eloy/ 10 robson-ranch-golf-club

RANCHO VISTOSO 955 W. Vistoso Highlands Dr., Tucson 520.797.9900 www.vistosogc.com SADDLEBROOKE 64500 E. SaddleBrooke Blvd., Tucson 520.825.3048 www.saddlebrooke.org SADDLEBROOKE RANCH 59642 E. Robson Cir., Oracle 520.818.6403 www.saddlebrookeranchgolfclub.com PALM CREEK 1110 N. Henness Rd., Casa Grande 800.421.7004 www.palmcreekgolf.com

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SWith econd entrée Purchase of First Entrée Must present original coupon. Second entrée must be of equal or lesser value than first entrée.

Not valid on holidays or with any other offers.

Valid until September 30, 2020.

Reservations highly recommended. 520-381-8110

www.franciscogrande.com 12684 West Gila Bend Highway • Casa Grande, AZ 85193

Home Of 16

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APACHE STRONGHOLD GOLF CLUB Located 5 miles East of Globe on Highway 70, San Carlos 800.272.2438 18 www.apachestronghold.com TIERRA GRANDE 813 W. Calle Rosa, Casa Grande 520.723.9717 19 www.tierragrandeaz.com

Dave White Golf Course 2121 N. Thornton Rd (520) 836-9216

Bring in this ad to receive a free bucket of range balls.

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2020 W IN T ER V ISI TOR S GUIDE GOLDE N COR R IDOR LI V ING

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TENTHINGSTODOIN

1

C A SA G R A N D E RU I N S Coolidge — An Ancient Sonoran Desert People’s farming community and Great House are preserved at Casa Grande Ruins. Whether the Casa Grande was a gathering place for the Desert People or simply a waypoint marker in an extensive system of canals and trading partners is but part of the mystique. The Casa Grande was abandoned around 1450 C.E. PI C AC H O PE A K

Picacho Peak’s most noted historic event occurred on April 15, 1862, when Confederate and Union scouting parties met in the Battle of Picacho Pass during the Civil War. Picacho Peak is not a volcanic cone, but is part of a volcanic flow that has been partially eroded away. It has long been known for its spring display of wildflowers.

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TO M M I X M O N U M E NT A roadside memorial to silent film cowboy Tom Mix is south of Florence. On Oct. 12, 1940, Mix was driving his 1937 Cord 812 Phaeton when he came upon construction barriers at a bridge washed away by a flash flood. He was unable to stop in time and died in the crash. Located south of Florence along Highway 79.

ST. ANTHONY ’ S GREEK ORTHODOX MONA STERY The monastery is dedicated to St. Anthony the Great, the father of monasticism, the renowned 3rd century anchorite. There are chapels dedicated to Saints Seraphim of Sarov, Demetrios of Thessalonica, John the Baptist, George the Great Martyr, Nicholas the Wonderworker, and Panteleimon the Healer. The main church is dedicated to Saints Anthony and Nectarios the Wonderworker. 4784 N. St. Joseph’s Way.

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M C FA R L A N D S TATE H I S TO R I C PA R K

Courtesy of Arizona State Parks

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The history of the park’s building provides visitors with a look into the past.

The building represents a transition between Sonoran and Anglo-American architecture with its wood-shingled pitched roof surmounting traditional adobe brick walls. Soil from the area was used to make adobe bricks which were laid on a trench foundation filled with river rocks.

GOLDE N COR R IDOR LI V ING 2020 W IN T ER V ISI TOR S GUIDE

Pinal County 2

G O LD FI ELD G H OS T TOWN A N D M US EU M Apache Junction — A living-history experience with restored 1800s-era buildings from a former gold-rush community.

Tourists can ride a narrow gauge train, pan for gold and experience life as it was during the busiest days of the Goldfield town.

B I OS PH E R E 2

One of the world’s only scientific research facilities in which scientists work in a sealed environment to study earth’s ecosystems, such as oceans and coral reefs, mangrove wetlands and Savannah grasslands.

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BOYCE THOMPSON SOUTHWESTERN ARBORETUM Discover the intricate beauty and many faces of Arizona’s oldest and largest botanical garden. Featured are plants from the world’s deserts, towering trees, captivating cacti, sheer mountain cliffs, a streamside forest, panoramic vistas, many natural habitats with varied wildlife, a desert lake, a hidden canyon, specialty gardens and more.

TH E A PAC H E TR A I L (S TATE RO U TE 8 8)

This 40-mile trail winds along urban roadways and ends in the rugged desert mountains. Travelling past the deep reservoir lakes of Canyon and Apache Lakes the narrow, winding unpaved includes the town of Tortilla Flat and continues to Roosevelt Dam. With steep cliff drops and little in the way of safety barriers it is not recommended for large RVs, SUVs, or caravans.

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THE MATTHEW B. JUAN - IR A H. HAYES MEMORIAL PARK Located in Sacaton on the Gila River Indian Community, this is a memorial to the men and women who served in the Armed Forces, protecting our great nation. Ira Hayes was one of the men in the iconic photograph raising the U.S. flag over Iwo Jima in WWII.

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Apache Junction South Mountain Park

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Supe

Chandler

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Mesa Gilbert

Tempe

Queen Valley

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San Tan Valley 3

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Maricopa

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Florence

Cactus Forest

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Arizona City

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Picacho Peak State Park Ironwood Forest National Monument

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ks Rd

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Lin Park

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Marana

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THERE ARE TREASURES IN...

ARIZONA’S GOLDEN CORRIDOR 18

GOLDE N COR R IDOR LI V ING 2019 2020 W WIN INTTER ER VVISI ISITOR TORSS GUIDE GUIDE

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Saguaro National Park 16

10

4 60

Globe

Miami

erior

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77

Ray 177

GOLF

Kearny

HIK ING C A SINO 77

SHOPPING Mammoth

AT TR AC TION VISITOR CENTER

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Catalina 5

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Oracle

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San Manuel

MUSEUM

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In Arizona’s Golden Corridor - the area between Phoenix and Tucson - winter visitors and residents alike can find unlimited opportunities for for fulfilling whatever you enjoy!

Physical activities, gaming, shopping, entertainment, exploration it’s all here. Check out the fine establishments shown on our handy Golden Corridor Treasure Map - and tell them you saw it here!

This map should not be used for navigation or legal purposes. It is intended for general reference use only; any exact locations should be researched fully before setting out. Not all roads may be shown or named. Some roads may be private, incomplete or unimproved. Forest, park and reservation boundaries are generalized. The user of this map bears the full responsibility for his or her safety. © Copyright 2018 All Rights Reserved. ROX Media Group.

2019 W IN T ER V ISI TOR S GUIDE GOLDE N COR R IDOR LI V ING

19

MUSEUMS

T

his area has several museums, ranging from art to history to Native American to natural resources.

The Museum of Casa Grande Preserves and exhibits the history of the Casa Grande region and the early days of Arizona. Numerous indoor and outdoor exhibits, including old black schoolhouse.

1 110 W. Florence Blvd. www.tmocg.org Santa Cruz Valley Historic

Museum and Visitor Center Housed in the Old Toltec Elementary School and featuring multi-cultural history of the Santa Cruz Valley.

3725 N. Camelot St., Eloy. www.scvhmuseum.org 2 Casa Grande Art Museum Shows and displays from various local artists. Located in the house built by Gus Kratzka in 1929 as the family residence and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

319 W. Third St. 3 www.casagrandeartmuseum. org Artisan Village of Coolidge Numerous activities and home of the Pinal Geology & Mineral Museum and Copper State Heritage Museum.

351 N. Arizona Blvd., Coolidge (Arizona Blvd. and Northern Ave). www.artisanvillageofcoolidge.org 4 www.pinalgeologymuseum.org

blacksmith shop, 1928 Pioneer Cabin, vintage fire engines.

6 715 S. Main St., Florence. www.pinalcountyhistoricalmuseum.org

Ak-Chin Him-Dak Eco-Museum and Archive Preserving the Ak-Chin way of life through the centuries and sharing values and identities 5 with visitors.

47685 N. Eco-Museum Rd., Maricopa. www.azcama.org/museums/akchin

Huhugam Heritage Center The Gila River Indian Community’s tribal facility for the preservation and display of important cultural artifacts and art. A repository for prehistoric and historic artifacts, cultural materials and vital records, a museum to display the materials to the public.

4759 N. Maricopa Rd., Chandler. www.gilariver.org/index.

7 php/enterprises/huhugam-heritage-center

Pinal County Historical Society Museum Indian exhibits, extensive bullet and barbed wire collections, cactus furniture, quilts and antique clothing, prison artifacts including hanging nooses, twoseater gas chamber chair, and prison registers, outdoor display of antique farm machinery, a

See Pins On Page 18-19

The Museum of Casa Grande

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GOLDE N COR R IDOR LI V ING 2020 W IN T ER V ISI TOR S GUIDE

C A SA GR ANDE’S NEON SIGN PARK

S

ince the opening of the Casa Grande Neon Sign Park April 13, 2019, its status as Arizona’s newest “roadside attraction” has led to tremendous community support and media coverage.

In addition to being a key component in the City of Casa Grande’s strategy for destination marketing, Casa Grande Main Street is reaching out statewide to promote and attract new business and redevelopment interest with the park serving as a catalyst for nightlife.

2020 W IN T ER V ISI TOR S GUIDE GOLDE N COR R IDOR LI V ING

21

Contemplating buying or selling a home in Arizona?

We hope you will consider requesting Title Security Agency & the Casa Grande Team to handle your real estate needs!

Jessica McWherter Escrow Officer

Tish Sopha County Escrow Manager

Jan Sredanovich Senior Escrow Officer

Erica Ybarra Business Development

421 E. Cottonwood Lane • Casa Grande, AZ 85122 520-426-4600

www.titlesecurity.com

CONTACT US AT

520-466-1489

office@desertsunhvac.com

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RAWHIDE 5700 W. N. Loop Rd.,Chandler 480.502.5600 www.rawhide.com CASA GRANDE RUINS NATIONAL MONUMENT 1100 W. Ruins Dr., Coolidge 520.723.3172 www.nps.gov

1

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ARIZONA-SONORA DESERT MUSEUM 2021 N. Kinney Rd.,Tucson 10 520.883.1380 www.desertmuseum.org SCHNEPF FARMS 24810 S. Rittenhouse Rd., Queen Creek 480.987.3100 11 www.schnepffarms.com

SHAMROCK FARMS 40034 W. Clayton Rd., Stanfield 602.477.2462 3 www.shamrockfarms.net

FLORENCE PIONEER MUSEUM 715 S. Main St., Florence 520.868.4382 12 www.pinalcountyhistoricalmuseum.org

SKYDIVE ARIZONA 4900 N. Taylor St., Eloy 520.466.3753 www.skydiveaz.com

CG HISTORY MUSEUM 110 W. Florence Blvd., Casa Grande 520.836.2223 13 www.tmocg.org

4

QUEEN CREEK OLIVE MILL 25062 S. Meridian Rd., Queen Creek 480.888.9290 5 www.queencreekolivemill.com

ST ANTHONY’S GREEK MONASTERY 4784 N. St. Joseph’s Way, Florence 520.868.3188 14 www.stanthonysmonastery.org

THE WINDMILL WINERY 1140 W. Butte Ave., Florence 480.313.2303 www.thewindmillwinery.com

ARIZONA ZIPLINE ADVENTURES 35406 S. Mt. Lemmon Rd., Oracle 520.308.9350 15 www.ziparizona.com

6

ROOSTER COGBURN’S OSTRICH FARM 17599 E. Peak Ln., Picacho 520.466.3658 7 www.roostercogburn.com BOYCE THOMPSON ARBORETUM 37615 E. US Highway 60, Superior 520.689.2811 8 www.ag.arizona.edu/bta

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ULTRASTAR MULTI-TAINMENT CENTER 16000 N. Maricopa Rd.,Maricopa 520.494.7827 9 www.ultrastarakchin.com

OLD TUCSON 201 S. Kinney Rd., Tucson 520.883.0100 www.oldtucson.com

16

CASA GRANDE MAIN STREET 110 W. 2nd St., Casa Grande 520.836.8744 www.cgmainstreet.org COOLIDGE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 684 W. Northern Ave., Cooldige 520.723.3009 www.coolidgeperformingartscenter.org See Pins On Page 18-19

CASINOS See Pins On Page 18-19

* Must present coupon to technician to be valid. Offer applies only to regular hour calls. Rebates are on qualifying systems. Expires 9/30/15 3-31-2020

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GOLDE N COR R IDOR LI V ING 2019 2020 W WIN INTTER ER VVISI ISITOR TORSS GUIDE GUIDE

WILD HORSE PASS 5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd., Chandler 800.946.4452 1 www.wingilariver.com

HARRAH’S AK-CHIN 15406 N. Maricopa Rd.,Maricopa 480.802.5000 3 www.caesars.com/harrahs-ak-chin

LONE BUTTE 1077 S. Kyrene Rd., Chandler 800.946.4452 www.wingilariver.com

APACHE GOLD 5 US-70, San Carlos 928.475.7800 www.apache-gold-casino.com

2

4

2019-20

CENTRAL ARIZONA COLLEGE EVENTS

DINING A&M PIZZA 445 W Highway 287, Florence 520.868.0170

MT. ATHOS 444 N Pinal Pkwy, Florence 520.868.0735

A LATTE VINO 958 E Rodeo Rd, Casa Grande 520.788.6677

OCHOA’S 512 E Cottonwood Ln, Casa Grande 520.836.9867

BeDILLIONS 3933, 800 N Park Ave, Casa Grande 520.836.2045

OLD PUEBLO RESTAURANT 505 S Main St, Florence (866) 907.9935

CULVER’S OF CASA GRANDE 2453 E Florence Blvd, Casa Grande 520.426.4225

SHO-GA 1115 E Florence Blvd, Casa Grande 520.251.5405

GYRO GRILL 20987 N John Wayne Pkwy b102 520.217.4418

SUNRISE CAFE 20917 N John Wayne Pkwy # A104 520.568.8098

HEADQUARTERS 19640 N Maricopa Rd 520.568.2167

TAGS 156 N Arizona Blvd, Coolidge 520.723.1013

LUCKY CHINESE 1350 E Florence Blvd B, Casa Grande 520.836.0102

TACO GIRO MEXICAN GRILL & SEAFOOD 139 W Cottonwood Ln, Casa Grande 520.340.4210

Celebrate CAC’s 50th Anniversary with a Show!

www.EventsAtCAC.com 520-477-SHOW (7469)

facebook.com/CACCommunityEvents to Ca sch ll 52 edule No 083 your w 6-6 tou 55 r!

5

E N T E R TA I N M E N T BLACKBOX FOUNDATION 111 W Florence Blvd #7, Casa Grande 520.428.7050

PARAMOUNT THEATER 420 N Florence St, Casa Grande 520.450.0705

CASA GRANDE MAIN ST 110 W 2nd ST, Casa Grande 520.836.8744

PINAL COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS 512 S Eleven Mile Corner Rd, Casa Grande 520.723.7881

CENTRAL ARIZONA COLLEGE 8470 N Overfield Rd, Coolidge 520.494.5485

SONORA WINGS 11934 North Russell Road, Maricopa 480.251.1515

1771 E McMurray Blvd Casa Grande, AZ 85122

www.cypresspointliving.com

Activities & Parties • Pet Friendly • Shuttle Service • Beautiful Single Level Grounds with Walkways • Friendly Community Atmosphere 2020 W IN T ER V ISI TOR S GUIDE GOLDE N COR R IDOR LI V ING

23

If You’re In PAIN, I Can Help!” roxco.com • Custom Publications • Custom Design • Custom Printing Do you need brochures, posters or special event marketing materials?

Give us a call!

520.426.2074

info@roxco.com LIFESTYLE PUBLICATIONS | DIGITAL MEDIA SERVICES CUSTOM PUBLISHING | OFFICIAL VISITOR GUIDES CHAMBER PUBLICATIONS | ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GUIDES

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ASA GRANDE

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• Headaches Serving • Neck Pain • Back Pain • Auto Accidents • Consultas En Español

Casa G

For 33 rande Years

Medicare Assignments Accepted “We Handle All the Insurance Paperwork” Most Insurance Plans Accepted!

Monday - Thursday 7:30am - 5:00pm Friday 7:30-12pm

IMMEDIATE ATTENTION GIVEN TO:

AUTO ACCIDENTS

520.836.6700 www.CasaGrandeChiro.com 201 N. Florence Street • Casa Grande (NW Corner of 1st & Florence St.)

Gallo Construction 701 W. 2nd St. Casa Grande, AZ 85122

(520) 836-8899 www.galloconstruction.com

Serving Casa Grande Since 1970 • • • • •

General Contractor Kitchen & Bath Renovations Flooring & Paint Cabinets & Countertops Economical Solutions

www.facebook.com/Gallo-Construction-117180445597406 Gallo Construction, Inc. is a licensed and bonded general contractor, specializing in Residential and Commercial Construction.

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GOLDE N COR R IDOR LI V ING 2020 W IN T ER V ISI TOR S GUIDE

ROC# 170493

EXPERIENCE COUNTS The REALTORS at Coldwell Banker ROX Realty have over 270 years of combined experience to assist you with buying or selling your home.

RESIDENTIAL | COMMERCIAL | VACANT LAND

Susan Abdallah

Doria Garza

Robin Armenta

Kari Bell

Veronica Garza Melissa Gutierrez

Sarah Campbell

Karen Henson

Rock Earle

Susan Gallegos

Kelly Herrington Robert Huddleston

Justin Johnson

Kay Kerby

Jerry Kirkpatrick

Jennifer Lopez

Bea Lueck

Robert McManigle

Jon Orphanidis

Eryn Ortiz

Connie Rush

David Schlagel

Shelby Smith

Joyce South

Annalisa Tapia

Jennifer Turner

1919 N Trekell Rd., Casa Grande

Roxsells.com 520-423-8250

©2019Coldwell 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. 2020 W IN T ER V ISI TOR S GUIDE GOLDE N COR R IDOR LI V ING

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We will be your first and last call!

55 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE!

AT TORNEY COLE & LEAL, PA

Joseph M. Leal 420 W. Casa Grande Lakes Blvd., Casa Grande 520.836.8002 www.coleandleal.com

$20 OFF

Service and/or Repair

Must Present Coupon • Expires 2/28/20 Limit one per customer.

Cannot be combined with any other offer.

520.836.8450

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL INSTALLATIONS

www.alandrileys.com

40 N. Brown Ave., Casa Grande, Arizona

FITZGIBBONS LAW OFFICES 1115 E Cottonwood Ln Ste 150, Casa Grande 520.426.3824

AUTOMOTIVE GARRETT MOTORS 197 N Arizona Blvd, Coolidge 520.723.5401

NORRIS RV 973 W Gila Bend Hwy, Casa Grande 520.836.7921

HAVE A SEAT, I’LL DO THE WORK. Selling your home doesn’t have to be stressful. I can help you sell your current home and find your new dream home.

GIVE BARBARA HOWARD A CALL TODAY TO GET STARTED.

806.674.4468

FIND OUT WHAT YOUR HOME COULD SELL FOR IN TODAY’S MARKET!

If your property is currently listed with a Realtor, please disregard this notice. It is not our intention to solicit the offerings of other Brokers.

Need Storage?  Air controlled Units Available  State-of-the-art Security  Open 7 days

A Storage Place of Casa Grande

NEW CUSTOMERS ONLY EXPIRES 5-31-20

1688 N. Pinal • 520-836-6080 (Next to the Post Office) 1551 Arizona Blvd, Coolidge 520-723-6888 (Next to Walmart)

Limit 1 per customer

26

COLDWELL BANKER ROX REALTY 1919 N. Trekell Rd., Casa Grande 520.423.8250 COLDWELL BANKER ROX - REALTY PROPERTY MANAGEMENT 1919 N. Trekell Rd., Casa Grande 520.423.8250

Barbara Howard Realty ONE Group Office - (806) 674-4468 Mobile - (806) 674-4468 barbarahoward123@sbcglobal.net

Pay 5 Months Get 1 Free

REAL ES TATE

GOLDE N COR R IDOR LI V ING 2020 W IN T ER V ISI TOR S GUIDE

CYPRESS POINT RETIREMENT APARTMENTS 1771 E McMurray Blvd, Casa Grande 520.836.6555

MERITAGE HOMES 2611 E. Questa Trail Casa Grande, AZ 85122 www.meritagehomes.com/activeadult 877.291.8747 REALTY ONE GROUP Barbara Howard Mobile 806.674.4468 barbarahoward123@sbcglobal.net TITLE SECURITY 421 E Cottonwood Ln, Casa Grande 520.426.4600

ELITE REAL ESTATE PROS Kathi Buckner 502 E. Cottonwood Ln., Ste. 11, Casa Grande 520.836.6325 Publishers notice: All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination.” We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basic .

SERVICES AL & RILEY’S A/C 40 N Brown St, Casa Grande 520.836.8450 DESERT SUN HEATING, COOLING 1102 W Jimmie Kerr Blvd, Casa Grande 520.466.1489

MANKEL MECHANICAL 1185 E Brenda Dr, Casa Grande 520.251.2807

MEDICAL BANNER / CGRMC 1800 E Florence Blvd, Casa Grande 480.321.0160

JENKINS CHIROPRACTIC 1891 N Trekell Rd #2, Casa Grande 520.836.2969

CASA GRANDE CHIROPRACTIC 201 N. Florence St., Casa Grande 520.836.6700

MIRACLE-EAR - CASA GRANDE 1179 E Cottonwood Ln #3, Casa Grande 480.420.3292

COTTONWOOD MEDICAL CENTER 560 N Camino Mercado Ste 7, Casa Grande 520.836.5538 DOCTOR’S CHOICE MOBILITY & MEDICAL SUPPLIES 820 W. Cottonwood Ln Ste 10, Casa Grande 520.836.4907 EAST VALLEY FAMILY MEDICAL 1968 N Peart Rd #3, Casa Grande 480.963.1853 HOSPICE OF THE VALLEY 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix 602.530.6920

OASIS PAVILION NURSING & REHABILITATION 161 W Rodeo Rd, Casa Grande 520.836.1772 PREMIER CARDIOVASCULAR CENTER 803 N Salk Drive Bldg A, Casa Grande 520.836.6682 SIRCLE PAIN CLINIC 820 W Cottonwood Ln Ste 6, Casa Grande 520.509.6380 STEWART CLINIC OF CHIROPRACTIC 1415 N Trekell Rd, Casa Grande 520.509.6160

SUMMIT REHAB 1295 E. Florence Blvd Ste 1, Casa Grande 520.836.3009 SUN LIFE FAMILY HEALTH CENTER 865 N Arizola Rd, Casa Grande 520.381.0366

THE HEARING CENTER 1201 N Pinal Ave, Casa Grande 520.431.9897 THETA WELLNESS CENTERS 958 E. Rodeo Drive Suite 21 Casa Grande, AZ 85122 520.214.8430

DENTAL AGAVE DENTISTRY 2028 N Trekell Rd Ste 107, Casa Grande 520.876.9955

DM FAMILY DENTISTRY 1968 N Peart Rd Ste 22 Bldg F, Casa Grande 520.426.0404

CASA GRANDE FAMILY DENTISTRY 1355 E. Florence Blvd. #107, Casa Grande 520.836.0100

PREMIER ORTHO 1968 N Peart Rd Ste C105, Casa Grande 520.421.0880

DESERT SKY DENTAL 1550 E Florence Blvd #104, Casa Grande 520.423.0022

YANG AND HORSLEY DENTISTRY 325 E. Cottonwood Ln, Casa Grande 520.836.9685

DICK & MITCHELL DDS 721 N Olive, Casa Grande 520.836.7111

Mitchell and Crosby Dental Mitchell & Crosby Dental 520-836-7111 Services Provided by an Arizona Licensed General Dentist

No Insurance?

New Patient Special - Cleaning, Exam and 4 Bitewing X-rays - $105 * For patients without Dental Insurance and in the absence of Periodontal disease.

(520) 836-7111 721 N Olive Ave. • Casa Grande, AZ 85122

www.mitchellandcrosbydental.com 2020 W IN T ER V ISI TOR S GUIDE GOLDE N COR R IDOR LI V ING

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Maricopa, Arizona POINTS OF INTEREST

Harrahs Ak-Chin Casino

Celebrating 25 years in Maricopa, Arizona, Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino is Arizona’s first and only tribal casino to have an international management partner. Harrah’s Ak-Chin is the only casino in Arizona 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.

Harrah’s Ak-Chin boasts the only Bingo hall in the Caesars organization, continuing the proud heritage of William F. Harrah, who opened his first Bingo hall in Reno in 1937.

In addition to slot machines, video poker, video Keno, statewide progressives, live action poker and Black Jack, Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino guests can enjoy a variety of dining options, including the Copper Cactus Grill, Chop, Block & Brew, Oak & Fork, Agave’s Restaurant, The Buffet and Dunkin’ Donuts®.

UltraStar Multi-tainment Center

UltraStar Multi-tainment Center at Ak-Chin Circle features state-of-the-art bowling, pure digital cinemas, fine dining, sports lounge, live entertainment, arcade gaming, as well as corporate and private event facilities.

Come experience adventure, competition, entertainment, and relaxation all conveniently located under one roof.

Pacana Park

Pacana Park spans more than 22 acres of land with a pristine 2.25 acre lake that is home to various fish including catfish and blue gills. Pacana Park is the City’s first public park.

Amenities include softball fields, tennis courts, basketball courts, soccer field, playgrounds and ramadas.

OTHER ACTIVITIES Maricopa is home to several exciting recreational activies including SKYDIVE PHOENIX, Inc., Arizona Soaring at the Estrella Sailport, and Airparamo powered paragliding at the Ak-Chin Regional Airport.

Maricopa is also home to two privately-owned golf courses.

The Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Course is ranked #5 in Arizona according to Golf Magazine. A Troon property, it is located five minutes west of the heart of the community on SR 238.

The Duke Golf Course pays homage to the legendary Western hero, John Wayne. Nestled in the heart of the Rancho El Dorado community, The Duke provides outstanding views and a warm atmosphere.

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GOLDE N COR R IDOR LI V ING 2020 W IN T ER V ISI TOR S GUIDE

Copper Sky Recreational Complex The Copper Sky Recreation Complex encompasses 98 acres, offering endless opportunities for fitness, fun and leisure.

The Multigenerational Center includes aquatics center, fitness equipment, and wide variety of classes and group sports activities. Space rentals available.

The park includes fishing lake, special event amphitheater, interactive playgrounds, dog park, baseball and softball fields, batting cages, tennis courts, skate plaza, basketball courts, volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, and picnic area with grills and ramadas.

COMMUNIT Y ORGANIZATIONS AGAINST ABUSE PO Box 10733, Casa Grande 520.836.1239

Casa of Pinal PO Box 10173, Casa Grande 520.866.7076

PINAL COUNTY VETERANS MEMORIAL FOUNDATION P.O. Box 11487, Casa Grande www.pcvmf.org

PINAL PARTNERSHIP PO Box 904, Florence 520.518.1235

BLACKBOX FOUNDATION 413 N. Florence St., Casa Grande 520.428.7050 www.blackboxaz.org CASA GRANDE ALLIANCE 1460 N. Pinal Ave., Casa Grande 520.836.5022 www.casagrandealliance.org

SEEDS OF HOPE 702 E Cottonwood Ln, Casa Grande 520.836.6335 SILENT WITNESS Casa Grande

PINAL 40 520.840.5758 Pinal40.org

Paradise awaits

Book your next adventure today!

928.254.9968

email: tori@roxtravel.com 2020 W IN T ER V ISI TOR S GUIDE GOLDE N COR R IDOR LI V ING

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BREAKFAST TAKES FLIGHT At the Coolidge Fly-In Every First Saturday Oct thru April Spread your wings towards the Coolidge Municipal Airport

Painting/Drawing • Glass• Mosaics • Metal Arts• Jewelry and more Sign up on line or simply walk in. See our web site www.artisanvillageofcoolidge.org for a complete list of classes offered. Have a project you want to do but don’t have the space or equipment? Come talk to us!

Volunteers Needed!

Call 520-723-3009 for details.

PINAL GEM & MINERAL MUSEUM Founded and curated by Dr Ray Grant, this museum is home to an amazing collection of local gem and mineral artifacts. Gift shop also.

If you’re a rock hound or just want to explore, don’t miss this treasure trove of history.

•

All-You-Can-Eat Pancakes, eggs, bacon & sausage Served by the Coolidge Lions Club

• AVC ART GALLERY Featuring area artists & those who teach in the Village. Open Saturday mornings and by appointment WALK-IN WORKSHOPS EVERY SATURDAY 9 AM - NOON!

ARTISAN VILLAGE OF COOLIDGE

351 N ARIZONA BLVD• COOLIDGE AZ 85128 www.artisanvillageofcoolidge.org • 520-723-3009 • info@artisanvillageofcoollidge.org

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GOLDE N COR R IDOR LI V ING 2020 W IN T ER V ISI TOR S GUIDE

•

Watch as pilots from all over the country fly in for breakfast and show off their planes.

See relics from World War II like the Coolidge Air Army Airfield’s wooden hanger.

Want more information?

Go to our website www.coolidgeaz.com/airport Or call the Coolidge Chamber of Commerce 520-723-3009

City of Coolidge Events

2020 CASA GRANDE EVENTS January • Greater Casa Grande Chamber of Commerce Annual Home Health & Garden Show, Casa Grande. January 11, 2020. Call the Chamber at 520.836.2125 or visit casagrandechamber.org for info.

• 15th Annual Maricopa’s Family Fishing Day, January 11, 2020. 8am.

Copper Sky Regional Park. Visit www. maricopa-az.gov for more info.

Shopping, Arts and Crafts, RV Camping and more. Visit pinalfairgrounds.com for info.

February • Arizona Classic Jackpot & Farm Show, February 1-2. Pinal Fairgrounds and Event Center. Join us for the largest Southern Arizona International Livestock Show.

Visit pinalfairgrounds. com for info.

• Casa Grande Cowboy Days and O’Odham Tash, February 14-23.

Rodeo Grounds, 2525 N. Pinal Ave., Casa Grande. Visit www. casagrandecowboydays. com for info.

February/March • Arizona Renaissance Festival, February 8 - March 29, off of the US-60 near Gold Canyon. Open Saturdays & Sundays 10am-6pm.

Call 520.463.2600 or visit arizona.renfestinfo. com for info.

March

• Casa Grande 20th Annual Historic Downtown Street Fair & Car Show, January 1819, 10am. For info call 520-836-8744 or visit www.cgmainstreet.org • Agri-County Bluegrass Festival, January 2526, 10am-5pm. Pinal Fairgrounds and Event Center. National, local & regional Bluegrass Bands, Quilts Wild & Wonderful Show, Food, 31

• Wuertz Farm’s 17th Annual Gourd Festival, February 7-9, Pinal Fairgrounds and Event Center. AzGS judged gourd show, 100+ gourd artists & vendors, Kindergourden, mini gourdster races (Saturday), food, nonstop live music, farmer’s market, games & more.

Visit pinalfairgrounds. com for info.

GOLDE N COR R IDOR LI V ING 2019 W IN T ER V ISI TOR S GUIDE

• Pinal County Fair, March 18-22. Pinal Fairgrounds and Event Center. Visit pinalfairgrounds.com for info.

• 16th Annual Maricopa Salsa Festival, March 14, 12pm-5pm. Copper Sky Regional Park, Maricopa.

Visit www.maricopa-az. gov for more info.

April

• 62nd Annual Cactus Fly-In, March 6-7, Casa Grande Municipal Airport, 3225 N. Lear Ave., Casa Grande. Visit www.cactusflyin.org for info.

Casa Grande Street Fair

• Casa Grande Fine Art Explosion, March 13-15, Peart Park, Casa Grande.

13th annual show and sale. Free admission contact 520-705-1343 for info.

• 39th Annual Coolidge Cotton Days, March 5-8, San Carlos Park, Coolidge. Visit coolidgechamber.org for info.

• 5th Annual Copa Color Run, Copper Sky Regional Park, Maricopa.5k run or a 1 mile walk while getting doused with various cool colors! Visit www.maricopa-az.gov for more info • Country Thunder Music Festival, April 16-19.

Florence. Visit www. countrythunder.com for more info.

Coolidge Cotton Days

2020 2019 W WIN INTTER ER VVISI ISITOR TORSS GUIDE GUIDE GOLDE GOLDEN N COR CORR RIDOR IDOR LI LIV VING ING

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2 0 2 0 E V E N T S CO N T I N U E D July • 4th of July Celebration at the Pool, Palm Island Family Aquatic Park, Casa Grande. Visit casagrandeaz.gov for info.

• 4th of July Celebration 2020, Paul Mason Sports Complex, Casa Grande.

For more information, please contact the Recreation Office at (520) 421-8677 or visit casagrandeaz.gov.

• Maricopa Great American 4th, July 4. Copper Sky Regional Park, Maricopa.

Visit www.maricopa-az. gov for more info.

September • Eloy Fiestas Patrias, Main Street Park, Eloy.

Annual parade, car show, entertainment, live music, food, free entry. Visit eloyaz.gov for more info.

• The Museum of Casa Grande reopening for the season. Call 520.836.2223 for info.

October • Coolidge Days Celebration, San Carlos Park, Coolidge.

Friday thru Sunday event with a parade, food, entertainment, 5k run and bike ride and carnival. Call 520.723.4551 or visit coolidgeaz.gov for info.

• 34th Annual Taste of Casa Grande, hosted

by Eva’s Fine Mexican Food, Casa Grande.

Visit tasteofcasagrande. com for info.

• Casa Grande Chamber Business Showcase, The Property Conference Center, Casa Grande. Visit casagrandechamber.org for info.

• Halloween Harvest Festival, October 31, Paul Mason Sports Complex, Casa Grande.

Visit casagrandeaz.org for info.

Merry Copa Holiday Festival Photo- Howard WaGGner November • Maricopa Turkey Trot, Thanksgiving Day, 8am-9am. Copper Sky Regional, Maricopa. 5k run/1 mile walk. Visit maricopa-az.gov for info.

• 14th Annual Veterans Day Parade & Ride for the Warrior, Peart Park, Casa Grande. Call 520.866.3645 for info.

• 3rd Annual Mosaic Festival, Historic Downtown Casa Grande. Visit cgmainstreet.org for info.

December • 34rd Annual Casa Grande Toy Parade and Auction, Dave White Park, Casa Grande. Call 480.518.3311 for info.

The Museum of Casa Grande

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GOLDE N COR R IDOR LI V ING 2020 2018 W WIN INTTER ER VVISI ISITOR TORSS GUIDE GUIDE

• 7th Annual Merry Copa Copper Sky Regional Park, Maricopa. Annual Holiday festival. Visit www.maricopa-az.gov for more info.

• Casa Grande Tree Lighting & Electric Light Parade, December 5, 5:45pm-8pm, Parade starts at Colorado/ Florence Blvd. Tree lighting begins at 6pm.

Visit casagrandeaz.gov for info.

• 5th Annual Santa Run 5k, Merry Copa Holiday Festival at Copper Sky Park Visit www. maricopa-az.gov for more info.

• 2020 Annual Masik Tas Celebration, Ak Chin Circle, Maricopa. 13th Annual Carnival, Fun Zone, Petting Zoo, Arts & Crafts, and Food Vendors! Visit masiktas. ak-chin.nsn.us for more info.

Event information subject to change.

Courtesy of the Greater Casa Grande Chamber of Commerce.

M A R I CO PA D I S C G O L F T O U R N A M E N T S OA R S F U R T H E R F O R I T S S E V E N T H Y E A R

by Blake Herzog

D

isc golf, the sport which began with throwing Frisbees at metal poles, then evolved its distinct equipment and identity, has been drawing professional players from across the state, nation and globe to western Pinal County every January for the better part of a decade.

The 2020 Maricopa Open, sponsored by Infinite Discs, will be held Jan. 25-26 at the 27hole disc golf course at Maricopa Meadows, a park maintained by the homeowners’ association for the surrounding neighborhood.

Tournament Director Sam Russ said he’s been volunteering for the tournament since it was founded in 2012. That’s three years before he moved to Maricopa.

Laid out similarly to a “ball golf” course, the Maricopa Meadows course features “narrow fairways through neighborhood green belts (most throws are away from homes). Granite (out-of-bounds) areas along fences make for a tighter fairway - more control is needed,” according to the Professional Disc Golf Association’s website.

“When Maricopa Meadows course was installed, the core players decided we needed

to host a tournament there. Since I’ve been playing disc golf since 2005 and played and ran several tournaments, I volunteered my help,” Russ said.

It g ain e d m o m e nt u m q u ic k l y w it h professional players, aided by a reputation for relatively large purses up for grabs. “We’ve hosted players from all over the state, country as well as the world. Several top touring pros have even participated,” he said.

In 2019 the Open drew 185 players to play in the intermediate and top divisions, adding to its capacity by expanding to a new course at Copper Sky Regional Park, which Russ designed.

For 2020 the organizers hope to attract 200 players, while also adding a recreational division. Its sponsorship by Infinite Discs, one of the top online disc golf vendors and the sponsor of a pro tour, ,should give it a major boost, Russ said. “ Nat ional n otor iet y is t h e big ge s t significance, making this event more enticing for touring pros to come play this event,” he said.

Photo: @ChasingSunsetsPhotographyLLC OR Instagram @chasingsunsetsllc

D I S C G O L F CO U R S E S I N P I N A L CO U N T Y: Casa Grande Disc Golf CourseCollege Park 250 E. Viola St. Casa Grande, AZ 85122 (520) 421-8677 parksrecreg@casagrandeaz.gov Copper Sky Regional Park 44345 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

Maricopa, AZ 85139 520-568-9098 Greens Park Disc Golf Course 1554 E. Omega Drive San Tan Valley, AZ 85143

For more information, visit www.discgolfscene.com/tournaments/ Maricopa_Open_2020 or the Maricopa Open Facebook page.

480-987-8073 NOTE: Private course intended for Johnson Ranch residents. “Respectful non-residents may be permitted to play.”

Maricopa Meadows Disc Golf Course 45295 W. Honeycutt Ave. Maricopa, AZ 85138 Facebook: @ maricopameadowsdiscgolfcourse Tortosa Disc Golf Course 36340 W. Picasso St. Maricopa, AZ 85138 520-423-9706 Source: www.DGcoursereview.com, Facebook, course owner sites

Photo: @ChasingSunsetsPhotographyLLC OR Instagram @chasingsunsetsllc 2020 W IN T ER V ISI TOR S GUIDE GOLDE N COR R IDOR LI V ING

33

Welcome to Superior!

by Mila Besich, Mayor, Town of Superior

A

s the gateway to Arizona’s Copper Corridor, the Town of Superior has a storied legacy as an important center for the mining industry.

Today, Superior is in the midst of a renaissance - one that is being driven by long-time residents as well as newcomers and new business establishments that have been drawn to the community by its natural beauty, small town ambience and values, close proximity to the Phoenix Metropolitan Area, and the potential of building a “new”, vibrant community.

Nestled in the Superstition and Pinal Mountains and in the midst of Arizona’s most majestic beauty, Superior offers activities that appeal to a broad range of recreational interests. Hikers, bikers, mountaineers, campers and birders from across the world visit Superior to experience the majestic and stunning beauty of our natural terrain. Hikers and mountaineers enjoy experiencing our famous 98-mile Apache Trail route or scaling the 6,056-foot Iron Mountain and the 4,700-foot Apache Leap Mountain, where Apaches are said to have jumped rather than surrender to U.S. troops.

The Boyce Thompson Arboretum, Arizona’s largest botanical garden, encompasses more than 390 acres

of plants from the Ear th’s panoply of deserts and arid lands displaying them alongside pristine native Sonoran Desert vegetation. There are 3,900 species of plants in the arboretum, and visitors will find a remarkable range of bird species as well.

The Tonto National Forest provides campgrounds with breathtaking vistas for campers, and outdoor recreation also includes access to public lands surrounding the town as well as to the Arizona National Scenic Trail.

Along Superior’s Main Street as well as the U.S. 60, bustling eateries offer our visitors places for repast that appeals to all palates. Locally owned businesses offer clothing and fashion accessories, and our antique shops provide the discerning collector with unique furnishings and collectibles.

Superior indeed is a very special community, and we invite you to visit our town, enjoy all that we have to offer and welcome you, your family and your business with open arms. Enjoy!

“

Hikers, bikers, mountaineers, campers and birders from across the world visit Superior to experience the majestic and stunning beauty of our natural terrain.

“

Superior is the gateway to Arizona’s Copper Corridor, but so much more. With one of the Southwest U.S.’ most beautiful terrains, Superior offers outdoor enthusiasts every type of recreational activity – hiking, biking, exploring, birding.

Just 40 minutes from the Phoenix Metro, Superior’s outstanding transportation access readily connects big city assets to small town charm.

Our community is experiencing a renaissance and we welcome new residents and businesses with open arms.

Contact us to learn more about the abundant assets and amenities Superior offers to people and business.

520-689-5752 199 Lobb Ave., Superior, AZ 85173 manager@superioraz.gov

WWW.SUPERIORAZ.GOV 34

GOLDE N COR R IDOR LI V ING 2020 2018 W WIN INTTER ER VVISI ISITOR TORSS GUIDE GUIDE

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©2018 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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2020 W IN T ER V ISI TOR S GUIDE GOLDE N COR R IDOR LI V ING

35

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Completely fenced 60 acre ranch, land and home.

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Butcher shop, tack room, corrals, squeeze chute, scales and lots more!

JOYCE SOUTH

520.705.1272 | Joyce.South@coldwellbanker.com 520.423.8250 | ROXsells.com Š2018 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.

LOW RATES make this a GREAT TIME to BUY or REFINANCE Record low interest rates and an affordable housing market make NOW THE RIGHT TIME to buy or refinance your home!

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MORTGAGE LOAN ORIGINATOR

NMLS# 279367 Phone: 520-836-7776 Cell: 602-481-3967 RBenitez@annie-mac.com rudybenitez.annie-mac.com AnnieMac Home Mortgage, 211 N. Florence Street, Suite 102 and 103 Casa Grande, AZ 85122.

NMLS# 338923. Arizona Mortgage Banker License #0926586