Superstition Living - April

SUPERSTITIONLIVING

GORGEOUS HOME BACKING TO OPEN DESERT!

Incredible home! 1545 sf, 3 bdrms, 2.75 baths, 2 car gar! Views of Superstition & Dinosaur mountains! Privacy and serenity are yours! Tile plank floors, updated baths HVAC NEW in 2020, roof in 2022! Very private back yard overlooking the open desert! Too much to list it all get a private tour with Jodie! $459,900

55+ MOUNTAINBROOK

BEAUTIFUL VILLA IN SUPERSTITION MOUNTAIN GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB!

2856 SF, 3 bdrms, den/office, 2 car garage too! Gas FP, Plantation shutters, roman shades and private 699 sf casita! Newer appliances and loaded with other features!

$825,000 call Zach or Shelly

GORGEOUS CUSTOM HOME & POOL ON SIDEWINDER GOLF COURSE!

Come live in Gold Canyon estates, the best kept secret in GOLD CANYON! Double gated community with high end CUSTOM homes! This home built by JBAUGH CONSTRUCTION Is loaded! a separate pool ramada is where you will spend lots of time! Superstition Mountain views are yours! Huge extended back patio and inside is a dream home! Call Dawn to see it! $1,590,000

PERALTA TRAILS BEAUTY!

1328 sf,3 bdrms, 2 bths, 2 car gar! BRAND NEW KITCHEN, NEW VINYL PLANK FLOORS throughout! Solid wood doors & so much more! Private back yard with sonora Vista Views!

$389,900 Call Lisa

480-983-8383

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Apache Junction, AZ 85178

Western blue birds By Les Walker

LOCALEVENTS

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Submissions are due 10th of the month prior editor@mansurdesign.com

Friday, March 31st - Saturday, April 15, - Zao Theatre 6338 S. Kings Ranch Rd, Gold CanyonShow times: Fridays at 7:30PM, Saturdays 2:00PM and 7:30PM

Saturday, April 1st

| BRIGHT STAR (a musical)Inspired by a true story and featuring the Tony®-nominated score by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, Broadway’s BRIGHT STAR tells a sweeping tale of love and redemption set against the rich backdrop of the American South in the 1920s and ’40s. When literary editor Alice Murphy meets a young soldier just home from World War II, he awakens her longing for the child she once lost. Haunted by their unique connection, Alice sets out on a journey to understand her past—and what she finds has the power to transform both of their lives. With beautiful melodies and powerfully moving characters, the story unfolds as a rich tapestry of deep emotion. An uplifting theatrical journey that holds you tightly in its grasp, BRIGHT STAR is as refreshingly genuine as it is daringly hopeful.

Goldie ROCKS offering a lesson on Starburst Rock Painting.

Saturday, April 1st, Gold Canyon Community Inc (GCCI) Community Meeting – Waste Connections and Republic Services will be presenting as a Forum/Panel for community Q & A – Learn more about our two major trash collection companies in Gold Canyon and Bring your Questions! This will occur on Saturday, April 1, at 9 am Community Meeting. The location will be at the GCUMC Missions Center located at 8330 E. Sunrise Sky Dr., GC

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Events Continue at Boyce Thompson Arboretum, Check the complete event pages on their website at www.btarboretum.org/events or contact the Visitor's Center at 520-689-2723. You may also Email: info@btarboretum. org.

Exciting Activities year round at the Superstition Mountain Museum, Call 480 983-4888 or visit www.superstitionmountainmuseum.org for schedule of classes and events.

Visit Lost Dutchman State Park, Check the website www.azstateparks.com/lost-dutchman/ for a schedule of events and activities. Call 480-982-4485

We Understand Commitment

We Understand Commitment

At Edward Jones, we deliver candid guidance and personalized investment strategies to help you plan for and realize the possibilities of your future – for you, your family and generations to follow. Matthew Fliss, CFP®

At Edward Jones, we deliver candid guidance and personalized investment strategies to help you plan for and realize the possibilities of your future – for you, your family and generations to follow. Matthew Fliss, CFP®

When I was a young lad, I attended the Brown’s Grove School in Pennsylvania. The school was a one room school house that contained six grades, with one teacher. How Mrs. Santee taught all of us I will never know. But we all learned our reading, writing, and arithmetic. A few days ago, I met with Ms. Marissa Carson, President of the Peralta Trails Elementary School (PTES) PTO, and oh how things have changed; and for the better as we all know. Gold Canyon citizens are honored to have the PTES in our area and are very proud of the educational programs that are initiated to teach our beloved children – the future of America - on how to face and excel in an energized digitally driven 21st century, and where school officials and parents work together to effectuate a strong educational process. One of ADOBEs area of concern regarding PTES has been the safety of the students and staff. It was pleasing to see that a recently constructed security vestibule has been added to the school structure, which greatly enhances school security. Another concern was addressed by ADOBE last month to ensure proper school zone signage on Peralta Road. Communication was initiated with Pinal County officials and it was good to hear the situation is currently under study by the county. Because of the opening of the Peralta Regional Park the traffic is expected to increase drastically on Peralta Road, thus the signage is critical to roadway safety throughout the school zone.

The PTO, in conjunction with AJUSD School Principal Ms. Natalie Clement and her staff, work as a team to ensure students are well-educated, while assuring the students have the proper educational tools and social events that will help them grow socially and

intellectually. Within this effort, the PTO organizes various programs that benefit the student’s learning, while providing some extra funding to help students in multiple ways. For example, on April 21, 2023, between 5pm to 7pm at the school, the PTO will be hosting the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) Night/Earth Day celebration. There will be presentations by students and learning activities related to STEAM topics. Marissa stated the community is cordially invited, and that anyone interested in helping can assist the PTO by, for example, setting up tables, decorating school hallways, and busing children to and from the school. If you are interested in helping, please contact Marissa at 480-677-7540. Some of the local agencies helping in this project will be the AJ Public Library and Parks and Recreation Department, Paws for Life, Hold Fast Reptiles, Superstition Mountain Astronomical League, and of course some tasty food supplied by Sno-Cone and Tacos el Correo. Some monies are made by the PTO from these types of events and that money can be used to purchase extra playground equipment, holiday grams (children give each other wrapped grams with candy canes attached for the December holiday period), school dances, and the like. Deepest kudos and blessings to our PTES PTO for what they do for our children and the community.

Glenn A. Walp

ADOBE- “The Voice and Heart of Gold Canyon since 1989”

Friday, April 21st

Saturday, April 1, 2023, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Earth Day Celebration & Ladybug Release @ Earth Heart Park | Earth Day Celebration & Ladybug Release! Come learn how keeping our community healthy keeps us healthy. Plant seedlings, listen to music, sample delicious fruit/veggies veggies and create art. Release thousands of ladybug between 9:30am - 11:30am. Releasing the ladybugs is a hands on experience! Event is Free for the public. For more information, visit us on Facebook @ AJparksandrec or at ajcity.net

Saturday, April, 8th | ROAD TO COUNTRY THUNDER from 5pm to 10pm. Join us for the Road to Country Thunder music spectacular. We are celebrating the nearing of the Southwest's greatest country music event, Country Thunder, with a little party of our own. The pre-festival bash features cover bands, food, drinks, and all the fun you can handle. This event is brought to you by the Town of Florence and Country Thunder. 440 N Main St, Florence, AZ. For more information, visit florenceaz.gov

Saturday, April, 8th & 22nd, Florence Farmers Market from 8am-12pm | Located on the porch at McFarland State Park in Historic Florence. The market features local, chemical-free, organic produce from many local farmers, farm fresh eggs, meat, cheese, bread, sweets, coffee & tea, sauces, seasonings and many other locally made artisan products. McFarland State Park, 24 Ruggles St, Florence.

Saturday, April 8th, Easter Egg Hunt at Prospector Park from 9am - 12pm | Come help find over 8,500 prize filled eggs! This egg hunt is open to all ages and is free to the public. The hunt is divided up into separate age groups: 2 & under, 3-4, 5-6, 7-9, 1012, 11-15 & 13-17. Special prizes will be given to those who find a token in the egg during the hunt. Don't forget to bring your Easter baskets to carry all of your goodies! There will be other activities and games sponsored by local non-profit organizations available during and after the egg hunt. Most activities will cost a small fee to participate. Bring your camera so that you can capture your very own picture with the Easter Bunny. Be sure to come early and allow for plenty of time to park! The hunt will take place on the softball fields at Prospector Park, located at 3015 N. Idaho Rd.

Saturday, April 22nd | Star Party at Lost Dutchman State Park! 6109 N. Apache Trail, Apache Junction. Join us for Dazzling celestial objects like planets, nebulas, and stars will be within reach thanks to the telescopes and volunteers of partnering local astronomy clubs. Registration required, Times vary, more information and registration at AZStateParks.com/stars.

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Terri KingRealtor®

480-770-9507

terrikingazhome@gmail.com

As a real estate professional, I understand that buying or selling a home is a life-changing experience! That’s why I am dedicated to providing exceptional, personalized service.

As a Top Agent, Terri is featured in the Top Agent Magazine; Ranked top 4% in the State.

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Terri was such a big help in selling our home. Her professionalism was so apparent in her market analysis and pricing of our property. Her proactive staging and professional photographs gave our house the best opportunity for sale. Our trust and confidence in her allowed us to move out of state the day of listing. Terri was able to secure a quality buyer, solve all the hurdles and complications that came up in our sales transaction. Our house closed in only twenty one days ABOVE listing price!

Terri is a truly experienced Realtor for challenging times, with fantastic abilities to get the job done. We will be forever grateful. Thank you Terri

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Including:

APRIL EVENTS AT THE AJ PUBLIC LIBRARY

Saturday, April 1, 10 a.m.-3 p.m – LibraryCON | No foolin’! A day of fun for the whole family! Cosplay, artists, authors, trivia, activities and more! Check on ajpl.org for schedule updates and an exhibitor list.

Thursday, April 6, 1 p.m. - Gmail & Google Search | Learn the basics of Google search and email (Gmail). Join our Lab Assistant Chris in our Jobs Training Center to learn all about Google Suite. No registration required!

Saturday, April 8, 10 a.m. - Waterwise Gardening Water is becoming one of our most precious commodities! Join the Superstition Master Gardeners to learn the best ways to conserve water and use it wisely in our yards and gardens.

April 10 & 24, 10 a.m.–noon - Open Job Help | One stop for computer access, job search and resume building assistance every second and fourth Monday.

Wednesday, April 12, 4 p.m. - Seed Up Meet Up | Help us fill our seed packets for the seed library, hear from Master Gardeners, ask questions about your home garden, & learn about Earth Heart Park and Community Garden! April’s topic will be Seed Saving.

Tuesday, April 18, 1 p.m. - Internet Basics | Learn what the Internet is, how to connect to it, and how to use its tools like search engines and hyperlinks. Join our Lab Assistant Dennis in our Jobs Training Center. No registration required!

Wednesday, April 19, 3 p.m. Biblio Bites – Avocado Toast, of Course | Avocado toast is a delicious and simple breakfast, brunch, snack, or light meal! Learn how to make the best avocado toast with a recipe from a library cookbook, plus fun variations. Watch our demo and checkout from our wide variety of cookbooks, with samples available too. Join us live or online

Thursday, April 20, 6 p.m. - Spring Craft Night | Spring has sprung! Celebrate by getting creative at our Spring Craft Night! Paint a flowerpot, create 3D paper flowers with our Cricut, and design pot decorations with all supplies provided. Teens, tweens, and adults welcome! Only 24 seats available, so go to ajpl.org or call the library at 480474-8555 to register.

Thursday, April 27, 6 p.m. - National Poetry Month Open Mic Night | April is National Poetry Month and we’re calling all poets and writers to share what they’ve written at our Open Mic Night. Whether it’s poetry, spoken word, or a snippet of a novel, join us to connect with other writers in the community.

KATHY MITCHELL, ARTIST, RECEIVES

GCAC’s 2023 JACK KUKUK AWARD

Chuck Cuffaro, GCAC Publicity

Each year, at the Gold Canyon Arts Council’s Annual Meeting, the organization presents its highest honor, the Jack Kukuk Award, to a member who has provided generous longterm volunteerism to “Advance the Arts in the Superstitions”. Given GCAC’s mission to provide Performing and Visual Arts education in regional schools, the 2023 Jack Kukuk Award recipient is artist, Kathy Mitchell.

Kathy is an Art educator, studied Art History in Florence, Italy and Salzburg, Austria, and taught for 5 years on Native American reservations in New Mexico, and later in Germany for 25 years at Department of Defense Dependent Schools. Kathy and her husband, John, a math educator and violinist who played for the Phoenix Symphony, retired in Gold Canyon and became GCAC members in 2009.

Since then, Kathy has led GCAC’s Leland Wilson Art Project which provides visual arts education at local schools. Kathy recruits local artists and presents week-long art classes (residencies), teaching various art forms such as pen and ink work, clay creations, gourd art, etc.

Kathy’s most recent residencies took place at Cactus Canyon Junior High, where local artist, Gail McFarland, presented a weeklong class on Making Collages. Previously, a weaving class was taught there with Navaho weaver, Velma Lee Craig. Other such residencies, with different art forms, have been done at Desert Vista Elementary, Peralta Elementary, and the San Carlos Apache Reservation.

GCAC’s Leland Wilson Art Project also donates school supplies. During 2022, Kathy brought together a $1,700 donation of art supplies to Four Peaks Elementary and Apache Junction High School.

Kathy Mitchell receiving the 2023 Jack Kukuk Award from 2022 recipients, Terry and Linda Storbakken

Man of Courage

By Tracey Lovejoy

I would like to tell you about an amazing man and 25 year resident of Gold Canyon who I admire in so many ways. His name is Russ Marwin. I met Russ as a neighbor and friend over 23 years ago. Today I am fortunate to have become one of his caregivers in his battle with Parkinson's Disease and he recently was put on hospice. His story shows a Man of Courage throughout all of his career and life, but today his courage shines brighter than ever.

Russ served in the US Air Force during the Korean War and even after serious permanent disabling injuries he served again with 23 years in law enforcement. He married the love of his life Maranna 46 years ago and together they raised 9 children. After his career in law enforcement he developed a passion for body building and he became successful again winning many awards and owning a gym. This is no small feat since his

health issues have him at 45 surgeries and several near-death experiences as well. He has the courage to persevere.

Russ always loved to paint and in his 60's decided to launch a new career. His art reflects his love of life, culture, and nature mostly from the places they've lived: Bishop, California,Coeur D Alene, Idaho and finally Gold Canyon, Arizona. His work has been displayed in over 20 art studios in the southwest and his collectors extend to Europe, Germany, Spain and Saudi Arabia. I recently had the privilege of re-establishing Russ's Superstition Art Studio after a fresh coat of paint and the reveal was just in time for his 90th birthday. I also know first hand that Russ loves to sing and he's also won awards in that category!

Although Russ is no longer painting due to his health: his courage, sense of humor, love and art are on always on display. He is always grateful and smiles through the pain and crippling effects

of his PD. Russ believes his strength in life comes from his faith. He signs his paintings “To the Glory of God, who gave me my talent”.

Russ's Superstition Art Studio is on Sleepy Hollow Trail and appointments are available to view his work. Also visit russmarwin.com and redbubble.com.

“Oro”, Wins Gold Crown in National Journalism Contest

Cactus Canyon Jr. High,’s school yearbook, “Oro” hit the jackpot and brought home national recognition with a Gold Crown from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association.

CCJH was one of only two junior highs to win the coveted “Gold Crown” distinction.

Receiving a Gold Crown was a first for Yearbook Advisor, Jason Davis and his yearbook staff, however the school has won a “Silver Crown” for the past three years. The Crown Awards honor top student publications chosen from CSPA’s members. Crowns are selected for overall excellence in a head-to-head comparison. Student publishing in news, magazine, yearbook or digital (online) formats are alleligible.

“Since the student journalism world can be confusing, this is pretty much like we just won an Oscar,” Davis wrote in an email.”

The junior high has a history of turning out awardwinning publications and journalists.

In 2022 Ragan Stoltz, the yearbook editor at CCJH, was named the Journalism Education Association’s 2022 Aspiring Young Journalist.

CCJH emphasizes a well-rounded education where academics, sports and extracurricular activities allow students to grow scholastically, physically and emotionally. CCJH students can get a head start on funding their college education by signing up for Pinal Promise in junior high. The program offers a tuition-free education at Central Arizona College for those who fulfill the requirements and graduate from participating high schools in Pinal County such as Apache Junction High School.

By Sally Marks

The public is invited to watch Science, Technology, Engineering and Technology (STEM) projects take root in an Earth Day celebration from 5 to 7 p.m. on April 21 at Peralta Trail Elementary School, 10965 E. Peralta Road in Gold Canyon.

The school hosts several STEAM nights each year, however the Earth Day celebration will focus on agriculture, earth and space sciences, ecology and more. The school also reaches out to local clubs and businesses to come in to help spread their expertise in any of these disciplines.

“I think the importance of teaching STEM in schools is two fold,” said Melissa Martinez, a teacher at PTES who has done the extra training to obtain a STEM endorsement. “One, there is a world of careers out there in the STEM field and I don't think a lot of students realize how much STEM disciplines impact their daily lives. Another big reason why STEM is important is it really focuses on 21st century skills like problem solving, being innovative and critical thinking etc.”

Located in beautiful Gold Canyon, AZ, Peralta Trail Elementary students and staff enjoy year-round desert splendor the moment they set foot on campus. The bobcat is the school's mascot and the Bobcat Pledge, GROWL (grow, respect, overcome, work and lead) helps students and staff stay focused on what's important in school and in life.

Cacti Donations for the Bush Fire Burn Scar

By Jessie Mansur

Have a lot of projects for your backyard? Thinking about removing some of the beautiful native cactus in your project areas? Ever thought about donating them?

My mom had recently moved outside of Florence, in an area called Cactus forest, and they were not kidding about it being a forest of cacti. Her property, in particular, had an overwhelming amount of barrels and small saguaros. You couldn’t walk more than 10 feet before running into a hoard of them. We had started to remove some that were in the way, but felt bad about getting rid of them. Most of the cactus we threw out were dead or starting to die. The good ones, we had put in a designated area, but still felt bad about digging them up.

After a while I began asking the local landscapers if they wanted cactus from Florence, Tom McDonald with Smiling Dog Landscapes told me to reach out to Natural Restorations, a local non-profit organization that is helping replant the Bush Fire burn scar. The 2020 Bush Fire was the 5th largest wildfire in the state, it started near the intersection of Bushy HWY & HWY 87 and carried the flames through 193,455 acres of the Tonto National Forest. This has left a massive scar across wilderness and recreation areas, with the impact to over 80,000 iconic saguaros.

In November 2020, the U.S. Forest Service Tonto National Forest and several partners started replanting the burn scar at Four Peaks and in early 2021, Natural Restorations joined the effort and committed themselves to the long-term project. They are seeking native cacti to replant at Four Peaks and Lower Sycamore recreation areas. They collect cacti from development sites before they are cleared for building, and they are also interested in private property projects*.

Now, knowing that cacti could donated, My mom was happy to give native desert cacti. Natural Restorations came and were able to salvage 135 cacti from the property with their military veteran-based Dedicated Restoration Team will replant them in the Bush Fire burn scar.

Consider donating cacti if you are clearing land or find yourself with too many on your property; Natural Restorations can use them and they were so good at not disturbing the surrounding landscape as they removed the ones were donated.

Natural Restorations is looking for small Saguaros, under 5 feet tall. If the Saguaro is taller than you, it’s more than likely too big to donate. They also need native desert cacti like fishhook barrels under 3 feet tall, hedgehogs, ocotillos, and prickly pear. *Every project is unique & will depend on Natural Restorations’ schedule, your location, what cacti you have & if they are native to the replanting area, cacti health, size, quantities, accessibility, safety, etc.

If you do have cacti to donate, please email Nicole from Natural Restoration at contact@naturalrestorations.org Include a list of what cacti you have, their size, accessibility, and photos. Include GPS coordinates or address to the location so we can look at it from Google Maps.

If you work for a construction company and have native desert cacti that will be cleared for building, please have your Land Development Manager reach out to Nicole Corey, Executive Director & Co-Founder of Natural Restorations. Natural Restorations has

Dedicated Restoration Team replanting in the Bush Fire Burn scar. Photo Courtesy of Natural Restorations.

The Fishhook Barrels that we had dug up.

Fishhook Barrels marked for donation

TIPS & HINTS ON LANDSCAPING TOMMCDONALD OWNER - SMILING DOG LANDSCAPES

The yellow flag iris is a water iris, a semi-aquatic or bog plant, that grows best in shallow water year-round. It is possible to grow them in any well-watered, shaded garden. The one pictured here is in a small, lined pond, in afternoon shade, that is filled regularly with a garden hose. Other than remembering to keep the pond filled, there is little maintenance required.

In my research of I. pseudacorus, I discovered the following.

• This plant is a non-native imported from Europe as an ornamental that has escaped cultivation and is now found worldwide.

• It’s history of invasiveness is well recorded. It can exclude native plants from wetlands and completely alter the habitat by capturing silt, changing a nonforested wetland to a forested wetland. It also can block water-flow, damage important bird nesting sites and fish habitats.

• It has some potential to treat wastewater, removing macronutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus.

• It is a pest in all North America, including Alaska and Canada. While the cooler states and provinces have suffered the most damage, almost every state has some sort of restriction on this plant.

• All parts of the plant are poisonous to humans and animals.

• It is the only iris that blooms completely yellow in natural environments.

• It is readily available on-line. A spot check of three local nurseries found that all sold it in the spring as a water garden plant.

YELLOW FLAG IRIS IRIS PSEUDACORUS

• Arizona is one of the few states that that has no restrictions on this plant.

Now I have second plant (Ipoma was the first) in my garden that is ‘wanted dead or dead’ across most of North America. So what to do? Here are my thoughts about this conundrum. I will stop giving the dang things away, that’s how I got mine and how they get to some place they shouldn’t be, like the Northeast. Who knew?

Possible substitutes include Iris brevicaulis, I. virginica, I. fulva, I. missouienis and I. versicolor which all have been used in the worst affected states. Hopefully one will thrive in 110-degree days.

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permission from the State Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Forest Service Tonto National Forest to salvage cacti and plant in the burn scar.

If you don’t have cacti to donate and still want to help, please consider donating funds to Natural Restorations on their website, www.NaturalRestoraions.org/donate to help them continue to all their projects. Or you can donate directly to the Bush Fire Burn Scar Replanting Project at the www. thegreatoutdoorsfund.org/product/bush-fire-burn-scarreplanting-project

Join their volunteer email list to participate in a cleanup or replanting event; Details on their website. For more information on the replanting projects that Natural Restorations is apart of, or to see more pictures of past replanting events, go to www.naturalrestorations.org/ replanting

Natural Restorations is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2015 by husband and wife team, Justin & Nicole Corey. In addition to replanting, they have removed over 1.5 million pounds of trash from outdoor recreation and wilderness areas across Arizona. They have removed over 41,900 square feet of graffiti from rocks and boulders, hosted over 100 volunteer events, and provided over 15,655 hours of restoration work in nature to the military veterans on their Dedicated Restoration Team across 124 restoration projects, and recycled over 2,000 tires dumped in outdoor spaces.

Dedicated Restoration Team salvaging saguaros for the Bush Fire burn scar. Photo Courtesy of Natural Restorations.

Dr. Tina Marcantel, Naturopathic Doctor 480-738-1647 | DrMarcantel.com 6589 S. Kings Ranch Road, Gold Canyon

THE BREATH OF GOD

When we concentrate on the breath— slowly inhaling and exhaling—we have our attention on the act of breathing instead of the mind chatter. We become aware of our bodies and being in the present moment. When the mind is still the body is still, and we begin to recognize the beauty of the world around us.

Night Sounds

By Marcia Nelson

Breathe Conciously

The act of breathing is something we often take for granted. We’re usually not conscious of its importance until we’re somehow deprived of our next breath. But I like to think of breathing as a connection with my Creator.

When administering CPR, a person breathes into the mouth of another “the breath of life.” In the same way, I consider each breath I take a gift from God that not only keeps me alive, but also connects me to the spiritual and physical world that surrounds me.

Consider the healthy advantages of taking a few minutes each day to be conscious of breathing:

1. A calm mind. Conscious breathing grounds us in the present moment. It stills the mind and frees it from chatter. Many of us spend most of our lives in our heads—thinking of the past and the future. We’re not in the present moment, feeling our bodies, tasting what we are eating, enjoying the smells of nature, or hearing the sounds of the symphony of the birds as we walk outdoors.

The senses are on hold because the mind is in control with chatter from all the things we’ve already done or still need to do. When we are able to observe the thought chatter without losing ourselves in it, we become aware of consciousness.

2. A calm nervous system. As the mind becomes still, the endocrine system becomes balanced, bringing the body peace and stillness. The calming of the nervous system results in a decrease in the release of cortisol and adrenaline that help us cope with stress. The chronic release of stress hormones leads to inflammation. When the body is in a place of homeostasis (balance) there is decreased inflammation that helps to decrease disease in all the organ systems.

3. A conscious connection to the divine. Scripture says, “Be still and know that I am God.” As we calm the mind and body, we hear the whisper of our soul that speaks of our connection with the spiritual world that surrounds us.

As the mind is still and the body is relaxed and we focus on the breath that assists us in relieving the mind chatter, it is then that we truly begin to reap the rewards of peace. We become aligned with the divine nature within us. We feel the love and peace of God. That LOVE will whisper answers to our questions and solutions to our everyday problems.

It all begins with awareness of the breaths that calm our very being and align us with our true divine selves, bringing the flow of heaven on earth. Today, take just a few minutes to breathe consciously There is no telling what benefits you will discover!

As I turn out the lights and set the window ajar, the night sounds creep in from near and afar. Trucks out on the highway drone a soft hum, as cricket’s noisy cadence sounds like a scratchy toy drum.

Bats soon arrive and right on cue, as the sun dips below and is soon out of view. Their screeching is not heard but is there just the same, as they bounce through the air like in a tag playing game!

Soon soft hooting sounds play from high on a perch. An owl has honed in on his evening prey search. The next sound however is neither soft nor sweet. Some snorting javelinas are ravaging all they can eat.

But finally all is quiet and I can feel a gentle breeze that seems to wipe away this medley as it rustles through the trees. Now night gives way to dreams and I can finally close my eyes, but then…

A lonely coyote’s soulful howl is the night song’s last amen!

LIVE IT WELL SUESCHAFFER OWNER LIVE IT WELL PLACE

The new year might start in January, but for nature it starts with Spring. The Arizona desert comes alive with bright flowering shrubs, green leaves appear on the mesquite trees and the cactus blooms. The warmer Spring winds bring an energy to the air and to us. Spring is here, awakening within it sparkling new beginnings. Spring is a time to grow, to renew, to discover, to balance and to rejuvenate your life.

Life is breath and our breath both lifts and grounds our energy. Our inward breath is like the sunshine and the rays of the sun, drawing the invigorating and nurturing energy of the inward breath throughout the body. Our outward breaths calm and grounds the energy drawing us closer to the earth.

Sun Breath is a simple invigorating breath exercise especially when you are in nature.

• Stand still and feel your feet firmly pressing into the ground beneath you, rooting down and feeling the energy of the earth.

• Spread your fingers wide and lift your arms to your sides, inhaling and open up the chest at the same time, lifting your arms overhead to stretch the front of your body.

• Breathe in the spring scents and let them consume your entire being.

• Exhale slowly and draw your palms down your midline until your thumbs rest at the center of your chest.

• Integrate your movement and breath so that one full inhalation brings your arms all the way up and one complete exhalation takes your arms all the way down. With each breath, focus on filling and emptying your lungs completely.

Another way to rejuvenate your wellbeing and bring balance to your life is to practice a yoga pose adeptly named Tree Pose. In yoga, tree pose symbolizes our ability to be still and find balance during changes or turbulent times in life. Tree poses helps to bring us into harmony and awareness; it lets us take root so we can bloom.

In your backyard, or on a walk, initially using a real tree, a friend, or a bench to steady your balance, see if you can appreciate the steadiness and strength you find in Tree pose.

As you stand comfortably, let your feet find the support of the earth.

Imagine the feet growing roots just like a tree as if you are planting your feet in fresh soil. These roots allow the tree to be supported, yet flexible so that when the wind blows the tree can move without breaking.

Now let yourself sway a bit from side to side.

When you feel balanced, pick up one foot and place that heel on the other anklebone while the ball of the foot and toes stay on the ground for support.

Once you feel steady, bring the palms together at the center of the chest.

Let your breath flow as you feel the support of the standing leg.

After finding a steady and balanced Tree, bring in your arms. Start to reach the palms up from the heart into the sky as if you’re growing branches, and then with a long slow exhale let them float down to the sides.

If you want to, you can slide the foot to the ankle, or thigh to play with balance even more.

Let yourself continue to breathe smoothly and evenly.

Repeat on each side for balance.

It is not a coincidence that the Live it Well logo is a tree, filled with color, spring flowers and a golden sun bringing the light of spirit and joy. Like a tree, one starts with Roots, creating a strong and deep foundation and then building into a strong and stable period of growth for our Trunk and then we Flourish, like the leaves and branches, waving and catching the sun in our own unique and personal way. It is Spring and time to rejuvenate and blossom.

SPRING, A TIME TO REJUVENATE YOUR LIFE.

News from the GOLD CANYON GARDEN CLUB

The Gold Canyon Garden Club would like to thank everyone who came out to the Butterfly Garden at Dinosaur Park on Saturday March 18th to support the Club’s Spring Plant Sale. Proceeds help support the Butterfly Garden’s annual maintenance and water bills.

The garden has had a few challenges this past year, including the hot dry summer, and cold wet winter, as well as some unfortunate loss of trees and other large focal vegetation. This is the Club’s 23rd year caring for the garden, and we truly thank the community for their donations and support to help keep it going for all to enjoy.

The Club has had several great guest speakers so far this year at their monthly meetings.

Linda Larson, A Traveling Gardener, gave a wonderful presentation on containers. Linda has explored 900 gardens in 39 countries and all 50 states

and shares them on her blog, A Traveling Gardener. Linda is an author, a speaker, a Master Gardener and on the Faculty Emeritus of Mesa College. Her home garden has been included in several garden tours and featured in Phoenix Home & Garden. She contributes a monthly article to ‘Roots & Shoots”, the Maricopa Master Gardeners newsletter. She has a new book ‘Potting Up Plants’ that follows the evolution of plant pots from a utilitarian way to move plants from one community to another to a decorative part of our gardens and patios. You will be delighted and encouraged if you read her blog.

The Superstition Mountain Master Gardeners have also presented a few times and have provided some excellent information on ’Demystifying Orchids’, Floral Arrangements in the Asian Manner, Pollinators, Butterflies, Xeriscape, and Firewise Landscaping. We appreciate the contribution of

knowledge and help in our Butterfly Garden we receive from the Superstition Mountain Master Gardeners.

Tom MacDonald’s new propagation enterprise at the Smiling Dog Landscaping location was interesting and educational in late winter. We appreciate having a source of plants grown locally.

The Club’s final gathering of the 20222023 season will be a spring luncheon in April, as we say ‘safe summer travels’ to our winter visitor members. Anyone interested in joining the Gold Canyon Garden Club for the 2023-2024 season can contact us at gcgc@spcdock.com or reach out to us on Facebook @ GoldCanyonGardenClub. Club activities will resume in September.

WITH MARSHA

MARSHADORRIS

COLORED EASTER EGGS

Instead of coloring eggs with the shell on, try coloring them with the shells off!

Fill a deep pan with cold water, add eggs and make sure eggs are covered. Bring to a boil, then turn down heat some and boil gently for 10 minutes. Drain the eggs and cover with cold water to cool down faster.

While the eggs cool, get 5 or 6 glasses or plastic cups and fill about half way with water. Then add a different food color to each cup. Stir until the coloring is incorporated.

Take the hard boiled eggs and peel off the shells. Then cut in half length wise and scoop out the yolk and put into a small bowl. Take the halves and put them in the different colored water until you get the shade of color you like.

While they are dying, take the egg yolks and mash well with a fork. Add some mayonnaise, dill mustard, a little horseradish, salt and pepper, and a dash of sweet pickle juice. Mix all together.

Take the egg halves out of the water and place on paper towels to dry. Then fill each half with the yolk mixture, put on a plate, sprinkle with a dash of paprika, cover and refrigerate until ready to eat!

Any questions or comments please contact Marsha at Marsha.Dorris.Realtor@gmail.com

Staff Picks Of The Month

Stella Maris by Cormac McCarthy, recommended by Trish

If you have read any of Cormac McCarthy’s novels, this one does not disappoint. Alicia checks herself into Stella Maris, a psychiatric facility with a bag of money. Alicia is avoiding the grief and longing she has for her brother, her understanding of the world and how she does not fit in it. This book is a conversation between Alicia and her therapist. It is classic McCarthy style and prose.

The Distant Dead by Heather Young, recommended by Vicki

After leaving his prestigious university position, mild-mannered math teacher Adam Merkel barely causes a ripple when he arrives in Lovelock, Nevada. Seven months later, gossip flames when his body is found, bound and burned in the desert outskirts. Breathless speculation runs through the town, including how young Sal Prentiss, that hapless boy living on a hardscrabble ranch with his outlaw

uncles, discovered the body. But many living out their lives in that nowhere town have skeletons--some just buried deeper in the high desert sediment. Told in three narratives, this psychological thriller unfolds at a deliberate, lyrical pace. The malevolent atmosphere of Lovelock and its luckless residents is subtly relentless. While Young’s windswept desert setting is sparse, she breathes life into her characters and the weight of their resentments, regrets and familial obligations.

“The Distant Dead” is a “Southwest Book of the Year” Pick. The review originally was published in its 2021 publication.

The Cloisters by Katy Hays, recommended by Dennis A small-city girl is excited about a summer apprenticeship at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. When she arrives, she finds her position has been dropped, but she is recruited by another department head to assist at The Cloisters, a gothic museum. During her summer there, she

becomes friends with another associate while they both assist the department head in his research of divination. Their work leads to the discovery of a set of 15th century tarot cards which are the missing piece for a highly-anticipated research paper. When the Department head dies from poisoning, the police investigate the possible suspects, revealing secrets about her and her coworkers.

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides, recommended by Dennis (He read so many good books this month, we couldn’t pick just one!)

One of the best psychological thrillers I’ve read in a long time. We know who committed the murder but not why. We don’t know because the murderer is in a physiatrist facility and hasn’t spoken since the murder occurred. The patient/ murderer is an artist, the therapist is new to the facility and admires her work. Can he get her to speak and help her? But, does everyone at the facility want her to speak and share her story?

Musical Tables by Billy Collins, recommended by Megan C.

A perfect foray into poetry for those wanting to read more of the genre! With over 100 mini poems in this collection, former United States Poet Laureate Billy Collins explores nature, writing, love, and humanity – in just a few lines. Though these poems are short, they do not lack cleverness or profundity, and make the genre accessible to all. With some poems being only 3 lines, even just a few minutes is enough to enjoy his tiny packages of wit and wisdom. A must-read for any pastoral poet!

FINANCIAL TIPS FOR BLENDED FAMILIES

Becoming part of a blended family can certainly be rewarding. Of course, as is the case in all families, there will be challenges, one of which is financial. A blended family must deal with some specific financial issues, so it’s a good idea to become familiar with them.

In particular, consider these areas:

• Separate or joint accounts? –Should your two family units combine all your finances or maintain separate accounts? There’s no one correct answer for everyone, because this issue has emotional and psychological components to it, as well as financial considerations. But the nature of your new, blended family might guide you to a choice that makes sense for your situation.

So, for example, if you are remarrying at a later stage in life, and you and your new spouse have adult children, you might think the best move is to keep separate accounts. But if you are joining households with a spouse or partner with younger children, you may want to merge accounts to pay for household expenses and work toward your new, shared financial objectives. And it doesn’t have to be an “eitheror” approach — you might decide to blend some accounts and keep others separate.

• Debts and credit ratings – It’s likely that you and your new spouse or partner, and perhaps even some children, will bring debts into your blended family. As these debts can affect your family’s finances in several ways, including your ability to borrow and your credit ratings, you will want to know what everyone owes, and the amount of monthly payments needed to meet

2023 ARTS OLYMPICS WAS A SUCCESS! AT THE AJ MULTIGEN CENTER

these obligations. After that, you may be able to find ways to consolidate debts or find other ways to reduce or eliminate them.

• Legal issues – When you establish a blended family, you may want to review, and possibly update, the beneficiary designations on your life insurance policy and retirement accounts, such as your IRA and 401(k). These designations can supersede instructions you may have left in your estate planning documents — including your last will and testament — so it’s important to ensure they reflect your current wishes. And speaking of your estate plans, you may well need to revise them, too, in consultation with your attorney.

• Attitudes toward money – Attitudes toward money — yours and those of your new spouse or partner — should be addressed when starting a blended family. Is one of you more of a saver while the other spends more freely? As investors, does one of you favor taking more risk while the other is more conservative? It’s important to reconcile these differences as best you can, especially if you plan on merging your finances. This means that you both may need to compromise somewhat, but you should strive to avoid having either of you feeling uncomfortable in your choices. In any case, open and honest communication is the first step in achieving a harmonious financial strategy.

These aren’t the only financial considerations involved with blended families, but they should give you some things to think about — and the earlier you start thinking about them, the better.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. — Edward Jones, Member SIPC.

Even Dads were making their own Lady Bug Insect Puppets, but butterflies were popular. Mary Stokrocki taught Puppet Making.

By Dr. Mary Stokrocki. Professor Emerita, Arizona State University, Arts Olympics Organizer

The SACA [Superstition Area Cultural Alliance] and Parks and Recreation hosted the Arts Olympics on Saturday Feb. 11 from 10am till 1:00pm. The Multigenerational Center Rooms were set up by the staff in advance as well as supplies thanks to the Parks and Recreation team. Members of SACA, Sharon Stinard and Reggie Beck were greeters, along with activity leaders, Mary Stokrocki, Peggy Cabrinha, and Kathy Mitchell. Volunteers from the local AJ Rocks Club were on hand to help with rock painting. Even though kids were asked to register in advance, many dropped in that day with their parents; a total of 45 enthusiastic youths and parents participated. The Watercolor Heart Paintings were quite popular. All in all, the day was a wonderful success, and plans are being made for the next Art Olympics event! Next year SACA will host The Arts Olympics for all ages again in this same location.

Families loved painting rocks together

Popular were the Watercolor Heart Paintings Supervised by Kathy Mitchell.

OUT & ABOUT

PHOTOGRAPHY FROM AROUND THE AREA

We want to highlight YOUR PHOTOS! Email me at editor@mansurdesign.com. LIMIT 2 PHOTOS PER PERSON.

Epic Snowfall in GC on March 2nd by Stephanie Wiltz

Apache junction winter 2023 by Mark

Snow Sparkling on the Superstitions by Elaine Tegovich

Last rays of sunset on the Superstitions By Tamara Garland

Superstition snow submitted by Sherry Worden

Snow

2nd by Dean Degner

Oh, Man, My fur is all wet! by Gordon Cox

Big Boy Longhorn By Edd Lopez

Apache Lake from Reavis Ranch Trailhead by Glen Hollingsworth

Saguaro Loop Trail at Peralta Regional Park By Lisa Helt

Bella, the hiking dog in Superstition Mountain by Linda Beller

Sunburst By Christine Sabo

HELLO YELLOW by Denise March

Saguaro and the Milky Way, Queen Valley by Ron Tolen

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