east valley
Volume 3 Issue 25 Mesa, AZ
January 3, 2021
Downtown coffee shop keeps on roasting BY MELODY BIRKETT Tribune Contributor
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IN THE BIZ
arrod’s Coffee,Tea & Gallery started as an art and jewelry store eight years ago, adding a coffee shop in 2015 after some remodeling. “It just kind of happened,” said Owner Jarrod Martinez, adding he had no previous coffee experience before he opened his business at 154 W. Main St., Mesa. Prior to opening Jarrod’s, Martinez traveled from coast-to-coast, doing wholesale jewelry shows and working as a jewelry supplier. His love for jewelry and art gave him the inspiration for opening his own store. “The art is from local artists in the neighborhood and around Arizona,” said Martinez. “It’s for sale. It changes all of the time. We have a lot of artists. We do art shows and jewelry shows and live music.” While live music has continued typically from 6-8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, the art shows have been put on hold due to the pandemic – which has cut business in half. “I’d like to do our live art shows again with local artists,” said Martinez, adding that about 30 artists from Mesa and around Arizona set up in front of the coffee shop. “It was just busy and nice…and has taken years to build it up.” Jarrod’s last October won the 39th annual Governor’s Arts Award for business out of 60 nominees. Customers can still buy art and jewelry Public Notices ............... page 3 © Copyright, 2021 East Valley Tribune
while enjoying a cup of coffee. “We not only do coffee but we also do food - sandwiches, grilled sandwiches, salads,” Martinez said. “We have a wide variety of cheese, Italian sodas, blended drinks, smoothies and we do a lot of vegan pastries and regular pastries, as well. “We have a vegan chocolate sea salt brownie and it’s amazing. Everyone loves it. Just a little bit of everything. We have some good flavored lemonades, too. Our espresso has a hint of chocolate so it gives it a nice taste.” Martinez says his shop’s iced chai blended in a hot chai is “a very good seller.” “We’re known for a lot of different and great chai,” he added. While Martinez had to remove some seating indoors, “The Mesa CARES program helped us with our expansion for our temporary patio with signage.” Right before the pandemic hit, Martinez expanded next door, where he plans to open a vegan Jarrod Martinez, left, and his brother Jamin take a break in front of Jarrod's coffee shop-gallery in downtown bakery. “We’ll have a lot more food op- Mesa. (Courtesy Jarrod Martinez) tions,” said Martinez. “It’ll smell grow during this pandemic, if we can,” amazing, as well. And we’ll probably add added Martinez. even earlier hours. That’s one big goal.” Right now, the focus is on survival. The business had been growing every “I am doing my best,” Martinez said. year up until 2020. “We are really wanting to continue to Coffee...continued on page 3 (USPS 004-616) is published weekly
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100+ Women Who Care defy pandemic to help others BY KIM TARNOPOLSKI Tribune Contributor
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OVID-19 has drastically affected nonprofits and individuals across the county. As social distancing became a daily reality, annual fundraising events were put on hold, reconfigured to be held virtually or ultimately canceled. Fortunately, giving circles like 100+ Women Who Care Valley of the Sun were able to step up and rapidly respond to the needs of our community using their combined dollars and advocacy efforts. Giving circles are defined as a group of people who pool charitable donations and collectively decide where to allocate their money. Members leverage their dollars to do something bigger – and perhaps better – than they could on their own. This model of philanthropy brings people together to accomplish some serious good in a joyful way. Philanthropists are often drawn to global problems, leading them to invest in the well-being and empowerment of people living thousands of miles away. Giving circles are one of the best vehicles to make an impact on a local community. Members who nominate a charity advocate for the mission and current needs of the nonprofit. When the members vote on which charity to support, they know exactly how their money is going to impact the organization. 100+ Women Who Care Valley of the Sun members typically meet, in person, four times per year. The chapter has three sister groups – Ahwatukee, Scottsdale and East Valley. The groups were able to meet in person for their first quarter meetings. After COVID-19 began to spread in our community, the chapter leaned into technology and utilized Zoom to continue meeting virtually for the remainder of the year.
A New Leaf leaders Joe Dulin, chief philanthropy officer, and Laura Bode, community engagement director, display an oversized replica of a check the Mesa nonprofit received from 100+ Women Who Care Valley of the Sun. (Special to the Tribune) “We didn’t skip a beat,” shared Stephanie Millner, chief charity officer for 100+ Women Who Care Valley of the Sun. “Canceling our giving circles was never a consideration for us. We knew the need in the community was significant and we knew we could help.” Aside from adjusting their meeting format, the chapter made concessions for members who needed to skip a donation or contribute less due to personal circumstances. Distributing money quickly is a major benefit of the giving circle model. Within one month of the members meeting, thousands of dollars can be in the hands of the selected charity. The charity recipient is notified immediately so they know when to expect the money. Now more than ever, it is crucial that nonprofits receive funds timely to continue funding their programs. In 2020, 100+ Women Who Care Valley of the Sun members donated over
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$115,000 spread across twelve charities. The East Valley group donated to Aris Foundation, a Gilbert organization that helps homeless people in a variety of ways; the Arizona Chapter Paralyzed Veterans of America, which helps veterans suffering spinal cord injury or other disabilities; Maggie’s Place, which provides help and support for pregnant and parenting women; and Empowerment Through Sports, which builds and maintains a support mechanism for young athletes. Since the chapter’s inception in 2015, almost $700,000 has been given to local charities. This group of women have learned that giving back is better together. To learn more about 100+ Women Who Care Valley of the Sun or register for an upcoming giving circle: 100wwcvalleyofthesun.org or facebook. com/100WWCValleyOfTheSun.
JANUARY 3, 2021
Coffee...continued from page 1 “I am going to do all that it takes to stay alive. I have to stay positive. I plan on staying here. I’m just going to give it all I’ve got. If I’m meant to be somewhere else, then I’ll have to move.” In the meantime, his side jewelry busi-
Public Notice CITY OF MESA MESA, ARIZONA NOTICE OF VIRTUAL PUBLIC MEETING Harris Basin Park Project No. CP0934 Please join us for the live online Virtual Public Meeting to learn about the Harris Basin Park. The City of Mesa is developing plans to build a new playground at the Harris Basin located at 2421 N Harris Dr. Mesa, AZ 85203. To accommodate the new playground the City is developing plans to re-grade the existing drainage basin to include a pad for the new playground while maintaining the basin’s ability to retain surface runoff. The playground will be designed with aim for children ages 2-12 and include ADA access. The project is being funded through 2018 General Obligation Parks Bonds. A short presentation will be given followed by a questions and answer session. Date: Thursday, January 14,
ness is keeping him afloat as well as working with his dad in turquoise mining when he’s able to. “Customers have been pleasant considering everything going on,” said Martinez. “We do offer masks if a customer doesn’t have one. Overall, everyone’s been understanding and supportive.”
About 30-40 percent of customers are regulars. “We really do love our regulars,” said Martinez. “We’re very thankful. Keep coming!” Information: jarrodscoffeeteaandgallery.com, 480-822-7146
2021 Time: 6:00pm to 7:00pm Location: Virtual Public Meeting: online at mesaaz.gov/engineering If you have any questions or concerns regarding this project, please contact Curt Albright, Michele Arrollado, Lucy Lopez, or Juanita Gonzales with the City of Mesa Engineering Public Relations Department at (480) 644-3800. Si usted tiene preguntas de este proyecto, favor de llamar a Lucy Lopez, con la Ciudad de Mesa al (480) 644-4431. Published: East Valley Tribune, Jan. 3, 10, 2021 / 35347
Public Notice Notice of guardianship/ conservatorship hearing for Joan Holcomb on January 7, 2021 at 11:30am at Maricopa County Superior Court. For more information, inquire a b o u t C a s e # P B 2 0 2 0 -092387. Published: East Valley Tribune Dec 20, 28, 2020, Jan. 3 2021 / 35173
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