Life + Culture

Planting Roots

Lonnie McCleve believes in the healing power of nature. Article by Florence Daniels | Photography by Kaeden Peterson Life has a funny way of bringing you full circle, and in Lonnie McCleve's case, this has proven to be true. Lonnie grew up on a farm in Taylor, Arizona, and imagined a life far from growing crops like his father and grandfather. Instead, Lonnie became a land developer and helped to create The Pecans community in Queen Creek. It was important for Lonnie to save as many of the...

May 2024

Sports + Recreation

A Day On the Green

Tee up at Las Colinas Golf Course Article by Florence Daniels | Photography by Kaeden Peterson We headed out to the only golf course nestled in the middle of Queen Creek, Las Colinas Golf Course . We took some willing volunteers with us to test out the grounds and try their hand at some golf. The green slopes appeared peaceful and on a partly cloudy day with a nice breeze, everyone seemed to be lured out to play a round of golf or two. The atmosphere is relaxed and music drifts from the...

May 2024

Local Services

Man's Best Friend

Dr. Scott Meyer Article by Florence Daniels | Photography by Kaeden Peterson Establishing trust with an animal like a horse requires patience and skill. 'It's a dangerous job.' admits Dr. Scott Meyer, owner of Desert Mountain Equine . For Dr. Meyer, his patients need him to approach slowly and let them sniff his hands, which he willingly does and even has experience with elite race horses. Queen Creek is certainly not short of horse owners and Dr. Meyer says this passion among the community...

May 2024

Auto + Marine

Classic Cars

San Tan Hot Rods repairs and restores the cars you love. Article by Florence Daniels | Photography by Kaeden Peterson Stepping into the San Tan Hot Rods and Restoration  is like entering a 50's gas station. The black and white checkered floor, the chrome accents, even the vintage Bob's Big Boy figure in the corner. Yet it is the cars with shining exteriors that first take up your attention. Co-owner, Corey Smith, stands beside a candy apple red '57 Chevy Bel Air and says he has been restoring...

May 2024

Life + Culture

Women Who Inspire

Hailey Reidhead talks about the Queen Creek women she most admires. Article by Hailey Reidhead | Photography by Kaeden Peterson Hailey Reidhead, host of ' She's A Lady ' podcast, has chosen three local women to highlight for their generosity, commitment and passion for helping others. Having interviewed each one in depth, you can listen to their stories, as well as many others, on 'She's A Lady' on Spotify or Apple. Alida Brock   A Queen Creek native,  Allida is the owner of Flourish...

April 2024

Event Planning + Services

Just My Cup of Tea

Try a traditional tea just for Mom. Article by Florence Daniels | Photography by Kaeden Peterson Sitting with a view of the English garden at the Queen Creek Botanical Gardens is especially suited to hold a traditional tea party courtesy of Desert Tea Party Rentals . Owner, Rebekah, puts together a stunning display with careful attention to coordinating napkins folded into bows, delicate china on gold chargers, alongside roses and tempting treats. It is a scene plucked out of a Jane Austen...

April 2024

Home + Design

Candle Creations

This woman owned business smells sweet. Article by Florence Daniels | Photography by Kaeden Peterson Jennifer Bunkers started making candles as a hobby and a passion. She quickly saw a chance to create a business and began to research ingredients and perfecting her methods. Today, Jennifer makes various candle sizes and scents as well as reed diffusers and candle melts. Some of her most popular candles have included Clean Cotton and Pumpkin in the Fall. In May, she plans to release Spring...

April 2024

Food + Beverage

Sweet Mama's Cookies

Tehani Toalei's cookies offer up something sweet for Mother's Day. Article by Florence Daniels | Photography by Kaeden Peterson Tehani Toalei is a mom to four adorable girls, and if that wasn't enough to fill her time, she also owns Sweet Mama's Cookies . Busy in her kitchen, Tehani whips up iced sugar cookies, gourmet drop cookies, and lactation cookies. She also makes cake pops, dipped pretzel rods,  and Rice Krispie treats upon request. Tehani opened up her lovely home to us to show her...

April 2024

Finance + Legal Services

Ways To Save

Tips and resources to help you save more. Article by Florence Daniels Things start to add up, and in this economy every penny needs to stretch that much farther. Here are just a few ways to help you be kinder to your wallet. Get A Library Card. Did you know the library not only is a place to borrow books and movies but there are free art culture passes to many nearby attractions and parks around the valley. There are also free workshops, kids activities, internet and tutoring resources...

March 2024

Education

Dollars and Sense

Chance Howard has some ideas on how to teach your kids financial literacy. Article by Florence Daniels | Photography by Kaeden Peterson Our children are so important to us, and we invest both of our time and our money in them. Yet, how do our kids see themselves in relation to the bank of mom and dad, and how do we make sure they don't assume it grows on trees? Mortgage broker and owner of Howard Funding LLC , Chance Howard, is the father of two with ten years of experience in finance, and...

March 2024