Fitness

Putting Faith in Sports

Paladin Sports Outreach is changing the culture of youth sports. Article by Tiffany Mraz | Photography by Rylan Dressendorfer We all know that youth sports can feel like a high-stakes race to a scholarship, with the loudest voices from the sidelines coming from hyper-invested parents.  But here in Queen Creek and other East Valley communities, Paladin Sports Outreach is shifting the goal into shaping players with purpose. “It really just started as a grassroots community sports,” founder...

Life + Culture

What Does Being An American Mean To Me

People around town tell us what celebrating America's birthday means to them. Photography by Alexxis Grant and Kaeden Peterson 'Being American means cherishing the freedoms won by those that fought and paid the ultimate price. It means exercising our rights of life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness while ensuring our children have the opportunities to achieve the American Dream.' - Mayor Julia Wheatley  'Being an American means honoring those sacrifices, appreciating our freedoms, working...

Travel

Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa

Take it easy for a romantic getaway in San Diego. Article by Jackson York | Photography by Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa Some trips are packed with plans from morning to night. Others are memorable because they give you a reason to slow down for a few days and enjoy where you are. Our stay at the Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa in San Diego was the latter. My wife and I spent three nights at the Catamaran for our anniversary, and from the moment we arrived, the experience felt easy. The...

Food + Beverage

Fire Up the Grill

Queen Creek Olive Mill has original recipes for your Fourth of July. Article and Photography by Queen Creek Olive Mill Bring some unique recipes and exciting flavors to the grill with these recipes from Queen Creek Olive Mill for an unforgettable Fourth of July celebration. Prickly Pear and Jalapeno Shrimp Equipment: 6 each 12 inch wooden or metal skewers  Ingredients: 24 large shrimp peeled and deveined 2 tbsp Jalapeno Olive Oil  2 tbsp Prickly Pear White Balsamic...

Life + Culture

The Big Tin Cotton Gin

A major move is happening for a historic building, piece by piece. Article by Florence Daniels | Photography by Hold Fast Visuals The Big Tin Cotton Gin has been a part of Queen Creek history since 1950. Back then, farmers would bring their cotton to be weighed and sold. As the town changed, the building went through several iterations, including a tire shop, a craft market, and a fruit stand.  For the last seven years, the Cotton Gin has been an event venue under the ownership of James and...

Life + Culture

Prescott Goes Big

Experience 4th of July in Prescott, Arizona. Article by Gretchen Pahia Small town America is preparing to celebrate the country’s 250th birthday, and if you are looking to celebrate yourself with some cooler temperatures, you don’t have to look too far. Prescott is making its Fourth of July celebration an even more special one this, as the town will celebrate America with a Western twist, featuring a full weekend of activities that celebrate the patriotism of Prescott’s community, to honor...

Entertainment

Stars, Stripes, and Summer Traditions

Simple ways families can celebrate America's 250th anniversary together. Article by Michelle Talsma Everson Some of the best family traditions begin almost by accident. A movie night that becomes annual. A game everyone asks to play again. A summer memory that lingers long after the decorations are packed away. As America approaches its 250th anniversary, families have an opportunity to celebrate in ways that feel less formal and more lasting. The goal does not have to be elaborate. It just...

Real Estate

Why the Best Real Estate Advice We Ever Got Had Nothing to Do With Real Estate

Why We Lead With Heart, Not Just a HandshakeSomebody told us, a long time ago, to keep emotion out of this business. Be professional. Stay detached. Run it like a transaction.We want to tell you why we never took that advice.Real estate isn't a transaction. Not really. It's the most emotional purchase you'll ever make in your life. You're not just buying square footage. You're buying the room where your kid is going to take their first steps. The kitchen where the holidays will happen. The...

Real Estate

Why the Most Trusted Agent in Encanterra Isn't the Most Famous One

There is a version of real estate where the agent with the most signs, the most ads, and the most followers wins.I have never been that agent. And after 36 years, I am not interested in becoming her.What I am interested in is being the person you call when it matters. The neighbor who tells you the truth. The team that picks up the phone. The name your friend gives you when they say, "Just call Tammy — she will take care of you."That is the business Gil and I have built. Not loudly. Not...

Home Services

Sundance Landscape Maintenance Inc June Landscape Essentials: Protecting Your Community Through Summer

Preparing Your Landscape for Arizona's Summer Heat and Monsoon SeasonAs temperatures rise across Arizona, landscapes begin transitioning into one of the most challenging times of the year. June marks the start of intense summer heat and the beginning of monsoon season preparations. Taking proactive steps now can help protect your landscape investment, improve plant health, and reduce costly damage later in the season.Adjust Irrigation for Active GrowthOne of the most noticeable changes in June...