Life + Culture

Music Man

Rick Dejesus has chased music all his life. Article by Florence Daniels | Photography by Jenny Kaufman and Kaeden Peterson "I'm going to make music." Rick DeJesus, lead singer/songwriter of the band Adelita's Way, told himself at 19 years old. He dropped out of college, left his hometown of Philadelphia, and drove all the way to Los Angeles. Despite the risk, it was not so much a choice for him as a calling. 'I was always consumed by music... music made me feel nothing is impossible,' he says...

Auto + Marine

Mufflers and More

Trusted and quality care for your car. Article by Florence Daniels | Photography by Jenny Kaufman A car's sleek lines, shiny hubcaps, and lush interior may be what first catches everyone's eye. Meanwhile, what lies beneath the hood, or even the under carriage may be thought of as less glamorous. However, when a car begins to run into trouble, the health of your vehicle cannot be taken for granted. At Mufflers N' More they have been seeing to their customer's car since 2020. In addition to auto...

Food + Beverage

Smokin' Hot

East Valley Firewood fires up some delicious smoked meats. Article by Florence Daniels | Photography by Jenny Kaufman Dave Havermann throws in another piece of pecan firewood into the smoker. The aromatic scent of the wood floats in the air and reminds you of a comforting camp fire. Dave is the owner of East Valley Firewood which sells a variety of firewood from mesquite, to mulberry, pistachio, olive, and more. Inside the smoker, Dave grilled some salmon, pork, and beef ribs. The firewood...

Fitness

Raising the Bar

Aaron Sanchez found a second chance through fitness. Article by Florence Daniels | Photography by Jenny Kaufman As Aaron Sanchez, lists out the health issues and the years spent drinking, what strikes a listener the most, is how open Aaron confronts his difficult past. He is not without appreciation for his journey, nor is his tone dismissive. Instead, he bears a lightness that comes with living in honesty and having overcome the darkest period of his life. The moment his habits caught up with...

Shopping

Gifts for Dad

Go local this Father's Day for gift ideas. Article by Jared Orr Father’s Day is just around the corner, and if you're looking for a gift that’s equal parts meaningful and memorable, you don’t have to go far. Queen Creek offers plenty of ways to celebrate Dad. Whether he’s a grill master, an outdoorsman, or just someone who enjoys a good cup of coffee, Queen Creek has plenty on offer.  A Saturday at Schnepf Farms Surprise Dad with a weekend outing to Schnepf Farms. Enjoy their U-Pick...

Life + Culture

Dutiful Dad

Ron Valerio talks juggling fatherhood, career, and giving back. Article by Florence Daniels | Photography by Jenny Kaufman We all wear many hats, and Ron Valerio is no different than most busy dads in town. However, his many obligations may also make one wonder where he finds extra hours in the day. Ron is Senior Vice President for Mortgage Lending at Unison Bank in Queen Creek, and he has worked in residential lending for the past 24 years. He is also President of the Queen Creek Rotary Club...

Life + Culture

The Founding Fathers of Queen Creek

The path to becoming a town started with a few men willing to make the step. Article by Florence Daniels | Photography by Kaeden Peterson When you hear the term 'Founding Fathers' the names of Washington, Jefferson, and Adams comes to mind. Queen Creek has its own origin story and even a few names of those who made it possible like Schnepf, Sossaman, and Gardner. By the 1980's many of the descendants of farmers and homesteaders had been living in Queen Creek for a few generations. Now the...

Local Services

Mommy Mingle

Natalie Mallett combines motherhood, work, and community. Article by Florence Daniels | Photography by Jenny Kaufman Natalie Mallett is a licensed professional counselor, specializing in maternal mental health, she is also a mom of 2 little girls. Natalie felt what most mothers do, and that is often the challenge of balancing work and children. It made her wonder if there were other moms out there who wanted or even needed the kind of support and service where a mom could have a few...

Local Services

Creating A Connection

New to town? Or need some inspiration? Come to Connect Belong AZ. Article by Florence Daniels | Photography by Tara Dunn Walking into Tara Dunn's home there is a flurry of activity and the sound of constant chatter. Once a month, a group of women come together here to do one thing... find a connection, whether it be business or supportive in nature. Hence the name, Connect Belong AZ. Tara says, 'It all started with a few of my clients who had recently relocated to Arizona and were searching...

Food + Beverage

Lavender Lemonade

Sip and savor the flavors of Spring. Article by Breanna Vega Lemonade is a staple in Arizona. Visit Schnepf Farms for fresh lavender and shop locally for desert honey. Ingredients: 6-8 large lemons 4-6 cups of water Raw honey Ice cubes Fresh lavender (10-12 sprigs)  Directions: 1. Juice 6-8 lemons to get about 1 ½ cup of lemon juice. 2. Muddle 6-8 sprigs of farm fresh lavender in the lemon juice. 3. Let steep for the next hour, occasionally agitating the lavender lemon juice...