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Archive for September, 2008

East Valley Development Crucial

September 29th, 2008, 9:17 pm by Sharon

December 8th marks the date for the next crucial meeting that has the potential to open a gateway to remarkable growth and opportunity for the southeast valley and northern Pinal County.

That meeting is a group of southeast mayors and government officials that will discuss items including trust land development of  the 275 mile sq. mile Superstition Vistas, transportation, and Phoenix-Gateway Airport.  The group: Gateway-Northern Pinal Area Alliance of Government that include mayors of Apache Junction, Queen Creek, Mesa, Florence, with Supervisors from Pinal County, and Arizona State Land Department Commissioner.

Mesa Mayor Scott Smith surely vocalizes all concerns to work effectively to coordinate efforts.

Uppermost in my mind are transportation needs, making sure people that live in these areas now - and in the future - have adequate, safe, plentiful transportation methods including good roads, freeway access, transit bus, and/or rail.  Someone needs to come up with the finances to take care of their constituents, residents, students, employees, mothers transporting children, fathers traveling miles to work - people come first!

Meetings will be scheduled quarterly, the December 8th meeting is being held at the Queen Creek Public Library (Ellsworth & Ocotillo) and open to the public.

The article appeared yesterday in the East Valley Tribune on-line news under Mesa.

National Emergency Preparedness Event

September 25th, 2008, 11:12 pm by Sharon

We’ve all seen or heard about many of the disasters that happen in our country, but what about you and your family?  Are you ready?  Captain Gabe Sezate, Emergency Management, Mesa Fire Department - has a day planned for us!

You’ll want to show up Saturday, September 27th from 9am - 2 pm when Mesa Fire and Police will be on hand along with others to help our community know how to be prepared!

There will be plenty to do and see, including free seminars on Family Disaster Preparedness, what do with pets, and how about your employees - all critical information we need to know.

Another plus is family entertainment, free prizes, and a kids catch and release fish tank - the day will be educational and fun.  Many community partners are hosting the event making available this wonderful opportunity.

The place: Bass Pro Shops at Mesa Riverview - 1133 North Dobson - Loop 202 and Dobson. 

Check out these web sites for emergency information in Arizona:  WWW.AZ211.GOV  WWW.READY.GOV

Lonnie Found - answered prayer!

September 15th, 2008, 12:23 pm by Sharon

Lonnie - the 12 year old that was missing has been found in Laveen!  Praise God for answered prayer!!

How thankful and relieved her parents must be who recently moved from Laveen to Mesa.  Good news for family and friends!

Praying for Lonnie

September 13th, 2008, 10:21 pm by Sharon

Often times it’s difficult to adjust to change at the age of 12.  Lonnie of Mesa, the 12 year old that went missing, must have had some very close and trusted relationships in the town of Laveen - where she recently moved from.  So much so that perhaps she tried to find her way back.

As I began to read the story however, I would not have jumped to the conclusion that she went on her own except for the fact some clothes and personal items were missing as well.  My heart and thoughts go out to Lonnie who must be fearful by now, and her parents who must be incredibly worried.

My prayer is that Lonnie be found safe, unharmed, and soon! If you know anything, please call 480-644-2211, Mesa Police

Story posted by Nick R. Martin.

Barlow Girl, Neecham, Barrettsmith

September 13th, 2008, 1:23 am by Sharon

Do these names sounds familiar?  If they are or you want to find out and experience a terrific music event you’ll be where they are in Mesa

It’s called Million Voices Tour with Barlow Girl, special guest Jimmy Neecham, and featuring Brooke Barrettsmith!  The place: City of Grace, sponsoring the event with Vertigomovement.net in Mesa - 655 E. University Dr.

Sunday, September 21st - Time, 6:30 pm, doors open at 5:30 pm - Tickets: $10 for groups of 10 or more, $15 Advance, $18 at the door, and $27 for a VIP Badge that gets you in at 4:30 pm and a 45 minute Q&A/photo session with Barlow Girl!

Contacts for more information and tickets: City of Grace Bookstore - open Sundays and through the week 10-5pm.  Also at www.extremefaithproductions.com or at 480-812-1100.  I can’t wait!

Vertigo Movement - a young adult gathering that will begin to meet every week starting October 3rd, for a concert, conversation, and food - all on Fridays - 7:00 pm, Activity Center, City of Grace.  Afterward out to some of the most popular areas around the valley, this is where you want to be!

Festival at MAC

September 12th, 2008, 12:39 am by Sharon

It’s not too early to start thinking about you know what….Christmas gifts!  One of the places you’ll be sure to find something special will be at the Mesa Arts Center on Saturday, November 22, 10AM - 6PM.

The day will be an event you won’t want to miss and it’s FREE!  Artists will have their unique gifts, there will be live entertainment, and fun children’s activities.  Of course there will be beverages and food from restaurants available too!

One of those artists I know you’ll love - Viola Burke makes Joy Boxes, and a variety of many other gifts - they are professional, adorable, others have a precious spiritual emphasis, stuff you’ve not seen before - you won’t be disappointed!

More information about the event is at MesaArtsCenter.com - 480-644-6627, or email Courtney.Tjaden@MesaArtsCenter.com - they are still accepting artist applications last I knew.

I’m looking forward to it!

Paz de Cristo Rededication

September 10th, 2008, 4:08 pm by Sharon

Saturday, September 14th, 10:00 am - the rededication of Paz de Cristo will recognize their successful work on their 20th anniversay, an outreach ministry of St. Timothy’s Catholic Community.  

Congregations, service organizations and others that have contributed, volunteered their time and worked in a ministry that is still going strong - continuing to support those in need, will be recognized.  This is a grand work that has produced much since it’s beginning September 15, 1988!

Bishop Thomas O’Brien will be officiating the event - one that is here in Mesa at 424 W. Broadway Rd!  Did you know that Paz de Cristo means The Peace of Christ?  Wow, just think of the impact we have, joining hands and bringing about the work of the kingdom!  Lawn Griffiths September 9 article gives a complete story.

Volunteers pack boxes filled with well-balanced food choices in mind.  In one day, 797 food boxes were given out, a record number before Thanksgiving and Christmas -  a great need in the southeast area.   

Many help prepare and serve meals; up to 280, 71,000 meals last year.  Familiar with my church, City of Grace (formerly Word of Grace) has been steady contributors under the direction of our Urban Outreach Director, Katie O’Dell.  I’m fortunate to have been part of serving and packed many a box! 

Paz de Cristo is an outstanding pillar in our community, an excellent example of reaching others for Christ - without preaching! 

Facts I’ve recently learned as a result of research by Dr. Ron Woodworth: there were 74,936, as of 2000, Catholic Charities (includes - dispensaries, leprosaria’s nurseries and other institutions; Catholic Relief Services, and Caritas Internationalis (poverty and social inequality).  In 2008 - you can image how this number has grown!!

Thanks to Paz de Cristo we can all help!

Gateway Airport a great asset

September 9th, 2008, 3:55 pm by Sharon

When 3 Southwest Airline flights were diverted to Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport in one short time-frame this week, it was a first and much needed!  Those flights, all 737’s totaled 173 passengers that were sent to Gateway because of the unusual winds at Sky Harbor.  I can imagine pilots and passengers were very happy they had a short distance to land and re-fuel!

Another article appearing today shows the results of an ASU Study and the positive economic impact the airport has generated:  500 million that supported 4500 jobs! Thanks to all those that have supported and continue to see Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport as a major component in making the southeast region of our area a huge asset and for the State of Arizona.

Know How to Slow

September 6th, 2008, 4:29 pm by aftonzapata

As a resident of a neighborhood a block from the new 202 extension near Brown Road, I appreciate the convenience of having the freeway so readily accessible. I have notice how fellow drivers are adapting well to the roundabouts while others have no idea what they are doing. In traffic courses and traffic survival school, which I was a student recently due to a red light running, so the camera says, and I beg to differ, there was no mention of the yeild signage which now control traffic on and off the 202 freeway at Brown and McKellips. For those of you who need a refresher on the definition of yield here it is: yield -give way; defer; surrender; succumb; give in. So the next time you approach a yield sign it is best to defer to the oncoming traffic, know how to slow down and surrender your desire to fly through the roundabout. Be safe.

Feeling the Economic Crunch? Embrace opportunities!

September 6th, 2008, 4:14 pm by aftonzapata

My friend and I decided to check out the Neighbors helping Neighbors United Food Bank $16 Food Purchase program on Friday. We arrived at the Food Bank at 8:45, just 45 minutes after it opened. My friend, a native of Mesa, had said hello to a few neighbors who told her about the program and who were also waiting in line. Sure enough, $16 and a few hours later we walked away with food for a week. As I stood in line, I noticed the other recipients of the program and how America is the greatest country in all the world. We have so many opporunities for employment, food, and healthcare. We just need to sacrifice the time to find those resources and give up our pride in doing what is best for our family and our neighbors. As my friend and I took some extra food to another friend of ours we truly felt the inspiration of the program as Neighbors helping Neighbors. As a community, education and resources are vital to keeping our spirits up in this economic crunch. For more information check out www.az211.gov for other resources.

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