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...

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

Amazing Moms of Queen Creek

Six inspiring women making an impact inside and outside the home. Article by Florence Daniels | Photography by Kaeden Peterson Tammy Figueroa and Susan Johnson -  Judges When we decided to launch a search for the amazing moms in Queen Creek, we suspected we might find some special stories. What we in fact discovered were women who were quietly but heroically carrying their families and passionately pursuing community and volunteering their time and talent. We asked Tammy Figueroa of The Figz...

Life + Culture

A Queen Creek Original

Margaret Schnepf recounts her memories of motherhood in Queen Creek. Article by Florence Daniels | Photography by Kaeden Peterson In the 1950's Queen Creek was a community of farmers who lived far away from many conveniences we take for granted. Margaret Ann Ellsworth-Schnepf raised her five children  on the farm that she and her husband ran, where their nearest neighbor lived 4 miles away. The kids were, in her words, 'free range'. As she got on with her daily activities, the children would...

Beauty

Healthy Skin, Healthy Life

Alicia Bishop of Queen Creek Med Spa shares her top skin tips. Article by Jared Orr | Photography by Ashley Blake Photography As mothers, we often put everyone else's needs before our own. This Mother's Day, it's time to focus on self-care and skin health. Queen Creek Med Spa offers various treatments to help you have the radiant, healthy skin you deserve. Here's your guide to understanding the perfect treatments for your skin concerns: How to Address Dull, Tired Skin Try the Diamond...