Yeehaw!

I bet our friends in Portland don't have "Old West" days. In fact, who knows if they do anything like this anywhere but here in Arizona, the heart of the South West. If you need something fun and different to do on Saturday, October 18th, head to downtown Mesa for the Mesa Old West Days. Festivities begin around 10:00am. It's free and there will be vendors, food and entertainment. I think everyone needs to witness a shoot-out reenactment every now and then.

Take the kids and pan for gold, take your husband so he can see the vintage baseball stuff or take yourself and enjoy the vendors that are sure to be plentiful.

Oh, and if you're adventurous, you may want to dress up. Dressed up or not, this is a fun way to enjoy our cooler weather.

Don't forget to read this so you and all your friends have a chance to win $25. We know a lot of people look at the site and don't comment. Don't be shy.

Picture and more information, including a schedule of events, from here.

Voting

Did you know that according to the census, only 68% of voting age citizens in the U.S. were registered to vote in 2006 and only 48% of voting age citizens actually voted?

(art borrowed from here)

We all know it's election time, you can't miss it.  Here at I Heart Mesa, we feel there is no excuse for not voting, especially with the ease of early voting (unless of course for religious reasons).  There are some very important issues here in Arizona as well as for our nation.  

Every time I have voted I have done the traditional way of going down to the polls and placing my votes.  This is the first election in which I have filled out the request to receive an early ballot.  It was so easy too.  Come election day I won't have to worry about packing the sippy cups and the snack bags and trying to time it just right so I don't hit the crowds when I go to vote.  All I will have to do is fill out my ballot in the comfort of my home and mail it in.  If you also want information on how to request an early ballot and you live in Maricopa county, go here.   

Remember, if you have not registered to vote yet, the deadline is October 1st for registration by mail and October 6th through the Internet (but I have heard that you want to do it earlier than later in case of high traffic).  Make sure you are also registered to vote for your correct address. 

For any more questions you may have about voting in Maricopa County, go here. 

When I was younger I had a neighbor who said she never bothered to vote because the people she voted for never won.  The only for sure thing that my neighbor ever did for politics was to make sure that her voice was never heard.  Your vote IS needed, please take the few minutes to make it count.

****Remember to spread the word about our little site and have a chance at that $25. ****

Downtown 2nd Friday

Friday, October 10th 2008

Every 2nd Friday is an event in downtown Mesa.  For the month of October, the theme is "Nightmare on Main Street."  See the flyer below for details, or go here for complete details.

Why pass up karaoke, trick-or-treating and good food? The "Night at the Museum" from 5:30-8:00 p.m. looks fun and interesting with special pricing of $4 for 18 and younger and $6 for those older than 18 (I'm sure 2 and younger are still free).  For more info on the Museum of Natural History, check out our previous blog post here.  

That same night, October 10th, MCC alumni association is hosting "Haunted Tales."  You can reserve a seat* to listen to Dr. Mary Aldridge speak on some of the more famous haunted places of England.  

This event is located at:

Sweet Cakes Cafe

21 West Main Street

Mesa, AZ  85201

480-461-9529

Space is limited for the story telling*.  RSVP here and select the event or call 480.461.7794.

*I just checked the RSVP section before posting this and the seats are already taken, however, you can be placed on a waiting list.

Thanks again Amber Smith and my handy MCC Alumni flyers for making me aware of these events.

Calling all Gardeners

Did you know you can garden in Arizona?  It's true, and you don't even need a lot of space to do it.  Gardening is therapeutic and a wonderful life lesson for children.  The time to plant is now.  Just go over to the right side of this blog, click on the "GARDENING" button and see what info we have to offer.

Let us know what gardening ideas you have.

Weekend

We appreciate all of our new visitors. We hope you have found this site useful and will enjoy coming back time and time again. We work hard to research the happenings of Mesa and come up with creative things for you to do, but we need your continued help. We love all the comments and suggestions we have received. Some of the suggestions are already in the works.  

Do you have info on activities around Mesa (or surrounding cities)? Is there an awesome deal somewhere in town? Are you having a garage sale that you want everyone to know about? Do you have a feature you want us to add to our site? The nice thing about this blog is that once we hear from you we can pass that information right along. (That is one thing I hate about magazines, they'll probably never use my random suggestions.)

So here's to hoping you can use the info we pass along and make your weekend a little better.

Remember:

In addition to this weekend being Health and Fitness Day, it is also Good Neighbor Day. This Sunday, go meet a neighbor. A smile to a neighbor is free to pass along, but is priceless in the effect it may have.

To also be a good neighbor, this Saturday go support the Nielsons, Mesa residents who desperately need our help. Plus, who doesn't enjoy a fabulous garage sale?

Also, keep spreading the word.

Red Mountain Mulitgenerational Center

We just gave you information and ideas for participating in Family Health and Fitness day.  We can't forget to mention Mesa's own Multigenerational Center. Although I have not yet made it out to this center, it looks amazing and seems to have a lot to offer, from an indoor track, a climbing wall, to group fitness classes.  Much of the facility can also be rented out for special occasions, whether it be a wedding, a birthday party or a dodgeball tournament.  Go check out their site here.

Location:

7550 East Adobe 

Mesa, AZ 85207 

Hours: 

Monday - Friday:  5:30 a.m.- 9:00 p.m.

Saturday:  8:00 a.m - 1:00 p.m.

Sunday - CLOSED

Contact:

480-644-4800 or 480-644-4810

FAX: 480-644-4571

For information on the cost to use this facility, go here.  I like the idea of the 10 or 20 visit pass.  You have 3 years to use it, which is good for someone like me who will probably not go regularly, but every so often.  (If they would have had that option at the gym I "go" to, it would have saved me a lot of money.) 

If you have more information or a comment about the Red Mountain Multigenerational Center, please share.

Family Health and Fitness Day: 9.27.08

Saturday is the day to get out and get active.  Take a walk, do some sit-ups, renew some of your healthy lifestyle goals.

(photo credit here)

If you want to do something city related, go here to sign up for Mesa's Fit City Challenge.  You only have a few months and activities left for this year with the Fit City Challenge, but they do sound fun and interesting.   

We all know that taking a more active role with your health and fitness can reduce disease, pain, obesity, illnesses, and so on.  But remember, taking care of your body increases your self esteem, lowers stress and depression.  What more are we waiting for?

Amber Smith let us know there is Yoga every Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. at Freestone Park in Gilbert: 

1021 E. Juniper Ave., Gilbert, Arizona 85233

Phone: 480-632-2702

For more information, cost, and even a list of more classes, go here.

Speaking of Freestone Park, I found that September's special is $5.50 for an all day ride wristband.  Ride the train, go on the carousel.  Go here for more info.

(Yes, we know we are a blog about Mesa, but that is one of the cool things about Mesa:  All the cities close by that also offer great things.)

Have fun getting active.

Thanks Amber and the rest of you who have already commented and helped to spread the word of our little blog.  Keep up the good work and that $25 might just be yours in a few days.

Spread the Good Word

We need you to help us spread the news of IHEARTMESA. So naturally, we've decided to bribe you with the chance of winning a $25 Visa Giftcard.

Here's how it works (and no, you don't have to live in Mesa to participate)...

You will be entered into our random drawing for doing the following:

1.) Making a post about this blog that includes a link to us (then be sure to leave us a comment telling us you did and what your blog address is); and,

2.) Submitting a suggestion via a comment or e-mail (an entry for each reasonable one); and,

3.) Adding our button to your blog (two entries for this one, but be sure to put the button in your sidebar, not just in your post...) using the following HTML code:

<a href="http://iheartmesa.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp78/iheartmesa/iheartmesa_button1.png" /></a>

The contest ends at Midnight on Friday, October 3rd and the winner will be announced Monday, October 6th.

Johnny Boy

September 26th is the birthday of John Chapman, better known as Johnny Appleseed.

It's a day for celebrating kindness, service, and apples.  When I think of Johnny Appleseed I always think of the movie and the catchy little half whistle song, "The Lord's Been Good to Me."

If you also love the movie and feel a little sad that you haven't seen it in years, don't worry YouTube is here.  Just go here and watch Part 1 and then Part 2.

Then for more viewing pleasure, you can watch another Johnny Appleseed movie with Martin Short (this one is longer) here.  Click on "watch now free."

No time for movies?  Just make sure you do a little something today to make the world a better place in Johnny's memory.

Support the Locals - Part 1

On this blog, we wish to highlight our local talent - those in our community who sell beautiful things. 

Our featured talent today is KaraLyn from Krafty KaraLyn.

KaraLyn makes and sells wooden blocks as well as brag books.  Everything is custom made to the colors you want.  

These blocks can be arranged into 50 different words and sayings, perfect for year round decorating.  

These brag books are 14 complete pages of cuteness. All you have to do is add your own pictures!  Scrapbooking doesn't get any easier than that.

If you or anyone you know want to be highlighted in our "Support the Locals" section, please leave a comment or send us an e-mail.  

Museum Day

I'm beginning to think there's a "day" for just about everything. Luckily, it's all for our benefit and enjoyment.

Saturday, September 27th is Museum Day, sponsored by the Smithsonian. Go here and download the coupon and then view a list of participating Museums in Arizona here.

In Mesa, the Mesa Historical Museum is participating.

Spooky

Haunt of the Living Dead Haunted House opens at Riverview this Thursday the 25th. It will be open until November 11th.

(Image from here)

Time: 7:00 PM

Location: 1017 N. Dobson Road, Ste 109

Cost: $20 ($13 for children younger than 14, but they don't recommend children that young).

More info here.

Fourth Friday ArtWalk

Need something to do this Friday (9.26) night? Head to Mesa Riverview for the Fourth Friday

(Image from here)

Where: Mesa Riverview (1061 N. Dobson Road Mesa, 85201) near the Cinemark theater
Time: 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Cost: Free

**This event happens every fourth Friday.

Info from here.

Local First Arizona.

Did you know...

When you shop at a locally owned business, 45 cents of every dollar stays in Arizona - versus only 13 cents of every dollar spent at a national chain!

If you're looking for a great resource of Arizona-based businesses for just about everything you'd need, always check Local First AZ.

Baby Lapsits

Information from: Mesa Main Library

Thursdays: September 4th – November 20th, 10:30 – 11:00 a.m.

Located in the Youth Activity Room

Baby Lapsits introduce the rhythm and beauty of language to babies aged birth to 18 months, using rhymes, songs, and simple stories. This program, limited to one child per grown-up lap*, helps enrich the bond between caregiver and child while building the foundation for a lifelong love of books and reading

No registration required.

(*Mother's of multiples, I'm sure they can make do if you want to go too - but that is just my biased opinion.)

Corduroy

(Image and information from here)

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Red Mountain Library Program Room

Come raise awareness of early literacy and help break the world record for number of children reading the same book on the same day. 

Also, enjoy fun teddy bear activities and making a craft.

Ballet Under the Stars

image from here

Each year, Ballet Arizona puts on free outdoor performances and call it 'Ballet Under the Stars' . It is spectacular to watch such performances outside. For 2008, the remaining performances are in Tempe, Fountain Hills and Phoenix. Performances begin at 7:00 PM. Dates and specific locations are as follows:

Fountain Hills
Thursday, September 25th
Fountain Park
12925 N Saguaro Blvd

Tempe
Friday, September 26th
Tempe Center for the Arts
700 W Rio Salado Pkwy

Phoenix
Saturday, September 27th
Steele Indian School Park
3rd St and Indian School Rd

Information obtained from here.

Family Story Time

This information comes from Mesa's Red Mountain Library:

FAMILY STORY TIME

Mondays: September 9th - November 17th

10:30–11:00 a.m.

Thursdays: September 11th - November 20th

1:30–2:00 p.m.

Come join us for this literature-based program of stories, songs and activities. Geared toward ages 2-5.

Family Story Time is located in the Program Room.

Fall Story Time

Information from Mesa's Main Library:

FALL STORY TIME

Wednesdays:  September 3rd - November 19th

9:30–10 a.m. or 10:30–11 a.m. 

Please join us for stories, music and fun, geared for ages 3-5.  (I go with my 2 year olds.)   No registration necessary–limited to the first 75 persons. As a courtesy to our storytellers and audience, no one will be admitted 10 minutes after the program begins. 

Story Time is located in Youth Activity Room. (If you attend the 9:30 session, enter from the door at the back of the library–north lawn.)

Haunted Tours

This one sounded interesting and fun. I thought I would pass it along (Info directly from here):

Ghost Tour and Downtown Mesa Walking Tour

(photo credit here)

This unique tour gives you the opportunity to visit historic sites and buildings in Mesa, exploring their histories and stories. Are these myths, rumors, legends? Does Mesa have tunnels? What floats down the stairs in the old jail? Join the tour and find out.

Visitors for the tour should wear appropriate walking shoes, as the tour will last approximately 1 ½ to 2 hours. The tour will take visitors inside a variety of historic downtown Mesa buildings, and tour guides will share the history and spooky stories of those buildings.

Come find out on this docent-led tour of historic downtown Mesa.

Pre-registration required. $15, registration opens early October.

Arizona Musuem for Youth

35 N. Robson

Mesa, AZ  85201

Downtown Mesa

Phone:  480.644.2468

(Image from here)

I LOVE this museum.  This museum was research and designed for youth and they got it right. One side of this museum is devoted to Artville, an area reserved for youth under the age of 5. Here your children can use their imagination in a world that was shrunk to fit.  They can cook in the kitchen or “plant” a garden.  Maybe they'll want you to read to them or they'll enjoy the slide.  This is definitely a place where imaginations grow.  If your child is still too young to walk and run, there is a soft stimulating area reserved in the middle of Artville for those 2 and under – just remember to bring socks.

Now for youth 5 and older, the other side of the museum has exhibits and hands on activities sure to stretch the mind of your child all while having fun.  These exhibits change throughout the year, giving even more reason to come back again and again.

I have also enjoyed the addition of their new Family Zone which is an indoor area with a few toys, tables and chairs and vending machines for snack or lunch time. 

Hours: 

Tuesday through Saturday:  10 a.m. to 4 p.m

Sunday:  12 p.m to 4 p.m. 

Closed Mondays and Holidays.

Admission: 
General admission is $5.50 for everyone over 1, and includes entry into the ArtVille area and into the Art Gallery exhibits. Admission is free for memebers and those under the age of one.

Memberships cost $50 and up (and are TAX DEDUCTIBLE)

For more information go here.

The Natural History Museum

53 N. Macdonald

Mesa, AZ  85201

One block north of Main Street in downtown Mesa.

Phone:  480.644.2230

(Image from here)

This museum was one of my favorite places to go as a child.  I still remember summer days and various Saturdays going with my grandma.  I loved seeing the Native American village, going through the old jail cells, panning for gold, and getting that all important candy stick at the end of the visit.  The museum still proves today to be a favorite among visitors, old and young.  For me it is a walk down memory lane while building new memories with my own family.  Plus, how can you resist walking amongst the dinosaurs?

Hours:  

Tuesday-Friday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Saturday:  11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Sunday:  1 - 5 p.m.

Closed Monday and Holidays

Cost:

Adult: $9

Children 3 -12 years:  $5

Seniors 65+ years: $8

Student 13+ with ID:  $7

Children 2 and younger:  FREE

Year passes start at $70

For more information  go here.