Fun and Family: Kid-Friendly Things to Do In and Around Mesa

Check out these fun things to do in and around Mesa for the week of January 31st through February 6th.

Just for Kids - Little Desert Explorers at Usery Mountain Regional Park
3939 N. Usery Pass Road in Mesa
Thursday, February 3 at 10:00 AM
Cost: $6 per vehicle
Kids 3-6 take a 1-mile hike with their parents or caregiver to learn about the desert. The trail is wheelchair and stroller accessible. Bring water and a hat. Meet at Area 6.  A ranger at the park entrance can guide you to the right spot.  Info here.

First Saturdays for Families at the ASU Art Museum
Saturday, Feb 5th from 11:00 AM to 3:00PM
ASU Art Museum

Southeast corner of 10th Street and Mill Ave in Tempe.
Children ages 4 to 12 and their parents are invited to participate in a family-fun creative project from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the first Saturday of the month. All supplies are provided by the ASU Art Museum.  Info from here.

Peter Pan and Wendy
Actor's Youth Theater will be performing this family show at the Mesa Arts Center
Nesbitt-Elliott Playhouse
Tuesday, February 1st through Friday February 4th at 7pm;
Saturday, February 5th at 2pm
Cost: $10 for children and $13 for adults.  Buy tickets here.

Childrens Museum of Phoenix
Free this Friday.  See here for details.

Three for Free
The first Sunday of the month, enjoy free admission to three Mesa museums: Arizona Museum for Youth, Arizona Museum of Natural History, and the Mesa Arts Centers Contemporary Arts Galleries.  Also, enjoy a free outdoor concert at the MAC.  This month it's Pete Pancrazi playing classic jazz from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.  Go here or here for more information.

Author Signing
Obert Skye, author of the Leven Thumps series will be signing copies of his books Pillage and Choke Tuesday, Feb 1st at 6pm at Barnes and Noble.  Northwest corner of Baseline and Val Vista.

Or, check out ongoing events like Bass Pro Shop kids night and various storytimes here.

Also, coming up: Imagination Movers at the Mesa Arts Center on February 25th if you're interested in buying tickets now.

Help Hope Arising Raise Funds to Bring Clean Water to Ethiopia

Come out February 5th to enjoy a fun night of food and music to raise money to battle poverty in Ethiopia.

Jennifer Brinkerhoff is working with the non-profit Hope Arising to bring a water line to the dry village of Dera, Ethiopia. This Saturday she is hosting her 40th birthday bash in which she hopes to raise $40,000 for this cause.  One hundred percent of the tax deductible funds raised will be used to complete the water line in Dera as well as begin micro finance loans to vulnerable women and children.

The event will include live performances by up and coming country trio, Firefly and singer Jordan Bluth with his wife Kaitlynn, Ethiopian music, authentic Ethiopian food, photographs, and stories of the people of Dera.

Event Details:

Saturday, Febrary 5th at 7pm

Wright House, 636 West University Dr., Mesa, AZ 85201

Suggested donation of $20 (or more!)

Contact chantal @ hopearising.org or call 602-549-0955 with questions.

Check the website for Hope Arising here for more details about this cause and find event details and purchase tickets here.  If you are unable to attend the event, you can still make donations at www.hopearising.org/. All donations are tax deductible.  You can purchase tickets and make contributions online at www.hopearising.org or at the event.

Info taken from a press release sent to us.  If you have an event you'd like to share, send it to us at iheartmesa @ gmail.com

Erica's Craigslist Collection

1. Z Gallerie Table - $250 - Scottsdale

2. Mid Century Teak Desk - $125 - Glendale

3. Striped Armchair - $95 - Scottsdale

4. Mid Century Dining Set - $350 - Chandler

5. Vintage Drexel Bench Table - $50 - Phoenix

Erica is a decorating and DIY enthusiast living in Mesa, AZ. Find her at her blog, Tart House.

Wake-Up Wednesday - Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch and Hieroglyphics Trail

We live in Mesa. Arizona.  Our weather is beautiful, we have awesome hiking trails, lots of fun things to do outdoors, and many ways to stay active right here in sunny Arizona.  Wake-up Wednesday is a way to feature all that.  

Kathryn's Wake-up Wednesday Pick of the Week:  Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch


This ranch is a little farther from Mesa, but still blog worthy.  It is about an hour and 20 minutes away from my house.  If you are out and about in the Casa Grande area or on your way to Tucson, or just in need of a morning excursion, then this one is for you.

Last week my husband needed to do some work in Casa Grande.  He took our older twins along for the ride and they stopped off at Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch.  They fed miniature donkeys (like the donkey in Shrek).  I heard they were really friendly and my Lucy even got a few hugs in.  They also fed feisty ostriches, goats that can climb in a 2 story feeding area, adorable deer and beautiful birds.  This little excursion only cost $15 for the feed.  That afforded all 3 an hour of one of a kind enjoyment.   My girls came home from "work" with daddy so thrilled to share their adventures.

Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch is located at the base of historic Picacho Peak Mountain. Exit #219 on Interstate 10, then follow sign and take frontage road east 1 mile directly to the Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch. (directions from their website here.)

Did anyone visit the Superstition Mountains this past week or get a year state park pass here?    

I know my cousin did.  Her family went for a hike on Hieroglyphics Trail in the Superstition Mountains.  Check out these cool petroglyphs.  They even found some rocks that worked as a make-shift slide.

This hike is about 3 miles round trip and is kid friendly.  To see more photos go here, or to print off a map go here.  I hear driving directions get a little confusing, so take advantage of the map.

Upcoming Local Runs:

Lost Dutchman Run

Pat Tillman Run

Warrior Dash

Other ways to keep yourself active this week:

Usery Pass - Yoga, bird watching, a New to Arizona walk, hikes for kids. 

Red Mountain Multigenerational Center - Rock wall,  Indoor track, group fitness classes.   

Sousa Elementary Swap Meet

For those heading out the the garage/estate sales this weekend, make sure to put this one on your list:

Sousa Elementary Swap Meet
616 N. Mountain Rd.
Mesa, AZ 85207

Saturday, January 29th
8:00 a.m. — 12:00 p.m.
food and fun activities for the kids too

"An opportunity for all…
Those that have something they would like to sell…
Those that would like to shop for bargains and one-of-a-kinds…
Those that want to come and be a part of the fun at Sousa Elementary.

Vendor spaces are available for “rent” for a $25 donation. The spaces are approximately 9’ x 17’. Set-up will begin at 7:00 a.m."

Please contact Becky Weber at Sousa Elementary if you would like to be a vendor:  480-472-8879

This Week's Out and About Events

If you’re looking for a night out and about with friends or a special someone, there’s loads to do! You can catch a show (music, theater, or movie!), go skating, check out some historic sites around town, or even help volunteer to prune one of the country’s top ten rose gardens right here in Mesa.

World’s Largest “Real Fake” Indoor Snowball Fight
Jan. 26th – 5-8pm – Skateland in Mesa
Tomorrow night (Wednesday) you can be a part of the world’s largest “real fake” indoor snowball fight! For just $9 you can get admission, skate rental, all you can eat pizza and soda, and participate in the world’s largest snowball fight. Info emailed from Skateland.

Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance
Jan. 26th – 27th, 2pm or 7:30pm, Mesa Arts Center (MAC)
This Wednesday and Thursday you can also catch Lord of the Dance at the MAC’s Ikeda Theater. Celtic music and dance is used to illustrate a 21-scene story of the battle between the Lord of Darkness and the Lord of Light and a love story that runs between it all. Tickets start at $27. For more info, go here.

Free Showing: “For Once in My Life”
Jan. 27th, 5:30-8:30pm, Mesa Arts Center (MAC)
This Thursday you can attend a free screening of the film “For Once in My Life” at the MAC’s Dobson Lecture Hall. Part of the free monthly community cinema series in Mesa, this film gives the story of the “Spirit of Goodwill” band, which is an all-Goodwill-employee music group whose members have mental and physical disabilities. Prior to the screening is a special pre-show musical performance, followed by a discussion of the film after it is shown.  While the event is free, you must RSVP to Mesa Human Services Coordinator Brandy Howard at brandy.howard@mesaaz.gov or (480) 644-5831. For more info and to watch a trailer of the film, visit their website here.

Double-Feature Drive-in Movies
Ongoing, shows starting at 7:30pm, Scottsdale Six Drive-in
Or this weekend you can catch a drive-in movie at the Scottsdale Six. Some of the double features include Gulliver’s Travels with Season of the Witch; Tangled and Tron: Legacy; The Green Hornet and The Tourist, as well as several other offerings. Tickets are just $6.50. Check out more movies and times here.

The Phoenix Symphony’s “Hollywood Dreams and Nightmares”
Jan. 28th – 30th, Symphony Hall in Phoenix
Also this weekend from Friday to Sunday the Phoenix Symphony is also putting on a fun “Hollywood Dreams and Nightmares” concert featuring music from Pirates of the Caribbean, Lawrence of Arabia, Star Wars, Out of Africa, and more! Tickets start at $18. For more info, visit their site here.

The Rose Garden Deadheaders
Saturdays from Jan-Feb, 8:30am, Mesa Community College
Join the Rose Garden Deadheaders at the MCC Rose Garden to help prune their astoundingly beautiful 8,000+ rose bushes. Info from their website says, “Consulting rosarians from the Mesa East Valley Rose Society will give pruning demonstrations after the 8:30am meeting every Saturday to teach the proper way to prune. Coffee [and hot chocolate] and Krispy Kreme doughnuts are always provided!” For more info, visit their site here or check out their volunteer info here. 

Mesa’s 11th Annual Historic Home Tour
Jan. 29th , 10am-4pm, downtown Mesa
Homes in two of the city’s registered historic neighborhoods, Frasier Fields (a post WWII development) and West Second Street, will be featured in the tour, along with a carriage house, the 1916 Antique Wedding House, the Irving School, the Mesa Historical Museum, and more. The $15 admission includes visits to all the homes and sites on the tour, free admission to the Mesa Historical Museum, a souvenir book, and a map to the tour locations. For details on how to and where to purchase tickets, go here.

Free Show at JesterZ for Your Birthday
Lastly, if you have a birthday coming up, you can also catch a free show at JesterZ Improv! JesterZ is turning 10 years old this year (congrats guys!) and to celebrate, they’re offering “1 free ticket to individuals that come to JesterZ within 6 days of their birthday.” For details on how to get this great offer, visit their website here.

Fun and Family: Kid-Friendly Events for this Week

The events this week are all on-going, so if you can't make it this time you may be able to catch it later.  I've also compiled storytime events at libraries and bookstores around town.  Take your pick! 

Hot Wheel Toy Car Event and Car Cruise
1817 E. Baseline Road in Gilbert
Every Friday, 5pm to 10pm.
$5 a kid.  Race Hot Wheels on a 30-foot long track with an electronic start and a timer. Kids 12 and younger get a free Hot Wheels car. A custom Hot Wheels show is included along with a car cruise featuring full-size automobiles.  Go here and scroll down to see a flyer.

Storytimes at Mesa Public Libraries

Family Storytime (children 3-5)
Held every Tuesday at the Main Library, every Wednesday at Dobson Ranch Library, and every Thursday at the Red Mountain Library. Times at each location are from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Toddler Time (children 2-3)
Every Wednesday at the Main Library, from 10:30 a.m. to 10:50 a.m.

Baby Lapsit is for children birth to two held every Thursday at the Main Library from 10:30 a.m. to 10:50 a.m. It’s also held on the last Wednesday of each month at the Dobson Ranch Library and last Thursday of the month at the Red Mountain Library. Start time for both locations is from 11:30 a.m. to noon.  Info from here.

Storytime at Southeast Regional Library
775 N. Greenfield in Gilbert
Tuesdays, 10:30 to 11:00am
Kids 5 and younger have story time with books, finger plays and music. Free tickets are available in the Youth Services area 20 minutes before story time begins.  Info here.

Storytime at Borders at Superstition Springs
Thursdays and Saturdays at 11:30
Storytime and activity for toddlers and preschoolers.  So, you could go to the Mall's kids' club from 10:00 to 11:00 then to storytime at 11:30.  What a day.

Wildflower Kids at Wildflower Bread Company
3425 E. Baseline Road, Suite 101 in Gilbert
Every Wednesday, 3:30 to 4:00 pm
A craft time for children. Free milk and cookies served. On the last Wednesday of the month, Annie G. brings puppets, sings and performs for kids.  Info from here.  Kelly, one of our readers highly recommends it.  She says, "My kids love doing crafts and the little cookie and milk was just a bonus."

Storytime at Barnes and Noble
Dana Park (1758 S. Val Vista in Mesa)
Thursdays and Saturdays at 11:00 AM
Go here for more info and for a schedule of upcoming stories that will be presented.

Also, I found this information for free tutoring and thought I would share:

Impacted For Purpose Access Point: Located at 4210 East Main Street Suites 11 and 12 in Mesa. 
Every Tuesday, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Every Saturday, 10:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Members of the community can receive free tutoring assistance in all academic subjects and for GED test preparation.

Disclaimer: I've done my best to provide accurate information, though you may want to double check by calling ahead if you are planning on going to one of these.

EVIT Expo

Today we wanted to do a special feature on an upcoming activity.  We have tried to be more streamline in our postings, but every once in a while we do still like to do a stand alone feature. 

Our pick of the week: the EVIT Expo (formerly known as Tech Fest)

Saturday, January 29, 2011 from 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

located between Alma School and Dobson Roads at 1601 West Main Street

For more information, call (480) 461-4000 or go here.

You can also check EVIT out on Facebook here

All information is from Meghan, media relations coordinator for EVIT 

This Expo will be a huge open house with all sorts of interactive activities for families. Let me just list some of them out for you:

- helicopter landed by an EVIT Aviation student

- hot air balloon rides

- demonstration by the Mesa SWAT Team

- kick-off to EVIT's radio students' brand new FM radio station (90.7 KVIT The Goldmine)

- parade of classes

- live broadcasts by Video Productions

- classic car show

- coronation of Mister and Miss EVIT

- cosmetology masquerade

- food demonstrations in Culinary Arts

- have your blood pressure checked in Health Occupations, have your brakes checked in Automotive Technology

- mine rescue demonstrations

- mock surgeries in Surgical Technology

- mariachi music

And more for a total of 35 demonstrations!  During the parade, each class will be represented by students and their “tools of the trade.” It will include fire engines, police cars, a tank, dancers, business and school mascots and, of course, EVIT students dressed in the attire of their business. The parade will be led by Mr. and Miss EVIT candidates.

All this is FREE, plus, the first 500 people to attend will receive a FREE t-shirt.    

I think EVIT is a great asset to our community and I am so proud that Mesa is home to a campus of it's kind.  It offers high school students across the valley industry training as part of their high school curriculum, tuition free.  Students attend their home high school half day and EVIT the other half, graduating ready to enter the job field.  EVIT also offers adult education classes and is now offering financial assistance for adults who are looking for career training or re-training to keep up with technological changes. The Continuing Education department will be open during EVIT Expo for admissions and information.  

Make sure to check this out if you are an interested parent, student, or just a family looking to have a fun free Saturday. 

This post was made possible by BCN - Baby Clothing Network.  We love our sponsors and they make continuing with I Heart Mesa possible.  If you are looking for a frugal way to convert your outgrown baby clothes into a bundle of clothes at the right size, check out Baby Clothing Network.  You can read our post here or click on their button on our sidebar.  

Erica's Craigslist Collection

Hello fellow scavengers! I'm always on the hunt for unique storage furniture, and I think this vintage cubby piece is so great. You could use it as a magazine holder, in an entryway for shoes, or as a display case for a collection. Love it!



1. Vintage Cabinet with Cubbies - $110 - Scottsdale

2. Mid Century Dresser - $700 (for dresser and King size headboard) - Glendale

3. Two Black Mirrors - $125 - Mesa

4. Spindle Bed - $150 - Chandler

5. Vintage Rolling Cart - $75 - Scottsdale

Erica is a decorating and DIY enthusiast living in Mesa, AZ. Find her at her blog, Tart House.

Wake-Up Wednesday - Lost Dutchman State Park

Today we are starting a new feature:  Wake-up Wednesdays.

We live in Mesa. Arizona.  Snowbirds know what they are doing when they move here for 7 months out of the year.  Our weather is beautiful, we have awesome hiking trails, lots of fun things to do outdoors, and many ways to stay active right here in sunny Arizona.  So, Wake-up Wednesdays is going to be a way to feature all that.

Kathryn's Wake-up Wednesday Pick of the Week:  Lost Dutchman State Park

This park is special to me.  This is where my husband asked me to marry him.  A few weeks ago, as part of his New Years resolution, my husband went in the wee morning hours to run the trail.  Last Friday, we spontaneously loaded our 4 girls up and headed to the desert for dinner.  We had the best views in Arizona - the Superstitions and a sunset.  We all loved it and we are sure to keep this one on the list of things to keep doing.  

(I think my little Annie was in awe of her view)

Then I discovered Lost Dutchman State Park has events just like Usery Pass does.  Enjoy an astronomy night on February 4th at 7:30 or every Wednesday in February, come out for a guided hike through the desert.  Check out all the upcoming events here.  You can even brush up on your Lost Dutchman history in order to share some great stories around the picnic table.    

The cost to get into the park is $7 per vehicle.  For those planning to make numerous trips to Lost Dutchman and all the other state parks this year (for a map of State Parks go here), you can purchase a state park year pass for $75 or $200.  The difference in price is that the $75 option does not allow weekend or holiday entrance into the river parks, all other parks are fine.  Go here for more information (don't let the wording confuse you though).  I think our family is going to take advantage of the $75 option, so look for more upcoming posts on state parks like the Arboretum, Picacho Peak, Tonto Natural Bridge...I'm excited!

To get to Lost Dutchman State Park, take US 60 to Idaho Rd.  Go left at S Idaho Rd, take a slight right at N. Apache Trail.  Keep going and you will see the park on your right.      

Upcoming Local Runs:

Love Walk

Saturday, January 22, 2011.  Come walk a 5K at the Phoenix Zoo while encouraging healthy habits and service in your family.  Enjoy the rest of the day at the zoo.  Register here.    

Lost Dutchman Run

We told you about this run early this month.  Just a reminder:  Sunday, February 20, 2011, Marathon/Half Marathon/10K/8K/ or 2 Mile Fun Run that starts around a campfire and takes in the beauty of the Arizona desert.  Go here to read the original post.  

Pat Tillman Run

Registration is now open for the 7th annual Pat Tillman run, on April 16, 2011.  Come run/walk 4.2 miles around ASU's campus in memory of Tillman's #42.  Finish your run on the 42 yard line.  Make it a family affair and bring the kids too.  Those 12 and under can run the .42 mile race.  Proceeds go to help support the Tillman Military Scholars Program.  Register here.  (I think I might just dust off my running shoes for this one.)

Warrior Dash

3.5 miles of mud, hay, sand, logs, fire....and many other obstacles.  April 30th, 2011 will be unique for sure.  Go here to read our original post.    

Other ways to keep yourself active this week:

Usery Pass - Yoga, bird watching, a New to Arizona walk, hikes for kids. 

Red Mountain Multigenerational Center - Rock wall,  Indoor track, group fitness classes.   

New Mesa Shirts in the Shop and On Sale!

Several months ago we had the idea to make shirts for this blog.  Part of our mission statement here at I Heart Mesa is to build a better sense of community in Mesa, Arizona and we felt some well designed shirts would be just the thing.  I contacted my sister-in-law and designer Angela Hardison and she got right to work.

Her first design was created in collaboration with her husband Clint.  Clint had the idea to create a design using the diving lady, an icon that practically screams Mesa.  Using a photograph my husband Ryan took as a point of reference, Angela created the diving lady shirt, replacing the word Motel with Mesa.  We couldn't think of a better way to show Mesa pride.  After the design work was well underway, a monsoon knocked the diving lady over.  We knew we needed to do our part to help get her restored so we are donating 15% of our profit to the cause.

The second shirt design was inspired by my sister's move to Virginia 6 years ago.  I missed my niece and nephew dearly.  I wanted to send a package to them that had a little part of Mesa in it.  I found some shirts that were practically hideous, but they said Mesa and love and I was hooked and wanted them for my niece and nephew.  Fast forward 6 years.  I asked Angela to take a similar saying and to create something much more stylish.  She created the Someone in Mesa Loves Me shirt.  I've given this shirt as a gift numerous times and it always brings a smile. But, don't feel like you can only buy this shirt to give away.  Buy one for yourself because you are definitely loved here in Mesa.

I Heart Mesa shirts can be purchased online here.  Prices start at $13.  Or if you would like a custom Diving Lady shirt, head down to Surf & Ski in downtown Mesa.  Choose a shirt from their inventory and they can print it while you wait.  Prices start at $15.  (It is neat to watch the screen printing process - it's like a How It's Made episode)

Recently we have updated our shop and have added a larger selection of shirts to choose between.  All solid diving lady tees are printed in the classic light blue ink and all solid Someone in Mesa tees are printed in bright white ink.  American Apparel striped shirts, either the Diving Lady or the Someone in Mesa design, are printed in a deep red.  All Gildan shirts are available in youth to adult sizes.  AND...because we feel our shirts would make a fabulous Valentine's Day gift, all Someone in Mesa shirts are on sale!  Now, go check out our shop and make sure to get your shirts in time for Valentine's Day.   (Please contact us at iheartmesa@gmail.com if you would like a discount on a bulk order.)

Also, enjoy these pictures of Marily and I and our families sporting the new styles.  (Just a note - sorry you missed out on a complete family picture with my littlest ones included.  They were there.  I promise.)

- Kathryn          

Out and About - This Weekend's Events

Here are several events going on this weekend for those that love to be out and about:

Desert Dolls Roller Derby
Saturday, Jan. 22, Phoenix. Doors open 6:30pm. 
Ever been to a roller derby? If not, here’s your chance. This Saturday night, for just $10 a ticket you can watch the Pretty H8 Machine duke it out with the Cosmic Killas. Event located at the Castle Sports Club off of 19th Ave. in Phoenix. For more info, go here. Info from here.

Cruisin’ on Main Street
Saturday, Jan. 22, 5pm – late, downtown Mesa.
Take a slow drive – or walk - down Main Street from Country Club to Mesa Drive to experience a good old-fashioned cruise. Come and show off your cool car/motorcycle to the public, or just bring someone along to watch with you. Many businesses along Main stay open late to celebrate. Information from here.

Open Mic Night at Sweet Cakes Café
Saturday, Jan. 22, 7pm-10pm, downtown Mesa
“…where anyone and everyone can share their talents. Singing, playing guitar or piano, poetry you name it…” Check out their calendar here for additional info.

Queen Creek Olive Mill – Festival of the New Oil
Weekends now thru Feb. 20, 10am-2pm, Queen Creek
“Bring friends and family to the Mill to celebrate Olio Nuovo- the arrival of our ‘New Oil’ that was recently pressed from October-December. Our limited collection of Private Press EVOOs will also be available at this time.” Featuring product & wine tastings, in-store deals, lunch & breakfast specials, and live music. Information from their website here.

Movie Night at Usery Pass Park
Saturday, Jan. 22, 7pm, Usery Mountain Regional Park
Enjoy a fun and entertaining movie about desert animals and wildlife. No reservations required; just $6 per vehicle. You can bring your own snacks but no glass bottles please. Meet in the Nature Center. More information from their site here.
 

The Importance of Being Earnest
Wed, Jan. 19 – Sat., Jan. 22, 7pm, Red Mountain High School
Here is a description of this upcoming play directed, produced, and performed by RMHS students: “Set in the 1800s, this classic comedy is a story of mistaken identity, mostly regarding the name ‘Earnest,’ while poking fun at the hypocrisies of the high-society scene.” Tickets range from $8 - $12. More information from here. 

Fun and Family

Here are some things to do with your kids or someone else's in and around Mesa, AZ this week:

Kids Club at Superstition Springs
Thursday, January 30th from 10am to 11am
Just like nearly every other Thursday, you can head down to the JC Penney court for an event of stories, music, and dancing.  Plus, if you register as a kids club member here you get a free token for the carousel.  More info here.

Family Game Night at Borders of Superstition Springs
Thursday, January 20 from 6pm to 9pm
Play games like 7 ATE 9, Callisto, & Top Trumps. Sample treats from our Seattle's Best Cafe and score fun giveaways!  This event is best for children ages 6 and over.  Contact Borders at (480) 854-1952 for more details.  Info from here.

Explore-A-Story with Childsplay at Changing Hands Bookstore
Saturday, January 22nd at 10am
Childsplay visits to explore the world of story using dramatic play to guide kids through an exploration of scenes from beloved classics for kids. They'll even create some of their own!  Info from here.  Changing Hands is located at 6428 S McClintock Dr in Tempe. 

Free Softball Clinic by ASU Sun Devil Softball
Saturday, January 22 from 11am to 3pm
Sun Devil Softball is happy to announce their Sixth Annual Meet, Greet and Select-A-Seat night and free clinic for ages 8-18 to usher in the 2011 season. In addition the team will also put on a skills demonstration as well. Registration for the free clinic starts at 11 a.m. with the clinic starting at 11:30. All events will take place in Tempe at ASU's Farrington Stadium.  For more info, go here.

Free Family Phoenix Symphony Concert at Phoenix Library
Saturday, January 22nd at 2pm and 3pm
Led by cellist Laurie Selby, the Phoenix Symphony String Ensemble performs a fun, family-friendly concert, designed as an introduction to the string section of the orchestra. The short program is geared toward kids and families, offering interactive and educational activities. Performances at 2 and 3 p.m.  For more info, go here.

A couple of other things parents in Mesa should know about:
Free Parenting Classes
Mesa Public School's Parent University offers free classes on a variety of issues: from teaching kids about money to suggestions for helping a child with special needs.  You can also register for a storytime class you take with your child, a friend of mine loved it when she took it last year.  We've gone to a couple of classes so far and have been really impressed.  High-quality classes--for free.  So go find something to help you be a better parent and register quick before spots fill up!  Go here and view the flyer and register for this springs' classes.

12 News and Safe Kids Maricopa County Annual Car Seat Check Up Event

Saturday, January 22nd from 8am to 11am

Mesa Community College (Southern & Dobson Road) Enter at signal - Dobson & Hospital (south of Southern)

How certain are you that your car seats are installed correctly in your vehicle, or even that your children are in the proper one?  It's your duty to be sure your kids are safe, and Saturday is the perfect time to do it.  Info from here.

Hope that's not TOO many to choose from.  Have a great week!  Check back tomorrow for some grown-up stuff to do around Mesa.

Picture Picture

We hope everyone had a wonderful week here in Mesa.  Is it already 2 weeks into January and onto another 3 day weekend?

Last week was mine and my husband's 9th wedding anniversary.  I don't feel old enough to be at 9 years yet, but figuring I'll only be 69 at our 50th, there is a good reason I'm feeling that.  To celebrate we dined at a one of a kind Mesa restaurant in hopes that I could write a great review.  The food was too cold, too fake (my garlic mashed potatoes seemed to be of the instant variety) and too expensive for the quality.  I was sorely disappointed.

So instead of a raving review, I'll post a few pictures from around Mesa.  Can you guess where these are located at?

#1

#2

 #3

Happy guessing and happy 3 day weekend.  Remember to check out Mesa's Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. activities here.

-Kathryn

Erica's Craigslist Collection

As many of you know, it's hit or miss when it comes to Craiglist hunting. But today there were all sorts of treasures to be found; I am especially loving that avocado green chair.



1. China Cabinet Display Case - $265 - Scottsdale

2. Blue Accent Tables - $30 for both - Gilbert

3. Green Chair - $35 - Gilbert

4. Antique Dresser - $220 - Mesa

5. White Cabinet - $50 - Glendale

Erica is a decorating and DIY enthusiast living in Mesa, AZ. Find her at her blog, Tart House.

Events for this Weekend & MLK Day

Splash, Play, Learn for Babies

This Friday, get tips for happy tub time and preparing your little one for swimming lessons at the Hubbard Family Swim School. For babies age 4 weeks thru 5 months old. Class starts at 5pm. Call Hubbard at 602-971-4044 to reserve your spot.  Event info from here. 

Audubon Family Bird Walk
This Saturday, head on over to the Riparian Institute in Gilbert for a “free introductory bird watching experience” for families.  Nearly 200 different birds have been sighted there. Groups depart from between 8am-11am. Meet at the Dragonfly Ramada at the Riparian Preserve. No reservations required. If you can't make it this weekend, you can always try again next month - the Audubon Family Bird Walks are conducted on the 3rd Saturday of every month. Info from here. 

Family Day at the Arizona Museum for Youth
This Saturday is NASA Family Day at the Arizona Museum for Youth. Dress up as astronauts, launch a rocket simulator, and go on a “moon-walk in space”!  Activities for all ages all through the museum. 10am-4pm. For admission info and more, go here.

MACFest Family Celebration
This Saturday - and actually every Saturday from October to April - there’s also a free Mesa Arts and Culture Festival (MACFest) from 10am-4pm in downtown Mesa on Main & McDonald streets. Featuring unique artist creations, music, and fun for the whole family. Info from here and here.

99-Cent Skate at Skateland
This upcoming Monday, Skateland is offering 99-cent admission per session for MLK day. Skate rental extra. Info from here.

Mesa MLK Day Parade & Festival
This Monday, in honor of Martin Luther King Day, there will be a free parade at 11am featuring marching bands, the Mesa Police & Fire Departments, and various community members and leaders. Parade starts at University & Center and will head South on Center to 1st Avenue.

Following the parade, there will be a free festival from noon-5pm at the Mesa Arts Center with live entertainment, food & vendor booths, a job fair, and medical screenings. For details, visit here. Event info from here.

Winter Gardening Classes in Mesa, AZ

Kara from Taste is Trump is hosting a few classes on gardening and using fresh produce. 

Grow Your Own

Gardening tricks and tips

Thursday, January 20 from 7:30 to 8:30 pm

$10 per person

Fresh Herbs
Storing, drying, using.
Thursday, January 27 from 7:30 to 8:30 pm
$10 per person

Home Canning

Preserving your harvest

Thursday, February 3 from 7:30 to 8:30 pm

$10 per person

Classes are offered at Kara's home in East Mesa.  Click here for more information.

Register for Classes with Mesa Parks and Rec (FREE Swimming Lessons)

Free Swimming Lessons

City of Mesa offers free swimming lessons at Kino Jr. High and Skyline High School this March.  Classes are taught by instructors-in-training.  Registration is open now, so get your spot quick!  You must have a City of Mesa ID and password to log-in and see the courses available.  (At the bottom of this page you can contact someone to help you get a household ID number and password.)

Additionally, City of Mesa's Spring 2011 Programs and Classes are open for registration.  Sign yourself up for some karate or get a kid involved in a basketball league.  There are also a variety of infant, toddler, and preschool classes like "Munchkin Music" and "Fairytale Dancers."  Go here to view classes and register.

Free Admission to the Desert Botanical Garden tomorrow

Get in free to the Garden on the second Tuesday of every month from 1-8pm! (That’s tomorrow!) In addition to the 50,000+ inspiring beautiful plants and flowers featured in the 65-acre Garden, they also offer a variety of classes and musical concerts. Of course, if you've never been there before, they offer tips for visiting the garden, and you can also download a map of the gardens. 

Photo: Ottosen Entry Garden, from here.

 If you can’t make it tomorrow though, don’t worry you can also get in free on another date by checking out a culture pass from the library. 

For more information, visit the Desert Botanical Garden's website here. 

2nd Friday

Don't forget, this Friday is 2nd Friday in Downtown Mesa.

This month it looks like they are keeping it simple and hosting another Taste of Main:

"Great shopping, dining and entertainment continues during 2nd Friday, the merchant-coordinated event held the second Friday of every month from 6 to 10 p.m. in downtown Mesa.

Many downtown businesses stay open late to offer great shopping and dining, and a number of them host special activities and entertainment including live music. Vendors selling arts and crafts also line the sidewalks of West Main Street."

The Warrior Dash

Here's a super fun event that you don't hear about every day: the Warrior Dash.

It's not your typical running event - it's rather more like an obstacle course full of sandtraps, walls, tubes, cargo nets, hay stacks, tires to trek through, a cliff to rappel down, a junkyard, logs to leap over, flying flames, mud, and more. The event takes place in Florence, AZ and is not until April 30th, but since it involves a lot of running (the official distance of the course is not on their website, but I've heard it's around 3.5 miles long), I figured I'd go ahead and post this for those who want to get a head start on training for it. For more information, visit their website here. Thanks Marie for passing this along!

Community

Part of our goal with I Heart Mesa is to establish a better sense of community.  One of the best ways we have found to do this is to highlight you - our readers.  This year we wanted to be even better at it, bringing in more of your writing, photography, your art that captures the heart of Mesa.  Today, we are starting out with Clint Hardison - my brother-in-law.  He is tall, witty, and has a great self-esteem.  Plus, he married up- finding a wonderful catch in Angela our graphic designer and my husband's little sister.  I approached Clint last month about putting his English degree to work and writing a little piece for our blog.  He obliged and sent me an essay.  So, put your feet up, grab a horchata and enjoy.  (Oh, and if you want to be featured here on I Heart Mesa with your Mesa writing, photography or other art - please e-mail us at iheartmesa@gmail.com) 

Bloody Gulch

clint hardison

When I was in fourth grade, my teacher, a lovable woman whose skin was strongly reminiscent of alligator flesh, initiated a program to broaden her students’ limited horizons. It was her idea for our class to correspond with another fourth grade class—nine- and ten-year-olds just like us, except from a strange and exotic place. That’s what she told us. I imagined receiving envelopes with elaborate postage stamps on them, stamps featuring the tiny, unframed portraits of crowned monarchs the likes of which my scant decade of life experience as an Arizonan child would hardly allow me to conceive. I wondered how we were to communicate with our pen pals, considering that they probably wouldn’t speak very good English, and I didn’t know a lick of Swahili (or Burmese or Gaelic or whatever wacky native idiom our counterparts would employ). However, it was to my utmost chagrin when our teacher ultimately informed us that the exotic place to which she had alluded was to be Moundsville, Ohio.

My elation dashed, I found little to talk about in my first letter. I figured life in Moundsville was probably pretty similar to life in Mesa—modest homes arrayed in rows, gathered around churches, schools and parks, et cetera, et cetera, et cetera. So in my letter I asked about favorite television shows, recess, the Cleveland Cavaliers and what their grocery stores were called in Ohio. When I received my pen pal’s first response, I was a little surprised. The student, whom I will, for lack of actual recollection, refer to as Martin, didn’t answer a single one of my questions. (To this day, the void that is my ignorance regarding eastern Ohio supermarket chains still lingers.) Instead, his letter consisted of one wild, misguided inquisition after another:

“Are there ever gunfights?”

“Do you have a rattlesnake as a pet? Has it ever bit you?”

“Is your house a cactus?”

Oh, there is more, but you must click on over to Clint's blog here to read the rest.

Thanks Clint

- Kathryn

Erica's Craigslist Collection

Happy 2011 everyone! I'm so excited to be back after our holiday break. Here are my Craigslist finds for this week.



1. Modern Living Room Chair - $100 - Tempe

2. White Corner Desk - $150 - Red Mountain Ranch

3. Vintage Dresser - $30 - Gilbert

4. Vintage Wood Side Table - $20 - 59th Street and Bell Road

5. Reproduction Eames Molded Dining Chair - $90 - Phoenix

Erica is a decorating and DIY enthusiast living in Mesa, AZ. Find her at her blog, Tart House.

A Great Deal on Chicken

I just love a great deal! So of course I'm passing this one along to everyone I know. Here's the deal: Zaycon Foods is offering limited quantities of high-quality, boneless, skinless chicken breasts that have no added hormones, additives, or artificial ingredients... and it's fresh from the farm (never been frozen)... all for just $1.49/lb! The chicken is sold by the case, and each case is 40 pounds. (You get four 10-pound bags sealed inside a larger bag. Great opportunity for canning chicken too!!). Here's how it works: You order the chicken online, pay by Jan. 15th, and then pick it up in person on Saturday, Jan. 22nd between 3pm and 7pm. Limited quantities are available until they're sold out. For event details, click here, then register on their website to order.

Photo from here

More Upcoming Events

The Arizona Bridal Show (this weekend)

The holidays are a popular time of year for people to get engaged. So naturally it's perfect timing for the annual Arizona Bridal Show to be held just after the holidays are over. Aside from the many cool freebies they offer (bridal gowns, rings, subscriptions, etc) and a bit of some taste-testing, you can also get tons of ideas for your own wedding/meal/events, etc. It's this weekend, Saturday and Sunday, from 9am - 3pm at the Phoenix Convention Center. Tickets are usually $12 each at the door but if you register online by tonight you can get a 2-for-1 deal. For more info, check out their website here. To purchase tickets, go here.

P.F. Chang's Rock 'n Roll Marathon (online registration ends this weekend)

There's still time to register online for P.F. Chang's Rock 'n Roll Arizona Marathon and 1/2 marathon. The event isn't until Sunday, Jan. 16th but online registration closes Jan. 9th (this Sunday). For more information, go here.
 

He Said, She Said (next week)

Next Tuesday on Jan. 11th from 6:00pm - 7:30pm at the East Valley Family Resource Center there's a free workshop titled, "He Said, She Said" that's aimed at "enhancing communication between men and women." The event is free, although registration is required. To register, go here. Info from here.

Mesa High Performs "Joseph" This Weekend at Mesa Arts Center

Thanks to Jill for sending this info along to us.  She was so nice to write it all out and so here are her words:

Mesa High’s Production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” has been invited to perform at the MAC.

After their successful run last November, this production took “Best in State” Honors. They were then invited to perform at the Phoenix Convention Center for the Statewide Thespian Conference. Now the Mayor of Mesa and the City Council has invited them to perform at the Mesa Arts Center this weekend, January 7th & 8th @ 7:00 pm. Because of the special engagement we are able to keep the costs affordable for families. Pre-sale tickets are only $6.00. At the door tickets will be $10.00.

Funds from this weekend's performance will go toward sending the kids to the national competition in Nebraska this spring.  You can purchase presale tickets through Mesa High students and teachers or call Mesa High at 480-472-5900 and ask for the drama department and they will let you know how to get your presale tickets. 

A couple of events in and around Mesa this weekend

Things have slowed down a bit around town after the busyness of the holiday season.  Check out one of these events, or go to our Local Attractions page for a long list of places to go around town.  Under "Ongoing Events" you'll find several fun things to do. 

FYI--Our online shop is currently closed while we make some changes. It will reopen next Monday, January 10th. In the meantime, if you are antsy for a diving lady t-shirt, you can send an email to iheartmesa at gmail.com and we'll see what we can do!

Run, Walk, Roll 5k, 10k, and fun run/walks
Saturday, January 8th

Tempe Beach Park
Funds for Run, Walk, Roll go to Arizona Disabled Sports to raise funds for sports and recreational activities for individuals with all types of disabilities.  There is a race for everyone, go here for more information.

FLAGG Mineral Show
Southwest parking lot at Mesa Community College (Dobson Road just north of the 60)
Free admission and free parking.
This mineral show is a fun family event with lots to see.  Free activities for children, including digging for fossils and free mineral samples for children and teachers.  Also, lots of dealers selling jewelry, beads, and minerals.  Go here and here for more information.
What are you doing this weekend?

New Year and Resolutions

We are back!  And wow, that break went fast and it's freezing!  Who would have thought?  Snow in Mesa??  My relatives visiting from Utah weren't too happy.  They were ready for sunshine and 70 degree weather.  We did still have fun though, cause that's what you do with cousins.  I think my girls are going to have cousin withdrawals this coming week.

Happy New Year to one and all.  We hope everyone stayed safe with all the amazing neighborhood pyrotechnic displays (even if they aren't quite Mesa legal) and is enjoying the newness and fresh start that 2011 has to offer.  I'm ready to be more organized.  And at I Heart Mesa, we are ready to reveal a few new features this upcoming month.  Exciting times.

To offer some help with a few of the New Years resolutions you may have made, check out these Mesa services:

Are you looking to help the environment this year?  Did you know you can check out a free "Kill A Watt Device" at the Mesa Public Libraries?

"The next time Salt River Project customers in Mesa go to a Library, they are encouraged to check out more than books. Thanks to SRP’s Energy Analyzer Program, Mesa Library patrons can borrow a free Kill A Watt meter that will tell them how much energy their appliances use. SRP has learned that customers who know more about their energy usage are more likely to conserve and save money on their monthly electric bills.  By simply plugging the device into an outlet, then plugging an appliance into the Kill A Watt meter, the LCD display will show energy use."

I think that's a great idea, especially as we start this new year trying to conserve more.  Besides, the more you conserve, the more you save!  And I'm sure it will be a great way of involving your whole family in the effort.

Information from here

Are you looking to spend less?  Check out the City of Mesa surplus sales:  

Located at:

7041 E Adobe St

85207 (North of University @ Power Rd, East on Adobe St)

On Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Phone: 480-644-2663

Bikes, computers, electronics, jewelry and more.  Info from here.

Maybe you want to have better health? Check out the Lost Dutchman Marathon/Half Marathon/10K/8K/ or 2 Mile Fun Run

 {photo taken by my husband}

Sunday,  February 20th, 2011

This run follows the scenic path around Gold Canyon and the Superstition Mountains. See what one runner had to say:

"Phenomenal! What an incredible race! I had only done large urban marathons previous to the Lost Dutchman, and now, I'm never going back to the city running. From the camp fires at the start of the race, to the sight of the sun rise reaching across the desert landscape and illuminating the red cliffs looming above the race route, to the fantastic volunteers at the aid stations, the marathon was amazing. The organization and logistics were unparalleled. Thank you for a one-of-a-kind experience."

Go here for more information or to register.

And even if you don't sign up for the race, maybe you want to add the Superstition Mountains to your hiking list.  

Any other ideas and services that are helping you with your resolution?  Let us know.


- Kathryn