Superstition Living - March by Mansur Design Co.

ANNUAL COMMUNITY SHRED-A-THON

ON THE COVER

MARCH 2026

INSIDETHISISSUE

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Celebrating the joy of living in the foothills

MARCH 2026 ] VOL 10 - n 3 Published

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR

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Thursday, March 5th, from 6-8pm — Paints & Pints! AJ Parks and Rec is teaming up with Cat Wagon Tap and Bottle for Paints & Pints! Each month will have a different theme for its painting, so no two months are the same! Paints & Pints will begin at 6pm, and it should take about two hours to finish. Registration is $40 and open to anyone 16 years or older. Registration covers all painting supplies and a free drink (pint, wine, soda)! Paints & Pints will be held at Cat Wagon Tap and Bottle, located at 2430 W. Apache Trail #4 in Apache Junction. Space is limited, so make sure to register online at https://www.apachejunctionaz.gov/111/Parks-Recreation — Visit the website to see the next event!

Saturday, March 7th 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM Invasive Plant Removal Event with AJParks & Rec | Join us out at Silly Mountain and spend your morning with your hands in the dirt pulling invasive plants. We will meet at the Silly Mtn Park Ramada between 7:45am-8:00am. Then walk as a group to the pull site. Silly Mountain park is located at Corner of US60 and Silly Mtn Rd

We will be managing Buffelgrass and Stinknet. Please wear Closed toed shoes and bring water. Parks and Recreation will bring all the tools you need but feel free to bring your own gloves or tools. This event may be cancelled due to inclement weather. Registration is not required.

March 14th 8AM -11:30AM. | Gold Canyon Garden Club will have a Plant & Garden Art Sale during the MountainBrook Village Garage Sale. Crossroads are Creosote Drive & Palo Blanco.

Events Continue at Boyce Thompson Arboretum, Check the complete event pages on their website at www.btarboretum.org/event or contact the Visitor's Center at 520-689-2723. You may also Email: info@btarboretum.

Exciting Activities year round at the Superstition Mountain Museum, Call 480 983-4888 or visit www.superstitionmountainmuseum.org for schedule of classes and events.

Visit Lost Dutchman State Park, Check the website www.azstateparks.com/lost-dutchman/ for a schedule of events and activities. Call 480-982-4485

Saturday, March 21st from Noon - 4PM & Sunday, March 22nd 9AM - 4PM. Desert Designers and Gold Canyon Garden Club are having a Flower Show at Boyce Thompson Arboretum. It is Free to the public with admission to the Arboretum.

Friday, March 20th

Friday & Saturday, March 20 & 21 from 9am to 4pm Sprint Fling Art Show | Artists of the Superstitions (AOTS) Spring Fling Art Show will be held Friday & Saturday, March 20 & 21 from 9 am to 4 pm at the Apache Junction High School, 2525 S. Ironwood Drive, Apache Junction. AOTS members work in a variety of mediums including ceramics, wood, jewelry, leather, gourds, photography, fabric, pastels, pen & ink, pencil, charcoal, glass, watercolor, oil, acrylic, guache, metal, pottery, fibers & mixed media.

MARCH EVENTS AT AJ PUBLIC LIBRARY

1177 N Idaho Rd, Apache Junction, http://www.ajpl.org/

Tuesday, March 3rd from 4-6 PM. | The Mobile Library is Coming to Gold Canyon! Visit AJPL’s Mobile Library vehicle at Dinosaur Park in Gold Canyon (5639 S Alameda Rd, Gold Canyon, AZ 85118) every 1st Tuesday of the month from 4-6 PM! While visiting the Mobile Library you can get or renew a library card, check out materials, return materials, access FREE Wi-Fi from the Mobile Library while onsite, & much more!

AZ@Work Job Search Help — Now with more days and times! | AZ@Work will be at the library to support patrons with their job search. From resumes to applications to cover letters. Monday, March 2, 9, 16, 23, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m, Tuesday, March 3, 10, 17, 24 9 a.m.-noon., Thursday, March 5, 12, 19, 26, 9 a.m.noon.

Wednesday, March 4, 3-5 p.m. Cricut Drop-In | to learn about the Library’s Cricut machine, talk about your ideas, or get help with any issues. Drop in anytime between 3-5 on the first Wednesday of every month.

Thursday, March 5, 3 – 5 p.m. Cosplay Club | Connect, Cosplay! Ready to bring your favorite characters to life? Connect with other creators, share tips and tricks, and use our tools and resources to craft amazing costumes. All skill levels and ages are welcome.

Thursday, March 5, 5-7 p.m. Build Your Own Board Game Night | Learn how to plan out a board game and how to create pieces and boards using our Makerspace!

The March ADOBE Community Meeting is scheduled for March 19, 2026, at the Best Western Gold Canyon Hotel. Social time will begin at 6:15 p.m., followed by the meeting at 7:00 p.m. The presenter will be Dr. Robert Pappalardo, Superintendent of the Apache Junction Unified School District. Dr. Pappalardo has implemented a range of successful programs within the district, earning statewide recognition. ADOBE is grateful for his leadership and commitment to excellence, qualities the district has needed for some time.

Although the vast majority of Gold Canyon residents do not have school-age children, it is important that we remain concerned about the well-being of the area’s youth, who will one day become its leaders. If you are interested in what our children are being taught and how the administration addresses school-related issues, including student walkouts, this is an important meeting to attend.

Last month’s community meeting on Renaissance Festival traffic drew a full house. The key takeaway, as presented, is that significant changes are unlikely in the near future. Current conditions will remain until relief is provided by extending State Route 24. The projected completion timeframe for that project is approximately 2050–2060, depending in part on state-level priorities and funding. In the meantime, residents are encouraged to plan travel carefully during the festival, as roadways are congested at certain times of day.

The second Solar Farm proposal is being brought forward for the Board of Supervisors’ consideration and a vote. Unfortunately, emails previously submitted to the supervisors during the initial review are no longer valid. If this issue remains active at the time of this publication and you wish to express your position either in support or opposition, please submit your comments to clerkoftheboardoffice.sharedmailbox@pinal.gov.

Another emerging issue is the potential development of data centers in the area. Residents are encouraged to research this topic to better understand its potential impacts. Sometime in the future, you may want to share your views with the Board of Supervisors; ergo, it’s better to be prepared. Additional information will be provided in next month’s publication.

ADOBE wishes to thank all our winter visitors for visiting and sharing in the beautiful weather. This was an exceptional winter with lots of sun and blue skies - we are all thankful. Many may have left by this time, or will soon be traveling home. We wish you safe journeys and a fantastic summer 2026.

Saturday, March 7, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Flute Festival | An all day event, come listen to professional Native American style flutes, lectures and view exhibits.

Monday, March 9, 23, 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. Chess Club | Puzzles, Lessons, and Open Play for all ages and skill levels, with a member of US Team Chess League!

Monday,March9,5:30-7p.m.FamilyMusicBingo|Gatherupthe kids, Grandpa...the whole family and join us for Family Music BINGO! Kid friendly music, snacks and of course prizes for those that get to yell...BINGO!

Wednesday, March 11, 2 p.m. Genealogy Hour | Come spend time learning how to use Family Search and Ancestry

Wednesday, March 11, 4 p.m. Seed Up Meet Up | Help us fill our seed packets for the seed library, hear from Superstition Master Gardeners, ask questions about your home garden, & learn about Earth Heart Park and Community Garden! Topic: How to Grow And Start Your Heirloom Tomatoes

Saturday, March 14, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. LibraryCon | Stars, Stripes and Superheroes! Join us for an fandom celebration of America 250! Cosplay runway, activities, vendors and celebrate 250 years of American superheroes, real and fictional!

Wednesday, March 18, 3:00 p.m. Biblio Bites Demo – Irish Soda Bread? | Step into the warmth of the Irish hearth! Join us for a live demo to make legendary Irish Soda Bread, where simple ingredients transform into a crusty, golden masterpiece. No booking required! Watch the bake, browse our heritage cookbooks, and enjoy a warm, buttery slice straight from the oven!

Wednesday, March 18, 5 p.m. Monthly Magic | Calling all Planeswalkers! Ages 10+ are welcome to join us to learn about Magic: The Gathering in a welcoming, no-pressure atmosphere. Learn how to build decks, play the game, and learn the lore and history. Bring your own deck or build one with us!

Thursday, March 19, 6:30 p.m. Books & Brews | Rejoice! Books & Brews is continuing throughout the Spring season! Join us at the Handlebar Pub & Grill in Apache Junction. Bring a book that fits the monthly genre or any you’ve enjoyed lately. Delight in discussion and libations on the pub’s patio, plus 10% off your bill! Genre: March Into The Future (sci-fi, fantasy, dystopian)

Friday, March 20, 10 a.m. Breathe Again: Learning to Live After Loss | Are you grieving a loss? Would you like a safe place to discuss your grief? A chance to meet new people and be with others who understand? Join us for a monthly bereavement group hosted by Barbara King, R.N., Executive Director of Supportive Hands Hospice. Free and open to adults.

Friday, March 20, 2-4 p.m. Studio Open House | Filming, Recording, Editing: you can do it all at the library! Join us for demos and ask questions about all the gadgets and gizmos in the Audiovisual Studio. CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

QUEEN VALLEY FIRE DEPARTMENT

The Queen Valley Golf Course is hosting its 36th annual charity golf tournament on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at the Queen Valley Golf Course. The format will be a four person scramble open to all teams: men, women and mixed. No handicap required. Entry fees are $50 each for members and $80 each for non-members (this includes cart fees). The entry fee includes morning coffee & rolls, green fees, specialty holes, lunch, team prizes, and door prizes.

Entry forms and Sponsor forms can be picked up at the Queen Valley Pro Shop or by calling Brian Ranken at 815-440-9035 or e-mail: administrator@gvga.golf.

All proceeds from the tournament benefit the Queen Valley Fire Department and are tax deductible. These Fire Fighters and EMTs not only serve the community but they also respond to accidents and emergencies on nearby highways and in the mountains and desert areas.

Mark your calendars – join us for a fun day of golf and prizes on March 14th

LaurelRobinson.bhhsaz.com

Saturday, March 21, 10 a.m. Healing Circle | What is a Healing Circle? A group of people who join together to learn tools to activate their healing capabilities. Our body, mind, and Spirit are designed to heal. We learn how to tap into that healing ability that is already within us. We will learn and practice tools to turn on our internal healing processes. We will shift our energy, awareness, and alignment to bring our body into balance and harmony.

Tuesday, March 24, 2 – 4 p.m. Medicare Seminar | This is an educational seminar about all parts of Medicare: A, B, C, and D. We will go over your rights and entitlements to Medicare, changes to be aware of, coverages, and how to make decisions and sign up for Medicare.

Thursday, March 26, 5:30 p.m. Dungeons & Dragons | Players new and experienced can come play this fun 1 shot game!

Tuesday, March 17, 1:30-2:30 p.m. — Dying For A Mystery Book Club– Ward D by Frieda McFadden

Tuesday, March 24, 1:30-2:30 p.m. — Classic Book Club–Gilead by Marilynne Robinson

Join us at any of our upcoming 2026 clean up events! Please visit www.naturalrestorations.org for more information and to sign up.

• Monday, April 6, | Day After Easter Lower Salt River Cleanup

• Wednesday, April 22 | 11th annual Earth Day Lower Salt River Cleanup

• Saturday, September 26 | National Public Lands Day Lower Salt River Cleanup

• Saturday, November 7 | 17th annual Four Peaks Cleanup

• Saturday, November 14 | 7th annual Save Our Saguaros Replanting Event

• Saturday, November 27 | 9th annual Green Friday Day After Thanksgiving Cleanup

Our mission is to keep natural areas clean and open for everyone to enjoy. We accomplish our mission by hosting volunteer cleanup and replanting events throughout the year for community members, including youth volunteers, and we manage & support a Dedicated Restoration Team with contracted Military Veterans who conduct restorations beyond the reach of most volunteers, including trash removal, graffiti removal and replanting cacti, trees & plants. Natural Restorations is an Arizona-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

WINTER SHOWERS BRING BEAUTIFUL FLOWERS IN

ARIZONA’S STATE PARKS

Early winter rain throughout Arizona is ushering in an abundant wildflower season at Arizona’s state parks. From bright yellow poppies to brilliant purple lupine, parks are getting ready to welcome visitors ready to hike along trails bursting with color.

Many of Arizona’s state parks will likely be bursting with beautiful yellow, orange or purple flowers soon, making it a perfect time to hike, camp, or picnic at the parks. Picacho Peak State Park is starting to see a bright dusting of beautiful mountainside blossoms of Mexican poppies, purple lupine, orange globemallow and yellow brittlebush. Because Picacho Peak is one of the top destinations for wildflower viewing, the park has set up Bloomdar (wildflower radar) to help people know when they can see peak activity. Visit the park-specific wildflower page to learn more. If you plan to visit during the height of wildflower viewing, please plan for busy trails, longer wait times to get into the park, and following park rules to keep flowers beautiful for the next hikers.

Catalina, Lost Dutchman and Alamo Lake state parks are also starting to show beautiful and different types of budding wildflowers. Flowers in the desert bloom based on the elevations, rainfall, and the temperature. Parks at higher elevations, like Oracle State Park north of Tucson and Red Rock State Park in Sedona, will see flowers later in the year, around May, and the blooms last well into the summer. You can check the status of the flowers by visiting AZStateParks.com/Wildflowers.

Desert blooms typically appear in this order: bladderpods, brittlebush, Mexican poppies, chuparosa, globemallow and then other various cacti species. Some park trails are already lined with brittlebush blooms and Mexican poppies, creating yellow carpets across the landscapes and mountainsides. The contrast of vibrant flowers against the desert is a stunning backdrop to your park adventure, so get your camera, hiking shoes, plenty of water, and enjoy the rich colors across the state.

Remember to always stay on designated trails, never pick flowers, and follow park rules. By recreating responsibly in our parks, you can hope to see the beauty year after year.

A.D.O.B.E.

Building a Community

One Brick at a Time

By Marcia Nelson

A… A.D.O.B.E. in Action. It’s our guiding light as we plan for the future of this amazing desert site. Not all proposals are always for the good. So we rely on our leaders to inform us as they should.

D… This Desert is our home, it’s protection is our goal as we continue to improve. But keep in mind our roll. To live in peace and harmony with nature and with those who share a common wall to be friends and never foes!

O… Opportunities are endless, like the blue skies overhead We can plan a future, but watch where we tread. We must preserve the quiet and also the “dark skies”. The trails and roads are precious, so keep our eyes on the prize

B… Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful! What more can you say than to be very thankful for living here today? Whether snowbird or sunbird, no matter your time here, you can be very certain that it is a place we all hold dear

E… Our views from here are Endless, as the mountain touches the sky with sunrises and sunsets, painting a scene up on high. This place that we call home is a treasure for sure. So enjoy the sights and sounds that make up this unique lure

Association for the Development Of a Better Environment

SONORAN DESERT LANDSCAPES

TOM MCDONALD OWNER - SMILING DOG LANDSCAPES

A favorite plant often used to bring color and wildlife to our Sonoran Desert gardens is the Tecoma Stans. Imagine my delight when touring the Curandero Trail at Boyce Thompson Arboretum I discovered this beauty also has medicinal properties!

Also known as Yellow Bells, this native produces large trumpet shaped flowers from spring till first frost. Reaching a height and width of up to 6 feet, the Yellow Bell makes a showy hedge or screen, Tecoma’s brown seed pods can cause it to look a little ragged in the winter especially if it becomes frost damaged.

If this plant is too large for your landscape, or if yellow isn’t your color, other Tecoma hybrids come in several sizes and shades of red and orange. Heck, even ‘Sparky’ the ASU mascot has a Tecoma hybrid named after him and part of the proceeds from ‘Sparky’ sales benefit the Landscape Architect program at ASU.

A few years ago a pesky insect, the Tecoma tier, arrived on the scene, a worm that ‘ties’ the leaves up around its body. This pest is specific to Tecoma and can be combated naturally by using a product containing Bt, or Bacillus thuringiensis, a bacteria that works on larva of various pests. There are two types of Bt: Btk for leaf eating caterpillars [like the Tecoma tier] and Bti for mosquitoes. Be sure to check the label and follow the directions.

Along the trail at Boyce Thompson, I learned the medicinal properties of Tecoma Stans as a tea or tincture:

• Stimulates appetite and aids digestive secretions.

TECOMA

STANS AKA YELLOW BELLS

I am saddened that the how and whys of their existence is fast slipping away from our collective consciousness.

• Reputedly used to treat gastritis caused by alcohol abuse.

• Modestly reduces blood sugar levels. Not recommended for use if you have insulin dependent diabetes mellitus.

• Inhibits and relieves flare-ups of Candida albicans, especially after a round of antibiotics.

• Eases vaginal yeast infections when used in a sitz bath.

My information comes from reading everything I can find on desert medicinals and precious little of that is from Native American authors. Many of the drugs we use today began as traditional herbal remedies. In my experience, herbal remedies work slower and more subtly than the western drugs derived from them, yet I am constantly amazed at the resourcefulness of indigenous peoples to use the Sonoran Desert’s bounty to thrive in this environment.

Tom McDonald is founder of Smiling Dog Landscapes and has recently opened the Smiling Dog Cactus and Succulent Nursery. Save the date for our third open house March 28, 9-2pm. Tom can be reached at tom@smilingdoglandscapes. com

Darling Homes

SERVING Gold Canyon SINCE 2005

Richard Darling established Darling Homes Inc, in 1993 and was founded on the premise of single source accountability building relationships based on trust,

Spring Fever 2026

— A Small Standard Flower Show

Desert Designers and Gold Canyon Garden Club are having a Flower Show at Boyce Thompson Arboretum in the Smith Building. The show will be open to the public on Saturday, March 21st, Noon – 4:00 p.m. and Sunday, March, 22nd from 9:00 a.m. – 4 p.m. It is free to the public with general admission to the Arboretum

Both Desert Designers and Gold Canyon Garden Club are members of Arizona Federation of Garden Clubs and National Garden Club. Some of the finest floral artists in Arizona are presenting a potpourri of floral designs for your enjoyment. Stunning horticultural exhibits demonstrate what beauty we can grow in our beloved Sonoran Desert.

Gardeners are exhibiting their most cherished plants. Who will win the Blue Ribbon? Members of Gold Canyon Garden Club and Desert Designers will be there to answer your questions and help you navigate through this beautiful and educational event.

We hope that you will join us and share the splendor of Mother Nature combined with human imagination as we welcome spring into our desert. Look for the names of the floral designers, one just might be your neighbor!

See you at the Arboretum.

Gold Canyon Garden Club Events – March & April

March 14 – Spring Plant, Garden Art & Garage Sale

The Gold Canyon Garden Club invites you to our Spring Plant, Garden Art & Garage Sale! Location: Corner of Creosote Drive & Palo Blanco, MountainBrook Village Time: 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM

You’ll find:

• Beautiful fairy sticks & glass flowers

• Easy-to-grow, Southwest-native plants at reasonable prices

• A variety of garage sale items donated by members and friends

All proceeds support, The Butterfly Garden, Gardens at Superstition Mountain Museum, and Three of the Blue Star Memorials located at Superstition Mountain Museum, Boyce Thompson Arboretum, and Silly Mountain

We are also proud to support the Junior Master Gardener Program recently started at The Classical Academy at Superstition Mountain. This program— facilitated locally by Tricia Schaeffer, a Garden Club member and Superstition Mountain Master Gardener—aims to inspire young gardeners. Founded by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, the program’s goal is: “Growing good kids by igniting a passion for learning, success, & service through a unique gardening education.”

Upcoming Meeting , April 7th | Guest Speaker: Beth Kirkpatrick, Central Arizona Cactus & Succulent Society. Have questions? Contact us at goldcanyongarden@ gmail.com We hope you’ll join us to celebrate the beauty and creativity of desert gardening as we welcome spring to our desert community!

Matthew Fliss, CFP®

ARIZONA VETERANS HONOR TOUR FUNDRAISER

Honoring Service and Community Impact

by Nancy Fassbender, Director

Arizona Veterans Honor Tour (AVHT) is a veteran-owned 501(c)3 organization dedicated to honor our Veterans who not only served their country but are engaged in their Communities. One of our fundraiser is Wreaths Across America to honor interred Veterans at Mountain View Cemetery and Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park as well as other cemeteries nationwide. (wreathsacrossamerica. org/az0316p)

We are also excited to announce another fundraising initiative designed to benefit our veterans without any financial cost to participants—just a small investment of your valuable time.

Your privacy is important to us. The organization will not sell your name or email address. During registration, you will be asked to provide your name and email address solely for tracking the number of surveys you complete. Optionally, you may register your cell phone, which will be used to send reminders about how many vendors you have left to survey in your allotted 75.

AVHT receives payment from a national company who wish to gather feedback about businesses performance. Participants will be sent a link toward the end of February. Using this link, you will register with your name and email address. Once registered, you can choose from over 5,000 vendors—including well-known companies like Best Buy—to complete surveys.

Each survey consists of five questions, such as:

• Were you greeted at the door?

• Was the item in stock?

• Were you thanked for coming in?

You will respond to each question by selecting either a happy face or a sad face, providing an easy and intuitive way to share your feedback. The system is user-friendly and simple to navigate once you access the link.

You may complete up to 25 vendor surveys per day, with a maximum of 75 surveys per registered name and email address. This is a national fundraiser, so friends and family members across the United States can participate as well.

For each vendor survey you complete, our organization earns $1.60. Completing all 75 surveys will result in a $120.00 contribution. The survey period runs for 30 days, starting on March 9th and ending on April 7th. Increased participation will help us continue and expand this campaign in future years. To help participants, we will host a Zoom meeting on March 10th at 9am. This session will provide guidance and answer any questions you may have about the process.

Zoom link: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/74326085658?pwd=TFZIYBoTyQpz93 mmGs9qyQTZJOMnzi.1

Or go to zoom.us/join and use the Meeting ID: 743 2608 5658

This fundraiser offers a fun and meaningful way to support veterans and make a difference. Grab your coffee, relax in your favorite chair, and enjoy helping your community! A Raffle will be drawn at the end of the month for those who have completed 50 or more Vendor surveys!!!

I can be reached at veteranseventsaz@gmail.com or call me at 520-280-4715. Thank you so much for your support.

Nancy Fassbender, Director Arizona Veterans Honor Tour

Open Wed—Sun, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 2017 N. Greenfield RD Mesa AZ 85215

March is a special time of year in Arizona, with springlike weather and plenty of things to do outdoors. It's also Women's History Month. Why not celebrate both with a visit to the CAF Airbase Arizona Flying Museum? You can learn about women in history and step out onto our ramp to see some of our amazing flying warbirds.

Saturday, March 7, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., | Helicopter Show | Join us on Saturday, to see a helicopter show sponsored by the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation. We'll have flying choppers as well as static displays representing 70 years of history.

Saturday, March 14. Family Day | Celebrate the women in your life by taking the family to Airbase Arizona. You'll get special reduced family pricing, and kids 12 and under can participate in an aviation technology challenge sponsored by the Civil Air Patrol.

March 14 at 1 p.m. Speaker Series (included with regular admission) | Join us to honor women who made a significant contribution to history with a special presentation. Docent Bill Quehrn will introduce you to a few women who helped win WWI and WWII.

Monday, March 16, around 10:30 a.m. Meet Navy Crew Members | Don't miss your chance to meet Navy crew members from the new USS Arizona Block V Virginia-class submarine, which will be commissioned in 2029. They'll be speaking at the Airbase Arizona Flying Museum on Monday, March 16, around 10:30 a.m. and taking a flight on our B-25. (The museum will be open that morning for this special event.)

Saturday, March 21, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. We'll be hosting a Military Vehicle Show and Swap Meet. See the rough and tough ground vehicles that were critical to troops and weapons support all over the world.

2026 SMM SEASON EVENTS

We have an exciting season of events planned filled with activities for all ages -- from fundraisers to family activities; from boutiques to festivals; from the Four Peaks Amethyst Trunk Show to celebrating Charro! There will be something for everyone. Be sure to mark your calendars as you will not want to miss out on the fun!

• March 8, 2026 | Cheers to Charro! Day

• March 20-22, 2026 | Magic of Mexican Artistry Festival

• March 21, 2026 | Desert Delights Family Day: Birds of Prey with Liberty Wildlife

• March 28, 2026 | Mountains & Mimosas Fundraiser Brunch

2026 “LEGENDS & LORE

OF THE SUPERSTITIONS AND MORE” LECTURE SERIES

Our annual free lecture series occurs every Thursday afternoon at 2 p.m. Presentations with a * indicate the presentation will take place in the Apacheland Barn all other presentations will occur in the outdoor amphitheater.

• March 5 – Sonoran Desert Animals – James Shepherd

• March 19 – Welcome to Arizona Territory Mr. President -President Theodore Roosevelt

• March 26 – The Lost Dutchman – Wayne Tuttle

All Superstition Mountain Museum programs and presentations are subject to change. For current info, visit www.SMLDM.org

Calling all paleontologists!

Explore the Jurassic period, dig for fossils, see live dinosaurs, & more!

Saturday, March 28th, 2026 4pm-6pm at Flatiron Park Movie to follow at 6:30pm*

*WEather permitting

EYES ON THE FUTURE – WATER

FROM GOLD CANYON COMMUNITY, INC

HOA & BUSINESS LEADERS SUMMIT

By Jerry Stevenson, President, GCCI

Our first Home Owners Association meeting of 2026 focused on the most vital resource we depend on in our desert environment: water. HOA leaders, along with civic, neighborhood, and local business representatives, had the opportunity to hear informative presentations and participate in a Q&A discussion with industry experts.

Bill Staples, General Manager of Operations for Arizona Water Company (AWC), and his executive team addressed where our water comes from, how its quality is ensured, and what is being done to secure its long-term supply.

The main supplier to Gold Canyon, AWC pumps water into our community from wells located in Apache Junction. The team explained its routine sampling and testing oversight, its treatment with chlorine and arsenic removal, and its coordination with ADEQ in ensuring our water meets the Safe Drinking Water Act (1974). Clients receive an annual quality report with their April bill that summarizes these testing results and comparison to standards.

The team also detailed its response to October’s torrential 5-inch rainfall that saw our washes running at historic records. The storm surge caused up to two feet of erosion in some areas and damaged a water main behind The Views that required a 2-day repair operation.

Looking to the future, AWC seeks to maintain a diverse portfolio of water resources. Its supplies include groundwater, Colorado River water (i.e. Central Arizona Project CAP), and effluent. The current challenge in sustaining supply is the runoffs from the Colorado River Basin getting lower and lower every year. Conservation is now key.

The company urges both its commercial and residential customers to focus on EFFICIENCY. It offers free water efficiency checkups to businesses, free water-saving devices to homeowners, and a $200 toilet rebate. Go to www. azwater/conservation to check out these and other watersaving tips.

Local resident Anita Marks, retired process engineer in the mining industry, explained with simple diagrams how the mining industry uses and re-uses water. The bottom line: mines do not use much water, and what they do use gets recovered and recycled repeatedly.

GCCI has partnered with AWC in its water conservation efforts by holding “More Precious Than Gold” community workshops. Watch for these throughout the year. Keep up with all of our community activities by visiting www. gccincaz.org

GOLD CANYON

LIONS PRESENTS “SUPERNATURAL” A SANTANA TRIBUTE BAND

MARCH 20TH, 2026 | DOORS OPEN @ 6PM CONCERT BEGINS AT 7PM

MountainBrook Village — Superstition Center

5782 S. Mountainbrook Dr., Gold Canyon AZ 85118

Tickets are only $30 per person, BYOB & Snacks

BY: Pam Burks

Gold Canyon Lions are famous for presenting annual fun events, so “Get Ready” to be inspired as the Santana Tribute Band, Supernatural brings Carlos Santana’s music to life.

Close your eyes and you will be transported to a world of musical bliss! Supernatural brings to you all the Latin Influence rhythms of Santana’s biggest hits like: Smooth, Black Magic Woman, Oye Como Va, Evil Ways, and so much More!

Live Auction, 50/50 and more are being planned. This is the Gold Canyon Lions Annual Fundraiser, so please contact Loretta Milton, 703-785-6949 to purchase your tickets early so you don’t miss out.

LIVE IT WELL SUESCHAFFER OWNER

LIVE IT WELL PLACE

Here in Arizona, spring arrives with its own kind of magic. The days grow brighter, the desert air feels lighter, and the landscape quietly transforms. In Gold Canyon, tucked beneath the Superstition Mountains, spring is the sweet spot, that perfect window when the weather is gentle, the skies stretch endlessly, the sunrises and sunsets are colorful, and wildflowers will burst across trails and open spaces.

Spring feels like a turning point. The world shifts, and almost without noticing, we do too. The spring season invites possibility, a fresh start, a new step, a new energy, all waiting to be embraced.

Often, spring is linked to new beginnings, opening windows, clearing out the heavy, welcoming the fresh. That same energy can be applied inward. It is a time to release habits that no longer serve us and start cultivating routines that bring vitality and balance. Nature reminds us: we are allowed to begin again.

It is the perfect time to refresh more than just our homes or schedules. Spring offers a chance to reset our health and wellness goals, not from a place of pressure, but from intention. It encourages us to reconnect with what makes us feel energized, strong, and fully alive.

We can also think of this season as a time to plant seeds of health: for just as the desert awakens and blooms, we too can nurture small beginnings that lead to lasting wellness. True health doesn’t happen overnight. Like a seed growing into a wildflower, it takes consistency, care, and patience. The small steps we take now, even the tiniest ones, lay the foundation for what will flourish later.

Spring teaches an important lesson: what we do today matters, even if we don’t see the results yet. Choosing movement, improving nutrition, prioritizing rest, or simply taking the first step toward a healthier routine may not spark instant transformation, but it is powerful. Growth is happening, even when it feels slow.

STEP INTO SPRING

Wellness, like a garden, requires nurturing: for personal growth isn’t accidental. It is shaped by our environment, our mindset, and the support around us. Nurturing might mean building a consistent routine, surrounding ourselves with encouraging people, or practicing patience and grace as we start where we are.

One of the most beautiful parts of spring is how gently it arrives. The world doesn’t bloom all at once. It happens gradually, one bud, one blossom, one warmer day at a time. That is a reminder for our own journey.

Health is built through small, manageable steps. We don’t need to overhaul everything in a week. A walk under the Arizona sky, a morning stretch, adding nourishing foods, drinking more water, or choosing joyful movement — these small shifts create momentum. Momentum creates change.

Most importantly, spring invites us back into possibility, for mindset is the soil where growth begins. The beliefs we plant, the way we speak to ourselves, and the patience we practice determine what we cultivate. Approaching wellness with encouragement instead of criticism creates space for lasting change. Focusing on progress instead of perfection strengthens us physically and emotionally.

Spring is a season of renewal, a chance to release what no longer serves us and replace it with choices that bring life. As the Superstitions stand tall above our small community and the desert blooms again from the winter rains, consider what you want to grow this season: more energy, more strength, more balance, more joy, more connection?

With each changing season, we are offered an opportunity to realign, optimize our well-being, and step forward with intention. Spring whispers its invitation: start fresh, plant the seed, nurture your growth, and step into your best life.

CANYON SOUNDS PERFORMANCE SERIES THE BROTHERS FOUR

Date: Friday, March 20, 2026 at 7 pm

Venue: Gold Canyon United Methodist Church

6640 S Kings Ranch Road, Gold Canyon, AZ 85118

By: Chuck Cuffaro, GCAC Publicity

As they celebrate over 60 years of performing and recording, The Brothers Four will take you on a nostalgic musical journey with their unforgettable million-sellers, such as “Greenfields, “Yellow Bird”, “Try To Remember”, “Across The Wide Missouri”, their Oscar-nominated hit, “The Green Leaves of Summer” from the motion picture, “The Alamo”, and many others.

The Brothers Four were pioneers in the “folk revival” with allacoustic performances consisting of guitars, banjo, mandolin, upright bass, and their trademark rich vocal harmony. An evening with this quartet is an unforgettable time of pure acoustic music and entertainment!

Ticket prices are $35 and may be purchased online at www. goldcanyonarts.org or at the following locations:

• Robin Rotella Real Estate Team, 6641 S. Kings Ranch Rd, 85118 (Credit Card, Check or Cash)

• AJ Chamber of Commerce, 567 W. Apache Trail, 85120 (Cash only)

The Gold Canyon Arts Council’s non-profit mission is Arts Education for students, providing in-school concerts, musical instruments and lessons, visual arts instruction, and school supplies.

S u p e r s t i t i o n S l e e p o v e r

as we provide a camping trip you & your family will never ampers will enjoy a night under the stars at Prospector

S u p e r s t i t i o n S l e e p o v e r

Join AJPR as we provide a camping trip you & your family will never forget Campers will enjoy a night under the stars at Prospector Park. We provide an evening full of activities such as games, crafts, s ’ mores, campfires, and more. We even provide dinner!

Saturday, March 7th to Sunday, March 8th, 2026 $15 per person

MATTRUPPERT

HOW OUTDATED BENEFICIARY CHOICES CAN DERAIL YOUR PLANS

When you open a retirement account or buy a life insurance policy, you’re asked to name a beneficiary. It might seem like just another form to fill out, but this simple step can affect your family’s future.

Many people don’t give beneficiary designations much thought after signing the initial paperwork. It may have been years ago, and life has moved on. But this might surprise you: These designations can override what’s in your will or living trust. That means your retirement accounts and insurance proceeds could end up going to someone you didn’t intend, creating what professionals call an accidental inheritance.

Life changes quickly. You might get married, divorced or remarried. You might have children or stepchildren. A loved one might pass away. You may decide to give to your favorite charity. Any of these events could mean it’s time to update your beneficiaries.

The rules can get complicated. For example, after a divorce, some (but not all) states have laws that automatically revoke your beneficiary designations for IRAs, bank accounts and insurance policies. But no matter where you live in the U.S., the designations for 401(k) plans and pensions stay in place until you change them. In community property states, couples must split 50-50 the assets they acquired during marriage, adding another layer of complexity.

There are other considerations, too. It’s a good idea to name a primary and a contingent beneficiary. If your primary beneficiary dies before you do, the contingent beneficiary receives your assets. Without this backup plan, your carefully considered wishes could go awry.

Naming minor children as direct beneficiaries isn’t usually a good idea. Children can’t legally receive and control assets until they become adults, so a court would have to get involved and appoint a guardian for managing the money. Instead, you might set up a trust or name a custodian to oversee the funds until your children are mature enough to handle them responsibly.

For family members with special needs, you’ll want to be especially careful as about choosing your beneficiary. Some choices may jeopardize their eligibility to receive government benefits such as government disability payments or Medicaid. An estate attorney can help you make important beneficiary decisions.

One major benefit of proper beneficiary designations is that they can help your loved ones avoid probate, a timeconsuming and potentially expensive legal process.

For these reasons and others, it’s important to review your beneficiary designations regularly, especially after major life events. Contact your retirement account administrator or insurance company to update any outdated information.

A financial advisor can help you understand how your beneficiary choices fit into your financial strategy and ensure your assets go where you want them to go. It may also make sense to work with a legal professional who can help you ensure your beneficiary designations align with your plans for transferring your estate assets.

Don’t leave these important decisions to chance. Taking time now to review and update your beneficiaries can help give you a sense of security and protect the people you love.

HEALING NATURALLY

Dr. Tina Marcantel, Naturopathic Doctor

480-738-1647 | DrMarcantel.com

6589 S. Kings Ranch Road, Gold Canyon

This is the second in my series of articles on “Children of the Chakras: A Return to Self-Love.” Today we’ll consider the second (Sacral) and third (Solar Plexus) chakras.

We were born to create, and creativity can be expressed in many forms. But what if we’ve learned to suppress our creative urges? Can that affect us physically, as well as rob much of the joy we should experience in life?

The spiritual truth associated with the second chakra is, “I am a co-creator with the Divine. I experience abundance in my life. I am in relationship with people who love and support me.”

The second chakra represents the creative aspects of our lives, as well as our relationships with others. It is located in the lower abdomen, and corresponding body parts are the reproductive organs, bladder, and lower intestines. Possible dysfunctions include recurrent urinary tract infections, irritable bowel syndrome, and infertility. Lower back pain can be associated with fear of lack of money. If you feel that you can’t create the income you need to support yourself or your family, it can lead to tension that concentrates in the lower back.

False beliefs can be planted during our formative years. If a sensitive and artistic child hears, “You can’t make a living as an artist” from people she trusts and respects, she may believe it and suppress her creative instincts. Childhood trauma or abuse can also have strong emotional effects.

When we have an open second chakra, we feel joy and the freedom to create and as we share our gifts with others, abundance flows to us naturally.

The color that supports us to balance our second chakra is orange. Wear orange to remind yourself that you can create what you’re passionate about. Essential oils that support us to balance our second chakra are jasmine, geranium, and rosemary.

Release your creativity! Have fun being creative with painting, cooking, dancing, interior design, or writing music. Play childhood games like hopscotch, board games – blow bubbles! While you’re at it, hang out with children. Instead of thinking of things you can teach them, allow them to teach you how to create and have fun.

Try these positive affirmations: “I choose supportive relationships for myself. I express myself through art and it is valued by others. I create with joy and confidence and money flows easily to me. I am safe to create in this world.”

The third chakra

The spiritual truth associated with the third (solar plexus) chakra is, “I am enough. I am worthy. I respect and honor myself.

A RETURN TO CREATIVITY AND CONFIDENCE

I am confident. I am powerful.”

What drives so many of us to give to others to the point of exhaustion? A lack of self-confidence can cause us to look to others for approval and we measure our self-worth by how much we do for others. Our unconscious thinking is, “I have to do enough in order to be enough.”

The third chakra is located between the sternum and bellybutton. The corresponding organs of the third chakra include the adrenal glands, pancreas, liver, stomach, kidneys, and upper intestines Some associated physical conditions could be diabetes, adrenal fatigue, gastric ulcers, and eating disorders. When energy is flowing freely, we have a healthy sense of our power and use it for good in the world. This healthy selfconfidence usually comes from growing up with or associating with others who offer genuine encouragement and support. If the energy in our third chakra is flowing freely we can honestly say, “I trust in myself. I am my own best friend.”

Self care

The color that supports our third chakra is yellow. Wearing yellow reminds us that we are lights in the world and our light matters! Essential oils that support the third chakra are lemon, rosemary, and grapefruit.

Since you may tend to be a giver, allow yourself to receive from others. Treat yourself to a massage. Accept compliments from others graciously. Let someone else do the dishes for a change!

Add a twist to your affirmation exercise. Look at yourself in the mirror when you repeat the words. Imagine that you’re talking to that “child of the chakra” who needs to hear these truths. Receive and internalize the words as though you were a child. This might feel a little weird at first, but it’s powerful.

“I am a smart person. I have a bright mind and I learn quickly and easily. I am worthy to be loved by God and others just as I am.”

IN THE KITCHEN WITH MARSHA MARSHADORRIS

CREAMY

PARMESAN DIJON SKILLET CHICKEN

This is a tender, juicy chicken dish marinated in a tasty cream sauce made with, cream, Dijon mustard and a splash of white wine!

One pan, quick and easy!!

INGREDIENTS:

• 3 to 4 tablespoons olive oil

• About 1.75 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts pounded to an even thickness

• 2 tsp of poultry seasoning

• ¾ tsp salt or to taste

• ¾ tsp black pepper or to taste

• ½ cup dry white wine (or chicken or vegetable stock may be substituted)

• 3 – 4 cloves garlic finely minced or pressed

• 1 cup half-and-half

• 1/4 to 1/3 cup Dijon mustard

• ¾ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese divided –(not the canned type)

• Fresh chopped Parsley for garnishing

INSTRUCTIONS:

In a large stainless steel skillet (or a seasoned cast iron) add the oil and heat. Season the chicken breasts with the poultry seasoning, salt and pepper. Place in pan and allow chicken to sear over medium-high heat for about 5-7 minutes on the first side. Do not touch, move or disturb the chicken while it is searing.

Flip chicken over and sear on the second side for about 5 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through. It should be a medium golden brown color. Remove chicken with a slotted spatula and place it on a plate to rest.

Turn the heat to medium low, and being careful, deglaze your skillet by adding wine (or broth) and allow the liquid to bubble up and steam violently for a few seconds. Add the garlic and allow it to cook for about 1 minute; stir continuously. Add the half-and-half, Dijon mustard, and whisk to combine.

Add ½ cup of the Parmesan cheese to the skillet and stir to combine until cheese has melted. Turn the heat off, add the chicken back into the skillet, flip it around in the cream sauce, and spoon the sauce over the chicken. Evenly sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup Parmesan cheese over the chicken.

Garnish with parsley, and serve immediately! Serve over some rice if you like. ENJOY!!

Chicken will keep airtight in the fridge for up to 5 days and in the freezer for up to 4 months.

Compliments of AverieCooks.com

Grand Opening Gold Canyon Art Gallery

6268 SOUTH KINGS RANCH ROAD

By April Toms, Founder Gold Canyon Art Gallery

A new creative space is coming to Gold Canyon this March.

Gold Canyon Art Gallery will officially open its doors on Saturday, March 7, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, inviting the community to explore a thoughtfully curated collection of local and regional artwork in an intentionally designed setting.

Gold Canyon Art Gallery was created to showcase fine art in a space that values presence, creativity, and connection. The gallery features exhibitions by local area Arizona artists working across a variety of mediums, offering visitors an opportunity to engage with art in a welcoming, unhurried environment.

The Grand Opening celebration on March 7 will include open gallery viewing, artist introductions, and an opportunity for guests to experience the space for the first time. The event is free and open to the public.

In addition to its regular gallery hours, Gold Canyon Art Gallery will host its first after-hours community event on Tuesday, March 17, in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. The evening will feature a special collaborative experience cohosted with Joanne West, along with live guitar music by Arlin Troutt. This event marks the beginning of a series of intimate, community-focused gatherings planned for the gallery throughout the year.

Gold Canyon Art Gallery operates under the MindSage Flow umbrella, a local venture blending art, reflection, and mindful experiences. While a dedicated gallery website is currently being built and will launch prior to the Grand Opening, visitors can find gallery information through the Art Gallery tab at www.mindsageflow.com. A standalone gallery website will be available soon at www.goldcanyonartgallery.com.

Community members, art lovers, and supporters of local artists are warmly invited to attend the Grand Opening and upcoming events.

For more information, visit: www.mindsageflow.com & www.goldcanyonartgallery.com

AJUSD Superintendent Presents “Portrait of a Graduate” to Clarify What Success Looks Like for Students

At the Tuesday, January 27th governing board meeting, Apache Junction Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Robert Pappalardo presented AJUSD’s newly developed Portrait of a Graduate, a districtwide framework shaped by the State 48 Graduate Profile, that defines what students should know, be able to do, and carry with them when they leave AJUSD schools.

The Portrait of a Graduate centers on who students become, not just what they achieve on paper, and reflects the district’s commitment to preparing young people for life beyond graduation.

“This work is about being intentional,” said Dr. Pappalardo. “We want to be clear about the skills, habits, and values our students are developing from their first day in school through graduation. The Portrait of a Graduate puts language around that shared goal.”

The framework outlines key characteristics AJUSD students build over time, including self-awareness, adaptability, communication, ethical decision-making, strong academic foundations, and the ability to think critically and creatively. Together, these traits describe graduates who are confident, capable, and prepared to contribute meaningfully to their communities.

Rather than a checklist or a single program, the Portrait of a Graduate serves as a guiding lens for instruction, student experiences, and district decision-making—helping ensure alignment across grade levels, schools, and programs.

“It gives us a common north star,” Dr. Pappalardo said. “When we talk about Kids First, this is what that looks like in action.”

The Portrait of a Graduate reflects AJUSD’s belief that student success is measured not only by academic performance, but by character, resilience, and readiness for whatever comes next.

The full Portrait of a Graduate framework is available on the AJUSD website at www.ajusd.org/poag