Marlborough Mesa
SEPTEMBER 2003
Sep 01, 2003
Neighborhood Website Address:
http://www.neighborhoodlink.com/mesa/marlborough
For info concerning this newsletter, please contact the editors/publishers: Jim and Alma Jones 1031 W. Posada
jnajones@cybertrails.com/ 480-831-1525 or 602-321-1139
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SPIRIT OF MESA NEIGHBORHOOD AWARDS
Coming once again are the annual Spirit of Mesa Neighborhood Awards in 2004. There are a variety of categories. Online at www.cityofmesa.org/neighsvc/awards you can fill out your nomination for any number of fields.
ANYONE can nominate a neighbor for any project, program, event or activity for the time period between June 30, 2002 and September 30, 2003. Please send these names before September 15, 2003.
Marlborough Mesa has always taken many awards and this year promises to be no different. BUT, we must ALL take just a few minutes to nominate someone who has volunteered their time and energy here in MM. YOU know someone ?– we ALL know someone who has contributed in making things a little easier for us all. Very little recognition is given to our MANY volunteers ?– NOW is your chance to nominate them.
IF you cannot find the time to go online to fill out the paper, Debbie Driscol, our City Neighborhood Coordinator, has made it easier. This is a quote from her newsletter: ?“If you know someone that should be nominated, but you don?’t have the time to fill out the form, call or email me at Deborah.Driscol@cityofmesa.org or 644-5434, leave a message of Who they are, What they did, When they did it, Why it impacted the neighborhood with lasting effects and your name and phone number and I?’ll fill out the paperwork.?” Also don?’t forget to let her know you are from MM.
NEW DIRECTORY OF SERVICES & BUSINESSES 2004 IS NOW ONLINE
Our Directory of Services in Marlborough Mesa is now online ?– if you wish to be placed in that directory before it is printed ?– Sept. 15 is the deadline & your LAST OPPORTUNITY! All changes to the online version will be updated by September 30. The directory will be passed out to all homes with the October Newsletter.
Please contact me at 480-831-1525 or jnajones@cybertrails.com and provide the following information for your listing if you wish to be included.
Name of Resident _________________________
Business Name ___________________________
Business Address __________________________
Business Phone ___________________________
Home Phone (Optional) _____________________
Cell Phone (Optional) ______________________
Licensed & Bonded (If Applicable) _____________
E-mail __________________________________
Refrences (Available upon request) ______________
Discounts (If applicable)______________________
Please include a brief statement on the type of services offered. __________________________
________________________________________
We still need a locksmith, sprinkler systems handyman, block layer, electrician and landscaper. If you have any of these trades or qualifications and would like neighborhood business, please consider placing your name in the directory. Also, if you know of someone who has worked directly for you in the past and has done an extraordinary job ?– then recommend them with your name attached.
WE HAVE A COMPUTER WINNER!
By Kristine Malcolm
The Marlborough Mesa neighborhood held a contest last month to win a free computer. A wide variety of letters were received showing off the creativity and flair of the members of our fine neighborhood. The letter from the winning family was one such letter. This letter, written on behalf of the family, was from the viewpoint of the computer itself. The computer would handle the family's finances, take care of the sending and receiving of emails, and be available for the kids to do their homework on. The letter was signed "Hopefully Theirs, The Computer" not identifying the individual family member that wrote the letter. The winning family was informed of their good fortune and has expressed appreciation to all involved in this program.
Congratulations to our Pampa Street winner and a thank you to Michelle for donating the computer and Paul for making it ready for ?“new owners.?”
If YOU have an old computer (or parts of one) to donate, please contact 831-1525 or 345-9823.
DSL IS EXPANDING
A third alternative for high speed Internet will be Qwest DSL service. DSL uses the same cable as your telephone line to provide service. Digging has begun on Guadalupe. Call Qwest for information as to when services will be available to you.
WHAT IS NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH?
By Holly Hosac,Crime Prevention Specialist, City of Mesa
Neighborhood Watch is a crime prevention program that enlists the active participation of citizens in cooperation with law enforcement to reduce crime in their communities. The purpose of the program is to create an alert neighborhood by using simple crime prevention methods. Does your street participate in a Neighborhood Watch program? If not, consider this:
Neighborhood Watch sends a message to potential intruders that:
?· Homes in your neighborhood are not easily accessible to potential intruders;
?· Your neighborhood is organized and actively involved in preventing crime in the area.
?· As a result: Neighbors get to know each other by working together in a program of mutual assistance.
?· Citizens become aware of how to recognize and report suspicious activities in their neighborhood.
The Neighborhood Watch program has endless benefits ?– you have nothing to lose and friendships to gain! As the weather begins to cool down, now is the perfect time to plan your next Neighborhood Watch gathering, or implement the program on your street.
OCTOBER IS NATIONAL CRIME PREVENTION MONTH
By Holly Hosac,Crime Prevention Specialist, City of Mesa
To celebrate National Crime Prevention Month, the Mesa Police Department will promote a GAIN (known as Getting Arizona Involved in Neighborhoods - formally National Night Out) is scheduled for Saturday, October 4, 2003 from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm. On GAIN night, hundreds of Neighborhood Watch parties are held concurrently in a united effort to keep crime away. As Crime Prevention Specialist and Neighborhood Watch liaison for MM, I would be happy to assist you. I may be reached at 480-644-2033. I may also be reached at e-mail at holly.hosac@cityofmesa.com
CONVERT TO XERISCAPE FOR MAXIMUM WATER SAVINGS
By Stacy Damp
Utilities Conservation-City of Mesa, 480-644-4844
One way to reduce your outdoor water use is by properly watering your grass. To read more about this, visit http://www.cityofmesa.org/utilities/conservation/default.asp. The other way is to convert some or all of your grass to Xeriscape.
Xeriscape is derived from the Greek word xeros meaning dry and is defined as creative landscaping for water and energy efficiency. Xeriscape is not just rocks and cactus, though. There are hundreds of beautiful, low water use plants that can attract wildlife such as hummingbirds, provide shade, and decorate your landscape with year-round color.
The key to a successful conversion is to thoroughly kill the grass in the area you want to convert. This helps minimize maintenance issues in the future. Apply glyphosate, a contact herbicide, directly on the grass. This may require two or more applications, which should be done about one week apart. The best time to kill the grass is in the late summer, when the grass is actively growing. Watering the grass to ?“green it up?” will also increase the herbicide?’s effectiveness. Be careful not to spray the plants you?’ve decided to keep.
Once your grass is dead, you have three choices. First, you can scalp the grass close to the ground. The second option is to rototill the area. Rototill when the soil is slightly damp, so the machine?’s teeth dig deep into the soil. You may want to rake the grass roots from the dirt after rototilling to help prevent them from rejuvenating. The third option, which is the most effective, is to remove three or four inches of dead grass with a tractor or sod cutter. Both pieces of equipment can be rented or you may want to hire a landscape professional, depending on the amount of grass you are removing.
While it does take a bit of work to remove your grass, the water saving benefits can be significant. It requires 35,000 gallons per year to properly water 1,000 sq feet of turf, while low water use plants use only 15,000 gallons for the same amount of space. And maintenance will be easier, too.
City of Mesa Utilities Conservation has several publications to assist you with your conversion. For a free copy of Plants for the Desert Southwest, a plant selection guide, or Converting to Xeriscape: Renovate Your Landscape with Style, please visit http://www.cityofmesa.org/utilities/conservation/publications_main.asp. You can also call 480-644-3334 to request publications or for additional questions about your landscape.
EMAIL UPDATE
If we do NOT have your email ?– or it is not CURRENT, please send it to Sandy or Alma.
Sandy Scully
sscully@peoplepc.com / 345-9823
Alma Jones
jnajones@cybertrails.com / 831-1525
DISTRICT 3 PANCAKE BREAKFAST
Vice-Mayor Dennis Kavanaugh will host the breakfast and fire fighters will cook it.
Bring the whole family for pancakes and eggs Saturday, October 11 from 8-10:30 AM to Fire Station 204, 1426 S. Extension.
The little ones are always fascinated with the fire engines, thereby giving you a perfect time to get answers on your questions about what's happening in Mesa. No waiting for returned calls or emails. Immediate answers.
NEIGHBORHOOD NOTES
A special thanks to the good samaritan who has trimmed the greenery around the MM sign at Pampa and Alma School Road.
Kari and Matt Carlson will now be welcoming their new neighbors as the Ambassadors on Osage. We?’re glad to have you as part of our neighborhood team.
As people move in and out of Marlborough Mesa, we are always looking for volunteers to replace one who has moved. Currently, we are in need of:
1. Committee members to plan our holiday celebration at the park that coincides with our Toy Drive for the East Valley Crisis Center. To join the committee and help make one young child?’s Christmas a little brighter, call Sandra Fischer at 480-820-2773.
2. Ambassadors on Mollera, Pecos, Obispo and Portobello
3. Newsletter help for Emerson, Mollera and Plata.
Please consider some of the volunteer positions, which take so little of your time, but keep MM one of the top neighborhoods in all of Mesa.
WALKING FOR AMERICA BY 911
By Syna Daudfar
(a student in Marlborough)
Editor?’s Note: Remember the Iranian bicyclist that is going across the USA to New York's ground zero by running and plans to get there by 9-11? An update:
Reza is currently in Philadelphia about 100 miles from New York City and is running now. He still has 10 days until 9-11 and running ahead of schedule. There is a possibility he will be on TV on 9-11 but we are not certain at this time. I will write with full details in the October Newsletter.
*WATCH FOR DETAILS*
of the next FREE computer giveaway -- coming soon!
WHAT IS GIARDIA VIRUS?
By Carol Behrend (Pecos)
Recently one of my dogs was diagnosed with Giardia. It is an intestinal infection characterized by uncontrollable diarrhea with a horrible odor. It gets worse without treatment and can lead to chronic debilitation or worse. My dog has responded to medication but it will be another two weeks before I know whether or not the medication has cured him or if he will need a new vaccine. If he needs the vaccine, he will have to have booster shots on a regular basis. Not all dogs seem to be affected by this virus. I have one healthy dog and one sick dog even though both run around in my back yard.
Why am I telling you this? The Giardia virus is not only carried by dogs but by cats and can be transmitted to humans. Some cats have decided to use by backyard as a litter box. My yard is now contaminated because of these roaming cats. If any of our neighbors have sick animals exhibiting the symptoms I described, they should immediately take them to the vet. EVEN MORE IMPORTANT is the fact that this virus can be transmitted to humans. My concern is for the children who may come in contact with this parasite by touching grass, toys, etc. and then putting their hands in their mouths or eating without first washing their hands.
I am not anti-cat. In fact about 17 years ago I adopted a beautiful Calico that someone dumped off. She lived in my house and died of old age earlier this year. What I am against is cat owners who still believe the old wives?’ tale that cats have to roam and that it is not necessary to get the proper care for their sick animals. My vet bill was $133 with more expense to come for further tests, which will have to be done. Euthanizing my dog is not an option for me. Yes, my concern is for pets, but my major concern is for the neighborhood children who could become very ill.
"GOOD PETS MAKE GOOD NEIGHBORS"
The Humane Society of the US has many Web pages devoted to improving pet behavior and neighbor relations. A few:
?· Be a good neighbor ?– www.hsus.org/ace/13962
?· Keep your cats safe at home ?– www.hsus.org/ace/13960
?· Facts about chaining or tethering dogs- www.hsus.org/ace/11865
?· Solving barking problems ?– www.hsus.org/14542
?· Reporting animal abuse or neglect ?– www. hsus.org/ace/11847
TREASURER'S REPORT
By Kristine Malcolm
As of 7-20-03, the amount in the account is $2,615.80 in our neighborhood funds.
HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE DATES
Residents seeking an environmentally friendly way to dispose of their hazardous waste can take advantage of the City's free household hazardous waste collection events.
East Mesa Event Dates: October 18, 2003 and April 17, 2004. Location: 6935 E. Decatur (Power Rd., North of University).
West Mesa Event Dates: January 17, 2004. Location: 2412 N. Center St. (Center St. N. of McKellips Rd.)
Event hours are 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.
Acceptable Items:
Paint, polishes & varnishes,Paint related materials, Turpentine, Aerosol cans, Adhesives Motor oil, Antifreeze, Appliances (limit 2), Automobile tires (limit 5); rims are accepted if the tire has been removed, Fuel Additives, Pool chemicals, Gasoline, Batteries, Mercury, Pesticides, Electronics, Transmission fluid,
NON-Acceptable Items:
Commercial / Industrial waste,55 gallon drums of material, Large truck tires, Radioactive material, Explosives, Bullets.
Residents should be prepared to show their most recent trash bill and are asked to remain in their vehicles while at drop-off site. For more information about collection events, please call the Recycling Hotline at (480) 644-2222.
MM CLASSIFIEDS
Please remember that Sheri Powers handles the CLASSIFIEDS online at our website:
www.neighborhoodlink.com/marlborough/mesa/
If you are interested in placing an ad there, send it to Sheri at slp@azlawfirm.com.
Be sure to give the description, price, your phone number and email. ALSO please REMEMBER to email Sheri once your articles have been SOLD so she can remove them.
AND ?– remember not only to PLACE those ads ?– but to look there for PURCHASING as well.
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**HOUSECLEANING**
One time, Weekly, Bi-Weekly
Kathy Larsen 480-831-5103
WANTED: 1998 or 99 Coleman Cheyenne pop-
up tent 480-820-5742 asufan2002@yahoo.com
Refrigerator, stove, built in microwave - $200 takes all 3. Blue recliner - $30. Bookcase - $10 Call Karen at 839-8006.
CULTURED MARBLE COUNTERTOP with 1 sink, 54?” white on white with right hand return asking $25. Call Sandy at 480-345-9823.
FREE GYMNASTIC CLASS for Marlborough children ages 4 & Up. Also, ballet & tap classes as well as kid fitness classes (ages 3 & up) are offered. I am still accepting students for the Fall program that continues through May 2004. The Fall Program begins August 18th at our New Studio in Mesa! Call Carol Strongoli for locations, times & days at (480) 777-1033 or MsCarolsGymkids@aol.com
Buy Lovely Mesa Home With Zero Down"
Even if You Can Afford To Pay Cash!!
1-800-694-4836 Free 24 Hour Message
OAK QUEEN HEADBOARD. Gently used. Call Anne or Danny 480 820-0620
WANTED: Twin mattress set, clean & in good shape contact Michelle at 480/491-1957 or email at iluvboonies@hotmail.com
WANTED: Workshop stool. Call Alma at 480-831-1525 jnajones@cybertrails.com
Insurance rates going out of site? My agent shops around and has saved me 50% on my homeowners insurance and 20% on car. He is Jamie Hunter, 480-820-6228 in Gilbert. (Danny Broughton on Peralta.)
FOR SALE: Conference Table with Six Padded Chairs, $500.00 for all. Email: inlcc@yahoo.com
or Phone: 480-839-4244
Jack's Computer Repair. Specializing in Macs and Networking. Low prices, no charge if I cant fix it. 602-502-1258 or virus@2600.zzn.com.
HOUSECLEANING: Do you like to come home to sparkling clean house after a hard day at work or you just need help keeping your house clean? I can help!! I have been cleaning homes for over 10 years. For free estimates call Debbie at 480-730-6621 or email me at debrs1@cableaz.com . References provided upon request.
INSTANT DELIVERY of MARY KAY
products by your Marlborough Mesa
Neighbor, Tammy, (480) 491-9916
Large 5 X 3 foot reptile/pet wood cage
asking $100.00. 6ft Jewelry Cases light
oak, have 4, asking $75.00 each.
Treadmill paid $900 used, asking $300.00.
Call Joe or Tammy at 480-491-9916
Stationary exercise bike - please
call Joe at 480-491-9916.
