Marlborough Mesa
JANUARY NEWS 2002
Feb 01, 2002
GOODBYE, 2001
by Donna Delpier
There's been a lot of talk about the passing of this year and the beginning of 2002. Very few folks I've had an opportunity to converse with on the subject are sad to see 2001 come to an end. Certainly, our lives were forever changed by the tragedy of September 11th. However, if we allow the horrible acts of that day keep us from seeing the good aspects in life, then the perpetrators have succeeded in their mission to destroy our spirit.
In spite of our attentions being drawn to our national tragedies and ongoing actions on the other side of the world, we have still managed to stay focused on our collective backyards and have once again had a very successful year here in Marlborough Mesa. Among some of our accomplishments:
Speed bumps to improve safety in our neighborhood were installed on Peralta and Portobello.
Several Fast Track Grants were applied for and awarded, allowing us to implement and/or continue the following projects:
*4th and final Marlborough Mesa signage installed on the southeast corner of Pecos and Alma School.
*Installing a fence separating the canal and the rest of our park.
*Curb painting of all street addresses.
*First Easter Egg Hunt and Community Picnic.
*Continuation of Newsletter, Blockwatch Program, and Ambassador Program (including newcomer baskets).
We now have a Marlborough Mesa Directory of Services, as well as a resident Realtor Correspondent, who contacts each realtor who lists a property in Marlborough Mesa and provides them with a selling tool packet including information on our community. Safety walks were done in conjunction with our police department, and we now have Mesa's first-of-a-kind Neighborhood Safety Team to address prevention measures and work closely with the City of Mesa and Mesa Police Department. (They have delivered to each and every door ?– a survey to find out what YOUR concerns are. Please take a moment to fill out and return this to them.)
In addition to all of this, we gave of ourselves. A roof was removed from a home on Spruce where the owner needed help. A home was painted where the owner needed assistance on Pampa. Our second annual Marlborough Mesa Toy Drive was a huge success, delivering a truckload of toys to the East Valley Child Crisis Center.
And, to the credit of the MANY deserving individuals who have made all of this possible, we received the Award in Neighborhood Excellence at the city's first Spirit of Mesa Neighborhood Conference.
We certainly have much to be proud of and grateful for. Not everyone is as fortunate as we are to have such a wonderful community to call "home". The year 2001 will certainly be a hard act to follow for Marlborough Mesa, but given the talent and sense of commitment shown by our neighbors, there is no reason to doubt our continued success. And keeping on our positive theme, I'd like to leave you with the following quote:
"The first step toward the solution of any problem is optimism." John Baines
Here's wishing you and yours a very positive and optimistic 2002!
The Cookie Exchange
Obispo Avenue's first annual cookie exchange hosted by Karen Walsh and Teresa Weiland was a small but enjoyable event. Obispo neighbors stopped by for coffee, cider and snacks, while exchanging trays of cookies and those particular recipes. (The most enjoyable part was that you were able to take home at least a dozen DIFFERENT kinds of cookies:) YUM!
Everyone who attended agreed that it was a great way to reach out to their neighbors and enjoy an evening of relaxation and fellowship prior to the holiday rush. Plans are in the works for a springtime brunch. Why not try something like this on your own street? We may see more of these next year ... one-stop-shopping for all your holiday treats!
Marlborough Mesa Toy Drive a Huge Success
by Monette
Residents of Marlborough Mesa turned out in force for the second annual toy drive, with more than 100 neighbors opening their hearts ?– and their wallets ?– to provide a truckload of toys for children at the East Valley Child Crisis Center.
The event kicked off at 11 a.m. on Dec. 15, with volunteers turning out a massive selection of baked goods, deserts and other goodies as residents began to arrive with their donated toys. The event took a different tack than last year, with more incentives, such as photos with Santa, for neighbors to linger a while and chat with fellow residents and friends.
?“I like the fact that people actually hung out and interacted with each other,?” said Linda Murphy, one of the toy drive volunteers. ?“This year it was wonderful to see people and kids mingling and starting off the season with their neighbors, as opposed to just dropping off the toys and going back to the hustle and bustle.?”
Spearheaded by Marlborough Mesa resident Michelle Kolar, this year?’s event GREW out of efforts by former resident Renee Coelho, who organized the first Marlborough Mesa Toy Drive in 2000. Marlborough Mesa resident Bob Cingel broke out the Santa suit for holiday photos, with more than 40 children (and even a few adults) getting a chance to sit on Santa?’s lap and present their Christmas wish list.
Aided by Sandy Scully and Brownies from Troop 376, led by Linda Murphy, Michelle Germanis and Bridget Webster, the volunteers were also aiming to teach children the importance of giving during the holiday season.
?“I think the event was successful in terms of wanting to teach kids about giving during the holiday season,?” said Sandy Scully. ?“We had a good first attempt, but this year, we wanted to make the toy drive more festive, especially in light of what happened Sept. 11.?”
After the event wrapped up, volunteers loaded a pick up truck full of donated toys, which were then delivered to the East Valley Child Crises Center in Mesa. The crisis center serves as a refuge for some 40 children who have fled abusive situations.
?“They were surprised when we first walked in with the toys and the food,?” said Kelly Wendel, one of the volunteers who delivered the toys. ?“I think that surprise turned to shock as we continued to bring in more toys and food. By the time we left, their entire front office was packed with stuff. It?’s great knowing we helped some kids that might not have had a Christmas.?”
Once again, everyone in Marlborough is very grateful for Michelle Kolar, who planned, organized and orchestrated the entire event.
Marlborough Mesa Safety Team
by Laurel Aslamy
The Marlborough Mesa Safety Team continued its work during the month of December by creating and distributing to every resident a "Safety Survey" designed to pinpoint what safety related issues our neighborhood would most like to see the Safety Team address. Please take a moment to complete the survey and return it to the Safety Team at 1160 W. Obispo Avenue by January 15, 2002.
For those neighbors who prefer to access the survey electronically, it can be downloaded at http://mmesa.net/safety/survey_1.html. The results of the survey will help the Safety Team decide how to best focus their efforts to ensure that Marlborough Mesa remains a safe neighborhood. In the month since it was created, the Safety Team has taken steps toward improving the lighting in our park and preventing the continued destruction of the park by vehicles driving through the grass. The Safety Team has also registered the neighborhood with the City and County for notification of crimes committed in Marlborough Mesa. You can contact the Safety Team at team@mmesa.net.
Crimes Stats for December 2001
These stats are for our Grid area BH03.
Armed Robbery
Strong Armed Robbery
Criminal Damage (vandalism)
Juveniles Disturbing
Subject Disturbing
Theft - Residential
1 Theft - Vehicle
1 Theft - Commercial
1 Burglary - Residential
3 Burglary - Vehicle
Burglary - Commercial
3 Stolen Vehicle
Suspicious Activity
Suspicious Persons
Prowler
New Business Forming ?…
?“Announcing ?… The Law Offices of Zubair Aslamy, P.C. Specializing in criminal defense including DUI defense, family law, personal injury and civil law. 668 North 44th Street, Suite 300 ?– Phoenix, AZ 85008, 602-685-1011. Zubair Aslamy is a resident of Marlborough Mesa and offers a discount to all Marlborough Mesa neighbors.?”
This card was passed out throughout our development. Zubair and his wife, Laurel, are both attorneys and are on the Safety Team here and live on Plata. If you need help, as you can see ?– you can contact Zubair.
Treasury Report +
by Bob and Lolita Gates
As of Dec. 18, when I deposited the $300 check for the Spirit of Mesa Neighborhood Award, the balance in the account was $1,242.12.
Our unwritten agreement with the City of Mesa prior to the entrance signage being installed was that we would keep $500.00 in the account in case of any vandalism to those signs. This leaves us $742.12 to work with.
We are thinking along the lines of a "Financial Advisory Committee" being established since neither we nor Jim and Alma want to continue being the sole decision makers for the neighborhood funds.
This could consist of at least 3 (or more) family members and they could review the requests for money and decide what is best for the neighborhood. This would relieve any one person from this responsibility.
Also, perhaps it should be stated that any requests for money be submitted to the committee in writing.
CITY of MESA
DISTRICT 3 NEWS - MARLBOROUGH MESA
by Councilman Dennis Kavanaugh
First, I would like to offer my thanks and appreciation to Alma Jones and the residents of Marlborough Mesa for the opportunity to brief you periodically on events involving your neighborhood, District 3 and the City of Mesa.
Our Parks and Recreation Department recently announced the completion of improvements to Carriage Lane Park. I hope you will check it out?… I think you will be pleased. In terms of other important City facilities, later this spring you will see groundbreakings for the new Mesa Arts Center, the new Aquatics Center and the expansion of the award-winning Arizona Museum for Youth.
Construction continues on the US 60 widening and on the Dobson Road overpass improvements. On January 12, 2002 ADOT and the City will celebrate the opening of State Route 202 to Gilbert Road. I hope you will join us in this occasion.
The City will honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on January 21, 2002 with a breakfast and parade. Last year the breakfast sold out early. Call 891-2207 for additional information.
Work continues on the cable upgrades in Southwest Mesa. I know many of us look forward to the improved service that has been much delayed. Cox Communications has initiated the process to renew its franchise with the City. Your comments regarding Cox can be directed to Cory Gherkin at 644-2910.
Several months ago Lisa Blyler joined our staff as my Council Assistant. Please do not hesitate to contact me (644-3003) or Lisa at 644-5295 if you have any questions regarding City issues. We look forward to continuing to work with one of the City?’s best neighborhoods, Marlborough Mesa!
(Editor?’s note: Our Councilman Kavanaugh will have a ?“regular update?” now that we have space in our newsletters after going completely online.)
Ham, Health and Household Hints ...
Water or coke?
(contributed by Marty Klopper)
We all know that water is important but I've never seen it written down like this before. 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated.
(Likely applies to half world pop.)
In 37% of Americans, the thirst mechanism is so weak that it is often mistaken for hunger. Even MILD dehydration will slow down one's metabolism as much as 3%. One glass of water shuts down midnight hunger pangs for almost 100% of the dieters studied in a U-Washington study. Lack of water, the #1 trigger of daytime fatigue.
Preliminary research indicates that 8-10 glasses of water a day could
significantly ease back and joint pain for up to 80% of sufferers. A mere 2% drop in body water can trigger fuzzy short-term memory, trouble with basic math, and difficulty focusing on the computer screen or on a printed page.
Drinking 5 glasses of water daily decreases the risk of colon cancer by 45%, plus it can slash the risk of breast cancer by 79%, and one is 50% less likely to develop bladder cancer.
Are you drinking the amount of water you should every day?
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COKE
No wonder coke tastes soooo good:
1. In many states (in the USA) the highway patrol carries two gallons of
Coke in the truck to remove blood from the highway after a car accident.
2. You can put a T-bone steak in a bowl of coke and it will be gone in 2 days.
3. To clean a toilet: Pour a can of Coca-Cola into the toilet bowl and ?… Let the "real thing" sit for one hour, then flush clean. The citric acid in Coke removes stains from vitreous china.
4. To remove rust spots from chrome car bumpers: Rub the bumper with a
crumpled-up piece of Reynolds Wrap aluminum foil dipped in Coca-Cola.
5. To clean corrosion from car battery terminals: Pour a can of Coca-Cola
over the terminals to bubble away the corrosion.
6. To loosen a rusted bolt: Applying a cloth soaked in Coca-Cola to the
rusted bolt for several minutes.
7. To bake a moist ham: Empty a can of Coca-Cola into the baking pan, wrap
the ham in aluminum foil, and bake. Thirty minutes before the ham is finished, Remove the foil, allowing the drippings to mix with the Coke for a sumptuous brown gravy.
8. To remove grease from clothes: Empty a can of coke into a load of greasy
clothes, add detergent, And run through a regular cycle. The Coca-Cola will help loosen grease stains. It will also clean road haze from your windshield.
FYI:
1. The active ingredient in Coke is phosphoric acid. Its Ph is 2.8. It will dissolve a nail in about 4 days.
2. To carry Coca-Cola syrup (the concentrate) the commercial truck must use
the Hazardous material place cards reserved for Highly corrosive materials.
3. The distributors of coke have been using it to clean the engines of their trucks for about 20 years!!!
Now the question is, would you like a glass of water or a coke?
Just Touching Base!
The following is an article about our neighborhood from our City of Mesa Neighborhood Coordinator, Debbie Driscol, who helps us with many projects we do here in Marlborough. This went out to all neighborhood leaders as well as any other names she has who would like to be ?“kept in contact?”. Debbie writes:
For the second year, the Marlborough Mesa Neighborhood has collected hundreds of toys for charity. They use this Toy Drive as an opportunity to share stories, enjoy fabulous home baked goodies and to just plain have fun.
They operate this toy drive in their retention basin/park. Everyone brings drinks, cookies or their favorite goodies to share. Santa visits and neighbors take photos of children visiting with Santa. You can view the photos of their event on their website at http://www.neighborhoodlink.com/mesa/marlbosough. Once in, just click on ?“Neighborhood Photos?”.
They pick a Saturday two or three weeks before Christmas and put the word out by email, flyer and newsletter to their 469 homes. For two hours (10 am to noon) residents come and go as they please.
Everyone brings new toys, unwrapped and delivers them to Santa for redelivery at a later date. Children visit Santa, eat cookies and doughnuts, and play lots of ball games on the grass.
Adults bring toys, enjoy good conversation and talk about what?’s going on in the neighborhood.
This is an event that allows for lots of spontaneous conversation.
After the event, the toys collected (which filled the back of a pick up truck) were taken to the charity of choice, which this year was the Child Crisis Center.
