Marlborough Mesa

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2004

Jan 29, 2004

IN THIS ISSUE:

Spirit of Mesa Awards Conference
Clean Sweeps Arriving
Think About It
Neighborhood Stores
Oh, You Dirty Rat!
Roof Rat Meeting ?– January 26th
Pancake Breakfast
Storage Space Unit
We Share With Care ?– Toy Drive 2003
Treasurer Report
Code Compliance Online
DQ Coming
Neighborhood Notes
Easter Egg Hunt and Community Picnic
A Bit of Politics
Classifieds



Our Volunteers are
Spirit of Mesa Award Winners

Volunteers in MM are to receive many awards this year for their efforts in 2002. The Spirit of Mesa Awards will honor them at a luncheon and award presentation. Workshops are included and the date, time, location and schedule of the event is:

Saturday, January 31, 2004
Mesa Centennial Center,201 N. Center St. (between Main Street and University).
8:00 am - 1:30 pm ?– Entire Conference
11:30 - 1:30 pm Lunch/Award Presentations
12:30 - 1:30 Award Presentation only
(can attend any or all of the above)

Call 480-644-5700 to register or for information. DEADLINE is Jan. 29th.
Please come and show your support for these volunteers who have worked so diligently throughout 2002. They will all be recognized. (Remember, these awards are for 2002.)

And the winners are:

Greg and Vanessa Hess
Ellen Bretzke
Jerri Pennington
Suzanne and Craig Weaver
Roger Kreiger
Becky Trudgeon
Kristine and Tim Malcolm
Kim and Rick Parsons
Doug and Kelly Smith
Debbie and Don Glick
Sara Glick
Krista Glick
Michelle Geramanis
Victoria and Jim Boring
Chanin and Robert Sauer
Paul Simpson
Charlene and Adrian Reaux
Sheri Powers
Naomi and Randy Mills
Kevin and Christal Biesty
Mary and Mark Kleinhans
Linda and Mike Murphy
Bob and Lolita Gates
Velda Burton
Nathanial Hall
Debbie Albach
Ron and AmySue Mellinger
Kim and Wayne Rowe
Jane and Ariel Jones
Diane LeFevre
Stacy LeFevre
Sandy and Michael Scully
Bruce and Jeanne Pratt
Anna Covarrubias
Lindi Covarrubias
Karen and Drew Walsh
Trish Baker
Nancy and Brett Borg
Joey Hedger
Terry Carey
Jim and Alma Jones
Trudy EmBree
Denise Jones
Lindsay EmBree
Brent and Cheryl Gregory
Aimee Gipper
Sandra Fischer
Courtney Anderson
Bob Cingel
Kari and Matt Carlson
Kelly and Monette Wendel
Teresa Weiland



Clean Sweeps Arriving
By Kristine Malcolm

Our now ANNUAL Clean/Green Sweep is right around the corner. Below you will
find the placement dates and locations and which type of container it will be. Please be courteous of others in the neighborhood ?– we have had people cut down entire trees and fill up the bins. This is NOT the purpose of this service and given the cutbacks in the City of Mesa, we do not want to abuse this service as they have already cut the program back to once a year.

SET DATE - 2/3/04 REMOVAL DATE - 2/6/04

ALL CONTAINERS will be WHITE in this delivery ?– therefore trimmings can go into the WHITE containers.
2926 S. Emerson (Set Across Street)
1049 W. Plata (Set Across Street)
1127 W. Plata (Set Across Street)
2936 S. Mollera
1116 W. Obispo
2904 S. Spruce
842 W. Plata
934 W. Plata


SET DATE - 2/6/04 REMOVAL DATE - 2/10/04

2822 S. Emerson (WHITE - Set Across Street)
931 W. Olla (WHITE)
957 W. Olla (GREEN)
948 W. Osage (WHITE)
918 W. Osage (WHITE)
829 W. Obispo (WHITE)
921 W. Obispo (GREEN)
955 W. Obispo (WHITE)


SET DATE - 2/10/04 REMOVAL DATE - 2/13/04

1063 W. Pecos (WHITE)
831 W. Pecos (WHITE)
927 W. Pecos (GREEN)
3060 or 3032 S. Mollera (WHITE - Set Across Street)
825 W. Portobello (WHITE)
921 W. Portobello (GREEN)
1007 W. Portobello (WHITE)
1055 W. Portobello (WHITE)


SET DATE - 2/13/04 REMOVAL DATE - 2/17/04

805 W. Posada (WHITE - Set Across Street)
861 W. Posada (WHITE)
955 W. Posada (WHITE)
860 W. Pampa (WHITE)
954 W. Pampa (WHITE)
3130 S. Spruce (GREEN)
959 W. Peralta (WHITE - Set Across Street)
857 W. Peralta (WHITE)

Examples of ACCEPTABLE items in the WHITE containers: furniture, wood, palm fronds, old toys, mattresses/box springs, tree branches, BBQ grills (no propane), general household debris (no food waste).

Examples of ACCEPTABLE items in the GREEN containers: Only unbagged green waste such as grass, leaves, branches (12 inches or less in diameter) - NO palm fronds in this container.

Examples of items NOT to be placed in EITHER container: rock, dirt, concrete, block, tire, construction materials, batteries, refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, paint, tires, oil, or any hazardous waste.

REMINDER:

Debris may not extend over the top of the container. Any questions? Call 480-644-4423 or 644-4791.

If you are interested in having your name added to the list of potential placement sites, please e-mail Kristine Malcolm at malcohouse@cableaz.com. However, the City of Mesa makes the final decision in the placement of the containers.

Let's have another
successful Clean/Green Sweep!



Think About It!
By Pat Simmonds

I have two Bassett hounds that I walk regularly. I always carry plastic bags to clean up after them, if necessary. It is truly frustrating to see other dog's droppings along the sidewalks, people?’s yards and all over the park. AND ?– there are even 2 Doggie Waste Stations AT the park with bags provided! It is really inconsiderate and very annoying to those of us that want to keep a neat looking neighborhood. If I were looking to purchase a house in the neighborhood, these are definitely things that I would notice. I am sure that we all would like to keep our property values up, so we should ALL be working together on this matter. I know I, as well as many other neighbors would appreciate some
consideration in the care of our park and neighborhood.



Neighborhood Stores

Albertson's, Basha's, and Fry's have been helping us out a lot recently. Albertson?’s helped tremendously with our Toy Drive in December by providing discounts and gift cards.


Oh You Dirty Rat!
By Nancy Borg

According to the Arizona Republic, the infamous Roof Rats have been found in Mesa. A rat was found in a trap Wednesday, January 14th at Guadalupe and Dobson. These rats caused a lot of trouble and damage to homes in the Arcadia area back in 2001. The rats have an appetite for the electrical wiring that is found in our homes.

In order to prevent the rats from making your home theirs it is very important to PICK ALL OF THE FRUIT OFF OF YOUR TREES, AND PICK UP ANY FRUIT THAT HAS FALLEN FROM THE TREE. If you have a fruit tree with fruit on it and don?’t feel like you can use all of the fruit you may want to contact a homeless shelter and see if they will accept a donation of fresh fruit. You may also want to ask your neighbors to help pick the fruit and share it with them. Many of us may have relatives who would relish a box of Arizona grapefruits and oranges.

Communication can be very helpful in the fight against the rats. If you have trapped a rat or notice damage to your attic wiring, let the neighborhood know. Log on to the MM Web page and place a notice in the Discussion section at
www.neighborhoodlink.com/mesa/marlborough, or contact your street Ambassador to help spread the word.

If you think that you have a rat problem you may contact the Maricopa County Health Department at (602) 506-6616. According to the Arizona Republic you may also log on to www.maricopa.gov/envsvc for more information about the rats.
Note: The City of Mesa has set up a website also. It is: http://www.cityofmesa.org/citymgt/roof_rats.asp




Roof Rat Meeting January 26th
Maricopa County Vector Control,
City of Mesa and the
Arcadia NEIGHBOR to NEIGHBOR CAMPAIGN
By Linda Murphy

A lot of great information and contacts were provided at this meeting. So much so, that this article will be just a few highlights and resources for more information.

According to Barry Paceley from NEIGHBOR TO NEIGHBOR the top three things to do are as follows:

1. Remove all excess debris from your yard. Clean under and thin out any brush, Oleanders or low laying shrubbery that can become a ?“nesting ground?”. Store wood and lumber at least 18 inches from the ground and 12 inches from walls. (Habitat: DENSITY breeds RATS!)

2. Seal your home! All cracks should be caulked, vents and sewer stacks covered with stucco diamond mesh, and don?’t forget under the sink, dishwasher and dryers. For more information go to the Arcadia NEIGHBOR TO NEIGHBOR web site www.paceley.net/n2n and click on Recommended Links. (If rats chew your wiring ?– insurance will NOT pay.)

3. Set 2 to 4 bait stations (rat traps) per house/yard. For more info go to the Arcadia NEIGHBOR TO NEIGHBOR website www.paceley.net/n2n then click on General Info and Recommended Links.

Of course roof rats love citrus and instead of just throwing away what you cannot use, Arcadia NEIGHBOR TO NEIGHBOR has a Citrus Program. For more information go to their web site at: www.paceley.net/n2n.

What are common signs of roof rat activity?
?• Visual sightings on power lines, trees, bushes, patios, etc.
?• Hollowed out citrus and other fruit still hanging on the tree
?• Rat droppings
?• Noises in the attic and walls
?• Gnawing sounds and gnawing marks around roof eaves
?• Damage to plastics and coverings on electrical wires
?• Unsettled pets

GREAT PLACES FOR INFORMATION:
Maricopa County Vector Control
602-506-6616

City of Mesa www.ctiyofmesa.org,
Dealing with Roof Rats

NEIGHBOR TO NEIGHBOR

Barry Paceley 602-506-6616

Since the roof rats ARE so close to our homes now, by going to the above websites, you will learn more about questions you may have ?… When do they travel? How do they travel? How do they enter homes? Why attics? What do they eat and drink? How do I seal my home? Harvesting citrus and other fruit. Manicuring landscape. Don?’t feed them! Snap traps and bait stations. What doesn?’t work? Long-term solutions.

PLEASE go to our own website at www.neighborhoodlink.com/mesa/marlborough to the Discussion Area. You will find YOUR neighbors discussing OUR problems and solutions with these rats and all the latest information we find. Example: where to purchase these snap traps and bait stations?

NOTE: If you do NOT own a computer and own a home in MM and would like a refurbished one FREE ?– please contact Alma Jones at jnajones@cybertrails.com. Paul Simpson now has 2 computers that are just waiting for new owners!



Pancake Breakfast

Mark your spring calendars for the District 3 Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, March 27, 2004 from 8-10 am. Vice-Mayor, Dennis Kavanaugh at the Fire Station 207, 2505 S. Dobson Rd, will host the breakfast. As has become tradition, Mesa fire fighters will serve as the ?“breakfast chefs.?”



Marlborough Mesa
Needs Storage Space!
By Linda Murphy

We are looking for anyone with any connections to the three mini-storage unit companies close by.

As our neighborhood?’s activity list has grown to include providing, Welcome Baskets, Computers, Christmas Toy Drive and Easter Hunt, the need for storage space has grown. Those who are willing to volunteer their time to organize these events do not necessarily have the space to house all the supplies needed.

At this point it may make sense to rent a mini-storage unit to house all the supplies needed to run our many activities. We are hoping to get a discounted rate on a medium size unit. In return we would put their advertisement material in our Welcome Baskets, include an article in our newsletter, and in the City of Mesa?’s Neighborhood Coordinator newsletter about their contribution to our neighborhood.

If you can help in any way please contact Linda Murphy at 602-750-2630.

________________

Thank you to all my neighbors who responded with such love and support during my recent bereavement. I will be thanking all of you individually but, I just wanted to let everyone know how wonderful our neighbors are and how much your support and kindness has meant to our family during this sad time.
Sincerely, Shirley Sartain




We Share With Care
By Sandra Fischer

Holiday parties are now only a memory and everyone has returned to their routine. Still, we need to remember there are those less fortunate than ourselves and together, we have the power to make a difference.

Marlborough Mesa made a difference at Christmas in the lives of children at the Child Crisis Center through our annual toy drive on Sat., Dec.13, 2003. We are a community that cares about each other and those in need and our toy drive showed our ?“commitment to community?”.

Everyone in attendance had a great time chatting while eating. Our kids had fun playing games and visiting with Santa, who
sat for pictures and listened to their wish lists. Thank you Santa for making a special visit to our neighborhood just for our kids.

Our special guests were Vice Mayor Dennis Kavanaugh, Debbie Driscol (neighborhood office), and mayoral candidate Teresa Brice-Heames. We appreciate the opportunity to mingle with those who make important decisions for our city and learn how they can further improve Mesa. Ms. Brice-Heames personally delivered our leftover food to another needy charity, which was a big help to our committee.

Thanks to everyone who helped make this event a success, in particular: the committee (Ellen Bretzke, Sandy Scully and Velda Burton), Kelly Wendel for taking the pictures with Santa and having them developed, the Murphy?’s for providing Santa with a place to sit and a great background for the pictures, the Brownies for assisting with the photos, all others who helped with the food, the set up and clean up, running the games, and the donations. Without all your support, none of this would have been possible!




Treasurer?’s Report
By Kristine Malcolm

As of 2/20/04, the amount in the neighborhood funds account is $2135.58.



Check Code Compliance Online
From ?“Just Touching Base?” By Debbie Driscol

Tired of the neighbor?’s junk, broken down vehicles and shabby looking yard? Wondering why nothing is being done by the city since you reported the violation? Go online to www.cityofmesa.org/codecomp
and click on ?“Check the status of a complaint?”. You will need to type in the address, then you can see how the case is progressing or if it is closed and deemed to be in compliance with city code.




New DQ Coming

We will soon have a new Dairy Queen being build this spring across the street from our main entrance at Pecos and Alma School. No dates have been set yet for the actual building to begin but the next public meeting is to be February 19th. The time and place will be on the Community Calendar of our website once I find out.



Neighborhood
Notes

Debbie Glick will be our new Treasurer. She is taking over the responsibilities that Kristine Malcolm provided over the last year or so.




4th Annual
Easter Egg Hunt
and Community Picnic
By Linda Murphy

If you live within the boundaries of Alma School and Extension ?… Guadalupe Road and the Chandler border ?– this is MM and this is your EARLY reminder!!

SATURDAY, April 3rd at 10AM
(at our park)

Ages for the egg hunt are from 11 years old and under

As always, we need adult and teen volunteers to run this event. If you would like to help you can call Linda Murphy at 480-820-5742 or email at asufan2002@yahoo.com.

Like last year, we will try to provide the picnic with the help of donations. Anytime after March 22nd the following items can be dropped off at 3048 S. Spruce St.: six packs of soda or water, bags of potato chips or Doritos and hot dogs




A little bit of Politics ?…

As many of you are aware, in District 3 we will be losing Vice-Mayor Dennis Kavanaugh, as he is unable to run for a third term due to Mesa?’s term limit provision.

Tom Rawles will be the only candidate appearing on the ballot in the Primary Election. If Tom receives 51% of the votes, then he will become our new councilman. If he receives less, there will be a run-off election between Tom and the top write-in candidate.

There are several people that will be running as write-in candidates. To date, Frank Mizner has completed his paperwork. Others will join him and as I find out that information, it will be posted on our website in the discussion area at: www.neighborhoodlink.com/mesa/marlborough/

Come March 9 ?– exercise your right to vote for the candidate of your choice.
Remember, if you plan to write-in a candidate, you must spell their name correctly.



MM CLASSIFIEDS

1999 Mercury Mountaineer AWD, 5.0 liter/8 cyl., 49,000 miles, fully loaded Monterey package. Leather upholstery, CD/Cass premium stereo system with steering wheel and rear seat controls, keyless entry, auto climate control, running boards, chrome wheels, auto headlights and dimming rearview mirror. Must see. Mint condition. $13,299 OBO. Days: 602-576-4833 Eves/Wkends: 480-456-1522 or djones@phx1.bcbsaz.com


Childcraft oak 4-piece bedroom set. Includes crib that converts to youth bed, changing table w/ four drawers, 6-drawer dresser, 3-drawer stand. $475. Denise 480-456-1522.


Valentine?’s gift suggestion: A gift certificate for a massage by Danielle at Sunburst Tanning and More. My Valentine special is one full hour for $35. Call 480-838-4646.


For Commercial and Residential Real Estate Needs, Melody Bramer is your neighbhood Realtor. I have lived in MM for 11 years and have a 4-year degree in Real Estate. Please call me with all your Real Estate needs and questions. I will do a free Market Analysis on you property. Phone or email me at Keller Williams: Cell: 602-290-3643 or melody@kw.com
Fax (480) 632-4299


Antique Singer Sewing Machine in hardwood case. Sewing machine in great condition and case in good condition. Asking $265.00. Call Michelle Kring at 491-1957


Newsletter ?– fewer issues ?– updates will be on our website at www.neighborhoodlink.com/mesa/marlborough
Make sure your email is current with us to receive info about our latest possible unwanted ?“residents?” in MM.