Tag Archive for home

Little Free Library

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One neighbor is passionate about getting kids to read.  As a retired elementary school librarian, Cathy Bonnell saw the joy first hand when children began to read.

Cathy was a librarian for 34 years, mainly at the Washington Elementary District in West Phoenix.  Over the years she has collected many favorite children’s books.  She was able to continue her passion for encouraging kids to read when she ran into a former colleague who told her about the little free library concept.  The little free library is a community library when neighbors can share their favorite books with the community and encourage others to do the same.
Cathy started out with a basket of books next to her mailbox, offering the books for whoever wanted to take one.  However one day she came home and the basket was gone.
So Cathy had someone make her a wooden box with a plexi-glass door, and installed it on a post cemented into her yard.  Her goal to continue to spread her passion for children’s books lives on today in her little free library.

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Children’s books are her primary focus but any kind of book is accepted.  Neighbors are invited to take a book or leave a book. When you are done with your book return it and try a new one.  If you have any children’s books that need a new home leave them in Cathy’s little free library for others to enjoy.
Her home is conveniently located near Mercury Mine Park at 9451 N 33rd Way, Phoenix, AZ.  On your way to or from the park you are encouraged to grab a book.
Leave a book or take a book, Cathy’s little free library is here to help encourage kids to read and share the joy of reading with the community.  Borrow or donate a book today! Libraries big or small we love them all and Cathy’s library is right in the neighborhood. Cathy 5

Phoenix Student Creates Stunning Video

Recognize some of the landscape? It looks like a majority of it was shot from Piestewa Peak in the Phoenix 32nd St corridor.

Love the video? You might be surprised by who made it.  A local Phoenix high school student.  Brophy College Preparatory senior Michael Heiland captured this timelapse video called the “The Valley” to test out his timelapse skills.

“You’ll see a sunrise at about 4 in the morning from the top of Squaw Peak. You’ll see sunsets from Camelback and the other views downtown here. I went to about 30 locations,” the 17-year-old said.

“A lot of people think it was for fun, some people think that it was for a school project, but I just did it because I’m passionate about time-lapse photography and I wanted to make a video about Arizona because I hadn’t seen one before,” Heiland said.

The video has gone viral and has been viewed several thousands of times across the world.

Hieland took six months to complete the project.  He did some research and taught himself how to do time lapse photography.  He also did the legwork to get the fancy equipment and then hauled it up to Camelback Mountain and other places.

The finished product has been shared by Phoenix lovers and other alike.  Michael was able to capture the feeling of Phoenix as a thriving, busy city.

The beauty of the desert mixed with the vibrant city light sparkles throughout the video.  From the light rail, to the us airways center, Chase field, and downtown Michael’s video helps capture the essence of Phoenix.  A great city in the desert that we call home.

Michael graduated this May and is looking forward to film school at University of Arizona.  Maybe Michael will delight us once again with a timelapse of Tucson.  Only time will tell.

Tell us, what is your favorite part of the video?

 

 

 

Fun indoor play for the kids- Imagination Avenue

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Imagination Avenue offers indoor play for children ages 8 and under allowing kids to engage and interact with other children in the kids sized town.

They offer play dates, parties and special events throughout the summer. Adults are free. There are separate play areas for toddlers and a cafe with kid friendly food.

Get out of the heat and enjoy the fun at this great indoor playground. Call 602-765-3192 for more information.

 

Children Under 1 $5.00 / *Free with paid admission
Children Ages 1 -10 $9.00
Children Over 10 Free
Adults Free
10 Play Pack $65.00 + Tax
Annual Pass $120.00 + Tax ($25 for additional child)

Shea Heights and 32nd Street in the News

Phoenix Magazine has a spotlight on Shea Heights and 32nd Street.

 

FLOWER CHILD: The Shea Heights neighborhood was built in the 1960s in the flora-cloaked foothills of the Phoenix Mountains Preserve. BYPASSED: The intersection of 32nd Street and Shea Boulevard used to be one of the busiest intersections in Phoenix because 32nd Street was the only route to north Phoenix. The congestion was alleviated in the early 1990s with the unveiling of State Route 51.NAME THAT ‘HOOD: Rebecca Golden, owner of cafe 32 Shea, coined the nickname “Up-Uptown” for the neighborhood, to reflect its up-and-coming-back vibe, driven by new local businesses and hikers who head to the area for the beautiful views and extensive trails.

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The Rhinestone Shop
Give your inner “rhinestone cowboy” a chance to shine by perusing this family-owned jeweler’s large online selection of bargain-priced baubles. Though there’s no commercial storefront, customers can call ahead to visit the location. Not sure what do to with those gold nailhead stars and skull-shaped blue Swarovski stones you bought on a whim? The Rhinestone Shop also has a DIY blog with ideas and instructions for blinging out your clothes, nails, cell phone, wedding favors and more. And the shipping is lightning-fast. 2512 E. Shangri-La Rd., 602-795-7855, rhinestoneshop.com

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A Second Look
A Second Look has been around for 30 years, building a reputation as the consignment store in the Valley for unusual treasures at great prices. With more than 15,000 items arriving every week, shoppers have no shortage of choices for clothing, accessories, jewelry, housewares and more in this department store-size shop. And just in case you need a pick-me-up from all that exhausting shopping, A Second Look has a coffee shop and bakery hidden away in the back of the store. 10620 N. 32nd St.,
602-992-1916, asecondlook.com

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32 Shea

Not many drive-thrus offer prosciutto, mascarpone cheese, figs and honey on a fresh ciabatta roll, but Rebecca Golden (pictured), owner of 32 Shea, is determined to do it all. Since 2011, this trendy hangout spot has served locals with its splendid split-personality service. Before 4 p.m., coffee lovers come for the espresso bar featuring house-made syrups and signature Nutella mocha. After 4 p.m., 32 Shea transforms into a chic urban restaurant. Nighttime diners can choose from eight different kinds of bruschetta for starters and pair it with mouthwatering crab cakes. 10626 N. 32nd St., 602-867-7432, 32shea.com

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Sala Thai
Sala Thai’s giant menu has a little something for everyone. Adventurous eaters with a yearning to try authentic Thai food can order the Nam-Sod – a fermented pork dish seasoned with lime juice, ginger, onions and Thai peppers ($9.50), or the duck curry with hints of coconut and basil ($11.50). Diners looking for some American grub with an Asian twist can get their fill with Sala Thai’s Thai barbecue spare ribs drenched in sweet chili sauce ($9.95). The restaurant also serves  refreshing Thai iced tea with boba ($3). 10880 N. 32nd St., 602-971-1293, salathaiaz.com

 Article by Kristen Hwang photos by Blake Bonillas

Home Burglary Prevention Tips from your Phoenix Police Officers

Let’s talk Burglary Prevention
It happens…you leave for the day only to return and find someone has been inside or on your property without your permission. You call the police and a report is completed. What do you do now? Is there something I could have done that would have prevented this??
burglery
Let’s answer these questions and get to work…
First, there is a lot you can do to prevent this from happening again. Second, with knowledge you can implement simple safeguards that will Detect, Deter and Delay a burglar.
Let’s get started…

Patrol your neighborhood – be the eyes and ears of the police department
o Report suspicious activity – you know what is ‘normal’ for your neighborhood
o Crime Stop 602-262-6151 (non-emergency) or 911 (EMERGENCY)
Landscaping –
o Get rid of hiding places by trimming trees up and shrubs down to below window level
o You can also plant thorny plants near fences or areas difficult to secure.
Lighting – bad guys don’t want to be seen
o Inside lighting gives the appearance someone is home
o Timers are a good investment
o Use outside light throughout the night
o Use steady lights at front and rear entrances and address
o Photocell attachments allow dusk to dawn lighting
o Motion sensors set close to the house can also be a benefit
Locks –
o Doors – should be solid core with 180 degree peephole with 180 degree peephole
o Sliding doors/windows – use anti-slide bolt, anti-slide pin and anti-lift device
Garage doors –
o Keep closed when not in use
o Watch doors close as you leave
o Lock door from garage to house
o Unplug opener or lock from inside when on vacation
Gates –
o Repair or replace weak/broken gates
o Use strong hasps and padlocks – KEEP LOCKED
These are just a few suggestions to empower our community members and keep the bad guys away…