Events for The Week

Genealogy Research Workshop — Tuesday, September 30, 6:00 pm–7:30 pm Discover your family's history at this free, introductory workshop at the Mesa Public Library (Main Branch). Learn how to use online databases and library resources to trace your roots.

Sunset Scorpion Walk — Wednesday, October 1, 7:00 pm–8:30 pm Join a park ranger at Usery Mountain Regional Park for a guided walk after sunset. Bring a blacklight flashlight to see scorpions and other nocturnal desert creatures glow in the dark. A unique Arizona experience!

An Evening with the Chandler Symphony Orchestra — Thursday, October 2, 7:30 pm Enjoy a captivating performance at the Chandler Center for the Arts. The orchestra will present a program of classical and pops favorites in this beautiful, acoustically renowned venue.

Opening Night: "The Addams Family" Musical — Friday, October 3, 7:30 pm Mesa Musical Theatre presents the comical and kooky Broadway hit at the Mesa Arts Center. It’s a fun-filled show with great music, perfect for a family night out or a date night.

Gilbert Farmers Market & Downtown Mesa Farmers Market — Saturday, October 4, 8:00 am–12:00 pm Take your pick of two excellent local markets. The Gilbert Farmers Market is one of the largest in the valley with over 100 vendors, while the Downtown Mesa Farmers Market offers a more intimate community feel with fresh produce and local goods.

Schnepf Farms Pumpkin and Chili Party — Saturday, October 4 & Sunday, October 5, 10:00 am–9:00 pm Kick off the fall season at this beloved annual event in nearby Queen Creek. Enjoy hayrides, a corn maze, U-pick pumpkins, amusement park rides, delicious chili, and a fireworks show to end the night.

Ongoing Events

"Southwest Survivors: Reptiles of the Desert" — Running through November 30 This special exhibition at the Arizona Museum of Natural History in Mesa showcases the incredible adaptations of local reptiles. See live Gila monsters, rattlesnakes, and desert tortoises up close.

Quick Glance Summary

Mesa, Arizona is undergoing a notable shift as families embrace eco-friendly, non-toxic living, sparking citywide change.

Residents are rethinking their household habits—from safer cleaners and cookware to sustainable storage—creating healthier homes and neighborhoods.

The city’s environmental initiatives shine through community events like April 2024’s Earth Month celebrations at Pioneer Park, which connected over 20 exhibitors with locals eager to learn about recycling, water conservation, and green gardening.

Businesses are stepping up too, with Mesa’s Green Business Certification Program guiding organizations toward practical, money-saving, and eco-conscious practices in water and energy use.

Schools are joining the green movement as well, highlighted by Red Mountain High School students planting trees in East Mesa to boost air quality and shade.

Collectively, these efforts are transforming Mesa into a standout model for urban sustainability and wellness, inspiring others across the region.

🥗 Warm Delicata Squash & Fig Salad with Maple-Dijon Dressing

Why it’s unique:
Instead of the usual butternut or acorn squash, this salad features roasted delicata squash — no peeling required! Paired with fresh figs, baby arugula, walnuts, and goat cheese, it strikes a perfect balance between sweet, savory, and earthy.

🍁 Ingredients

• 1 delicata squash, sliced into rings
  
  

• 6–8 fresh figs, halved
  
  

• 4 cups baby arugula (or mixed greens)
  
  

• ¼ cup crumbled goat cheese
  
  

• ¼ cup toasted walnuts or pecans
  
  

• 1 tbsp olive oil
  
  

• Pinch of sea salt & black pepper
  
  

Maple-Dijon Dressing:

• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  
  

• 1 tbsp maple syrup
  
  

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  
  

• 3 tbsp olive oil
  
  

• Salt & pepper to taste

🔥 Instructions

1. Roast the Squash:
   Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C). Toss delicata rings in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and tender.
   
   

2. Make the Dressing:
   Whisk all dressing ingredients until emulsified.
   
   

3. Assemble:
   On a large platter, layer arugula, warm squash, figs, and nuts. Drizzle with dressing. Finish with goat cheese crumbles.
   
   

4. Serve Warm or Room Temp — it holds up beautifully.

🌟 Optional Additions

• Add grilled chicken or lentils for protein
  
  

Sub pears or roasted grapes if figs are unavailable

While Italian Brainrot, the latest AI-driven meme craze, sweeps TikTok and Reddit with chaotic, surreal humor, Mesa, Arizona stands apart with a clear, purposeful identity.

Mesa thrives on authenticity and innovation, powered by pioneering engineers at Falcon Field and families who have shaped the city for generations.

Recent progress highlights this spirit: the Gateway Library is breaking ground in Eastmark, becoming Mesa’s first new full-service library in over 25 years.

The modern facility includes collaborative workspaces, a maker space, and an outdoor plaza—demonstrating strong commitment to education and community.

Downtown, the intersection at Country Club Drive and Main Street is transforming into a 200-unit apartment complex, revitalizing the city’s core.

The former Fiesta Mall site will soon become a vibrant mixed-use community with up to 4,000 new homes, showcasing Mesa’s forward-thinking approach.

In Mesa, genuine progress outshines fleeting digital trends.

Mesa, Arizona is showcasing how community-driven innovation thrives even in an age dominated by major tech companies.

The revitalized Main Street is merging tradition with progress.

The new Arizona Distilling Co. on West Main brings local heritage to life with on-site production and a welcoming tasting room.

Nearby, the addition of 2nd Avenue Commons introduces 144 units of workforce housing, strengthening neighborhood ties and providing much-needed homes.

Education is a driving force, with Mesa Community College preparing students for Arizona’s dynamic tech sector, reflected in the growth of aerospace and technology around Falcon Field.

Small businesses are thriving as well—places like Jarrod’s Coffee, Tea & Gallery now occupy historic bungalows, supporting local art and community gatherings.

Investments continue, such as a $38.5 million Main Street upgrade, adding safer sidewalks and bike lanes for all. Mesa’s growth remains authentic, rooted in the city’s distinct character and community aspirations.

"Arizona is a state of mind as much as it is a state of the union." - Barry Goldwater

Tiny homes promise a life with less clutter and more freedom, but sometimes “less space” can start to feel limiting.

When owners crave a workspace, a guest corner, or maybe a deck, the challenge is adding function without losing what makes tiny living special.

The key is smarter, not bigger.

Innovative dual-use design lets spaces work overtime—a deck becomes a yoga spot at sunrise and a stargazing lounge at night.

A desk folds away for a sleeping nook; a ladder doubles as a bookshelf.

Flexible add-ons like bump-outs can serve as an office today and a nursery tomorrow.

The real magic is maximizing each square foot so homes adapt and evolve alongside their owners’ changing lives.

In tiny homes, minimalism is all about agile, versatile living, where one clever addition can transform a space again and again.

A growing number of people worldwide want to live sustainably, yet they often face a lack of affordable and innovative options.

Even as living costs rise and geopolitical tensions persist, 79% of consumers remain committed to environmental concerns.

Transparency is becoming more important, with over half of generative AI users now relying on these tools to find sustainable solutions.

Many individuals, confronted with limited choices, simply choose to consume less.

Consumer behavior in 2025 reveals an increasing focus on sustainability, especially among millennials—68% prioritize buying eco-friendly products, sparking a 20% rise in green sales.

Despite demand, challenges like the “green premium” and distrust in brands due to inconsistent sustainability claims make it hard for many to choose eco-friendly options.

Businesses must embrace corporate responsibility, making sustainable goods more affordable and transparent to empower informed choices.