Joan's Corner - December 2024 Newsletter
Good morning-- The December ..keeping you informed Newsletter is included in this email. Also included are Happenings in and around Maricopa. This is just a ...
Joan Koczor
The organization is primarily a service organization.
Notary Services:
Looking for a notary public in 85139? The UPS Store at 20987 N John Wayne Pkwy offers convenient notary services near you. Stop by today to get your documents notarized and check another item off your to-do list.
Some commonly notarized documents include:
. Wills
. Trusts
. Deeds
. Contracts
. Affidavits
Ready to notarize?
Contact us with any questions you may have about your notarizing needs and to schedule an appointment.
Near the intersection of SR 347 & Smith Enke Road - In the Fry's Marketplace Shopping Ctr.
Check their website for all of the other services offered by this store.
Mission:
By providing hope and positive vision, Optimists bring out the best in youth, our communities and ourselves.
Vision:
Optimist International will be recognized worldwide as the premier volunteer organization that values all children and helps them develop to their full potential.
Purposes:
To develop optimism as a philosophy of life utilizing the tenets of the Optimist Creed; to promote an active interest in good government and civic affairs; to inspire respect for the law; to promote patriotism and work for international accord and friendship among all people; to aid and encourage the development of youth, in the belief that the giving of one’s self in service to others will advance the well-being of humankind, community life and the world.
Learn how the live an Optimistic life with Optimist International. Optimist International is an International Service club with the Mission of Bringing out the Best in Youth, Ourselves and our Communities.
Optimist Clubs participate in community service programs that are dedicated to bringing out the best in youth. Since each Club is autonomous and run by members in their community, Optimists have the unique flexibility to serve the youth of their area in any way they see fit.
To find an Optimist Club, click on the website link listed.
The MISSION of the Maricopa Historical Society is to share Maricopa's heritage and make Maricopa history fun for everyone.
The PURPOSE is to collect, identify, record, preserve and share stories and items of Maricopa's past and present with current and future generations.
The GOAL is to continue keeping Maricopa's diverse history alive. We aim to inform and inspire others with our team of enthusiastic volunteers in our Museum and the Silver Horizon railcar.
Maricopa Historical Society incorporated as a non-profit (501 (c)(3) in 2010. Meetings are held at the Library and Cultural Center at 18160 N. Maya Angelou Drive, in the Redwood Room on the first Monday of each month at 5:00 pm.
Since 2010 the Maricopa Historical Society has provided for the public various exhibits: The History of Maricopa Wells, Maricopa Train Days, Cotton and Cattle, The Quadrille de Mujeres, Maricopa Schools Everyday Living, and Maricopa Characters.
A permanent exhibit at City Hall gives a brief history of Maricopa and why its name and location changed.
The Maricopa Historical Society Museum and Visitor Center is now open and located at 44240 Maricopa-Casa Grande Hwy in the Maricopa Heritage district.
The Museum is open: Wed -Sat from 10 am to 2 pm.
Maricopa Historical Society Contact Person:
Paul Shirk - 909-260-3020
Email: MaricopaHistory@gmail.com
Resources for Veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors
Subscribe to #VetResources to receive their weekly newsletter for Veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors.
Get your free Veteran ID Card - Your service can get you free event tickets and entry to national parks, discounts from retailer, restaurants, hotels, recreational activities and many other perks.
Also learn about upcoming events, free lifetime passes to national parks, how service dogs can help Veterans with PTSD, jobs, discounts and VA news.
Additional Information Available on: Health Care, Disability, Education and Training, Careers and Employment, Pension, Housing Assistance, Life Insurance, Burials and Memorials and Records.
VETERANS CRISIS LINE: 988 and press 1, Chat, or text 838255
Vet Centers: 1-877-927-8387
Homeless Veteran Resources: 1-877-424-3838 or Chat
Welcome to the Maricopa Rotary Club!
Impact starts with our members — people like you who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change — across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves. At club meetings in communities across the globe, our people of action come together to strengthen their connections to friends and neighbors and their commitment to improving lives.
Who can join?
We’re looking for people who want to give back to their communities.
Rotary clubs also welcome Rotaractors, Rotary Peace Fellows, and other members of the family of Rotary who qualify for membership.
How can I become a member?
Clubs accept new members by invitation. To help us find the right club for you, we’ll ask you a few questions about yourself and your interests. Then we’ll share your answers with Rotary leaders in your community who will match you with a club.
NOTE: The Rotary Club & MUSD in partnership with local businesses offer internships to Maricopa High School students.
We meet Wednesdays at 12:00 PM at the MUSD Administration Office: 44150 W Maricopa-Casa Grande Hwy, Maricopa, AZ 85138
Mail: PO Box 892
Facebook: (15) Facebook
Email Contact: MaricopaAZ.RotaryClub@gmail.com
Arizona Talking Book Library
Who We Serve:
Individuals
Arizona residents who are unable to read standard print due to blindness or low vision
Those who find it hard to hold or handle a print book
Individuals who have a perceptual or reading disability
Schools
Libraries, nursing homes, hospitals and other institutions serving such people
What We Provide:
Lending Library: including audio books and magazines; movies with audio descriptions (link is external); and Braille books and magazines by postage free mail (KLAS)
Loan of special equipment to play audio books
Audio and Braille book downloads (BARD)
Access to NFB-NEWSLINE® and over 300 newspapers and magazines by phone and online
How to Apply:
Step 1: Determine eligibility:
Arizona residents are eligible to apply for services if a competent authority* certifies one of the following conditions:
Blind persons whose visual acuity, as determined by competent authority, is 20/200 or less in the better eye with correcting lenses, or whose widest diameter of visual field subtends an angular distance no greater than 20 degrees.
Persons whose visual disability, with correction and regardless of optical measurement, is certified by competent authority as preventing the reading of standard printed material.
Persons certified by competent authority as unable to read or unable to use standard printed material as a result of physical limitations (for example: cannot hold a book, turn pages, or move the eyes to read).
Persons certified by competent authority as having a perceptual or reading disability and unable to read printed works to substantially the same degree as a person without an impairment or disability.
This includes individuals who have had a qualifying disability from birth, individuals who are disabled because of medical conditions or trauma, and individuals who become disabled as they age.
Individuals who have a temporary disability may qualify for service on a temporary basis.
Individuals who are blind or have a physical disability and who have been honorably discharged from the armed forces of the United States receive special priority.
*Regarding NLS eligibility, “competent authority” is defined to include:
Doctor of Medicine or osteopathy, ophthalmologists, optometrists, registered nurses, and therapists.
Professional staff of hospitals, institutions, and public or private welfare agencies, such as an educator, social worker, case worker, counselor, rehabilitation teacher, certified reading specialist, school psychologist, superintendent, or librarian.
The qualifying visual or physical disability may be either temporary or permanent.
If you have any questions, please contact the library.
Day | Hours |
---|---|
Monday | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
Tuesday | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
Wednesday | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
Thursday | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
Friday | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
Saturday | Closed |
Sunday | Closed |
Telephone hours: 8 A.M. - 4 P.M.
Maricopa Seniors, Inc. is an Arizona non-profit organization (501 (c) (3)), incorporated in 2008.
Our organization is dedicated to improving the health, wellness and quality of life for Maricopa residents who are age 55 or older.
Our current primary program for seniors is the Home Key Box. The Home Key Box is an alternative to forced entry in an emergency. It is available to anyone living within the Maricopa city limits.
The home key box permanently mounts to the front door area. Mounting assistance is available upon request. Mounting hardware is included.
The key box holds home or other property keys securely and safely. Boxes can only be opened by members of Maricopa Fire & Medical Department personnel. There is a one-time cost of $65.00 (includes delivery). Cash, checks or money orders: Payable to Maricopa Seniors, Inc.
Contact: Peg Chapados: 520-280-4611 or Lynn Bernier: 602-377-2284
The Kiwanis Vision:
Kiwanis will be a positive influence in communities worldwide — so that one day, all children will wake up in communities that believe in them, nurture them and provide the support they need to thrive.
Kiwanis Service:
Service is at the heart of every Kiwanis club, no matter where in the world it’s located. Members stage approximately 150,000 service projects and raise nearly US$100 million every year for communities, families and projects. By working together, members achieve what one person cannot accomplish alone.
A Family of Servant Leaders:
Kiwanis clubs focus on changing the world by serving children, one child and one community at a time. To reach more people and have a greater service impact on their communities, many clubs sponsor a Kiwanis family club — K-Kids for primary school children; Builders Clubs for adolescents; Key Clubs for teens; Circle K clubs for university students and Aktion Clubs for adults living with disabilities.
Join Us:
Are you ready to help create communities that let all children thrive, prosper and grow? Join a club near you or make a donation to support the Kiwanis mission. The kids are counting on you.
Use the website to find a local club.
The Maricopa Community Advocates (MCA), formerly the Maricopa Senior Coalition, advocated for programs and projects needed to support the social, educational and informational needs of the entire community.
Maricopa Community Advocates (MCA) is no longer an active 501 (c) (3) organization. MCA would like to thank all of those residents who have helped them advance senior causes over the past years.
"The mission of the Black Maricopa Chamber of Commerce is to promote economic independence and prosperity among Black business entrepreneurs in the City of Maricopa and surrounding areas.
The Chamber seeks to grow and nurture our own economy within the Maricopa community and beyond. While we promote prosperity and growth within the Black community, we are an all-inclusive organization and encourage working together with other groups."
For more information check their website:
History
Founded by Mountain View Community Church in 2004 to fulfill a need in our community MVCC Foodbank was born. In 2015 MVCC foodbank was struggling to find funding and food for the growing needs of the community.
Jim and Alice Shoaf founded Maricopa Pantry to help subsidize and fund the small foodbank. Since then, it has grown into the second largest food bank in Pinal County.
Mission
We focus on making the maximum positive effort for our community. Our members and volunteers provide the momentum that helps us affect change. Using all means necessary to provide food and funding for other small foodbanks. Building a model for how food banks should be run and how working together as a community we can fight hunger in our local communities.
Community Food Bank
We are a registered 501c3 non-profit food bank giving food & essential needs assistance outside of Maricopa, AZ.
We take donations from local businesses and use them to fight hunger. Help us connect with donors and with people in need. This is a community food bank, and it takes a community to make this food pantry work.
Our Distribution
Our food distributions are every Saturday from 8-11 am. There are no requirements to receive food or volunteer your time with us.
We typically serve between 1,400 and 1,500 families weekly. It takes between 50 and 60 volunteers to pull it off. Join us any Saturday from 7am until 1pm or any time in between those hours.
Day | Hours |
---|---|
Monday | Closed |
Tuesday | Closed |
Wednesday | Closed |
Thursday | Closed |
Friday | Closed |
Saturday | 7:00 AM - 1:00 PM |
Sunday | Closed |
Contact us:
https://maricopapantry.org/contact-us
jim@maricopapantry.org
Maricopa Monitor: Pinal's People video: Pinal's People: Maricopa Pantry founder strives to help those who need it | News | pinalcentral.com
Try this on for size: You’ve moved halfway across the country but want to bring a charitable activity you’ve been involved with for years to your new winter home. But you don’t know anyone in the new city.
Welcome to BJ Lingren’s world, and the story of how she pulled off the inaugural “Best Christmas Ever” event in Maricopa Monday.
A national organization called Best Christmas Ever rallies the giving spirit of City residents to provide a "best Christmas ever" to a Maricopa family very much in need of a community's support!
Check out this article from a December 2021 issue of InMaricopa magazine that reports on this wonderful show of community love and support.
A Maricopa nonprofit created to teach kids basketball and life skills. One team, one mind, one FORCE!
Our Mission
"The Copa Force 1 team provides basketball training 5 days per week, year-round, and in keeping with Coach Keith’s vision of promoting a culture of strong academic effort and successful student athletes, the team even provides is players with homework assistance.
The team provides youth residing in the City of Maricopa with basketball training, academic support, and character building skills. The team targets youth between the ages of 5 through 15 that are motivated to achieve academic and athletic success and is grateful for the opportunity to serve a segment of the community that is economically disadvantaged and may not otherwise have the opportunity to play youth basketball."
Check out their website and Facebook pages for more information about this program for youth.
Facebook: (12) Facebook
Hours: Mon-Fri 6:30PM – 8PM
Phone: 908-247-3948
Email: keith.henderson2235@gmail.com
Bernie G. Crouse American Legion Post 133
Our Regular Post Meeting is the third Thursday of every Month at 1900 Hours
Since our charter in 2010, our American Legion Post has been welcoming Veterans from all branches of our Armed Forces. Today we continue to welcome all military personnel serving our country. Joining our Post enables you to continue serving your God, Country and Community.
Our American Legion Auxiliary is very active in the community and supports a Girl Scout Troop.
Blue Star Mothers -
Our history:
In June of 1960, Congress chartered the Blue Star Mothers of America as a Veterans Service Organization (VSO). Blue Star Mothers of Maricopa AZ, AZ7 was chartered in 2013.
We have evolved to also provide support for active military and their families, promote patriotism, assist local veteran associations, volunteer with the VA Hospital in Tucson, AZ to help our country remain strong.
Monthly meetings are held the third Wednesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. all associates, members and potential members are welcome to attend.
Blue Star Mothers of Maricopa, AZ AZ7
Mailing address: PO Box 1397 Maricopa, AZ 85139
WELCOME TO TRACY P. MACPHERSON - VFW POST 12043
For Veterans & Community - Here to Serve
Greetings to Veterans:
Our local VFW Post #12043 in Maricopa is here to serve you. As American veterans and troops who have served abroad and fought hard to preserve our way of life, we honor you. From the Revolutionary War to today’s Global War against terrorism, most have put their lives in harms way. Many have paid the ultimate price to protect the freedoms we have. There are others, even in our own community who take these values for granted. Together we can change the miss conceptions.
Link to VFW Post 12043 website:
Tracy P. MacPherson VFW Post 12043 (vfw12043.org)
Check the Website for directions to the Veterans Center and information.
Lions meet the needs of local communities and the world every day because they share a core belief - to serve their community.
LOCAL: MARICOPA (124245) - District 21 S - AZ UNITED STATES
Local activities:
Maricopa Lions Club Golf Scramble
Maricopa Lions Club Golf Ball Drop 50/50 Raffle
Lions Vision and Hearing Screening Programs
Financial assistance with eyeglasses
Collection of old eyeglasses
Maricopa Women's Selter support
Kids Day Maricopa program
Arizona Lions Club Camp Tatiyee camper support
Maricopa Food Bank support
Adopt-a-Road program
Arizona Leader Dogs program
Maricopa Seeds of Hope Gala program
VIVITAN Foundation support
Maricopa Relay for Life support
Maricopa Police Foundation Shop with a Cop program
The Maricopa Lions Club is now meeting again. However, we have changed our meeting place!
The address is 44150 W. Maricopa-Casa Grande Hwy. Turn into the parking area and go around to the left and drive toward the back of the building. You will see a set of doors there. Please enter and follow the signs to the room where we hold our meeting.
We meet the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month. Our meeting is from 5:00-6:00 pm. We welcome all visitors to check us out and see what we do to serve the community in Maricopa.
NOTE: The Maricopa Lions Club generally does not meet during the months of May - August.
For more information: call Berta Bock at 360-303-850
The Maricopa Cultural Activity Center, Inc. (MCAC) is an Arizona non-profit corporation doing business as Friends of the Library – Maricopa (FOTL). MCAC/FOTL is a tax exempt 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization.
We are volunteers dedicated to support the Maricopa Library & Cultural Center in the city of Maricopa, Arizona. Friends of the Library raise funds by re-selling gently used books, CD’s, and DVD’s; which support our Library’s literacy programs, book purchases, and other important activities.
The mission of the FOTL is to develop resources for library services and programs, encourage enjoyment of reading, and to establish lifetime learning and community involvement.
MCAC would not be able to financially support the Library and its programs without the continued support of our local Maricopa businesses and our dedicated volunteers. We represent all members of our community and welcome everyone to join our group.
Coffee With Friends:
Coffee With Friends is held at the Maricopa Senior Center every Tuesday from 1:30 – 3 PM.
Developing Confident, Connected, and Successful Youth.
"We develop confident, connected and successful youth through mentoring, education, and community programs. We work with local partners, stakeholders, and members to help Maricopa youth reach their potential. Simple strategies can have profound effects. Find a program for you.
Be Awesome offers drug and alcohol prevention education through curriculum delivered in schools. Our team is trained and prepared to provide information on prescription drugs, marijuana, and alcohol and vape prevention. We utilize Too Good for Drugs, from the Mendez Foundation grades 3-8. Contact us for a complimentary presentation for your school.
Be Awesome Youth Coalition
We are a fun and engaged group of community members of all ages and sectors. We are dedicated to reducing youth substance abuse.
VOLUNTEER
"Looking for ways to get involved within your community's youth? Volunteering for the coalition is a great way to start. Our volunteers do things such as work lunch activities and help our mentors at after school groups. We are currently looking for innovative people to help with our social media campaign, and our community events."
Check out their website to learn more. This is truly an AWESOME group!
BTW - Be Awesome produces a wonderful (downloadable) resource guide.
Their guide was one of several that served as a basis to help build this website! Thanks Be Awesome!
Hours
Monday - Friday: 9am - 5pm
Saturday: By appointment
Sunday: Closed
Like us on Facebook: Be Awesome Youth Coalition
Follow us on Instagram: @BeAwesomeYouth
Be Awesome Youth Coalition Meetings:
The 1st and 3rd Thursday of the Month 1-2 on ZOOM or 5-6 or 5-6 In person
OUR HISTORY AND HERITAGE
"Founded on the principles of charity, unity and fraternity, the Knights of Columbus was established in 1882 by Father Michael J. McGivney, assistant pastor of St. Mary's Church in New Haven, Conn., and a group of parishioners. Their intent? To bring financial aid and assistance to the sick, disabled and needy members and their families.
Today, Father McGivney is being considered for sainthood."
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A KNIGHT?
It means a life of faith in action, a life of boldness in brotherhood, a life worth living. Join 2 million Catholic men on a mission.
IN SUPPORT OF:
Our Lady of Grace Parish
18700 North St. Gabriel Way
Maricopa, AZ 85138 US
Council Business Meeting Schedule
1st Wednesday of the month at Copper Sky Police sub station.
44345 M.L.K. Jr. Blvd
Maricopa, AZ 85138 US
Mailing Address
19898 North Ibis Way
Maricopa, AZ 85138
ASSEMBLIES ASSOCIATED WITH OUR COUNCIL MEMBERS
ASSEMBLY NAME & ADDRESS
Fr. Patrick J. Murphy
St Anthony Community Center
150 W Drylake
Casa Grande, AZ 85122
Bishop Manuel de Moreno
19898 North Ibis Way
Maricopa, AZ 85138
F.O.R. (Food, Opportunity and Resources) Maricopa has been in existence since 2007, making an immediate impact in a city founded in 2003 that saw its population and needs explode in just a few short years.
What began as an effort to feed and aid just a few families – first out of the trunks of cars via home delivery and then by pickup at a local grocery store parking lot – has evolved into a full-fledged resource center and food bank.
Distribution days are Mondays from 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. and Thursdays from 5:00– 7:30 p.m.
To sign up, bring picture ID, proof of residency in Maricopa, Stanfield, Eloy, Coolidge, or Arizona City (e.g., water bill, electric bill, rental agreement with your name on it).
Distribution days: are Mondays from 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. and Thursdays from 5:00– 7:30 p.m.
Clients can come ONCE per week for perishables on either Monday OR Thursday.
Each household will receive dry goods once per month on a designated week based upon the first letter of your last name:
1st week of the month: Clients with A-E last name
2nd week of the month: Clients with F-L last name
3rd week of the month: Clients with M-S last name
4th week of the month: Clients with T-Z last name
You must bring your F.O.R. food bank card and your photo ID every time you come to receive food.
Households are eligible to receive food assistance if the total gross income for the household does NOT exceed 185% of the federal poverty level (Note: one food bank account per address).
You can check the F.O.R. website for the federal poverty guidelines.
Day | Hours |
---|---|
Monday | 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM |
Tuesday | Closed |
Wednesday | Closed |
Thursday | 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM |
Friday | Closed |
Saturday | Closed |
Sunday | Closed |
Food Distribution Hours:
Mondays: 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Thursdays: 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Moose Service Center No. 2730 now in Maricopa!
"Coyotes, scorpions and rattlesnakes are commonplace in Maricopa. It’s time to add moose to the list of local fauna.
Nearly 200 Maricopans were admitted to Moose International, a service group founded in Kentucky in 1888, during a momentous ceremony in downtown Phoenix on Saturday.
The nonprofit elected Maricopans Henry Fuentes, Donna Ciraolo and Chuck Ciraolo as president, vice president and treasurer.
Maricopa Moose, a community organization dedicated to fostering camaraderie and serving the local community, is now officially Moose Service Center No. 2730."
"To qualify as a lodge, the group needed at least 100 members. But it’s safe to say the Maricopa service center has gone above and beyond, more than doubling the barrier to entry.
“We have the requirements to now become a lodge,” Stan Hayes said. “But we need a building to put ourselves in.”
Read more about this exciting event in the July 2023 article by InMaricopa Reporter, Cameron Jobson.
C.A.R.E. for Horses Foundation is a nonprofit corporation that has 501c3 status with the IRS - EIN: 84-4069519.
The Mission: Compassion, Allegiance, Rehabilitation and Education. Compassion for the sentient spirit of these beautiful animals, Allegiance to the cause of rescuing and protecting them, Rehabilitating them so they can reach their full potential and Educating people about kind and effective training methods so horses are kept and loved and don’t end up in bad situations.
It is C.A.R.E. for Horses Foundation's goal to provide care and sanctuary for abused, neglected, unhandled and “problem” horses that are at risk of being sent to slaughter. It is C.A.R.E. for Horses Foundation's goal to rehabilitate these horses through extensive training and socialization and, when appropriate, rehome them to qualified homes.
"C.A.R.E. for Horses Foundation provides direct care and sanctuary for at risk horses (abused, neglected, unhandled and “problem” horses that are at risk of being sent to slaughter). “Care” includes providing feed, water, housing, necessary vet and farrier care and very importantly, training.
Most horses come to C.A.R.E. for Horses Foundation extremely malnourished, sick and many of them potentially dangerous due to problem behaviors or being unhandled (wild). C.A.R.E. for Horses Foundation rehabilitates these horses through extensive training and socialization and, if appropriate, either rehomes them to qualified homes or incorporates the horses into public outreach demonstrations (clinics).
Check out the website to see if you want to volunteer or perhaps donate to their mission.
Feel free to contact us by email or phone.
email: careforhorsesfoundation@gmail.com
Phone: 480-414-3731
Facebook: (1) Facebook
VISITS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
This site is owned and managed by Ron Smith