Bob & Carolin Benjamin - E Phoenix Arizona Real Estate

The local Phoenix newspaper, the Arizona Republic is reporting that all the pet shelters across the Phoenix Valley are crowded to overflow and pets are being turned away because of the rise in pets being dropped off at shelters by people losing their homes to foreclosure. The shelters have coined the term "foreclosure pets". There is a huge need for people who want to adopt animals to come and adopt these animals. It is also reported that many animals are simply being left in homes that are abandoned by the owners when foreclosure happens, or being left by the side of the road. Shelters are reporting people coming into the shelters in tears at the thought that they must abandon their beloved pets, but with the foreclosures many homeowners have to move to smaller rented apartments that will not accept animals, or they simply cannot any longer afford to feed the animals because of their financial circumstances.

If you are in the Phoenix area and have been considering getting a pet, now may be the time to go to the local shelters and check out some of these beautiful animals.

The Humane Society of the United States reports that this problem is happening all across America as well, but is is particularly difficult in areas such as Phoenix where foreclosures are higher.

If you live in the East Phoenix Valley you have been eagerly awaiting the opening of the rest of the 202 Freeway. Well now the wait is coming to end as the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) plans to host an event they are calling "Roundin’ Out the Red Mountain".

This event planned for July 15th between 5pm and 8pm with the opening ceremony happing at 6pm. This event will mark the freeway opening and completion of Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway). This final segment between Power Road and University Drive in Mesa represents a much needed addition to help commuters get to East Valley places faster and save gas and commuting time.

This restaurant was built in the 1890s and made of desert stone and railroad ties. The food is authentic Mexican. Tucked on a street called Dreamy Draw Drive (7330 Dreamy Draw Drive).The food is authentic Sonoran - style Mexican food with a few specialties thrown in as well. There is everything from fideo,to fried ice cream, to margaritas with cactus juice on the side. If you visit for Sunday brunch they also treat you to a chocolate fountain where fruit or cream puffs can be enjoyed. The facility is also available for wedding receptions and banquets and interactive cooking demos. Check out their website for more information, hours and menus. You can also call 602-944-1286.

In today's economy everyone is looking to save money and find ways to get the things they need for their families at less cost. Pinal County Arizona began on July 1, 2008 to provide a discount prescription drug card program to it's residents. This program is being offered free of charge to residents. The savings average about 20%, with some more and some less. There is no restriction on use. All county residents can use the card regardless of their age, their income or any other health programs they may have in force. There is no enrollment fee, no number of times it can be used and it can be used any time that their prescriptions are not already covered by any existing insurance. There is even the ability to save on prescriptions that people need for pets when using this card. There is a safety feature associated with the card that alerts pharmacists when a patient is getting a prescription that is in conflict with another one they have already purchased. This card is available through an alliance with the National Association of Counties (NACo). For more information about this innovative and helpful,costsaving progam for Pinal County Arizona residents visit their website. To learn more about where to sign up to get one of the cards, visit this list of locations on the internet.

If you have been in a situation where you had had to locate Assisted Living facilities for a love one, then you know how difficult this is to do. Even if you locate a facility it is difficult to determine how good the place is, what sort of service and care they really do provide.

Answering this need, a new website has been developed to help make this a bit easier. The website is called AssistedLivingGrades.com is a non-partial grading system for assisted living facilities in Arizona. Families who use the website can grade facilities based on their experience, and the website also can help put them in touch with facilities and with local senior housing guides who will help the families tour the homes, negotiate a price and be an advocate for them for no fee to the families.

If you live in or around Gold Canyon Arizona, there have always been very limited options that are logistically close with opportunities to buy organic produce. The local Gold Canyon grocery store, Bashas, always has a limited selection of organic foods, but these are usually just the "basics" and for people who eat organic they are left wanting more -- more varieties.

Rising to the need, Sadies Organic Market "happens" on most Saturdays and some Sunday's across the street from the Sheriff's office in the parking lot of Adeana's Antique Store. (5727 S Kings Ranch Road in Gold Canyon, 85218). Usually the market is open Saturday's 8am-7pm and Sunday's 8am-6:30pm.

You can usually buy full boxes (22-30 kinds of fruits and veggies), half boxes (12-18 kinds of fruits and veggies), mini boxes or individual organic produce items. It is best to call in advance (480-983-0383 or cell 480-288-3511) if you want boxes or if you want to specify only organic veggies or fruit.

This week they are offering:
Corn, Corn, corn (HAPPY 4TH OF JULY)
bananas
Strawberries (Very good !!)
grapes
kumquats
cucumbers
Watermelon
Japanese cantaloupe
Avocados
Roma tomatoes
heirloom tomatoes (small nice size)
apples
golden kiwi
spring mix baby spinach
mangoes
yellow baby peeled (snack) carrots
lettuce
apples (juicing)
ginger
purple garlic

Happy Organic eating.

The Spotted Donkey in Scottsdale is an iinteresting "animal" to check out. This Spotted Donkey is a Cantina on Scottsdale Road in Scottsdale that serves non-traditional Mexican food. With iinteresting menu items such as Tempura Mexican White Shrimp with cilantro lime and spicy chili sauce, or unusual desert items such as Fried Banana Wraps with Mexican Chocolate Sauce with Whipped Cream there are tastes to explore. Open for lunch and dinner. Visit their website to learn more about this intriguing restaurant.

Looking to find something fun to do with the family on Friday nights this summer? If you live close enough to come to the Phoenix Zoo you will want to check out the fun events they are offering on Fridays through August 1. There are inflatable water slides, safari train tours, camel rides, and other events. Call 602-273-1341 or visit their website for more information about these events. (On site click on the banner that references Friday Nights at the Zoo for details.)

The Heard Museum in Phoenix Arizona is partnering with department store Target to offer free summer fun that kids and parents alike will likely enjoy doing together. Saturdays July 5, 12, 19 and 26 from 10:30 until 3 there are hands on activities, free goodie bags, and artist demonstrations. There will be Navajo weaving, jewelry making, basket-weaving and more. The cafe on site will offer special family lunches for these events. Visit their website to learn more about these Saturday events oriented to the entire family.

If you can't make these special Saturday events, you may want to check out the Heard Museum and its attractions and offerings for other times. There is always something enjoyable there to be seen.

If you live in the "Valley of the Sun" and have a child between 6 and 14 years of age and are looking for something both fun and educational for them for the summer then check out Paradise Valley's Community College. From July 7 through 17 there are classes that offer these budding minds the chance to design rockets and robots, build Sudoku puzzles and create computer animations. There are also classes in art, guitar, astronomy, reading and journalism. Call 602-787-6804 or visit their website.