Many attend first annual home, garden business expo

Maricopa Seniors have all the fun! The group’s first Home, Garden and Business Expo on Sunday gave residents a chance to share in that experience and an opportunity to learn more about business and services available in and around Maricopa.

The expo featured something for everyone, and vendor participation was as diverse as it was informative. Everything under the sun was represented from local council candidates, cosmetics, handcrafts, storytellers, real estate, insurance, remodeling to green cleaning, animal rescue, pools and spas, Direct TV, and recycling.

Rancho El Dorado resident, Mrs. Kroll, arrived with one main goal in mind. “I wanted to see what is available for green and solar options,” Kroll said. “Saving on utilities is my main priority for attending this event.” Innovative Power Solutions was available to answer questions about their KVAR Energy Controller, a device installed to your home breaker box that is designed to use your energy more efficiently.

“With the utility rates so high, you are willing to consider all of the options available to lower the cost,” Kroll said. Brilliant Green Energy consultants were on hand to discuss solar system installation for your home, and Maricopa Energy Savings was available to discuss moneysaving ideas, including attic fans for home ventilation.

Local non-profit organizations were also in popular demand. For Bud Ryan, who was on hand at the Veterans of Foreign Wars booth, the event was also a fundraiser. Up for raffle was a 1911 Springfield Armory; single-action .45 caliber pistol. Ryan displayed a replica military helmet resting on top of a rifle covered in bright red “buddy poppies,” his own creation and a tribute to our fallen heroes. “We are a non-profit organization; we would not be able to support our VFW assistance programs without these fundraisers.” Ryan said.

Vendors with businesses operating in Maricopa know firsthand how hard residents have been hit by the economy. Their level of dedication to the community becomes very clear when you have an opportunity to speak with them about their business experiences. Maricopa Glass and Remodel, Inc. has been in business for 12 years. According to Linda West, with Maricopa Glass: “The best thing is saving money for the people.”

Another local business rooted in Maricopa is A Greener Leaf, LLC, offering sustainable landscape solutions. We have new residents in Maricopa particularly from Canada and asked owner Doug Duport what advice he would give our newcomers as they consider landscaping their homes. “Go to a reputable nursery such as Leaf and Feather, talk to an expert, learn what type of conditions plants require and what type of care they require.” Duport, a master gardener and certified arborist in his own right, also suggests the Pinal County Cooperative Extension for additional resources.

As visitors strolled around the expo, it was impossible not to notice the delicious aroma of grilled food in the air courtesy of Boy Scout Troop 993 and the Maricopa High School Culinary department. Both were selling food to raise funds for upcoming events. The MHS Culinary booth was serving up hamburgers, cheeseburgers, macaroni salad, chips, water and lemonade.  High school senior Derrick James was busy at the grill, but said the expo was a great fundraiser for his organization. “The money from this fundraiser will go towards our end of year banquet and our trip to NAU.”

If you were unable to attend the Expo and would like more information regarding the Maricopa Seniors, Infinity Discount Cards, the 55 and over Senior Prom, or a list of vendor participants, contact event organizer and president of the Maricopa Seniors Inc., Therese Starkey, at 520-568-8945 or Helen Brown at 520-868-6111, or visit www.maricopaseniors.org.

Photo by Joyce Hollis