Great Fundraiser Planned at Downtown Phoenix Public Market is a post from: Rail Life

In our community, there are many examples of people doing some exciting, cool and inspirational things to help make a difference. Anyone that knows our friend Cindy Gentry at the Downtown Phoenix Market knows she has had a huge impact downtown.

Through Cindy, I had a chance to meet Natalie and learn more about the “local food scene” that is beginning to flourish at the Market. As a local “foodie,” Natalie has been a tremendous asset to Cindy at the market. Natalie was recently accepted as 1 of only 50 students to the Masters in Food Culture and Communications program at Slow Food’s University of Gastronomic Sciences in Parma, Italy! Talk about foodie heaven! This great accomplishment is bitter sweet for the Market as they will be losing Natalie, but they take comfort in knowing that her talents have taken her to a very prestigious academy.

To help with Natalie’s expenses and to celebrate her accomplishment, please join us for a fundraiser at the Phoenix Public Market on Sunday February 21^st from 5-8pm inside the Urban Grocery and Wine Bar located at 14 E. Pierce Street in Phoenix. The event will feature downtown Phoenix favorites such as PastaBar, The Breadfruit, and the Market’s own Chef Elizabeth using valley producers Maya’s Farm, Seacat Gardens, Double Check Ranch, and The Meat Shop. Arizona winemakers including Dos Cabezas, Pillsbury Wines, and Arizona Stronghold will be on hand sampling right along to the live music.

For details on Natalie’s Fundraiser at the Phoenix Public Market or to purchase tickets for this coolest of cool events go to:

http://fundraiserfornatalie.eventbrite.com/

As part of this very fun and exciting day, there will be a live broadcast from Locals Only Phoenix which happens to be another very cool addition to the scene downtown.

Where: Downtown Phoenix Public Market 14 E Pierce Street, Phoenix.

When: Sunday, February 21st from 5-8 pm.

So, come on out and help Natalie get to Parma while having some fun, enjoying some great local food, wine and music. This is sure to be a day where we will be “Rockin’ the Rail life!”

Fat Tuesday on Mill Rockin the Mardi Gras is a post from: Rail Life

Fat Tuesday on Mill Avenue in Tempe has been around for 20 years! Why? Because they do things right. I’m pretty sure that our friends at Monti’s, are the only place along the Mill Avenue District that have been around longer.

Yesterday, I met with my friend Chad who owns and manages Fat Tuesday in Tempe and talked about a bunch of the cool things they are doing to celebrate Mardi Gras on Mill Avenue. Chad is celebrating their 20 year anniversary BIG time! In fact, the celebrations have already started with a ramped up menu featuring some GREAT food ( trust me, it’s good, you need to check it out ) and by throwing the biggest Mardi Gras party Tempe has ever seen. The Fat Tuesday Mardi Gras promotion started last Saturday and runs for 18 days with their blow out on Fat Tuesday on the 16th. Yes, mark your calendar for Fat Tuesday on February 16th.

Each day leading up to Fat Tuesday has something different. Today, Tempe Mayor Hugh Hallman will be on hand to give the “official proclamation of Mardi Gras” at 4:30pm.

Sunday, they are throwing a HUGE New Orleans Saints Super Bowl Party. If you are looking for a place to watch the big game, you probably can’t go wrong here!

Saturday the 13th is a “frat boy” crawfish eating contest where the winners get a $500.00 bar tab. Oh, my… I can’t wait to see that one. I wonder if they will let an “old man” enter?

Another “can’t miss” event will be their suitcase party where one lucky couple will win a trip to New Orleans to party it up on Bourbon Street! I guess the only down side to that will be the fact that you will miss the madness on Mill.

It all leads us up to Tuesday the 16th for the big Mardi Gras celebration on Fat Tuesday on Mill Avenue. As you know, light rail is probably your easiest way to join in on the fun. If you don’t live close, just leave your car at one of the free Park and Ride lots and take the light rail to the 3rd Street and Mill Avenue station. From there, it is a short walk south to Fat Tuesday at 680 S Mill Avenue. Check out this video of Chad giving us the scoop…

Here is a recent press release sent out by our friends at the City of Tempe. It has a few more details…

Fat Tuesday celebrates 20 years on Mill with Carnival music, food, and free trips

Fat Tuesday celebrates 20 years on Mill Avenue this year, making it older than any drinking establishment on Mill, other than Monti’s, which is classified as a restaurant.

“I believe in Mill Avenue, said Chad Wilford, an owner and general manager of Fat Tuesday. “No other city in Arizona offers what Mill Avenue has.”

Beyond his involvement with Fat Tuesday, Wilford leads the Mill Avenue Coalition, a group of businesses that have joined hands to make Downtown Tempe better. “I grew up in Tempe, I went to school in Tempe and have lived in Tempe. I have a deep rooted love for the city,” he said.

This year, as part of the anniversary, Fat Tuesday is celebrating not just one day of Mardi Gras but all the days of the season of Carnival. Food is a big part of Cajun celebration.

Fat Tuesday once had a comprehensive menu, but as times changed, the menu was greatly reduced. According to Wilford, many of the dishes being returned to the restaurant are the same recipes used 20 years ago.

“I have rolled out a menu that pays tribute to the city in which we were founded,” he said.

The Fat Tuesday parties are as flashy as the city best known for their celebration. On Friday, Fat Tuesday begins its Carnival celebration with a proclamation from Mayor Hugh Hallman. There’s a crawfish boil every Friday and Saturday through Feb. 16. On Feb. 13, there’s a crawfish eating contest between ASU Fraternities vying for a $500 gift card. On Valentine’s Day, there’s a Suitcase Party, where two people will win an immediate trip for two to New Orleans that includes spot on Bourbon Street balcony to watch the celebration unfold. Bring your packed suitcase – you leave right after the drawing for the airport. And for those still in town on Fat Tuesday, the bar will have a namesake celebration starting at 11 a.m. with zydeco music, crawfish, music and beads.

Fat Tuesday is located on Mill Avenue and Sixth Street. Parking is available throughout the downtown. Best light rail station is Mill Avenue at Third Street.

More details?

Fat Tuesday visit www.mardigrastempe.com

Fidelity National Title looks at current real estate market is a post from: Rail Life

In Tempe, the Hayden Ferry Lakeside buildings have to be considered one of the coolest places around. I am fortunate to spend quite a bit of time visiting Fidelity National Title’s corporate offices located on the 11th floor of this amazing facility with top notch office space and views to die for. The Hayden Ferry location on Rio Salado just North of the light rail station at Third Street and Mill is easy to get to if I am driving or taking the train. For me, that’s another win.

A recent article in DSnews titled, Arizona Real Estate Market Shows Signs of Recovery, features my friend Steve de Laveaga from Fidelity National Title and Michael Orr of The Cromford Report discussing market trends and conditions. I always love to see national news focusing on local markets rather than trying to paint one broad picture of the entire real estate industry. Real estate is more local than national and can change dramatically from one area to the next. In the article, Michael mentions that “pending sales in the Arizona Regional Multiple Listing Service are at a record level for January, signifying an increase in demand. This positive sign of market activity is a critical indication of recovery for Arizona’s real estate market.” Of course, this is not to say we are anywhere near a “boom” in the Tempe real estate market, but it does appear that many feel like the bottom may have been hit and that the road to recovery is near. Michael goes on to mention that “2010 won’t see a dramatic shift, but we can expect to see a shallow, upward trend across the market.”

In the article, Steve gives some good examples of what is happening in the short sale and foreclosure market. I always enjoy talking to Steve about the foreclosure and short sale markets and find him to be a great asset in keeping up on this ever changing topic. The monthly “mastermind meetings” held at the Fidelity offices allow several of us to meet on a regular basis to keep up on what is clearly the biggest part of the real estate market right now and will be for quite some time.

“The last three months of 2009 saw a 60 percent increase in short sale closings,” – Steve de Laveaga, SVP at Fidelity National Title in Tempe.

As the market turns and as people find prices to be at more affordable levels than they have seen in years past, I believe we are getting back to a location based real estate market where people are looking to make much better decisions than they made in the past. Obviously, I feel that homes near the light rail make a lot of sense for many people. The location, convenience, and now the pricing is getting a lot of interest from many types of people.

Congrats to my friends at Fidelity for the mention in the article and thanks for always being wiling to help and share some very interesting and valuable information. Let’s keep on “rockin’ the Rail life.

Tempe is Bike – Friendly is a post from: Rail Life

There is often talk about the fact that Tempe is bike friendly. As one that doesn’t ride a bike nearly as much as I should or would like to, I can’t exactly talk as much about being bike friendly as some of my friends can.

In Tempe, we have bikes AND we have friendly people: I was reminded of this on a recent visit to Corleone’s Philly Steaks on Mill Avenue. After taking the kids to Tempe Beach Park, we were hungry and walked just a bit south of the light rail station at 3rd Street and mill to grab a bite to eat.

Once we decided on Corleone’s, it took us a few minutes to figure out what we wanted. Have you ever tried to order lunch with two 4 year olds and a 5 year old in tow? It ain’t always easy. As my kids tried to test our patience and raid his tip jar, I was watching the owner talk to them like he was their long lost buddy. Actually, our new friend Keith at Corleone’s was more than friendly and helpful. We ordered their signature steak sandwich “whiz wit” and fries. It was an easy choice because a few people eating lunch at the same time told us how good they were. The sandwich was great and the kids LOVED the fries. I remember my son saying… “Daddy, can we come back here again?”

If you find yourself hanging out on Mill Avenue and lookin’ for a taste of Philly, you should stop by and say “Hi” to Keith at Corleone’s. Ask him the story behind the bike in this picture, it’s kind of funny. Oh, and tell him Rail Life says “hi.”

Corleone’s Philly Steaks is located at 411 South Mill Avenue, Tempe, AZ 85281

Valley Metro asking people to leave the car at home. is a post from: Rail Life

Phoenix, AZ (Feb. 1, 2010)  — Valley Metro Regional Public Transportation Authority  is making it easier to conquer the commute this February, as it visits workplaces to help workers find alternatives to commuting alone.

Valley Metro and Governor Jan Brewer have declared February as “Try 1 in 5 Month” and challenge commuters to leave the car at home one day per work week. Commuters can save $70 per month by not driving alone in their cars, according to the AAA report “Your Driving Costs.” Carpooling and vanpooling, using public transportation, telecommuting, biking or walking to work can save as much as $840 in annual car-related costs. Some drivers report saving $156 a month due to the length of their commute, according to Valley Metro data.

“Some are predicting a surge in gas prices this spring, but planning ahead to try another form of commuting can save money,” says David Boggs, executive director of Valley Metro RPTA.  “Even if you do not live near a bus or light rail route, other Valley Metro services can help you save money on your commute.”

In February, employees from Valley Metro’s Business Services department will visit select workplaces and show colleagues how to find a carpool partner using the free “ShareTheRide” online ride-matching system at ShareTheRide.ValleyMetro.org. It calculates the personal financial and environmental impact of not driving alone. ShareTheRide also maps bus and light rail routes serving a particular commute. Business Services representatives also will demonstrate how to load bus fare and will discuss the Valley Metro vanpool program, which helps groups of 6-15 commuters drive their own van to work together.

Quick stats about ShareTheRide*:

· 7,952 total users

· 190,413 calendar entries showing how they’ve opted to commute to work

· (bus, light rail, carpool, vanpool, walk, telework or drove alone. Only 7% drove alone.)

· 6.5 million miles of travel logged

· 3.7 million pounds of GHG saved

· 188,861 gallons of gas saved

· 109 companies are using the system to track Trip Reduction Program efforts

· Adding 1-2 additional companies per week

· Adding more than 800 new users each month

*Since launch on April 22, 2009 and as of Jan. 29, 2010

** source: Valley Metro RPTA press release **

Rail Life “Flickr Pic” of the week – On Your Mark is a post from: Rail Life

Well, about 95% of the people that read this blog won’t have a clue about what I am talking about, but that’s ok.

This weeks pic of the week shows a personal friend of mine doing something he does very well. No, it has nothing to do with the mug in his hand, it has everything to do with the selfless promotion and extraordinary amount of help he has given and continues to give to people in my profession.

Do I ( or we all) agree with everything Todd says or does? Probably not.

Today, my friend was singled out by a “professional speaker” with a bone to pick. I could sit here and write 50 pages debating the issue, as countless others have, but I just want to say… Hey, @Tcar… Here’s to you, my friend.

Remember, Rail Life has a Phoenix Light Rail Group on Flickr. Basically, we want to share some of our pictures from the community and allow people to add their pics (or videos), as well. These can be light rail related, but we also want pics of your favorite spot, restaurant, sports team, community, event etc.
]]> http://raillife.com/blog/2010/01/31/rail-life-flickr-pic-week-mark/feed/ 4 http://raillife.com/blog/2010/01/30/tempe-adopt-a-station/ http://raillife.com/blog/2010/01/30/tempe-adopt-a-station/#comments Sat, 30 Jan 2010 15:57:03 +0000 Rail Life http://raillife.com/?p=2451 Rail Life is Cleanin’ Up! is a post from: Rail Life

CitySolve Urban Race coming to Phoenix is a post from: Rail Life

CitySolve Urban Race is coming to Phoenix! Check out this cool event that involves athletics, brains, local attractions, social media and a lot of fun.

CitySolve Urban Race is a unique urban adventure game where teams of 2 – 6 participants solve clever clues and face fun challenges while discovering their city a fun new way! The top team wins the $300 grand prize with a chance to move on to their national competitions! A portion of the proceeds from the CitySolve Urban Race will benefit the 100 Club in Phoenix. The event will begin and end at Coach & Willies in downtown Phoenix.

“We try to design our events around public transit, the Phoenix light rail system is a great fit for our Phoenix event.” – Jason  Hofsess CitySolve Urban Race.

Check out some pictures from other CitySolve Urban Race events from around the country. Be sure to follow their updates on Twitter. They tweet at http://twitter.com/citysolve. Of course, you can check out their Phoenix CitySolve Facebook page, as well.

What’s in it for you?

1. A fun urban adventure!

2. CitySolve Urban Race t-shirt and race number.

3. National Championship Qualifier (Top 25 teams)

4. Chance at $5,000 in the National Championship in New Orleans.

More Info:

Once you’ve registered for this crazy experience of a lifetime, what’s next? You and your team partner will be on a lively, one-day, Phoenix amazing race. This scavenger hunt will take you to unmarked checkpoints known as SOLVE points and explore the Valley of the Sun like you’ve never experienced it before as the puzzle unfolds. This high octane energy adventure game will take you through many exciting Phoenix neighborhoods.

Phoenix winners receive:

The Embassy Condominiums. A Mid-Century Diamond in the Heart of the Roosevelt District. is a post from: Rail Life

If you have spent any time in, or passing through, the Roosevelt District of Phoenix, you’ll have noticed that it is mainly a neighborhood of ranches and bungalows.  However, there is one tall building that stands proud right in the middle of the neighborhood.  That building is the Embassy Condominiums.  Built in 1964 by Del Webb as a swanky Hotel, it boasts one of the only “floating” pools in Arizona.  The pool is actually just off the 3rd floor event room and covers the driveway entrance to the building.  Because of the elevated pool, the short distance from the downtown high rise clusters, and the mature palm trees surrounding the building; it provides one of the most amazing poolside views of downtown Phoenix.

In 1982, the Embassy was converted to condominiums and featured 79 units for sale, a laundry room, gym, and event room.  All contained in a secure access building with an onsite doorperson.  A sizeable part of the current residents were among the original purchasers when the building was converted to condos.  But, because of the current real estate market conditions, affordability is at some of the best levels the Embassy has ever seen.  Now many more people are making this building their new home, because they can finally afford to live here.  Another thing to note is that in addition to the HOA fees at the Embassy covering all of the usual common area maintenance, master insurance policy, etc.; they also cover your electricity, on-site desk person, and basic cable television. There aren’t many buildings in Phoenix that have this sort of “all-inclusive” HOA coverage.  In recent years the building has seen some soft face lifts, and more recently Embassy resident Ben Bethel, of Clarendon Hotel fame, has spearheaded some great visual remodels within the building that have stayed true to the mid-century era that the building was born in.

When residents decide to venture out into their neighborhood, they don’t have to walk far in order to find dining, shopping and services.  Local business within a short walk include, CIBO Pizza and Wine Bar, Local Breeze, Lola Coffeebar, Pita Jungle (coming soon), and the Downtown Phoenix Public Market, which also includes Royal Coffee at the Market.  It is situated about 2.5 blocks from the Roosevelt Light Rail Station, so residents are a short walk from endless other offerings.

For anyone interested in experiencing the original high rise living in Phoenix, I would encourage you to check out the Embassy Condominiums.

Rail Life “Flickr Pic” of the week – That Lovin’ Feelin’ is a post from: Rail Life

Unfortunately, my ‘pic of the week” isn’t a very good shot of the Tyler Hurst, Yuri Artibise, Katie Charland rendition of You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ from this past weekends CenPhoCamp. The quality of the picture doesn’t have nearly as much meaning as the song did to the opening of a GREAT “un-conference” where people got together to share ideas, knowledge and insight on a multitude of topics.

The fact is, the song was cheesy and poorly done but we all knew it was designed to be that way. The extra cheese helped to set a very cool tone for an awesome day where people freely shared their talents with others in many ways. Presenters, participants, volunteers all stepped up BIG in making the event a huge success.

I want to sincerely that the people behind CenPhoCamp for creating such a quality event on a shoe string budget. As a fan of BarCamps, I must say that I am already looking forward to the next one!

To see some great pictures from CenPhoCamp, check out the CenPhoCamp Flickr group! If you have pictures from the day, please add them!

Remember, Rail Life has a Phoenix Light Rail Group on Flickr. Basically, we want to share some of our pictures from the community and allow people to add their pics (or videos), as well. These can be light rail related, but we also want pics of your favorite spot, restaurant, sports team, community, event etc.
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