The Copa Issue 11 / Oct 2014 | Page 9

Art on the Veranda Local residents, Rob and Lucinda Boyd, from the Streets Don’t Love You Back, put together the September 6th Conference against drugs, gangs, and violence. The conference held at the Arizona Event Center in Mesa brought in Evangelist author, Beverly Broadus Green (aka Snoop Dogg’s mom); “Freeway” Rick Ross, who was a central figure in the Iran Contra Affair; speakers author Donna Buchanan, City of Maricopa Councilmember Julia Gusse, and guest speakers from all over the country. On November 8th, the Copa will be host to an open air art show at the Duke Golf Club at Rancho El Dorado. From 10 am to 4 pm, the event will feature a variety of skilled artists, both local and regional. “At Art on the Veranda is a perfect opportunity for people of the valley to begin their holiday shopping,” said Cynthia Portrey, event organizer. “We have something there for everyone: from the serious collector of fine art to the more casual buyer looking for that unique gift for someone special, a house warming present, birthday or the holidays. They will find fused art pieces, jewelry of varied styles to meet every fashion need, unique wall art ranging from oils, pastels, and paper quilling...” There will be spirits served at the Art on the Veranda event and a lunch special. Raffle for two door prizes offered by the Duke Golf Course will also be available. Kimball, Blue Star Moms Partner up for “Boxes for the Brave” Previous to the big event, Rick Ross, Donna Buchanan, and Beverly Green visited the Copa, stopping off at various businesses around town to sign books and take pictures. The success of the event has lead to a discussion on future plans including a national book tour with celebrity speakers, organized by team TSDLYB. “We had a great time,” said Rob Boyd, founder of the TSDLYB, named after his book that was edited by Lucinda. “Great people came all the way from Hawaii, Viginia, California…” Maricopa’s Blue Star Moms and City of Maricopa Councilmember, Bridger Kimball, have partnered up for “Boxes for the Brave”, a drive to help residents support our troops by offering to pay the shipping costs for the first 50 boxes sent out. “It is nice to have community support for Maricopa’s hometown heroes,” said Tracy Davis, President of the Blue Star Mothers of Maricopa, Arizona. “To me, the strategic partnership allows the citizens an opportunity to mail a ‘pre-paid’ package to show some love for our military members while using the Blue Star Mothers of Maricopa, Arizona, as a knowledgeable resource for what to send and how to pack the boxes appropriately.” If you are interested, send a message to Tracy Davis before you assemble your package: [email protected]. The Blue Star Moms cans help guide you through the process. You can also call City Hall with any questions (520) 568- 9098. “It’s good to be away from home, but still feel you’re at home,” said Beverly Green, whose book Real Love II was also edited by Lucinda Boyd. “I enjoyed it. I just love Lucinda and Rob. Whatever they are going to do, they can count on me to be a part of it.” Look on www.Lulu.com for Real Love 2, Second Chance Runaway, and The Streets Don’t Love you Back (also found on BarnesandNoble.com Freeway Rick Ross: The Untold Biography, can be found on Amazon.com