Originally from Iowa, I moved into Brookfield East in 1997. I have two wonderful boys (each pictured with me above) and I work for The Arizona Republic | azcentral.com. If you visit azcentral.com, you'll find stories and events from my colleagues and me. I live in this neighborhood because it's quiet, has a pool and my mom lives here too. I respect and enjoy helping, informing and connecting my neighbors.

I began a neighborhood watch program with a neighbor of mine. We encourage everyone who lives here to join our e-mail group so you can tell us what's happening and likewise, we can inform other neighbors. brookfieldeast@cox.net is the e-mail address. It's strictly for neighborhood issues only. We never send spam or junk. We're on Facebook, too. A public page at facebook.com/brookfieldeast, as well as a private Facebook group just for neighbors at facebook.com/groups/brookfieldeastneighbors.