The Town of Queen Creek's Trash & Recycling Division will kick off a scavenger hunt contest for residents this Saturday, June 8 at the Town's Ice Cream Social at the Queen Creek Library, Zane Grey Room, 21802 S. Ellsworth Rd.

The olives from the 2012 harvest have been pressed, and the slick, aromatic liquid they yielded is something to celebrate. At least, it is around these parts.

Queen Creek Olive Mill invites you to ring in the new oil — freshly pressed at the Mill — with food, wine, live music and a special collection of extra virgin olive oil.

As busy as life is these days, quality time with our girlfriends gets scarce. That’s why we favor meet-ups that are more effortless than mega-planned.

What pops into your mind when you think of Apache Junction? Trailer parks, retirement communities? Biker bars? If your answer was any of the above, you would be correct. If, however, you answered "art," you would also be correct. Apache Junction is a budding arts community. In fact, it is probably one of Arizona's best kept secrets.

Enjoy a relaxed day at the Queen Creek Olive Mill with live jazz music, Italian sausages, Sicilian slaw and wine and beer tastings, with proceeds going to breast cancer research.

A look at key Queen Creek facts and figures

BLD (1920 W. Germann Road, Chandler [480] 779-8646). Short for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, BLD serves up chef-crafted comfort foods in a casual neighborhood environment, with a healthy disregard for when you’re “supposed” to crave dishes like bacon-studded waffles paired with fried chicken. (Breakfast is available until 2 p.m. daily.) A drive-thru window serves barista-made coffees, specialty drinks and meals on-the-go when you’re in a hurry — but a couple of bites always convince us these are meals best lingered over with good friends, good drinks (also available) and good conversation. $$

Alessia’s Ristorante Italiano (5251 E. Brown Road, Mesa [480] 396-2888). Unassuming from the outside, this authentic Italian gem offers a cozy, romantic setting on the inside, and it recently expanded into the former insurance suite next door to create a new entrance, bar and waiting area. Owners Jonathan and Shari Carr prepare every dish from scratch, making the food the true star here. $$

Sip and sample the Queen Creek Olive Mill’s red, white and signature sangrias, in addition to a complimentary wine tasting from the Hinnant Family Vineyards. Del Piero Cafe will be open and vistors are encouraged to see how the oil is made during the Olive Oil 101 Tour.